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Drill bit having rotational cutting elements and method of drilling

  • US 8,079,431 B1
  • Filed: 03/17/2009
  • Issued: 12/20/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A rotary drill bit, comprising:

  • a bit body;

    a cutting pocket defined in the bit body;

    a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body, the cutting element being positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket;

    a rotation-inducing member operably coupled to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket in a first rotational direction while also inducing rolling contact between the cutting element and the cutting pocket such that a rolling contact point between the cutting element and the cutting pocket travels in a rotational direction opposite of the first rotational direction.

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