Abstract: In a turbo-machine having a rotor member movable relative to a stationary housing member there is provided a substantially ring-shaped or annular seal between both of these members and serves to seal pressurized water from an external space or region. One of both of these members possesses a sealing surface against which there is pressed a sealing body of the seal which is inserted into the other member, the sealing body being for instance constituted by a lip seal. Improved lubrication, reduced friction and enhanced service life of the seal is attained in that, the sealing surface has fed thereto a friction-reducing liquid, for instance by means of radial grooves provided in the sealing surface or by means of bores opening into the sealing surface.

Abstract: Hydrostatic supporting apparatus which supports, without physical contact, a mobile part which moves relatively to a load-bearing part. The apparatus comprises a supporting piston which has at least one hydrostatic bearing pocket which provides a pressure cushion through which the mobile part is supported, and which is urged toward the mobile part by a controlled pressure which increases and decreases, respectively, as the piston moves toward and away from the load-bearing part. Preferably, pressure control is effected by a throttle valve interposed either in a supply path leading from a source of pressure medium to the pressure chamber of a hydraulic supporting motor, or in a feed passage leading from that pressure chamber to the bearing pocket.