Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly has a holder fitted within a block attached to a driving mechanism. The holder has a longitudinal central bore with an opening at an end opposite the driving mechanism. A high impact resistant tool has a carbide bolster axially intermediate a steel shank and an impact tip, the steel shank having a first end and a second end. A sleeve being radially intermediate the bore of the holder and the steel shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: A bit holder for use in a bit assembly in road milling, mining and trenching equipment has a hollow generally cylindrical shank and first and second elongate slots positioned in spaced axial relation through the shank. The first slot extends along the shank to the distal end thereof. The second slot may be altered in length and/or shape to fine tune the outward radial force the shank exerts against the bore of a bit block into which it is inserted.

Abstract: A compressible sleeve for fitting around the shank of a rotatable tool has a cut out portion at the forward end thereof. The sleeve is compressed to a diameter less than the inner diameter of the bore of a tool holder by an annular wear ring having an inwardly directed projection that retains the cylindrical sleeve to a diameter that is less than the diameter of the bore of the tool holder. When the shank of the tool is driven into the bore of the tool holder, the wear ring is forced forwardly along the sleeve until the projection falls in the cut out portion of the sleeve allowing the sleeve to expand to the diameter of the bore of the tool holder and locking the wear ring from rotating with the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shank chisel comprising a chisel head (10) and a chisel shank (20), wherein the chisel shank bears a clamping sleeve (23), in which the chisel shank is held captively in the direction of its longitudinal axis and freely rotatably about its longitudinal axis. To allow such a shank chisel to be both assembled and disassembled through a chisel receptacle (31) of a chisel holder (30) that is formed as a receiving bore, it is provided according to the invention that the chisel shank bears at its end remote from the chisel head a shank extension (20.1), that the shank extension has a tool receptacle (26), and that the tool receptacle is accessible by way of a spacing region of the shank extension in the axial direction of the chisel that is set back from the lateral surface of the chisel shank and/or from the lateral surface of the clamping sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. The bore comprises an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. A pick comprising a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip is connected to the holder, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. A tensioning mechanism is disposed within the bore and is adapted to put the shank in axial tension.

Abstract: A cutting pick comprises an elongate shank and a cutting tip mounted to one end of the shank. The cutting tip has a leading end, a trailing end and a mounting portion for mounting to the shank. The tip has a shape such that it diverges outwardly in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end to a portion of maximum diameter. An annular sleeve is attached about the shank adjacent to and in non-contacting relationship with the trailing end of the cutting tip. The maximum diameter of the cutting tip is of greater diameter than the diameter of the inner diameter of the annular sleeve so that the portion of maximum diameter overlies the sleeve radially.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly mounted on a rotating drum and having a base block, a wear sleeve and a cutting bit wherein a seal is located between the base block and wear sleeve is disclosed. A fluid passage spans from the rotating drum to a discharge location between the wear sleeve and the shank of the cutting bit. The fluid lubricates the shank of the cutting bit and bore of the wear sleeve allowing the cutting bit to rotate freely within the wear sleeve. Rotation of the cutting bit promotes even wear and long life of the bit.

Abstract: A block and non-rotating wear sleeve for holding a cutting tool used with mining and construction is disclosed. A key is used to intersect with notches in the wear sleeve and block at a rear face of the wear sleeve and block to prevent rotational movement between the wear sleeve and block. Locating the key and notches at the rear face provides an easily manufactured anti-rotation means which is also sheltered from the most of the abrasion experienced by the block and wear sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a front portion with an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. The carbide bolster comprises a cavity which is formed in the bolster's base end and which is adapted to interlock with a rear portion of the pick. The rear portion is adapted to be retained within a bore of a holder that is attached to a driving mechanism. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock its first end within the cavity. The locking mechanism comprises a radially extending catch that is formed in the first end of the rear portion.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: Pocket protecting retainable cutter bits used on various mining, excavating, and foundation drilling tools and equipment are disclosed. The invention includes a combination of one or more free spinning wear rings axially mounted in recessed portions of the cutter bit shank and a groove and snap ring retainer. The wear rings are tapered on at least one end to assist in installation and designed to compress as the cutter bits are installed into cutter bit pockets. These wear rings are designed to protect the inside surface of the pocket by acting as a barrier between the spinning cutter bit and the stationary inside surface of the pocket. The cutter bit shank is longer than the cutter bit pocket and when installed passes through the pocket and extends past the axial length of the pocket. A flange is included with the cutter bit to protect the outer surface of the pocket.

