Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly, either radial or linear, utilizes attractive magnetic forces between inner and outer components of the assembly. The assembly includes a mechanical device for controlling relative movement between the components in first and second directions, while permitting relative movement between them in a third direction. At least one of the components, separated by a gap, has a magnetic source for creating a magnetic field extending across the gap and causing a first load in a direction opposing gravity exerted across the gap and against that component adapted to receive a supplemental load. In this way, the attractive force urges the component adapted to receive the supplemental load upward against the mechanical device, thereby at least partially offsetting the load on the mechanical device caused by the weight of the supplemental load. Either component may be the moving component or the one adapted to receive the supplemental load.

Abstract: A wind generator system includes a stationary frame, a shaft, mechanical bearings and a stator and a rotor, along with magnetic components configured to reduce or substantially eliminate various loads imposed on the mechanical bearings by the system and by wind. In particular, magnetic components at a bearing closest to the vanes of attached to the shaft act to impart a force on the shaft opposing gravity. Magnetic components at a bearing along the shaft distal from the vanes act to impart a force on the shaft opposing a bending force exerted by the shaft on the bearing at that point. Additional magnetic components act to oppose gravity adjacent the stator and rotor. Still further magnetic components act to impart a force on the shaft opposing the wind force.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly, either radial or linear, utilizes attractive magnetic forces between inner and outer components of the assembly. The assembly includes a mechanical device for controlling relative movement between the components in first and second directions, while permitting relative movement between them in a third direction. At least one of the components, separated by a gap, has a magnetic source for creating a magnetic field extending across the gap and causing a first load in a direction opposing gravity exerted across the gap and against that component adapted to receive a supplemental load. In this way, the attractive force urges the component adapted to receive the supplemental load upward against the mechanical device, thereby at least partially offsetting the load on the mechanical device caused by the weight of the supplemental load. Either component may be the moving component or the one adapted to receive the supplemental load.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly, either radial or linear, utilizes attractive magnetic forces between inner and outer components of the assembly. The assembly includes a mechanical device for controlling relative movement between the components in first and second directions, while permitting relative movement between them in a third direction. At least one of the components, separated by a gap, has a magnetic source for creating a magnetic field extending across the gap and causing a first load in a direction opposing gravity exerted across the gap and against that component adapted to receive a supplemental load. In this way, the attractive force urges the component adapted to receive the supplemental load upward against the mechanical device, thereby at least partially offsetting the load on the mechanical device caused by the weight of the supplemental load. Either component may be the moving component or the one adapted to receive the supplemental load.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly utilizes repulsive magnetic forces between components, having magnetic sources, of the bearing at two or more gaps which are angled with respect to an axis of the inner component. Each gap provides force vectors in two directions, while allowing for relative movement of the components in a third direction. The gaps collectively provide a stable equilibrium in the first two directions, meaning that, in response to relative movement of the components in the first or second direction causing a decreased gap width, magnetic repulsive forces at the decreased gap width urge the components away from each other to return to equilibrium. The components of a radial magnetic bearing according to the invention move relative to one another rotationally, and the components of a linear magnetic bearing according to the invention move relative to one another longitudinally.