Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth. Embodiments include a drill bit comprised of a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes one or more holes therethrough configured to receive a cutter that is secured therein. The cutters are secured in the hole with securing means that typically prevent the cutters from being removed when the drill bit is in use but allow the cutters to be removed from the holes when the drill bit is not in use.

Abstract: An earth drilling reamer has an elongated body having an outer surface and a plurality of blade mounting supports extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the body. Each blade mounting support has a primary blade engagement positioned parallel to the outer surface and a leading blade angled from the outer surface to the primary blade engagement. A removable primary blade is detachably secured to the primary blade engagement.

Abstract: A rotary tool for drilling subterranean material is disclosed. The rotary tool includes a tool body having a distal crown end comprising a circumferential series of raised cutting blades with recessed junk slots therebetween. Cutting elements are located proximate a leading peripheral edge of the raised cutting blades and cutting control structures are located interiorly of the cutting elements at a leading surface of an adjacent junk slot. Cutting control structures are releasably secured to the tool body in the adjacent junk slot whereby a used rotary tool is refurbishable by removing worn cutting control structures without degradation to the tool body and replacing the worn cutting control structures by installing new cutting control structures in the worn cutting control structures' locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for holding a tooth on a body of a cutting blade or grinding drum for cutting or grinding rock or hard earth formations. The body has an attachment surface for attaching the holder. The holder comprises a portion for holding the tooth in a manner such that a portion of the tooth projects from the holder. The holder also comprises a base surface for attaching the holder to the attachment surface of the body. The holder is positionable in a plurality of different orientations in which the base surface is attachable to the attachment surface and in which the received tooth projects from the body in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A drill bit that includes a body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation, the end face having a plurality of raised ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween; at least one of the plurality of ribs having a varying width along at least a portion of a rib height is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auger bit for an earth auger, in which at least two curved plates are provided and extend radially outwards from a drilling axis, the axial height decreasing radially outwards.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element includes a substrate having a base member affixed to a back surface of the substrate is disclosed, wherein the base member includes a recess configured to secure the base member to a rotary drill bit. An inner member may be positioned within the recess of the base member. Also, a structural element may be coupled to the inner member or to the base member. A rotary drill bit may include a cutting element assembly. In addition, a method of securing a cutting element to a rotary drill bit may include providing a base member affixed to a cutting element and positioning the base member within a recess of the rotary drill bit.

Abstract: Casing bits include a crown having a substantially hollow interior. The bit crown has blades over a face portion thereof, the blades including a plurality of cutting elements attached thereto. The bit crown further includes a composite inlay positioned at least within the substantially hollow interior. Casing bits also include case hardened outer surfaces radially outside the drill-out region. Casing bits further include short-substrate cutting elements. Methods of forming a casing bit are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment means for a ground drilling or cutting tool (10) that enables cutting elements (11) to be removably secured to the tool (10). The attachment means include a first surface (13) on the cutting element (11), a second surface (14) on the tool (10) upon which the first surface (11) locates, dowel holes (15) in each of the first and second surfaces, dowels (16) that locate in aligned dowel holes between said surfaces, engagement surfaces (17, 18) on the cutting element and tool that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool and engage to resist side loads applied to the cutting elements (11) and fastening means (19) that secures the cutting elements (11) to the tool (10). The invention provides a means of easily removing the cutting elements (11) from the tool (10) for either replacement or maintenance work.

Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.

Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.

Abstract: A releasable auger tooth for an auger includes a slot shaped to fit a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped recess of a tooth holder element, and a tooth channel shaped to receive at least part of a shock-absorbing element and/or a wedging element. A holder element and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A modular back reamer to be used in subterranean drilling includes a drive stem, a reamer body having a plurality of receptacles, wherein the receptacles are configured to retain a cutting leg assembly, and a plurality of shims engaged within the receptacles to secure the cutting leg assemblies at a specified height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drilling with casing includes therewith a drill shoe configured for later drilling through thereof in situ, with cutters retainable thereon in response to the forces encountered during borehole drilling, yet moveable from the envelope through which the later drill shoe will pass when cutting through the in situ drill shoe. The drill shoe includes one or more profiles thereon, into which blades carrying the formation drilling cutters are disposed. The profiles include at least one projection thereon, which is received within a mating slot in the blades. The blades also may be configured to have opposed sections which are configured with respect to one another to have an included angle of less than ninety degrees.

