Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies where one of the bearing assemblies may include angled bearing surfaces having a planar shape.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies where one of the bearing assemblies may include bearing surfaces defining an at least partially conical surface.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies where one of the bearing assemblies may include bearing surfaces defining an at least partially conical inner surface.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies where one of the bearing assemblies may include angled bearing surfaces having a planar shape.

Abstract: A component on a composite bridge plug used for plugging a wellbore includes a first member including a wound composite material, and a second member including a molded fiber phenolic composite material. The wound composite material of the first member makes up more than half of a volume of the component. The first member is a convolute-wound core having a cylindrical shape. The second member forms an outer shell that is molded over an outer surface of the first member. The component is a cone of the composite bridge plug.

Abstract: A compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, a drive bearing cavity, and a drive bearing. The compression mechanism is disposed within the shell and includes an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member. The orbiting scroll member includes a baseplate and a tubular portion extending axially from the baseplate. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll member. The drive bearing cavity is disposed between an outer radial surface of the driveshaft and an inner radial surface of the tubular portion of the orbiting scroll member. The baseplate of the orbiting scroll member defines a first discharge passage in fluid communication with the drive bearing cavity. The drive bearing is disposed in the drive bearing cavity and is disposed about the driveshaft adjacent to the first end of the driveshaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a building block for a mechanical construction. The invention further provides a bearing, an actuator system, a housing, a hub, a mechanical connector and a gear box. The building block includes a first printed material being printed via an additive manufacturing process. The first printed material provides a framework of a second material different from the first printed material and at least partially embedded in the first printed material. The framework of the second material may be included in a hollow structure. Alternatively, at least a part of the framework of the second material may constitute at least a part of the inner wall of the hollow structure. The framework of the second material may be pre-fabricated or may also be generated via the additive manufacturing process. A benefit of this building block is that it allows an increase of strength while limiting the overall weight.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. A suture receiver is disposed adjacent to, or integral with, the opposite jaw to help disengage the suture carried by the bendable needle. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: A bearing component part for use in a diffusion welding process, comprising a core part presenting a first circumferential surface, at least one annular part presenting a second circumferential surface, wherein the core part and the annular part are attached to and along each other in a circumferential manner through their first circumferential surface and second circumferential surface. The at least one annular part is substantially u-shaped in a cross sectional view, comprising two opposing sides connected by a base side together forming a space. The at least one annular part is arranged to receive a first material in the space formed by the u-shape.

Abstract: A sliding element, in particular piston ring, has on at least one running surface, from the inside outwards, a coating having a metal-containing adhesive layer and a hydrogen-free amorphous carbon layer with a thickness of at least 10 ?m. In a process for the production of a sliding element, in particular a piston ring, coating with a metal-containing adhesive layer and a hydrogen-free amorphous carbon layer in a thickness of at least 10 ?m is carried out.

Abstract: A roller bearing capable of effectively improving the service life of the roller bearing is provided by performing surface treatment with coating. A cylindrical roller bearing includes: an outer ring having an outer ring raceway surface; an inner ring having an inner ring raceway surface that faces the outer ring raceway surface; and a plurality of cylindrical rollers rollably disposed between the outer ring raceway surface and the inner ring raceway surface. The inner ring raceway surface of the inner ring is provided with a black oxidation coating, and a rolling contact surface of each cylindrical roller is provided with a diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: A bearing includes a liquid lubricant and at least one ceramic component, which, during operation of the bearing, is subject to rolling contact load. A tribological surface of the at least one ceramic component is impregnated with a sealant, such that the liquid lubricant is prevented from entering discontinuities in the tribological surface.

Abstract: A bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. The specific selection and mix of fillers with the resin matrix provides the desired blend of bearing properties such as wear resistance, fatigue and erosion resistance and low friction whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility for being formed into flanged cylindrical geometries without detriment to the adherence of the lining to the backing. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic material comprising: a first phase comprising zirconia, yttrium and cerium, wherein the yttrium and cerium are present in a molar ratio of 0.15 to 0.5 and in a combined amount of 5 to 15 mol %, a second phase comprising alumina, and a third phase comprising metal aluminate platelets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sintered ceramic component of silicon nitride or sialon suitable as rolling element in a bearing and a manufacturing method for making such ceramic components. The ceramic component has high density and a homogeneous and fine microstructure, giving the component excellent mechanical properties. Manufacturing of the sintered ceramic component by SPS is cost-effective and rapid.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface, and a second bearing assembly including a second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface. The second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface generally opposes the first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface.

