Patent ID: 6779613
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A drill bit for subterranean drilling, comprising:a bit body including a longitudinal centerline, a leading end having a face for contacting a formation having a compressive strength during drilling, and a trailing end having a structure associated therewith for connecting the bit body to a drill string, the face of the leading end including a bearing surface sized and configured to transfer a range of weight-on-bit from the bit body through the bearing surface to the formation, wherein the range of weight-on-bit comprises any weight-on-bit which results in the bearing surface contacting the formation at a stress of less than substantially the compressive strength of the formation; wherein an area of the bearing surface is configured and located so that the bearing surface area in contact with the formation remains substantially constant within the range of weight-on-bit; and at least one superabrasive cutter for engaging the formation during drilling secured to a selected portion of the face of the leading end of the bit body.