Abstract: The present invention provides rotatable cutting tools having washers with changing thicknesses. One side of the washer has a tapered surface that increases the thickness of the washer from the inner radius towards the outer radius, resulting in a thicker portion at the outer edge of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also have a bit with a tapered surface. The tapered surface of the bit may be structured and arranged to engage with the tapered surface of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also include a holder such that the assembled rotatable cutting tool includes the washer between the bit and the holder with the bit inserted into the holder and washer.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting rock includes a disc and a plurality of cutting elements secured to the disc. The disc is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and the disc includes a peripheral edge extending around the axis of rotation. The plurality of cutting elements are spaced apart along the peripheral edge of the disc and positioned in a cutting plane. Each of the cutting elements includes a base portion and a cutting portion including a cutting edge, and the cutting portion has a width that is larger than a width of the base portion.

Abstract: A bit assembly includes a base block and a bit holder having a body portion and a shank. The body portion and the shank being coaxial and including a bore extending from a forward end of the body portion to the distal end of the shank. The shank further includes at least two segments, a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is subject to the first segment and includes a taper towards the top segment. The base block includes a base and a shortened front end. The shortened front end having a forward face and a rear face. The forward face including an indentation and the rear face including a slot extending axially inward from the rear face to a position mediate the forward face.

Abstract: A bit holder includes a larger bit shank bore and an enlarged upper shank segment or band that provides an interference fit between the top of the shank and the top of a bore of a base block when the bottom of a body of the bit holder seats on the top of the base block. The bit holder further includes a lower shank segment being cylindrical, inwardly tapered, and/or outwardly tapered, the lower shank segment having a differential taper than a corresponding lower bore portion of the base block.

Abstract: A bit holder can include a body and a collar. The body can be mountable to a rotor of a piece of equipment. The collar can be coupled to the body and can be configured to receive the bit therein. The collar can include a first flat collar surface forming a portion of a radially outer surface of the collar and a second flat collar surface forming a portion of the radially outer surface of the collar.

Abstract: Arrangements for diverting and removing spoil created when a microtrench is being cut. The disclosed arrangements divert the debris and dust away from the microtrench during the cutting process. In optional embodiments, a spoil vacuum system is used to remove the dust particles during the debris diversion process. In further optional embodiments, a microtrench slot cleaning tool and slot vacuum system may be used. The microtrencher can be mounted on a skid-steer loader or a similar support vehicle.

Abstract: Bit holders and combination bit/bit holders with shortened quick change shanks that are selectably retainable in complementary base block bores that are likewise shortened for providing added spacing at the rear of base blocks. When a plurality of such base blocks are mounted in close proximity on a drum or endless chain, the added spacing provides ease of holder replacement and easy access at the rear of the bit holder base block bore.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an undercutting machine for cutting a rock workface and a method of assembling a cutter assembly is provided. The cutter assembly includes a shaft mountable on the machine with one end extending from the machine, and a cutter device arranged in connection to the extended end of the shaft. The cutter device is connected releasably and rotationally rigid to the shaft with a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement includes a first locking device arranged to transfer substantially axial loads, and a second locking device arranged to transfer substantially radial loads.

Abstract: A cutting tooth system includes a plurality of substrates, each having a base for attaching to the cutting wheel, and an outer surface opposite the base. A plurality of tooth pockets are integrally formed in the substrate, each tooth pocket having a tooth receiving aperture extending through the outer surface and into the substrate. A cutting tooth has a pocket engagement portion configured for being received in a mounting pocket. The pocket engagement portion defines a pocket engagement length and a shank defining a shank diameter. A cutter portion extends from the pocket engagement portion.

Abstract: A method of making a strike construction for a pick tool, a strike construction for a pick tool and a pick tool. The strike construction comprises a strike tip (2) and a support body (20), in which respective attachment ends (10,22) of each of the strike tip and support body are joined to each other, the attachment end of the strike tip is coterminous with cemented carbide material comprised in the strike tip, and the attachment end of the support body is coterminous with cemented carbide material comprised in an end portion of the support body, the end portion being configured such that sides of the support body depend divergently from its attachment end.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tunnel boring machine cutter assemblies, such as ripping and scraping cutter or tool assemblies, (collectively “cutter assemblies”), and related methods of use and manufacturing. The various embodiments of the cutter assemblies described herein may be used in tunnel boring machines (“TBMs”), earth pressure balance machines (“EPBs”), raise drilling systems, large diameter blind drilling systems, and other types of mechanical drilling and excavation systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a surface miner, a road milling machine, or the like, having a holding projection that comprises a bit receptacle and/or carries a cutting element. In order to improve the operating reliability of an earth working machine, provision is made according to the present invention that the holding projection has, behind the cutting element or behind a receiving region of the bit receptacle in the tool advance direction, a wear protection element having a hard-material element in order to provide an emergency-mode property.

