Abstract: A tri-cone earth-boring bit has nozzles oriented for improved cone cleaning, bottom cleaning and cuttings evacuation. Each of the nozzles is oriented to discharge across a trailing side of a cone at a point considerably inboard of the borehole wall. Each nozzle has an outlet located radially outward from the bit axis a distance that is at least equal to a distance from a top dead center of the heel row of each of the cones to the bit axis. Also, each of the nozzles is oriented to discharge drilling fluid along a line that contacts the borehole bottom at a distance that is no greater than a distance from a bottom dead center of an outermost of the inner rows of the cone to the bit axis. A portion of the drilling fluid discharged from each nozzle will pass by more than one of the rows of the cones.

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.

Abstract: A nozzle and retainer assembly is provided for use in a rotary cone earth boring bit that allows for a larger internal passage in the nozzle. In one aspect, the assembly has a nozzle seated on a shoulder in a receptacle with a stepped portion extending radially outward with a first nozzle shoulder spaced from and facing toward the shoulder in the receptacle to partially define a seal gland. The stepped portion has a second nozzle shoulder facing toward the open end of the receptacle and the retainer engages the inside surface of the receptacle and the second nozzle shoulder to retain the nozzle in the receptacle.

Abstract: An earth-boring has a bit body with a geometric center about which the bit is designed to rotate. Three bearing shafts depend inwardly and downwardly from the bit body. A cutter is mounted for rotation on each bearing shaft and includes a plurality of cutting elements arranged in generally circumferential rows on the cutter. Each cutter and bearing shaft has substantially zero offset from geometric center of the bit body. A nozzle or drilling fluid orifice is carried generally in the geometric center of the bit body to discharge the gaseous drilling fluid from the bit body to the bit exterior.

Abstract: A nozzle for a drill bit has an adjustable orifice, allowing a single nozzle to change the pressure drop for a given flow rate. This is accomplished by the use of two plates, each having a shaped aperture therein. The degree to which the two apertures are overlapped determines the size of the orifice. The movement of the apertures, and thus the size of the orifice, can be adjusted at the drilling site.

Abstract: A novel nozzle and retainer assembly are used in an earth boring rock bit. A tapered interface between the nozzle and retainer protects the nozzle from impact and breakage downhole. A bushing may also be used in conjunction with an alternative nozzle and retainer assembly.

Abstract: A method of altering the force balance characteristic or moment configuration of an earth-boring rotary-type drill bit by altering the net hydraulic direction vector of drilling fluid exiting from the drill bit and, therefore, the accompanying net hydraulic force exerted on the drill bit. The method includes replacing at least one nozzle of the drill bit with a differently sized nozzle to alter the amount of hydraulic force that is exerted on a particular portion of the drill bit. Alternatively, the orientation of at least one nozzle of the drill bit may be changed to alter the direction in which drilling fluid flows from a particular portion of the drill bit and, thus, alter the direction of the hydraulic force on the drill bit. The method may be employed to counteract a net force imbalance of a drill bit, to alter a direction of net force imbalance, or to vary the magnitude of net force imbalance.

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.

Abstract: An earth boring bit having a cone rotatably secured to a cantilevered bearing shaft and a nozzle that discharges a jet stream of fluid having a high velocity core and a lower velocity skirt. The high velocity core is fully contained in a space bounded by the backside of the cone, bit leg, borehole wall and a radial plane tangent to the tips of the heel teeth and intermittently strikes the exposed ends of the erosion and wear resistant teeth when the cone rotates the teeth on the trailing side in and out of the jet stream. Less than half of the fluid in the lower velocity skirt strikes the surface of the cone, while the remainder continues on a path toward the wall and the borehole bottom. The centerline of the high velocity core is aimed no lower than the corner of the borehole.

