Abstract: A unitary bit/holder assembly includes a bit tip insert having a diamond coated tip mounted thereon that is received in a transition member that is brazed onto a forward end of a bit holder. The forward end of the bit holder includes a trough onto which the transition member is mounted. The unitary bit/holder includes a standard length shank or a shortened length shank that can each be mounted into a shortened base block.

Abstract: An improved diamond coated tip on a bit/holder for road milling operations has a broadened tip base that provides cutting overlap with adjacent bit/holders resulting in a micro milling type surface when utilizing a regular ? inch center-to-center drum.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body defining a cutter pocket and a rolling cutter having an inner rotatable cutting element and a sleeve in the cutter pocket, where axial movement of the inner rotatable cutting element is limited by an external retention element disposed outside of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly includes a rotatable cutting element, a sleeve having a cutter receiving aperture extending at least partially through the sleeve and configured to receive at least a portion of the rotatable cutting element within the cutter-receiving aperture, and a retention element rotatably coupling the rotatable cutting element to the sleeve. In some embodiments, the retention element includes a pin extending from a base portion of the sleeve and having at least one resilient portion having at least one protrusion radially extending outward. In additional embodiments, the retention element include a split ring or O-ring disposed within a groove of the rotatable cutting element. Earth-boring tools having rotating cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element disposed within the sleeve, and a retention element. The sleeve and rotatable cutting element each have frustoconical surfaces. In some embodiments, a rotatable cutting element defines a first generally cylindrical surface, a second generally cylindrical surface, and an axial bearing surface opposite the end cutting surface and intersecting each of the first generally cylindrical surface and the second generally cylindrical surface. A bearing element may be disposed between an upper surface of a sleeve and a bearing surface of the rotatable cutting element. Earth-boring tools having rotating cutting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Roller cutters comprise a diamond-bonded body joined to an infiltration substrate. An extension is joined to the substrate and includes first section having a diameter sized the same as the substrate, and an integral second section having a diameter smaller than the substrate. The extension is joined to the substrate during an HPHT process. The first section has a thickness greater than that of the infiltration substrate. The second section has an axial length greater than the combined thickness of the substrate and the first section. The extension has a strength and/or toughness greater than the substrate as a result of its material composition, e.g., the amount of binder phase material and/or the size of hard phase material. The roller cutter is rotatably disposed within a pocket internal cavity, wherein the pocket is attached to a drill bit.

Abstract: A bit holder having a body that includes a forward end that is diametrically smaller than a lower end and a shank depending axially from the lower end of the body. A substantial portion of the body is substantially solid and the shank is generally cylindrical with a bore axially extending from a distal end of the shank towards the lower end of the body. The bit holder also includes an annular sleeve mounted circumferentially around the upper end of the body and is configured protect the upper end of the body and is configured to receive a bit or insert.

Abstract: A cutting element includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element, and at least one retaining ring. The sleeve has a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter. The rotatable cutting element has an axis of rotation extending therethrough, a cutting face, a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, wherein the body has a shaft that is disposed within the sleeve, and a circumferential groove formed around an outer surface of the shaft. The at least one retaining ring is disposed in the circumferential groove and extends at least around the entire circumference of the shaft, wherein the at least one retaining ring protrudes from the circumferential groove, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve.

Abstract: A combination bit and bit holder assembly includes a bit holder having a forward body portion and a shank. The forward body portion includes an upper end and a lower end. An insert is mounted in the bore of the upper end of the body portion. The insert also includes a central bore that receivingly retains a receiving cup. The receiving cup includes a bottom portion and an annular flange that extends from the bottom portion and defines a hollow forward portion. A bit is mounted in the hollow forward portion of the receiving cup which is configured to have a ductility that provides impact absorption to the bit.

Abstract: A bit assembly includes a base block and a bit having a forward body portion and a shank. The bit includes a diametrically expanding retainer circumferentially disposed around a shank of the bit adapted to maintain the interference contact between the bit and the base block as the diameter of a bore of the base block increases from use. The bit assembly also includes a sealing gasket that forms a force fit between a washer disposed about the shank of the bit and the base block.