Abstract: A method and a device for adapting a bearing clearance in a ceramic-hybrid bearing having rolling elements in the form of balls or rollers made from a ceramic material and an outer and an inner bearing shell made from ferromagnetic material. In order to be in a position to adapt the bearing clearance also during operation, a magnetic flux is introduced into an outer side of the stationary, non-rotating bearing shell and exits again at the opposite outer side of the bearing shell, with a magnetic field and an associated magnetic flux being generated, and that a deformation of the bearing shell in the sense of a decrease or increase in the circumference of the bearing shell is brought about due to the resulting magnetostrictive effect from a change in the magnetic flux.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of gaps. Each gap is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A ball bearing having external surfaces coated with ceramic materials is provided. The raceways of the ball bearing may advantageously be formed of metal such as stainless steel. The ceramic coating acts as an insulator increasing the resistance of the ball bearing to heat within the ball bearing environment. The balls within the raceway of the ball bearing may advantageously be coated with a lubricant to decrease friction in the ball bearing because the insulating ceramic coating prevents the environmental heat from causing the degradation of the lubricant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrolytic erosion preventing insulated rolling bearing and a manufacturing method thereof. In one embodiment, the electrolytic erosion preventing insulated rolling bearing includes an insulating coating being a ceramic coating layer including alumina as the main component and 0.01 to 0.2 percent by weight titanium oxide with the alumina having a particle size ranging from 10 to 50 ?m and average particle size ranging from 15 to 25 ?m.

Abstract: A wear resistant member formed of silicon nitride sintered body having a volume of 4000 mm3 or more, the silicon nitride sintered body containing 1 to 5 mass % of a rare earth component in terms of rare earth element, 1 to 6 mass % of an Al component in terms of Al element, 10 to 3500 ppm of an Fe component in terms of Fe element, and 10 to 1000 ppm of a Ca component in terms of Ca element, wherein a ?-phase ratio of silicon nitride crystal grains is 95% or more, a maximum longer diameter of the silicon nitride crystal grains is 40 ?m or less, and each of dispersions in Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of an inner portion of the wear resistant member is within a range of ±10%. According to this structure, the wear resistant member can be manufactured with a low cost, and there can be provided a wear resistant member comprising a silicon nitride sintered body excellent in reliability and the dispersion in characteristics is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: An outer ring, an inner ring and a ball that are a rolling contact member formed of sintered ? sialon inexpensive and capable of reliably ensuring sufficient durability, is constituted of a sintered body containing ? sialon as a main component and having a remainder formed of an impurity, and the outer ring, the inner ring and the ball have raceway/rolling contact surfaces, i.e., an outer ring raceway surface, an inner ring raceway surface and a ball rolling contact surface included in a portion having an outer ring high density layer, an inner ring high density layer and a ball high density layer higher in density than an inner portion.

Abstract: Each of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a ball is a rolling contact member formed of a ?-sialon sintered body inexpensive, capable of reliably ensuring sufficient durability, and capable of being used in an application where an imposed load is changed abruptly. The sintered body contains as a main component ?-sialon represented by a compositional formula of Si6-ZAlZOZN8-Z and satisfying 0.1?z?3.5, and has a remainder formed of an impurity. The rolling contact member has a Young's modulus of 180 GPa or greater but 270 GPa or smaller.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced first bearing elements each of which includes a first bearing surface. The bearing apparatus further includes a second bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced second bearing elements each of which includes a second bearing surface oriented to engage the first bearing surfaces of the first bearing assembly during operation. At least one of the second bearing elements may be circumferentially spaced from an adjacent one of the second bearing elements by a lateral spacing greater than a lateral dimension of the at least one of the second bearing elements.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A roller bearing which has a roller bearing ring. In order to produce a roller bearing that has a high rotational speed value and operational load using minimum quantity lubrication and in which heat produced in the bearing can be removed in a rapid and reliable manner, the roller bearing ring is made of a material composite. The first material composite component forms the running surface and is made of a refractory metal or a sintering material. The thermal conductivity and heat resistance first material composite component is higher than the thermal conductivity and heat resistance of at least one additional material composite component which forms the base body of the roller bearing ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a low-friction sliding mechanism, a low-friction agent composition, a friction reduction method, a manual transmission and a final reduction gear unit that can exert very excellent low friction characteristics to sliding surfaces present under various applications, and, in particular, that have more excellent low friction characteristics than that of a combination of an existing steel material and an organic Mo compound. The low-friction sliding mechanism has an oxygen-containing organic compound or an aliphatic amine compound interposed between sliding surfaces that a DLC coated sliding member and a sliding member form. The low-friction agent composition contains an oxygen-containing organic compound or an aliphatic amine compound. The friction reduction method includes supplying the low-friction agent composition between sliding surfaces that a DLC coated sliding member and a sliding member form.

