Abstract: A rolling cutter earth boring bit is provided with load bearing surfaces that provide small lubricant reservoirs between the bearing interfaces. At least one of the bearing surfaces between the cutter and bearing pin is first ground, machined, etched or otherwise smoothed to an initial surface roughness of less than 20 R.sub.a. The surface is then roughened by shot peening or other surface roughening techniques, such as electric discharge machining, chemical etching or other standard methods of roughening a surface. The desired roughness should have a value higher than about 20 R.sub.a and less than about 80 R.sub.a. The roughening procedure is limited, generally with less than 50% of the surface area containing indentations. The indentations provide reservoirs for lubricant and a receptacle for debris in the bearing area. The smooth portions of the bearing promote rotation of the cutter on the bearing pin.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes individual cutting elements positioned within corresponding individual sockets in the cutter member body of the earth boring apparatus. Each socket has a socket wall and bottom. Each cutting element has a lower body portion positioned in the socket with a surface that contacts the socket wall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a conical taper. This causes compressive loads to press the lower body portion against the socket wall enhancing retention and reducing cutting element loss.

Abstract: A sealing system acts as a barrier to the drilling fluid, pulverized cuttings and other materials in the borehole preventing the materials from entering the bearing area of an earth boring cutter and retains lubricant inside the bearing area. At least one bearing pin extends from the body of an earth boring bit and a rolling cutter is mounted on the bearing pin. A seal assembly is located between the mouth of the cutter and the bearing pin. The seal assembly includes an "O" ring and a washer ring. The washer ring has a semi-circular or semi-elliptical cross section.