Abstract: A synthetic resin film is formed on a region of a valve plate (117) which is brought into contact with an arm portion of a suction valve (120) or a region of the valve plate (117) which is brought into contact with an arm portion of a discharge valve (121). With such a configuration, delay in opening of the suction valve (120) or the discharge valve (121) caused by adhesion force of refrigerating oil is suppressed so that a pressure loss in a suction stroke or a discharge stroke can be reduced whereby compressor efficiency is enhanced. Further, a striking sound generated at the time of closing the suction valve (120) or the discharge valve (121) is reduced by an elastic effect of the synthetic resin film so that the reduction of noises is realized.

Abstract: A first diaphragm which forms a wall of a first pump chamber is provided in the double diaphragm pump according to the invention, wherein the first diaphragm can be moved by means of a first driving means. In addition, a second diaphragm which forms a wall of a second pump chamber is provided, wherein the second diaphragm can be moved by means of a second driving means. What is more, a control for the driving means is provided, said control being designed and operable such that it controls the two driving means subject to one or a plurality of conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven diaphragm pumping machine (“pump”), in particular for water and difficult-to-pump materials, comprises at least two side-by-side pumping units. Each pumping unit comprises a hydraulically-driven pump cylinder (1,2) and a separate non-pump hydraulic drive cylinder (9,10). The pump cylinder (1,2) has a lower first end with a first inlet and outlet for fluid to be pumped and an upper second end with a second inlet and outlet for hydraulic fluid. The pump cylinder (1,2) contains a bellows (3,4) closed at its lower end and open at its upper end for communication with hydraulic fluid. The outside of the bellows (3,4) defines a space for fluid to be pumped. The bellows (3,4) of the pump cylinder (1,2) is arranged to be driven by hydraulic fluid supplied at its top end, in concertina like expansion and contraction to pump the fluid to be pumped adjacent the lower first end of the pump cylinder (1,2). The hydraulic drive cylinder (9,10) is placed side-by-side the pump cylinder (1,2).

Abstract: A method for protecting a resonant linear compressor (14) including structural resonance frequencies (wE) and a motor that is fed by feed voltage (Va) that has amplitude (A) and a drive frequency (wA), both controlled according to the equation A.sin(wt). The protection method is configured so as to include the step of preventing feed to the motor at drive frequencies (wA) that have at least one harmonic coinciding tithe the structural resonance frequency (wE) of the resonant linear compressor (14). A protection system of a resonant linear compressor (14) includes an electronic control (30) configured to prevent feed to the motor at the drive frequencies (wA) that have at least one harmonic coinciding with the structural resonance frequency (wE) of the resonant linear compressor (14).

Abstract: In one example, a fluid system is provided that includes an air-operated fluid pump, a control air system operably connected with the fluid pump, and a pump controller operably connected with one or more components of the control air system. The pump controller is configured to automatically control the operation of the air-operated fluid pump by way of the control air system. The fluid pump parameters automatically controlled by the pump controller can include a discharge flow rate of the fluid pump, a discharge pressure of the fluid pump, and/or a pulsation value associated with the discharge of the fluid pump.

Abstract: A method of setting a zero point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method of setting a zero point of a bi-directional linear pump for an active suspension apparatus supplying fluid to an actuator connected to a coil spring coupled to a wheel of a vehicle, which includes controlling at least one of a first valve disposed between the actuator and the pump and a second valve disposed between the pump and a fluid reservoir by means of an electronic control unit (ECU) in a first Operation, moving a piston disposed inside the pump to one side to move the piston up to a MAX Stroke position of the one side in a second Operation, calculating an approximate MIN Stroke position of the other side of the piston based on the MAX Stroke position of the one end thereof in a third Operation, moving the piston to the other side to move the piston up to a MIN Stroke position in a fourth Operation, comparing the approximate MIN Stroke position of the other side with the MIN Stroke position thereo

Abstract: A pump assembly (10) that is provided with compressed air to drive the pump. The pump assembly (10) includes a pair of chambers (11, 12), with each of the chambers (11, 12) being divided into sub-chambers (13, 14 and 15, 16). A piston assembly (17) divides the chamber (11) into sub-chambers (13 and 14), while a second piston assembly (18) divides the chamber (12) into sub-chambers (15 and 16).

Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid, wherein the pump includes a working chamber, a piston assembly configured for reciprocating within the working chamber to thereby displace fluid, a piston actuator being rigidly assembled with the piston assembly at least in a working mode of the pump to thereby transmit drive energy to the piston assembly to reciprocate along a common rigid axis of the piston-actuator-assembly, and a bearing arrangement bearing the piston assembly and the piston actuator in the pump so that the piston-actuator-assembly provided by the piston assembly and the piston actuator is capable of performing a pendulum-type compensation motion around a pendulum point at the piston actuator on the common rigid axis.

Abstract: A piston fuel pump for an internal combustion engine includes a pump cylinder, a pump piston, and a seal. The pump piston is axially displaceable in the pump cylinder. The seal is arranged on a circumference of the pump piston. A radially outer surface of the seal which faces an inner surface of the pump cylinder is configured, in an axial end region, such that the radially outer surface lies against the pump cylinder as the pump piston is at rest relative to the pump cylinder, and such that a relative motion between the pump cylinder and the pump piston in the axial direction causes the seal to lift off from the pump piston in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: A vane pump includes a liner defining a cammed inner surface, a rotor rotatably disposed within the liner that has a plurality of vane slots, and a plurality of vanes slidably disposed within vane slots of the rotor and configured to extend away from the rotor and contact the cammed inner surface of the liner. The plurality of vanes include at least one sentinel vane that is configured to allow detection of wear on the sentinel vane.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump is described comprising a rotor provided for rotation about a longitudinal axis (X-X) within a housing. The pump comprises a plurality of chambers for pumping a fluid that are provided by longitudinally extending recesses in a circumferential outer surface of the rotor. During use the recesses are moved across a circumferential inner surface of the housing, and in so doing, are moved over an inlet port in the housing to draw fluid into the chamber and then over an outlet port in the housing to discharge the fluid. The hydraulic pump further comprises a roller that is mounted in a longitudinally extending pocket of the housing. The roller is positioned after the outlet port in a direction of the rotor's rotation and is arranged to follow the outer surface of the rotor and seal against each recess as it is drawn past the roller, thereby directing fluid from the chamber into the outlet port.

Abstract: A motor vehicle vacuum pump includes a pumping chamber in which a pump rotor rotates to compress a gas, an outlet chamber into which the gas exits, a separation wall which includes a valve opening and a valve seat arranged on an outlet side of the separation wall around the valve opening. The separation wall separates the pumping chamber from the outlet chamber. An outlet valve is formed as a non-return valve in the separation wall. The outlet valve is formed by the valve opening in the separation wall and includes a valve body with a closing body. The outlet valve has the gas exit therethrough from the pumping chamber into the outlet chamber. A corresponding part of the closing body is supported on the valve seat when the closing body is in a closed position. The valve seat and/or the corresponding part of the closing body includes microgrooves.

Abstract: An electric motor driven liquid pump, which can be used for forced lubrication of a motor vehicle manual transmission, has a housing flange-mountable on a fluid container via a flange surface. A stator including a motor winding and a magnetic rotor are incorporated in the housing for conveying liquid. The housing is formed of multiple parts including a pump housing section which has fluid inlets and outlets, a stator housing section which holds the stator and together with the pump housing section, delimits an electronics chamber in which the rotor is arranged, and a motor housing section which together with the stator housing section delimits an electronic chamber in which at least the stator is located. A sealing element seals the flange surface to the fluid container, separates the fluid chamber and the electronic chamber, and seals the latter from the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of water-based control fluid in subsea systems as barrier fluid for electric motors (2) coupled to subsea pumps (1). For that purpose, a hose (HFL) (12) is arranged between an umbilical termination unit (9) and the electric motor (2) of the submersible pump (1), by means of a connection plate (MQC) (7). This installation makes more rational use of the space on the floating production unit by reducing the number of devices required for the implementation thereof, and by facilitating logistics regarding these products and devices.

