Abstract: The disclosure relates to embodiments of horizontal directional drilling equipment and methods for horizontal directional drilling techniques including a reamer head comprising a frustoconical body, wherein the frustoconical body defines a cavity configured to receive at least one bearing; and a plurality of teeth mounted to the frustoconical body. An imaginary apex of the frustoconical body is superimposed on the centerline of a reamer or reaming apparatus for reaming of an underground arcuate path. In another embodiment the reamer head is a progressive independently segmented reaming head. A plurality reaming heads are mounted to a reaming apparatus for reaming of an underground arcuate path.

Abstract: A hybrid drill bit includes both fixed cutting elements and an adjustable cutting structure thereon. An adjustment mechanism is provided to allow an axial position of cutting elements at a leading end of the adjustable cutting structure to be adjusted with respect to an axial position of the fixed cutting elements. The adjustable cutting structure may include counter rotational cutting members mounted obliquely with respect to a bit body rotational axis, and the adjustment mechanism may dynamically support the adjustable cutting structure such that the axial position of the cutting elements may be adjusted as the drill bit is in operation within a wellbore. The axial position may be adjusted by altering a weight applied to the drill bit within the wellbore.

Abstract: A reamer for use in horizontal directional drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises an elongate body having an intermediate section, a first end, and a second end. The circumference of the intermediate section is larger than the circumference of the first end and the second end. A pocket or a plurality of pockets are formed on the intermediate section. The pockets are configured such that a cutter or a plurality of cutters may be secured within the pockets via the use of fasteners. The cutters are replaceable with cutters of like size or cutters of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A sealing system includes a first gland in a cone and a second gland in a shaft region. A first ring is mounted in the first gland, a second ring is mounted in the second gland and a third ring is positioned between the first and second rings. The first and third rings present a pair of metal seal faces. A third ring is mounted to the second ring through a set of mounting pins which permit axial movement of the third ring. A biasing spring is mounting in the second ring and configured to exert an axial force against the third ring so as to keep the metal seal faces in sealing contact. A third gland is formed between the second and third rings, with an o-ring sealing member installed within the third gland and compressed in a sealing relationship between the second and third rings.

Abstract: A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly.

Abstract: A rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential of 300° F.-900° F. depending on the corresponding materials of the elements to be fitted, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a roller cone on a bearing pin of a drill bit body that includes a drill bit body; a bearing pin coupled to the drill bit body; a retention member coupled to the bearing pin; a roller cone coupled to the retention member; and a torque transfer member coupled to the retention member and the roller cone adapted to selectively transfer torque between the retention member and the roller cone.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of drill bits for drilling wells in earth formations, several embodiments of an improved drill bit for drilling a well in an earth formation, and methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, the bit is assembled by forming the bit, including a bit body and a plurality of cutting components; introducing a wear detector into the bit; and providing a module to monitor the wear detector and generate an indication of bit wear. The wear detector may be one or more electrical circuits that may experience a change in resistance or conductivity due to wear of the bit. The module may determine wear by detecting an open circuit. The wear detector may be introduced during or after formation of the bit. The bit wear may be displayed for an operator.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body, at least one leg extending downward from the bit body, a journal on each leg, and a roller cone mounted on each journal. A ball race is configured between each journal and roller cone, and a plurality of retention balls is disposed within each ball race. A ball hole extends from the back face of each leg to the ball race, and a ball hole plug fits within the ball hole. The ball hole plug is secured to the leg by a friction stir weld.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining a roller cone on a bearing pin of a drillbit body.

