Abstract: A micro-machine powered by an electric motor and/or a gas turbine drive and capable of rotation speeds to 1,500,000 rpm is disclosed. The micro-machine may include a rotating spindle which is constructed, balanced and arranged to provide a tool holder function and may incorporate a portion of the drive system. The other portion of the drive system is incorporated in a machine housing. The housing locates and supports at least one foil thrust bearing and at least one foil journal bearing to support the spindle. The housing and the bearings may be split into at least two parts and reassembled and the housing incorporates a gas reservoir and gas distribution channels for forced gas cooling of the bearings. In one embodiment of a foil journal bearing, a plurality of overlapping top foil segments supported by individual bump foil segments consisting of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats are secured within a housing.

Abstract: A micro-machine powered by an electric motor and/or a gas turbine drive and capable of rotation speeds to 1,500,000 rpm is disclosed. The micro-machine may include a rotating spindle which is constructed, balanced and arranged to provide a tool holder function and may incorporate a portion of the drive system. The other portion of the drive system is incorporated in a machine housing. The housing locates and supports at least one foil thrust bearing and at least one foil journal bearing to support the spindle. The housing and the bearings may be split into at least two parts and reassembled and the housing incorporates a gas reservoir and gas distribution channels for forced gas cooling of the bearings. In one embodiment of a foil journal bearing, a plurality of overlapping top foil segments supported by individual bump foil segments consisting of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats are secured within a housing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating articles, such as an oxide ceramic article, is disclosed. The method includes cutting an oxide ceramic workpiece in a cutting zone and applying a cutting fluid to the cutting zone. The cutting fluid includes an aqueous solution which contains a sufficient amount of a boron compound to effectively provide lubrication. The boron compound is selected from the group consisting of boric acid, alkali metal borates, aluminum borate, and mixtures thereof. A method of fabricating articles, which includes cutting a workpiece in a cutting zone with an oxide ceramic cutting point and applying a cutting fluid to the cutting zone is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-wear additive for a functional fluid, such as a lube oil, is disclosed. The additive comprises selected substituted pyridines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, pyridazines and/or fused ring derivatives thereof.