Abstract: A two-stage centrifugal pump comprising: a first stage provided with a first impeller mounted on a first shaft and a second stage provided with a second impeller mounted on a second shaft distinct from said first shaft; and hydraulically connected to the first stage, and the stages mounted in a single support body, provided with a first chamber and a second chamber in which said first impeller and respectively said second impeller are contained; said support body comprises a case made in a single body therewith and provided with a first cavity and a second cavity that define respective portions of said first chamber and said second chamber; in at least one of either said first cavity or said second cavity one or more adaptors are mounted, to adapt the geometry of the first chamber and/or the second chamber to the type and size of impeller adopted.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for matching an operation range to a reservoir depletion condition are disclosed herein. An embodiment provides a modular compression system for matching an operation range to a reservoir depletion condition. The modular compression system includes a compressor arranged to compress a gas, a motor or other driver coupled to the compressor and configured to provide power to the compressor, and a pressure casing surrounding the compressor and the motor. The modular compression system further includes a modular motor assembly configured to be selectively attachable and mechanically coupled to the compressor and the pressure casing. The modular motor assembly is arranged to provide supplemental power to the compressor to change the capacity of the modular compression system to compress the gas.

Abstract: A method for controlling multi-stage centrifugal compressors is provided. It allows an optimization of compressor head and efficiency at each compression stage and is specifically valuable at reduced compressor flow.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes two rotary shafts and a lubrication unit. The lubrication unit has at least one pump which a casing inside of which a rotor is mounted and driven by one of the rotary shafts. The pump casing is rotated by the other rotary shaft such that the actuation of the pump depends on the difference between rotational speeds of the shafts. The shafts are a drive shaft and a fan shaft, respectively, wherein the fan shaft is driven by the drive shaft by means of a reduction gear which is lubricated by the lubrication unit. The reduction gear is annular and the pump passes axially therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid pump having an improved performance. The pump comprises an impeller, volute housing, inner housing geometry, and an adapter. The impeller is configured to generate fluid flow velocity. The volute housing is configured to improve fluid pump performance while reducing power consumption, the volute housing comprises the inner housing geometry. The inner housing geometry is configured to convert the fluid flow velocity that has been generated into pressure. The adapter is designed to protect the unconnected end of the drive shaft and reduce the negative effects of shaft deflection. The adapter also has a structural rib geometry which is configured to provide superior structural integrity at a minimal mass.

Abstract: An electrically driven pump includes a rotor assembly, and the rotor assembly includes a first part and a second part. The first part is integrally formed by injection molding, and includes an upper plate and vanes of an impeller, the upper plate is integrally formed with the vanes by injection molding, and each of the vanes is formed with a first connecting portion. The second part is integrally formed by injection molding, the first part and the second part are fixed by welding the first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, and in this way, the manufacturing cost of the rotor assembly is reduced, also a shaft sleeve integrally formed has a simple forming process.

Abstract: An electrically driven pump is provided, which includes an impeller. The impeller includes an upper plate, blades and a lower plate. The blades are formed on a lower surface of the upper plate, the blades include first blades and second blades, and a length of each of the first blades is greater than a length of each of the second blades. The first blades are uniformly distributed along a circumference of the upper plate. The first blades and the second blades are distributed alternately in the circumferential direction. The first blades each include a first head portion and a first tail portion, the second blade includes a second head portion and a second tail portion, and the first tail portion and the second tail portion are aligned with outer edge of the upper plate. The impeller arranged in such manner facilitates the improvement of hydraulic efficiency and lift.

Abstract: An object is to provide a centrifugal compressor in which an axial force applied from a shrink-fit impeller to a sleeve section is ensured even if the sleeve section is separated from a clamp surface in an axial direction of an attachment hole, as well as a turbocharger provided with the centrifugal compressor and a method of producing the centrifugal compressor. An inner peripheral surface of an attachment hole formed on a hub includes a clamp surface and a diameter-widening surface, and an outer peripheral surface of a sleeve section includes a diameter-reducing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbomachine component (1) or collection of components comprising at least a first and a second blade (3I, 3E) and a platform (2) from which the blades (3I, 3E) extend, characterized in that the platform (2), between the pressure face of the first blade (3I) and the suction face of the second blade (3E) has a non-axisymmetric surface (S) defining a plurality of fins (4) of substantially triangular section extending downstream of a leading edge (BA) of each of the blades (3I, 3E), each fin (4) being associated with a leading position and a trailing position on the surface (S), between which positions the fin (4) extends, such that: the leading position is situated at between 5% and 35% length relative to a chord of the blade (3I, 3E) extending from a leading edge (BA) to a trailing edge (BF) of the blade (3I, 3E);—the further a fin (4) is from the suction face of the second blade (3E), the further the leading position of said fin (4) is axially from the leading edge (BA) of t

