With Drilling Fluid Conduit Details Patents (Class 175/339)
  • Patent number: 6688410
    Abstract: A novel rolling cone rock bit includes a plurality of PDC or other cutters mounted to the leg of the drill bit and positioned to cut the troublesome corner of the bottomhole. The plurality of cutters may be the primary cutting component at gage diameter, or may be redundant to gage teeth on a rolling cutter that cut to gage diameter. Consequently, the occurrence of undergage drilling from the wear and failure of the gage row on a rolling cutter is lessened. Another inventive feature is the inclusion of a mud ramp that creates a large junk slot from the borehole bottom up the drill bit. The resulting pumping action of the drill bit ramp speeds up the removal of chips or drilling cuttings from the bottom of the borehole, reduces the level of hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the borehole and minimizes the wearing effect of cone inserts regrinding damaging drill cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Amardeep Singh, Quan V. Nguyen, Sujian Huang
  • Patent number: 6581702
    Abstract: A three-cone rock bit employing a non-plugging center jet nozzle with a plurality of staggered inlet orifices leading to side passageways to reduce bit balling. The nozzle defines a tapered cavity through which drilling mud flows and exits in streams. Streams are directed from the nozzle through a main exit aperture of sufficient size to avoid plugging and from side passageways boring through a sidewall of the nozzle. Jetting streams promote washing of voids within the bit and of cutting surfaces. The nozzle uses staggered inlet orifices leading to side passageways, in conjunction with a tapering shape of a central passageway to facilitate maintenance of drilling mud velocity within the central passageway and thus of stream velocity to targeted regions of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Winton B. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6540033
    Abstract: An improved drill bit is provided with a sensor for monitoring an operating condition during drilling. A fastener system is provided for securing an erodible ball in a fixed position relative to a flow pathway until a predetermined operating condition is detected by the sensor, and for releasing the erodible ball into the flow pathway to obstruct the flow through at least one bit nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Charles Sullivan, Theodore Edward Zaleski, Jr., Scott Ray Schmidt, Don Quy Nguyen, Glenn R. Zadrapa, Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20030042049
    Abstract: A roller-cone drill bit in which a large groove is machined into the backface of each cone, near the crack where the cone meets the arm assembly. By making the outer lip of this crack more exposed to the open volume of turbulent flow, turbulence near the crack is increased, deposit of sediments near the crack is reduced, and infiltration of sediments through the crack is also reduced. Drill bit lifetime has been shown to be greatly extended by this change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul A. Miglierini, Andrew J. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6527065
    Abstract: Cutting elements for use in a rotary drill bit are configured to facilitate positioning of the cutting elements at a positive rake angle with respect to the formation to enhance compressive stresses in the cutting element and to reduce cutting loads on the cutting elements. The cutting element generally comprises a three-dimensional superabrasive cutting member having a leading edge and a three-dimensional arcuate scoop-like surface which conveys formation cuttings away from the cutting element. The cutting element may also be formed to a substrate or backing. A drill bit suitable for use of the cutting elements of the invention is disclosed which includes passageways and internal fluid passages for enhancing the conveyance of formation cuttings away from the leading edge of the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Craig H. Cooley
  • Patent number: 6484823
    Abstract: A rock-crushing rotary drill bit includes a body having a rock-crushing roller rotatably mounted thereon by bearings. The body includes a first flushing channel for conducting flushing fluid to flush the bearings, and a second flushing channel for discharging flushing medium outside of the bit body to flush away cuttings. The second flushing channel terminates in a discharge recess which defines a linear center axis. A nozzle is disposed at a downstream end of the discharge recess, and a valve element is disposed at an upstream end of the discharge recess. The valve element is spring-biased for closing the discharge recess, the valve element being openable against the spring bias in response to a sufficient pressure build-up of flushing medium within the second flushing channel. The valve element includes a guide structure for guiding the valve element for linear movement along the center axis of the discharge recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventors: Urban Olsson, Rune Sandén
