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U.S. Department of Energy
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Earth boring bit with bearing sleeve

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5300247

An earth boring bit is described having an improved bearing sleeve and cutter retention means which comprises: a bit body which includes at least one leg and a cantilevered bearing lug that extends downwardly and inwardly; a thread formed on the bearing lug, tapered to diverge outwardly from an inner, end region to an outer, base region having a transverse shoulder; a bearing sleeve with a substantially cylindrical bearing surface secured to the bearing lug, having a mouth at one end and a threaded portion, the mouth engaging respectively the transverse shoulder; the bearing sleeve having a length greater than that of its threaded portion to define a thick walled end region; a rotatable cutter with a cylindrical bearing surface assembled on the bearing sleeve; an assembly groove formed on the cylindrical surface of the bearing sleeve and in the thick walled end region at a location removed from the thread of the bearing lug and threaded portion of the bearing sleeve; a mating, retainer groove formed in the rotatable cutter; a resilient snap ring positioned in the mating assembly and retainer grooves to retain the cutter on the bearing shaft.

Assignee:
Hughes Tool Co., Houston, TX
Patent Number(s):
US 4600064
OSTI ID:
5300247
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English