Abstract: A hole cutting tool with plug ejection includes a hole saw having a first central bore and an arbor having a second central bore along a central axis. The arbor is configured at one end to be coupled to a rotational drilling machine, and at the other end to be attached to the hole saw in a first cutting position and detached from the hole saw in a second ejection position. The hole cutting tool also includes a pilot guide having an ejection shoulder. The pilot guide is slidably disposed within the second central bore of the arbor and received through the first central bore of the hole saw. The pilot guide being configured to translate along the central axis between a first drilling position and the second ejection position.

Abstract: A casing-tube cutter bit applicable to both-directional rotation and having high excavation performance is provided. A casing-tube cutter bit includes a mounting part constituted by two members facing each other at a predetermined interval, and an excavation part formed continuously with the mounting part and having a leading end at which a plurality of ultrahard chips are disposed at a predetermined interval, the excavation part includes a central part, and first and second tilt parts tilted on both sides of the central part, the first tilt part is formed in a first length at a first tilt angle, the second tilt part is formed in a second length at a second tilt angle, the first tilt angle is equal to the second tilt angle, and the first length is shorter than the second length.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a support ring circumferentially surrounding a central bearing axis and a plurality of superhard bearing elements coupled to the support ring. Each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a base, a superhard bearing surface, and an element side surface extending between the base and the superhard bearing surface. The superhard bearing surface has a partial-ellipsoidal surface shape. A bearing apparatus includes an inner bearing assembly and an outer bearing assembly. A subterranean drilling system includes an output shaft operably coupled to a bearing apparatus.

Abstract: Drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways.

Abstract: A tubular connection includes a pin member and a box member. The pin member has a first thread structure and a helical torque shoulder spaced axially along the pin member from the first thread structure. The box member has a second thread structure and a second helical torque shoulder spaced axially along the box member from the second thread structure. The first thread structure and the second thread structure are sized and located to control a stab position of the tubular connection, and in the stab position the first helical torque shoulder does not engage or axially overlap with the second helical torque shoulder. A method of joining tubular members utilizing a helical torque shoulder is also provided.

Abstract: A de-grassing system having a body, a handle, and a cutter; the body having a longitudinal hollow chamber with an axis extending axially there through, with a top and bottom, the chamber further having a port permitting water to egress; the handle having a longitudinal hollow cylinder having a proximal and distal end, wherein the proximal end has a substantially perpendicular longitudinal hollow cylinder affixed thereto at the midpoint of the substantially perpendicular longitudinal hollow cylinder, wherein the substantially perpendicular longitudinal cylinder has a pair of ends providing means for rotating the system about the axis; the top connecting outwardly from the chamber for receiving the distal end of the handle; and the cutter forming the bottom, having a plurality of teeth extending axially outwardly from the chamber to engulf the sprinkler head.

Abstract: An underground directional drilling system can comprise a plurality of elongated dual-shaft segments coupled together end-to-end and forming an inner shaft assembly independently rotatable relative to an annular outer shaft assembly. The dual-shaft drilling system can include a communication segment that comprises an outer shaft having first longitudinal portion, a second longitudinal, and a gap portion that provides electrical insulation therebetween. The communication segment can generate voltage differences between the longitudinal portions that cause electrical pulses to periodically transfer across the gap portion to wirelessly communicate drilling related data to the surface. An inner shaft of the communication segment can comprise electrical insulation to avoid creating an electrical short between the first and second longitudinal portions of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A machining tool that comprises a cutting part and a base that supports the cutting part. The base and/or the cutting part are made at least in part of a fiber-reinforced plastic. In some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced plastic is CFRP or CFC.

Abstract: A cutter assembly may include a sleeve having at least one passageway extending through the sleeve from a outer surface thereof into an inner surface thereof; at least one rotatable cutting element disposed in the sleeve, wherein the at least one rotatable cutting element has a circumferential groove formed in a side surface thereof, wherein when the inner rotatable cutting element is disposed in the sleeve, the circumferential groove is aligned with the passageway; and a retention element disposed in at least a portion of the passageway and the circumferential groove to retain the at least one rotatable cutting element in the sleeve, wherein the retention element has an axis that is parallel to a tangent of the rotatable cutting element side surface at least one point of contact with the rotatable cutting element.

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle includes an aerial propulsion system, an altitude sensor system, a water sampling system, and a control system. The water sampling system includes a water sampling extension configured to extend away from the vehicle, one or more water sample receptacles, and a water pump. The control system is configured to perform operations including: guiding, using the aerial propulsion system, the vehicle over a water source; causing, using sensor data from the altitude sensor system, the vehicle to descend towards the water source so that the water sampling extension contacts the water source; and causing, using the water sampling system, the water pump to pump water from the water source into the one or more water sample receptacles through the water sampling extension while the vehicle is in flight over the water source.