  • Patent number: 6450270
    Abstract: An improved rotary cone bit includes a threaded end on a bit body for coupling to a drill string. The drill bit body includes two or more leg portions extending from one end thereof. From interval at each of the leg portions is a bearing pin that extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the drill bit body. On each of the bearing pins, there is rotatably mounted a cutter cone having rows of cutting teeth as a part hereof. The bit shirttail comprises a plateau extending along the longitudinal axis of the bit body in substantially the same plane as the bearing pin surface area of the shirttail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Saxton
  • Publication number: 20020092679
    Abstract: A rotary drill bit includes a bit body that includes a plurality of upright legs that terminate in an exterior bearing surface. At least one roller cutter is affixed to a corresponding exterior bearing surface of one of the plurality of legs. The roller cutter has an exterior cutting surface and a base edge and defines an interior bearing surface that is complementary to a corresponding exterior bearing surface. At least one duct is defined by the lower surface of the lateral wall and is adjacent to at least one exterior bearing surface. A plug is disposed in the duct at a distance from the base edge one of the roller cutters so that if either the interior bearing surface or the exterior bearing surface wears beyond a threshold, the plug will cause a remotely-sensible indication of excessive bearing wear to be asserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Yuri A. Palaschenko, Raul A. Miglierini
  • Publication number: 20020092684
    Abstract: A novel rolling cone rock bit includes a plurality of PDC or other cutters mounted to the leg of the drill bit and positioned to cut the troublesome corner of the bottomhole. The plurality of cutters may be the primary cutting component at gage diameter, or may be redundant to gage teeth on a rolling cutter that cut to gage diameter. Consequently, the occurrence of undergage drilling from the wear and failure of the gage row on a rolling cutter is lessened. Another inventive feature is the inclusion of a mud ramp that creates a large junk slot from the borehole bottom up the drill bit. The resulting pumping action of the drill bit ramp speeds up the removal of chips or drilling cuttings from the bottom of the borehole, reduces the level of hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the borehole and minimizes the wearing effect of cone inserts regrinding damaging drill cuttings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Amardeep Singh, Quan V. Nguyen, Sujian Huang
  • Publication number: 20010054514
    Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Charles Sullivan, Theodore Edward Zaleski, Scott Ray Schmidt, Don Quy Nguyen, Glenn R. Zadrapa, Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20010030066
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit is provided with enhanced fluid flow near the bottom of an associated borehole resulting in improved removal of cuttings and other debris from the bottom of the borehole. The drill bit includes a plurality of fluid passageways extending from the bit body to the exterior of the drill bit. The bit body may include an enlarged cavity with the fluid passageways extending therefrom. One end of the cavity preferably includes an opening to receive fluid from a drill string attached to the drill bit. The end of the cavity opposite from the opening may have a generally parabolic configuration. For one application, a web member extends from the lower portion of the bit body, occupying a void area between each cutter cone assembly. The web member preferably contains a plurality of fluid passageways which direct drilling fluid from the drill string, through the bit body, through the web member, and exiting at nozzles adjacent to the bottom of the associated borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Graham MacDonald Clydesdale, Alan Dee Huffstutler, Harry Morales Campos, Edward Charles Spatz, Lawrence Lee Tso
  • Patent number: 6290006
    Abstract: A roller cone jet-type drill bit with nozzles which direct collimated streams of mud at different angles, to sweep different radii of the hole bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Engrey Service Inc.
