Abstract: A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

Abstract: A blood pump includes an impeller; a drive shaft coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate with the impeller; a motor configured to drive the impeller; and a bearing assembly disposed adjacent the motor and configured to receive an end of the drive shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing, where the end of the drive shaft is at least partially rounded, and the where the bearing includes a concave depression defined in a first side of the bearing, where the depression is configured to receive the end of the drive shaft. The bearing assembly may include a lubricant chamber configured to hold a lubricant.

Abstract: A porous gas bearing is disclosed. The porous gas bearing includes a housing having a fluid inlet and an aperture. A porous surface layer is disposed within the housing surrounding the aperture in a circumferential direction. The porous surface layer is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. A damping system includes a damping system including a biasing member, the biasing member being disposed in a passageway that extends along the longitudinal direction of the aperture and circumferentially about the aperture, wherein the biasing member is arranged radially outward from the porous surface layer.

Abstract: A motor includes a shaft, a shell, a sleeve, an abrasion-resistance piece, a bearing, an oil seal, and several compressed springs. The shaft has an axial line. The shell is connected to the shaft. The sleeve has an accommodating space, and the wall of the accommodating space forms a first inclined surface which is inclined at an angle with respect to the axial line. The abrasion-resistance piece is disposed at the bottom of the accommodating space. The bearing is disposed in the accommodating space, and the outer wall of the bearing forms a second inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface. The shaft passes through the bearing and abuts the abrasion-resistance piece. The oil seal is affixed to the wall of the accommodating space and covers the bearing. The compressed springs are connected between the oil seal and the bearing.

Abstract: The bearing system includes a fluid bearing, a shaft with a solid portion, and a bush located around the solid portion and in front of pad or pads of the fluid bearing; the bush includes a hollow portion and a plurality of supporting elements that fix the hollow portion of the bush to the solid portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of simulating 3-degrees of freedom spacecraft rotational dynamics is provided that includes attaching a payload, using a spherical air bearing, to an inner gimbal of a 3-axis gimbal, where the 3-axis gimbal includes an outer gimbal, a mid-gimbal and the inner gimbal, using a motion controller to control motion of each the gimbal of the 3-axis gimbal, where the motion controller includes an appropriately programmed computer and a motion control motor, sensing limits of free travel of the spherical air bearing, using a position sensor, and changing a position of the 3-axis gimbal away from the limit of free travel of the spherical air bearing when the spherical air bearing approaches the limit of free travel, wherein the position change effects travel of the spherical bearing to be unbounded by the limit of free travel, wherein 4? steradians spacecraft dynamics of the payload are simulated.

Abstract: A noncontact fluid bearing is manufactured by disposing a flow controller in a cavity of a carrier to form a pressure chamber within the cavity. A sealing layer of the flow controller is located between a porous layer of the flow controller and the pressure chamber and has micro through holes communicating with the pressure chamber and pores of the porous layer. Because the sealing layer is located in the pressure chamber and a surface of the porous layer is exposed by a housing of the carrier, the noncontact fluid bearing can be processed from the exposed surface of the porous layer to conform standards of thickness and flatness. Furthermore, the sealing layer peeling from the noncontact fluid bearing is prevented.

