Unfortunately the key to this design is you have to force air through it constantly. The weight of the inner part is pushing a miniscule amount of air through

Unfortunately the key to this design is you have to force air through it constantly. The weight of the inner part is pushing a miniscule amount of air through the gap constantly, but you need a pump for extended operation. Still, its possible, if you're willing to put down a few grand for it. It still works without forced air, just not nearly as well. You really need to force the fluid to get the high carrying capacity, or use a higher viscosity fluid so it doesn't get displaced as easily, which is actually how standard ball bearings work. A moving ball bearing has no contact between any metal parts.