US Synthetic Corporation

Waukesha Bearings Corporation

Sriram Venkatesan

Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez

Leonidas C Leite

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to bearing apparatuses including a bearing assembly having a continuous superhard bearing element including a continuous superhard bearing surface and a tilting pad bearing assembly. The disclosed bearing apparatuses may be employed in pumps, turbines or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, the bearing apparatus includes a first and second bearing assembly. The first bearing assembly includes a first support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the first support ring. The second bearing assembly includes a continuous superhard bearing element. The continuous superhard bearing element includes a continuous superhard bearing surface facing the plurality of tilting pads and exhibits a maximum lateral width greater than about 2 inches.

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Waukesha, WI, United States of America

Sriram Venkatesan