Abstract: In an embodiment, a disc cutter for use on a tunnel boring machine may include a shaft and a cutter assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft. The cutter assembly may include a cutter ring extending circumferentially about a central axis and one or more bearing apparatuses rotatably mounting the cutter assembly to the shaft. Each bearing apparatuses may include a rotor extending circumferentially about the central axis and a first plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about the central axis. Each first superhard bearing element may be attached to the rotor and may include a bearing surface. The bearing apparatuses may further include a stator extending circumferentially about the central axis and a second plurality of superhard bearing elements attached to the stator that are generally opposed to the first plurality of superhard bearing elements of the rotor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a cutter assembly for use on a tunnel boring machine may include a cutter ring extending circumferentially about a central axis. The cutter ring may include a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. The cutter assembly may also include superabrasive cutting elements distributed circumferentially about the axis. Each of the superabrasive cutting elements may be attached to the cutter ring and may include a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body having a working surface. At least a number of the cutting elements may extend beyond the outer surface of the cutter ring.

Abstract: A cutter is provided for shaft and/or tunnel boring which comprises a divided cutter ring (10a, 10b) and a cutter body (8) with a recess (17). The cutter ring (10a, 10b) is secured in the recess (17) by a divided clamping ring (18). The clamping ring (18) is divided into at least two segments (18a, 18b) where each segment (18a, 18b) has two segment ends, with the result that when the clamping ring (18) is tightened, a number of pairs of opposite segment ends are formed. Furthermore, in a tightened condition, all the pairs of opposite segment ends are either connected to securing elements (20), or, in a tightened condition, at least one pair of opposite segments ends is connected with a hinged device (19) while the remaining pairs of opposite segment ends are connected to securing elements (20). The segments (18a, 18b) are tightened in the segments' (18a, 18b) circumferential direction.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a cutter assembly for use on a tunnel boring machine may include a cutter ring extending circumferentially about a central axis. The cutter ring may include a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. The cutter assembly may also include superabrasive cutting elements distributed circumferentially about the axis. Each of the superabrasive cutting elements may be attached to the cutter ring and may include a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body having a working surface. At least a number of the cutting elements may extend beyond the outer surface of the cutter ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for replacing a disk cutter (1) mounted with preload in a casing (2) attached to the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine, operated using a disk cutter (1) bearing, firmly attached thereto, an element (4) for locking into the housing (2) and preloading means (5), the method involving the steps of: a) removing a worn disk cutter (1) from said housing (2): • clamping a disk cutter (1) handling device (3) onto the housing (2); • taking hold of the disk cutter, • releasing the preload, • unlocking, • extracting the disk cutter (1), • unclamping the device (3), b) fitting a replacement disk cutter (1) in reverse order.

Abstract: A disc cutter and a downhole tool including disc cutters therein. The disc cutter is disc-shaped and includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is fabricated using a substrate material. At least a portion of the upper portion's perimeter is fabricated using at least one of polycrystalline diamond, synthetic diamond grit, natural diamond grit, and cubic boron nitride. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the disc cutter also includes an intermediate layer, which is fabricated from the substrate material, extending outwardly from at least a portion of the lower portion to a distal end positioned within the upper portion. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the disc cutter is disc-shaped and includes an inner portion made of substrate material, an outer portion made of at least one of polycrystalline diamond, synthetic diamond grit, natural diamond grit, and cubic boron nitride, and a channel extending orthogonally through the inner portion.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit that includes a cutting cone with a cutting disk. Compacts are inserted within the disk having a chisel shaped end set flush with the cutting disk periphery. The compact crests and cutting disk periphery form a generally seamless cutting surface. The cutting cone can further include cutting teeth thereon also having flush mounted compacts. The compacts can be made from a material such as cemented carbide, hardfacing, tungsten, tungsten alloys, tungsten carbide and the cutter made from steel.

