Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid film bearing and to a process for its production.The invention relates to a hydrodynamic fluid film bearing formed between a plurality of sheets (3) fixed to a casing (5) and a shaft (6) in rotation with respect to said casing. The invention has as an object to completely dissociate the control of the radial rigidity of the bearing in the startup phase and that in the rotational phase at working speed.A low rigidity, negligible or zero of the sheets (3) permits limiting the application forces of the sheets against the shaft and thus to reduce the wear upon startup of the bearing. After startup, the rotation of the shaft (6) at the interior of the sheet (3) causes a displacement of the sheets (3) which separate from the shaft (6) by the interposition of a hydrodynamic film of air. The new position occupied by the sheets (3) causes a return of the force of the sheets (3) by the restraining elements (4), as for example of leaf springs (40, 41, 42 or 43).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring axial thrust of a rotating, bearing supported machine shaft. The support bearings are operatively coupled through a shiftable crosspiece to a spring leaf upon which is mounted a variable resistance type strain gauge connected to an extensometric bridge circuit which provides an output indication of the axial thrust.