Patent ID: 6536542
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A rotary cone rock bit comprising;a bit body; at least one journal extending inwardly and downwardly from a lower portion of the bit body; a cutter cone mounted for rotation on the journal; and an annular elastomeric seal forming a lubricant seal between the cone and journal, the seal having a substantially ring-shaped seal body comprising: a dynamic seal surface disposed along one seal body portion and including two surface elements projecting outwardly therefrom prior to placement within the rock bit against a rock bit rotary dynamic surface, the surface elements being separated by a recessed portion that extends circumferentially along the dynamic seal surface, wherein the surface elements are each formed from a common elastomeric material, and wherein one of the surface elements includes a wear layer disposed thereover that is formed from a composite material comprising a fabric of nonelastomeric polymeric material that is bonded together with an elastomeric material; and a static seal surface disposed along another seal body portion.