Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a shaft of a turbomachine. The apparatus may include a magnetic bearing to support the shaft during a normal operation of the turbomachine, and an auxiliary bearing to support the shaft during a drop event. The apparatus may also include a disk coupled to the shaft and comprising a substantially non-ferrous, conductive material, and a magnetic assembly disposed proximal the disk, the magnetic assembly configured to magnetically engage the disk to damp vibrations during the drop event, to apply a circumferential braking force on the disk during the drop event, or both.

Abstract: A machine is provided, including a magnetic thrust bearing having a rotor portion, a stator portion, and a housing. The housing substantially surrounds the stator portion and the rotor portion. The rotor portion includes a thrust disk adapted to be circumferentially attached to a rotor and to rotate with the rotor. The thrust disk defines a thrust disk first side and a thrust disk second side, the first side being opposite to the second side.

Abstract: The axially adjustable magnetic bearing comprises an annular body secured to a support, a magnetic bearing stator structure having an annular sheath for supporting electromagnet windings placed concentrically relative to said body, and an annular rotor armature placed concentrically relative to the stator structure, leaving an airgap relative thereto. The annular body includes at least one radial slot associated with clamping means, and includes a set-back portion in its face facing towards the stator structure. The face of the annular body facing towards the stator structure includes a sliding surface that co-operates with a facing portion of said sheath, and the set-back portion of the annular body presents a threaded portion that co-operates with a threaded portion of an adjustment ring engaged in an annular groove formed in the face of the sheath that faces towards the body. The adjustment ring is prevented from moving in the axial direction in said annular groove.

Abstract: A hybrid bearing, comprising a first bearing shell with a sliding face and a second bearing shell with a second sliding face, with the first sliding face and the second sliding face being located opposite one another at a bearing gap. The first bearing shell comprises a first support body and the second bearing shell comprises a second support body. Elements which are made of slide bearing material are attached to the first support body and to the second support body, with the elements made of slide bearing material forming at least part of the first sliding face and of the second sliding face. Permanent magnets are connected to the first support body and the second support body, with the permanent magnets being arranged spaced apart from the first sliding face and the second sliding face.

Abstract: There is provided a motor including: a rotating member including a first magnet; and a fixed member supporting the rotating member and including a second magnet configuring a magnetic bearing part together with the first magnet, wherein a gap between the first and second magnets is larger than at least one of a contact prevention gap between the rotating member and the fixed member and a clearance between a shaft and a sleeve supporting the shaft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for generating electromagnetic forces may involve generating an axial control magnetic flux in an axial control magnetic circuit comprising a first axial pole, a second axial pole, and an axial actuator target, the axial actuator target coupled to a body having a rotational axis. A radial control flux can be generated in a radial control magnetic circuit comprising a first radial pole, a second radial pole, and a radial actuator target. An electrical compensation current can be applied to an electrical bias flux leveling coil to cancel or nearly cancel any changes of the magnetic flux leaking from either the first or the second axial poles into the radial poles, electrical bias flux leveling coil wound around the rotational axis and located axially between the radial poles and the closest of the first or the second axial poles.

Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus for carrying a load comprises a source of magnetic flux and a controller configured to control the position of the source of magnetic flux relative to a magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion of opposite polarities. The first portions are spaced apart horizontally from a first side of the magnetizable structure. The source of magnetic flux further comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion of opposite polarities. The second portions are spaced apart horizontally from a second side of the magnetizable structure. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second upper portions are magnetically attracted to an upper portion of the magnetizable structure and the first and second lower portions are magnetically attracted to a lower portion of the magnetizable structure.

Abstract: A body is equipped with magnetically connected radial and axial actuator targets. The radial actuator target features a cylindrical lateral surface. The axial actuator target features the first and the second end-facing surfaces. A radial pole is adapted to communicate a magnetic flux with the cylindrical lateral surface. Magnetically connected first and second axial poles are located axially on one side of the radial pole and adapted to communicate magnetic fluxes with the first and the second end-facing surfaces. The first axial pole, the second axial pole and the axial actuator target form a magnetic axial control circuit. The radial pole, the radial actuator target, the axial actuator target, the first axial pole and the second axial pole form the magnetic bias circuit. Superposition of magnetic fluxes in the axial control circuit and in the bias circuit results in an axial force acting on the axial actuator target.

