Bit, nozzle, cutter combination

Claim 1

A rotatable bit having a main body, a fluid conducting connection formed at the upper end of said main body and a formation engaging surface formed at the opposed lower end of said main body; said engaging surface includes a plurality of cutters removably affixed thereto in spaced relation respective to one another; said cutters include means forming a compact mounted on a stud and the stud is affixed to the bit so that the compact presents a cutting face to a formation being penetrated by the bit; a plurality of nozzles removably affixed to said engaging surface in spaced relation to one another and to said cutters; the bit body between said nozzles and the cutters associated therewith having a cavity formed therein to thereby provide an open area for accommodating fluid flow between said nozzles and said cutters; passageway means extending through said main body for flow of fluid through said connection and to each of said nozzles; each said nozzle having means forming an outlet orifice which is arranged to direct a flow of fluid from said nozzle onto at least one said cutter; said nozzle has a cylindrical body, an axial passageway formed in the nozzle body for conducting fluid flow to said orifice, said orifice is a slot arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to said axial passageway; said slot is formed through the sidewall of said cylindrical body and directs flow laterally respective to the nozzle passageway so that a fan of fluid is directed towards at least one of said plurality of cutters; whereby, each cutter is provided with a direct lateral flow of fluid from one of said nozzles.