David William Tatum

US Patent:

47621893, Aug 9, 1988

Filed:

May 28, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/055126

Inventors:

David M. Tatum - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 1022

US Classification:

175371

Abstract:

A seal and seal shield assembly for rotary drill bits having a journal member comprising a first bearing member, and a rolling cutter with a bore having an open end rotatably mounted thereon comprising a second bearing member. The rolling cutter has a counterbore at the open end defining an annular cavity. The seal and seal shield assembly is compression-loaded in the cavity to retain lubricant in the bit. The seal assembly has a pair of annular rings each with a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland. An elastic spring member compression-loaded in the seal biases the exterior surfaces against the bearing surfaces. A flat malleable annular disc with lubricating properties is positioned at the outer face of the seal assembly and a rigid annular disc is positioned in supporting relation thereto. A second flat malleable annular disc is positioned at the outer face of the rigid disc adjacent to the journal member seal thrust face. The malleable annular disc members deform under pressure and extrude to seal voids at the bearing surfaces and to prevent the entrance of abrasive particulate matter.

US Patent:

52519147, Oct 12, 1993

Filed:

Apr 23, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/690149

Inventors:

David M. Tatum - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16J 1538
F16C 3376

US Classification:

277123

Abstract:

A sealing assembly for relatively movable, e. g. , rotating or reciprocating, members with a plurality of surfaces defining an annular space having a longitudinal axis, at temperatures up to about 1000. degree. F. , comprises first and second annular rings of a hard, material having low frictional properties. Each of the annular rings has a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland when fitted together and has external surfaces facing longitudinally outward relative to the longitudinal axis and external surfaces facing outward and inward radially of the longitudinal axis adapted to fit the surfaces of the annular space and of the relatively movable members. The annular rings have surfaces facing inwardly toward each other when assembled shaped to form an annular cavity. An annular elastic metal spring is positioned in the annular cavity between and at least partially surrounded on all sides by the annular rings and spaced from the surfaces of the annular space and the relatively movable members biasing the annular rings apart in directions both radially and longitudinally of the longitudinal axis when installed with the annular members under compression toward each other.

US Patent:

50095196, Apr 23, 1991

Filed:

Aug 3, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/227624

Inventors:

David M. Tatum - Houston TX

International Classification:

F16C 3376
F16J 1526
F16J 1528
F16J 1538

US Classification:

384 94

Abstract:

A sealing member for relatively movable, e. g. , rotating or reciprocating, members comprises a pair of annular rings each with a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland. An elastic spring member compression-loaded in the seal biases the exterior surfaces against the bearing surfaces. The ring members are preferably of TEFLON, or like polytetrafluoroethylene plastic, RYTON, polyphenylene sulfide, or a soft elastic metal capable of being compressed by the spring member against the walls of the surface being sealed. The spring is a rubber or elastomeric O-ring or the like. Other spring members, such as a Belleville spring assembly or the like, may be used. This seal is characterized by its operation at elevated temperatures, i. e. , up, to 1000. degree. F.