Abstract: A turbomachine is provided. The turbomachine comprises a compressor, at least two magnetic bearings provided at opposite ends of a compressor shaft, a motor having a motor shaft, a first electrical cable having a first end, a second end, an internal core section and an outer sheath section with the internal core section and the outer sheath section extending from the first end to the second end, a first connector configured to connect the first end to the first magnetic bearing, wherein the first connector is welded or brazed to the first end to both the internal core section and the outer sheath section, and a second connector configured to connect the second end to the first external connection, wherein the second connector is welded or brazed to the second end to both the internal core section and the outer sheath section.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting rotatable devices, particularly a medical scanner having an inner ring and an outer ring. According to the invention, the inner ring and outer ring are guided without contact in the axial and/or radial direction by the magnetic field of electromagnets, and the distance between them is monitored and controlled by means of distance sensors. For a bearing implementing said method according to the invention, the outer ring is made in multiple parts and has a U-shaped cross section that is open to the inside in the assembled state, into which the inner ring (1, 10, 11) extends, and electromagnets and distance sensors are disposed in the axially and radially opposite areas of the inner ring or outer ring.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: A flywheel levitation apparatus and associated method are described for use in a flywheel driven power storage system having a rotor and which provides for an upward vertical movement of the rotor along an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a rotor face defining a cutaway section. A magnetic lifting force is applied to the rotor to at least in part serve in levitating the rotor. The magnetic lifting force exhibits a modified gap sensitivity that is smaller as compared to a conventional gap sensitivity that would be exhibited in an absence of the cutaway section.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for adjusting a magnetic field in a magnetic bearing by moving permanent magnets in real time. Some example devices or systems include a magnetic bearing comprising electro-actuators adapted to move permanent magnets relative to a rotor to balance the rotor. For instance, in one example, each electro-actuator includes electro-active material adapted to deform in response to being exposed to an electrical field. This deformity causes permanent magnets attached to a surface of each electro-actuator to move relative to a rotor to balance the rotor. In many examples, a measurement circuit may be coupled to each electro-actuator and adapted to measure a capacitance of each electro-actuator. The capacitance measurement may be used to determine an adjustment signal to adjust the magnetic field in real time.

Abstract: A method for assembling a superconducting bearing, wherein the superconducting bearing has a first bearing ring including a first body made of a type-2 superconducting material and a second bearing ring including a second body made of a type-2 superconducting material, the method including the following steps: assembling the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring; and, applying an external magnetic field, which permeates both bodies to the first body and to the second body.

Abstract: A rotary floater (30) for supporting an object to be processed (W) is floated by the magnetic attraction of a floating electromagnet assembly (F), and the rotary floater (30) is rotated by the magnetic attraction of a rotary electromagnet assembly (R) while its horizontal position being controlled by the magnetic attraction of a positioning electromagnet assembly (H). The floating electromagnet assembly (F) causes the magnetic attraction to act vertically upwardly, so that the rotary floater (30) is floated and suspended without contact with the inner wall of a processing container (2).

Abstract: A ferromagnetic latching support system for positioning a surface is disclosed. The latching support system includes a mechanical support and a ferromagnetic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic bearing control device and the use of a three-phase converter for controlling a magnetic bearing. According to the invention, a three-phase converter (70) is used for controlling a magnetic bearing (10, 66, 68), all three phase currents (40, 42, 44) of the converter (70) being used for controlling the magnetic bearing (10, 66, 68). A first solenoid of a couple of solenoids (10) of the magnetic bearing (10, 66, 68) is connected to a first (U) and a third (W) phase current output of the converter (70) while a second solenoid of the couple of solenoids (10) is connected to the first (U) and a second (V) phase current output of the converter such that the couple of solenoids (10) can be differently controlled by means of said one converter (70). The converter (70) can also be connected to magnetic bearings that already have a bias winding, which is advantageous for retrofitting such existing magnetic bearings, for example.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member that supports a magnetic flux carrying member and a second member that supports a magnetic flux generating member disposed for movement relative to the first member. An air gap control system is coupled to at least one of the first member or the second member and includes an air gap control device that is separate from a primary magnetic flux circuit formed between the first member and the second member. The air gap control device is configured to exert a force on one of the first and second members in response to movement of the other of the first and second members in a direction that reduces a distance between the first and second members to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second members and/or substantially center the one of the first and second members within the other.

Abstract: A maglev motor and a pump using the maglev motor can be provided with strong magnetic bearing force generated by a simple structure, rotation losses of a rotor reduced with the generation of an eddy current suppressed, and a configuration of magnetic bearing can downsize by using a thin rotor.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement and a bearing block includes a magnetic radial bearing for the contact-less support of a rotor shaft of a rotating machine, and a touchdown bearing for catching the rotor shaft. Both bearings are connected to each other permanently and in an axially aligned manner, and are elastically suspended with regard to a bearing shield, a machine housing, or a foundation of the rotating machine.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing system for supporting a rotating shaft including a first auxiliary bearing coupled to the rotating shaft. A first inertia ring is coupled to and circumscribes the first auxiliary bearing. A second inertia ring circumscribes the first inertia ring. A radial clearance is defined between the first and second inertia rings when the rotating shaft is supported by a primary bearing system, and the first inertia ring engages the second inertia ring when the rotating shaft is not supported by the primary bearing system. A second auxiliary bearing is engaged with an outer surface of the second inertia ring.

