Abstract: A structure of a passive magnetic bearing and a method to provide non-contact suspension of a rotor when it rotates above a critical speed are presented. Non-contact suspension is achieved without usage of additional electronic units and external energy supply. The key component of the structure is a radial passive magnetic bearing, which is aimed to provide a unique and stable radial equilibrium position of a rotating above a critical speed disk. This goal is achieved by using the interaction of currents being induced in shortened conducting loops (not superconducting) installed on the disk with axial component of a magnetic field emanated from immovable permanent magnets. Compared to other passive magnetic bearings taking advantage of the interaction of a current induced in conducting loops mounted on the rotor with external magnetic field, the proposed bearing is featured by less strict requirements for the manufacturing accuracy, less frictional losses and better load characteristics.

Abstract: Bread-dough mixing apparatus 1 comprises a support member 2, a shaft-support structure 3 carried by and rotatable relative to the support member 2, a drive shaft 4 and a driven shaft 5 rotatably mounted on the shaft-support structure 3, and a flexible coupling 6 connecting one end (4b) of the drive shaft 4 with one end (5a) of the driven shaft 5. The shafts 4, 5 are mounted on the shaft-support structure 3 so that their axes of rotation 7, 8 are inclined to each other. A mixer element 9 is carried by the other end (5b) of the driven shaft 5 so as to rotate therewith. An electric motor 15, a belt drive 16 and a pulley 17 are provided for rotating the drive shaft 4 so that the driven shaft 5 flexibly coupled thereto rotates the mixer element 9.