Abstract: A drill bit for forming a hole in a formation. The drill bit has a shank and a full face crown that cooperate to define an interior space that receives water or other drilling fluid. The full face crown defines a plurality of bores that extend from a cutting face of the full face crown to the interior space. The full face crown completely circumferentially encloses the interior space of the drill bit. A wedge shaped slot is defined therein the full face crown that extends longitudinally therein a portion of the cutting face and the circumferential outer surface of the full face crown. The slot further defines an apex that is positioned beyond the center of the cutting face of the drill bit such that the longitudinal axis of the drill bit extends through the bottom surface of the slot and into an interior void area of the slot. Further, a conduit is defined in the drill bit that is in communication with the interior space and with a portion of the defined slot.

Abstract: A device for securing a plurality of abrasive segments to an abrasive tool is provided. The abrasive tool includes a rotatable body with an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The device includes a carrier element that includes a first portion that accommodates the plurality of abrasive segments and a second portion opposite from the first portion that attaches to the rotatable body. The second portion includes a shoulder extending therefrom that facilitates centering with the rotatable body.

Abstract: Drilling tools include a bit crown and an integrated reamer. The bit crown and the integrated reamer can be configured with approximately equal drilling lives. The bit crown can be impregnated with abrasive cutting media and include one or more external flutes. The integrated reamer can be positioned at the base the bit crown and include one or more channels that align with one or more of the outer flutes. The channels can taper such that they increase in width as they extend away from the bit crown.

Abstract: A cutting device includes, at least one stack of cutting elements attached to a cutter surface having, a first element and a second element attached to the cutter surface, and a third element attached to the first element and the second element, the three elements being sized and shaped such that prior to attachment to the cutter surface the three elements are restable in a stable manner on the cutter surface due to gravity alone such that a plane-defined-surface defined by one of the two planes of a modified gilmoid of the third element positioned further from the cutter surface is oriented at an angle of about 35 to 55 degrees relative to the cutter surface.

Abstract: Cutting members including a body including a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface and extending in a plane substantially aligned with the first surface, a leading surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, the leading surface extending in a plane transverse to the first surface and the second surface, and an attaching surface distal the leading surface, the attaching surface extending between the first surface and the second surface and a plurality of abrasive elements integrated in the body. In some examples, the cutting member is configured as a cylindrical drill bit and the abrasive elements are aligned transverse the leading surface. In some further examples, the cutting member is configured as a circular disk and the abrasive elements are aligned transverse the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core drill comprising: an external pipe; a coring bit to be rotated by rotation of the external pipe to drill a coring hole and form a core having a core diameter; and an internal coring pipe (1), mounted within the external pipe, to receive a core formed by the coring bit, the internal coring pipe comprising: an internal tubular wall (2) defining a cavity (4) having a diameter substantially the same as the core diameter within which to retain a core formed by the coring bit, one or more viewing openings (8, 9, 10) being formed through the internal tubular wall; and an external tubular wall (3), in which the internal tubular wall is housed coaxially, the internal and external tubular walls being connected to each other so as to form a single-piece double-walled pipe.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth include a plurality of blades configured with a recessed center such that the blades cut a core therebetween. Cutting elements in the recessed center are configured to cut and remove the core. The recessed center has a first diameter at a height from the cutting elements in the recessed center and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that the confining stress on the core is relieved prior to being cut by the cutting elements in the recessed center.

Abstract: A drill bit having fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters is used to drill a borehole having a core stump therein. A plurality of additional fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters are disposed in the dome of the bit and are usable to concentrate stresses in the top end of the core stump to facilitate the cutting down of the core stump.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the drilling tool can have a single notch extending into the cutting face and a plurality of bores extending from the cutting face to an interior space of the drilling tool. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having a single notch and a plurality of bores.

Abstract: A core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism that can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Drilling systems including the driven latch mechanism and methods of using the driven latch mechanism are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool having a large drill, in particular a core drill, in which a center drill is guided in an axially flexible or movable manner, with the axial movement of said center drill relative to said large drill being limited by at least one limit stop, wherein at least one pin that is supported on the large drill, the shaft thereof or a transition therebetween, extends toward the center drill, and the pin (24) is formed at an attachment body (26) comprising a contact surface (46) that abuts on a counter contact surface (52) of the drilling tool (10) and in particular has at least partially a larger lateral extension than the pin.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit has an axis, and a barrel, and a cutting member fixed to the barrel. The barrel is arranged to engage a drill shaft for driving the drill bit around the axis. The barrel and the cutting member are adjacently located on the axis. The drill bit has an aperture centered on the axis, the aperture passing completely through both the cutting member and barrel.

