Bearing assemblies that include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating and fabricating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. In an embodiment, the plurality of PCD bearing elements of one or more of the bearing assemblies disclosed herein include at least one first PCD bearing element. At least a portion of the first PCD bearing element exhibits a coercivity of about 125 Oersteds or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 14 Gauss cm.sup.3/gram or less. The first PCD bearing element includes a bearing surface with at least one groove formed therein. In an embodiment, the plurality of PCD bearing elements also include at least one second PCD bearing element. The second PCD bearing element exhibits a coercivity that is less than and a specific magnetic saturation that is greater than the first PCD bearing element.

A bearing including a backing formed of a steel material, a lining formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a diffusion barrier layer disposed between the backing and the lining is provided. The diffusion barrier layer is formed of nickel or a nickel alloy and has a thickness ranging from 1 micron to 100 microns. The bearing is typically formed by cladding the lining or plating the steel backing with the diffusion barrier layer, bonding the lining and the backing with the diffusion barrier layer between, heating to a temperature of at least 400° C., and forming the bearing into a shape after or before the heating step.

Mounting assembly dimensioned for securement between a vehicle structure and a gas spring and damper assembly include a first end plate securable to the vehicle structure. A second end plate is attached in substantially fixed relation to the first end plate such that a mounting cavity is disposed therebetween. A connector housing is disposed within the mounting cavity and operatively connectable to the gas spring and damper assembly. A first bearing assembly is disposed between the connector housing and the first end plate and permits rotation of the connector housing relative to the first end plate while transferring forces acting longitudinally therebetween. A second bearing assembly is disposed between the connector housing and the second end plate and permits rotation of the connector housing relative to the second end plate while transferring forces acting longitudinally therebetween. Gas spring and damper assemblies are also included.

Mounting assembly dimensioned for securement between a vehicle structure and a gas spring and damper assembly include a first end plate securable to the vehicle structure. A second end plate is attached in substantially fixed relation to the first end plate such that a mounting cavity is disposed therebetween. A connector housing is disposed within the mounting cavity and operatively connectable to the gas spring and damper assembly. A first bearing assembly is disposed between the connector housing and the first end plate and permits rotation of the connector housing relative to the first end plate while transferring forces acting longitudinally therebetween. A second bearing assembly is disposed between the connector housing and the second end plate and permits rotation of the connector housing relative to the second end plate while transferring forces acting longitudinally therebetween. Gas spring and damper assemblies are also included.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.

A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.

In an annular sliding component disposed at a relatively rotating position of a rotating machine and sliding relative to an opposed sliding component, a sliding surface is provided with a plurality of first dynamic pressure generation grooves disposed on a leakage side, having terminating ends, and generating a positive pressure and a plurality of second dynamic pressure generation grooves disposed on a sealing target fluid side, having terminating ends, and generating a positive pressure and a depth of the second dynamic pressure generation groove is shallower than a depth of the first dynamic pressure generation groove.

Improved engine crankshaft thrust bearing includes an arrangement in which the thrust bearing can be employed with a first type of crankshaft for a replacement engine block and also with a different, second type of crankshaft that can also be employed in the replacement engine block. The second type of crankshaft was previously used in the engine block being replaced.