Patent ID: 8308464

Claim:
A radial fluid bearing comprising: a bearing element defining axial and circumferential directions, the bearing element having a pressure receiving surface including a pressure receiving area opposing a supported element producing a radial load to be supported by the fluid bearing, wherein the pressure receiving area is provided at a circumferential portion of the pressure receiving surface where the size of a gap with respect to the supported element is smallest, and is not provided at a circumferential portion of the pressure receiving surface where the size of a with respect to the supported element is largest; a pressurized viscous liquid at the pressure receiving area to generate a hydraulic pressure for supporting a radial load at the pressure receiving area; a groove in the bearing element the groove comprising a plurality of groove portions provided at the periphery of the pressure receiving area so as to enclose the pressure receiving area, which pressure receiving area is entirely inward of any portion of the groove and does not exhibit the groove; and a pressurized viscous liquid supply route extending through the bearing and opening at the groove, whereby the groove supplies the pressurized viscous liquid to the pressure receiving area to support the load.