Abstract: A quick change type bit/bit holder includes several different structures for holding the item in a bit block without the necessity of a fastener. The bit portion of the bit/bit holder combination includes a ductile steel insert with a polycrystalline diamond coated tungsten carbide bit positioned therein. The ductility of the steel insert acts as a shock absorber to allow the bit to successfully remove concrete as well as asphalt in a road milling machine.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved drill bit and a method for designing thereof. The drill bit includes a bit body, a journal depending from the bit body, and a disc rotatably mounted on the journal. The disc of the drill bit has PDC cutting elements disposed on it. Also provided is an improved cutting structure for the discs of the drill bit. The cutting structure includes a portion that is comprised from PDC.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to cutting element assemblies including a superabrasive cutting element that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, enclosed in an enclosure that restricts rotation of the superabrasive cutting element, or combinations of the foregoing. Additionally, some embodiments relate to cutting element assemblies in which a superabrasive cutting element is mechanically fastened to a base, such as a substrate or directly to a bit body of a rotary drill bit. Some embodiments also relate to cutting element assemblies including one or more superabrasive cutting elements that are rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the cutting element assembly, that may be axially compressed to enhance the damage tolerance thereof, that may be enclosed in an enclosure that exposes the superabrasive cutting element therethrough, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to subsurface drilling tools, and more specifically, to a drill bit comprising a ball shaped cutting tool. The drill bit is configured so that a plurality of cones, forming the ball shaped cutting tool, rotate in opposite directions around an axle while the drill bit is drilling or cutting through the ground, rock, or other material. The drilling or cutting is accomplished by a plurality of blade inserts that fit inside and protrude therefrom a plurality of holes covering the exterior of the ball shaped cutting tool. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved subsurface drilling tool that will efficiently drill hard rock formations.

Abstract: A cutting element is disclosed that includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element, and at least one retaining ring. The sleeve has a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter. The rotatable cutting element has an axis of rotation extending therethrough, a cutting face, a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, wherein the body has a shaft that is disposed within the sleeve, and a circumferential groove formed around an outer surface of the shaft. The at least one retaining ring is disposed in the circumferential groove and extends at least around the entire circumference of the shaft, wherein the at least one retaining ring protrudes from the circumferential groove, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a floating journal bushing, a seal, a cutter having a seal gland for the seal and a cutter bearing surface proximate to the journal bearing, wherein the cutter bearing surface has a first inner diameter, and a journal, wherein the cutter is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the journal bearing is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the journal has a seal boss having a first diameter, and a journal bearing surface having a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is less than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a disc cutter for an earth boring system includes an axle and a sintered polycrystalline ceramic disc disposed about and forming a continuous perimeter around the axle. The disc cutter may be attached to a drill bit comprising a body, working face and plurality of blades. Another aspect of the present invention comprises a method of forming a disc cutter including providing a can of a generally cylindrical shape with a central axis, positioning a column of disposable material, carbide, and crystalline grains in such a manner so when put under high temperature and high pressure a compact in the shape of a disc cutter may be formed and a column from the center axis may be removed. Another method for forming a disc cutter comprises forming a plurality of compacts and bonding the compacts together in a generally toroidal shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microtunnelling apparatus including a cutting apparatus adapted to be rotated by a drill shaft defining a central axis of rotation that extends along a length of the drill shaft. The cutting apparatus includes a front cutting rotor having a hub defining a shaft receiver that extends at least partially through the hub in a direction extending from a back side toward a front cutting side of the front cutting rotor. The shaft receiver is configured to receive the drill shaft. The drill shaft and the shaft receiver cooperate to define a torque transmitting mechanical interface for allowing torque to be transferred between the drill shaft and the front cutting rotor such that the drill shaft can be used to rotate the front cutting rotor about the central axis of rotation. The front cutting rotor also includes a plurality of cutting bars that project at least partially radially outwardly from the hub.

Abstract: A cutter assembly including a rotatable cutting element, a rotary drill bit that may employ such a cutter assembly, and a method of fabricating a cutter assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a cutter assembly comprises a housing including a recess. A cutting element may be received by and rotatable within the recess of the housing. The cutting element includes a substrate and a superabrasive table that is attached to the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the superabrasive table includes surface features configured to promote rotation of the cutting element within the housing during cutting.