Abstract: A fixed-cutter drill bit for boring through earth has a body made predominately of high strength steel with thin erosion and abrasion resistant surfaces integrally formed in the steel in areas likely to encounter abrasive or erosive conditions. The drill bit may be formed by a rapid solid state densification (RSSDPM) process. The drill bit combines the high strength of conventional steel bits with design freedom and hardness equal to or greater than conventional matrix bits. Due to the manner in which the hard particles, such as tungsten carbide, are integrally held in a steel matrix, aggressive fluid hydraulics may be employed with the drill bit without unduly limiting the performance of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit for boring a bore hole in an earthen formation comprises: a bit body having a pin end, a cutting end and a longitudinal bit axis and including at least two legs extending from the cutting end, each of the legs including a bearing that rotatably supports a cutter cone. The bit body further includes a fluid flow system, including a flowway in said pin end that is in fluid communication with at least one exit port in the cutting end, the exit port being defined by a nozzle boss and disposed adjacent one of the legs. Each of the legs includes a leading side surface, a trailing side surface, and a center panel, and at least one of said legs is asymmetric such that its trailing side surface is larger than its leading side surface. The present bit can also include a lubricant system that has its opening in the trailing side of the leg, and can further include various wear resistant coatings and inserts on its surface.

Abstract: A drillbit with a flexible nozzle system is provided to address bit- and bottom-balling situations. In one embodiment, a given nozzle can have an mounting member which is oblong or another shape so as to be installable into different positions where, in one position, the bit-balling problem is addressed, while in the other, the bottom-balling problem is addressed. Other shapes that provide this flexibility can also be employed. The nozzle body can also be made with a symmetrical mount, with the outlet askew such that the symmetrical mount, when placed in a strategically located nozzle opening, can address bit- or bottom-balling situations by a simple reversal of the orientation where multiple orientations are available for the base. Alternatively, in the area between adjacent cones, multiple nozzle installations can be provided to independently address the bit-balling and bottom-balling situations between adjacent cones.

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.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in a drill bit includes a nozzle body having a nozzle oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body and a positioning ring that is rotationally and axially locked to the nozzle body. The nozzle body includes a plurality of facets extending between a pair of retention surfaces. The positioning ring has a plurality of teeth and is operatively disposed between the retention surfaces to axially retain the ring on the nozzle body. When positioned between the retention surfaces, the teeth engage the facets to rotationally lock the ring to the nozzle body. The positioning ring may have a longitudinal split, to allow the ring to ratchet relative to the nozzle body, and a pair of spanner-receiving apertures. In operation, the ring is coupled to the nozzle body and the resultant assembly is coupled to the drill bit. Any misalignment is noted and the assembly is removed from the drill bit.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 and method for enhancing entrainment of a fluid near a face 18 of the nozzle 10, where the nozzle 10 includes a nozzle body 18 defining a nozzle opening 14 for ejecting a fluid therethrough. At least one indentation 20 is formed in the nozzle face 18 adjacent to, but spaced from, the nozzle opening 14 and includes a contoured surface 22 defined by first and second side surfaces 24 and 26 that converge toward the nozzle opening 14 to form a leading edge 28 closest to the nozzle opening 14. The imaginary extension 30 of at least a portion of the contoured surface 22 converges at a focal point 32 distal the nozzle face 18, defining an entrainment path. The focal point 32 is closer to an imaginary projection 34 of the nozzle opening 14, extending outwardly from and normal to the nozzle face 18, than the leading edge 20 is to the nozzle opening 14. Thus, fluid near the nozzle face in the indentation 20 is entrained into the entrainment path 30 and fluid ejected through the nozzle opening 14.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly with a directional flow passage for directing and controlling the flow of drilling fluids exiting a drill bit. The assembly is threaded for engagement within a threaded receptacle in the drill bit. The assembly includes a nozzle body carried within an externally threaded sleeve structure that threads into the bit receptacle. Seating of the assembly anchors the nozzle body against rotational and axial movement. The external circumferential nozzle body surface and the internal circumferential sleeve surface mechanically interlock to permit the nozzle body to be positioned at selected different angular positions within the sleeve before seating the sleeve structure in the receptacle such that the final seated position of the assembly in the receptacle results in the desired orientation of the nozzle flow passage in the bit receptacle. The flow passage exit end of the nozzle is surrounded by a drive area that extends axially from the main nozzle body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adjusting the total flow area of a drilling bit concurrently with drilling which includes a bit having a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle having a flow area and the bit having a total flow area, with at least one nozzle which is initially open and having a first flow area and at least one other nozzle which is initially closed and having a second flow area including a closure means for maintaining the nozzle in an initially closed state below a pre-selected differential pressure across the bit.

