Seal assemblies for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools so equipped, and related methods
US10458187B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B10/46
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An earth-boring tool includes a body and a rotating member disposed over a protrusion from the body and configured to rotate relative to the body. A bearing assembly may be disposed within a cavity of the rotating member. The bearing assembly may include an inner race coupled with the body and an outer race coupled with the rotating member. A bearing retainer may be affixed within the cavity of the rotating member and may retain the bearing assembly within the cavity of the rotating member. The earth-boring tool further includes a seal assembly including a sealing element rotationally coupled with the rotating member, the sealing element comprising a first sealing surface. A second sealing surface may be disposed on the inner race, and an energizing element urges the first sealing surface into sealing engagement with the second sealing surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.