Abstract: Cutting tool assemblies and retention sleeves. The assemblies may include a support member that has a sleeve-receiving hole therethrough and a cutting tool that has an elongated shank. Various configurations of sleeve segments are disclosed for non-rotatably supporting the elongated shank of the cutting bit in the support member. Such sleeve segment embodiments may be provided with a plurality of axially extending notches to establish segments of various degrees of interference fit between the sleeve and the support member when seated in the sleeve-receiving hole of the support member.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a first cutting end, a second cutting end, a shoulder at an interface between the first cutting end and the second cutting end, and a shield removably mounted on one of the first cutting end and second cutting end. The cutting ends each have a cutting tip at a distal end, a body portion, a recess in the body portion and a retainer positioned in the recess. Cutting ends can be mirror images of each other, or may be non-mirror imaged, for example with different gage lengths, to accommodate different operating conditions. One of the cutting ends is mounted in a holder and the shield protects the retainer and recess features on the operating cutting end. A combination of a reversible cutting tool and a sleeve and/or block holder system, an apparatus for cutting, a sleeve per se and a shield per se are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion comprises a bolster bonded to a diamond symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip. The stationary portion comprises a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate and in mechanical contact with both the rotary and stationary portions. The compressible element is compressed sufficiently to restrict free rotation during a degradation operation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a steel body comprising a formed shank attached to a first end of the body and generally extending along a central axis of the body. An impact tip is secured to a second end of the steel body and comprises a carbide substrate attached to the second end of the steel body which is bonded to a superhard material. A composite material is bonded to an outer surface of the steel body and adapted to protect the steel from wear. The composite material comprises a plurality of superhard particles held within a matrix. The matrix comprises a superhard particle concentration of 40 to 80 percent by volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary cutting bit for use in road milling, mining and/or excavating applications that includes a split wear ring which is harder than the steel cutting bit body. The cutting bit has a cutting tip made of hard material such as tungsten carbide brazed into a nose portion of the steel tool body. The split wear ring is positioned in an annular channel in the tool body near the steel nose of the tool body. In one embodiment, the split wear ring is positioned so that the inner diameter of the split wear ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cutting tip. Such a configuration allows the split wear ring to be tucked under the outer diameter of the cutting tip, decreasing tool body wear that could otherwise occur, thus providing longer tool life and reduced operating costs. The split wear ring pieces may be retained in place by a retainer such as banding rings, epoxies, tape or wire.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly has a holder fitted within a block attached to a driving mechanism. The holder has a longitudinal central bore with an opening at an end opposite the driving mechanism. A high impact resistant tool has a carbide bolster axially intermediate a steel shank and an impact tip, the steel shank having a first end and a second end. A sleeve being radially intermediate the bore of the holder and the steel shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder. The holder is attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. A pick comprises a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, and the shank is disposed in the central bore of the holder. The impact tip comprises an impact surface diamond or cubic boron nitride. At least one rolling element is disposed intermediate an inner bore surface and the shank, and is adapted for low-friction rotation with respect to both the inner bore surface and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder which is secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein the retainer sleeve has an inner surface with a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a first cutting end, a second cutting end, a shoulder at an interface between the first cutting end and the second cutting end, and a shield removably mounted on one of the first cutting end and second cutting end. The cutting ends each have a cutting tip at a distal end, a body portion, a recess in the body portion and a retainer positioned in the recess. Cutting ends can be mirror images of each other, or may be non-mirror imaged, for example with different gage lengths, to accommodate different operating conditions. One of the cutting ends is mounted in a holder and the shield protects the retainer and recess features on the operating cutting end. A combination of a reversible cutting tool and a sleeve and/or block holder system, an apparatus for cutting, a sleeve per se and a shield per se are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: A degradation assembly comprises a rotating portion and a fixed portion. The rotating portion comprises a wear resistant tip bonded to a carbide bolster. The bolster is attached to a shaft adapted for a rotatable connection within a bore of the fixed portion. The fixed portion is adapted for a rigid connection to a driving mechanism. The fixed portion also comprises an o-ring slot formed within its bore and an o-ring being disposed within the bore. The o-ring is at least 15 percent compressed such that the o-ring resists rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary cutting bit for use in road milling, mining and/or excavating applications that includes a split wear ring which is harder than the steel cutting bit body. The cutting bit has a cutting tip made of hard material such as tungsten carbide brazed into a nose portion of the steel tool body. The split wear ring is positioned in an annular channel in the tool body near the steel nose of the tool body. In one embodiment, the split wear ring is positioned so that the inner diameter of the split wear ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cutting tip. Such a configuration allows the split wear ring to be tucked under the outer diameter of the cutting tip, decreasing tool body wear that could otherwise occur, thus providing longer tool life and reduced operating costs. The split wear ring pieces may be retained in place by a retainer such as banding rings, epoxies, tape or wire.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly including a cutting bit having a head and a cylindrical shank portion of substantially constant diameter depending from the head as well as a bit holder including a cylindrical bore for receiving the cylindrical shank portion of the cutting bit. The shank portion includes an annular recessed groove. The cutting tool assembly further includes a retainer sleeve disposed between the shank portion of the cutting bit and the bore of the bit holder and which closely conforms about the shank portion while allowing the shank portion to rotate within the bore. The retainer sleeve includes at least one inwardly folded over stop tab that cooperates with the recessed groove to axially position the shank within the retainer. The retainer includes stop tabs that are bent around beyond the shear cut lines of the tab opening so that the hub portions of the shank do not transmit a force against these weakened shear cut areas of the retainer.