Abstract: Compacts are oriented in certain places on roller cones of an earth boring bit to increase the number of compacts in certain rows. The compacts that are pressed into holes in rows on the cones. The compacts are of tungsten carbide and have a cutting end axis and a barrel axis. The barrel axis intersects the cutting end axis at an obtuse angle. In one of the cones, the barrel axis of at least some of the compacts is rotated to have less inclination than the barrel axis of the compact nearest to it. The nearest compact may be in the same row or an adjacent row. Also, at least some of the compacts may be asymmetrical, with a cutting end axis that diverges from a barrel axis.

Abstract: Asymmetrical compacts are utilized in certain places on roller cones of an earth boring bit to increase the number of compacts in certain rows. The compacts that are pressed into holes in rows on the cones. The compacts are of tungsten carbide and have a cutting end axis and a barrel axis. The barrel axis intersects the cutting end axis at an obtuse angle. In the heel row, the barrel axis of at least some of the compacts is rotated to have less inclination than the cutting end axis. In an adjacent row to the heel row, each of the compacts has a barrel axis that is rotated to have more inclination than its cutting end axis and more inclination than the barrel axes of the heel row.

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: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include elevated wear protector receptacles in particular locations and configurations.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: Various steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatuses, which may have a drill bit, a housing and a one-bolt attachment system, or other features.

Abstract: A rotary mine drilling bit for making blast holes having a connection at one end of the body for attachment to a drill string and the second end of the body having a plurality of longitudinally extending slots. A thrust shoulder is provided between the ends of the body and longitudinally extending supporting legs are positioned in each of the slots and are releasably connected to the body. One end of the supporting legs are positioned the adjacent the shoulders for receiving longitudinal thrust and for avoiding thrust on the connecting means. A roller bit is connected to the end of each supporting leg.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit is shown which includes at least one roller cone rotatably mounted on a journal forming a part of a bit body. The at least one cone having cutting elements disposed at selected locations thereon. The at least one roller cone subtends a journal angle of less than about 35 degrees, and has an offset less than about 0.15 inches. In one embodiment, gage row cutting elements on the at least one roller cone define an oversize angle in a range of about −1.5 to +2 degrees.

Abstract: An earth boring bit for boring a hole having a predetermined depth into the earth. The earth boring bit includes a cylindrical drum for being mounted for rotation on the end of a boom of a mobile machine and connected to and rotated by a power supply mounted on the boom. The drum includes an exterior for defining the diameter of the hole being bored and an interior adapted for receiving upturned earth therein as the hole is being bored. A plate is carried by the drum adjacent a lower end thereof for movement between a closed position for cooperating with the interior of the drum for retaining the upturned earth therein and an open position for dispensing the upturned earth out of the interior of the drum at a predetermined location away from the hole being bored. A cutting member is carried on the plate for cutting the earth in a progressive slice and directing the earth into the drum, thereby boring the hole into the earth.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly is provided for releasably retaining a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit cutter. Two adjacent cavities formed in a drill bit body house, respectively, the disc-shaped drill bit cutter and a wedge-shaped cutter lock element with a removable fastener. The cutter lock element engages one flat surface of the cutter to retain the cutter in its cavity. The drill bit assembly thus enables the cutter to be locked against axial and/or rotational movement while still providing for easy removal of a worn or damaged cutter. The ability to adjust and replace cutters in the field reduces the effect of wear, helps maintains performance and improves drilling efficiency.

Abstract: Cutter elements including pointed contact structures and elements, and rock tools or bits for carrying those elements, for chipping, cutting, and breaking non-ductile materials are disclosed. The cutter elements, the ends of which directly contact and cut through rock and other materials, have tapered contact structure ends which are flatter than those known to the prior art, obtaining increased durability. The contact elements which may be part of the contact structures are selected of materials having hardness and other characteristics in relation to those of the mounting structures, including the tapered and projecting portions, which also add durability and wear-resistance to the elements. Fixed, replaceable, and rotatable cutter elements are disclosed. Rock tools including bits are also disclosed for carrying the cutter elements, having sockets for threaded or rotatable cutter elements arranged in straight or curved rows on the head opposite the drill-string-engaging base of the tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an annular cam rotatably located in a housing with a drill shaft extending through the cam and housing. The shaft can be rotated for drilling purposes and be moved longitudinally in the housing for shifting purposes. The cam has grooves in its outer surface for receiving a cam follower carried by the shaft which rotates the cam as the shaft is moved longitudinally for shifting purposes. The shaft may be moved longitudinally in one direction to a position to engage members of a clutch such that when the shaft rotates, it rotates the housing. The shaft is movable in an opposite direction to disengage the clutch members and then is movable to locate the cam follower in the groove at different positions to allow the operator to control the longitudinal position of the shaft for turning purposes or for drilling straight.