Abstract: Gas bearing for an aspirating seal assembly is disclosed. The gas bearing includes a bearing body having a bearing surface. The gas bearing further includes a first through-hole disposed in the bearing body, and a plurality of second through-holes spaced apart from each other and disposed around the first through-hole. The first through-hole is characterized by a size, and a first central axis. Each second through-hole is characterized by a size, and a second central axis. The second central axis of each second through-hole in the plurality of second through-holes intersects the first central axis at an angle in a range from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees or at an angle in a range from about ?30 degrees to about ?150 degrees. Size of at least one through-hole in the plurality of second through-holes is different from the size of the first through-hole.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor is provided. Bearing holes of a fluid bearing of the compressor may be positioned correspond to a full reciprocating region of a piston, to reduce/eliminate frictional loss and/or abrasion between a cylinder and the piston. The bearing holes may be concentrated at certain regions of the cylinder to stably support the piston through a full reciprocating range. Compression coil springs may maintain concentric alignment of the cylinder and the piston. Gas through holes may be radially formed at the piston to lower a pressure of a bearing space and allow refrigerant to be smoothly introduced into the bearing space through a gas pocket. A casing of the compressor may include an outer shell and an inner shell to attenuate vibration generated due to friction generated by operation of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: A gas bearing (100) having pressurized axially extending chambers (110) in a housing (102) having a shaft bore (104) therein, the axially chambers (110) being in fluid communication with a bearing surface (108) that defines the bore via laser-drilled capillaries (118). The end (122) of each laser-drilled capillary at the bearing surface (108) is flared such that the narrowest portion of the capillary is set back from the bearing surface (108). This shape can ensure that the load carrying function of the bearing (100) does not fail during shaft eccentricity by ensuring that pressure restriction must happen within the capillary and not the gap being shaft and bearing surface. The bearing surface may face in an axial and/or radial direction with respect to the shaft. The axial chambers may be pressurized axially such that the outer circumference of the housing is unbroken and hence usable for other purposes.

Abstract: An air or gas bearing supports a moving mass on a thin column of gas which is partially constrained in a pressurized cavity. The gas to the cavity is supplied through a fluidic amplifier. Pressure in the thin supporting column above the bearing pad, or the position of the mass surface relative to the open end of the pressurized cavity, is sensed. The resulting feedback pressure signal is dynamically compensated to produce a pressure signal to the input ports of the fluidic amplifier which is a function of the velocity of the mass. The compensation network consists of orifices, or flow resistors, and volume cavities, or compressible fluid capacitors. The compensated feedback pressure is amplified by the fluidic amplifier to provide an output pressure to the bearing cavity which is indicative of and nearly proportional to the mass velocity perpendicular to the bearing pad and achieve a high degree of damping without use of extremely small orifices or complicated electromechanical damping means.

Abstract: A static-pressure bearing apparatus that prevents vibrations, the apparatus including an orifice and a vent groove, such that a laminar-flow status may be maintained in the entire region of the routes of the ventilated pressurized gas. A stage equipped with the static-pressure bearing apparatus is also provided. The configurations, such as the shapes of the orifice 14, vent groove 11, and the exhaust groove 12, of the static-pressure bearing apparatus 1, are designed such that a laminar flow may be maintained in the entire region of the routes for ventilation of the pressurized gas. The vent groove 11 comprises the circular groove 11b and a plurality of distributing grooves 11a. The vent groove 11 is formed to be symmetrical about the centerline of the direction that the moving body 10 moves. The circular groove 11b is formed as a circle to surround the orifice 14.

Abstract: A rotary gas bearing is described that comprises a first part rotatable relative to a second part. The first part comprises a support member and a first portion and a second portion attached to the support member. The first portion comprises a first bearing surface and the second portion comprising a second bearing surface. Both the first portion and the second portion are attached to the support member by screw thread connections. The second part may comprise complimentary bearing surfaces. Epoxy may be used to fix the first and/or second portions to the support member. A method of determining the bearing working gap by measuring gas flow through the bearing is also described.

Abstract: A plain bearing assembly for a wind turbine includes a bearing housing having a passageway configured to receive a shaft and a bearing surface defining the passageway and having a generally spherical configuration. The bearing surface includes lower and upper portions defined relative to a first midline plane and first and second sides defined relative to a second midline plane. A plurality of fluid cavities is in the bearing surface including a first group of fluid cavities located at a first longitudinal position and a second group of fluid cavities located at a second longitudinal position. The first group of fluid cavities defines a cavity pattern that is different than the cavity pattern defined by the second group of fluid cavities. A wind turbine having such a plain bearing assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrostatic gas bearing capable of easily adjusting a clearance between a rotor and a radial bearing pad is provided. This hydrostatic gas bearing comprises a radial bearing pad radially supporting a rotor, a linear motion guide moving the radial bearing pad and a ball stud swingably coupling the radial bearing pad to the linear motion guide. The linear motion guide moves the radial bearing pad in a direction intersecting with a direction connecting the center of rotation of the rotor and the ball stud with each other. The quantity of adjustment in movement of the radial bearing pad caused by the linear motion guide is larger than the quantity of change in the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the radial bearing pad, whereby a small quantity of the bearing clearance can be precisely adjusted.