Abstract: A roller cone bit having a sealed lubricant reservoir between a roller cone and a head section. A journal sleeve is included on the head section that circumscribes the journal bearing surface of the head section. The sleeve can axially pivot on the head section, but does not rotate thereon. The reservoir is formed into a journal bearing surface of the head section body and may be sealed by placing a seal around its periphery that extends between the journal bearing surface and journal sleeve. Sealing the reservoir results in a hydrostatic condition therein and substantially equalized pressures.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit and a method for designing thereof. The roller cone drill bit includes a bit body configured to be coupled to a drill string and a journal depending from the bit body. A split roller cone is rotatably attached to the journal. The split roller cone includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section has a plurality of cutting elements disposed at selected positions thereon. The lower section has a plurality of cutting elements disposed at selected positions thereon. The lower section is able to rotate independently of the upper section.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in an earthen annulus that contains loose particles is connected to a fluid supply source and includes a bit body having at least one journal segment and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid supply source. A roller cone is rotatably mounted upon the journal segment and forms at least one bearing cavity therebetween. An annular primary seal is disposed between the roller cone and the bit body and between the bearing cavity and the earthen annulus, and an annular gap is disposed between the annular primary seal and the earthen annulus. The annular gap is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and the earthen annulus. An annular secondary seal is disposed between the annular primary seal and the earthen annulus and is capable of substantially preventing the ingress of debris from the earthen annulus to the annular primary seal.

Abstract: An improved disc type rolling rock cutter, and novel cutterheads employing such cutters. A rock cutter with an improved, simplified structure, with compact bearing, and smooth, rounded blade shape is disclosed. The design incorporates a cutter ring, bearing, and seal into a single cutter ring assembly. The cutter may be assembled and disassembled for rework by a single worker with simple hand tools. Replacement of worn out cutter rings is done quickly and easily by removing the old ring assembly and then sliding a new ring, bearing, and seal assembly on to the cutter shaft. This simplified assembly is achieved by using a comparatively large shaft which is normally in the range of 40-50% of the ring diameter. The shaft design is sufficiently robust to permit a cantilever mount of the cutter. The unique configuration allows 30,000 lbs. or more thrust to be applied to a 5 inch diameter miniature disc.

Abstract: An improved rolling disc type cutter, and novel cutterheads employing such cutters. The cutter includes a washer surface and a cutter ring assembly. The cutter ring assembly further includes an annular cutter ring with an interior annulus defining portion and an outer ring portion. A bearing assembly substantially fits into the annulus of the cutter ring in a close fitting relationship with the shaft, so that the cutter ring may rotate with respect to and be supported by said shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing and a seal which fits between the washer surface and the cutter ring to form a lubricant retaining seal for the interior annulus portion of the cutter ring. A retainer assembly is used to retain the cutter ring assembly on the shaft, and a cap seals the interior annular portion of the cutter ring assembly so that, in cooperation with the seal and the cutter ring, a lubricant retaining chamber is provided.

Abstract: A rotary cutter cone type drill bit having a body structure with a plurality of depending cutter support lugs each having a spindle integral therewith and defining a cylindrical bushing support surface and a spindle head. A cutter cone is positioned for rotation about each of the spindles and is supported for rotation and axial retention by a dual split bushing arrangement. The dual split bushing arrangement has an inner split bushing received in immovable relation about the cylindrical bushing support surface of the spindle and outer split bushing being received in rotatable bearing relation about a portion of the inner split bushing and functioning to retain the inner split bushing about the cylindrical bushing support surface. The inner split bushing also retains the outer split bushing so that the cutter cone is maintained in assembly with the spindle. The outer split bushing is secured in immovable relation within the cutter cone by a lock element or by threaded connection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body which carries cutter assemblies each of which includes a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the journal, and a threaded retention ring screwed onto the cutter to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relative to the journal. The method comprises the steps of predetermining a desired magnitude of maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and the journal, and then employing components for the cutter assembly which are so dimensioned as to provide, when assembled to form the cutter assembly, a maximum permitted axial displacement which is not greater than the predetermined magnitude. The appropriately dimensioned components may be specifically manufactured to the required size, or may be selected from a stock of components of differing sizes.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) having a roller cutter (28) retained on a journal (24) by an externally threaded retainer ring (52) mounted within an annular groove (48) in the journal (24). The radii (R1, R2) formed at the inner and outer corners of the groove (48) are designed by suitable formulas to provide adequate strength for the journal (24) including the flange (50) adjacent the groove (48).

