Patent ID: 7188691

Claim:
A drill bit for drilling through earthen formations comprising: a bit body; a journal shaft extending from said bit body; an energizing ring disposed about said journal shaft; a first seal ring disposed about said journal shaft and contacting said energizing ring, said first seal ring having a first annular seal surface; a second seal ring disposed about said journal shaft and having a second annular sealing surface engaging said first annular sealing surface of said first seal ring, said second seal ring further including a radially outermost surface and an axially-facing surface on the opposite side of said second seal ring from said second annular sealing surface; a cushioning ring having a generally L-shaped cross-section and including a base portion engaging at least a portion of said axially-facing surface of said second seal ring, and having a flange portion extending from said base portion and engaging at least a portion of said radially outermost surface of said second seal ring; a cone cutter having a central cavity receiving said journal shaft and having a seal gland housing said cushioning ring, said first and second seal rings, and said energizing ring; and wherein said energizing ring, said first and second seal rings and said cushioning ring are coaxially aligned with the axis of said journal shaft, and wherein said axially-facing surface of said second seal ring includes a radially-innermost portion that is free of engagement with said cushioning ring.