Abstract: Provided is a slide member having an overlay on a bearing alloy. The overlay has a thickness T and has a sliding surface and an interface with respect to the bearing alloy. The overlay includes an intermetallic compound and a matrix of Bi or a Bi alloy. In a thickness domain constituting 70%-75% of the thickness T of the overlay from the sliding surface to the interface, the volume proportion of the intermetallic compound is 10%-70%.

Abstract: A bearing assembly may include a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring, and at least one row of rolling elements having a plurality of rolling elements that are disposed so as to be capable of rolling on a first raceway of the first bearing ring and on a second raceway of the second bearing ring. At least one hydrostatically supported first sliding bearing segment may be disposed on the first bearing ring. Further, the hydrostatically supported first sliding bearing segment may interact with a first bearing face that is disposed on the second bearing ring. The hydrostatically supported first sliding bearing segment may be mounted so as to be movable in a movement direction that is perpendicular to the first bearing face.

Abstract: A trunnion bearing includes an inner ring that has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface. The first exterior surface has a spherical contour. The trunnion bearing includes an outer ring that has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. The second interior surface has a spherical contour. The inner ring is disposed at least partially in the outer ring. A metallic liner made of a copper based alloy is disposed between the first exterior surface of the inner ring and the second interior surface of the outer ring. The inner ring and/or the outer ring are made from a titanium based alloy.

Abstract: A drilling component includes a spinodally-hardened copper-nickel-tin alloy. The drilling component may be a drill stem or a drill string component, such as a tool joint used for joining pipe together.

Abstract: A gas-separator for separating trapped gases from drilling fluids retrieved from a well-bore being drilled is disclosed. The gas-separator includes a barrel separator which rotates on its longitudinal axis when pressurized drilling fluid flows out through its fluid ejection ports. Ejection of fluids from the fluid ejection ports induces rotation of the barrel separator which helps separate gases from the fluid. After separation, the gases travel out from the upper sub and to the surface, up the well-bore. The treated and gas-cleansed fluid travels downstream to the drill string and any downstream equipment, including pumps, motors, and drill bits, or; treated and gas-cleansed fluid may flow to the surface directly after treatment in the gas-separator.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a mechanical joint, and a diamond-like coating over at least a portion of a surface of at least one component of the mechanical joint, the diamond-like coating having a thickness greater than 10 micrometers. Methods of manufacturing a mechanical joint of a downhole tool comprise disposing a diamond-like coating on at least a portion of a surface of a component of the mechanical joint of the downhole tool to a thickness of at least 10 microns and at a temperature less than about 200° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively carry nonuniform loads, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, under some operational conditions, one or more portions of the bearing assemblies and bearing apparatus may be preferentially loaded, such as to carry preferentially higher loads (e.g., radial and/or axial loads) than other portion(s) of the bearing assemblies and bearing apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to compact bearing assemblies configured to operate in small spaces and/or in harsh environments, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and method of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. For instance, one or more compact bearing assemblies may at least partially rotatably secure a shaft of a power generation unit to a housing thereof. Also, a first compact bearing assembly may connect or couple to the shaft and may rotatably engage a second compact bearing assembly, which may be connected or otherwise secured to the housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a plurality of first superhard bearing elements. The bearing apparatus further includes a second bearing assembly including a plurality of second superhard bearing elements generally opposing and bearing against the plurality of first superhard bearing elements of the first bearing assembly during operation. A support ring carries the plurality of second superhard bearing elements that are distributed circumferentially about an axis. More than one of the plurality of second superhard bearing elements includes an outer convex peripheral surface that is substantially cylindrical and exhibits a convex curvature, and a cutout at least partially defined by a concave peripheral surface that is substantially cylindrical and curved to generally correspond to the convex curvature of the outer convex peripheral surface. The cutout receives an adjacent one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed having a wearing surface formed from an alloying including tin, a wear material configured to be contacted by the wearing material during use, the wear material having a smoothed surface; and a lubricant composition comprising one or more additives having an affinity for tin. A method of providing superlubricious performance of a bearing assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A duplex bearing is configured for use with a nuclear reactor control rod drive mechanism. The duplex includes an outer member and an inner member wherein each defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. The outer member interior surface defines a first and second outer raceway; and the inner member defines a first and second inner raceway. A first plurality of load-carrying rolling elements and a first plurality of spacer rolling elements are disposed in a first annular cavity defined between the first inner raceway and first outer raceway. A second plurality of load-carrying rolling elements and a second plurality of spacer rolling elements are disposed in a second annular cavity defined between the second inner raceway and the second outer raceway. The duplex bearing is configured to operate with sealed de-ionized water exhibiting a temperature in the range of up to about 1200° F. as a sole lubricant.