Abstract: An auger is provided with a boring head having an arrangement for cutting relatively hard earth formations such as rock. First and second groups of drill bits are mounted to the boring head such that when the head is rotated, each bit in those groups cuts a different path at a different height to provide more than 100% coverage of the work surface being cut, while stabilizing the auger by distributing the down force of the auger over the entire work surface. The drill bits also are orientated to ensure bit rotation at relatively large attack angles (the angle the bit forms with the work surface therebeneath) of about 50.degree.-60.degree. to enhance auger penetration rates without detracting from the bit sharpening effect that results from proper bit rotation.

Abstract: An auger is provided with a boring head having an arrangement for cutting relatively hard earth formations such as rock. First and second groups of drill bits are mounted to the boring head such that when the head is rotated, each bit in those groups cuts a different path at a different height to provide more than 100% coverage of the work surface being cut, while stabilizing the auger by distributing the down force of the auger over the entire work surface. The drill bits also are orientated to ensure bit rotation at relatively large attack angles (the angle the bit forms with the work surface therebeneath) of about 50.degree.-60.degree. to enhance auger penetration rates without detracting from the bit sharpening effect that results from proper bit rotation.

Abstract: A rotary cone rock bit featuring a reproducible geometry and a one piece body is disclosed. Individual journal members, supporting rotary cutting cones, have upwardly extending structural shanks which are radially oriented and installed into downwardly directed individual hubs formed by the structural body of the rock bit. The shanks are subsequently secured as installed within the hubs. The primary controls over bit geometry comprise the radial orientation of the individual journal member, and the radial location of the individual hubs relative to the vertical bit body centerline.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting head for use in a rotary drill bit in which the cutting head comprises a stem and a base integrally formed with the stem. The base has a first cutting surface defined by a frustrum of a cone or other shape and a second cutting surface defined a cone or other shape, wherein the first and second cutting surfaces are coaxial with the axis of the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to be attached to a drill bit such that the axis of the cutting head is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis of the drill bit.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting tool of the type having a bored tool holder, a cutting bit comprising a shank depending from a head portion with first forward and second rearward retaining portions spaced by a recessed intermediate section includes a cylindrical split sleeve member which extends from said forward retaining portion to said rearward portion to both abut and protect the exposed peripheries of the retaining portions from wear while permitting free rotation of the tool bit within the tool holder.

Abstract: A rotary bit which includes a bit body having a tapered, externally threaded neck located at one side of the bit body. The bit body includes three, flat, lateral side faces which extend at 120.degree. to each other and thus lie in planes which would contain sides of an equilateral triangle. Groups of cutter supporting blocks are built-up on the bit body at circumferentially spaced intervals therearound and on the opposite side of the bit body from that from which the tapered neck extends. Each of the cutter supporting blocks defines a generally cylindrical bore for the purpose of slidably and rotatably receiving a cutter element in such bore. The several cutter elements thus mounted in the blocks are arrayed around a centrally located pilot cutter which is mounted on the bit body at a central location and in axial alignment with fluid passageways and ports which extend through the tapered neck and the bit body.

Abstract: A rotary drilling drag bit for drilling from the surface deep holes in sub-surface formations e.g. for oil has a body (4) with a diameter of at least 100 mm and having a bore for passage of drilling fluid to its face (3) and rotatable cutting elements (6) having a cutting face comprising an agglomerate of diamond particles so mounted on the body (4) that they are free to rotate in use.The cutting elements are of long life and highly effective in drilling.

Abstract: The cutting edge of a bit of a rotary drill comprises an agglomerate of natural or synthetic diamond mounted at the free end of a shank freely rotatable in a socket in the body. Preferably the agglomerate and the free end of the shank are cold swaged together and preferably a resilient spring is interposed about the shank between the body and the free end.

Abstract: A mine tool bit is retained in an open ended block with a cylindrical button insert transversely mounted in the shank of the bit, the insert having a cylindrical button extending radially outwardly from the shank and biased by a coil spring. The button must be manually depressed to insert or remove the bit from the block.