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: A coating steel component with a pattern of an iron based matrix with crystalline particles metallurgically bound to the surface of a steel substrate for use as disc cutters or other components with one or more abrading surfaces that can experience significant abrasive wear, high point loads, and large shear stresses during use. The coated component contains a pattern of features in the shape of freckles or stripes that are laser formed and fused to the steel substrate. The features can display an inner core that is harder than the steel substrate but generally softer than the matrix surrounding the core, providing toughness and wear resistance to the features. The features result from processing an amorphous alloy where the resulting matrix can be amorphous, partially devitrified or fully devitrified.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of arcuate-shaped inserts for drill bits, and in particular, for placement in rolling cone cutters of drill bits. The arcuate inserts include 360° or ring-shaped inserts, as well as inserts of smaller arcuate length. The arcuate inserts are suitable for use in all surfaces of the rolling cone cutter, and in other locations in drill bits, and may have specialized cutting surfaces and material enhancements to enhance their cutting duty performance. Certain arcuate inserts may include stress relieving discontinuities such that, upon assembly into the cone or during drilling, the arcuate inserts may fragment in a controlled and predicted manner into shorter arcuate lengths.

Abstract: Bits for use in drilling with a well completion string having a bit body and a cutting face that includes a plurality of sets of cutter elements mounted on the cutting face. The bit body has a central longitudinal bore having an integrated female non-shouldered, standard oilfield completion string thread. The bits are designed with minimal cutter coverage, and this combined with the integrated completion string thread allows for economical completion of a well with high ROP expected from a PDC type bit. In an additional embodiment, a bit comprises a bit body and a cutting face having integrated cutting structures.

Abstract: A roller cone body defines a circumferential channel or race into which a plurality of cutter or wear segments are mounted. The wear segments may be of any appropriate contour or shape, such as for example chisel, spherical, or even flat face and are preferably made or carbide. The wear elements may be all the same within a channel or race, or they may be varied within a race as needed for a particular application.

Abstract: A cutter for a tunnel boring machine is equipped with a cutter body (1) with a slanting surface (2), a cylindrical contact surface (12) and a preferably tapered threaded portion with specially designed threads (6), a clamping ring (4) with threads adapted to the cutter body's threads with a slanting surface (5) with a groove (13) with a spring (14). The cutter has an undivided (3) or divided cutter ring (with segments 3a, 3b) with a cross section with slanting lateral surfaces (7, 8) in the foot and a cylindrical contact surface (11). The diameter of the cutter ring's cylindrical contact surface (11) has a clearance tolerance relative to the diameter of the cylindrical contact surface (12) of the cutter body.

Abstract: A small sized disk bit includes a bit holder accommodated in a bearing journal on its side (overhangingly), and a disk body with asymmetrically designed wedge flanks mounted rotatably thereon. To enable the disk body to absorb high radial and axial strong forces encountered during the engagement of the disk on a solid rock, the disk body is designed as a one-part disk body with a blind hole with its surface and the bearing journal surface being designed as components of the bearing. The bearing involves the combination of a radial and thrust bearing each, where the thrust bearing is milled into the track of the radial bearing. A ball bearing is used as the axial bearing and a needle roller bearing, a cylindrical roller bearing or a slide bearing is used as the radial bearing. The diameter of the ball bearing is larger than the diameter of the needle rollers, or the cylindrical rollers or the thickness of the sliding bush of the slide bearing.

Abstract: A tunnel boring including a rotatable head is disclosed. The head has a cutting face transverse to a head axis of rotation. A plurality of cutters are mounted in the face each on an associated one of a plurality of hubs. The hubs mounted for rotation about a respective hub axes. Each such respective hub axis is in an imaginary plane intersecting another imaginary plane including the head axis. Each of the cutters has a cutting edge symmetrical about another imaginary plane which is skewed with respect to the respective hub axis of the associated hub.

