Patent ID: 7387178
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An annular seal for use in a rotary cone drill bit having a body, a leg extending from the body, and a cutting cone rotatably mounted on the leg, the annular seal comprising: an elastomeric seal body including: a first sealing surface positioned at least partially along an inside diameter of the seal body; a second sealing surface positioned at least partially along an outside diameter of the seal body, wherein one of the first and second sealing surfaces forms a dynamic rotary seal against an adjacent surface of the drill bit when placed within the drill; a pair of external surfaces each positioned along opposed axial surfaces of the seal body and extending radially between the first and second sealing surfaces; and one or more relief ports disposed within the seal body and extending axially between the external surfaces; wherein at least one of the external surfaces comprises an outwardly projecting feature that is positioned adjacent the relief port, the feature forming a recessed portion for communicating with the relief port.