Patent ID: 7096978
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A drill bit for subterranean drilling, comprising: a bit body including a leading end having a face for contacting a formation having a compressive strength during drilling, and a trailing end having a structure associated therewith for connecting the bit body to a drill string, the face of the leading end including one or more bearing surfaces sized and configured, in combination, to transfer a range of weight-on-bit from the bit body through the bearing surface to the formation, wherein the range of weight-on-bit comprises any weight-on-bit which results in the one or more bearing surfaces contacting the formation at a stress of less than substantially the compressive strength of the formation; wherein a total area of contact with the formation of the one or more bearing surfaces is configured and located to be substantially constant within the range of weight-on-bit; and at least one superabrasive cutter for engaging the formation during drilling secured to a selected portion of the face of the leading end of the bit body, the at least one superabrasive cutter exhibiting an exposure limited by the contact of the one or more bearing surfaces with the formation.