Abstract: A dynamic three-degree-of-freedom actuator/transducer element comprising at least three piezoceramic actuators and force sensors, as integrated stacks, which are preloaded in the housing by a low-stiffness tension bar, and are constrained, by means of a flexible shell, against shear force and torsion moment, whereby the element, when powered by external voltage source, is able to generate a dynamical axial force and displacement and dynamical bending and moment in the two principal tilt degrees of freedom around two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the principal displacement. When subjected to an axial force or a tilting moment, the transducer is able to generate charges that are proportional to the exerted force and moments.

Abstract: A dynamic three-degree-of-freedom actuator/transducer element comprising at least three piezoceramic actuators and force sensors, as integrated stacks, which are preloaded in the housing by a low-stiffness tension bar, and are constrained, by means of a flexible shell, against shear force and torsion moment, whereby the element, when powered by external voltage source, this actuator/transducer is able to generate a dynamical axial force and displacement and dynamical bending and moment in the two principal tilt degrees of freedom around two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the principal displacement and when subjected to an axial force or a tilting moment, the transducer is able to generate charges that are proportional to the said exerted force and moments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new kind of foil bearing. The present invention relates to a bearing comprising a flexible foil with a self-aligning mechanism. The present invention furthermore relates to a foil bearing enabling a linear and/or rotary movement along/around an axis (i.e. a shaft). The present invention also relates to a foil gas/air bearing with a self-aligning mechanism. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of said foil bearing in machines, more specifically in precision and/or high-speed machines and in high-speed precision spindles.

Abstract: A solution is presented for high speed rotating devices, in particular cutting tools, whereby the said rotating device (1) is made monolithic with its shaft and the bearing system, needed to support it during rotation, uses the surfaces of the rotating device (1) as bearing surfaces.