Abstract: In order have a leaf type foil bearing that is rotatable with high accuracy and adaptable to higher speed rotation, a foil bearing includes a cylindrical outer member, a shaft inserted on an inner periphery of the outer member, and leaves arranged at a plurality of positions in a circumferential direction between an inner peripheral surface of the outer member and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. A region including a front end of each of the leaves serves as a top foil that has a bearing surface, and a region including a rear end of each of the leaves serves as a back foil that supports, from behind, the top foil of the adjacent leaf. Any one or both of the front end and the rear end of each of the leaves are inclined with respect to an axial direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.214 and 3.216 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1.

Abstract: A journal bearing including a cylindrical sleeve structure has an anti-rotation slot for receiving a portion of a foil layer. The anti-rotation slot extends radially into the cylindrical sleeve structure, relative to an axis defined by the cylindrical sleeve structure, from said inner diameter surface.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement (28) having at least one radial air bearing (1) and/or having an axial air bearing (15?). The radial air bearing (1) has an inner annular bearing plate (7) and a spring plate (10) which surrounds the bearing plate (7) at the outside. The bearing plate and spring plate being formed as a single-piece component.

Abstract: Vane pump mechanical losses are reduced by removing vane friction losses and replacing them with lower magnitude journal bearing fluid film viscous drag losses. A freely rotating cam ring is supported by a journal bearing. A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes. This permits the use of less expensive and less brittle materials in the pump by allowing the pump to operate at much higher speeds without concern for exceeding vane tip velocity limits.

Abstract: The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils, and supports a rotary shaft. Engagement grooves are formed on both side surfaces of the bearing housing to extend from the outer circumferential edge to the inner circumferential edge of the side surface. Notches are formed in circumferential edges on both sides of the back foil. A locking member is locked into the engagement grooves of the bearing housing and the notches of the back foil, and includes a pair of engagement legs engaging with the engagement grooves and the notches, and a connection portion connecting the engagement legs together to be disposed near one ends of the engagement legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial foil bearing for supporting a rotary shaft. The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils. The top foil is formed by winding a rectangular metal foil into a cylindrical shape so that one end of the metal foil is extended out in a tangential direction of a cylinder formed by the metal foil. An engagement groove is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing in an axial direction of the bearing housing, and the engagement groove is formed so that a depth direction thereof corresponds to one tangential direction of the cylinder of the top foil. The one end of the top foil engages with the engagement groove.

Abstract: A method of positioning a bearing of a turbomachine in a squeeze film annulus is disclosed. The method includes providing a bearing in which a rotor shaft is disposed and a bearing support mounted about and radially supporting the bearing, with the bearing support at least in part defining the squeeze film annulus. A further step typically includes providing a plurality of centering elements associated with the bearing and bearing support and acting to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus, with the centering elements provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. An additional step in the method may include individually machining or shimming the centering elements to adjust the positioning of the bearing in the squeeze film annulus or to impart pre-load to improve the resiliency of the centering elements.

Abstract: An improved air foil bearing assembly is disclosed. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an axially extending bore therein and a shaft arranged within the bore for relative coaxial rotation with respect to the bearing housing. The shaft cooperates with the bearing housing to define an annular gap therebetween. A foil assembly is disposed in the annular gap, including at least one foil having at least one laterally extending tab. The tab is adapted to be received in and extend axially from the annular gap and is further adapted to be bent into frictional contact with an outer surface of the bearing housing to militate against axial movement of the foil.

Abstract: A bearing housing of a hydrodynamic foil bearing assembly has an opening for allowing flow of a fluid into the bearing housing. Also included in the a hydrodynamic foil bearing assembly is at least one foil having at least one opening and defining a cylindrical hollow space for receiving a rotating shaft therein. Fluid is supplied from the opening of the bearing housing to a gap between the at least one foil and the rotating shaft through the at least one opening of the at least one foil to form a pressurized fluid film therein.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing applicable to high speed machining and grinding machines for machining microscopic features. Top foil segments are circumferentially spaced relative to a rotating runner for engagement by the runner when the bearing is mounted to bearingly support runner rotation. Bump foil segments underlie and support and engage the top foil segments respectively. A thrust plate supports and engages the bump foil segments. Each top foil segment and each bump foil segment is secured only along an edge portion which is trailing relative to the runner rotation leaving an edge which is leading relative to runner rotation and a pair of side edges unsecured. Each bump foil segment includes tabs separated by slots extending from the leading edge at least partially to the secured edge portion. Each bump foil tab has substantially parallel ridges separated by flats.

