Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing assembly for supporting a reduced diameter end portion of a rotating shaft includes a thrust button or plate having one end thereof abutting an end of the reduced diameter end portion to absorb axial forces exerted by the rotating shaft, and a hollow cylindrical bearing sleeve disposed around the reduced diameter end portion, and wherein the thrust button has a central aperture for introduction of a process fluid and a plurality of slots in the one end of the thrust button and communicating with the central aperture in the thrust button and with a helical groove formed in an interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: An edge trimmer system in accordance with the present invention includes a conveyor system, a cutting assembly, and a pair of starter punches. The cutting assembly includes a pair of side trimmers each with a cutting device which trims one of the elongated edges of a raw strip of steel to produce a parent steel strip and two scrap steel strips.