Abstract: A drive section for a substrate transport arm including a frame, at least one stator mounted within the frame, the stator including a first motor section and at least one stator bearing section and a coaxial spindle magnetically supported substantially without contact by the at least one stator bearing section, where each drive shaft of the coaxial spindle includes a rotor, the rotor including a second motor section and at least one rotor bearing section configured to interface with the at least one stator bearing section, wherein the first motor section is configured to interface with the second motor section to effect rotation of the spindle about a predetermined axis and the at least one stator bearing section is configured to effect at least leveling of a substrate transport arm end effector connected to the coaxial spindle through an interaction with the at least one rotor bearing section.

Abstract: A door suspension system comprises a horizontally suspended ferromagnetic shaft; a nonmagnetic bracket comprising a bracket cylinder for enclosing a linear bearing and an attached bracket hanger plate for securing a door panel; a nonmagnetic cylindrical linear bearing sized to slide into the bracket cylinder and over the shaft; at least two spaced bores in the upper surface of the bracket cylinder; at least two spaced bores in the upper surface of the cylindrical linear bearing arranged so as to align with the spaced bores in the bracket cylinder; a cylindrical permanent magnet positioned in at least one of the spaced bores of the bracket cylinder; and a ferromagnetic armature to complete the magnetic circuit through the shaft and the magnet or magnets.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor having a central axis extending between the two opposing ends and a radial surface, and is rotatable about the central axis. At least one electromagnet is disposed proximal to and configured to exert magnetic force on a portion of the rotor. Further, a channeling member is disposed generally adjacent to the electromagnet and has a radial surface disposed adjacent to the rotor radial surface. As such, magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet extends generally radially between the electromagnet and the rotor portion and generally axially between the rotor portion and the channeling member so that the magnetic force biases the rotor both radially and axially to maintain the rotor at a desired position. Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of magnets proximal to each end, two channeling members, and a tubular body extending between the channeling members and enclosing the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a magnetically levitated object. The apparatus includes a display with an overhead housing. A magnetic levitation and oscillation assembly is included with an electromagnet in the overhead housing. A levitated object with a body in which a magnetic element is embedded is positioned proximate to the electromagnet and levitated within the display. The levitation and oscillation assembly includes a levitation actuator driving the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a levitating magnetic field. The assembly includes an oscillating signal generator that oscillates the levitating magnetic field at an oscillating frequency.

Abstract: A magnetic fan device includes a stator, at least three bearings fixed on the stator, a rotor fixedly connected to the stator, a motor, and at least three magnetic posts. The at least three bearings are permanent magnets. The rotor includes a shaft and a plurality of impellers rotatably connected to the shaft. The at least three magnetic posts with an opening at its lateral surface are configured for respectively receiving the at least three bearings by the opening. A first magnet is adhered to ends of the at least three magnetic posts, and a second magnet is adhered to opposite ends of the at least three magnetic posts. The magnetic pole of the first magnet adjacent to ends of the at least three bearings is opposite to the magnetic pole of the second magnet adjacent opposite ends of the at least three bearings.

Abstract: The core of a combined radial-axial magnetic bearing is stacked with coated laminations each equipped with at least one radial cut (9). These cuts (9) prevent the induction of circulating currents caused by varying axial control fluxes through the central hole of the lamination stack. Magnetic symmetry is preserved by rotating every lamination with respect to the previous one.

Abstract: A low-cost minimal-loss zero-maintenance flywheel battery, to store electric power from a DC power source by conversion to kinetic energy, and regenerate electric power as needed. Its vertical spin-axis rotor assembly is supported axially by repelling annular permanent magnets, and is centered by ceramic ball bearings which have axial preload that prevents vibration and augments axial rotor support. A regenerative multi-pole permanent-magnet motor, controlled by its 2-phase stator current, and connected by power and signal conductors to power interface electronics, is integrated within the flywheel assembly, in a vacuum enclosure supported by a self-leveling structure. Sinusoidal 2-phase stator currents are controlled by high-frequency pulse-width-modulated H-bridge power electronics that draw and regenerate controlled DC current with minimal ripple, responsive to respective 2-phase rotation angle sensors, the DC power voltage, and other settings.