Abstract: An improved air foil bearing assembly is disclosed. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an axially extending bore therein and a shaft arranged within the bore for relative coaxial rotation with respect to the bearing housing. The shaft cooperates with the bearing housing to define an annular gap therebetween. A foil assembly is disposed in the annular gap, including at least one foil having at least one laterally extending tab. The tab is adapted to be received in and extend axially from the annular gap and is further adapted to be bent into frictional contact with an outer surface of the bearing housing to militate against axial movement of the foil.

Abstract: An air foil bearing includes a top foil, one or more orifice tubes and two or more bump foil strips disposed within a housing. The top foil is forms a substantially circular shape having one or more sets of top foil orifice holes. Each set of top foil orifice holes has at least three top foil orifice holes along a circumference of the top foil. An orifice tube is provided for each set of top foil orifice holes. The orifice tube includes a flat side having a set of tube orifice holes connected to an outer surface of the top foil. The bump foil strip is attached to the outer surface of the top foil adjacent to each side of each orifice tube. Another embodiment uses a housing with an inner surface having a curved polygonal cross-sectional shape with an odd number of curved sides.

Abstract: A dynamic foil gas bearing includes a foil group comprising a corrugated-sheet-like bump foil, a flat-sheet-like middle foil, and a flat-sheet-like top foil which are arranged successively toward the center axis of a bearing case. The top foil includes a second linkage surface joined to a second fixed surface fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a second rotatable shaft holding surface. The second linkage surface is provided by a curved portion of the top foil which is convex toward the center axis of the bearing case. The middle foil includes a first linkage surface joined to a first fixed surface fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a first rotatable shaft holding surface. The first linkage surface is provided by a bent straight portion of the middle foil.

Abstract: An example journal air bearing for a rotatable shaft of an air cycle machine includes a top foil configured to receive a rotatable shaft, and an intermediate foil radially outboard the top foil. A journal sleeve is radially outboard the intermediate foil. The top foil and the intermediate foil establish apertures configured to communicate fluid between a first position radially inboard the top foil and a second position radially outboard the intermediate foil.

Abstract: An improved air foil bearing assembly is disclosed. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an axially extending bore therein and a shaft arranged within the bore for relative coaxial rotation with respect to the bearing housing. The shaft cooperates with the bearing housing to define an annular gap therebetween. A foil assembly is disposed in the annular gap, including at least one foil having at least one laterally extending tab. The tab is adapted to be received in and extend axially from the annular gap and is further adapted to be bent into frictional contact with an outer surface of the bearing housing to militate against axial movement of the foil.

Abstract: A foil bearing supports a cylindrical rotary shaft 2, the foil bearing including: a hollow cylindrical outer ring 4 which is supported by a stationary member, and surrounds the rotary shaft with a predetermined gap therebetween; a thin-film-shaped top foil 3a which surrounds the outer surface of the rotary shaft, and of which one circumferential end is fixed to the inner surface of the outer ring; and a back foil 3b which is formed by a thin film sandwiched between the top foil and the inner surface of the outer ring and elastically supporting the top foil. The back foil 3b includes a support portion which comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer ring and is immovable in the circumferential direction, and an elastic portion which is supported by the support portion and is elastically bent in the radial direction by surface pressure from the top foil.

Abstract: A journal foil air bearing 5000 according to the present invention is provided with one top foil 300 along an inner periphery of a hole 18 of a bearing housing 10. Bump foils 20c and 20d are installed at the inner periphery of the hole 18 of the bearing housing 10 where they are distanced from each other. Both ends of the top foil 300 form bent portions 308a and 308b and the bent portions 308a and 308b are mounted in a slot 414 of a slot body 40 mounted in a slot 140 provided in the inner periphery of the hole 18 in the bearing housing 10 and the top foil 300 is elastically movable therein.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotary machine includes first, second and third layers. The second layer includes a corrugated foil arranged between the first and third layers. The corrugated foil includes a wall having peaks engaging the first layer and valleys engaging the third layer. A depression is arranged in the wall between first and second peaks. The depression is spaced from the first and third layers. The first layer includes multiple arcuate top foils that are arranged adjacent to a thrust runner of a rotatable shaft. A corresponding number of arcuate corrugated foils may be used to support the top foils. The third layer, which is provided by an annular main plate, includes multiple arcuate spacers arranged circumferentially on the main plate. The spacers are generally aligned with a trailing edge of the top foils. The depressions decrease the stiffness of the bump foils. The spacers direct the axial load through the thrust bearing in a desired manner.