    Inventor: Micheal B. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6227314
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a body with a threaded pin on the upper end for connecting to a drill string. Bit legs are formed symmetrically on the exterior of the body and extend downward. The lower portion of each bit leg is inclined and offset circumferentially from the upper portion. A cutter is mounted to the lower portion of each bit leg for rotation about a cutter axis. Nozzle bosses are located between each bit leg. A flow channel exists on both sides of each nozzle boss. The nozzle boss is inclined in a similar direction to the bit leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Zadrapa, Gregory L. Ricks, Kenneth C. Brannon, Robert E. Grimes, Kevin W. Schader
  • Patent number: 6142248
    Abstract: Subterranean drill bits and particularly to nozzle features to be incorporated in subterranean bits. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the invention defines a wear resistant structure which extends upstream from the terminus of the transition area. In another embodiment, nozzle assemblies are arranged about the transition area at low angles so as to minimize flow turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Diamond Products International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Michael Thigpen, Henry P. Rebollido, Jr., Coy M. Fielder, Brad Weston
  • Patent number: 6102135
    Abstract: A portable core sampler includes a portable electric drill having an output rotary shaft connected detachably to a coupler shaft that supports a water swivel which connects a source of water to an axial water delivery passageway in the coupler shaft. The passageway in the coupler shaft communicates with the water delivery passageway in an elongated core sampler tube connected detachably to the coupler shaft, either directly or through one or more spacer tubes, for simultaneous rotation with the coupler shaft. The end of the core sampler tube opposite the coupler shaft includes core cutting elements for cutting core material for collection in the core sampler tube. Water injected into the system assists the cutting elements in cleanly cutting sub-surface materials by removing heat and cuttings. An inner shoulder in the sampler tube supports a core sample in the core sample tube during retraction of the tube assembly from the sub-surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Neil B. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6095261
    Abstract: An improved bit body for a tri-cone drill bit has a bit body affixed to a terminal end of drilling string. The drilling string has at least one fluid passageway formed in its wall. The drilling string is dual passage drilling string formed of an inner drilling string and an outer drilling string. The terminal end of the inner drilling string has an area of reduced outer diameter. A cylindrical shroud is affixed to the drilling string and surrounds the area of reduced diameter and an upper portion of bit body, forming a shroud chamber. The shroud chamber communicates the fluid passageway of the drilling string with the fluid ports of the bit body. The lower edge of the shroud is closely spaced to an outer diameter portion of the drill bit body adjacent the recesses. Therefore, the shroud and recesses form fluid ports through which fluid may be directed to cool and remove debris from the roller cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Joe Trevino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6082473
    Abstract: A non-plugging nozzle and self-cleaning drilling tool incorporating the nozzle is provided. The nozzle has a body that defines a central passageway extending axially from the top to the bottom of the body. The central passageway defines an inlet orifice at the top and an exit orifice at the bottom. A side passageway extends through the side wall of the nozzle and communicates with a cylindrical portion of the central passageway, the intersection of which defines a side inlet orifice that is substantially square. Because the intersection is substantially square, particles may not become trapped within the nozzle and plug the side passageway. When incorporated into a drilling tool, particularly a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit, the drilling tool becomes self cleaning. The side passageway of the nozzle is directed at the voids formed in the cutting face of the drilling tool creating a cross flow through the voids and preventing accumulation and balling therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Winton B. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6079507
    Abstract: This invention discloses a drilling structure having a body defining at least one primary channel and at least one secondary channel therein to initiate and maintain recirculation of an amount of drilling fluid back through the secondary channel to maintain positive, independent flow of drilling fluid through each primary channel of the drilling structure. The recirculation of drilling fluid is encouraged by providing a recirculation passageway in fluid communication with the primary channel defined by a portion of the body of the drilling structure that separates positively flowing drilling mud from drilling mud that is being recirculated. The recirculation action of the fluid in the recirculating loop may be fed and brought about by entrainment of the fluid with jetted fluid from an adjacent nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Trujillo, Sean K. Berzas, Craig H. Cooley, Wayne R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5836404
    Abstract: This invention discloses a drilling structure having a body defining at least one primary channel and at least one secondary channel therein to initiate and maintain recirculation of an amount of drilling fluid back through the secondary channel to maintain positive, independent flow of drilling fluid through each primary channel of the drilling structure. The recirculation of drilling fluid is encouraged by providing a recirculation passageway in fluid communication with the primary channel defined by a portion of the body of the drilling structure that separates positively flowing drilling mud from drilling mud that is being recirculated. The recirculation action of the fluid in the recirculating loop may be fed and brought about by entrainment of the fluid with jetted fluid from an adjacent nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William R. Trujillo, Sean K. Berzas, Craig H. Cooley, Wayne R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5794725
