Universal Pick Adapter

Abstract

An adapter may allow for non-rotating degradation tips to be secured to holders traditionally used for accepting rotatable bits. Such an adapter may comprise a body comprising an interface on one surface and a seat on an opposing surface. The interface may comprise a form complementary to an end of a holder and the seat may comprise a form for accepting a hardened tip.

1 . An adapter for mating a hardened tip to a holder, comprising:
 a body comprising an interface on one surface and a seat on an opposing surface;   the interface comprising a form complementary to an end of a holder; and   the seat comprising a form for accepting a hardened tip.   
     
     
         2 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the interface is secured to a holder. 
     
     
         3 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the interface is secured to the holder at an end of the holder exposed when the holder is positioned within a block. 
     
     
         4 . The adapter of  claim 3 , wherein the block is secured to a rotatable drum or continuous chain. 
     
     
         5 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the interface is rigidly secured to the holder by means of a weld, braze, epoxy, shrink fit, or press fit. 
     
     
         6 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the interface is nonrotatably secured to the holder. 
     
     
         7 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the seat is secured to a hardened tip. 
     
     
         8 . The adapter of  claim 7 , wherein the seat is rigidly secured to the hardened tip by means of a weld, braze, epoxy, shrink fit, or press fit. 
     
     
         9 . The adapter of  claim 7 , wherein the hardened tip comprises a superhard material attached to a substrate. 
     
     
         10 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the hardened tip further comprises a bolster attached to the substrate opposite the superhard material. 
     
     
         11 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the superhard material is attached to the substrate via sintering. 
     
     
         12 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the superhard material comprises polycrystalline diamond. 
     
     
         13 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the substrate is formed of carbide.