Abstract: A drill bit with a housing and roller cones has a high-speed fluid jet erosion system utilizing dual discharge, high-velocity, jet streams that is directed at the surface to be eroded. The jet streams are developed from a dual discharge nozzle adapted to form a first, swirling liquid jet and a second, axial liquid jet in combination therewith. When used in a shale-like formation, the bit includes a nozzle in a bowl area of the housing that sends a vortex shaped spray against the roller cones.

Abstract: A rotary cone bit for drilling bore holes in earth formations whose body has a thread pin end and a dome end from which extend three legs. A cutter cone is rotatably mounted to each leg and is radially oriented about the bit's central axis. Each cutter cone has a gage row of cutting elements extending from the cone surface nearest the mouth and a nose row extending nearest the cone's apex. A center jet for emitting fluid or mud is located on the dome. The jet has a converging nozzle with an exit orifice which extends below a predefined horizontal plane intersected by the cones or cutting elements. The exit orifice has a constant diameter for a length at least equal to its diameter for reducing the diffusion of the fluid or mud flow emitted. Fluid or mud emitted from the center jet travels substantially uninterrupted within a cylindrical space between the cones which is not invaded by any cutting element.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) has a jet pump device including a plurality of jet pump assemblies (26). Each jet pump assembly (26) has an outer housing (28) secured to the bit body (14) and receiving any elongate nozzle member (46) therein in concentric relation to form an annular chamber (48) therein. A flow restriction (38) is mounted within the outer housing (28) above the nozzle member (46). The elongate nozzle member (46) has a lower nozzle port (50) and an opposed upper nozzle port (52). Drilling fluid from the central bore (20) is directed to the nozzle member (46) where the drilling fluid is divided into two streams, one stream for flow through lower nozzle port (50) against the formation and the outer stream for flow through the upper nozzle port (52) and flow restriction (38) to create a low pressure area or suction in an annular chamber (48). A low pressure cross sectional area is formed at the bottom of the bore hole (B, FIG.

Abstract: A moth type rolling cutter drill bit has a plurality of rolling cutters mounted on legs, each rolling cutter having a back face portion and a gage face portion, and a high velocity fluid nozzle which directs a stream of high velocity fluid toward the cutter. Each cutter has a row of gage teeth to cut the gage of the borehole, and at least one of the cutters has a plurality of flow channels spaced apart around its gage face portion to provide fluid communication from the back face of the cutter and between and around pairs of adjacent gage teeth. Each flow channel is inclined at an angle to a radius of the cutter so as to be oriented towards the stream of fluid from the high velocity nozzle as the teeth adjacent to the flow channel engage the formation being drilled.

Abstract: A nozzle retention receptacle for rotary cone rock bits consists of a nozzle retention receptacle body forming a fluid passage therethrough. The body forms a first upstream entrance end that forms part of a wall of a plenum formed within a rock bit body and a second downstream exit end. The upstream end further forms a mounting interface that circumvents a fluid entrance port to the passage in the nozzle retention receptacle. The port communicates with the fluid plenum in the bit body. The body of the rock bit further forms a nozzle retention receptacle mounting interface that is common to the mounting interface formed by the nozzle retention receptacle.

Abstract: A rotary cone rock bit for use in earthen formations with drilling fluid hydraulics wherein diffusion type nozzles are utilized in the outer diameters of a dome portion of the rock bit resulting in fluid, as it leaves the exit end of the nozzle, continues to diffuse outboard creating a larger surface area to entrain fluid. The diffused spray of fluid at a lesser velocity will better clean the rotary cones by moving the fluid closer to the cones without erosive damage to the cones or loss of cutter inserts or milled teeth. The diffused spray will additionally cover a larger area of a borehole bottom resulting in better bottom hole cleaning.

Abstract: An improved rotary cone rock bit that provides a cross flow through the drill bit dome to reduce bailing and improve the efficiency of the drilling operation. The rotary cone rock bit has a bit body with a pin at its upper end adapted to connect to a drill string. The lower end of the bit body has three leg segments extending from its periphery in a downward direction. Drilling cones rotatably mounted to each leg segment provide the cutting action of the rock bit. The conical drilling cones extend from the leg segments toward the center axis of the rotary cone rock bit with the smaller diameter end distal the leg segments. The rotary cutter cones and the lower end of the bit body define a dome therebetween. Nozzles extend downward from the base areas between the leg segments. The nozzles are in flow communication with an opening in the bit body that transmits fluid from the drill string therethrough. The nozzles direct fluid toward the dome to create a Cross flow therethrough.