Abstract: The invention is related to mechanical engineering in particular to compliant foil hydrodynamic bearings which is used in small-size high speed machines such as turbocompressors, cooling turbines etc. The inventive foil hydrodynamic bearing comprises a bearing case (7), a journal (1), several compliant smooth top foil (15) and elastically damping sections, each of which consists of a spring element (25) (for example, a corrugated foil) and compliant smooth inner foils (27, 30, 33), which are fixed by one end thereof to the bearing case on both sides of the spring element. The increased frictional damping of the bearing at small rotating frequencies is obtained by that, when the journal 1 is shifted, a sliding motion with friction takes place between the contacting surfaces of the inner foils of the elastically damping sections.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and a bearing surface. The main body and the bearing surface may be engaged with one another via one or more bearing surface springs configured such that the bearing surface is compliant with respect to the main body. A second embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and at least one bearing pad. The main body and the bearing pad may be engaged with one another via one or more pad radial and/or pad axial springs configured such that the bearing pad is compliant with respect to the main body. A sensor web may be integrated into the compliant bearing. In one embodiment the sensor web comprises at least one sensor configured as a strain gauge and affixed to a bearing surface spring.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed to rotate with respect to a stationary component. A foil bearing is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component and configured to rotatably support the rotary component. A fiber optic sensing system including one or more fiber optic sensors is disposed in the foil bearing and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the foil bearing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining separation of two journal foil bearing assemblies, where each journal foil bearing assembly comprises one or more foils with lugs formed thereon for insertion into axial grooves of a bore, the means comprising a pin for insertion into each groove so that an edge of the lug that is inserted into the groove abuts the pin and is prevented from axially drifting along the bore. The pin provides a broad area along the lug edge so that the lug edge does not cut into the pin.

Abstract: A turboalternator system includes a turboalternator having a rotatable member operatively engaged to a bearing set, a radial support element, and a contact structure engaged with the radial support element. The rotatable member defines a first end, a second end and an axis of rotation. The turboalternator system is configured to be thermally adjustable such that in a first thermal condition the contact structure is at a first radial position with respect to the axis of rotation and contacts the rotatable member to provide support, and in a second thermal condition the contact structure is at a second radial position with respect to the axis of rotation that is spaced further from the axis of rotation than the first radial position. The contact structure includes a ring having a groove formed in an outer diameter surface thereof, and the radial support element engages the groove in the contact structure.

Abstract: A foil bearing assembly for supporting a rotating member that rotates about an axis including a stationary mount member spaced from the rotating member so that a gap is defined between the stationary mount member and the rotating member. A foil member is disposed in the gap between the rotating member and the stationary mount member. At least one of the rotating member, the stationary mount member or the foil member includes a wear resistant coating layer.

Abstract: The invention is related to mechanical engineering in particular to compliant foil hydrodynamic bearings which is used in small-size high speed machines such as turbocompressors, cooling turbines etc. The inventive foil hydrodynamic bearing comprises a bearing case (7), a journal (1), a compliant smooth top foil (15) and elastically damping sections, each of which consists of a spring element (25) (for example, a corrugated foil) and compliant smooth inner foils (27, 30, 33), which are fixed by one end thereof to the bearing case on both sides of the spring element. The increased frictional damping of the bearing at small rotating frequencies is obtained by that, when the journal 1 is shifted, a sliding motion with friction takes place between the contacting surfaces of the inner foils of the elastically damping sections.