Abstract: A rolling bearing is provided that includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements provided between a raceway surface of the inner ring and that of the outer ring and has a ceramic film formed on at least one surface selected from among an inner peripheral surface of the inner ring and a peripheral surface of the outer ring. The ceramic film is formed by using an aerosol deposition method in which alumina fine particles or the like is used as a material of aerosol. The ceramic film is formed with an aerosol injection nozzle kept stationary and the inner ring or the outer ring being rotated by using a motor for rotating an object, the inner ring or the outer ring is moved axially by using a positioning XY table.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: A silicon nitride sintered compact contains silicon nitride grains, and a sintering aid component in a range of 2 to 15 mass %. The silicon nitride grains include needle crystal grains each having a long diameter L of 10 ?m or less and a ratio (L/S) of the long diameter L to a short diameter S of 5 or more, by 50% or more in area ratio in a crystalline structure of the silicon nitride sintered compact. The silicon nitride sintered compact is used as a sliding member like a bearing ball (2).

Abstract: A tribosystem for radial and axial foil bearings includes a first structural component part; and a second structural component part interacting with the first part. The first and second parts are in a dry frictional unidirectional sliding contact with one another until an air film is formed. A surface of at least one of the first and second parts being exposed to the dry frictional contact contains at least partly at least one of a metallic bound (Ti,Mo)(C,N), Tin-2Cr2O2n-1 with 6?n?9 and solid solution of TiO2—Cr2O3.

Abstract: An actuator in one embodiment includes a threaded shaft; a shaft engaging portion coupled to the threaded shaft, the shaft engaging portion being moveable in a direction parallel to an axis of the threaded shaft upon a relative rotation between the threaded shaft and the shaft engaging portion; and a ceramic bushing coupled to the shaft engaging portion, the bushing encircling the threaded shaft.

Abstract: Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing segments define a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing segments of the plurality of bearing segments. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A method for strengthening a surface of a metal member. The method includes the following steps in the sequence set forth: (a) coating the surface of the metal member with a carbon-based film having a thickness of not smaller than 0.2 ?m; and (b) repeatedly applying a pressing force onto the surface of the film-coated metal member in a condition of maintaining a contact pressure of not lower than 2.5 GPa at the surface of the film-coated metal member.

Abstract: Member for the guidance of a movable piece, including at least one surface in friction and sliding contact with a complementary surface of the movable piece, including several separate ceramic elements carried by a support having resilience characteristics, and for example, made of an elastomer.

Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.

Abstract: Bearing apparatuses (e.g., thrust bearings and radial bearings) are disclosed. Such bearing apparatuses may comprise a rotor including a rotor surface comprising a first superhard material and a stator surface comprising a second superhard material. In one embodiment, the first superhard material may be structured differently than the second superhard material. In another embodiment, the first superhard material may exhibit an average grain size that is smaller than an average grain size of the second superhard material. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. Methods of operating and designing bearing apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.

Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.

Abstract: An actuator including a threaded shaft and a carriage having a shaft engaging portion coupled to the threaded shaft. The carriage is moveable in a direction parallel to an axis of the threaded shaft upon a relative rotation between the threaded shaft and the shaft engaging portion. A ceramic bushing is coupled to the shaft engaging portion of the carriage, the bushing surrounding the threaded shaft. The ceramic bushing is much harder than heretofore used materials and results in greatly reduced particulate formation. The carriage or portion thereof can be formed around the bushing, e.g., by injection molding.

