Importance

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Abstract

A downhole hammer bit including at least one bit impact head mounted to a vertical guide member by a plurality of retaining ring segments. Opposed surfaces of the bit impact head and the guide member have corresponding circumferential grooves or groove sections that define a channel or channel sections, respectively, for receiving the retaining ring segments. The retaining ring segments are inserted into the respective channel/channel section via a bore that extends from an external surface of the hammer bit. A pin disposed in the bore retains the retaining ring segments in the channel/channel section. The retaining ring segments engage the upper and lower surfaces of the channel/channel sections along an extended arc, reducing the stress and possibility of mechanical failure.

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First Claim