Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing includes an synthetic resin-made annular bearing body having an annular upper surface, an annular outer peripheral surface, and an annular lower surface; a synthetic resin-made annular bearing body having an annular lower surface; a sheet metal-made reinforcement member having an annular lower surface and an annular upper surface; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece interposed between the annular upper surface of the reinforcement member and the annular lower surface of the bearing body; and a synthetic resin-made radial sliding bearing piece disposed between an annular inner peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical portion of the reinforcement member and an annular outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical portion of the bearing body.

Abstract: A thrust plate is provided. The thrust plate includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The thrust plate also includes an inner surface and an outer surface extending axially between the first and second side surfaces respectively. Further, the inner and outer surfaces of the thrust plate define an inner diameter and outer diameter respectively. The thrust plate further includes a number of mounting apertures extending between the first and second side surfaces. The number of mounting apertures is defined proximate to the outer diameter of the thrust plate. A wear layer is positioned radially inward from the mounting apertures. The wear layer is integrated into a stepped portion defining a wear prone area on the first and/or second side surfaces. Further, the wear layer is made of a material different from that of a core of the thrust plate.

Abstract: A bearing ring for use in bearing apparatuses is disclosed. Such a bearing ring may comprise a body having a first array and a second array of bearing elements mounted to the body. The body may have an annular shape and the first array and the second array may be a concentric elliptical shapes, including circles. The body may comprise a plurality of bearing element pockets into which the bearing elements are disposed. In one aspect of the instant disclosure, the material of the bearing elements comprises polycrystalline diamond. A bearing apparatus comprising a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring is also disclosed. A drilling system for use in drilling subterranean formations employing the bearing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for guiding and driving a piston member having a lead screw for dispensing a medium of a delivery device when the piston member is driven in a first axial direction is provided. The thrust bearing assembly comprises a thrust bearing means for being integrated in the delivery device, a passageway for guiding the lead screw, and a rotary drive means for driving the lead screw and being fitted into or onto the thrust bearing means while being rotatable with regard to the thrust bearing. Further, the thrust bearing means comprises a thrust face which limits axial movement of the rotary drive means when driving the lead screw in the first axial direction. A drive train and a medicament delivery device in which the thrust bearing assembly is integrated are also provided.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, the bearing assembly may include a support ring extending circumferentially about a central axis and a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about the central axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may be mounted to the support ring and may include a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include one or more thermal management elements including at least one of one or more thermally conductive structures or at least one of the superhard tables exhibiting a non-uniform thickness structured to promote cooling thereof during use. The one or more thermal management elements are in thermal communication one or more bearing surfaces and are configured to promote heat transfer away from the one or more of the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: In a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing, a silicone grease whose base oil is a silicone oil, whose coefficient of kinematic viscosity at 25° C. is not less than 100 cSt and not more than 500,000 cSt, and which contains a thickener so as to set its worked penetration to not less than 200 and not more than 400 is interposed at sliding interfaces between, on the one hand, an upper surface of a lower annular flat plate-shaped portion defining a bottom surface of a lower annular recess and a lower surface of an upper annular flat plate-shaped portion and, on the other hand, an upper surface and a lower surface of a thrust bearing piece which are respectively brought into sliding contact with the upper and the lower surface.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing, a synthetic resin-made lower casing, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece interposed between the upper casing and the lower casing.

Abstract: A thrust ring for an undercarriage in a track-type machine includes an annular body having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge defining a common center axis. A first set of oil grooves and a first set of thrust faces are positioned in an alternating arrangement on each of a first axial side and a second axial side of the annular body. Each of the oil grooves includes a cross sectional contour shaped to balance an oil flow property of the thrust ring with a strength property of the thrust ring, and defining a non-uniform curve which includes a plurality of curve segments each having a different radial attribute. The thrust ring defines a Plouzek value equal to 1.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing 2; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 3 which is superposed on the upper casing 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis O in a circumferential direction R relative to the upper casing 2; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 5 disposed in an annular space 4 between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3; and a synthetic resin-made seal member 8 for sealing respective other end portions, communicating with the outside, of a gap 6 on an inner peripheral side and a gap 7 on an outer peripheral side in a radial direction A between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3, the gap 6 and the gap 7 respectively communicating with the annular space 4 at their one annular end portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing; a synthetic resin-made lower casing which is superposed on the upper casing so as to be rotatable about an axis O in a circumferential direction R relative to the upper casing; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece disposed in an annular space between the upper casing and the lower casing; and a synthetic resin-made seal member for sealing respective other end portions, communicating with the outside, of a gap on an inner peripheral side and a gap on an outer peripheral side in a radial direction A between the upper casing and the lower casing, the gap and the gap respectively communicating with the annular space at their one annular end portions.