    Abstract: This invention discloses a drilling structure having body a defining at least one primary channel and at least one secondary channel therein to initiate and maintain recirculation of an amount of drilling fluid back through the secondary channel to maintain positive, independent flow of drilling fluid through each primary channel of the drilling structure. The recirculation of drilling fluid is encouraged by providing a recirculation passageway in fluid communication with the primary channel defined by a portion of the body of the drilling structure that separates positively flowing drilling mud from drilling mud that is being recirculated. The recirculation action of the fluid in the recirculating loop may be fed and brought about by entrainment of the fluid with jetted fluid from an adjacent nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William R. Trujillo, Sean K. Berzas, Craig H. Cooley, Wayne R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5755297
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of support arms extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an exterior surface with a stabilizer pad formed as an integral part thereof. A number of cutter cone assemblies equal to the number of support arms are rotatably mounted on respective support arms and project generally downwardly and inwardly from each support arm. A ramp may also be formed on the exterior surface of the support arm as an integral part thereof. Both the stabilizer pad and the ramp preferably have surfaces inclined at an angle from a leading edge of the support arm toward a trailing edge of the support arm such that a fluid flow channel is formed therebetween to direct drilling fluids and cuttings to flow upward in the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Randolph Young, Norman Gair Mitchell, Paul Ronald Riederer, Alan Dee Huffstutler, Harry Morales Campos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5699868
    Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a leading face and a gauge region, and a plurality of blades formed on the leading face of the bit body and extending outwardly away from the axis of the bit towards the gauge region so as to define a fluid flow channel between the leading edge of each blade and the trailing edge of the adjacent preceding blade. A plurality of cutting elements are mounted along the leading edge of each blade, and there is provided, in one or more of the channels, a main nozzle which directs fluid along the leading edge of one blade so as to clean and cool the cutting elements on it, and a subsidiary nozzle which is located and orientated so as to direct fluid along the trailing edge of the preceding blade in a direction opposite to the direction of flow from the main nozzle, so as to tend to enhance partial recirculation of fluid flow in the flow channel between the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Camco Drilling Group Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Caraway, Graham Watson, T. Alex Newton
  • Patent number: 5595255
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. The drill bit rotates around a central axis of the body. A number of support arms are preferably extend from the bit body. The support arms may either be formed as an integral part of the bit body or attached to the exterior of the bit body in pockets sized to receive the associated support arm. Each support arm has a lower portion with an inside surface and a spindle connected thereto and an outer shirttail surface. Each spindle projects generally downwardly and inwardly with respect to its associated support arm. A number of cutter cone assemblies equal to the number of support arms are mounted respectively on the spindles. A throat relief area is provided on the lower portion of each support arm adjacent to the associated spindle to increase fluid flow between the support arm and the respective cutter cone assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Huffstutler
  • Patent number: 5562171
    Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-balling drill bit. The drill bit includes an approximately cylindrical steel body provided at one end with axial arms on which are mounted toothed conical wheels. The bottom of the tool body has a dome shaped profile such as a parabolic profile, whose flanks are joined at an apex located approximately along the axis (x--x) of the tool. The flanks ascend toward the cylindrical wall of the body through gaps between the arms with unbroken surfaces and without edges, each arm bearing at its end at least one extension nozzle for emitting a liquid jet, and nozzles also being mounted in said flanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alain Besson, Rudolf C. O. Pessier
  • Patent number: 5553681
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of support arms extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an exterior surface. A number of cutter cone assemblies equal to the number of support arms are mounted respectively on the support arms and project generally downwardly and inwardly with respect to an associated support arm. A ramp is formed on the exterior surface of the support arm and is inclined at an angle from a leading edge of the support arm toward a trailing edge of the support arm such that the ramp directs cuttings upward in the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Huffstutler, Harry M. Campos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5513711
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit (10) for forming a borehole includes a support arm-cutter assembly (26). A support arm (28) is integrally formed with the drill bit's body (22) with a spindle (30) machined integral thereto. The assembly (26) includes a cutter (12) with a cavity (34) for receiving the spindle (30). An inner seal gland (44) is formed between the spindle (30) and a wall (42) of the cavity (34). An elastomeric seal (46) is disposed in the inner seal gland (44) to form a first fluid barrier between. An outer seal gland (50) is formed between the spindle (30) and the cavity wall (42) and between the inner seal gland (44) and the borehole. A ring (56) is disposed in the outer seal gland (50) to rotate with the cutter (12). The ring (56) has a peripheral hole (58) therethrough. A gas conduit (60) is disposed within the support arm (28) for directing a flow of a gas, such as air, into the outer seal gland (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Mark E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5462128