Abstract: The magnetically levitating vehicle includes a frame, a control device, tire chambers, and tires. The frame includes a magnetic shield, a cabin, and an undercarriage. The control device includes a control stick and a mounting system. The control stick includes an accelerator, levitation, and brake button. The mounting system includes a horizontal piece, a vertical and base piece, and push button locks. The plurality of tire chambers includes a plurality of sensor and levitation electromagnet pairs, propulsion electromagnets and permanent propulsion magnets. The vertical piece and horizontal piece both include an inner and outer shaft, the latter of which includes a plurality of holes. The inner shell includes an orientation device, a plurality of permanent levitation magnets and sensor and propulsion electromagnet pairs, a plurality of permanent safety magnets, and an axle. The outer shell includes a tire tread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety bearing for retaining a rotor shaft (4) of a machine (1), wherein the safety bearing (2) comprises a first carrier body (7) rotating about a virtual geometric center line (M) and roller bodies (5), wherein each roller body comprises a region (19) that is located between the center line (M) and the first carrier body (7), wherein the roller bodies (5) are each connected in a rotatable manner to the first carrier body (7) via a shaft (6). The invention creates a safety bearing (2) with which the likelihood of an occurrence of a backward-whirl is considerably reduced as compared to the safety bearings known from the prior art.

Abstract: An axial stabilizer for the rotor of a magnetic bearing provides external control of stiffness through switching in external inductances. External control also allows the stabilizer to become a part of a passive/active magnetic bearing system that requires no external source of power and no position sensor. Stabilizers for displacements transverse to the axis of rotation are provided that require only a single cylindrical Halbach array in its operation, and thus are especially suited for use in high rotation speed applications, such as flywheel energy storage systems. The elimination of the need of an inner cylindrical array solves the difficult mechanical problem of supplying support against centrifugal forces for the magnets of that array. Compensation is provided for the temperature variation of the strength of the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets in the levitating magnet arrays.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing is disclosed that includes a sensing wire wrapped around one or more of the bearing coils and configured to measure the resistance to ground of each bearing coil. With the presence of contaminants such as liquids, a protective coating disposed about the bearing coils degrades over time, thereby reducing the resistance to ground of the bearing coils. The sensing wire transmits the detected resistance to ground of the bearing coils to an adjacent sensing device, which can provide an output that informs a user whether corrective action is required to prevent damage or failure of the magnetic bearing.

Abstract: An axial hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB) is disclosed herein. The HMB has a first electric magnet, a second electric magnet, and a rotor being between the two electric magnets. The rotor has a permanent magnet (PM) structure facing the two electric magnets by its two sides. By doing so, the power consumption can be lower by a bias magnetic flux provided by the PM structure; the equilibrium point of the rotor can be adjusted by the magnetic force of the two electric magnets, which will not change the magnetic characteristic of the PM structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic axial bearing for taking up axial forces that act on a rotor component that is rotatably supported about a rotational axis with respect to a stator component. The bearing comprises a first bearing part consisting of at least one permanent magnet and at least two flux guide elements associated with the permanent magnet that are disposed on opposing end faces of the permanent magnet and aligned substantially radial and perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second bearing part consisting of at least two flux guide elements that are disposed at a mutual spacing to one another and aligned substantially radial and perpendicular to the rotational axis, each flux guide element of the second bearing part being associated with a flux guide element of the first bearing part and lying directly opposite the latter in a radial direction and separated from it by an air gap.

Abstract: A motor includes a balancing member having a surface, a shaft coupling portion and a magnetically conductive portion. A stator is coupled to the balancing member. A rotor includes a hub, a shaft, and a permanent magnet. The shaft and the permanent magnet are mounted inside the hub. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the shaft coupling portion. The permanent magnet includes a magnetically attracting face aligned with the magnetically conductive portion of the balancing member. The magnetically attracting face and the magnetically conductive portion attract each other to maintain stable rotation of the rotor while providing a simplified structure. The balancing member can be interconnected to a housing, and the hub can include a plurality of blades to form a heat dissipating fan. When the rotor rotates, air currents are drawn by the blades to a heat source for heat dissipating purposes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic attraction type magnetic bearing includes at least a pair of electromagnets (1, 2) arranged to face each other, a float (3) arranged between the electromagnets and held at the middle position thereof, a sensor (4) for detecting the displacement of the float (3) from a balance position, and/or the speed thereof, and a controller (5) for controlling the electromagnets (1, 2). The controller (5) determines a variable Z proportional to acceleration in the control direction from the displacement and speed of the float (3), and operates to set the control current of one of the electromagnets to zero and to control only the control current of the other of the electromagnets, depending on the positive and negative values of the variable.

