Bit for subterranean drilling fabricated from separately-formed major components
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorGordon A. Tibbitts
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rotary bit for drilling subterranean formations. The bit includes a separately-fabricated bit body and cutter support structures, the latter of which may be designed as blades, ribs, pads or otherwise, depending upon the bit style. The body and one or more cutter support structures are assembled and secured together after fabrication. Separate fabrication of the cutter support structures permits more precise cutter positioning, as well as orientation, and promotes the use of stronger and more diverse cutter affixation means. The cutter support structures may be adjustably radially movable with respect to the bit body, so as to provide the ability to fabricate bits of various gage sizes within a range using a single bit body and single size of cutter support structure.
Claims19
A variable gage size drill bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising:
- a body including at least one substantially radially-oriented channel opening onto the exterior thereof;
- at least one blade carrying cutting structure thereon and having a portion received within and substantially radially inwardly and outwardly slidable within said at least one channel to define a gage size for said bit within a range of gage sizes corresponding to a range of travel of said at least one blade portion within said at least one channel;
- and
- structure for securing said at least one blade received within said at least one channel in fixed relationship to said body at a location within said range of travel to define said gage diameter.
A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations, comprising:
- a body having a structure for engaging a separately-fabricated cutter support structure within a range of generally radial travel;
- and
- at least one separately-fabricated cutter support structure carrying a plurality of cutters on the exterior thereof secured in a fixed position to said body within said range of travel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.