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cutter bit (1) for use in drilling operations comprising a body (10) having a top portion (11) and a bottom portion (12), the bottom portion (12) being provided with cutting elements for cutting a formation to which the cutting elements is exposed. Within an outer circumference (13) of the bottom portion (12) of the body (10) there is provided an opening (14) to a first passage (15) through the body (10) to communicate a first zone (20) of a hole located below the bottom portion (12) of the body (10) with a second zone of the hole located above the bottom portion (12) of the body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Clifford R. Gray
  • Patent number: 5452770
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roller cone type drill bit, or main body thereof, includes forging a monolithic main body forging comprising a shank blank extending longitudinally at one end and a plurality of circumferentially spaced leg stubs at the other end; turning the shank blank to form a threaded section; rotatably mounting a respective roller cone on each of a plurality of journal members, each journal member being carried at one end of a respective leg extension; and welding a respective one of the leg extensions to each of the leg stubs. The main body is forged with its longitudinal centerline perpendicular to its flash line, the latter being located well inward of the leg end of the forging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Briscoe Tool Company
    Inventor: Stuart C. Millsapps, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5439067
    Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a one-piece bit body with a lower portion having a convex exterior surface and an upper portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of support arms are preferably attached to the bit body and depend therefrom. Each support arm has an inside surface with a spindle connected thereto and an outer surface. Each spindle projects generally downwardly and inwardly with respect to the associated support arm. A number of cone cutter assemblies equal to the number of support arms are mounted on each of the spindles. The support arms are spaced on the exterior of the bit body to provide enhanced fluid flow between the lower portion of the bit body and the support arms. Also, the length of the support arms is selected to provide enhanced fluid flow between the associated cutter cone assembly and the lower portion of the bit body. The same bit body may be used with various rotary cone drill bits having different gauge diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Huffstutler
  • Patent number: 5355967
    Abstract: A method for rotary drilling and removing cuttings provides a underbalanced drilling fluid pressure at the drilling face but overbalanced pressure in the wellbore. The preferred method uses a rotary drill within a housing which also encloses a jet pump which draws and pressurizes the cuttings and drilling fluid, a separator of the cuttings and a portion of the pressurized drilling fluid, and a nozzles to supply separated and reduced pressure drilling fluid back to drilling face while the cuttings and remaining pressurized drilling fluid flows up towards the surface. The method avoids overpressure strengthening of the drill face and underpressure damage to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Mark D. Mueller, William O. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5220966
    Abstract: The drilling apparatus according to the invention contains a body (1) and rock-destroying organs (3) of the cutting and shearing type that are attached to the matrix (2) of the body. The body (1) is provided with a turbulence chamber (4) with tangentially aligned entry channels (5) and a central outlet channel (6). Tangentially arranged outlet channels (9) are designed in the lower part of the body (1). The part of the matrix (2) closest to the body (1) is designed in the form of a hollow truncated cone with its top surface (12) turned toward the body (1). The sphere is designed with a changing slope of the generatrices (10) of the conical surface and with the bottom surface (11) and the top surface (12) designed according to the Archimedean spiral. On the lateral surface of the matrix (2) there are continuous radial grooves (13) that are connected to the outlet channels (9) by a cavity (14) designed in the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Wave Tec G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Wsewolod S. Awdujewski, Rifner W. Ganijew, Robert S. Mufasalow, Jurij P. Sacharow
  • Patent number: 5139098
    Abstract: A combined drill and underreamer tool capable of selectively drilling and underreaming a well hole on command, which includes a fluid distribution system wherein drilling mud under pressure is accumulated in a central chamber and from that central chamber a portion is distributed to the drill bit while another portion is distributed to the underreamer tool when that tool is operative, and, further, employing drilling mud under pressure to activate and deactivate the underreamer tool by selectively blocking and unblocking a fluid a passage thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: John Blake
  • Patent number: 5111894
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling in the ground includes a pair of drilling cones having axes of rotation that converge near a drilling center of the bit. The cones each include a plurality of ridges or uninterrupted cutting edges. The cutting edges of each cone are separated by troughs. During rotation of the bit, the cutting edges of one cone are aligned so as to pass along the path traversed by the troughs of the opposite cone and vice versa. Drilling fluid jets are provided and flow connect with a drilling fluid supply to provide drilling fluid under pressure for cleaning and lubrication to the cones as well as to sweep away debris dislodged by the cutting action of the cones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Sybil J. Williams