Abstract: A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.

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 seal alignment system includes an engine block, a cover component spaced apart from the engine block and defining a first bore therethrough, and a crankshaft protruding from the engine block and extending through the first bore, wherein the crankshaft is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and has an outer surface. The seal alignment system also includes an annular seal spaced apart from the engine block and defining a second bore therethrough, and an alignment device configured for coaxially aligning the annular seal with the central longitudinal axis so that the crankshaft extends through the second bore and the annular seal abuts the outer surface.

Abstract: Durability-enhanced 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 includes a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring structure that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring structure may have a first portion that exhibits a first yield strength and a second portion that exhibits a second yield strength. The first yield strength of the first portion may be greater than the second yield strength of the second portion.

Abstract: Bearing elements, assemblies and apparatuses are provided as well as a method of manufacturing such components. In one embodiment, a bearing element comprises a superhard table forming a convex bearing surface and a radiused edge formed on the superhard table adjacent to the convex bearing surface. In another embodiment, a bearing element comprises a superhard table forming a concave bearing surface and a radiused edge formed on the superhard table adjacent to the concave bearing surface. In one embodiment, a bearing apparatus includes an inner bearing race assembly and an outer bearing race assembly. Each of the bearing race assemblies include a plurality of bearing elements. At least one of the inner and outer bearing race assemblies include a bearing element having an arcuate bearing surface and a radiused edge formed adjacent the arcuate bearing surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) bearing pads having first and second bearing pad portions that exhibit different wear rates, and bearing assemblies and apparatuses (e.g., thrust-bearing apparatuses and radial bearing apparatuses) that utilize such PCD bearing pads. In an embodiment, a PCD bearing pad for use in a bearing assembly of a subterranean drilling system includes a PCD bearing pad body including a plurality of directly-bonded together diamond grains. The PCD bearing pad body further includes a first bearing pad portion exhibiting a first wear resistance, and a second bearing pad portion exhibiting a second wear resistance greater than the first wear resistance.

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: 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: The electronic device mounting apparatus 1 comprises: a first camera 123 for imaging a flexible board 74 of a base member 70 of a test carrier 60 to generate a first image information; an image processing apparatus 40 for detecting a position of an alignment mark 79 of the flexible board 74 from the first image information and calculating a print start position 782 of the first interconnect patterns 78 on the flexible board 74 on the basis of the position of the alignment mark 79; a printing head 122 for forming a first interconnect pattern 78 on the flexible board 74 from the print start position 782; and a second conveyor arm 21 for mounting a die 90 on the flexible board 74 on which the first interconnect pattern 78 is formed.

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: 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 drill tool includes a bit body, at least one bearing shaft extending from the bit body and a cone mounted for rotation on the bearing shaft. An outer bearing surface of the bearing shaft includes a non-loading zone. A first groove and a second groove are formed in the outer bearing surface at the non-loading zone. The first and second grooves are both circumferentially offset from each other and axially offset from each other. One or more of the grooves includes an opening for making a fluid connection to an internal lubricant channel within this bearing shaft. The circumferential and axial offsetting of the first and second grooves define a plurality of attenuation zones that function to restrict propagation of a cone pumping pressure pulse towards a sealing system of the drill tool.

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 retention ring includes a plurality of through holes. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements, with each superhard bearing element inserted partially through and projecting from a corresponding one of the through holes of the retention ring. The retention ring and each superhard bearing element are collectively configured to restrict displacement of each superhard bearing element beyond a selected position in a direction away from the support ring.

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 rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential depending on the corresponding materials, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone.