Abstract: A thrust washer is provided. The thrust washer includes a wet friction material and a phenolic resin layer coating an outer surface of the wet friction material. A torque converter comprising the thrust washer is also provided. A method of forming a thrust washer is further provided. The method includes providing a layer of phenolic resin on an outer surface of a wet friction material.

Abstract: A flanged half-bearing includes at least one substantially semi-annular thrust washer with an internal periphery having lateral lugs and an intermediary stabilization lug projecting from the internal periphery of the thrust washer, and a semi-cylindrical half journal bearing shell having lateral recesses and an intermediary stabilization recess that are recessed into an axial end face of the bearing shell and are respectively connected to the lateral lugs and the stabilization lug of the thrust washer, wherein the stabilization lug has rotational stabilization edges that project substantially perpendicularly from the inner periphery of the thrust washer, and the stabilization recess is configured for axial relative movement of stabilization lug. An engine includes at least one such flanged half-bearing.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a bearing assembly including a support ring configured to reduce thermal warping under operational temperature conditions, a bearing apparatus that may utilize such a thrust-bearing assembly, and applications that incorporate the disclosed bearing apparatuses such as downhole motors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems, and many other apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. The thrust-bearing assembly further includes a support ring having the plurality of superhard bearing elements mounted thereto.

Abstract: A sliding bearing includes a center portion and end portions on a bearing surface 1. Convexo-concave portions are respectively formed in the center portion and the end portions. The average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1A in the center portion is set smaller than the average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1B in the end portions. Average height Lh of the convexo-concave portion 1A in the center portion and average height LH of the convexo-concave portions 1B in the end portions are set to the same height. The center portion may be formed flat.

Abstract: The disclosed is a thrust bearing including: a back metal layer; and a sliding layer joined to a front face of the back metal layer, the thrust bearing having a thickness T, wherein the back metal layer includes an intermediate sub-layer and a buffer sub-layer disposed on a back face of the back metal layer, the sliding layer being joined to the intermediate sub-layer, both of the sub-layers include iron or an iron alloy, and the buffer sub-layer has the thickness of 2 to 20% relative to a thickness T of the thrust bearing, and has a porosity ratio of 10 to 50%.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic axial sliding bearing is disclosed. The bearing includes a substantially planar sliding surface. The bearing includes a bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface separated by a lubricating gap with at least one annularly arranged segment in at least two coaxial ring zones, and wherein each segment comprising a wedge surface and an engagement surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing apparatuses in which one bearing surface of the bearing apparatus includes diamond, while another bearing surface includes a non-diamond superhard material (e.g., silicon carbide). For example, a bearing apparatus may include a bearing stator assembly and a bearing rotor assembly. The bearing stator assembly and bearing rotor assembly each include a support ring and one or more superhard bearing elements generally opposed to one another. The bearing surface(s) of the rotor or stator may include diamond, while the bearing surface(s) of the other of the rotor or stator do not include diamond. Another bearing apparatus may include both thrust- and radial bearing components. The generally opposed thrust-bearing elements may include diamond, while the generally opposed radial bearing elements may not include diamond, but include a non-diamond superhard material, such as silicon carbide.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface, and a second bearing assembly including a second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface. The second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface generally opposes the first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a rotatable rotor shaft (10), wherein the rotor shaft (10) includes at least one axial bearing (36, 40) and a radial bearing (30, 32), which are integrated into a common bearing assembly (16).

Abstract: In a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing, a silicone grease whose base oil is a silicone oil, whose coefficient of kinematic viscosity at 25° C. is not less than 100 cSt and not more than 500,000 cSt, and which contains a thickener so as to set its worked penetration to not less than 200 and not more than 400 is interposed at sliding interfaces between, on the one hand, an upper surface of a lower annular flat plate-shaped portion defining a bottom surface of a lower annular recess and a lower surface of an upper annular flat plate-shaped portion and, on the other hand, an upper surface and a lower surface of a thrust bearing piece which are respectively brought into sliding contact with the upper and the lower surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump assembly with at least one impeller (8) and with a thrust bearing (44) which includes a rotating (50) and a stationary (48) bearing part. The rotating (50) as well as the stationary (48) bearing part are designed in a self-aligning manner.