    Inventor: Edward B. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5096005
    Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) has fluid discharge nozzles (36A, 36B, 36C) positioned between adjacent pairs of roller cutters (20A, 20B, 20C). A fluid discharge nozzle (36A) provides a stream of drilling fluid (44) directed toward an adjacent roller cutter (20A) and slanted toward the bore hole side wall away from a radial direction at a slant impact angle B for first impacting the side wall (34), and then sweeping in a high velocity stream along the corner surface (33) and inwardly across the bore hole bottom (32) at cutting element engagement locations (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Ivie, David E. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5058690
    Abstract: Rock working tool for a tunnel boring machine. The tool comprises a shaft (34) with a central hole (35). A tool part (8,9) is rotatably journalled on the shaft. The tool is cooled through the arrangement of channels (40,41,42) in the tool for conducting cooling liquid from a pressure liquid source (22) to the central hole and via the channel (42) which flushes directly on the tool part (8,9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique AB
    Inventors: Carl S. M. Hartwig, Ove V. E. Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5012876
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary drill bit having a body with leg members, where each of the leg members has a projecting conical cutter receiving journal. Each conical cutter has an axially extending recess open at one end and is rotatably mounted on the journal by friction reducing bearings interior to the conical cutters. The drill bit has a main cavity which extends down the center of the drill bit body. A jet nozzle provides an exit opening at the bottom of the main cavity. At least one passageway extends to and opens into the main cavity at one end and extends to and opens into the bearings at the other end. The end of the at least one passageway which extends to the main cavity is provided with a plurality of openings and a plurality of deflectors associated with the openings. When a gas-liquid mixture is passed through the main cavity, the deflectors will cause an abrupt change in the gas flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tod T. Bruchmiller
  • Patent number: 4981182
    Abstract: A sealed rotary drill bit has a plurality of leg members, with each leg member having a projecting conical cutter receiving journal. A conical cutter has friction reducing bearings interior to the conical cutter for rotatably mounting the cutter on the respective journal. A sealing arrangement retains lubricant for the bearings. A circumferential porous gas restrictor is positioned concentric with and spaced outwardly from the sealing arrangement to form an annular gas chamber therebetween. Pressurized gas is carried by passageways into the annular gas chamber. The porous gas restrictor, which can be formed of metal particles bonded together, prevents drilling debris from getting past it, but the porosity of the restrictor allows pressurized gas to pass therethrough as a controlled dissipation and wash away drilling debris, thereby shielding the sealing arrangement from debris that might otherwise reach the sealing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Dysart
  • Patent number: 4942930
    Abstract: A lubrication system for an earth boring drill bit having a pressure compensator for minimizing the pressure differential between the drill bit lubricant and the well bore fluid is improved in a manner to prevent sharp edges in the lubricant reservoir wall from damaging the flexible diaphragm and for enabling the lubricant space available in the lubricant reservoir to be maximized. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pressure compensator is positioned on a shoulder ring in the lubricant reservoir and the shoulder ring retains the open end of a pressure diaphragm within an interior recess of a compensator cap, the diaphragm sealing against a perimetric wall of the recess. Methods of filling the lubrication system with the pressure compensator installed or removed are provided which avoid stretching or damage to the diaphragm while still maximally filling of the lubrication system with lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart C. Millsapps, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4887677
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a drill bit body, a cutting member and a fluid course extending in front of the cutting member. The fluid course includes a progressively widening diffuser having a particular design which allows pressure recovery in a fluid flowed through an axial bore of the drill bit body, through a narrow throat of the fluid course in front of the cutting member, and out the progressively widening diffuser of the fluid course. As a result, a significantly reduced pressure is obtained in front of the cutting member, which reduced pressure is below a borehole pressure where the drill bit is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Tommy M. Warren, Suzanne M. Behr
  • Patent number: 4883136
    Abstract: An improved rotating drag bit for cutting plastic, sticky, water reactive and shale formations is devised by providing a plurality of large diamond cutters having a circular cutting face in excess of one inch in diameter. Each large cutter is provided with at least one hydraulic nozzle which in turn provides a directed hydraulic flow at the corresponding cutter face. The directed hydraulic flow is positioned to apply a force to the chip which tends to peel the chip away from the cutter face. In addition, the hydraulic flow is positioned with respect to the chip so as to apply an off-center torque to the chip which is used to peel the chip away from the cutter face and toward the gage of the bit. In particular, the nozzle defines a jet which is characterized by a direction and velocity of hydraulic fluid determined by the jet characteristics. The core is generally symmetric about its longitudinal axis and has a length along the longitudinal axis and width perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Eastman Christensen Co.
