Abstract: A saw guide system having a high pressure gas lubricated bearing surface, an elastic bearing block support, a contoured bearing surface, and sonic regulated flow. The velocity of the gas gradually increases as it traverses the bearing surface. At the exterior edge of the bearing surface, where the gas exits, the velocity of the flow is Mach one, sonic velocity.

Abstract: A compliant bearing surface supported by an enclosed nearly incompressible fluid is described. A fluid supported compliant bearing surface has the ability to separate out the average load on the bearing surface from the local load variations across the surface. The average load is balanced directly by the supporting fluid leaving the compliant surface in a globally balanced condition and thus a able to readily conform in response to local load variations. A fluid supported compliant bearing surface has excellent compliance coupled with high unit load capacity. The applications include a wide range of bearing types from high pressure gas bearings to ball and socket joints. The fundamental elements of the fluid supported bearing surface are based on observations of nature's optimum design--the intervertebral discs of the spine.

Abstract: An externally pressurized gas bearing with high unit load capacity is described. A raised bearing surface enclosing a recess is opposite a smooth bearing surface. The clearance gap across the space between the opposing bearing surfaces is systematically varied along the flow path controlling the flow cross sectional area. The gas flow within the bearing gradually increases in velocity to a maximum of Mach one at the exit of the clearance space. Methods of varying the clearance gap include the use of contoured rigid bearing surfaces, compliant bearing surfaces with fluid support, compliant bearing surfaces with tuned elastic support, and flexible bearing surfaces. Operating pressures of several hundred pounds per square inch or more are practical. The high load capacity of these gas bearings extends the application of gas bearings into areas now dominated by liquid lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A saw guide system having gas lubricated bearing surfaces and liquid contact cooling of the saw blade is described. The gas lubricated bearing surfaces enclose a liquid contact coolant chamber providing a gas seal confining the liquid coolants. The use of regulated gas lubrication greatly reduces friction between the saw blade and saw guide while providing powerful centering forces which hold the saw blade precisely in position. The use of gas sealing allows the liquid coolants to be recirculated in a closed loop piping system, thus eliminating discharge to the environment while providing increased contact cooling of the saw blades.