Gerald Wayne Atkinson

US Patent:

46000640, Jul 15, 1986

Filed:

Feb 25, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/705158

Inventors:

Stanley R. Scales - Houston TX
Duane E. Shotwell - Houston TX
Gerald O. Atkinson - Pasadena TX

Assignee:

Hughes Tool Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1020

US Classification:

175368

Abstract:

An earth boring bit having an improved two piece bearing construction using an internally tapered and threaded, cantilevered bearing lug extending obliquely inwardly and downwardly from a leg carried by the body of the bit. An internally tapered and threaded bearing sleeve is made up on the lug, and includes a mouth that engages a shoulder on a base region of the bearing lug. The mouth of the sleeve has a minimum radial thickness such that the sleeve may be made up to a selected minimum torque. The bearing sleeve has a length greater than that of the treaded portion to define a thick walled inner end region to receive a resilient retainer ring in a groove that provides a minimum section over the threads on the interior of the sleeve. The sleeve is boronized to achieve wear resistance in a manner that does not substantially reduce strength.