Replaceable multiple TCI kerf ring

An earth-boring bit comprising:

• a bit body;
• at least one journal member having a pair of ends;
• at least one saddle member secured to the bit body to receive and support each end of the journal member;
• a cutter shell mounted for rotation on the journal member;
• at least one kerf ring having an axis of rotation releasably secured to the cutter shell, the kerf ring including two kerfs located circumferentially around the kerf ring, each kerf having a pair of opposing sides that converge to define a generally convex crest for disintegration of formation material;
• a plurality of hard metal inserts imbedded and secured in rows at the crest of each kerf, the inserts in one of the kerfs being circumferentially shifted relative to the inserts in the other kerf such that the inserts in the one kerf are aligned with spaces between the inserts in the other kerf;
• and wherein
• each kerf is inclined at an angle of inclination relative to a radial plane passing through the kerf ring such that a longitudinal axis of each insert in each kerf diverges from the radial plane.

A kerf ring for mounting to a cutter shell of an earth boring bit, comprising:

• a cylindrical inner diameter for sliding onto an annular exterior surface of the cutter shell;
• a pair of kerfs protruding from the kerf ring and extending circumferentially around the kerf ring, each kerf having a pair of opposing sides that converge to define a crest for disintegration of formation material;
• the kerfs each being inclined at an angle of inclination relative to a radial plane passing through the kerf ring, such that a longitudinal axis of each insert in each kerf diverges from the radial plane;
• and
• a plurality of hard metal inserts imbedded and secured in rows in each kerf.