Thrust bearing for use in downhole drilling systems
OwnerJames K. Cunninghaminventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A thrust bearing for use in downhole drilling systems employing fluid motors having a stator retaining ring and a rotor retaining ring. These rings have a plurality of bearing inserts. The bearing insert surfaces of the rotor contact the bearing surfaces of the stator. The studs which make up the bearing surface have a threaded bolt secured thereto. The threaded bolt extends through a plurality of threaded holes in each of the retaining rings. The studs and bolt may be removed or inserted by use of a simple hand tool, such as an Allen wrench.
Claims8
A thrust bearing for use in downhole drilling systems which comprises:
- a plurality of diamond bearing inserts, each insert including (i) a stud having a bearing surface and (ii) a threaded bolt secured to said stud;
- an annular retainer having a plurality of holes therethrough, each such hole having a first portion approximately the size of the diameter of said stud and a second portion which is of a smaller diameter and is threaded to threadedly receive said threaded bolt.
A thrust bearing for use in a downhole drilling system which comprises:
- a plurality of bearing inserts, each such insert having i) a stud having a hard bearing surface and ii) a threaded bolt secured at one end to said stud and the other end of said bolt having a fitting so that said bolt may be rotated;
- and
- a stator retaining disc and a rotor retaining disc, each disc having a plurality of holes therethrough, at least a section of each said hole having threads to threadedly receive said thread bolt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.