Abstract: A composite mini-extended nozzle is disclosed that is designed to both resist erosion and be strong enough to withstand the shock of a downhole drilling environment. In addition, means are provided to shroud at least a portion of the extended nozzle to further protect a portion of the nozzle nearest the exit plane from downhole obstructions. A combination of materials used to form the nozzle may include a matrix of tungsten carbides with suitable binder joined to an outer metal jacket nozzle body. A third ceramic matrix material may be utilized to line or partially line an interior passage formed by the mini-extended nozzle and a reduced in diameter portion of the nozzle design may include a built-in fracture plane in the unlikely event the end of the nozzle hits an obstruction. The extended portion of the nozzle will shear off along this fracture plane thereby preventing a nozzle washout that likely would result in a trip out of the hole to repair the resultant damage to the rock bit.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus according to the invention contains a body (1) to which rock-destroying organs--rollers (2) are attached. A subassembly for generating hydrodynamic waves is arranged in the body (1). This subassembly is designed in the form of a turbulence chamber (3) with tangentially arranged entry channels (4) and with a conically tapering outlet channel (5) the frontal surface of which is radially rounded off.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a generally cylindrical central blank and a matrix portion mounted on the lower end of the blank which includes the crown and gage of the drill bit. Exceptionally deep junk slots are defined in the matrix portion. The lower end of the blank includes a radially inwardly tapering portion having matrix material formed thereover which defines an upper end of the junk slot. The matrix material is formed from powdered matrix material and a ductile filler which provides a matrix with a relatively high ductility. Also disclosed is a steel bit constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A device for use within a backhead of a down-the-hole percussive drill, for removing debris from a drillhole, includes a separator for separating water and other matter from the percussive fluid prior to the percussive fluid actuating the piston of the drill. The water and other matter are exhausted out the drill bit, to remove the debris. The device includes a one-way flow valve to prevent backflow of debris and water into the drillhead during periods when the percussive fluid flow ceases. The device can be added to existing drill backheads, or included as part of newly manufactured units.

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).

Abstract: A boring bit for drilling is provided comprising one set of rotatable toothed wheels secured thereon as well as one set of tubular nozzles and one central nozzle for injecting drilling fluid from a chamber in bit body toward the bottom of a borehole. The boring bit comprises the inlet end of said tubular nozzle being secured on the bit body and connected with said chamber while its outlet end is quite close during operation to the lowest point of toothed wheels and the bottom of a borehole, and the fluid passage of said tubular nozzle from the inlet end to the outlet end is straight and cylindrical. Branch fluid passages are provided on the main fluid passage of said central nozzle for washing and cooling toothed wheels.

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) toward an adjacent roller cutter (20A) inclined radially outwardly toward the side wall (34) of the bore hole (30) and slanted toward the roller cutter (20A) for first striking the side wall (34), and then sweeping inwardly across the bore hole bottom (32) in a flat high velocity stream tangential to bit rotation and beneath the cutting elements (26) during cutting engagement of the gage row (28D) with the formation.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) has three roller cutters (20A, 20B and 29C) mounted thereon for rotation with a plurality of cutting elements (26) arranged in concentric annular rows (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D) thereon. A high velocity drilling fluid is discharged from nozzle orifices (40, 42, 52) and the orifices are sized and positioned so that more hydraulic energy is directed against the cutting elements (26) in the gage row (28D) than against the cutting elements (26) in the remaining rows (28A, 28B, 28C). The drilling fluid impinges the cutting elements (26) on the leading side of the roller cutters (20A, 20B, 20C) immediately prior to engagement of the cutting elements (26) with the bore hole bottom (30) and then sequentially strikes the bore hole bottom formation at or closely adjacent the juncture (35) of the horizontal bottom portion (32) with the vertical side portion (34).