Abstract: A low friction sliding combination of a cam and a cam follower which are in slidable contact with each other in presence of a lubricating oil. The cam follower includes a cylindrical and hollow outer roller having an outer peripheral surface in slidable contact with the cam. A fixed pin is coaxially disposed inside the outer roller and rotatably movable relative to the outer roller. A diamond-like carbon material is coated on a sliding surface of at least one of the outer roller and the fixed pin. The lubricating oil contains at least one of ashless fatty acid ester friction modifier and ashless aliphatic amine friction modifier.

Abstract: A low-friction sliding mechanism includes first and second sliding members having respective sliding surfaces slidable relative to each other and a lubricant applied to the sliding surfaces of the first and second sliding members. At least the sliding surface of the first sliding member is made of a diamond-like carbon material, and at least the sliding surface of the second sliding member is made of either an aluminum-based alloy material, a magnesium-based alloy material or a diamond-like carbon material. The lubricant contains a base oil and at least one of an ashless fatty-ester friction modifier and an ashless aliphatic-amine friction modifier.

Abstract: The invention provides a special type bearing device that is insusceptible to damage, is light in weight, has a long service life and excellent wear resistance, is insusceptible to the effect of change in temperature, is easy to fabricate, and has little offensiveness towards mating members. Further, the same is capable of sufficiently retaining a lubricant such as oil and grease, and retaining the lubricant for a long period of time without the need of supplying oil during operation, thereby rendering it maintenance-free. That is, the special type bearing device as described above has an axial shaft, a pair of rotating bodies fixedly attached to the shaft, and a supporting body with which the rotating bodies are in contact, wherein any one of the shift, the rotating bodies, and the supporting body is made of RB ceramic or CRB ceramic.

Abstract: The bearing system includes a first component having a first substrate and a first coating. The first coating includes a DLC layer and a DLN layer between the DLC layer and the substrate. A second component is in sliding engagement with the first component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bearings produced from a silicon nitride material. The silicon nitride material consists of a sintering aid selected from the group consisting of Al2O3 and Y2O3, silicon dioxide, and optionally, up to 10 mole %, based on the amount of silicon nitride, of an additive that reacts with silicon nitride, said additive selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A combined bearing includes a main body (10) and a mating member (30). The main body is generally cylindrical, with an axial hole (16) and a cutout (18) defined therein. The cutout is generally semi-cylindrical and spans from an outer surface (14) of the main body to the axial hole of the main body. The mating member has a same configuration as the cutout of the main body and can be inserted into the cutout to provide a complete cylinder having the axial hole therein. The main body and the mating member are made of different materials, one is metal alloy which is capable of impregnating lubricant oil therein, the other is ceramic having high hardness. Thus, the combined bearing may combine the advantages of an oil impregnated bearing and the advantages of a ceramic bearing.

Abstract: The invention provides a special type bearing device that is insusceptible to damage, is light in weight, has a long service life and excellent wear resistance, is insusceptible to the effect of change in temperature, is easy to fabricate, and has little offensiveness towards mating members. Further, the same is capable of sufficiently retaining a lubricant such as oil and grease, and retaining the lubricant for a long period of time without the need of supplying oil during operation, thereby rendering it maintenance-free. That is, the special type bearing device as described above has an axial shaft, a pair of rotating bodies fixedly attached to the shaft, and a supporting body with which the rotating bodies are in contact, wherein any one of the shift, the rotating bodies, and the supporting body is made of RB ceramic or CRB ceramic.

Abstract: A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly, relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC connector pin and the polymeric bushing.

Abstract: Electrically conducting ceramic bearings are described. All components of these bearings preferably comprise TSC, and may not require any conductive coating, or any lubricating coating. These bearings may comprise at least one rolling element such as a bearing ball, a roller, a needle, or the like. These bearings may be ideal for use in x-ray tube bearing assemblies in x-ray imaging systems, or in any other systems that require electrically conductive bearings.