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 invention, an apparatus for directional degradation of a surface comprises an attachment assembly connected to a motorized vehicle comprising at least one degradation tool. The at least one degradation tool comprises a substantially cylindrical rotary degradation element having a substantially cylindrical working surface formed about a rotational axis. A plurality of cutting inserts is embedded within the substantially cylindrical working surface and is adapted to degrade a surface in a direction substantially normal to the rotational axis. At least one of the plurality of cutting inserts comprises a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material comprises a substantially pointed geometry with an apex comprising a 0.050 to 0.160 inch radius and a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a trenching machine for degrading natural and man-made formations, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies exteriorly mounted to a trenching boom or wheel. The rollers comprising a plurality of pointed inserts radially arranged along the wheel's outer diameter. The inserts are adapted to degrade the formation when the boom or wheel is activated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a high impact resistant tool having a superhard bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having 0.050 to 0.125 inch radius measured from a direction substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the tool. The superhard material also has a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a roller assembly on an excavator for degrading natural and man-made formations has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along its outer diameter. The inserts have a tip adapted to impact the formation and at least one of the tips has polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond also has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius and a thickness greater that 100 inches at the apex. The diamond also has a volume that is 75 to 150 percent of a volume of a carbide substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a high impact resistant tool having a superhard bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having 0.050 to 0.125 inch radius. The superhard material also has a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface. The diamond material comprises a 1 to 5 percent concentration of binding agents by weight.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a high impact resistant tool having a superhard bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a no n-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having 0.050 to 0.125 inch radius. The superhard material also has a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface. The diamond material comprises a 1 to 5 percent concentration of binding agents by weight. The tool further comprises a central axis which intersects the interface between the diamond material, substrate, and the radius of curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a roller assembly has an axle that supports opposing faces of a cylindrical body that has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along an outer diameter of the cylindrical body. At least one of the inserts has a tip with a polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius apex and comprises a thickness greater than 0.100 inches at the apex. The roller assembly has an internal lubrication mechanism adapted to apply lubrication between the axle and the cylindrical body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a working portion with at least one impact tip brazed to a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end and is adapted to interlock with a shank assembly of the cutting element assembly. The shank assembly has a locking mechanism adapted to interlock a first end of the shank assembly within the cavity. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch formed in the first end of the shank assembly. The shank assembly has an outer surface at a second end of the shank assembly adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism. The outer surface of the shank assembly has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 110 percent or more than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a superhard insert has a carbide substrate bonded to ceramic layer at an interface. The substrate has a generally frusto-conical end at the interface with a tapered portion leading to a flat portion. The central section of the ceramic layer may have a first thickness immediately over the flat portion of the substrate. The peripheral section of the ceramic layer has a second thickness being less than the first thickness covering the tapered portion of the substrate. The ceramic layer may be formed using HPHT technology.

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: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

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 invention, a tool has a working portion with at least one impact tip brazed to a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end and is adapted to interlock with a shank assembly of the cutting element assembly. The shank assembly has a locking mechanism adapted to interlock a first end of the shank assembly within the cavity. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch formed in the first end of the shank assembly. The shank assembly has an outer surface at a second end of the shank assembly adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism. The outer surface of the shank assembly has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 110 percent or more than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick adapted to degrade man-made or natural formations has a steel body comprising a shank adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism. The pick also has a leading edge opposite the shank which has an inside edge. A bore is disposed in the steel body proximate the inside edge. A cemented metal carbide core is press fit into the bore. A reentrant is formed at least partially in the bore.

Abstract: An improved assembly for HPHT processing having a can with an opening and a mixture disposed within the opening. A sealant barrier is positioned atop the mixture. First and second lids are positioned atop the mixture. A meltable sealant positioned intermediate the second lid and a cap covering the opening.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a steel body comprising a formed shank attached to a first end of the body and generally extending along a central axis of the body. An impact tip is secured to a second end of the steel body and comprises a carbide substrate attached to the second end of the steel body which is bonded to a superhard material. A composite material is bonded to an outer surface of the steel body and adapted to protect the steel from wear. The composite material comprises a plurality of superhard particles held within a matrix. The matrix comprises a superhard particle concentration of 40 to 80 percent by volume.

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: 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.