Bearing and coupler-journal devices for panels

A journal-coupler system for a first torque tube and a second torque tube, the system comprising:

• a first portion including a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion;
• a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion;
• an upper bearing portion;
• and
• a lower bearing portion removably coupled to the upper bearing portion, the lower bearing portion comprises a pier insert portion including fastening slots, a first prong, and a second prong;
• wherein:
• the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine to form a bearing enclosure for the first portion and the second portion;
• the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine as a bearing enclosure for the first portion and the second portion;
• the first portion and the second portion couple over a first torque tube and a second torque tube;
• the journal-coupler system sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion;
• and
• the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion.

A system for solar panel tracking, the system comprising:

• a journal-coupler including:
• a first portion including a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion;
• and
• a second portion removably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion;
• a bearing enclosure including:
• an upper bearing portion;
• and
• a lower bearing portion removably coupled to the upper bearing portion;
• and
• a first torque tube and a second torque tube each configured for coupling with one or more solar panels;
• wherein:
• the upper bearing portion and the lower bearing portion combine as a bearing enclosure for the journal-coupler and couple over the first torque tube and the second torque tube;
• the journal-coupler and the bearing enclosure sustain a continuous electrical ground path between the upper bearing portion, the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube, the second portion and the lower bearing portion;
• the first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine as an enclosed torque tube portion and couple over a first torque tube and a second torque tube;
• and
• the lower bearing portion comprises a pier insert portion including fastening slots, a first prong, and a second prong.