Abstract: A tool holder for a mining tool bit is disclosed; it comprises a unitary steel body with a cylindrical shank for supporting the tool holder and a conical head for holding a tool bit. The shank includes a retaining neck constructed of a roll-formed portion of the shank. A cylindrical section between the shank and the head includes an extracting neck which is constructed of a roll-formed portion of the section.

Abstract: A mining bit to be mounted for rotation in a bore of a support block or on a drill steel having a retention configuration opposite the working end. A bit shank is formed with an abutment flange at the insertion end and a recess adjacent said flange to receive flexed resilient fingers of a resilient retention ring during insertion of said ring in said bore. A fulcrum land supports an unsplit end of said ring. The resilient fingers carry an annular bulge projection which engages an annular recess in a support bore. The ring can extend the length of the retention shank to serve as a wear sleeve. With a drill steel, the retention ring is mounted on an extending insert to cooperate with a female recess in a hollow bit.

Abstract: In a mining machine or the like which incorporates cutting bits having conically shaped heads and located in sockets of bit holders having respective wear sleeves located on the shanks of the bits with the bit free to rotate with the sleeve interposed between the socket preventing wear mount; a retainer is provided maintained by the mount and engageable with a receptacle on the sleeve to insure against undesired ejection of the bit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new method and improved apparatus for digging and mining earth formations, especially coal formations. A mining or excavating machine having a movable frame with a drive means mounted on the frame is provided with a rotatable structural member and a rotatable cutter support having cutter bits mounted thereon. The structural member is rotatably mounted on the frame and connected to the drive means so as to be driven in one direction of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the structural member. The rotatable cutter support assembly with the cutter bits mounted thereon is rotatably mounted on the structural member and is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The mining machine is then positioned so that the cutter bits will reduce the mineral formation by driving the structural member in one direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nonrotatable excavating bit comprising a forward working portion and hard wear resistant material attached thereto and having a rearward shank portion which is circular in cross section and is adapted to fit into a circular bore of a support block. An abutment shoulder is formed at the juncture of the forward working portion and rearward shank portion and a tang extends from the shoulder and is adapted to fit down over and mate with a surface of said support block so as to hold the bit nonrotatable in the support block.

Abstract: The rotary-shaft bit (7) inserted in a bushing (3) fixedly mounted, encloses by means of a hollow-cylindrical extension (9) an annular extension (5) of the bushing (3) and projecting in axial direction of said bushing (3), and in this manner is supported closer to the tip of the bit (8) in order to absorb transverse forces, noting that the front surface (14) of the hollow-cylindrical extension (9) of the bit (7) can be supported on the flange (4) of the bushing (3) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A retainer clip for tool bits comprises an annular strip having circumferentially spaced ends defining a gap therebetween. A pair of proximate projections and at least one remote projection project outwardly from the strip. The proximate projections are located on opposite sides of the gap. The proximate projections include positively oriented front surfaces, and the remote projection includes a non-positively oriented front surface disposed longitudinally rearwardly relative to forwardmost portions of the front surfaces of the proximate projections. Upon forward displacement of the clip within the hole of a holder, contact occurs between the proximate projections and a wall of a retaining groove of the holder to produce radial shifting of the gap of the clip toward the axis of the bit. Removal of the bit from the hole is possible only by shearing the remote projection.

Abstract: In a mining machine which incorporates cylindrical cutting bits having conically shaped heads and located in sockets of bit holders, the cutting bits are retained within the sockets by split tubular spring sleeves. The split spring sleeves are located on the shanks of the bits and resiliently engage the inner surface of the sockets thereby securing the bit in the mount. The bit is free to rotate and the sleeve interposed between the socket and the bit prevents wear on those parts of the bit and mount.

Abstract: A cutting bit includes a bit tip and a shaft having a portion tapered toward the tip and having a reduced diameter between the tapered portion and the portion intended to be inserted in a holder. The bit tip has the shape of a body of revolution with convex generatrices.