Abstract: A pick tool for degrading asphalt or rock, comprising a PCD element; the PCD element comprising a PCD structure (20) bonded to a cemented carbide support body (30) at an interface; the PCD structure comprising a first region (24) and a second region (25) adjacent the first region, the second region bonded to the first region by intergrowth of diamond grains; the first region (24) comprising a plurality of alternating strata (24c, 24t), each stratum having a thickness in the range of about 30 to 300 microns; the second region comprising a plurality of strata (25a, 25b), one or more strata in the second region (25a) having a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the individual strata in the first region (24c, 24t), wherein the alternating strata in the first region (24) comprise first strata alternating with second strata, the first strata being in a state of residual compressive stress and the second strata being in a state of residual tensile stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick-change tool holder system, comprising a base part with a quick-change tool holder receptacle and a quick-change tool holder having a cutting tool receptacle configured for insertion into the quick-change tool holder receptacle.

Abstract: A tool holder is disclosed for use with a milling drum. The tool holder may have a generally cylindrical body defining a first end configured to be received within a tool mounting block of the milling drum, and a second end configured to receive a cutting bit. The tool holder may also have a flange located between the first end and the second end, and a first blind bore initiating at the second end and stopping at the flange such that the generally cylindrical body is substantially solid at the flange. The tool holder may further have at least one sloped surface located at a side of the flange facing the first end of the generally cylindrical body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining and/or conveying materials, comprising a roller element rotatably supported about a longitudinal axis, at least one tool holder, a support element for supporting a cutting tool and a cutting tool, wherein the tool holder includes a receiver in which the support element is received in a form locking manner and the support element includes a bore hole. In order to configure the support element that is provided for holding the cutting tool engaging the material so that it can be exchanged in a much simpler manner it is proposed to arrange the fixation element coaxial with the support element, wherein the fixation element is connected with the support element through a threaded connection.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element partially disposed within a support and a retention mechanism disposed between the cutting element and the support, both the axial and radial dimensions of the retention mechanism being deformable.

Abstract: A tip for a pick tool, comprising a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) structure joined to a substrate body. The PCD structure has a strike surface including an apex opposite a boundary with the substrate body. At least an outer volume of the PCD as structure contains filler material between diamond grains, the content of the filler material being more than 5 weight percent of the PCD material in the outer volume. The outer volume is proximate at least an area of the strike surface including the apex, and the thickness of the PCD structure between the apex and the boundary with the substrate body is at least 2.5 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shank bit for a road milling machine or the like, having a bit head and a bit shank, the bit shank comprising a first cylindrical segment that is indirectly or directly adjacent to the bit head, and the bit shank comprising a second cylindrical segment that, facing away from the bit head, is indirectly or directly adjacent to the first cylindrical segment, and the diameter of the second cylindrical segment differing from the diameter of the first cylindrical segment. In a shank bit of this kind, improved utilization properties result from the fact that the first cylindrical segment has a diameter in the range between 18 mm and 30 mm, and an extent in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the bit shank less than 30 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool system having a bit holder and a shank bit, the bit holder comprising a bit receptacle that comprises a first and a second diameter region that lead into one another via a transitional segment (taper), a bit shank of the shank bit comprising a first and a second cross-sectional region that lead into one another via a transitional segment. With a tool system of this kind, a wear-optimized design results from the fact that the transitional segments of the shank bit and of the bit holder are arranged spaced away from one another in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the shank bit, in order to form a resetting space.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated cutter assembly for a tunnel boring machine includes a shaft a cutter ring assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft, and first and second end retainers non-rotatably attached to the shaft. Rotary seal groups, immersed in lubricant, provide a moving seal between the rotating cutter ring assembly and the end retainers. A movable piston member is exposed to ambient pressures, and contacts the lubricant, such that increasing ambient pressure will increase the lubricant pressure, thereby keeping the pressure differential across the seal small. In one embodiment, the piston is a floating retainer portion. In another embodiment, the piston is an annular piston, and in another embodiment, the piston is a plurality of smaller pistons disposed in the first retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder (20) for a cutting machine, road milling machine, surface miner, or the like, having a bit receptacle (29) that comprises an introduction opening, and having a bit supporting surface (26), at least one wear protection element (40) being arranged in a region associated with the bit supporting surface (26). In order to bring about effective wear protection with little outlay in a bit holder of this kind, provision is made according to the present invention that the at least one wear protection element is embodied as a weld (40), and is arranged at least locally in at least one recess (41).