Abstract: A cutter for a tunnel boring machine is equipped with a cutter body (1) with a slanting surface (2), a cylindrical contact surface (12) and a preferably tapered threaded portion with specially designed threads (6), a clamping ring (4) with threads adapted to the cutter body's threads with a slanting surface (5) with a groove (13) with a spring (14). The cutter has an undivided (3) or divided cutter ring (with segments 3a, 3b) with a cross section with slanting lateral surfaces (7, 8) in the foot and a cylindrical contact surface (11). The diameter of the cutter ring's cylindrical contact surface (11) has a clearance tolerance relative to the diameter of the cylindrical contact surface (12) of the cutter body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earth formation, the drill bit comprising a first and a second disc cutter, each disc cutter being arranged to roll along the borehole bottom during rotation of the drill bit and thereby to cut respective first and second substantially circular, radially spaced cuts in the borehole bottom so that a body of rock material is defined between said cuts. The second disc cutter is arranged to cut into the bottom of the borehole at a selected rotational interval of the drill bit behind the first disc cutter and to shear-off said body of rock material in the direction of the first cut. Each disc cutter includes a set of mutually spaced cutting members arranged to create, during a turn of the drill bit, a corresponding set of cut sections of the cut created by the disc cutter, and wherein the cutting members are arranged so that the sets of cut sections created during subsequent drill bit turns are staggered relative to each other.

Abstract: A disk bit of a small size includes a bit holder (2), a bearing journal (4) accommodated by the bit holder (2) on the side (overhangingly), and a disk body (5) mounted thereon rotatably with asymmetrically designed wedge flanks (6, 7). High radial and axial forces develop during the engagement of such a disk bit in the solid rock. To enable the disk body (5) to absorb these strong forces, it is designed as a one-part disk body with a blind hole. The surface of the blind hole and the surface of the bearing journal (4) are designed as components of the bearing. The bearing comprises the combination of a radial and thrust bearing each, wherein the thrust bearing is milled into the track of the radial bearing. A ball bearing (9) is used as the axial bearing and a needle roller bearing (10), a cylindrical roller bearing or a slide bearing is used as the radial bearing.

Abstract: The invention provides an excavation bit, which is constructed from either a single or double carrier. If two carriers are present the carriers are contra-rotating. By the off setting of the axes of rotation of single or dual carriers from a longitudinal axis of the bit, and by driving to carriers to rotate, a ground engaging thrust is produced, as well as the rotation of the excavation bit in the ground as a consequence of the rotation of the carriers, and not vice versa as is the case with prior art. By the invention, there can result sufficient thrust on the bit, by the rotation of the carriers, so that the need to apply thrust down the bore via the drill rod is reduced or eliminated. As a result of the invention the number and or size of the ground engaging tools are not a function of the bore diameter to be drilled. Thus as the excavation bit is scaled up for larger diameter bores more ground engaging tools and or an increase in their size is not required.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit for removing rock and earthen formation while being rotated includes a generally circular bit body. A plurality of saddle members are mounted to the bit body, each saddle member supporting and receiving a journal member. A cutter shell is rotatably mounted on bearings disposed on each journal member. A kerf ring is releasably secured to each cutter shell. Each kerf ring includes at least two kerfs circumferentially disposed around the rings, each kerf having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposing sides that converge to define a crest for receiving inserts for disintegration of formation material. The kerfs are oriented on the kerf ring such that the longitudinal axes of the inserts diverge as the kerfs extend radially outward from the kerf ring. The inserts embedded in each kerf are generally flush with the sides of the kerf and protrude from the crest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller bit for tunnel-driving machines. Pursuant to the invention, a cutting ring has at least two or more segments. Accordingly, it is possible to renew the cutting ring itself or different parts of the cutting ring segment by segment, without the previously required dismantling and installation of a complete roller bit from a drill head and associated expenses of transporting. A total driving time is thus reduced because of shorter repair times. The segments of the cutting ring are disposed in a fixed position preferably by means of profiled guides on the base roller body and connected with the base roller body by means of segment holding devices which have a screw thread, and/or by means of threaded rings.

Abstract: The invention provides an excavation bit, which is constructed from either a single or double carrier. If two carriers are present the carriers are contra-rotating. By the off setting of the axes of rotation of single or dual carriers from a longitudinal axis of the bit, and by driving to carriers to rotate, a ground engaging thrust is produced, as well as the rotation of the excavation bit in the ground as a consequence of the rotation of the carriers, and not vice versa as is the case with prior art. By the invention, there can result sufficient thrust on the bit, by the rotation of the carriers, so that the need to apply thrust down the bore via the drill rod is reduced or eliminated. As a result of the invention the number and or size of the ground engaging tools are not a function of the bore diameter to be drilled. Thus as the excavation bit is scaled up for larger diameter bores more ground engaging tools and or an increase in their size is not required.

