Abstract: A rotating machine has a stator and a permanent magnet rotor that is more easily made, lower cost, and lighter by virtue of a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies mounted on a rotor body. Each magnet assembly includes two facing core plate stacks supporting a permanent magnet between them. Each core plate stack is made from a plurality of core plates of substantially identical size and shape and with on or more holes in substantially the same location to form respective bores in the stack. A tie rod is formed in each bore and retains the plates in a stack via bevels in the holes of the end plates. Preferably, the tie rods also apply compressive force as a result of placing the stacked plates in an injection mold, injecting plastic into the mold to fill each bore with plastic, and allowing the plastic to cure. As the plastic cures, it shrinks so that the tie rods pull the end plates together. To enhance the pressure, the stacked plates can be compressed before and during the injection process.

Abstract: A bearing sealing arrangement for rotating machines uses a radially-acting labyrinth seal (2) to minimize bearing lubricant leakage and an axially-acting screw-type gasket (3) to return what fluid escapes through the labyrinth seal to the bearing (10). In embodiments, the labyrinth seal uses rings (4) with plastic wear surfaces formed about internal metal bands, the plastic forming corresponding profiles on the ends (27,28) of the bands so that the profiles interlock when overlapped to form the rings. The screw-type gasket preferably includes rotor-mounted helical fillets (22) formed in a section (21) that is retained in a seat (20) on the rotor. The section in embodiments is retained by inserting a ring-shaped key (23) into the section, thereby forcing the section into undercuts of the seat. The arrangement is particularly useful in wind machines, such as wind-turbines.

Abstract: A rotating machine with a permanent magnet rotor that is easier, lower cost, and lighter includes a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies (20) mounted on a rotor body (1). The magnet assemblies (20) are mounted via magnet holders that each include a pair of claws (2, 3) connected by a bridge (5) and forming a seat for a respective magnet assembly (20). The claws have terminal expansions (11) that extend beyond the bridge (5) and form a second seat in which a tightening section (9) is received. The claws (2, 3) can elastically pivot about the bridge (5) when the terminal expansions (11) are squeezed together or forced apart, allowing insertion of and securing the magnet assembly, respectively.

Abstract: A rotating machine with a permanent magnet rotor that is easier, lower cost, and lighter includes a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies (20) mounted on a rotor body (1). The magnet assemblies (20) are mounted via magnet holders that each include a pair of claws (2, 3) connected by a bridge (5) and forming a seat for a respective magnet assembly (20). The claws have terminal expansions (11) that extend beyond the bridge (5) and form a second seat in which a tightening section (9) is received. The claws (2, 3) can elastically pivot about the bridge (5) when the terminal expansions (11) are squeezed together or forced apart, allowing insertion of and securing the magnet assembly, respectively.

Abstract: A rotating machine has a stator and a permanent magnet rotor that is more easily made, lower cost, and lighter by virtue of a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies mounted on a rotor body. Each magnet assembly includes two facing core plate stacks supporting a permanent magnet between them. Each core plate stack is made from a plurality of core plates of substantially identical size and shape and with on or more holes in substantially the same location to form respective bores in the stack. A tie rod is formed in each bore and retains the plates in a stack via bevels in the holes of the end plates. Preferably, the tie rods also apply compressive force as a result of placing the stacked plates in an injection mold, injecting plastic into the mold to fill each bore with plastic, and allowing the plastic to cure. As the plastic cures, it shrinks so that the tie rods pull the end plates together. To enhance the pressure, the stacked plates can be compressed before and during the injection process.

Abstract: A bearing sealing arrangement for rotating machines uses a radially-acting labyrinth seal (2) to minimize bearing lubricant leakage and an axially-acting screw-type gasket (3) to return what fluid escapes through the labyrinth seal to the bearing (10). In embodiments, the labyrinth seal uses rings (4) with plastic wear surfaces formed about internal metal bands, the plastic forming corresponding profiles on the ends (27,28) of the bands so that the profiles interlock when overlapped to form the rings. The screw-type gasket preferably includes rotor-mounted helical fillets (22) formed in a section (21) that is retained in a seat (20) on the rotor. The section in embodiments is retained by inserting a ring-shaped key (23) into the section, thereby forcing the section into undercuts of the seat. The arrangement is particularly useful in wind machines, such as wind-turbines.