Abstract: A thrust bearing system for a roller cone rock bit includes at least one roller cone disposed on a leg having an air channel therethrough, the thrust bearing system including a primary thrust bearing surface on the leg configured to contact a corresponding primary bearing surface on the roller cone, wherein the primary thrust bearing surface on the leg includes at least one air circulation port in fluid communication with the air channel.

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 bearing assembly has an outer housing, and an inner mandrel extending into outer housing. Radial bearing sleeves are positioned between the inner mandrel and the outer housing at both of ends of the outer housing. A thrust bearing assembly is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer housing, and includes a fixed bearing carrier fixed to the inner mandrel, first and second floating bearings carriers, and first and second pressure responsive fillers. Floating bearing carriers support hard face bearings that engage hard face bearings on the fixed bearing carrier to withstand axial loads. Pressure responsive fillers permit the floating bearing carriers limited angular adjustment in relation to the fixed bearing carrier to maintain their respective at least one hard face bearing in face to face relation notwithstanding deflections within required radial bearing tolerance.

Abstract: Bearing apparatuses including contacting bearing surfaces comprising superhard materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to bearings including polycrystalline diamond inserts or compacts defining a plurality of surfaces that move relative to one another and contact one another. For example, apparatuses may include radial bearings, or other bearings including arcuate bearing surfaces that more in relation to one another, without limitation. In one embodiment, a superhard bearing element may comprise a superhard table (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) forming an arcuate bearing surface. Further, such a superhard bearing element may comprise a chamfer formed about at least a portion of a periphery of the arcuate bearing surface. Bearing apparatuses including such bearing elements and various mechanical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential of 300° F.-900° F. depending on the corresponding materials of the elements to be fitted, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone.

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.

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 retention ring includes a plurality of through holes. The bearing assembly further includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements, with each superhard bearing element inserted partially through and projecting from a corresponding one of the through holes of the retention ring. The retention ring and each superhard bearing element are collectively configured to restrict displacement of each superhard bearing element beyond a selected position in a direction away from the support ring.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to bearing assemblies configured to accommodate non-uniform loading and misalignment with an adjacent bearing assembly. In one aspect of the present invention, a bearing assembly is disclosed. The bearing assembly comprises a compliance ring including a plurality of beams. Each of the beams is circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The bearing assembly further comprises a plurality of bearing elements, with each of the bearing elements positioned adjacent to a corresponding beam of the plurality of beams. Each of the bearing elements deforms one of the corresponding beams when loaded. An additional aspect of the present invention is directed to a bearing assembly in which bearing elements thereof may be mounted to a support element without using a brazing process.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.

Abstract: Surface texturing is employed to modify the topography of one or more surfaces (radial or cylindrical) of the sealing system for a roller cone rock bit. The surface texturing results in a dimpled surface which retains additional lubricant helpful in reducing friction in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. Shot peening is disclosed as one method for texturing the desired surface.