Abstract: A roller cutter (28) of a drill bit (10) is retained on a journal (24) for rotation by a retainer ring (82) having external screw threads (88) which are threaded onto mating screw threads (108) on the roller cutter (28) for rotation therewith. The retainer ring (82) is mounted within a semicircular groove (68) on the journal (24) and has an inner periphery formed of a smooth arcuate surface contacting the annular groove at a position spaced at least 10.degree. from the entrance opening of the groove thereby to reduce bending stresses exerted against the root (74) of the groove (68).

Abstract: A retainer for axially retaining a cutter on the journal pin of a rotary drill bit body includes a plurality of arcuate sliding keys and a single initial tensioning ring accommodated astride an annular groove formed in the peripheral outer wall surface of the journal pin and a corresponding annular groove formed in the inner peripheral wall surface of the cutter. When the cutter is mounted on the journal pin, the initial tensioning ring functions to urge the sliding keys into pressured contact with the cutter groove when the two grooves are in registration. Not only is assembly facilitated, but damage to the sliding keys that might otherwise be caused by any excessive axially directed force applied to the sliding keys during operation of the drill bit is prevented by allowing the sliding keys to recede within the annular groove of the journal pin.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotary drill bit locking mechanism comprising a support spindle and a cutter cone with bearing surfaces. Furthermore, first and second annular grooves are formed on the bearing surfaces of the support spindle and the cutter cone that are radially adjacent to each other when the cutter cone is secured onto the support spindle. Additionally, a holding ring having a plurality of segments is assembled into the first and second annular grooves to secure the cutter cone into a rotatable position on the support spindle. Further, there is means for biasing the segments of the holding ring into a ring-like configuration in the annular grooves. This invention thus provides a rotary drill bit locking mechanism for holding a cutter cone onto the support spindle that is easy to manufacture and assemble.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for rotatably mounting and retaining a rock bit roller cone on a journal of a drill bit is disclosed. The bit body has at least one depending leg with an outer free end and an inner end continuous with the remainder of the bit body, and the cone surrounds the leg adjacent the outer end, forming an annular space between the leg and the cone. At least two retention bearing sleeves are disposed in the space: a first fixed to the leg and rotatable relative to the cone; and a second, disposed longitudinally inwardly of the first, fixed to the cone and rotatable relative to the leg. The retention bearing sleeves cooperate to prevent relative movement of the second sleeve longitudinally past the first.

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 underreamer including a body having a bore therethrough, an arm mounted at its upper end to the body, a conical cutter mounted for rotation on the lower end of each arm, a cup-shaped thrust bearing between the cutter and the arm, means extending through the arm to secure the cutter on the arm including pin elements that extend into a groove in the cutter to prevent rotation movement between the arm and the thrust bearing to lock the thrust bearing to the arm. The arms are pivotally mounted in slots in the body and means are provided for moving the arms to their cutting position with their lower ends positioned radially outward from the body.

Abstract: An improved retainer for a rotary cone rock bit and a method for inserting the same is disclosed. A cone cutter is mounted on a bearing pin of an arm of the rotary cone drill bit. Formed in the bearing pin and the inner wall of the cone cutter is an annular channel that is filled with discs through an insertion cavity and the insertion cavity is subsequently sealed. This enables the bearing surface and the bushing engaging the bearing pin to be substantially longer than heretofore possible and the wobble of the cone cutter about the bearing pin is reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drill bit which is connectable to the lower end of a rotary drill string for use in drilling oil and gas wells as drilling mud is circulated downward through the string, out the bit, and upwardly within the annulus between the string and well bore so as to remove cuttings therefrom. The bit has cones which are mounted for rotation about thrust bearings which extend inwardly from the lower ends of legs which depend from a shank at the upper end of the bit body which is attached to the drill string.