Abstract: Taught is a wear-resistant cutting bit for breaking or excavating machines, comprising a carbide alloy bit tip and a bit body, wherein a plurality of wear-resistant members is installed on the bit body around the carbide alloy bit tip. In accordance with the present invention, the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the bit body are improved largely, alleviating conventional problems of wear and fatigue and reinforcing the attachment of the bit tip. The early failure of the bit tip due to the premature wear of the bit body is overcome; and the lifetime of the bit is increased 2 to 3-fold with respect to that of a conventional bit.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The bore of the holder comprises an inner surface comprising a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: A degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank. The body has a wear resistant tip with a hardness of at least 60 HRc. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an annular gap of 0.002 to 0.010 inches exists between at least a portion of the sleeve and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. The bore comprises an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. A pick comprising a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip is connected to the holder, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. A tensioning mechanism is disposed within the bore and is adapted to put the shank in axial tension.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprising a longitudinal central bore. The bore has an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. The pick has a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. The impact tip has a diamond surface. The degradation assembly also has a lubrication mechanism adapted to apply lubrication to the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder which is secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein the retainer sleeve has an inner surface with a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: Cutting tool assemblies and wear and retention sleeves. The assemblies may include a support block that has a sleeve-receiving hole therethrough and a cutting tool that has an elongated shank. Various configurations of sleeves are disclosed for supporting the elongated shank of the cutting bit in the support block. Such sleeve embodiments may be provided with a plurality of axially extending overlapping notches to establish segments of various degrees of interference fit between the sleeve and the support block when seated in the sleeve-receiving hole of the support block. Some sleeve embodiments are configured to permit the shank of a cutting bit to freely rotate therein. Other sleeve embodiments are configured to prevent rotation of the cutting bit shank when inserted therein.

Abstract: A hollow sleeve is mounted in a hole of a holder block to receive a rotary cutter bit. The sleeve includes a front flange and a shank extending rearwardly from the front flange and defining a longitudinal axis. The shank includes an outer periphery having a radially stepped configuration, wherein an outer surface of the shank includes a plurality of axially adjacent surface sections that become successively smaller in cross-section in a direction away from the flange. Each surface section occupies one-third of the hole length. Each surface section has longitudinally spaced front and rear ends, wherein a portion of each surface section situated between its front and rear ends is spaced farther from the axis than are the front and rear ends. Each surface section has a generally longitudinally extending groove formed therein.

Abstract: A hollow sleeve is mounted in a hole of a holder block to receive a rotary cutter bit. The sleeve includes a front flange and a shank extending rearwardly from the front flange and defining a longitudinal axis. The shank includes an outer periphery having a radially stepped configuration, wherein an outer surface of the shank includes a plurality of axially adjacent surface sections that become successively smaller in cross-section in a direction away from the flange. Each surface section occupies one-third of the hole length. Each surface section has longitudinally spaced front and rear ends, wherein a portion of each surface section situated between its front and rear ends is spaced farther from the axis than are the front and rear ends. Each surface section has a generally longitudinally extending groove formed therein.

