Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, 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 material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.

A rolling-element bearing in which a rolling element is retained in each of retaining openings formed in a retainer and method for manufacturing the bearing are provided. Each retaining opening is defined by a pair of inner side faces facing each other, and a pair of inner end faces facing each other. In the manufacturing method, with a support die being brought into contact with one of the inner side faces and the inner end faces of one of the retaining openings, the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the retainer are pressed by an outer punch and an inner punch. Accordingly, on at least one of the inner side faces and the inner end faces, a first retaining piece and a second retaining piece for preventing the rolling element from falling off are formed on the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the retainer, respectively.

A bearing support assembly adapted for interchangeably supporting a bearing in an inboard configuration and an outboard configuration is provided. The assembly may include a universal end plate to which either of a first bearing support cartridge that is designed for supporting the bearing in the outboard configuration or a second bearing support cartridge that is designed for supporting the bearing in the inboard configuration may be mounted. The first and second bearing support cartridges may include mounting holes that match mounting holes in the end plate thereby permitting the cartridges to be interchangeably mounted to the end plate. This can eliminate the need to replace the end plate when switching between an inboard bearing configuration and an outboard bearing configuration, or vice versa. The bearing support assembly may also include a spacer adapted for axially locating an inner sleeve of a multi-component seal.