Abstract: A drill bit as used in particular in the oil well drilling field comprising a central body (2), cutting blades (3) protruding with respect to the body (2), both at the front of this body according to a drill direction and at the sides of this same body (2), and cutting elements (9) divided over an outer front surface (10) and over an outer lateral well sizing surface (11) comprised by each blade (3), wherein there are provided as cutting elements: in a central area (13) of the front surface (10), on at least one blade (3): at least one synthetic polycrystalline diamond compact cutting disc (12), and in a remaining area (14) of the front surface (10) of this blade, situated beyond said central area (13) with respect to the rotation axis, and on the other blades: thermally stable synthetic diamonds and/or impregnated diamond particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an excavation bit (10) which is constructed from either a single or double carrier. If two carriers (14 and 15) are present, the carriers (14, 15) are contra-rotating. By the off setting of the axes of rotation (17 and 18) of single or dual carriers from a longitudinal axis (22) of the bit (10) and by driving the carriers to rotate, a ground engaging thrust is produced, as well as the rotation of the excavation bit (10) in the ground as a consequence of the rotation of the carriers, and not vice versa as in the case with prior art. By the invention, there can result sufficient thrust on the bit (10) by the rotation of the carriers (14 and 15) so that the need to apply thrust down the bore via the drill rod is reduced or eliminated. As a result of the invention, the number and/or size of the ground engaging tools (25) are not a function of the bore diameter to be drilled.

Abstract: Small diameter rotary drill bits using rolling disc cutters. Novel small diameter rotary drill bits with detachable pedestal mounted rolling disc cutters are provided. The bit body has a plurality of longitudinal edge mounting slots located at preselected angularly spaced apart locations. Preferably, the slots each have an upper protective ledge and downwardly extending sidewalls. A set of peripheral pedestal mounts each having a mounting portion sized and shaped to fit into a preselected mounting slot are provided and each is detachably mounted in its preselected mounting slot. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending slots further comprise a wedge shaped edge portion, and the pedestal mounts have a complimentary angularly shaped portion, so that when the pedestal mount is brought into a close fitting relationship with the longitudinal slot, the pedestal mount and the longitudinal slot are tightly and securely interfitting.

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 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 assembly, and seal 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 30-50% 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. This capacity permits single disc cutter technology to be applied to smaller bits or cutterheads than previously possible.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit or head of the shaft or tunnel boring variety has a generally circular bit body. A plurality of saddle members are secured to bit body to receive and support each end of a plurality of corresponding journal members. A cutter shell or sleeve is mounted for rotation on bearings on each journal member. At least one kerf ring is releasably secured to the cutter shell. The kerf ring includes a pair of opposing sides that converge to define a continuous crest for disintegration of formation material. A plurality of hard metal inserts are embedded and secured in rows to the kerf ring, the inserts being generally flush with the sides and extending to the crest of the kerf ring.

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 rock cutting tool with a plurality of independently rotatable cutter units and with a shaft, a sleeve located around the shaft, and at least two rotatable hubs located around the sleeve. At least one cutter unit is located on each of the two rotatable hubs for rotation about an axis of rotation with respect to a rock-face. Bearings between the sleeve and each of the hubs rotatably support the hubs. The bearings comprise at least one cylindrical roller bearing set and at least one ball bearing set for each hub. Each roller bearing set is located substantially entirely under the cutter unit of its associated hub to absorb radial loads, and each ball bearing set is located remotely from the cutter unit of its associated hub to be isolated from radial loads. The shaft has first and second key receiving openings. The key is located on the interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cutter for a tunnel boring machine with cutter ring in two or more ring segments with a dovetail base, clamped to the cutter hub by a segmented clamping ring. The ring segments have a wedge shaped cross section, and are mounted in a groove. The segments are fastened to the hub by bolts. To facilitate loosening of the ring segments, the segments have a curvature different from that of the groove, so that an elastic force will be accumulated in the ring segments when they are mounted and the bolts are tightened. The curvature of the ring segments is either smaller or greater than that of the groove.

