In the foreground of this rendered image is a 5 axis air bearing.  Roughly 13 inches in diameter, this bearing can support 3500 pounds (1500 kg) while providing rotation in all axes and linear motion in two axes.  These bearings are installed as part of the seismic isolation system in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory or LIGO in both Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana.  When all of the bearings are used in concert, the 2 mile long interferometric path can be precisely adjusted.  More images.

For more information on LIGO, please visit their web site: LIGO

SRA series spherical air bearing rendered

SRA series spherical air bearing with pedestal rendered

SRA series spherical air bearing with shipping hardware and pedstal

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