Patent ID: 8616772
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: F16C,F16D

Abstract:
1. A bearing apparatus, comprising: (a) a first member comprising a rigid material and having an internal bore defining a first contact surface; (b) a second member disposed in the internal bore of the first member, the second member comprising a rigid material and having an outer cylindrical surface defining a second contact surface; (c) wherein both contact surfaces are wear-resistant, and wherein the first and second members are positioned relative to each other by a plurality of protruding bearing elements, so as to transfer mechanical loads between the first and second members, while allowing relative translation and/or rotation between the first and second members, wherein each bearing element includes a raised central portion flanked by a pair of beam portions; (d) wherein: (i) the plurality of protruding bearing elements that bear against the second contact surface are formed in the first contact surface; or (ii) the plurality of protruding bearing elements that bear against the first contact surface are formed in the second contact surface; and (e) wherein the protruding bearing elements are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and conform in an irregular shape to the corresponding one of the contact surfaces.