Abstract: An earth boring bit having an improved two piece bearing construction using an internally tapered and threaded, cantilevered bearing lug extending obliquely inwardly and downwardly from a leg carried by the body of the bit. An internally tapered and threaded bearing sleeve is made up on the lug, and includes a mouth that engages a shoulder on a base region of the bearing lug. The mouth of the sleeve has a minimum radial thickness such that the sleeve may be made up to a selected minimum torque. The bearing sleeve has a length greater than that of the treaded portion to define a thick walled inner end region to receive a resilient retainer ring in a groove that provides a minimum section over the threads on the interior of the sleeve. The sleeve is boronized to achieve wear resistance in a manner that does not substantially reduce strength.

Abstract: This invention teaches a means to retain a cutter cone onto a journal bearing of an earth boring rotary cone rock bit. Complementary and registering annular grooves are formed in the bearing surfaces of the journal and the cone. A tangential entry groove transitions from an end of the journal to the annular groove in the journal. Simultaneous 360.degree. rotation and axial movement of the cone over the journal, in combination with a ring distortion ramp block in the cone, threads an end of a split cone retention ring through the entry groove in the journal into the registering annular grooves, thereby retaining the cone on the journal.

Abstract: Structure for permanently retaining a rolling cutter on a journal pin of a rotary cutter earth boring bit is shown. The structure is defined by opposed, axially aligned, circumferential grooves formed in the mating bearing surfaces of the pin and the assembled cutter. The cutter groove is a single width throughout whereas the pin groove defines a double width for an arcuate extent thereof on its unloaded side. A split snap ring is compressed within the pin groove, with the ends of the ring axially overlapping in the double width portion so that the ring does not extend above the surface of the pin. Upon alignment of the grooves, during assembly of the cutter on the pin, the ring snaps into the cutter groove with the ends in abutting relationship and extends radially into the pin groove to retain the cutter on the pin.

Abstract: A rock bit cone retention means is disclosed which primarily utilizes a series of segmented rings. The segmented rings are inserted into a relatively deep annular channel formed transverse to the axis of either a journal or a cone of a rock bit leg assembly. The complementary channel, shallow in depth, is formed in either the journal or the cone. The cone, when properly positioned on the journal, closes out the channel formed in both the cone and the journal. Upon assembly, the segments are urged within the deep groove or channel in the journal or the cone such that each of the segments do not protrude beyond the bearing surface as the cone is passed over an end of the journal. Means are provided adjacent the cone retention segment to accept a spring biasing means to urge each segment away from the bottom of the deep groove in the journal or cone.

Abstract: A rotary earth boring drill is provided having a body structure with a plurality of depending cutter supporting legs having integral spindles extending transversely therefrom. Rotary cutter cone elements are supported by split bushings, roller bearings or a combination of the same, on appropriate bearing surfaces defined by the integral spindles. The bushings and cutter cones define mating tapered surfaces having an interference fit that secures the bushings and cutter cone in nonrotatable assembly. Circular locking elements are provided in locking grooves that are defined cooperatively by the bushings and cutter cones. End portions of the bushings extend axially beyond a planar surface defining one extremity of the cutter cone and establishes rotatable sealing engagement with an opposed planar surface defined by the depending leg structure of the bit. This rotatable seal prevents drill cuttings, dust and other debris from entering the bearing support of the cutter cone.