Abstract: The invention provides an accumulator which can reduce the number of the parts of the pressure fluctuation absorption mechanism at the liquid expanding time, can simplify assembling and can reduce a cost of the parts. The accumulator has a seal holder which is provided in a bellows cap, and a plate-like seal which is retained by the seal holder. The seal holder is provided with an inward flange-like outer peripheral side engagement portion, and the seal is provided with an outward projection-like inner peripheral side engagement portion which is arranged in an outer peripheral surface of a seal main body and is made of a rubber-like elastic body engaging with the outer peripheral side engagement portion. The bellows cap moves to a position where liquid pressure and gas pressure are balanced with the seal seating on a seat surface due to difference in pressure receiving area.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided to selectively and independently route pressurized fluid to one or more operational systems of a machine. The hydraulic system is capable of switching fluid flow in operation from one of the operational systems to another of the operational systems in the event of hydraulic drive power being required by the latter one of the operational systems. The hydraulic system is also configured to continue supplying a nominal amount of fluid to support one or more auxiliary functions, for example, a lubrication system for bearings associated with the former one of the operational systems while routing the pressurized fluid to the latter one of the operational systems. A recirculation and anti-cavitation arrangement is also provided to allow recirculation of fluid to a hydraulic motor in the former one of the operational systems when pressurized fluid is being routed to the latter one of the operational systems.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system may include a closed loop hydraulic circuit with at least one hydraulic motor. A plurality of variable displacement pumps may be fluidly connected in parallel in the closed loop hydraulic circuit. A plurality of hydraulic actuators may be configured to adjust the displacement of the variable displacement pumps. A pilot valve assembly may be configured to supply the hydraulic actuators with hydraulic fluid having a pilot pressure corresponding to a desired displacement of the variable displacement pumps. A pressure regulating device may be configured to limit the pilot pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuators when a working pressure in the closed loop hydraulic circuit reaches a maximum allowable working pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve includes a first actuator having a first actuator housing and second actuator with a second actuator housing. A first plate is positioned within the first actuator housing and a second plate is positioned within the second actuator housing. An intermediate stem extends from a first pressure chamber of the first actuator housing to the second plate. A pressure media path extends through the intermediate stem and a second seal nut that extends into the second plate, the pressure media path providing fluid communication between the first pressure chamber, and a second pressure chamber of the second actuator housing. An injection port is open into one of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The first plate and the second plate are movable in response to pressure media injected into the injection port, for actuating the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screen for a hydraulic valve including a band plate with screen openings wherein the screen openings form etched functional contours. The invention also relates to a hydraulic valve with the screen.

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus includes a spiral pipe that is formed by an elastic tube wound in a spiral manner, and a fluid to be transferred flows in the spiral pipe. The fluid transfer apparatus further includes a speaker that is configured to generate a pressure wave in a working fluid in the tube that is a medium, and the pressure wave causes a change of the cross-sectional area of a flow channel of the tube.

Abstract: A pipe assembly for flow measurement characterized by a fluid flow pipe and two or more flow conditioners each having a stepped configuration and disposed in series within the fluid flow pipe in an orientation substantially perpendicular to an axis of the fluid flow pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening clip for fastening a component on a carrier component, comprising a latching element for insertion into a fastening opening of the carrier component and having latching means for latching to the fastening opening, further comprising an arresting element which, in the case of the latching element being inserted into the fastening opening of the carrier component, is insertable into an arresting opening of the latching element, wherein mechanical blocking means, which are adjustable between a blocking position, in which full insertion of the arresting element into the arresting opening is prevented, and an unblocking position, in which full insertion of the arresting element into the arresting opening is enabled, are provided, the mechanical blocking means, in the case of the latching element not being inserted into the fastening opening of the carrier component, being situated in their blocking position and, by way of insertion of the latching element into the fastening ope