Abstract: A turboalternator system includes a turboalternator having a rotatable member operatively engaged to a bearing set, a radial support element, and a contact structure engaged with the radial support element. The rotatable member defines a first end, a second end and an axis of rotation. The turboalternator system is configured to be thermally adjustable such that in a first thermal condition the contact structure is at a first radial position with respect to the axis of rotation and contacts the rotatable member to provide support, and in a second thermal condition the contact structure is at a second radial position with respect to the axis of rotation that is spaced further from the axis of rotation than the first radial position.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement comprising first and second components (2, 3) located for relative operational movement by a respective bearing (4), the bearing having a bearing element (5) comprising a pack of resiliently flexible bristles or leaves for transmitting force between the components thereby locally to provide a relative kinematic constraint on at least one degree of freedom of the components during said relative operational movement.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing system includes a journal sleeve and one or more hydrodynamic fluid film foils positioned at least partially within the journal sleeve. The journal sleeve defines an inner diameter surface, an outer diameter surface, a wall thickness between the inner and outer diameter surfaces, and opposite first and second ends. The wall thickness of the journal sleeve is reduced at a first region located between the first and second ends, and a chamfered region is formed on the outer diameter surface of the journal sleeve between the first o-ring land and the first end of the journal sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed to rotate with respect to a stationary component. A foil bearing is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component and configured to rotatably support the rotary component. A fiber optic sensing system including one or more fiber optic sensors is disposed in the foil bearing and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the foil bearing.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film bearing or seal apparatus includes a bushing having a plurality of peripherally separate bushing segments. The bushing has a bore defined therethrough, with a peripheral portion of the bore being defined on each bushing segment. A plurality of compliant foils is carried by the bushing, with at least one of the compliant foils being disposed on each bushing segment. A plurality of foil undersprings is disposed beneath the plurality of compliant foils.

Abstract: A foil bearing assembly for supporting a rotating member that rotates about an axis including a stationary mount member spaced from the rotating member so that a gap is defined between the stationary mount member and the rotating member. A foil member is disposed in the gap between the rotating member and the stationary mount member. At least one of the rotating member, the stationary mount member or the foil member includes a wear resistant coating layer.

Abstract: A journal foil bearing comprising a retaining member having an inner surface which defines a shaft opening within which a rotatable shaft is receivable for rotation; and a foil assembly affixed to and lining the inner surface and comprising a plurality of foil sub-assemblies each subtending a circumferential segment, of the inner surface.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing for supporting a rotation shaft of a turbo or rotary apparatus includes a sleeve having a circular inner opening for receiving a rotation shaft therein, at least one metallic foil member of arc shape having one end fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve and arranged along the inner opening of the sleeve, and at least one elastic member disposed at the sleeve between the sleeve and the foil member. A bearing housing for receiving a bearing of a rotary apparatus is further provided, in which the bearing housing includes a circular opening for receiving the bearing therein, and the circular inner opening of the bearing housing includes grooves for cooling air passage formed at regular interval in the axial direction on the inner surface of the bearing housing. The bearing received in the bearing housing is preferably a hydrodynamic fluid film bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foil bearing (1), comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (13) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (e.g., middle foils 12) arranged in a circumferential direction in the annular gap, where each of the centripetal force producing foils has one end fixed to the stationary mount member, wherein portions of the stationary mount member located between fixed ends of adjoining ones of the centripetal force producing foils are formed with an axially extending slit (4).

Abstract: Vane pump (10) mechanical losses are reduced by removing vane friction losses and replacing them with lower magnitude journal bearing fluid film viscous drag losses. A freely rotating cam ring (70) is supported by a journal bearing (80). A relatively low sliding velocity is imposed between the cam ring and the vanes (26). This permits the use of less expensive and less brittle materials in the pump by allowing the pump to operate at much higher speeds without concern for exceeding vane tip velocity limits.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a foil bearing comprises: a tubular positioning member having a substantially cylindrical wall provided with engagement portions each having a shape corresponding to at least part of a wave-shaped portion of associated one of foil members such that positioning of the foil members can be achieved by engaging the wave-shaped portion of each foil member to the associated engagement portion of the positioning member and inserting the positioning member into an inside of the stationary mount member; and a welding device for welding the foil members to the inner circumferential surface of the stationary mount member, wherein the positioning member is formed with openings in the substantially circumferential wall thereof to allow the welding device to access the foil members from inside the positioning member through the openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foil bearing (1), comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (13) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (e.g., middle foils 12) arranged in a circumferential direction in the annular gap, where each of the centripetal force producing foils has one end fixed to the stationary mount member, wherein portions of the stationary mount member located between fixed ends of adjoining ones of the centripetal force producing foils are formed with an axially extending slit (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a foil bearing (1), comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (13) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (e.g., middle foils 12) arranged in a circumferential direction in the annular gap, where each of the centripetal force producing foils has one end fixed to the stationary mount member, wherein portions of the stationary mount member located between fixed ends of adjoining ones of the centripetal force producing foils are formed with an axially extending slit (4).

Abstract: A thrust bearing designed to support a rotational shaft within a turbo compressor, and including foils subjected to a friction with gas. The bearing includes a plurality of elastic foils having different stiffnesses from each other.