Abstract: Angled insertable drag bit teeth having a front portion at an oblique angle to a shank portion: the front portion is nearly parallel to the direction of thrust during cutting, and is bonded, along a substantial part of its length, to a groove in the bit body. The shank portion extends down into a pocket in the bit body. Preferably the front portion is faced with a superhard material such as polycrystalline-diamond-compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved attachment of an ultra-hard compact, especially a two-layer disk-type PCD compact, to a tool or support surface with a mechanical connection. In general the ultra-hard compact is provided with a tool-engaging threaded end protruding from the compact. The threaded end may be facilitated by a post fitted into a blind hole in the ultra-hard compact, or may be facilitated by a threaded sleeve permanently attached to the ultra-hard compact. In any case, when the ultra-hard compact is threadably engaged into a tool or support surface, the fastening means is hidden with only the wear resistant materials of the ultra-hard compact exposed.

Abstract: A boring tool is provided with first and second rectangular reversing cut plates which have, in each case, two short and two considerably longer cutting edges. One of the reversing cut plates is arranged connecting to or intersecting the axis of rotation of the boring tool, while the other reversing cut plate 12 is arranged connecting to the outer circle defined by the boring tool. The cutting edges active in each case on the face side of the boring tool have a straight construction and they overlap to a greater or lesser extend, in accordance with the bore diameter. The bend-free and jog-free construction of the active cutting edges of the cut plates makes possible the use of the same reversing cut plates on boring tools having different diameters with only the extent of the overlap of the cut plates being changed.

Abstract: A tool bit for working in a previously drilled blind bore (5) has a shank section (2) insertible into the blind bore and a chuck section (1) extending co-axially from a drilling end of the shank section. A marking member (15) facing toward the base of the blind bore is mounted on the shank section (2) so that it rotates with the shank section.

Abstract: A downhole hammer bit including at least one bit impact head mounted to a vertical guide member by a plurality of retaining ring segments. Opposed surfaces of the bit impact head and the guide member have corresponding circumferential grooves or groove sections that define a channel or channel sections, respectively, for receiving the retaining ring segments. The retaining ring segments are inserted into the respective channel/channel section via a bore that extends from an external surface of the hammer bit. A pin disposed in the bore retains the retaining ring segments in the channel/channel section. The retaining ring segments engage the upper and lower surfaces of the channel/channel sections along an extended arc, reducing the stress and possibility of mechanical failure.

Abstract: A cutting bit has a bit body which has a forward end and a rearward end. The bit body contains a seat at the forward end thereof. The bit body contains a bore intersecting the seat wherein a bore wall defines the bore. A cutting insert is received by the seat wherein the cutting insert presents a side surface facing the bore. A wedge has a generally longitudinal seating surface. The wedge has a support surface opposite to the longitudinal seating surface. The wedge is received within the bore so that the longitudinal seating surface of the wedge contacts the side surface of the cutting insert and for at least a portion of the length of the wedge the entire support surface contacts the bore wall so as to frictionally retain the cutting insert in the seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved attachment of a PCD compact, especially a two-layer disk-type PCD compact, to a tool or support surface with a mechanical connection. In general the PCD compact is provided with a blind bore in the substrate layer, the bore terminating in the substrate layer and opening onto an outer face of the substrate layer intended to engage or abut the tool or support surface. A mechanical fastener is inserted into the blind bore such that it is secured to the PCD compact to form an integral unit with a tool-engaging end of the fastener protruding from the compact. In a preferred form the mechanical fastener is a metal post having at least one, and alternately both, ends threaded for threaded engagement to both the blind bore (which would have its own threads) and suitable threaded openings on the tool.