Abstract: A drilling tool including cutting teeth carried by rollers or conically-shaped wheels, with an irrigation arrangement being provided for delivering at least one irrigation fluid jet through a calibrated orifice. A center of the fluid jet at an outlet of the orifice is disposed at a distance from a plane perpendicular to an axis of the tool passing through an apex of the teeth of the drilling tool as viewed from a working face of the drilling tool. A magnitude of the tool diameter, height of the teeth, and distance are determined in accordance with the following relationships:d>1.8 H and0.125D<d<0.185 Dwhere:d=a distance between a center of the outlet orifice of a plane perpidencular to the tool axis and passing through tips of the teeth nearest to the working face of the drilling tool;H=a height of the teeth of the drilling tool; andD=a diameter of the drilling tool.

Abstract: A nozzle retention system for a drill bit which includes a nozzle member which is retained by means of a keyway in the bit body. The bit body can include a partially cylindrical bore, truncated by opposing walls to form a lower contact surface within the bit body. The nozzle will be conformed to pass through the bore in a first orientation, and to be retained in the bore and against such contact surface when the nozzle is rotated to the second orientation.

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.

Abstract: A triple cone drill bit (10, 10A) comprising a plurality of conical roller cutters (16, 16A) having hard metal cutting elements thereon and being so positioned relative to each other that their rotational axes are offset from the rotational axis of the drill bit (10, 10A), and a drilling fluid nozzle system for directing a pressurized fluid stream (76, 76A) across certain of the cutting elements and thereafter against the formation generally at the bottom of the well bore so that when the drill bit (10, 10A) is used in its most advantageous areas, such as the soft, medium-soft and plastic formations, the nozzle system prevents "balling up" of the cutters and greatly increases the drilling efficiency of the bit. In one embodiment (FIGS. 15-20) the drill bit body (12A) has vertically extending recessed portions (21A) formed at the junctures (19A) of the lugs (15A) to provide flow passageways for the upward flow of drilling fluid and entrained cuttings.

Abstract: A nozzle for a drill bit comprises a nozzle body and a ring for securing the nozzle body in a threaded cavity of the drill bit. The nozzle body includes a fluid passage of the orientable type. The ring comprises an externally threaded sleeve and a cap bonded to a front end thereof. The cap and nozzle body are formed of harder materials than the threaded sleeve. The cap contains dove-tail shaped slots for receiving complementarily shaped projections on a tool to enable the ring to be rotated relative to the nozzle body. By threading the ring into the cavity, the nozzle body can be secured in the cavity with its fluid passage oriented in the desired final orientation.

Abstract: An improved nozzle retention system in an earth boring bit of the rolling cutter type using a pliable coating bonded to a nozzle retention snap ring in a manner to permit normal seating of the snap ring by bonding the coating only to the inner periphery and portion of a lower surface of the snap ring. The coating material disclosed is elastomeric, including nitrile rubber.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method suitable for use in a variety of applications including the drilling of deep holes for oil and gas wells and the drilling of vertical, horizontal or slanted holes, drilling through both consolidated and unconsolidated formations, and cutting and removing core samples. The drill head produces a whirling mass of pressurized cutting fluid, and this whirling fluid is applied to a discharge nozzle to produce a high velocity cutting jet. The cutting action is enhanced by abrasive material in the drilling fluid. The direction of the borehole is controlled by controlling the discharge of the drilling fluid either in side jets directed radially from the distal end portion of the drill string which carries the drill head or in a plurality of forwardly directed cutting jets.

Abstract: A replaceable fluid nozzle is provided for well hole drill bits. The nozzle includes a main discharge port directed downward between adjacent cutting cones of the drill bit, and two side discharge ports directed toward the leading and trailing cutter cone backfaces, respectively. The side discharge ports direct jets of drilling fluid to wash away formation fines and shale packings from around the cutter cone bearing seals. The side jets of fluid remove abrasive particles to prolong the life of the cutter cone bearings and seals.

Abstract: A method for assembling earth drill bits starts with a hollow shank body with a hollow pin with API regulation threads, for connection to a drill pipe, extending from one side, and hollow nozzle legs extending from the other side cast as a one piece investment casting. Separate leg members are rough formed and machined to shape having a bit body portion, depending leg, and inwardly and downwardly extending bearing journal. Conical roller cutters are supported for rotation on the bearing journals. A passage formed through the bit body portion and depending leg provides for lubrication of the conical roller cutters. The conical roller cutters are secured in place by a liquid lock formed by filling a cavity between the interior of the cutter cone and the journal bearing which is filled with liquid and sealed.

