Abstract: A drill bit for connection on a drill string has a hollow tubular body with an end cutting face and an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface with cylindrical sintered carbide inserts positioned therein having polycrystalline diamond cutting elements mounted on said inserts. The diamond cutting elements have a novel cutting shape facilitating drilling through hard formations with a minimum of applied weight on the bit. The cutting elements are in the shape of a relatively large disc shaped cutter commonly used for medium and soft formations but have the sides shaped into a cutting edge of substantially smaller radius. The cutting element has the strength and resistance to breakdown of the larger disc but the cutting capacity in hard formations of a smaller diameter cutter. The cutting elements are also disclosed as novel components of the drill.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a tungsten carbide body and threaded steel sleeve. The nozzle body includes a fluid jet opening arranged to be reoriented in response to rotation of the nozzle body. The nozzle body includes a first set of apertures for receiving a turning tool. The sleeve comprises a split sleeve retained longitudinally upon the nozzle body and is rotatable relative thereto. The sleeve threads are protectively disposed behind a flange of the nozzle body. The sleeve includes a second set of apertures which are alignable with the first set of apertures adjacent an inner end of the latter. The turning tool is engageable with (i) both sets of apertures for rotating the nozzle body and sleeve to install the nozzle, or (ii) with only the first set of apertures to rotate the nozzle body relative to the sleeve against the resistance of an O-ring to reorient the jet opening.

Abstract: A drag blade bit for connection on a drill string has a hollow body on which there are welded a plurality of cutting or drilling blades. The blades extend longitudinally and radially of the bit body and terminate in relatively flat, radially extending cutting edges. A plurality of cutters are positioned in and spaced along the cutting edges and consists of cylindrical sintered carbide inserts with polycrystalline diamond cutting elements mounted thereon. Hardfacing is provided on the cutting edges between the cutters and on the other surfaces of the blades and the bit body subject to abrasive wear. One or more nozzles are positioned in passages from the interior of the bit body for directing flow of drilling fluid for flushing cuttings from the well bore and for cooling the bit.

Abstract: An earth boring bit particularly for use in drilling mining blast holes, has features for reducing the possibility of cutter drag and reducing wear on the bit legs. The bit is of the type having three bit legs, a bearing pin depending from each bit leg, and a cutter with a central cavity mounted on each bearing pin with roller bearings. The roller race for the roller bearings is formed in the central cavity of the cutter. The lower side of each bearing pin commences at the outer side of each bit leg, eliminating the shirttail flange. Clearances are provided between the central cavity and the bearing pin at the backface for the discharge of air in a direction parallel with the bearing pin axis.

Abstract: A dual passage string of pipe for use in cycling fluid from a ship to an undersea mineral aggregate gathering apparatus. The string of pipe is made up of sections of concentric inner and outer pipes. The outer pipes are screwed together and the inner pipes slide telescopingly within each other. The inner pipes are suspended in the outer pipes at their upper ends by a rigid supporting ring supported by an internal shoulder in the outer pipe. The internal shoulder is located at the base of the threads and is separated from the lower end of the male threaded section. A resilient seal ring is carried between the supporting ring and the male threaded section for preventing water from entering the threads to avoid corrosion.

Abstract: Mineral aggregates or nodules dispersed on the floor of an ocean are harvested and conveyed to a surface vessel, which tows a submerged harvesting apparatus. This apparatus is suspended from the vessel by a string of dual concentric pipes, which contains pressurized water for hydraulically conveying the aggregates to the surface. Pumps on the surface vessel force water down an annular passage between inner and outer pipes of the string. A portion of the downward flow is distributed to a feeder mechanism which collects crushed aggregates and feeds them into the return fluid flowing up the inner pipe. An inclined channel collects the aggregates from the underwater floor with water jets which dislodge and push the aggregates up the channel, where they are crushed by rollers. A portion of the downward flow of water from the surface is converted to lower pressure and higher volume downhole by using a dual piston converter to supply water to the water jets.