US Patent 8668388 Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same

Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies including one or more superhard bearing elements having one or more grooves formed in a bearing surface thereof, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes one or more grooves formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly also includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.