Abstract: An interlocking thrust washer is presented. The thrust washer including a first annular upper ring having first inner and outer side circumferential surfaces and first top and bottom surfaces. The upper ring providing at least two holes that extend therethrough the first top and bottom surfaces and a first annular lower ring having second inner and outer side surfaces and second top and bottom surfaces. The first lower annular ring includes at least two annular projections extending upward from the second top surface. The at least two annular projections align with the at least two holes to create an interlocking fit between the first annular upper and lower rings. The interlocking fit allows the first upper and lower rings to combine and function as the single element thrust washer 10 once interlocked together. The interlocking fit further prevents any rotation between the first upper and lower annular rings during operation.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and bearing packages, incorporating said bearing assemblies, utilize opposing polycrystalline diamond compact bearing surfaces which can be immersed in a process fluid such as a wellbore fluid. The bearing assemblies are mounted to support the shaft for both axial and radial loading of the shaft. A static bearing surface is mounted in a static bearing housing. A rotating bearing surface, which opposes the static bearing surface, is mounted in a rotating bearing housing which supports the rotating shaft and co-rotates with the shaft. The rotating bearing surface opposes the static bearing surface and is rotatably supported thereon.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for an oscillation joint on a machine having a tandem wheel drive. The bearing assembly rotatably supports an oscillating hub rotatably connected to a shaft. The bearing assembly includes a spacer having a stop face and an axial contact face. The spacer is sized and arranged to face a shoulder of the oscillation joint and to also support an inboard thrust bearing having a surface area greater than a surface area of the shoulder.

Abstract: A thrust washer for a torque converter, the thrust washer having a curved front surface with a plurality of grooves for increasing fluid flow between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust washer. This increased fluid flow reduces the buildup of back pressure within the torque converter enabling better operation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first component having a first surface and a second component having a second surface. The first surface includes sputtered gold, and the second surface includes a stainless steel alloy. The first surface is configured to contact the second surface, and one of the components is configured to move against another of the components. The stainless steel alloy could consist of a UNS 21800/AISI Type S21800 metal. The sputtered gold could include ion sputtered gold, and the sputtered gold could have a thickness of about 1 micron. The first component could include a first blade of an adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism also includes a second blade. The second component could include a first plate of the adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism further includes a second plate. The blades can be configured to move within a space between the plates.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 12, a synthetic resin-made lower casing 22, a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 33 interposed between the upper casing 12 and the lower casing 22, an outer elastic seal member 47 having an inner elastically deformable lip portion 43 and an outer elastically deformable lip portion 46, and an inner elastic seal member 54 having an outer elastically deformable lip portion 50 and an inner elastically deformable lip portion 53.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes an synthetic resin-made annular bearing body 5 having an annular upper surface 2, an annular outer peripheral surface 3, and an annular lower surface 4; a synthetic resin-made annular bearing body 7 having an annular lower surface 6; a sheet metal-made reinforcement member 10 having an annular lower surface 8 and an annular upper surface 9; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 11 interposed between the annular upper surface 9 of the reinforcement member 10 and the annular lower surface 6 of the bearing body 7; and a synthetic resin-made radial sliding bearing piece 16 disposed between an annular inner peripheral surface 13 of a hollow cylindrical portion 12 of the reinforcement member 10 and an annular outer peripheral surface 15 of a hollow cylindrical portion 14 of the bearing body 7.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. At least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a first arcuate end portion, a second arcuate end portion, a first substantially planar face, a second substantially planar face, and a bearing surface. The first and second arcuate end portions may be generally opposite each other. The first substantially planar face may extend between the first and second arcuate end portions. The second substantially planar face may be generally opposite the first substantially planar face. The first substantially planar face may have a length greater than a length of the second substantially planar face. The bearing surface may extend between the first arcuate end portion, the second arcuate end portion, the first substantially planar face, and the second substantially planar face. The bearing assembly includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes: a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 which has a vehicle body-side seat surface 10 for a mounting member 8 on a vehicle body side and an annular lower surface 2; a synthetic resin-made lower casing 5 on which an annular upper surface 4 opposed to the annular lower surface 2 and a spring seat surface 25 for a suspension coil spring 7 are integrally formed, and which is superposed on the upper casing 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis O of the upper casing 3 in an R direction; and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 6 which is disposed in an annular gap 9 between the annular lower surface 2 and the annular upper surface 4, and has an annular thrust sliding bearing surface 51 which slidably abuts against at least one of the annular lower surface 2 and the annular upper surface 4.

