US5465800A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rolling cutter drill bits
Assignee: ReedHycalog LP
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Filing: 1993-08-24
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Granted: 1995-11-14
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Expires: 2013-08-24
Abstract
Abstract A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body which carries cutter assemblies each of which includes a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the journal, and a threaded retention ring screwed onto the cutter to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relative to the journal. The method comprises the steps of predetermining a desired magnitude of maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and the journal, and then employing components for the cutter assembly which are so dimensioned as to provide, when assembled to form the cutter assembly, a maximum permitted axial displacement which is not greater than the predetermined magnitude. The appropriately dimensioned components may be specifically manufactured to the required size, or may be selected from a stock of components of differing sizes. Alternatively the maximum permitted axial displacement may be determined by adjusting the axial position of the retaining ring on the cutter during assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 David E. Pearce
- 👤 Thomas A. Wick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:17
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B10/00; E21B10/08; E21B10/22; E21B10/20; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49881
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, and at least one cutter assembly including a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, and a retention assembly to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relative to the journal, the method comprising the steps of specifying a desired magnitude &maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and the journal, and employing components for the cutter assembly which are so dimensioned as to provide, when assembled to form the cutter assembly, a maximum permitted axial displacement determined by measurement, which is not greater than said specified magnitude.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, and at least one cutter assembly including a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, and a retention assembly to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relative to the journal, the method comprising the steps of specifying a desired magnitude &maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and the journal, and employing components for the cutter assembly which are so dimensioned as to provide, when assembled to form the cutter assembly, a maximum permitted axial displacement determined by measurement, which is not greater than said specified magnitude.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, and at least one cutter assembly including a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, and a retention assembly to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relatively to the journal, the retention assembly comprising an array of separate beating elements located within opposed peripheral grooves in the cutter and cutter journal respectively, the method including the step of selecting the bearing elements by measuring the bearing elements in a supply of bearing elements of different dimensions and selecting, from said supply, beating elements having such dimensions as to provide, upon assembly with the cutter and journal, a maximum permitted axial displacement of a desired magnitude,
Claim 4
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, and at least one cutter assembly including a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, and a retention assembly to retain the cutter on the journal while permitting a limited degree of axial displacement of the cutter relatively to the journal, the retention assembly comprising an array of separate beating elements located within opposed peripheral grooves in the cutter and cutter journal respectively, the method including the step of selecting the bearing elements by measuring the bearing elements in a supply of bearing elements of different dimensions and selecting, from said supply, beating elements having such dimensions as to provide, upon assembly with the cutter and journal, a maximum permitted axial displacement of a desired magnitude,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the grooves in the cutter and journal are dimensioned to provide a maximum permitted axial displacement of said desired magnitude.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the bearing elements comprise ball bearings.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, and adjusting an appropriate axial dimension of at least one of said cutter, journal and retention assembly, prior to assembly of said components, thereby to adjust said axial distance between said first and second contact faces to a desired value.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, and adjusting an appropriate axial dimension of at least one of said cutter, journal and retention assembly, prior to assembly of said components, thereby to adjust said axial distance between said first and second contact faces to a desired value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
191 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising, as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, said retention assembly being provided by measuring the axial dimensions of retention assemblies in a supply of retention assemblies and selecting from said supply a retention assembly having an axial dimension to provide, upon assembly of the components, a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
191 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising, as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, said retention assembly being provided by measuring the axial dimensions of retention assemblies in a supply of retention assemblies and selecting from said supply a retention assembly having an axial dimension to provide, upon assembly of the components, a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
214 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising, as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust beating between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, providing on at least one of the components a spacer located to adjust the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, said spacer being provided by measuring the axial dimensions of spacers in a supply of spacers having different axial dimensions and selecting from said supply a spacer having an axial dimension to provide, upon assembly of the components, a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