Abstract: Gas journal bearing systems are provided. An exemplary gas journal bearing system comprises a vortex generator, a housing and a journal. The vortex generator is operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas. The housing is in fluid communication with the vortex generator, with housing having a first exhaust through which the gas is exhausted. The journal is supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Gas journal bearing systems are provided. An exemplary gas journal bearing system comprises a vortex generator, a housing and a journal. The vortex generator is operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas. The housing is in fluid communication with the vortex generator, with housing having a first exhaust through which the gas is exhausted. The journal is supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A medical bag formed of a flexible material includes a front bag part and a rear bag part joined together to form a bag body. A closable liquid inlet port is provided in an upper part of the bag body. The medical bag further includes a deformable elongated member provided in the vicinity of the liquid inlet port on at least one of the front and rear bag parts. The elongated member is deformable so as to retain the liquid inlet port in an open configuration when the elongated member is in a deformed state.

Abstract: An inertial navigation system is provided. The system includes a sensor block, an outer shell that substantially surrounds the sensor block and a plurality of gas pads connected to the outer shell that float the sensor block in gas creating a near frictionless environment to allow the sensor block to rotate in all directions. Each of the plurality of gas pads is adapted to receive pressurized gas. The outer shell and the sensor block are separated by a gap created by the pressurized gas at each pad.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit comprises an outer case assembly including an upper gas plenum and a lower gas plenum, with upper and lower support shells surrounded by the upper and lower gas plenums. A sensor assembly includes a sensor shell, with the sensor assembly surrounded by the upper and lower support shells. A plurality of gas bearing pads extend through apertures in the upper and lower support shells and are configured to inject a first pressurized gas into a gap that separates the gas bearing pads and the sensor shell. A wireless power transfer transformer includes a power transmitting core mounted to the outer case assembly, and a power receiving core mounted in an opening of the sensor shell. The receiving core is configured to be aligned with the transmitting core for wireless power transfer. The transmitting core is configured to inject a second pressurized gas into a gap between the transmitting core and the receiving core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a rotary atomizer and an air bearing protection system for the rotary atomizer. The structure of the system is simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost. An air bearing is used to enable high-speed rotation along with savings in the maintenance and repair cost. Compressed air can be temporarily supplied at emergency such as interruption of the compressed air. Thus the stability and durability of the entire system are improved, such as prevention of air bearing failure.

Abstract: A bearing having a conical hydrodynamic bearing section and a pivot bearing section. The bearing can be used with a spindle motor. The conical hydrodynamic bearing section is formed by the conical portion of the shaft and a correspondingly shaped cavity of the bearing sleeve. The pivot bearing section is located adjacently to the conical bearing section and is formed by the curved end face of the shaft and an endplate inserted into the cavity of the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: Metal powder is filled in a through-hole of a base member and a base porous body is formed by bonding the metal powder with each other and by bonding the metal powder to the base member so that an end surface on a bearing surface of the metal powder filled in the through hole is dented toward a compressed gas supply surface and at least a part of end surface on the compressed gas supply surface of the metal powder filled in the through-hole is dented toward the bearing surface. Subsequently, surface layer powder having smaller diameter than the metal powder is filled in the recess on the bearing surface to form a surface layer porous material layer by bonding the surface layer powder with each other and by bonding the surface layer powder to the base porous body 12 and the base member 10. The bearing surface is finished by removing face layer of the surface porous material layer by machining.

Abstract: A gas dynamic pressure bearing apparatus comprises a fixed shaft, a bearing member which is positioned opposite from the fixed shaft and at least a radial gas dynamic pressure bearing portion and a thrust gas dynamic pressure bearing portion which are positioned in a space between the fixed shaft and the bearing member. Dynamic pressure generating means are included for pressurizing gas in the radial gas dynamic pressure bearing portion and the thrust gas dynamic pressure bearing portion such that dynamic pressure action is generated. The bearing member is rotatably supported in relation to the fixed shaft by means of the pressurizing action such that rotational driving is performed by a predetermined motor. The radial gas dynamic pressure bearing portion and the thrust gas dynamic pressure bearing portion are structured such that gas is sealed from the space around the motor by a space sealing means and that gas flows from one side to other.