Abstract: An earth boring bit with an improved extended jet nozzle constructed with a tube having only one curved entrance near the head of the bit and a straight region adjacent the exit of the nozzle, with the curved region being smoothly convergent without substantial disruption or deflective surfaces from a maximum cross sectional area adjacent the head to a minimum cross sectional area in the straight region. The velocity of the fluid flowing through the tube increases gradually from a minimum adjacent the head to a maximum at the exit, with the ratio of minimum to maximum being substantially three to one.

Abstract: A tri-cone drill bit (10, 10A) comprising a plurality of conical roller cutters (16, 16A) having hard metal cutting elements thereon and being so positioned relative to each other that their rotational axes are offset from the rotational axis of the drill bit (10, 10A), and a drilling fluid nozzle system for directing a pressurized fluid stream (76, 76A) across certain of the cutting elements and thereafter against the formation generally at the bottom of the well bore so that when the drill bit (10, 10A) is used in its most advantageous areas, such as the soft, medium-soft and plastic formations, the nozzle system prevents "balling up" of the cutters and greatly increases the drilling efficiency of the bit. In one embodiment (FIGS. 15-20) the drill bit body (12A) has vertically extending recessed portions (21A) formed at the junctures (19A) of the lugs (15A) to provide flow passageways for the upward flow of drilling fluid and entrained cuttings.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit comprises a bit body carrying a plurality of cutting elements and a main conduit for conducting drilling fluid. A plurality of nozzle bodies is rotatably seated in bores of the bit body. Each nozzle body includes a plurality of passages extending therethrough for conducting drilling fluid in such manner that the exiting fluid causes the nozzle body to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The exiting fluid is thus distributed in a wider pattern.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit, for drilling wells in subsurface earth formations, and designed for rotation in a given direction, comprises a bit body having an internal passageway for drilling fluid. The bit body has an operating end face and at least one opening through that face communicating with the passageway. Cutters on the bit body form at least one elongate cutting region extending generally radially along a substantial portion of the operating end face. The cutters have cutting surfaces facing in the forward direction and generally continuous cutting edges at the outer extremity of the cutting surfaces. An elongate fence is carried on the bit body, extending generally parallel to the cutting region and spaced from the cutting region in a leading direction.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling into earth formations comprising a plurality of sections having connection means to connect said sections to form a unitary drill bit; means in said plurality of sections for storing and delivering lubricants to the cutting cones; and wear bar segments on said plurality of sections to form continuous wear bars about the periphery of said unitary drill bit thus reducing the wear on said unitary drill bit.

Abstract: An erosion and vibration resistant nozzle apparatus is disclosed for earth drilling rock bits. The nozzle includes a flow bean that is retained in a nozzle cavity by a threaded retainer, the retainer having at least one axially aligned slot therethrough to more fully engage the roots and crests of the retention threads to firmly secure the nozzle bean within its nozzle cavity. The split retainer may also have a conically shaped interior opening that conforms to a cone shaped exterior of the exit end of the nozzle bean for a more secure retention of the nozzle body within the nozzle cavity.

Abstract: A three cone rock bit is disclosed having at least a pair of mini-extended nozzles extending from a dome portion of the bit. Two 120.degree. leg segments contain extended nozzles, a third 120.degree. segment is nozzleless. The mini-extended nozzles convert hydraulic pressure to kinetic fluid flow energy with a minimum of flow disturbance, thereby delivering a concentrated flow of fluid against the floor of the formation and across the cutting face of the bit, sweeping detritus past the nozzleless 120.degree. leg segment and up the borehole. A centerjet mini-extended nozzle may additionally be positioned in the rock bit dome to further enhance borehole penetration.

Abstract: A drill bit having a nozzle for drilling fluid to pass out of the drill bit and into the bore hole is disclosed. In one embodiment two diagonal passages through the nozzle impart angular momentum to the drilling fluid. In another embodiment, four diagonal passages through the nozzle impart angular momentum. In still another embodiment, a central bore hole through the nozzle has helical grooves along its internal orifice wall to impart angular momentum. The angular momentum causes the drilling fluid exiting from the interior of the drill bit to flow downward into the bore hole in a divergent vortex that sweeps the cuttings away from the cutting surfaces of the drill bit.

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.