Embodiments of the invention related to bearing assemblies and methods of forming the bearing assemblies that include at least one superhard bearing element exhibiting a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finish or a superhard bearing surface having a textured surface. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring. The bearing assembly includes at least one superhard bearing element. The at least one superhard bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finished or a textured surface. The at least one superhard bearing element is secured to the support ring.

A thermal management structure may include a body and a pad. The body extends between a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The pad moves relative to the body. A thermal management channel extends within a portion of the body and extends within a portion of the pad. The thermal management channel directs fluid to one or more locations within the body and to one or more locations within the pad.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to tilting pad bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses including the tilting pad bearing assemblies, and methods of using the bearing apparatuses. The tilting pad bearing assemblies disclosed herein include a plurality of tilting pads. At least some of the superhard tables exhibit a thickness that is at least about 0.120 inch and/or at least two layers having different wear and/or thermal characteristics.

A first embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and a bearing surface. The main body and the bearing surface may be engaged with one another via one or more bearing surface springs configured such that the bearing surface is compliant with respect to the main body. A second embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and at least one bearing pad. The main body and the bearing pad may be engaged with one another via one or more pad radial and/or pad axial springs configured such that the bearing pad is compliant with respect to the main body. A sensor web may be integrated into the compliant bearing. In one embodiment the sensor web comprises at least one sensor configured as a strain gauge and affixed to a bearing surface spring.

A bearing of which a load supporting position capable of being changed, including: a cylindrical housing comprising a hollow inner circumferential surface; one or more support members provided in the housing and disposed along a circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface; a plurality of pin holes provided along an outer circumferential surface of the housing; and a rotation preventing pin coupled to a first pin hole of the plurality of pin holes and configured to prevent rotation of the housing.

In addition, threads are formed on inner circumferential surfaces of the pin holes and an outer circumferential surface of the rotation preventing pin to enable a pin hole and the rotation preventing pin to be easily coupled and decoupled.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to tilting pad bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses including the tilting pad bearing assemblies, and methods of using the bearing apparatuses. The tilting pad bearing assemblies disclosed herein include a plurality of tilting pads. At least some of the superhard tables exhibit a thickness that is at least about 0.120 inch and/or at least two layers having different wear and/or thermal characteristics.

A thermal management structure may include a body and a pad. The body extends between a first outer surface and a second outer surface. The pad moves relative to the body. A thermal management channel extends within a portion of the body and extends within a portion of the pad. The thermal management channel directs fluid to one or more locations within the body and to one or more locations within the pad.

A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

Embodiments of the invention related to bearing assemblies and methods of forming the bearing assemblies that include at least one superhard bearing element exhibiting a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finish or a superhard bearing surface having a textured surface. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring. The bearing assembly includes at least one superhard bearing element. The at least one superhard bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finished or a textured surface. The at least one superhard bearing element is secured to the support ring.

A thrust bearing assembly includes a body comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface, and a pocket extending between an open end at the first outer surface and a closed end disposed within the body between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The assembly includes a pad comprising a base end and a free end. The base end is coupled to the closed end of the pocket and the free end is disposed proximate the first outer surface of the body. The body and the pad are configured to be formed as a unitary component. The assembly also includes a cooling channel extending within the body and the pad. The cooling channel is configured to fluidly couple the body with the pad. The cooling channel directs cooling fluid to one or more positions within the body and one or more positions within the pad.