Abstract: An abrasive drill bit includes: a hollow tubular body having a rotation axis and being configured to be rotated by a drill about the rotation axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed around the periphery of a distal end of the tubular body and extending distally from the tubular body, each of the plurality of teeth supporting a drilling abrasive, wherein the distal extension of the teeth relative to each other varies cyclically along the periphery of the distal end of the tubular portion such that when the drill bit is rotated about the rotation axis and advanced along the rotation axis into a surface of a drilled material, at least one distal-most tooth maintains contact with the surface and at least one least distally extending tooth does not contact the surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool that has a leading or cutting surface that includes affixed thereto a plurality of irregular nine-faced polyhedrons or three-dimensional solid elements with nine faces, wherein each of the nine faces is a polygon and has a predetermined distance from each face to an opposing cutting edge and wherein the predetermined distance from each of the nine faces to its opposing cutting edge is equal for all of each of the nine faces, such that regardless of which of the nine faces is resting on a flat surface, the predetermined distance is the same.

Abstract: A coring assembly comprises a shoe and a tubular body having a first end coupled to the shoe. An inner sleeve is releasably coupled to the shoe and has a first end disposed within the shoe and a second end that is slidably engaged with the tubular body. A middle sleeve is slidably engaged with the tubular body and releasably coupled to the shoe. At least a portion of the middle sleeve is disposed within an annulus defined by the inner sleeve and the tubular body.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways.

Abstract: A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body; a plurality of blades extending azimuthally from the tool body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the plurality of blades, the plurality of cutting elements comprising: at least two non-planar cutting elements comprising a substrate and a diamond layer having a non-planar cutting end, wherein at least one of the at least two conical cutting elements has a positive back rake angle or positive side rake angle, and at least one of the at least two non-planar cutting elements has a negative back rake angle or a negative side rake angle.

Abstract: A drill bit including a body section. The body section defines a body proximal end and a longitudinally opposed body distal end, and a body passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving a fluid and conveying the fluid through the body section. An annular crown section extends longitudinally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown distal end and a longitudinally opposed crown proximal end, the crown section extending distally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and in fluid communication with the body passageway. A flow directing component cooperates with the crown section to define a fluid flow channel extending through the crown section radially outwardly from the crown passageway, the fluid flow channel being self-modifiable upon the crown section reaching a predetermined wear threshold so as to modify a flow of the fluid through the fluid flow channel.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a garden auger comprising a shank and an auger body. The auger body comprises a leading end and a trailing end including a space therebetween. The auger body is substantially radial including at least two legs connecting the trailing end and the leading end. The leading end has a cutter including a plurality of teeth forming a cutting diameter. The plurality of teeth each have a tip extending from the leading end, wherein the tips form a plane that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the garden auger. The auger body is attached to the shank to prevent rotation therebetween. The shank comprises an attachment portion for attachment to a drill motor.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways.

Abstract: A drill bit matrix is provided that contains a powdered abrasive material and a refractory metal powder in which the refractory metal powder is a coated powder in which each granule of the refractory metal powder is coated by a coating material. A core drill bit is further provided, containing a powdered abrasive material, a refractory metal powder and a steel tube onto which the powdered abrasive material and refractory metal powder are alloyed. The refractory metal powder is a coated powder in which each granule of the refractory metal powder is coated by one or more coating materials. A method is finally provided for manufacturing a core drill bit. First a matrix is formed by mixing together a powdered abrasive material and a coated refractory metal powder. The matrix is placed in a mould and a steel tube is placed on top of the mould to form a drill bit assembly. The drill bit assembly is then heated under atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A core catcher includes a housing having an inner wall that defines an axial bore through the housing. A retention member is disposed within the housing and is coupled to a first hinge tab that defines a first hinge barrel with the inner wall of the housing. A first closure member has a slot that is engaged with the first hinge tab and a pivot edge that is at least partially disposed within the first hinge barrel. In an open position, the first closure member is disposed in an annulus between a sleeve that is slidably disposed within the housing and the housing. In a closed position the first closure member is disposed at least partially across the axial bore of the housing.

Abstract: A coring apparatus comprises a coring bit operable to cut a core. An outer barrel is coupled to and configured to rotate the coring bit. An inner barrel is disposed within the outer barrel and is isolated from rotation with the outer barrel. A fabric sleeve is disposed within the inner barrel and configured to receive the core cut by the coring bit.

Abstract: A soil auger for creating smooth-walled cylindrical holes in the earth is provided for use with a drill. The auger has a central rotational axis with a tubular body that is open at a bottom cutting end, and enclosed at a top end by a cap assembly. The cap assembly has a top wall and a bottom wall. The top and bottom walls have apertures aligned with the central rotational axis for receiving a shaft in alignment therewith, and for attachment to a drill. The distance between the top wall and bottom wall compared to the overall length of the assembled auger determines the minimum height of the cap assembly to minimize the rotational imbalance of the auger during use for a given body length. A method of manufacturing the auger is provided using precision cutting tools to create apertures in the body and to maintain concentricity of the auger components.