Abstract: A compressible sleeve for fitting around the shank of a rotatable tool has a cut out portion at the forward end thereof. The sleeve is compressed to a diameter less than the inner diameter of the bore of a tool holder by an annular wear ring having a generally cylindrical central opening with a diameter larger than the diameter of the bore of the tool holder, but having an inwardly directed projection that retains the cylindrical sleeve in a diameter that is less than the diameter of the bore of the tool holder. When the shank of the tool is subsequently driven into the bore of the tool holder, the wear ring is forced forwardly along the sleeve until the projection of the wear ring falls between the cut out portions of the sleeve thereby allowing the sleeve to expand to the diameter of the bore of the tool holder. The outer walls of the cut out portion of the sleeve engage the ends of the inwardly directed projection of the wear ring thereby preventing the wear ring from rotating with the tool.

Abstract: The wear sleeve in the present invention comprises a rearward split ring portion and an intermediate cylindrical ring portion adjacent a forward shoulder portion. The outer diameter of the wear sleeve intermediate portion and rearward split ring portion is uniform. The wear sleeve is inserted into the bit holder's stepped bore aperture. The split ring portion is radially compressed by the smaller diameter opposite portion end as the sleeve is hammered and axially displaced into the bit holder. The split ring portion forms frictional contact with the opposite end portion of the aperture. The wear sleeve friction fit can be easily removed manually in the field. The bit holder and cooperating support block are designed to limit the amount of relative yaw between the two members during operation to reduce the overall wear there between.

Abstract: A cutting bit includes a body having a front surface and a side surface, the side surface including a shoulder below the front surface and extending substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the body, and a ring that is harder than the body attached to the body at a front surface of the shoulder. Wear life of the cutting bit is enhanced by maintaining particular dimensional relationships regarding the position of the ring on the body, and the diameter of portions of the body.

Abstract: A tool has a tapered forward cutting end behind which is a cylindrical shank. A rearwardly facing annular flange separates the forward cutting end from the shank. The shank is received in a tool holder having a planar forward surface, and fitted around the shank of the tool and resting on the forward surface of the tool holder is an annular wear ring. The wear ring has a small outer diameter portion that is less than the outer diameter of the radial flange and less than the diameter of the forward end of the tool holder, thereby allowing a gap between those parts to receive an extraction tool. The wear ring also has a large outer diameter portion at least equal to the diameter of the forward surface of the tool holder.

Abstract: A cutting pick includes an elongate shank, a cutting tip fixed to one end of the shank to project from that end and which is of a material that is harder than the material of the shank, and an annular sleeve which is attached about the shank adjacent the cutting tip. The sleeve is of a material (e.g., tungsten carbide) which is harder than the material of the shank and which has a lower propensity for incendive spark production during a cutting operation than the material of the shank. The sleeve includes a plurality of annular sleeve portions which are attached about the shank immediately adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A rotatable tool has a cylindrical shank and a compressible sleeve fitted thereon to retain the shank in the bore of a tool holder. A wear ring is positioned behind the forward cutting end of the tool and against the forward surface of the tool holder. The compressible sleeve is locked to the wear ring to prevent rotation of the wear ring with the tool. Also, the outer diameter of the wear ring is greater than the width of the forward surface of the tool holder forming an overhang, and a second tool can then be used to engage the overhang to remove the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: Cutting tool assemblies and wear and retention sleeves. The assemblies may include a support block that has a sleeve-receiving hole therethrough and a cutting tool that has an elongated shank. Various configurations of sleeves are disclosed for supporting the elongated shank of the cutting bit in the support block. Such sleeve embodiments may be provided with a plurality of axially extending overlapping notches to establish segments of various degrees of interference fit between the sleeve and the support block when seated in the sleeve-receiving hole of the support block. Some sleeve embodiments are configured to permit the shank of a cutting bit to freely rotate therein. Other sleeve embodiments are configured to prevent rotation of the cutting bit shank when inserted therein.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an axially symmetric tool having a tapered forward end, a radial flange, and a cylindrical shank. A retainer is fitted around the cylindrical shank, a washer is fitted around the retainer, and an O-ring is fitted over the retainer behind the washer to retain the washer thereon. When the rotatable shank is fitted into a cylindrical mounting bore of a tool holder, the O-ring prevents the washer from rotating with the tool.