Abstract: A resilient fastener couples to a first object and fastened to a second object, including a body portion coupled to the first object and having a mounting portion; a resilient fastening portion integrally or compositely formed at the body portion and protruded from the body portion to get fastened to the second object; and an elastic portion disposed at the mounting portion and adapted to exert an elastic force on the resilient fastening portion pushed resiliently by the elastic portion when the resilient fastening portion is compressed. Accordingly, the resilient fastener penetrates the second object with the body portion such that the resilient fastening portion is quickly fastened to the second object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw actuated mechanical tubular elements connection system to connect a first tubular element provided with a screw hole with a second tubular element via a connector assembly adapted to be inserted into the passages of the tubular elements. The connector assembly includes a rigid body with a foot portion, a movable gripping element, a movable screw actuated portion and a transmission between these movable elements. The tubulars connection system is operable such that upon actuation of the screw, in succession the gripping element exerts a pushing force perpendicular to the wall, to provide a gripping connection between the movable gripping element and the inner surface and an engagement between the foot portion and the opposed inner surface, and a pulling force to pull the second tubular element towards the first tubular element.

Abstract: A frame with segments that are in flush with each other is disclosed. The frame of the present invention comprises a plurality of segments, a plurality of outer retaining units and a plurality of inner retaining units. The segments are connected together to form a frame. Each outer retaining unit is disposed on the rear outer side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. Each inner retaining unit is disposed on the rear inner side of the juncture of each pair of neighboring segments. In this manner, each pair of neighboring segments may be tightly joined together and the segments of the frame may be in flush with each other.

Abstract: A clinch fastener with a single-element, unitary construction that does not require the preassembly of parts. The fastener provides a clamp load after installation and is fully formed by stamping the part from sheet metal. The fastener provides the necessary rigidity for a clinch attachment shank with the resilience of a head that will provide a residual clamp load to the attached panels. The fastener attaches two panels face-to-face by extending through aligned apertures in the panels. A shank undercut receives the cold flow of material from the second bottom panel while the panels are clamped against a resilient dome-shaped head of the fastener. The fastener may include a central axial well that receives the tip of a press punch during installation.

Abstract: A self-piercing rivet for producing a joining connection between at least two components, which comprises the following features: a rivet head and a rivet shank having a central shank bore, wherein the rivet shank comprises a cylindrical shank outer surface and a shank inner surface limiting the central shank bore, wherein the shank outer surface and the shank inner surface are connected at the axial end of the rivet shank facing away from the rivet head by means of a flat shank end face and a shank end radius, wherein the shank end radius transitions tangentially into the shank inner surface and the flat shank end face is connected to the shank outer surface by means of a cutting edge.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an assembly and clamping bolt to be employed under tension, having a shank and a head, wherein the head, situated at a first end of the shank, is provided with a clamping tensioning means with a hydraulic cylinder mounted permanently on the bolt, clamping taking place between a rear shoulder device and the hydraulic cylinder, the rear shoulder device being disposed at a second end of the shank.

Abstract: A clevis pin assembly includes a pin that may be removably inserted into a coupling. The pin is structured to have a channel extending therethrough. The channel may receive a lubricant thereby inhibiting the pin from becoming seized within the coupling. A fitting is removably coupled to the pin. The fitting may be fluidly coupled to a lubrication source thereby facilitating the lubricant to be introduced into the channel. A retainer is removably inserted through the pin thereby retain the pin within the coupling.

Abstract: A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The system includes a cap that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and pawls on the interior. The system may also include a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the pawls.

Abstract: A locking nut (10) and washer (12) for use with a threaded bolt. The locking nut (10) has a tool engaging portion (14), a threaded aperture (20), and a washer engaging portion (18). The washer (12) has a locking nut engaging portion (28, 36) and an aperture (32). When the washer engaging portion (18) engages the locking nut engaging portion (28, 36), the threaded aperture (20) and the aperture (32) align to be at least substantially concentric so as to receive the threaded bolt. In this manner, when the tool engaging portion (14) is appropriately manipulated to force the locking nut (10) in a first direction along the threaded bolt, the engagement between the tool engaging portion (14) and the locking nut engaging portion (28, 36) also causes the washer (12) to move along the threaded bolt in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the compensation of tolerances between components to be screwed to one another, comprising a hollow-cylindrical base element and a hollow-cylindrical compensation element which is in threaded engagement with the base element and which can be moved from a starting position into a compensation position by rotation relative to the base element. The apparatus is characterized in that a fixing means is provided by which the compensation element can be fixed in the compensation position relative to the base element.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manually operating a transmission state of a car, the apparatus including a base member fixed on a frame of the car; and a manipulation lever having a side rotatably coupled to the base member via a hinge shaft and an opposite side rotating about the hinge shaft, and comprising a through hole, through which an end of an operating cable for manually operating the transmission state passes, and a fixing recess formed adjacent to the through hole for hooking and fixing the end of the operating cable, wherein the manipulation lever and the end of the operating cable are rotated together so as to shift the transmission state via the manual operation, connecting and separating of the operating cable and the manipulation lever is freely performed via the through hole, and the operating cable is fixed to the manipulation lever via the fixing recess.

