Frank J Klima

US Patent:

44538367, Jun 12, 1984

Filed:

Aug 31, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/297944

Inventors:

Frank J. Klima - Virginia MN

International Classification:

F16C 3376
E21B 1022
E21B 1024

US Classification:

384 94

Abstract:

A sealed, internally lubricated rotary roller drill bit for drilling hard earth formations in which internally disposed axially, thrust and ball anti-friction bearings are used in combination and in which a first seal means is provided for preventing the introduction of drilling debris and a second seal means is provided to prevent the introduction of such debris and to maintain the lubricant inside of the bit under pressure. A pressure relief means is provided to allow excess lubricant to flow around one of the seals. A stream of air is directed through the bit, first in a direction to "clean" the bore hole and in further directions to allow ready access to a lubricant fitting and to effect a seal at the interface between rotating portions of the bit.

US Patent:

40983587, Jul 4, 1978

Filed:

Feb 24, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/771520

Inventors:

Frank J. Klima - Virginia MN

International Classification:

E21B 910

US Classification:

175 65

Abstract:

A rotary drill bit is provided with confronting large hard annular bearing surfaces on the journal-bearing body and on the journal-mounted conical cutter of the bit. The hard surfaces are generally normal to the axis of rotation of the cutter to bear axial loads, and provide a large bearing area resulting in relatively low unit pressures on the bearing surface. The hardness of the bearing surfaces should be greater than the hardness of the rock or other material being drilled. The journal and cutter may have confronting but spaced inner hard bearing surfaces which come into sliding, bearing contact with each other as the first-mentioned bearing surfaces are worn down. Cooling means are provided to cool the bearing surfaces, and an internal ball bearing and race assembly permits limited movement of the cutter axially on the journal to allow for wear of the bearing surfaces and to eventually bear axial loads. Also described is a nozzle means for sweeping cuttings to the periphery of the drill hole.

US Patent:

45522332, Nov 12, 1985

Filed:

Jul 18, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/632255

Inventors:

Frank J. Klima - Virginia MN

International Classification:

E21B 1024

US Classification:

175371

Abstract:

An improved seal for a rotary drill bit includes a pair of ring seals comprised of dissimilar materials disposed axially, adjacently to one another intermediate a stationary journal and a rotating cutter to present multiple sealing interfaces so that one or more of the ring seals may rotate with respect to another or the journal or rotating cutter. One of the ring seals may preferrably be fabricated of material exhibiting elastomeric characteristics.

US Patent:

41024192, Jul 25, 1978

Filed:

Apr 6, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/785089

Inventors:

Frank J. Klima - Virginia MN

International Classification:

E21C 1300
E21B 910

US Classification:

175371

Abstract:

A rotary drill bit having a rolling cutter mounted on a journal by means of internal, anti-friction bearings is provided with a sealing ring between the journal and cutter. The journal and cutter have facing, circumferential surfaces of which one surface is provided with a groove facing the other surface. One or more annular sealing rings are spring pressed against and carried by the other surface and extend into and seal against the annular groove to seal the interior bearings from contamination. The one or more rings are forced under spring pressure into the annular groove when the cutter is mounted to the journal, the ring or rings returning under spring pressure to press against and be carried by the other circumferential surface while yet extending into and sealing against the groove. In the latter position, radially spaced confronting surfaces of the sealing ring or rings and the groove define therebetween an annular space, and the journal may be provided with a passageway for conducting air or other fluid under pressure to the annular space.