    Inventor: William R. Trujillo
  • Patent number: 4871037
    Abstract: An excavating system, such as for drilling an oil or gas well, includes a source of high pressure fluid and a drillstring through which the fluid is conducted to an excavating apparatus connected to the bottom of the drillstring. The excavating apparatus includes a drill bit having mechanical cutting elements for mechanically boring into an earthen formation. The excavating apparatus also includes a nozzle rotatably mounted to the body of the drill bit so that the nozzle is rotatable about an axis of rotation different from the axis of rotation of the drill bit. As the drill bit is rotated about its axis of rotation, high pressure fluid is ejected from the nozzle to rotate the nozzle about its axis of rotation while the nozzle orbits the axis of rotation of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Tommy M. Warren, Warren J. Winters
  • Patent number: 4852667
    Abstract: A drill string has a bulge equipped with a system of n injection ducts connecting the interior of the string surrounding annular space and opening upwardly into the space to divert a part of the drilling fluid supplied to the bit. This arrangement makes it possible to produce below the bulge a pressure decrease H markedly greater than 10 meters of water by setting the flow of drilling fluid in the system of injection ducts at a value, expressed in m.sup.3 /s, equal to approximately: .sqroot.10H.times.S.times.s33 n, S and s being the cross-sections, expressed in m.sup.2, respectively, of a part of the portion of the annular space included between the periphery of the bulge and the drill string and of the group of n injection ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: TOTAL Compagnie Francaise des Petroles
    Inventor: Andre M. Dorleans
  • Patent number: 4813502
    Abstract: A rotating drill bit (10) includes a leg (12) and journal arm (14) on which is mounted a cone-shaped cutter (16). The cutter (14) rotates on the journal arm (14) by means of an anti-friction bearing including rollers (20) and ball bearings (26). Air is pumped through the journal arm (14) through conduits (30, 32 and 34). Air flows through the passages between rollers (20) and is collected in a cavity (52). The cavity (52) is vented to the borehole through a slot (54) in the trailing edge of the journal arm (14). A very narrow clearance in the order of a few thousandths of an inch is provided for rotational movement between the cone mouth shoulder (36) and last machined surface (40). Cone mouth shoulder (36) completely covers the last machined surface (40) around the entire periphery of the journal arm (14) except for the approximately 45.degree. slot (54) in the trailing edge of the journal arm (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Dysart
  • Patent number: 4750573
    Abstract: A roller cutter drill bit detachably secured to a drill string for delivering drilling fluid under pressure to the bit, comprising a plurality of bearing journals at its lower end and passaging extending down in the bit body to each of the journals for flow of the drilling fluid from the drill string to the journals. The bit further comprises a plurality of roller cutters, each having a bore adapted to receive a respective journal, and bearings in the annular cavity between each roller cutter and the respective journal for rotatably mounting the roller cutter on the journal. The drilling fluid when supplied in sufficient quantity flowing through the passaging, past the bearing means and exiting the bit in the bore via the bearing cavity for cooling and cleaning the bearings, but when supplied in insufficient quantity boring cuttings being allowed to enter the bearing cavity and fouling the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Baker International Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Wynn
  • Patent number: 4744427
    Abstract: Hydraulic flow may be rendered substantially uniform throughout the waterways on a rotating bit from the center of the bit to the outer gage. This is accomplished by defining waterways into the bit face below a primary surface of the bit face. A colinear land is then disposed into the waterway, but does not extend above the primary surface of the bit face. A plurality of teeth are then disposed on the colinear land and extend above the primary surface of the bit face. The flow of hydraulic fluid is prevented from dispersing as the fluid moves from the center of the bit to the outer gage. Cutting by kerfing is further optimized by arranging triads of cutters on each of the pads disposed in the waterways into a set. Each triad of cutters corresponds to additional triads of cutters in azimuthally subsequent and adjacent pads in the next subsequent waterway, thereby forming the set of associated triads of cutters. Each triad of cutters in the set is radially offset from the corresponding triads in the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Christensen Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Grappendorf
