Patent ID: 6176330
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A rolling cutter rock drill bit for drilling boreholes into the earth comprising:at least one rolling cutter mounted upon a cantilevered bearing shaft;a lubricant disposed between the rolling cutter and the cantilevered bearing shaft, a plurality offirst recesses formed in the rolling cutter;a rigid face seal assembly mounted between the rolling cutter and the bearing journal to seal the lubricant within the rolling cutter,the rigid face seal assembly comprising at least one seal ring, a plurality of second recesses in the seal ring, the plurality of the second recesses aligned generally axially with the plurality of the first recesses in the rolling cutter, and a plurality of coil spring energizers disposed within the aligned first and the second recesses,wherein a pin is disposed within at least one of the coil spring energizers disposed within the plurality of aligned first and second recesses.