Patent ID: 6921207

Claim:
A foil bearing for supporting a rotating member that rotates about an axis, comprising: 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 moveable member rotatable about the axis; and a first foil disposed in the gap between the rotating member and the stationary mount member to support the rotating member via a fluid film when the rotating member rotates, wherein the first foil comprises a substantially circumferentially extending portion to which a first magnet is provided; wherein the moveable member is provided with a second magnet so that a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet can urge the first foil toward the rotating member; and wherein an amplitude of the magnetic force can be adjusted by rotating the moveable member around the axis to vary a relative circumferential position between the first magnet and the second magnet.