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. A sensor is arranged to inspect a milling tool of a milling machine. The sensor is configured to detect a signal corresponding to a position value of at least one point on the milling tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder having an insertion projection and having a holding projection, the holding projection comprising a bit receptacle, and the holding projection protruding at least locally from or beyond the insertion projection in the tool feed direction. A bit holder of this kind is designed in service-life-optimized fashion by the fact that the holding projection comprises a supporting segment having a rigid, shaped-on supporting surface that is arranged at least locally in front of the insertion projection in the feed direction. The invention further relates to a base part for receiving an aforementioned bit holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder having an insertion projection and having a holding projection having a bit receptacle, the insertion projection comprising a bearing segment and the holding projection comprising a supporting segment. In order to allow the bit holder to be braced in permanent and stable fashion with respect to a base part, provision is made according to the present invention that the supporting segment and/or the bearing segment comprise two supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces, respectively, arranged at an angle to one another; and that the longitudinal center axis of the bit receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the insertion projection enclose an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly including a bit holder having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a generally planar mounting surface between the forward and rearward portions. The forward portion defines a front aperture having an axis inclined relative to the mounting surface, and the rearward portion defines a rear aperture open to the front aperture. A cutting bit is mounted in the front aperture and includes a rearward end accessible through the rear aperture of the bit holder rearward portion.

Abstract: A cutting tool holding device includes a base, a cutting tool holder and a fastening member. The base includes an abutting portion and a transverse dovetail groove, wherein the abutting portion is defined between a first wall with a mounting surface and a second wall, and the transverse dovetail groove is formed on the mounting surface. The cutting tool holder has a transverse dovetail portion, wherein the cutting tool holder is abutted against the abutting portion, and the transverse dovetail portion is detachably engaged into the transverse dovetail groove on the mounting surface of the second wall. The fastening member is for fastening the cutting tool holder to the base.

Abstract: A cutting bit for use in a heavy-duty mining, drilling or milling operation includes a generally conical body, a first end of which presents a cutting point and a second end of which presents an axially extending recess. The body has a generally convex surface portion. Locking means releasably and rotatably connect the cutting bit to a protruding part of a bit holder. The recess has an entrance portion presenting a generally conical surface portion. A corresponding bit holder is presented as well as a system using the cutting bit and bit holder.

Abstract: A holder block assembly for a drum-type cutting tool has a holder block, a sleeve, and a piston carried in a piston channel formed in the holder block. The sleeve includes a shank and an enlarged flange at an end of the shank. The sleeve shank is received in a hole in the holder block, with the shank and hole wall forming a number of axially spaced interference fits. A source of pressurized fluid applied to the holder block forces the piston against the sleeve to extract the sleeve from the holder block. Sealing structure between the piston and the holder block prevents the release of hydraulic fluid when the sleeve is released.

Abstract: A mounting for a replaceable tool on a ground-engaging machine, the mounting having a tool holder having an aperture extending into a body portion of the tool holder for receiving a projecting mounting portion of the tool, the tool holder having an inter-engagement structure for mechanically engaging with a base having a complementary structure, the base being adapted to be fixed to the machine, and the mounting further having retaining means for cooperating with the holder and the tool when installed to retain the holder on the base.

Abstract: A base block for a cutting drum is disclosed. The base block may have a first end. The first end may have an opening configured to receive a tool. The first end may also have a flat surface surrounding the opening. The base block may have a second end configured to abut the cutting drum. The base block may further have an internal passageway commencing at the opening configured to receive the tool. The passageway may define a longitudinal axis that is offset by an acute angle from being perpendicular to the flat surface.