Abstract: A rotary mining bit is particularly suitable for use in the drilling of blasting holes in the mining industry, but may also be used for drilling wells and the like in both soft materials and hard, rocky materials. The bit comprises a central hollow body with a plurality of wings extending outwardly therefrom, with each wing having a leading edge with a plurality of cutting tooth sockets disposed therealong and each of the sockets having a cutting tooth affixed therein. The outermost cutting teeth on each wing describe a gauge row diameter, which defines the diameter of a hole formed using the present bit. The outermost cutting teeth are each angled outwardly, away from the axis of the bit and lateral edge of the wing. An inner or apex row of teeth describes a smaller cutting circle diameter, with intermediate teeth on each row preferably being irregularly spaced between the outermost and innermost teeth on each respective wing, so each intermediate tooth describes a different diameter circle from the others.

Abstract: A method of mounting a hard insert in a cutting tool such as a drill bit is disclosed. The insert has a head and a shank which tapers inwardly in a direction away from the head of the insert. The cutting tool body has several seats which are shaped and tapered complementally to the insert shank. The insert is pressed or tapped into the seat so that the insert shank engages the seat in the tool in a friction fit. The insert shank may be frustoconical, or, alternatively, polygonal or irregular in shape. The taper of the shank (and the complemental taper of the seat) should be relatively shallow, with an included angle in the range of 4.degree. to 14.degree.. Preferably, the included angle of the shank should be slightly greater than that of the seat.

Abstract: The bit holder (1) is nonpositively connected to a bit bushing (3) with adherence to a pressure per unit of surface area of >100N/mm.sup.2 between the conical outer surface of the bit bushing (3) and the inner wall of the receiving bore (2) of the bit holder (1). After the bushing has been driven into the receiving bore (2), the conical outer surface of the bit bushing (3), formed by rectilinear generatrices, protrudes beyond the bore (2) by an excess amount (a).

Abstract: In a hollow earth auger head assembly a plurality of bit-holding pockets are provided, spaced circumferentially from one another around an open mouth of an auger head, and bits taken selectively from a multiplicity of types of cutting teeth, have a shank portion that seats in any and all of the pockets. A retaining pin extends chordally, off set from a diameter, through holes in the pocket and into a retaining pin receiver in the bits. In those bits that are intended to rotate in the pocket, the retaining receiver takes the form of an annular channel. In those bits that are not supposed to rotate, the retaining pin extends through a linear passage in or along a flat on the bit shank. In certain embodiments of sockets a chordal plug or weldment defines a space with one flat side against which a tail of the shanks of certain bits designed not to rotate bear.

Abstract: A base member and bit holder assembly for replaceably mounting a bit on a mining machine, road working machine or earth moving machine. The bit is of the type having a shank terminating in at least one working end. The bit holder has a shank receiving perforation therein to receive the shank of the bit. A bit retainer releasably retains the bit shank in the bit holder shank receiving perforation. Cooperating abutment surfaces on the bit holder and bit determine the depth to which the bit shank extends into the shank receiving perforation of the bit holder. The bit holder has a tapered shank portion, and the base member has a correspondingly tapered cavity extending therethrough. The angularity of the tapers of the bit holder shank and base member cavity are the same, falling within the range of from about 6.degree. to about 12.degree. and are such that once the bit holder shank has been set in the base member cavity it will remain there until removed by an appropriate tool.

Abstract: A mining bit holding system is provided which includes a bit holder which attaches to the rotatable drum of a mining machine. The bit holder includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion has an aperture therethrough, to receive a sleeve. The sleeve has an aperture therethrough for rotatably receiving a cutting bit. The sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the position of the sleeve may be fixed axially with respect to the body portion by an interference fit in such a manner that it may be easily removed from the body portion.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a rotary drill bit comprises an elongate stud to be received in a socket in the surface of the bit body, the stud having mounted at one end thereof a preform cutting element. At least a major part of the stud is generally in the form of a cylinder of a circular cross-section having two symmetrically disposed flats extending longitudinally thereof, the flats being inclined towards the longitudinal axis of the stud as they extend towards the end of the stud remote from the cutting element. The flats allow the cutter assemblies to be packed together more closely side-by-side across a convexly curved surface of the body of the drill bit.

