Abstract: A bearing apparatus includes: (a) an inner member comprising rigid material with a first contact surface; (b) an outer member comprising rigid material with a second contact surface; (c) an annular intermediate member between the inner and outer members, and having: (i) a third contact surface including first bearing elements contacting the first contact surface to define a first bearing interface, each first bearing element including a raised central portion flanked beam portions; and (ii) a fourth contact surface including second bearing elements contacting the second contact surface to define a second bearing interface, each second bearing element including a raised central portion flanked by a pair of beam portions; (d) wherein the contact surfaces of each bearing interface are wear-resistant; and (e) wherein the bearing elements are shaped and sized so as to conform in an irregular shape to the at least one contact surface.

Abstract: Bearing apparatus includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material and having a bore defining a first contact surface; (b) a second member disposed in the bore, the second member comprising rigid material and having a cylindrical surface defining a second contact surface; (c) wherein both contact surfaces are wear-resistant, and wherein the first and second members are positioned relative to each other by a plurality of protruding bearing elements contacting at least one of the first and second contact surfaces, so as to transfer mechanical loads between the members, each bearing element including a raised central portion flanked by a pair of beam portions, while allowing relative translation and/or rotation between the members; and (e) wherein the bearing elements are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and conform in an irregular shape to the at least one contact surface.