Abstract: A supporting device (MC) is described to slidingly support, and linearly move along an axis (X), an object such as e.g. a leaf. A magnetic return force generated by the cooperation of a magnetic flux generator (54, 56) and an element (10) reactive to the magnetic field, develops. The element is able to slide relative to the axis (X) during the movement of the object, and has a cross-section (62) which, seen in a plane orthogonal to the axis (X), has a width that varies along the length of the first element (10) parallelly to said axis (X).

Abstract: A magnetic suspension bearing (10; 30; 40; 50) is described comprising a part rotatable about a rotation axis and a fixed part, and two elements made of ferromagnetic material, one integral with the rotatable part and one with the fixed part. The two elements are closely placed, separated by an air gap, and have axial symmetry with respect to said axis. There is a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux inside the two elements. The two elements have such a shape that the magnetic flux, flowing inside the two elements, describes in space a torus and passes from one element to the other through the air gap along a direction orthogonal to the direction of a load applied to the bearing. This configuration ensures high support strength for the bearing while being a simple structure to be built.

Abstract: A supporting device (MC) is described to slidingly support, and linearly move along an axis (X), an object such as e.g. a leaf. A magnetic return force generated by the cooperation of a magnetic flux generator (54, 56) and an element (10) reactive to the magnetic field, develops. The element is able to slide relative to the axis (X) during the movement of the object, and has a cross-section (62) which, seen in a plane orthogonal to the axis (X), has a width that varies along the length of the first element (10) parallelly to said axis (X).

Abstract: A magnetic suspension bearing (10; 30; 40; 50) is described comprising a part rotatable about a rotation axis and a fixed part, and two elements made of ferromagnetic material, one integral with the rotatable part and one with the fixed part. The two elements are closely placed, separated by an air gap, and have axial symmetry with respect to said axis. There is a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux inside the two elements. The two elements have such a shape that the magnetic flux, flowing inside the two elements, describes in space a torus and passes from one element to the other through the air gap along a direction orthogonal to the direction of a load applied to the bearing. This configuration ensures high support strength for the bearing while being a simple structure to be built.