Abstract: A rotary drill for drilling a well in the surface of the earth the drill comprising a drill bit including an upper portion for connection to a drill string, duct means for carrying fluid to extract detritus and clear the bottom of the well and receiving means; a solid cutting head comprising a conical head portion and a stem portion, the conical head portion including holes therein and cutting elements inserted in the holes, the stem portion being received in the receiving means of the drill bit, wherein the stem and the receiving means include holding means for rotatably holding the cutting head in the drill bit; bearing means between the drill bit and the conical head; and a lubrication system interconnected between the drill bit and the cutting head.

Abstract: A drilling tool which comprises: a cylindrical structure having a spiral groove provided on the outer surface thereof and at least one elongated rectangular through-hole provided in the lower portion thereof; a tip which is loosely fitted into said through-hole in such a manner that a cutting edge of said tip faces outside, the number of said tips being equal to the number of said through-holes; a tip guide bar having a head portion and a taper slit which is tapered downwardly starting from a part of the lower surface of said head portion so as to accommodate said tip therein, said part being in the vicinity of the axial line thereof, said tip guide bar being inserted into the lower end portion of said cylindrical structure in such a manner that said tip is pushed outwardly by the tip guide bar, said tip guide bar being engaged with the upper and inner portion of said tip so that said tip guide bar is slidably connected to said cylindrical structure; and a taper shank inserted into the upper end portion of sa

Abstract: In a mining machine in which pick bits or point attack bits are held in a chain or wheel which moves next to coal or rock, a replaceable tool which is formed with a rear extension that is essentially cylindrical, that extension being split in circumferentially spaced slots so that portions will move resiliently in a radial direction. Outer radial projections interlock with annular surfaces or shoulders of a holding block to retain the tool in an operating position. The tool may be driven in or out of position without the need of clips or retaining rings. They may then rotate in the holding block to equalize wear on the tip.

Abstract: A point-attack bit retained for rotation in a block bore, and used for removing material from a mine face. The bit has an elongate shank, and a head integral and coaxial with the shank, the head including a plurality of peripherally spaced, laterally projecting vanes extending generally longitudinally of the bit. Each vane is substantially triangular with a narrow leading end and a wider trailing end, and has sides that extend from the leading end to the trailing end. One of the vane sides has a different angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bit than the other vane side to provide different transverse forces on the vane sides upon contact with material being mined to effect a positive turning of the bit upon picking of the mine face.

Abstract: An improvement in mining tools of the rotary and replaceable type which includes a retainer in the form of a double ball spring detent to provide axial retention, easy removability, and to permit ready rotation of the tool in a collet while preventing the build up and impaction of dust which will inhibit rotation or removal.

Abstract: A pick type mining bit with a cylindrical shank has a support block with a bore and a hard insert detachably and rotatably mounted in the bore. The insert has a bore for rotatably receiving the shank of the bit.The bit has a cylindrical working end projecting from the support block which tapers in at the tip and has a hard insert mounted in the tip. .Iadd .

Abstract: A point-attack bit retained for rotation in a block bore, and used for removing material from a mine face. The bit has an elongate shank, and a head integral and coaxial with the shank, the head including a plurality of peripherally spaced, laterally projecting vanes extending generally longitudinally of the bit. Each vane is substantially triangular with a narrow leading end and a wider trailing end, and has sides that extend from the leading end to the trailing end. One of the vane sides has a different angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bit than the other vane side to provide different transverse forces on the vane sides upon contact with material being mined to effect a positive turning of the bit upon picking of the mine face.

Abstract: A mining cutter comprises a plurality of holders mounted on a tool support, and a cutting element mounted in a socket of each holder. The tool support is driven such that the cutting elements are alternately moved into cutting and non-cutting modes relative to an earth formation. A retainer rotatably retains each cutting element in its associated socket for limited longitudinal forward movement relative to the holder toward the non-cutting mode and limited longitudinal rearward movement toward the cutting mode. Each cutting element and holder includes mutually engageable surfaces for preventing rotation of the cutting element in the cutting mode while permitting rotation of the cutting element in the non-cutting mode. The arrangement may be such that rotary movement of the cutter element is induced as the cutter element travels toward its cutting mode and/or toward its non-cutting mode.