Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a downhole drill string is provided. The downhole tool includes a rotor movably coupled within a stator, and a drive shaft movably coupled within a bearing housing. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the rotor and a second end coupled with a drill bit. Bearing assemblies interfaces engagement between the drive shaft and the bearing housing, including polycrystalline diamond elements, each with an engagement surface, and an opposing engagement surface of a non-superhard metal.

Abstract: A roller ball assembly is provided. The assembly includes a primary roller ball supported by a support element that is composed of a superhard material. The assembly includes a cup defining a cavity within which the support element is positioned. A cap is coupled with the cup and positioned to retain the primary roller ball within the cavity. Also, a cup is disclosed for supporting roller halls. Additionally, disclosed are system and apparatus incorporating the assembly, as well as to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A radial bearing assembly is provided. The radial bearing assembly includes polycrystalline diamond elements, each having an engagement surface in sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface. The opposing engagement surface includes a diamond reactive material. The radial bearing assembly may be deployed in a variety of components and applications, including in rotor and stator assemblies. Also provided are methods of use of the radial bearing assembly, as well as methods of designing the radial bearing assembly.

Abstract: A radial bearing assembly is provided. The radial bearing assembly includes polycrystalline diamond elements, each having an engagement surface in sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface. The opposing engagement surface includes a diamond reactive material. The radial bearing assembly may be deployed in a variety of components and applications, including in rotor and stator assemblies. Also provided are methods of use of the radial bearing assembly, as well as methods of designing the radial bearing assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing compliance in bearings of rotating machinery are provided. The rotating machinery may include a drive shaft movably coupled within a bearing housing. Compliant bearing assemblies may interface engagement between the drive shaft and the bearing housing, including polycrystalline diamond bearing elements, each with an engagement surface, and an opposing engagement surface of a metal that contains diamond solvent-catalyst.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a downhole drill string is provided. The downhole tool includes a rotor movably coupled within a stator, and a drive shaft movably coupled within a bearing housing. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the rotor and a second end coupled with a drill bit. Bearing assemblies interfaces engagement between the drive shaft and the bearing housing, including polycrystalline diamond elements, each with an engagement surface, and an opposing engagement surface of a non-superhard metal.

Abstract: A cam follower is provided. The cam follower includes a polycrystalline diamond element, including an engagement surface. The engagement surface of the polycrystalline diamond element is positioned on the cam follower for sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface of a cam. The cam includes at least some of a diamond reactive material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of making articles having portions of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a surface of a substrate and polycrystalline diamond compacts made using the same. In an embodiment, a molding technique is disclosed for forming cutting tools comprising polycrystalline diamond portions bonded to the outer surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a downhole drill string is provided. The downhole tool includes a rotor movably coupled within a stator, and a drive shaft movably coupled within a bearing housing. The drive shaft has a first end coupled with the rotor and a second end coupled with a drill bit. Bearing assemblies interfaces engagement between the drive shaft and the bearing housing, including polycrystalline diamond elements, each with an engagement surface, and an opposing engagement surface of a non-superhard metal.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a superabrasive compact including one or more superabrasive cutting portions or segments, rotary drill bits including one or more superabrasive compacts, and related methods (e.g., methods of fabricating and/or operating the superabrasive compacts). For example, the superabrasive compact may include polycrystalline diamond that may form at least a portion of a working surface of the superabrasive compact.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for imparting and limiting hypocycloidal, lateral, and torsional forces onto drill bits are provided, including hypocycloidal bearings for limiting hypocycloidal motion, lateral impulse mechanisms for imparting lateral movement to a drill bit, and torsional impulse mechanisms for imparting torsional movement to a drill bit. The methods systems, and apparatus may decrease friction, increase drilling efficiency, and provide additional benefits to drilling systems.

Abstract: A cam follower is provided. The cam follower includes a polycrystalline diamond element, including an engagement surface. The engagement surface of the polycrystalline diamond element is positioned on the cam follower for sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface of a cam. The cam includes at least some of a diamond reactive material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a diamond bearing surface positioned in sliding engagement with an opposing bearing surface of a diamond reactive material. The opposing bearing surface is hardened via a material treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes sucker rod strings, pipe protectors, and tool joints having polycrystalline diamond elements positioned thereon to interface engagement with other surfaces in downhole applications. The polycrystalline diamond elements can be positioned on sucker rod guides, sucker rod couplers, pipe protectors, and tool joints.

Abstract: A cutting element for use on a drill bit is disclosed. The cutting element includes a polycrystalline diamond table having a multi-tiered surface. The polycrystalline diamond table has at least a first cutting surface and a second cutting surface. The polycrystalline diamond table has a step between the first and second cutting surfaces. The step is transitional surface feature between the first and second cutting surfaces, which are positioned at different elevations in the polycrystalline diamond table.

Abstract: A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes forming a protective layer over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element, the polycrystalline diamond element having a polycrystalline diamond table that includes a superabrasive face, a superabrasive side surface, and a chamfer extending between the superabrasive face and the superabrasive side surface. A portion of the superabrasive side surface is covered by the protective layer and the protective layer is not formed over the chamfer. The method includes exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching solution. A polycrystalline diamond element has a polycrystalline diamond table that includes a leached volume extending from the superabrasive face to a portion of the chamfer proximate to the superabrasive side surface, and the leached volume does not substantially extend along the superabrasive side surface.

Abstract: A cam follower is provided. The cam follower includes a polycrystalline diamond element, including an engagement surface. The engagement surface of the polycrystalline diamond element is positioned on the cam follower for sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface of a cam. The cam includes at least some of a diamond reactive material.

Abstract: A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes forming a protective layer over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element, the polycrystalline diamond element having a polycrystalline diamond table that includes a superabrasive face, a superabrasive side surface, and a chamfer extending between the superabrasive face and the superabrasive side surface. A portion of the superabrasive side surface is covered by the protective layer and the protective layer is not formed over the chamfer. The method includes exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching solution. A polycrystalline diamond element has a polycrystalline diamond table that includes a leached volume extending from the superabrasive face to a portion of the chamfer proximate to the superabrasive side surface, and the leached volume does not substantially extend along the superabrasive side surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing compliance in bearings of rotating machinery are provided. The rotating machinery may include a drive shaft movably coupled within a bearing housing. Compliant bearing assemblies may interface engagement between the drive shaft and the bearing housing, including polycrystalline diamond bearing elements, each with an engagement surface, and an opposing engagement surface of a metal that contains diamond solvent-catalyst.