Diamond drill bit

Abstract

A diamond drill bit construction for drilling bores in earth formations and the like, according to the present invention, comprises a drill body that is adapted for connection thereof with a drill stem and defines internal fluid passage means through which drilling fluid flows during drilling operations. A plurality of spaced stabilizer pads are formed on the drill body defining a portion of the external surface area thereof and defining a plurality of fluid courses between adjacent stabilizer pads with the fluid courses being in communication with the fluid passage means of the drill body. A plurality of diamonds are supported by the drill body and are arranged on each of the bearing pads such that a portion of each of the diamonds is positioned at the trailing edge of a respective one of the fluid courses and such that the cutting depth of each of the diamonds is controlled by the bearing pads. The diamonds are arranged in single rows on the bearing pads with the bearing pads and rows of diamonds extending to the apex center of the bit. Fluid jets may be located suitably about the drilling face of the bit or the flow of fluid may be otherwise controlled by the configuration of the face of the bit so as to provide optimum flow of drilling fluid at the immediate vicinity of the apex.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.