Abstract: Bearing apparatuses (e.g., thrust bearings and radial bearings) are disclosed. Such bearing apparatuses may comprise a rotor including a rotor surface comprising a first superhard material and a stator surface comprising a second superhard material. In one embodiment, the first superhard material may be structured differently than the second superhard material. In another embodiment, the first superhard material may exhibit an average grain size that is smaller than an average grain size of the second superhard material. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. Methods of operating and designing bearing apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has thrust faces with one of the thrust faces being at least partially tilted relative to the other. The bit has a cone rotatably mounted to a bearing pin of the bit body. The thrust faces are in the cone and on an end of the bearing pin. One of the thrust faces is completely flat and perpendicular to the axis of the bearing pin. The other thrust face has a tilted portion that is at a skewed angle relative to the axis. The tilted portion creates converging and diverging zones between the thrust faces.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has a bearing pin with a sleeve mounted on it. The sleeve is fixed against rotation but able to float relative to the bearing pin. A cone fits over and forms a bearing surface with the sleeve. The sleeve and bearing pin are configured to have a clearance between them that has a forward portion that progressively decreases in a rearward direction. The clearance progressively decreases in a forward direction from the rearward end of the sleeve. The cone and the sleeve are able to tilt in unison with each other relative to the bearing pin when the bit is loaded.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has sliding engaging surfaces between a cone assembly and a bearing pin. Micropores are formed in at least one of the engaging surfaces. Each of the micropores has a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion is at a more gradual slope than the trailing portion. The micropores are located in a pattern of a greater density in a region of the engaging surfaces that operate at higher pressures than in other regions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining lubrication of rolling cone cutters mounted on journal pins. Embodiments comprise a rotating cone disposed on a journal pin and forming a journal gap there between. A cylindrical journal sleeve is disposed in the journal gap. The journal sleeve has a longitudinal gap forming opposing end portions, which are continuously contoured. A lubrication port is disposed in the journal pin and in fluid communication with a lubrication supply. The lubrication port has an outlet located in a recess in the journal gap. Each end of the recess comprises a transitioning surface extending between the bottom of the recess and the outer surface of the journal pin to prevent sharp transitions. In certain embodiments, the journal pin may comprise two or more lubrication ports, each located in a recess with transitioning surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary cutter mount for an earth-boring cutter includes a bearing journal adapted to be coupled to a cutter body. A first mounting end of the bearing journal is shaped to enable rotationally fixed positioning in a corresponding yoke. The yoke is operatively coupled to the body of the cutter. A ball race is formed in an exterior surface of the journal. A ball loading passage is formed in the journal. The ball loading passage has an exit hole on the race. The hole is positioned so that it is disposed in a rotary orientation which is at a selected angular displacement from the maximum radial loading on the journal. The first mounting end and the corresponding yoke are adapted to enable a plurality of rotary orientations. Each of the rotary orientations is such that the hole is oriented other than in the direction of maximum radial loading.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bearing member having a DLC coating. The bearing member locates between a bearing pin and a cone of the bit. The bearing member may be a thrust washer or a bearing sleeve. The DLC coating is diamond-like carbon that may be coated by different processes onto bearing member.

Abstract: A bit apparatus in which a cutter member having cutting teeth is axially supported on a shaft for rotation about the shaft, and a bearing mechanism is interposed between the cutter member and the shaft. The bearing mechanism includes at least a radial bearing for bearing a radially directed load and a thrust bearing for bearing an axially directed load. The radial bearing has a shaft-side split bearing member and a cutter-side split bearing member that are opposed to or in sliding contact with each other and capable of rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A rotary cutter mount for an earth-boring cutter includes a bearing journal adapted to be coupled to a cutter body. A first mounting end of the bearing journal is shaped to enable rotationally fixed positioning in a corresponding yoke. The yoke is operatively coupled to the body of the cutter. A ball race is formed in an exterior surface of the journal. A ball loading passage is formed in the journal. The ball loading passage has an exit hole on the race. The hole is positioned so that it is disposed in a rotary orientation which is at a selected angular displacement from the maximum radial loading on the journal. The first mounting end and the corresponding yoke are adapted to enable a plurality of rotary orientations. Each of the rotary orientations is such that the hole is oriented other than in the direction of maximum radial loading.

Abstract: A load responsive hydrodynamic bearing is provided in the form of a thrust bearing or journal bearing for supporting, guiding and lubricating a relatively rotatable member to minimize wear thereof responsive to relative rotation under severe load. In the space between spaced relatively rotatable members and in the presence of a liquid or grease lubricant, one or more continuous ring shaped integral generally circular bearing bodies each define at least one dynamic surface and a plurality of support regions. Each of the support regions defines a static surface which is oriented in generally opposed relation with the dynamic surface for contact with one of the relatively rotatable members. A plurality of flexing regions are defined by the generally circular body of the bearing and are integral with and located between adjacent support regions.

Abstract: A rolling cutter drill bit comprises a body and three legs, each leg having a cantilevered bearing spindle, a roll cutter rotatably mounted on the bearing spindle, a lubricating system within the spindle, and a tubular bearing element located radially between the spindle and the rolling cutter. The tubular bearing element is formed of a wrought alloy material consisting primarily of chromium carbide and cobalt and having a yield strength of less than 120,000 psi and a ductility greater than 4%, both at room temperature, and is of low wall thickness.