Patent · US Expired

Earth-boring bit with improved bearing seal

US6026917A · kind A · utility

36Cited by
26References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 18, 1997
Grant dateFeb 22, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 18, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16J15/344
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An earth-boring bit has a bit body and at least one bearing shaft depending inwardly and downwardly from the bit body. The bearing shaft has a base where it joins the bit body. At least one cutter is mounted for rotation on the bearing shaft and has radial and axial surfaces that cooperate with the base of the bearing shaft to define a bearing seal gland. A bearing is defined between the cutter and bearing shaft. A seal element is disposed in the seal gland. A secondary seal is disposed in the seal gland opposite the cutter axial surface and cooperates with the seal element to at least partially seal the gland against entry of debris from the exterior of the bit.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.