Abstract: A rock bit cone retention means is disclosed which primarily utilizes a series of segmented rings. The segmented rings are inserted into a relatively deep annular channel formed transverse to the axis of either a journal or a cone of a rock bit leg assembly. The complementary channel, shallow in depth, is formed in either the journal or the cone. The cone, when properly positioned on the journal, closes out the channel formed in both the cone and the journal. Upon assembly, the segments are urged within the deep groove or channel in the journal or the cone such that each of the segments do not protrude beyond the bearing surface as the cone is passed over an end of the journal. Means are provided adjacent the cone retention segment to accept a spring biasing means to urge each segment away from the bottom of the deep groove in the journal or cone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an earth boring bit of otherwise conventional construction except for the bearing and cutter retention. A snap ring is used to retain the cutter, the grooves that receive the ring and the ring construction being such that the ring is forced into the retainer groove when the cone is thrust inward. The ring cannot therefore accidentally return to its assembly position to permit cutter loss. This enables the use of exclusively frictional bearings and retainer means of exceptional strength and reliability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an earth boring bit of otherwise conventional construction except for the bearing and cutter retention. A snap fit ring is used to retain the cutter, the grooves that receive the ring and the ring construction being such that the ring is forced into the retainer groove when the cone is thrust inward. The ring cannot therefore accidentally return to its assembly position to permit cutter loss. This enables the use of exclusively frictional bearings and retainer means of exceptional strength and reliability.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is described having a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the main bit body. Each leg further includes an inwardly extending journal pin for rotatively supporting a cone-type cutter. An annular thrust member is provided for axially retaining the cutter onto the journal pin. In one embodiment the thrust member is adapted to extend into an annular groove formed in the journal pin with the other radial surface thereof engaging an inner annular surface of the cutter. The radial surface of the thrust member is then welded to cutter by an electron beam process. An access aperture is provided in the journal pin and leg to enable the electron beam to pass therethrough and strike the thrust member and cutter. During this operation, the cutter is rotated along with the thrust member across the access aperture to create a 360.degree. weld therebetween. In another embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the cutter cavity for receiving the thrust member.

Abstract: A roller bit for rock drilling comprising a body having at least one stub axle and a geared cutting element rotatably mounted on said stub axle. The stub axle and cutting element have confronting spaced raceways for a plurality of rolling elements. A shoulder is formed adjacent one end of the raceway in the stub axle to axially fix the rolling elements in one direction. A locking ring is mounted in the cutting element having an abutment shoulder confronting the opposite axial end faces of the rolling elements and axially fixing the rolling elements in a direction in the opposite direction. The locking ring has an outer cylindrical peripheral surface engaging in a complementary cavity in the cutting element adjacent the raceway surface therein. The locking ring has a seat for mounting a resilient sealing member engaging the stub axle adjacent the raceway therein connected in the mounted state to the stub axle.

Abstract: Rotary earth boring bits according to the present invention and method of assembly thereof allow development of a rotary earth boring bit construction of low cost nature and having exceptionally good wear life. The drill construction promotes the use of optimum bearing materials for rotary support of the cutters of the drill thereby promoting exceptionally good service life. Additionally, the bearing of each cutter assembly may be lubricated so as to further enhance the service life of the drill. Assembly may be accomplished at low cost by taking advantage of dimensional changes of the parts responsive to heating or cooling. The drill cutter may be heated to increase the dimension of the bearing cavity formed therein while the bearing and its support spindle may be cooled to reduce the external dimension of the bearing. Following assembly of the bearing and spindle to the cutter a tight retention fit will develop between the bearing and cutter as these parts approach normal temperature.

Abstract: A rock bit and manufacturing method wherein journal-bearing pins which support rotatable cutters on the bit body are separately machined and heat treated, and then mounted on the bit body by electron-beam welding or a related process of energy-beam bonding.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is constructed from at least one rock bit arm and a separate bearing pin. The rock bit arm includes a curved shirttail surface, a plane cutter receiving surface, and a mounting passage extending through said rock bit arm from said cutter receiving surface to said shirttail surface. The bearing pin includes a bearing section and a mounting section. The mounting section is positioned in the mounting passage of the rock bit arm thereby forming a seam between the mounting section of the bearing pin and the mounting passage in the rock bit arm. The mounting section of the bearing pin is fused to the rock bit arm using a beam of energy. The beam of energy is directed from an energy source located on the plane cutter receiving surface side of the rock bit arm. The plane cutter receiving surface is maintained substantially perpendicular to the beam of energy and the beam source is maintained substantially at a fixed distance from the cutter receiving surface during the fusing operation.