Abstract: The present invention provides a fixing device including a flexible cylindrical rotary member and an inner-surface opposing portion that opposes an inner surface of the rotary member at an end portion of the rotary member in a generatrix direction. The inner-surface opposing portion moves upstream in a recording material conveying direction in accordance with lateral shift of the rotary member in the generatrix direction. This restricts the lateral shift of the rotary member.

Abstract: A static pressure gas bearing assemby having a gaseous fluid discharging bearing member for supporting a shaft by the discharged gaseous fluid is disclosed. The bearing member is made of porous graphite. For the manufacture, carbon particles approximately 80% of which have particle diameters not greater than approx. 40 microns, more particularly, particle diameters ranging from 1-20 microns are used. The carbon particles are subjected to molding, calcination and graphitization, whereby a porous graphite member having pores distributed substantially uniformly is obtained. In another aspect of the invention, the bearing member is made of a porous graphite material having a specific degree of swelling. Also, in another aspect, the surface of the shaft to be supported by the bearing member is coated with titanium nitride by ion plating treatment. In this manner, a high-precision and high-prerformance bearing assembly can be provided with reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An operating rod is connected at its one end to a runner vane rotary shaft through a link and lever mechanism. The operating rod is supported by a rotational propelling force bearing. The rotational propelling force bearing is reciprocatingly moved through a link and lever mechanism by a servomotor disposed outside of a stay ring. With such a construction, the rotational operation of the runner vanes may be smoothly attained.