Abstract: Improved structures in bearings operable to receive and support shafts or members which are supported for rotation on shafts or pins are disclosed. In one form, just the inner cylindrical surface of a solid bearing made of metal or hard ceramic material is coated with a synthetic diamond material deposited in situ therein as carbon atoms by means of high energy radiation, which also serves to form synthetic diamond structures of layers of such carbon atoms so deposited. In another form, the entire race of a multiple part bearing is coated with synthetic diamond material. In a third form, a rolling member type bearing, such as a ball or roller bearing, is provided containing an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of balls, rollers, or other rolling members supported between the inner and outer race. In certain instances, the rolling members are retained by means of a cage supported therebetween.

Abstract: Improvements in internal combustion engines and/or components thereof resulting from applying thin coatings or films of synthetic diamond or diamond-like material thereto and, in certain instances, overcoating such synthetic diamond material with a thin layer of chromium for providing certain protective effects. In one form, the entire piston of an internal combustion engine is coated with a thin layer of synthetic diamond material protecting same against heat and chemical corrosion effects during the operation of the engine. In another form, piston rings or ring components are coated with such synthetic diamond material in thicknesses varying from 0.00001" to 0.001" or more. Retaining cavities formed in the head of the piston which retain the piston rings may also be similarly coated. The piston pin and/or its retaining rings may also contain such synthetic diamond material coating as may the top and side walls of the piston.