Abstract: A magnetic bearing utilizes electromagnets together with a permanent magnet to provide controlled radial and axial (thrust) load support of a shaft including a thrust disc, relative to a housing. In one form, the magnetic bearing includes an arcuate ring of high magnetic flux permeability, and a plurality of electromagnet coils circumferentially positioned about the arcuate ring which generate a radially polarized controllable electromagnetic field. A permanent magnet is spaced radially outwardly from the plurality of electromagnet coils and is linked magnetically to the shaft through both a radial air gap and an axial air gap between the housing and the shaft/thrust disc. A pair of electromagnet coils associated with the arcuate ring and circumscribing a portion of the shaft, generate an axially polarized electromagnetic field which links the shaft to the housing through the axial air gap.

Abstract: An electromagnetic thrust bearing couples a rotatable member relative to a stationary member utilizing a combination of arcuately shaped constant flux permanent magnets and controllable electromagnets, each physically associated with the stationary member. More particularly, the rotatable member comprises a shaft having a radially extending thrust disc fixed thereto. A pair of solenoids are disposed about the rotatable member in facing relation on opposite sides of the thrust disc. The facing solenoids are capable of generating a controllable electromagnetic field. A constant flux high density magnetic field is generated between the solenoid housings and the thrust disc by a pair of axially polarized arcuately shaped permanent magnets disposed on each side of the thrust disc. Each pair of permanent magnets has an inner magnet and an outer magnet radially separated from one another. Each permanent magnet is linked magnetically to the adjacent solenoid housing by respective ferromagnetic pole pieces.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing structure utilizes two adjacent electromagnetic bearings to provide controlled radial, thrust and moment load support of a shaft relative to a housing. The first bearing generates a high density controllable magnetic field to radially flux couple the shaft to the housing. A second bearing generates a high density controllable magnetic field to axially flux couple the shaft to the housing. In a preferred form, the first bearing circumferentially surrounds the shaft and includes a stator ring associated with the housing which holds several electromagnetic coils radially spaced from the shaft. Power supplied to the coils generates a radially polarized electromagnetic field surrounding the shaft. A pair of additional electromagnetic coils, or permanent magnets, circumferentially extend around the shaft to generate an axially polarized, constant flux magnetic field.