Abstract: A hollow cast iron crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes at least one main bearing journal and at least two connecting rod bearing journals. The crankshaft is provided with a plurality of internal oil supply bores to lubricate the connecting rod bearing journals. An outer circumference of the main bearing journal is in fluid communication with an outer circumference of two connecting rod bearing journals by the supply bores.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mount which may include a plurality of flanges configured to attach at least one device to the mount and a body having a pair of apertures substantially in line with one another. Disclosed also is a mount that may include a platform having a ripple configured to impart flexibility to the platform and a body having a pair of apertures substantially in line with one another.

Abstract: A snap-locking hinge joint includes a clevis member and a flange member. The clevis member has a clevis base from which extend a pair of parallel arms forming a gap therebetween. Each of the arms has a pivot side and an engagement face transversely opposite the pivot side, and each of the arms has a locking recess formed in the engagement face adjacent the clevis base. The flange member has a flange base from which extends a planar rib and a pair of locking fingers. The locking fingers each have an inwardly protruding locking tip. The rib is received in the gap of the clevis member. The arms are pivotally engaged with the rib thereby pivotally interconnecting the clevis and flange members. In a locked configuration, the locking tips of the locking fingers are captured in the locking recesses of the arms of the clevis member.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment a friction bushing is configured to rotate a shaft with resistance having a housing with a bore to receive the shaft; a flange plate positioned on the housing around the bore; and a number of flanges that protrude axially from the flange plate to receive the shaft, where the flanges generate a radially-directed force by being flexible from a relaxed radius to a shaft radius of the shaft, and the flanges have internal circumferentially spaced surfaces in contact with an external surface of the shaft having a topology to control the resistance as the shaft rotates in the friction bushing.

Abstract: Tilting segment for a shaft bearing device, with a base body that has a slide bearing face bounded by a segment leading edge extending in axial direction, a segment trailing edge likewise extending in axial direction, and by lateral edges extending in circumferential direction between the segment leading edge and the segment trailing edge. A groove that extends in axial direction and is located nearer to the segment trailing edge than it is to the segment leading edge is incorporated in the slide bearing face.

Abstract: A cylindrical rack bushing is interposed between a tubular housing and a rack shaft inserted coaxially through the housing, and supports the rack shaft so that the rack shaft is slidable in an axial direction. The rack bushing has an inner periphery on which an inward protruding portion protruding toward an inner side of the rack bushing in a radial direction is formed. The inward protruding portion includes a top portion that is in sliding contact with the rack shaft in a line contact manner or a point contact manner.

Abstract: An energy conversion system includes a stationary structure and a rotatable structure configured to rotate relative to the stationary structure. The system includes at least one blade member mounted to and extending radially outward from the rotatable structure. The blade member is configured to interact with fluid currents to cause the rotatable structure to rotate about an axis of rotation. The system includes a first magnetic bearing component disposed on the rotatable structure and a second magnetic bearing component disposed on the stationary structure. The magnetic bearing components have an aligned position in which the components are axially aligned along the axis of rotation with respect to each other. Axial displacement of the magnetic bearing components from the aligned position generates a magnetic field between the components that provides an axially-directed restoring force between the rotatable structure and the stationary structure to reposition the components to the aligned position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively carry nonuniform loads, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, under some operational conditions, one or more portions of the bearing assemblies and bearing apparatus may be preferentially loaded, such as to carry preferentially higher loads (e.g., radial and/or axial loads) than other portion(s) of the bearing assemblies and bearing apparatus.