Abstract: Electrostatographic printing apparatus with a recording member in the form of an endless belt (26), and an air bearing (50) for guiding such belt along an endless path, which air bearing includes two belt-supporting end sections (53, 54) with a certain circumferential size, arranged for producing supporting air cushions for supporting both marginal portions of the endless belt (26) while the belt (26) is angularly wrapped about the sections (53, 54), an intermediate section (59) located between such end sections (53, 54) for providing support for the belt (26) if a central portion thereof would tend to become displaced exaggeratedly inwardly of the bearing (50), and two air cushion relief sections (61, 62), each one located inwardly adjacent to a corresponding end section of the bearing (50), and having a circumferential size which is smaller than that of said end sections (53, 54).

Abstract: A hemispherical bearing apparatus includes a MoS.sub.2 layer formed to a predetermined thickness on the surface of a hemispherical recessed portion formed in a bushing or on the surface of a hemispherical member opposed to the recessed portion. The hemispherical bearing apparatus is capable of enhancing the productivity and reducing the fabrication cost. The method for forming the MoS.sub.2 layer may vary with the material of the bushing and the hemispherical members. The MoS.sub.2 layer may be applied by a coating technology or an impregnating technology.

Abstract: A self-acting air bearing for a pressurized spindle air bearing includes a bearing that is located within a cavity of a housing. The bearing and cavity may be shaped as a segment of a sphere. The spindle may be connected to a pressurized air source which creates an air bearing within a gap that separates the bearing from the housing. The bearing is attached to a shaft that is rotated by a motor. Rotation of the bearing creates a flow of air within the gap. The cavity and/or bearing may have a slot which cooperates with the air flow to increase the pressure of the air bearing.

Abstract: Strut joint assemblies which include built-in off-loading capability or mirror support systems allow a user to minimize the friction developed at the ball joint interface. Each strut joint assembly includes an upper ball joint and a lower ball joint. Each of the ball joints is sealed such that an internal compartment is created which can act essentially as an air spring. By raising the air pressure within these compartments, the load on the ball joint is reduced until the joint separates and air pressure alone carries the entire load. By adjusting the pressure to a value just below the separation pressure, the ball can still maintain contact with the ball socket and carry very little of the actual load. At this pressure, the frictional moment that can be generated by the joint is minimized and is, thus, greatly reduced from the frictional moment developed by a joint which is carrying the full gravity load of the mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high precision axial and radial aerostatic and aerodynamic bearing for a motor. The bearing surfaces of the stator and the rotor are of a toroidal shape.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-handle turbo vacuum pump includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port; a cylindrical rotor disposed in the housing and having a stepped peripheral surface and a plurality of blades secured to protruding corners of the steps; and a pumping mechanism portion in which a pumping stage is formed by a stator which faces the blades of the rotor across a narrow gap, and in which peripheral pump flow paths are provided in step-like recessions inside the stator. The turbo vacuum pump further includes a rotating shaft which is connected to the rotor and is rotatably supported by a radial gas bearing and a thrust gas bearing; and a motor portion for operating the rotor. Gas sucked in through the inlet port can be discharged into the atmosphere through the outlet port.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least one spherically segmented bearing assembly arranged about the periphery of the device so as to maintain the center of rotation of the device within the assembly coincident with the center of mass of the device. A fluid source provides fluid to the spherically segmented bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Lubrication gas for a steel ball is delivered to the ball by a gas distribution manifold ring that surrounds an upper portion of the ball. Such ring presents an annular seat directed towards the ball and includes gas delivery orifices directed to discharge against the ball. Gas under pressure is delivered through the orifices, to provide a lubricating gas film between the seat and the ball, attended by downwardly directed fluid forces acting on the ball. A pressure chamber is provided below the ball. A regulated gas pressure is maintained within such chamber during pressurization of the bearing, for pressure loading the ball upwardly towards the bearing seat. A support pad ring is provided below the ball to support the ball during those times that the bearing is not pressurized and to preposition the ball to allow pressurization of the chamber below the ball by restricting the gap between the ball and the seat elements.