Abstract: A device for cutting trenches in hard rock. A plurality of disc-like primary cutters are positioned on arms around a frame. The frame rotates about a central shaft and the center shaft is moved along horizontally in the direction the trench is to be cut. Between the primary cutters are reaming cutters. Each primary and each reaming cutter is provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentors secured to the external surface and each indentor has an end point and being adaptable to penetrate the rock face upon the application of working force a distance "P" and wherein the indentor end points are spaced a distance not greater then 7P apart.

Abstract: A cutter head for drilling tunnels in rock includes a rotational body with a dove-shaped groove. A cutter ring formed of two substantially identical ring halves is clamped inside the groove by a clamping ring. Pins on the cutter ring extend into corresponding holes in the groove.

Abstract: A roller cutter assembly comprising a cutter hub adapted for rotation with respect to a rock face and having a peripheral surface with an axially extending width. The first cutter ring is located on the cutter hub. A second cutter ring is also located on the cutter hub. Both the first cutter ring and the second cutter ring are adjustable between at least first locations and second locations along the width of the peripheral surface of the cutter hub such that reorientation of at least one of the first cutter ring and the second cutter ring on the cutter hub alters the axial spacing between the first cutter ring and the second cutter ring, resulting in alteration of the spacing of the cutters located thereon.

Abstract: A diamond cutting table having the geometric characteristics of larger unleached diamond compact products and yet characterized by the physical properties of smaller leached diamond products is fabricated by forming a diamond cutter incorporating a plurality of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) leached disks. The PCD leached disks are disposed in array in a cutting slug formed of matrix material. The matrix material is disposed between and around the plurality of diamond disks and in one embodiment incorporates a volume distribution of diamond grit. The cutting slug is hot pressed or infiltrated to form an integral mass or table. The diamond table is then bonded to a cutter or directly molded into an integral tooth within a matrix body bit.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling in the ground includes a pair of drilling cones having axes of rotation that converge near a drilling center of the bit. The cones each include a plurality of ridges or uninterrupted cutting edges. The cutting edges of each cone are separated by troughs. During rotation of the bit, the cutting edges of one cone are aligned so as to pass along the path traversed by the troughs of the opposite cone and vice versa. Drilling fluid jets are provided and flow connect with a drilling fluid supply to provide drilling fluid under pressure for cleaning and lubrication to the cones as well as to sweep away debris dislodged by the cutting action of the cones.

Abstract: Ice auger cutters include a shaft having a handle connected to one end for rotating the shaft about its axis, cutting elements secured to an opposite end of the shaft positioned radially outwardly from the axis, and an adjustable stop coaxially positioned between the cutting elements to control the penetration or feed rate of the cutter according to the density and temperature of the ice and strength of the operator.

Abstract: A hardmetal ring is a size for size or low interference fit on the body of a disc cutter of a rock working machine, such as a boxhole borer. In one embodiment the ring is gable shaped and clamped between a fixed annular shoulder and a detachable annular shoulder. In another embodiment the ring is triangular in section and two annular shoulders resting on it and inclined surfaces on the body clamp the ring to the body.

Abstract: Twin combined radial-and-thrust antifriction bearings in a mounting for a rotatable member, such as a tunneling cutterhead or a tunneling cutter, can be tightened or preloaded by pressing spaced bearing races against a spacer ring therebetween to contract the spacer ring. Alternatively the rotatable member may be a cutter composed of a rim mounted on a hub having an external circumferential groove extending partially under the base of such rim by a retaining ring received in such groove and having portions thereof staked beneath the rim to anchor the retaining ring in place. The cutting rim may be of generally equilateral triangle cross section having opposite base angles clipped to provide narrow parallel walls and the apex being truncated to provide a crest included angle of 80 degrees to 100 degrees. The slant slides of the cutting rim are concave to enable the apex of the rim to be sharpened more effectively.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for rock bits whereby cutting elements, rotatably mounted to fixtures with journals, are constantly forced to rotate or precess by the interaction of the earth formation and the cutter. The cutters are fixed in skewed or offset positions on a cutting face of a rotary drill bit head. These cutting elements act as drag or shear cutters when they are operated in an earth formation.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprised of a pilot bit and a plurality of add-on reamer sections which are sized to progressively increase the diameter of the hole in measured increments. Both the pilot bit and the reamer sections have two cutter elements which take advantage of the bi-center concept and both use knife edged cutters instead of teeth to drill the hole.

