Abstract: A bolster for a degradation pick includes a transverse cross section that is non-circular. Non-circular cross sections include square, triangular, hexagonal and other shapes. The bolster is made from a wear and/or erosion resistant material. The wear and/or erosion resistant material helps to protect the shank of the degradation pick. The bolster has a matching shape to the shape of the shank of the degradation pick.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool has a wear-resistant steel base comprising a shank suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. A planar end of a cemented metal carbide segment brazed to an interfacial surface of the base axially opposed to the shank. At least one interruption is formed in the interfacial surface.

Abstract: A tool has a wear-resistant steel base comprising a shank suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. A planar end of a cemented metal carbide segment is brazed to an interfacial surface of the steel base axially opposed to the shank. At least one interruption is formed in the interfacial surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a rotary mine roof drilling apparatus has an arm attached to and intermediate a drill bit and a platform. The apparatus also has a thrusting mechanism adapted to push the drill bit into a mine roof. The drill bit has a bit body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface has a cutting element with a carbide substrate bonded to a diamond working end with a pointed geometry; and the diamond working end has a 0.050-0.200 inch apex radius.

Abstract: An impact tool for use with a driving mechanism, the impact tool including an impact tip formed from a super hard material and having an apex and an attachment end, with the attachment end being bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded in turn to the front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is securable against an outer surface of a driving mechanism through a press fit.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a bore formed in a metallic material and a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures.

Abstract: An impact tool for use with a driving mechanism, the impact tool including an impact tip formed from a super hard material and having an apex and an attachment end, with the attachment end being bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded in turn to the front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is securable against an outer surface of a driving mechanism through a press fit.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism, a first cemented metal carbide segment brazed to the base at a first interface, and a second metal carbide segment brazed to the first carbide segment at a second interface opposite the base.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a first bore formed in a metallic material and a second bore formed by a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the first bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the first bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a body intermediate a shank and a working face, the working face comprising a plurality of blades formed on the working face and extending outwardly from the bit body. Each blade comprises at least one cutting element. The drill bit also has a jack element coaxial with an axis of rotation and extending out of an opening formed in the working face. A portion of the jack element is coated with a stop-off.

Abstract: A degradation assembly comprises a rotating portion and a fixed portion. The rotating portion comprises a wear resistant tip bonded to a carbide bolster. The bolster is attached to a shaft adapted for a rotatable connection within a bore of the fixed portion. The fixed portion is adapted for a rigid connection to a driving mechanism. The fixed portion includes an O-ring slot formed within its bore and with an O-ring being disposed therein. The O-ring is at least 15 percent compressed such that the O-ring resists rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure includes a tubular body made from a metallic material and having a first bore formed therein along a longitudinal axis, and one or more segments formed from a super hard material disposed within the first bore. Each segment has a hole formed in the center thereof, and the segments may be positioned end-to-end and adjacent to one another to align the center holes about the longitudinal axis and form a second bore. The segments can be held under compression within the first bore of the tubular body. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline 10 diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for degrading natural and man-made formations includes a pick with an axially spring loaded pick comprising a central axis and being attached to a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The pick comprising a steel body with an axial shank disposed within a bore of the holder.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a rotary mine roof drilling apparatus has an arm attached to and intermediate a drill bit and a platform. The apparatus also has a thrusting mechanism adapted to push the drill bit into a mine roof. The drill bit has a bit body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface has a cutting element with a carbide substrate bonded to a diamond working end with a pointed geometry; and the diamond working end has a 0.050-0.200 inch apex radius.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a rotary shaft impactor has a rotor assembly connected to a rotary driving mechanism. The rotor assembly has a plurality of autogenous bed pockets, the pockets having a wall intermediate a distal and a proximal end. A least one of the pockets comprises a plurality of inserts arranged adjacent one another in a row and attached to at least the proximal or distal end wherein a first end of at least one insert is complementary to a second end of an adjacent insert.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a chain assembly comprises a boom comprising a sliding surface and a plurality of chain links adapted to slide along the sliding surface. At least one polycrystalline ceramic enhanced insert at an interface between the chain links and at least a portion of the sliding surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly has a holder fitted within a block attached to a driving mechanism. The holder has a longitudinal central bore with an opening at an end opposite the driving mechanism. A high impact resistant tool has a carbide bolster axially intermediate a steel shank and an impact tip, the steel shank having a first end and a second end. A sleeve being radially intermediate the bore of the holder and the steel shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism, a first cemented metal carbide segment brazed to the base at a first interface, and a second metal carbide segment brazed to the first carbide segment at a second interface opposite the base.

Abstract: A rotary shaft impactor, has a rotor assembly connected to a rotary driving mechanism. The rotor assembly has an axis of rotation, an inlet, and an outlet, and is disposed within a chamber with an inner wall. A wear path has a portion of the inner wall and a channel connecting the inlet and the outlet. At least a portion of the wear path has a diamond surface.