Self relieving seals of this invention comprise an elastomeric seal body having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for contact with respective drill bit sealing surfaces. The seal includes a pair of external surfaces that each extend along the seal body between the first and second sealing surfaces. The seal includes one or more relief ports that are disposed through the seal body and that have openings through each of the seal body external surfaces. The relief port can be specially configured, e.g., have different diameter sections of constant or variable dimensions, to provide a degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal body when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. The seal may include an element, e.g., solid, tubular, or porous, disposed within the relief port to provide a further desired degree of control over pressure equalization through the seal when the seal is loaded within the drill bit. Surface features, on the seal or the drill bit, can be provided to offset the relief port opening from the rock bit so that it is not blocked off. The seal can include a valve mechanism to provide a further degree of control over fluid passage through the relief port.
This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/312,075, filed Dec. 19, 2005, which was a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,065, filed on Apr. 2, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,548, issued on Dec. 20, 2005, and which in turn claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/369,497, filed on Apr. 3, 2002.
