Method and apparatus for automated application of hardfacing material to rolling cutters of hybrid-type earth boring drill bits, hybrid drill bits comprising such hardfaced steel-toothed cutting elements, and methods of use thereof
US8471182B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/3457
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a standard earth-boring rock bit or a hybrid-type rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter, particularly a hybrid rock bit cutter, beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction. The control system, aided by data from the sensors, manipulates the robotically held cutter while controlling the op…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.