Abstract: A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis.

Abstract: An example coring tool includes a cylindrical body having a leading edge to contact a substance and a cavity defined at least in part by an inner surface of the cylindrical body. The inner surface is to engage and retain a sample from the substance with a plurality of raised features. The raised features are shaped so that at least one of the raised features or an exterior surface of a sample in the cavity deforms to increase a force required to remove the sample from the cavity.

Abstract: A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein drilling apparatus, in particular for use in the field of oil prospecting, comprising: a first tubular member (1, 2, 3); a second tubular member (6, 7, 8, 9) mounted at least partly within the first tubular member so as to be reciprocally free in rotation with respect to the first tubular member about an axis (5); and a drill bit (4) operatively connected to one of the first or second tubular members so as to be rotated in response to the one tubular member being turned in order to effect drilling, characterised in that: the drilling apparatus further comprises a restoring member (18, 36) for applying a forces between the first tubular member and the second tubular member at least in respective first axial directions in response to relative displacement of the first tubular member and the second tubular member in the respective opposite axial directions. Also provided are a tubular assembly and a method of assembling tubular members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core drill comprising: an external pipe; a coring bit to be rotated by rotation of the external pipe to drill a coring hole and form a core having a core diameter; and an internal coring pipe (1), mounted within the external pipe, to receive a core formed by the coring bit, the internal coring pipe comprising: an internal tubular wall (2) defining a cavity (4) having a diameter substantially the same as the core diameter within which to retain a core formed by the coring bit, one or more viewing openings (8, 9, 10) being formed through the internal tubular wall; and an external tubular wall (3), in which the internal tubular wall is housed coaxially, the internal and external tubular walls being connected to each other so as to form a single-piece double-walled pipe.

Abstract: A core retaining device for use with a core drill bit, the bit adapted for cutting a core from a material. The core retaining device comprises: a core attachment mechanism for releasably connecting the core retaining device to the core; a bearing connected to the core attachment mechanism allowing the drill bit to rotate while said core attachment mechanism remains statically connected to the core; and a biasing arrangement operably connecting between the drill bit and the core via the bearing, axially biasing the core away from the material preventing the core from slipping from the drill bit.

Abstract: A wireline or drill pipe retrievable coring tool with an inner barrel to receive a core, a bottom coring tool valve operable to seal off a bottom of the inner barrel and at least one pressure canister operable to receive fluid from the core in the inner barrel. The pressure canister is operable to significantly reduce the pressure inside the inner barrel utilizing an expandable chamber to receive fluid from the core as the tool is removed from the wellbore. In one embodiment, a bottom valve mechanism moves the cored formation materials out of the way of the bottom valve before the bottom valve is closed.

Abstract: Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose scoop consisting of a body attached to a handle. A neck may be positioned between the body and handle. On the handle is a vent which is covered to permit suction. Passing through the center of the handle and down into the body is a rod. At the bottom of the rod is a means of pushing out any substrate. At the top of the rod is a means to rotate the rod. Also positioned within the handle and body are means to center and stabilize the rod, but still allow the rod to move. A means for keeping the rod out of the way after use is provided. The rod has a locking means for maintaining the rod in the downward position. The body also has a plurality of teeth to assist in cutting. The teeth are positioned along an opening which provides the use of the tool as a scoop. The width, shape and spacing of the teeth provide additional usage for raking and weed pulling.

Abstract: A core drill bit includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body having opposite first and second ends with an end section having an end face defining an annular non-planar surface. The cutting head includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cutting segments, the cutting segments being electrical welded to the non-planar surface whereby raised portions of the surface melt during the welding to affix the cutting segments with the face of the tool body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rock and soil core sampling and more specifically to the preservation of core sample integrity. A sample capsule is described which comprises heat shrink tubing. The sample capsule is located inside a sampling tool such as a core drill bit and activated by electric film heaters also inside the drill bit. A sample capsule front end cap may also be included. A cache mechanism is described which may store one or more sample capsules and front end caps.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention relate to a bearing assembly, and a bearing apparatus and motor assembly that employs such a bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly comprises a support ring including a plurality of recesses and at least one opening. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of bearing elements, each of which is positioned generally within a corresponding one of the recesses. At least one of the bearing elements includes at least one groove. At least one retention element may be positioned generally within the at least one opening and adjacent to the at least one groove. Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to a thrust-bearing apparatus, a radial bearing apparatus, and a downhole motor that may utilize any of the disclosed thrust-bearing assemblies and radial bearing assemblies.