Abstract: A thrust sliding bearing includes an synthetic resin-made annular bearing body having an annular upper surface, an annular outer peripheral surface, and an annular lower surface; a synthetic resin-made annular bearing body having an annular lower surface; a sheet metal-made reinforcement member having an annular lower surface and an annular upper surface; a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece interposed between the annular upper surface of the reinforcement member and the annular lower surface of the bearing body; and a synthetic resin-made radial sliding bearing piece disposed between an annular inner peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical portion of the reinforcement member and an annular outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical portion of the bearing body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced first bearing elements each of which includes a first bearing surface. The bearing apparatus further includes a second bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced second bearing elements each of which includes a second bearing surface oriented to engage the first bearing surfaces of the first bearing assembly during operation. At least one of the second bearing elements may be circumferentially spaced from an adjacent one of the second bearing elements by a lateral spacing greater than a lateral dimension of the at least one of the second bearing elements.

Abstract: A downhole motor assembly including a housing, a power section with a stator and a rotor contained within the housing, a proximal drive assembly connected with a proximal rotor end, a distal drive assembly connected with a distal rotor end, a proximal thrust bearing arranged between the housing and the proximal drive assembly, a distal thrust bearing arranged between the housing and the distal drive assembly, and an axial load decoupling device in the distal drive assembly located longitudinally between the distal rotor end and the distal thrust bearing, for separating axial loads imposed on the proximal thrust bearing from axial loads imposed on the distal thrust bearing.

Abstract: An interlocking thrust washer is presented. The thrust washer including a first annular upper ring having first inner and outer side circumferential surfaces and first top and bottom surfaces. The upper ring providing at least two holes that extend therethrough the first top and bottom surfaces and a first annular lower ring having second inner and outer side surfaces and second top and bottom surfaces. The first lower annular ring includes at least two annular projections extending upward from the second top surface. The at least two annular projections align with the at least two holes to create an interlocking fit between the first annular upper and lower rings. The interlocking fit allows the first upper and lower rings to combine and function as the single element thrust washer 10 once interlocked together. The interlocking fit further prevents any rotation between the first upper and lower annular rings during operation.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 12, a synthetic resin-made lower casing 22, a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 33 interposed between the upper casing 12 and the lower casing 22, an outer elastic seal member 47 having an inner elastically deformable lip portion 43 and an outer elastically deformable lip portion 46, and an inner elastic seal member 54 having an outer elastically deformable lip portion 50 and an inner elastically deformable lip portion 53.

Abstract: Provided is a bearing device for a beauty/health roller which presents no risk of bathwater or bathtub contamination, is hygienic, is less heavy than conventional ball bearings, is devoid of roller rattle, and exhibits a small rotational resistance of the rollers, and to provide the beauty/health roller having this bearing device. A bearing device 4 for a beauty/health roller is used in a beauty/health roller having a grippable body and a roller 3 arranged at the end portion of the body, and rotatably supports the roller 3 on a supporting shaft 2a provided to the end portion of the body. The bearing device comprises a radial bearing 5 into which the supporting shaft 2a is fitted and which rotatably supports the roller 3 on the supporting shaft 2a; a thrust bearing 6 arranged toward one end face of the radial bearing 5; and a preload-applying member 7 interposed between the radial bearing 5 and the thrust bearing 6.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for use in an engine is disclosed. The thrust bearing may have a ring member with a generally planar front face and a generally planar back face. The thrust bearing may also have a plurality of radially-oriented wedge-shaped channels formed in the front face, and a plurality of recesses formed within the back face. Each of the plurality of recesses may be located in general annular alignment with an associated one of the plurality of radially-oriented wedge-shaped channels.