Abstract: A drilling device comprises a drilling head including a rotating body through which runs a duct for supplying, under pressure, air, or mud, or water or other drilling fluid. At least one rotating cutting element is mounted on a shaft fixed on the rotating body so that the axes of rotation of the rotating body and of the cutting element diverge in the drilling direction. The cutting element is a disc having a ring-shaped cutting part. The rotating body bears on the opposite side to that bearing the rotating shaft of the disc a counter-reacting element placed in such a way that the element rests against the drilling wall to center the drilling head by compensating for the radial component of the reaction of the ground on the disc and to strengthen the wall. The point of contact of the element and wall which is highest up on the device is no higher than the highest point of the ring-shaped cutting part.

Abstract: A compact and relatively lightweight rock cutting tool comprises a pair of disc cutters disposed in parallel, the disc cutters having circumferential cutting edges; a support member for the cutters disposed radially inwardly of the cutting edges thereof and on which each cutter is borne for rotation; and a mounting pedestal to which the member is attached between planes defined by the respective cutting edges of the cutters, preferably mid-way between the planes. Preferably each cutter is borne for rotation independently of the other and the cutting edges of the disc cutters are separated by 80 to 100 mm. The overall width of a tool with a separation of 90 mm between the cutting edges and with cutters of 330 mm diameter is only 180 mm which is about half that of an equivalent tool of conventional construction. With the tool of the invention therefore either more tools may be fitted to a given cutting head or more room made available at the cutting head for access to the tools and for the removal of cut rock.

Abstract: Roller cutters are mounted onto a cutterhead from the rear side of the cutterhead. A load transfer block is insertable between a stator portion of each cutter and a generally forwardly directed load-carrying surface on the cutter-head frame. Loads imposed on the roller cutter during boring are transmitted rearwardly from the stator to the load transfer block, and from the load transfer block to the cutterhead frame.

Abstract: Earth drilling equipment includes a main body tube with jacks to releasably support it within a drilled shaft, or within an erected start up shaft. An outer casing is rotatably mounted within the main body tube, and carries a horizontal base on which are driven wheels, and vertical shafts which have cutting elements. Means within the casing for fluid input and evacuation within the drill area is provided to form a slurry of the fluid and excavated material for withdrawal through the casing. As drilling continues, the main body tube is lowered into the shaft.The cutting elements include plates with cutting edges mounted on individual axles such that the edges are maintained in cutting relation to the area to be drilled.

Abstract: A rock boring machine of the kind consisting of a rotatable headplate on the front face of which is mounted a plurality of rotatable disc cutters, each disc cutter comprising an annular body, a plurality of cutting segments located on and substantially encircling the annular body around the periphery thereof, and removable clamping means for securing the cutting segments to the annular body. Each cutting segment is provided with a suitable formation adapted to engage with a complemental formation on the annular body to prevent peripheral movement of the segments around the annular body.

Abstract: A cutter with replaceable cutting elements is adapted to be mounted upon the rotary head of an earth boring machine or upon the body of an earth boring bit. The cutter is used in conjunction with an earth boring machine that functions to form circular kerfs in the formation being bored to fracture rock between a proximate pair of kerfs in a manner to cause fragments of the formation to be separated from the formation being bored. At least one annular cutting ring is mounted on the periphery of the cutter body for contacting the formations and forming a kerf therein. The cutting ring is in the form of a pair of substantially semicircular disk elements that fit upon the periphery of the cutter body. A corresponding pair of semicircular locking elements with taper surfaces are positioned in overlapping relation to the disk elements. The locking elements are securely bolted to the cutter body and insure that the disk elements remain in the proper position for the earth boring operation.

Abstract: A rock-boring machine of the type comprising a rotatable headplate having a plurality of disc cutting units mounted on the front face of the headplate. Each disc cutting unit includes an annular rotatable body having a continuous recess extending around its periphery and a plurality of cutting segments located in the recess. The segments are secured in the recess by means of removable clamping means.