Abstract: A fluid bearing module has a bearing seat, a bearing, a deflecting member, and an impediment. The bearing seat has a capacity with an opening. The bearing in the capacity has a hollow space for the axis of a rotor to go through, and a lubricant medium is filled in between. The deflecting member protruding from the side near the opening of the bearing seat bends toward the capacity and clips on the rotor axis. The impediment protrudes from the side near the opening of the bearing seat for preventing the deflecting member from bending toward the opening and departing from the rotor. Moreover, the deflecting member and the impediment form a maze to keep the lubricant medium within.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a foil bearing assembly mounted in a center housing between a compressor and a turbine of the turbocharger. The bearing assembly forms a unit installable into the center housing from one end thereof, and the center housing is a one-piece construction. The bearing assembly includes a foil thrust bearing assembly disposed between two foil journal bearings. The journals foils are mounted in annular bearing carriers fixedly mounted in the center housing. A radially inner portion of a thrust disk of the thrust bearing assembly is captured between a shaft and a shaft sleeve of the turbocharger. The center housing defines cooling air passages for supplying cooling air to the foil bearings, and optionally includes a water jacket for circulating engine coolant through the center housing.

Abstract: An improved and enhanced hydrodynamic fluid film bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft journal is provided and includes a stationary retaining member, at least two generally cylindrical foil elements attached to one another and forming an anti-rotation fin, and a generally cylindrical resilient backing member. The retaining member has an inner surface defining a cylindrical opening for receiving a shaft journal. The inner surface also includes a longitudinally extending slot in which the anti-rotation fin formed by the foil elements is mounted so that the foil elements line at least a portion of the cylindrical opening. The resilient member is also disposed within the cylindrical opening generally concentric to and radially outward from the foil elements. The foil elements may be discrete elements attached together to form the anti-rotation fin, or alternatively formed from a single foil with a bend defining the anti-rotation fin.

Abstract: In a foil bearing comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (4) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (or bump foils) 7 arranged in the annular gap so as to oppose a substantially entire part of the outer circumferential surface of the journal, the stationary mount member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged through-holes (8) at an axially middle portion thereof, and the centripetal force producing foils comprise members which are axially spaced apart from each other at a position where the through-holes are located.

Abstract: A high load capacity hydrodynamic journal foil bearing system is disclosed, which comprises a top foil and a plurality of undersprings. Preload forces are transferred from the undersprings to internal circumferential compressive forces within a top foil, resulting in low preload forces against the shaft, allowing the shaft to expand at high speeds without increasing the preload forces or overloading the fluid film. One underspring may have a different spring rate than another underspring. The top foil may be normalized to shaft shape and dimensions. These features may be accomplished with using less mechanical parts than other journal foil bearing system designs.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (23) having a plurality of foils (26) disposed in a gap between a rotating member (12) and a stationary mount member (25), a moveable member (27) is disposed on a side of the stationary member opposite to the rotating member so as to be rotatable with respect to the stationary mount member, abutting members (30) extend from the moveable member toward the associated foils through respective through-holes formed in the stationary mount member, and a surface of the moveable member with which one end of each abutting member is in contact is provided with a cam surface. In such a structure, by rotating the moveable member and thus changing the length of the abutting members projecting out from the surface of the stationary mount member, it is possible to vary the range of movement of the foils and practically vary the stiffness of the same.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (23) having a plurality of foils (26) disposed in a gap between a rotating member (12) and a stationary mount member (25), a circumferentially extending portion of each foil and a moveable member (27) rotatable with respect to the stationary mount member are provided with magnets (30, 31) so that a magnetic force between these magnets urges the foils toward the rotating member. By rotating the moveable member to vary the relative circumferential position of the moveable member with respect to the foils, it is possible to adjust an amount of magnetic force between the magnets of the moveable member and the magnets of the foils.

Abstract: A foil bearing is provided, which is simple in structure, has a large load capacity and a large damping capability and can therefore allow a rotary shaft having a large unbalance as compared with the conventional bearing to be driven stably at a high speed. A spindle device utilizing such foil bearing is also provided, which is designed to increase the permissible amount of unbalance and also to have a light-weight feature. Each of the foil bearings 504 and 505 includes an elastic member 2 prepared from a wire net formed by braiding wires, and a thin bearing foil 3 supported by the elastic member 2 and defining an elastic bearing surface S. The respective foil bearing 504 and 505 is used at least as a radial bearing 504 in the spindle device including a rotary shaft 4 having a head mount 501a, on which an atomizer head is mounted, and the radial and thrust bearings 504 and 505 for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 4.