Rotatable elements for use with earth-boring tools include a movable element and a stationary element. The rotatable element may include a void within the support structure and at least one pin protruding from the void through an exterior side of the support structure. The rotatable element may further include at least one aperture configured to provide a vent to the void. The rotatable element may be disposed at least partially within a cavity of the stationary element. The stationary element may further include a track configured to interact with the at least one pin.

A rotary drill bit for directional drilling operations, in which a rotating bit with cutters advances a borehole in the earth invention, provides a smaller radius of curvature to increase drilling efficiency. The rotary drill bit comprises a box connection for connecting the bit to the drill string. The drill bit receives a pin connection that seats adjacent the plenum of the bit to shorten the distance between the bit face and steering tools behind the bit so the drill string can be steered more efficiently.

A rotary drill bit for directional drilling operations, in which a rotating bit with cutters advances a borehole in the earth invention, provides a smaller radius of curvature to increase drilling efficiency. The rotary drill bit comprises a box connection for connecting the bit to the drill string. The drill bit receives a pin connection that seats adjacent the plenum of the bit to shorten the distance between the bit face and steering tools behind the bit so the drill string can be steered more efficiently.

A rotary drill tool for cutting rock includes a set of journal legs that rotatably mount rotating cone shaped cutters via respective bearing assemblies. A fluid supply passageway extends through the journal legs to provide a cooling and cleaning fluid to the bearings during use. A by-pass passageway extends through a base region of the spindle that mounts each cone cutter and is provided in direct fluid communication with the supply passageway to divert the fluid to a base region of the bearing assembly.

A rotary drill tool for cutting rock includes a set of journal legs that rotatably mount rotating cone shaped cutters via respective bearing assemblies. A fluid supply passageway extends through the journal legs to provide a cooling and cleaning fluid to the bearings during use. A by-pass passageway extends through a base region of the spindle that mounts each cone cutter and is provided in direct fluid communication with the supply passageway to divert the fluid to a base region of the bearing assembly.

A disclosed example embodiment includes a drill bit used to form wellbores in subterranean formations. The drill bit includes a drill bit body for coupling to a lower end of a drill string. The drill bit body includes at least one support arm having an inwardly extending journal with a journal bearing having at least one radially reduced pocket extending at least partially circumferentially around the journal bearing including a load side of the journal bearing. At least one rotary cutter assembly is rotatably mounted to the journal. A plurality of cutting elements is disposed on the at least one rotary cutter assembly. At least two independent hardmetal pads are positioned within the at least one radially reduced pocket such that the hardmetal pads have a gap disposed therebetween.

A disclosed example embodiment includes a drill bit used to form wellbores in subterranean formations. The drill bit includes a drill bit body for coupling to a lower end of a drill string. The drill bit body includes at least one support arm having an inwardly extending journal with a journal bearing having at least one radially reduced pocket extending at least partially circumferentially around the journal bearing including a load side of the journal bearing. At least one rotary cutter assembly is rotatably mounted to the journal. A plurality of cutting elements is disposed on the at least one rotary cutter assembly. At least two independent hardmetal pads are positioned within the at least one radially reduced pocket such that the hardmetal pads have a gap disposed therebetween.

A rotary drill tool for cutting rock includes at least one journal leg mounting a spindle and a respective rotary cone cutter. The spindle includes a plurality of fluid distribution passageways arranged to provide a supply of a cooling and cleaning fluid to the bearing assembly. Vent holes are provided through the cutter to allow an exhaust flow of fluid and an annular seal is provided at a base region of the spindle to maintain a positive fluid pressure within the cutter cavity to prevent dust and dirt ingress.

A rotary drill tool for cutting rock includes at least one journal leg mounting a spindle and a respective rotary cone cutter. The spindle includes a plurality of fluid distribution passageways arranged to provide a supply of a cooling and cleaning fluid to the bearing assembly. Vent holes are provided through the cutter to allow an exhaust flow of fluid and an annular seal is provided at a base region of the spindle to maintain a positive fluid pressure within the cutter cavity to prevent dust and dirt ingress.

A hybrid drill bit includes both fixed cutting elements and rotational cutting elements thereon. The fixed cutting elements are affixed to a bit body and define a peripherally-located fixed cutting structure disposed radially outward of the rotational cutting elements. The rotational cutting elements define a centrally-located counter-rotational cutting structure including two hemispherical counter-rotational cutting members mounted for counter-rotation with respect to one another on an axis generally perpendicular to a bit body rotational axis.