Abstract: A valve containing portion (35) is formed behind a bit containing portion (34) which opens at the front surface of a main cutter spoke (21). A rotary valve (39) is rotatably disposed in the valve containing portion (35). A bit case (41) containing a roller bit (31) is moved so as to protrude from an attachment/detachment path (39) formed in a rotary valve (38) into the bit containing portion (34), and is fixed by a cotter (38) to support an excavating reactive force. Thus, the sliding gap of the rotary valve (39) is disposed in the bit containing portion (34) and the valve containing portion (35) to be covered with the bit case (41).

Abstract: A system for excavating and/or trenching hard and soft ground material includes a support block having a bore with a cylindrical portion and a non-cylindrical portion with flat surfaces and a cutting tool mounted in the bore, which may be a non-rotatable cutting tool having a shank with flat surfaces or a rotatable cutting tool having a shank with a cylindrical portion. The non-cylindrical portion of the bore rotatably engages the cylindrical portion of the rotatable cutting tool and the flat surfaces of the bore engage the flat surfaces of the non-rotatable cutting tool. A further embodiment includes a support block having a bore with flat surfaces along the entire length of the bore that engage the flat surfaces of the shank of the non-rotatable cutting tool and which bore receives the cylindrical portion of the shank of the rotatable cutting tool but does not restrain rotation thereof.

Abstract: A cutting tool holder-base assembly (399) has a base (400). The base (400) is adapted to attach to a surface (40) of a rotatable driving member (38). The tool holder-base assembly (399) includes a cutting tool holder (500) with head region (502) containing a cutting tool bore (506), and a shank region (504) with a distal end (524). The shank region (504) has an alignment notch (528) presenting an alignment surface (530) at the distal end (524). The assembly (399) further has a base (400), which contains a tool holder bore (418) and a transverse passage (430) intersecting the tool holder bore (418). There is an elongate pin (436) in the transverse passage (430). The elongate pin (436) has an exposed portion (440) thereof passing through the tool holder bore (418) wherein the cutting tool holder (500) is able to enter completely the tool holder bore (418) of the base (400) when the alignment surface (530) is in alignment with the exposed portion (440) of the elongate pin (436).

Abstract: A block and sleeve assembly is disclosed including a holder block, and a hollow sleeve. In radial cross-section, outer peripheral edges of the shoulder portion of the sleeve have a shape of a first polygon. The holder block and the hollow sleeve include cooperating rotation inhibiting features. For example, the holder block includes a stop projecting forwardly past a plane of the front face and positioned radially offset from a circumference of the opening in the holder block to allow a rearward surface of the shoulder portion of the sleeve to contact the front face of the holder block and to prevent rotation of the hollow sleeve greater than N degrees, N = 360 n , where n is the number of sides of the first polygon, by contacting an outer peripheral edge of the shoulder portion with the stop. A sleeve per se and an assembly including a cutting pick are also disclosed.

Abstract: A degradation assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion includes a cemented metal bolster bonded to a tip. The tip comprises a symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip formed of diamond and a cemented metal carbide substrate. The stationary portion comprises a holder configured to be coupled to a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate, or between, and in mechanical contact with both the rotary portion and the stationary portion.

Abstract: A tool pick including a head portion, a larger diameter shoulder positioned rearwardly adjacent to the head portion and joined to the head portion at a junction, and a shank extending rearwardly with respect to the shoulder. Two or more fins extend generally radially outward from the head portion and the shoulder, each fin having an outer surface sloping outwardly and rearwardly from the head portion and a pair of side surfaces, a rear end of each fin being located rearward of the junction between the head portion and the shoulder, the fins defining a maximum diameter of at least about 105% of the diameter of the shoulder such that the outer surface of the fin at an axial position aligned with the junction is located radially outward with respect to the junction.

Abstract: Retaining a cutting bit. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: placing a neck portion of a retaining clip in a groove on outer surface of a sleeve (the sleeve with a cylindrical bore defining a longitudinal axis); then telescoping the sleeve and retaining clip, with the neck portion placed in the groove, within a bit block (the telescoping such that an arm portion of the retaining clip partially occludes an aperture of the cylindrical bore); and then inserting a shank portion of a cutting bit within the cylindrical bore of the sleeve (the arm portion of the retaining clip mates with at least a portion of an annular groove of the shank portion); and retaining the shank portion of the cutting bit by way of the arm portion of the retaining clip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a pressing seal element and a pressurized rigid element disposed intermediate a rotating component and a stationary component. The rotating component comprising an impact tip bonded to an end opposing the stationary component. The seal element may energize the rigid element against one of the components to form a slidable seal capable of holding lubricant within the assembly and keeping debris out while still rotating.

