Safety support pin and system for repair process for instrumented bits and electronics module end-cap for use therewith

Abstract

A spindle assembly for supporting a drill bit for repair. The spindle assembly includes a plurality of stepped segments of ever-decreasing diameter above a base, each segment sized to be received in a bore of a service cap inserted in the shank of a bit to be repaired. An end-cap for carrying an electronics module includes an end-cap body comprising a bore of similar diameter to the service cap bore diameter, but having one or more lugs protruding radially thereinto to prevent a spindle segment from entering the end cap bore so that the drill bit cannot be supported on the spindle.

1 . A support apparatus for drill bits having a shank thereon defining a bore, the apparatus comprising:
 a spindle comprising a plurality of cylindrical annular segments, the spindle attached to a base, each cylindrical annular segment of the plurality of cylindrical annular segments being sized in diameter for being received within a portion of the bore of a different-sized drill bit shank.   
     
     
         2 . The support device assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each cylindrical annular segment has a diameter different than a diameter of another, next lower cylindrical annular segment of the spindle. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a cylindrical annular segment having a largest diameter of the plurality of cylindrical annular segments is attached to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein a cylindrical annular segment having a smallest diameter of the plurality of cylindrical annular segments forms an uppermost extent of the spindle. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each cylindrical annular segment of the plurality of cylindrical annular segments is secured to another cylindrical annular segment, forming a stepped arrangement for the spindle. 
     
     
         6 . A system for determining if a drill bit having a shank includes an electronics module in a shank bore, the system comprising:
 a spindle attached to a base comprising a plurality of cylindrical annular segments, each cylindrical annular segment secured to at least one adjacent cylindrical annular segment of a different diameter and being sized for seating in a different-sized shank having disposed therein a cap with a bore therethrough, each segment being sized for seating in a cap bore; and   at least one cap having a bore sized to receive a cylindrical annular segment, but for at least one lug therein protruding radially inwardly from a wall of the cap bore to prevent such receipt.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the cap comprises an end-cap having the bore therethrough and carrying an electronics module installed therein. 
     
     
         8 . A method of determining if a drill bit contains a member in a shank having a bore therethrough, the method comprising;
 providing a spindle comprising a plurality of cylindrical annular segments, the spindle attached to a base, the spindle having a cylindrical annular segment of the plurality of cylindrical annular segments seating the a portion of the bore of the drill bit;   providing a cap having a bore including within the bore of the shank of the drill bit;   attempting to place the spindle in the bore of the cap; and   determining if the drill bit will seat on a cylindrical annular segment of the spindle.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising determining if the drill bit contains a cap carrying an electronics module installed within the shank responsive to whether the drill bit will sear on a cylindrical annular segment of the spindle. 
     
     
         10 . An end-cap for disposition in a shank of a drill bit, the end-cap comprising:
 an end-cap body having a bore therethrough;   a radially extending flange adjacent one end of the end-cap body;   another radially extending flange adjacent an opposing end of the end-cap body;   a bore through the end-cap body extending from one end thereof to the opposing end; and   at least one lug protruding radially inwardly from a wall of the bore.   
     
     
         11 . The end-cap of  claim 10 , further comprising a peripheral seal element on each flange. 
     
     
         12 . The end-cap of  claim 10 , further comprising an electronics module carried by the end-cap between the flanges.