Abstract: Novel, unitary, full complement bearing components are described which comprise a plurality of rolling elements embedded in a solid, self-supporting lubricating matrix with at least one arcuate operative surface of each rolling element exposed for rolling contact with another bearing component, the rolling elememts being in side-by-side contact or only slightly spaced from each other, and the matrix being composed of a gel obtained by thermally curing a mixture of lubricating oil and a high molecular weight polymer, and being capable of exuding lubricating oil under sliding friction in operation after insertion of the bearing component into a bearing structure in a single assembly operation. Full complement as used herein means a cageless rolling element bearing with a maximum number of rolling elements wherein no additional rolling elements can be added to the complement of rolling elements and wherein the rolling elements are in side-by-side relation.

Abstract: Lubricating compositions and shaped articles composed thereof are described which consist essentially of about 30 to about 60% by weight of an oil of lubricating viscosity, about 20 to about 50% by weight of a high molecular weight polymer, and about 20 to about 50% by weight of a heat conductive agent capable of conducting heat away from a bearing surface where it is generated. The high molecular weight polymer may, for example, be polyethylene, having average molecular weights in the range from about 1.0.times.10.sup.5 to about 5.0.times.10.sup.6. The oil may be a mineral oil, a diester oil or preferably a synthetic hydrocarbon oil having a viscosity in the range from about 13 to about 1200 millimeters.sup.2 /sec (mm.sup.2 /s) at 38.degree. C. (100.degree. F.) The heat conductive agent may be powdered zinc oxide, aluminum powder, or equivalents thereof in this invention. The compositions are semi-rigid gels which may be formed in a mold and used as is, or which may be shaped further after molding.