Abstract: A preset recessed casing block for retaining a cutter bit is provided that can be mass-produced and easily installed in the casing of a core barrel. The block has a size and shape that provides for quick and easy insertion and welding into a casing. The block has a cavity that receives and retains a cutter bit while allowing for the removal or extraction of the cutter bit when the bit becomes worn or broken. Because the block is manufactured to fit inside the casing, wear on the block is minimized and it's lifetime extended. The cavity in the block and the shape of the block itself may have different, preset angles and pitches, to allow for the same size block to be placed in a variety of locations around the casing, thereby enabling the manufacturer to produce a variable, raking pattern of the cutter bits for improved annulus cutting.

Abstract: A shank bit, in particular a road milling bit, having a carrier part (10) that comprises a shank (11), the shank (11) carrying a bit tip (18) made of hard material, the carrier part comprising, in the region between the shank and the bit tip, a receiving portion (14) on which a head part is held (30), and the head part comprising a circumferential chip discharge surface (34.1) tapering in a direction toward the bit tip. In order to enable a shank bit of this kind to be designed in wear-optimized fashion, the head part is held rotatably with respect to the carrier part.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated cutter assembly for a tunnel boring machine includes a shaft a cutter ring assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft, and first and second end retainers non-rotatably attached to the shaft. Rotary seal groups, immersed in lubricant, provide a moving seal between the rotating cutter ring assembly and the end retainers. A movable piston member is exposed to ambient pressures, and contacts the lubricant, such that increasing ambient pressure will increase the lubricant pressure, thereby keeping the pressure differential across the seal small. In one embodiment, the piston is a floating retainer portion. In another embodiment, the piston is an annular piston, and in another embodiment, the piston is a plurality of smaller pistons disposed in the first retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick-change tool holder system, comprising a base part with a quick-change tool holder receptacle and a quick-change tool holder having a cutting tool receptacle configured for insertion into the quick-change tool holder receptacle.

Abstract: A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations relative to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly on a rotating unit, e.g. drum of an earth strata cutting assembly, includes a base mountable to the rotating unit and a removable member mounted to the base and having a support block for carrying an earth strata cutting tool. The base includes an upright member. In one aspect, the removable member substantially encloses the upright member and the removable member includes a V-shaped surface engaging a V-shaped surface of the upright member for a close tolerance fit. In another aspect, the removable member partially encloses the upright member and the removable member includes a circular surface engaging a circular surface of the upright member for a close tolerance fit.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism, a first cemented metal carbide segment brazed to the base at a first interface, and a second metal carbide segment brazed to the first carbide segment at a second interface opposite the base.

Abstract: A rotatable grading pick has a head portion, a shank portion extending rearwardly from the head portion, and a polygonal portion on the rotatable grading pick. At least a portion of the outer perimeter of the polygonal portion can be engaged by a tool so that the polygonal portion can be rotated, and the shank portion can be rotated to clear debris between the shank portion and a retainer placed around a part of the shank portion.

Abstract: A holder block and pick assembly including a pick, a washer, and a block body. The pick includes a shoulder and a shank extending rearwardly from the shoulder and having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the shoulder. The washer has a central opening adapted to fit about the shank adjacent to the shoulder and a substantially flat edge disposed substantially perpendicular to a radius of the central opening. The block body includes a bore for receiving the shank, a base surface at a lower end of the body for mounting the body to a rotatable element of a rotary cutting machine, and a stop extending frontwardly from the front face of the body and having a surface located substantially perpendicularly to a radius of the bore such that when the pick shank is inserted into the bore with the washer disposed about the shank adjacent to the shoulder, the flat edge of the washer engages the surface of the stop to substantially prevent the washer from rotating with respect to the block.

Abstract: A high-impact resistant pick having a superhard 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 formed in a base end of the carbide bolster is generally opposed to the front end. A steel body has a shaft extending distally from a shelf, and which shaft is fitted into the bore of the bolster at an interface. A shank adapted for connection to a driving mechanism extends proximally from the steel body opposite the shaft. A washer is disposed intermediate the base end of the carbide bolster and the shelf of the steel body.