Patent ID: 6390211
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A nozzle assembly for use on a drill bit for subterranean drilling, comprising:a nozzle element including at least one passage therethrough for directing a flow of drilling fluid from a fluid outlet on a face of said drill bit, said nozzle element including a substantially frustoconical exterior surface; and an attachment structure for axially and rotationally securing said nozzle element with respect to said fluid outlet and with said at least one passage in communication therewith, wherein said attachment structure includes a first inner sleeve member configured to cooperatively receive at least a portion of the substantially frustoconical exterior surface of the nozzle element, a second inner sleeve member cooperative with said nozzle element, and an outer sleeve member wherein the nozzle element and the first and second inner sleeve members are each at least partially disposed within the outer sleeve member, and wherein the attachment structure is cooperatively configured with said nozzle element to permit substantial variable orientation thereof.