Patent ID: 8448723
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A drill bit comprising a floating journal bushing; a seal; a cutter comprising a seal gland for the seal and a cutter bearing surface proximate to the floating journal bushing, wherein the cutter bearing surface comprises a first cutter inner diameter, wherein the cutter bearing surface further comprises a cutter bearing surface extension, the cutter bearing surface extension comprises a lip positioned proximate to the seal gland, and wherein the seal comprises a seal cross section width and wherein a length of the cutter bearing surface extension is in a range from about 1% to about 50% of the seal cross section width; a journal, wherein the cutter is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the floating journal bushing is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the journal comprises a seal boss having a first journal outer diameter, and a journal bearing surface having a second journal outer diameter, and wherein the first journal outer diameter is less than the first inner diameter; and a bushing flange positioned between the journal bearing surface and seal boss, wherein a length of the bushing flange is in a range from about 25% to about 75% of a width of the floating journal bushing.