  • Patent number: 4719979
    Abstract: Drag-type drilling bits are disclosed which have at least one blade and a plurality of fluid flow channels incorporated in the blade for conducting drilling fluid or drilling mud from the hollow interior of the bit to discharge or ejection ports located in the front cutting edge of the blade. Rods of diamonds or of like "hard" cutter insert materials are incorporated in the blade in such a configuration that as the blade wears away or erodes and small pieces of diamonds are lost during drilling, more diamonds are exposed to the formation for drilling. During erosion or wear of the blades, the fluid discharge ports continue to operate to eject drilling fluid adjacent to substantially each diamond rod, whereby the flushing away of cuttings and cooling of the diamonds is greatly improved. In some embodiments of the invention rods of alternating hard and soft materials are also disposed substantially parallel with the diamond or like "hard" cutter insert rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Jones
  • Patent number: 4706765
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprised of a pilot bit and a plurality of add-on reamer sections which are sized to progressively increase the diameter of the hole in measured increments. Both the pilot bit and the reamer sections have two cutter elements which take advantage of the bi-center concept and both use knife edged cutters instead of teeth to drill the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Four E Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie J. Lee, William L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 4673045
    Abstract: The enhanced flow drill bit in one embodiment includes an upper body section having a bore therein and a lower body section formed integrally with the upper body section and including three passageways to transmit fluid outwardly of the drill bit body. The passageways, when intermittently open, transmit fluid flowing downwardly through the drill bit body and outwardly of the passageways to cause a cross flow in the area of the cone-type cutters. A rotor is mounted within a bore within the upper body section to intermittently open and close passageways to provide for an intensification of flow through the remaining open passageway to create high jet impact force of fluid flowing outwardly of the drill bit body to enhance cross flow and the removal of drill cuttings. Annular internal reflective surfaces are provided to substantially utilize the effect of any transient pressure surges that are created during operation of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: Doyle W. McCullough
  • Patent number: 4673044
    Abstract: A drill bit having thermally stable PCD cutting elements includes a matrix body element having a plurality of spaced cutting elements supported in a body of matrix material such that a substantial portion of the cutter is above the body matrix and a minor portion is received within the body matrix. The cutters have side surfaces exposed and are so positioned that at least in some of the cutters more surface area of one side face is exposed as compared to the other side faces. The cutter support may include a small pad of matrix material to reduce the loading directly on the PCD. In a preferred form the PCD elements are mounted on pads or blades formed by spaced channels. The hydraulics are straight radial flow and improved hydraulic flow is achieved through the use of waterways which concentrate the fluid flow near the face of the cutters. In one form, improved hydraulics are obtained by having one fluid discharge port for each of the radially disposed fluid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Eastman Christensen Co.
    Inventors: Louis K. Bigelow, Richard H. Grappendorf, Alexander R. Meskin
  • Patent number: RE32495
    Abstract: This invention relates to roller cone, air circulation type rock bits. Means are provided on the rock bit body as well as on the shirttail portion of each of the legs extending from the body to provide a relief to pass rock chips from the borehole bottom and up the drill string as the air circulation roller cone bit works in a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Randall Coates