214 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising, as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust beating between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, providing on at least one of the components a spacer located to adjust the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, said spacer being provided by measuring the axial dimensions of spacers in a supply of spacers having different axial dimensions and selecting from said supply a spacer having an axial dimension to provide, upon assembly of the components, a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the spacer is located between the retention assembly and the component on which it is mounted so as to adjust the position of the first contact face,
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the spacer is mounted so as itself to provide the first or second contact face in a position determined by the axial dimension of the spacer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the spacer comprises the aforesaid thrust bearing itself.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 11 wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust beating between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust beating and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, and adjusting the axial position of the retention assembly on the component on which it is mounted, after assembly of the components, to provide a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of manufacturing a rolling cutter drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body, at least one cutter assembly comprising as components thereof, a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust beating between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between said cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust beating and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the method including the step of taking measurements to determine the axial distance between said first and second contact faces when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, and adjusting the axial position of the retention assembly on the component on which it is mounted, after assembly of the components, to provide a desired axial distance between said first and second contact faces.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
78 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein the axial adjustment of the retention assembly comprises the steps of first adjusting the retention assembly in one direction to a position where the first and second contact faces are in contact with one another, then adjusting the retention assembly in the opposite direction by an amount to provide a desired axial distance between said contact faces, and then securing the retention assembly to the component on which it is mounted.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 18, wherein the retention assembly comprises a circumferential element coaxial with the cutter and journal, the element being in screw-threaded engagement with one of said cutter and journal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
179 words
A rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body, a plurality of cutter assemblies each comprising a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between each cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the axial distance between said first and second contact faces of each cutter assembly, when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, being accurately determined by providing on at least one of the journal and cutter a spacer located to adjust the axial distance between the first and second contact faces to be in the range of about 0.002 to 0.010 inches, thereby limiting the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
179 words
A rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body, a plurality of cutter assemblies each comprising a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between each cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the axial distance between said first and second contact faces of each cutter assembly, when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, being accurately determined by providing on at least one of the journal and cutter a spacer located to adjust the axial distance between the first and second contact faces to be in the range of about 0.002 to 0.010 inches, thereby limiting the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
A drill bit according to claim 22 wherein the spacer is located between the retention assembly and the component on which the retention assembly is mounted so as to adjust the position of the first contact face.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
A drill bit according to claim 22, wherein the spacer is mounted so as itself to provide the first or second contact face in a position determined by the axial dimension of the spacer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
A drill bit according to claim 22, wherein the axial distance between said first and second contact faces, and hence the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal, is in the range of about 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
194 words
A rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body, a plurality of cutter assemblies each comprising a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between each cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the thrust bearing including a thrust washer which is mounted between opposed surfaces on the cutter and journal respectively, and the axial distance between said first and second contact faces of each cutter assembly, when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, being accurately determined by selection of the thickness of the thrust washer to adjust the axial distance between the first and second contact faces to be in the range of about 0.002 to 0.010 inches, thereby limiting the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
194 words
A rolling cutter drill bit comprising a bit body, a plurality of cutter assemblies each comprising a cutter journal on the bit body, a cutter rotatably mounted on the cutter journal, a thrust bearing between adjacent surfaces on the journal and cutter, and a retention assembly mounted on one of said journal and cutter and having a first contact face opposed to a second contact face on the other of said journal and cutter, whereby relative axial displacement between each cutter and journal is limited in one direction by said thrust bearing and in the opposite direction by contact between said first and second contact faces, the thrust bearing including a thrust washer which is mounted between opposed surfaces on the cutter and journal respectively, and the axial distance between said first and second contact faces of each cutter assembly, when said thrust bearing is fully engaged, being accurately determined by selection of the thickness of the thrust washer to adjust the axial distance between the first and second contact faces to be in the range of about 0.002 to 0.010 inches, thereby limiting the maximum permitted axial displacement between the cutter and journal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-05-15 | 1999-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-13 | 2003-05-15 | 2003-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-13 | 2007-05-15 | 2007-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |