Abstract: A journal bearing including a plurality of individual foils mounted to one of a pair of relatively rotatable members, and a plurality of undersprings which provide resilient support for the foils. The foils include a transition area defined for example by a step, adjacent the trailing edge of the preceding foil. The use of the stepped foil optimizes the geometry of the air gap profile, and thereby increases the load capacity of the journal foil bearing.

Abstract: In a superconducting bearing, flux density and flux density gradient are increased between a magnetic source and a member of superconducting material. A plurality of magnets are magnetized end-to-end and stacked side-by-side in alternating polarity. Non-magnetic shims are disposed between the magnets. Flux lines flow between the ends of adjacent magnets and communicate with the member. Resulting is higher bearing load capacity and stiffness. When the member is made from a Type II superconducting material, the bearing provides support in both the radial and axial directions.

Abstract: A cylindrical superconductor bearing is made of Type II ceramic superconductor, dispersed in an acrylic thermoplastic carrier in a ratio between 1:1 and 3:1 by volume. The cylindrical superconductor bearing is particularly useful as a magnetic journal bearing.

Abstract: A Type II ceramic superconductor is dispersed in an acrylic thermoplastic carrier in a ratio between 1:1 and 3:1. Resulting is a readily formable, thermosetting superconductor composite. The superconductor composite is particularly useful as a magnetic bearing or for fabricating devices to contain magnetic flux, because of its "flux pinning" effect.

Abstract: A high load capacity journal foil bearing and more particularly undersprings therefor. The journal foil bearing preferably includes a number of individual pads or foils which are conventionally mounted to a journal and have a pad face proximate a rotating shaft. The undersprings each include a number of curvilinear support beams or corrugations which are varied in width and pitch to optimize the spring force supporting the overlying foil. The underspring is configured to have wider beams at their leading edge and progressively narrower beams for approximately the first one half of the circumferential length.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing having a thrust disk with integral compliant bearing pads or foils. A number of alternative thrust bearing disks are disclosed, each of which provides a plurality of integral, converging, bearing pads or foils having diverging ramps and/or openings therebetween.

Abstract: Cooling is provided for a foil thrust bearing by means of flow openings in the thrust bearing disk or restrictions in the flow underneath the thrust bearing disk or the combination of both.