Abstract: A sliding bearing includes a center portion and end portions on a bearing surface 1. Convexo-concave portions are respectively formed in the center portion and the end portions. The average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1A in the center portion is set smaller than the average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1B in the end portions. Average height Lh of the convexo-concave portion 1A in the center portion and average height LH of the convexo-concave portions 1B in the end portions are set to the same height. The center portion may be formed flat. It is possible to attain a reduction in friction without sacrificing conformability and a load capacity.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to bearing assemblies configured to enable removal and replacement of superhard bearing elements, and bearing apparatuses that may utilize such bearing assemblies. The disclosed bearing assemblies may be used in a number of applications, such as downhole motors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems, roller-cone drill bits, and many other applications. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring and a retention ring assembled with the support ring. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements. The retention ring and at least a number of the superhard bearing element are collectively configured to restrict displacement of the at least a number of the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A bearing housing may include a body portion, a hub, and a thrust bearing. The body portion may include a radially inwardly facing first annular surface. A structure may extend radially outward from the body portion. The hub may extend axially from the body portion and may include a radially inwardly facing second annular surface adapted to rotatably support a shaft. The thrust bearing may extend axially from the body portion and may include an outer surface, a thrust surface, an inner surface, and an undercut feature formed in one of the inner and outer surfaces. The undercut feature may define a cantilevered portion of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A bearing ring for use in bearing apparatuses is disclosed. Such a bearing ring may comprise a body having a first array and a second array of bearing elements mounted to the body. The body may have an annular shape and the first array and the second array may be a concentric elliptical shapes, including circles. The body may comprise a plurality of bearing element pockets into which the bearing elements are disposed. In one aspect of the instant disclosure, the material of the bearing elements comprises polycrystalline diamond. A bearing apparatus comprising a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring is also disclosed. A drilling system for use in drilling subterranean formations employing the bearing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include at least one texture feature that may be formed in a lateral surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine. At the inner periphery of the semicircular thrust bearing, two impact load receiving projections are projected besides the two tabs. Each of at least the two impact load receiving projections is between each of the two tabs and each of the circumferential end surfaces of the semicircular thrust bearing. The two impact load receiving projections are at line-symmetrical positions with each other with respect to the center line of the semicircular thrust bearing. A height of the impact load receiving projection is set at a dimension such that a top portion of the impact load receiving projection is not in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the semi-cylindrical sliding bearing in a static state in which the pair of semi-cylindrical sliding bearings is assembled into the bearing housing of the crankshaft and restrained.

Abstract: A bearing device with an arrangement of at least two bearings is provided. A filling made of an amorphous/solid active medium as a mechanism of compensating for axial loads is arranged between a bearing race of at least one of the bearings and a surrounding component of the bearing arrangement.

Abstract: The bi-directional rotation offset pivot thrust bearing includes a carrier and an array of longitudinal protrusions thereon that run through the center axis of the carrier. An array of pads are in slidable engagement with the longitudinal protrusions to permit the thrusts pads to move between first and second rotational positions. The thrust pads are automatically offset pivoted in a first direction when in a the first rotational position and automatically offset pivoted in a second direction when in the second rotational position. The thrust pads are offset pivoted in an approximate 60 percent to 40 percent ratio with the leading side of the thrust pad being 60 percent in both the first rotational position and the second rotational position. A retainer is also provided to maintain the thrust pads in slidable communication with the protrusions.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. At least some of the superhard bearing elements may include a first end surface, a second end surface generally opposite the first end surface, a first side surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, a second side surface generally opposite the first side surface, and a bearing surface extending between the first end surface, the second end surface, the first side surface and the second side surface. Such superhard bearing elements may also include a ramped feature negatively sloping away from the bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. At least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a first arcuate end portion, a second arcuate end portion, a first substantially planar face, a second substantially planar face, and a bearing surface. The first and second arcuate end portions may be generally opposite each other. The first substantially planar face may extend between the first and second arcuate end portions. The second substantially planar face may be generally opposite the first substantially planar face. The first substantially planar face may have a length greater than a length of the second substantially planar face. The bearing surface may extend between the first arcuate end portion, the second arcuate end portion, the first substantially planar face, and the second substantially planar face. The bearing assembly includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced first bearing elements each of which includes a first bearing surface. The bearing apparatus further includes a second bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced second bearing elements each of which includes a second bearing surface oriented to engage the first bearing surfaces of the first bearing assembly during operation. At least one of the second bearing elements may be circumferentially spaced from an adjacent one of the second bearing elements by a lateral spacing greater than a lateral dimension of the at least one of the second bearing elements.