Patent ID: 7201241
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
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: a seal body formed from an elastomeric material, the sear body having: an inside diameter having a first sealing surface positioned at least partially therealong, the first sealing surface being in contact with an adjacent sealing surface positioned along a journal segment extending from the leg; and an outside diameter having a second sealing surface positioned at least partially therealong, the second sealing surface being in contact with against an adjacent sealing surface of the cone, wherein one of the first and second sealing surfaces forms a dynamic rotary seal against its respective leg or cone sealing surfaces; and a pair of external surfaces each extending along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces; and one or more relief ports disposed axially through the seal body between the external surfaces.