Abstract: A rock drill bit having a shank and a replaceable cutting head, comprising steps of producing a shank having a tip with an outer surface having a given shape, producing a head having a working face at one end and a recess at the other end with a cross-section corresponding in shape to that of said shank tip, and having a size about 0.15% less than that of said shank tip, cooling said shank in a cryogenic gas at ambient pressure to reduce its size, installing said head on said shank tip, and permitting the components to return to ambient temperature, to establish a shrink fit between the head and the shank.

Abstract: An excavation tool, in which a device is provided which receives the striking force of a hammer and the rotational force of a hammer cylinder, in a bottom surface of which at least three axle holes are provided displaced from a center of the device and at equivalent angular intervals in the circumferential direction, block axles are inserted in the axle holes in a freely rotatable manner, blocks which are roughly fan-shaped and have bits embedded in the lead end surfaces thereof are provided at lead end parts of the block axles, so that left- and right-side faces of said blocks are in mutual opposition and arc parts of all blocks together form roughly a circle shape; and when said device is rotated in the direction of excavation, said blocks rotate as a result of the resistance to excavation of the bottom part of the excavation hole, one intersection part of the side faces and the arc part of each block protrudes beyond the outer circumferential surface of the device by a predetermined excavation amount, and

Abstract: A mining bit holding system is provided which includes a bit holder which attaches to the rotatable drum of a mining machine. The bit holder includes a base portion and a body portion. The body portion has an aperture therethrough to receive a sleeve. The sleeve has an aperture therethrough for rotatably receiving a cutting bit. The sleeve and bit holder are constructed such that the position of the sleeve may be fixed axially with respect to the body portion by an interference fit in such a manner that it may be easily removed from the body portion.

Abstract: A pilot casing mill for removing unwanted pipe from a well bore, which includes a cylindrical pilot having helical vanes and adapted for mounting on one end of a cylindrical mill body. The mill body is provided with longitudinal slots which receive outwardly-extending blades fitted with multiple cutting elements for engaging and cutting the pipe when the pilot casing mill is mounted on the end of a rotatable drill string and inserted in the well. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the blades are removably secured in the slots by removable wedge blocks and may be longitudinally adjusted in place to align adjacent rows of cutting elements, by operation of multiple adjusting screws seated against an adjusting screw ring mounted in a circumferential slot provided in the mill body.

Abstract: The proposed tool comprises a body (1) designed to interact with a percussion-rotary device and a casing (2) shaped as a sleeve. The casing (2) accommodates rock-crushing elements (5, 6) arranged in a manner allowing axial displacement thereof and in the form of concentric rows relative to a working end of the casing (2), the rock-crushing elements having shanks (7, 8) which interact with the body (1). Each rock-crushing element (6) in a peripheral row comprises a spring biased pin mechanism (16) for fixing the rock-crushing element (6) in the casing (2). The casing includes a threaded joint (9) for its axial displacement relative to the body (1). The length of axial displacement of the casing (2) relative to the body (1) is at least equal to the length (H) of the wearable portion of the rock-crushing elements (5, 6).

Abstract: A scabbler bit comprises a carrier having a body 30 with a lower face 31 formed to provide bores 32 for receipt of scabbler tips 44. The body 30 has a central bore 33 for passage of a fixing shank 34. The bore 33 is enlarged at the lower face 31 to form a recess 35 to receive the head 36 of the shank 34. The opposite face of the body 30 is formed with a counterbore 37 to receive the piston 38, the shank 34 being retained in the piston by a pin 39. Thus, axial loads on the scabbler bit are transmitted to the piston 38 via shoulder 40 of the carrier bearing on end face 41 of the piston 38, while any sideways of twisting load is resisted by the wall of the counterbore 37 bearing on the side face 42 of the piston 38.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a mining machine comprises a holding lug for connecting the tool to the mining machine, and a tool component. The tool component comprises a cemented carbide stud having a bottom portion, a top conical portion in which is provided a top recess and a central portion spacing the top portion from the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the whole of the central portion are secured within a socket formed in one end of the holding lug. The top conical portion lies wholly within the space bounded by an imaginary upward continuation of the upper edge of the end of the holding lug. The tool component also includes a composite abrasive compact secured within the top recess, the composite abrasive compact comprising a cemented carbide backing to which is bonded a compact layer. The periphery of the compact layer provides a cutting edge for the tool component.