Abstract: A low-friction, boat-type rocker arm assembly is provided. The boat-type rocker arm is designed to roll on a fulcrum of a supporting pedestal during operation, rather than slipping or sliding thereon. The rocker arm has a recessed intermediate area of a predetermined radius which is greater than the radius of the fulcrum of the pedestal. The rocker has a rectangular opening in the recessed portion with opposite, transverse edges tapering downwardly and inwardly which fit closely with the pedestal to limit travel of the rocker arm relative to the pedestal. The pedestal also has rounded surfaces at those portions positioned near the tapered edges of the rocker arm opening.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention a load supporting lubricant is formed by combining from about 40% to about 60% by volume of a petroleum grease with the balance being small, hard, uniformly sized, steel spheres dispersed throughout the grease. The diameter of the spheres should be within the range of from about 1/2 to about 3/4 millimeters (hereinafter mm) to achieve the minimum coefficient of static friction which is typically about 0.001 or less. When disposed between slidably engaged surfaces, each of said spheres is free to roll at random as one surface moves relative to the other.