Abstract: A motor includes a sleeve supporting a shaft such that an upper end of the shaft protrudes upwardly along an axial direction, a sleeve housing in which an outer diameter portion of the sleeve is inserted and supported, an oil sealing cap covering the sleeve at an opposite side of the sleeve housing, and having a sealing protrusion protruding from a top surface thereof to form a capillary seal of oil between the shaft and the sleeve, and a hub base pressure-fitted and fixed on the upper end of the shaft, and having a hub-base outer diameter portion facing the sealing protrusion and forming a first oil sealing part with the sealing protrusion.

Abstract: A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, there is an apparatus for carrying a load along a magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a third structure spaced apart vertically from the magnetizable structure and configured to generate magnetic flux and repel from the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one coil positioned at at least one end portion proximal to the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one flux guide comprising a magnetizable material and configured to concentrate magnetic flux. A first portion of the flux guide is thinner than a second portion of the flux guide that is positioned closer to the magnetizable structure than the first portion of the flux guide.

Abstract: A bias magnetic flux is formed so as to be passed through the electromagnet core of an electromagnet, and a bypass magnetic path, serving as a magnetic path for a control magnetic flux, is formed in parallel with a permanent magnet, the bypass magnetic path being magnetized in a direction in which passage of the bias magnetic flux is blocked, and thus, even if the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are disposed in locations where the mutual magnetic fluxes of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet are superimposed, the control magnetic flux formed by the electromagnet is passed through the bypass magnetic path, whereby loss of the control magnetic flux can be suppressed. Thereby, the permanent magnet and the electromagnet can be disposed in locations where the mutual magnetic fluxes are superimposed, whereby the device can be made smaller in size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of a safety bearing (14) of a machine (12), wherein the safety bearing (14) catches a rotor shaft (1) of the machine (12) in case of failure of a magnetic bearing (6) of the machine (12), wherein the safety bearing (14) has an outer ring (3) and an inner ring (2) that is arranged rotatably in relation to the outer ring (3), wherein the magnetic bearing (6) is switched off, wherein the rotor shaft (1) is rotationally moved with a defined course of movement, wherein a physical variable (G) of the safety bearing (14) is measured by means of a sensor (5). The invention further relates to a corresponding machine. The invention allows for monitoring the state of a safety bearing (14) installed in a machine (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rim driven propeller unit for a vessel, where a number of permanent magnets (4) are arranged round the propeller unit's rotatable rotor housing (1), comprising a number of propeller blades (3), and a number of permanent magnets round the propeller unit's external, stationary casing (2) housing the rotatable rotor housing, where the permanent magnets round parts of the rotatable rotor housing and the external, stationary casing's circumference are provided located above one another with like polarity, while other parts of the rotatable rotor for housing and the external, stationary casing are provided located facing one another with opposite polarity, whereby the rotor housing and the stationary casing are repelled by and attracted to one another respectively, thereby being prevented from coming into contact with one another.

Abstract: A gimbal arrangement comprises a socket (6) having a partially spherical inner surface with a first radius; a ball (2) located within the socket and having a partially spherical outer surface with a second radius smaller than the first radius; a first array of electromagnets (5) mounted at the outer surface of the ball; a second array of electromagnets (7) mounted at the inner surface of the socket (6); and means for supplying power selectively to different ones of the electromagnets of the two arrays to support the ball within the socket in a position where the partially spherical surfaces of the ball and socket are substantially concentric about a common center and to control the orientation of the ball relative to the socket.

Abstract: Method for orienting a timepiece component made of magnetic/electrostatic material. On both sends of this component, two magnetic/electrostatic fields each attract it onto a pole piece, with an unbalance in the intensity of said fields around said component, in order to create a differential in the forces thereon and to press one of said ends onto a contact surface of one of said pole pieces, and to hold the other end at a distance from the other pole piece. Magnetic/electrostatic pivot including such a component with two ends. It includes a guide device with surfaces of two pole pieces each attracted by a magnetic/electrostatic field transmitted by one of said ends, or generating a magnetic/electrostatic field attracting one of said ends, the magnetic/electrostatic forces exerted on said two ends are of different intensity, in order to attract only one end into contact with only one of said pole piece surfaces.

Abstract: The magnetically levitating vehicle comprises of a frame, a control device, tire chambers, and tires. The frame comprises of a magnetic shield, a cabin, and an undercarriage. The control device comprises of a control stick and a mounting system. The control stick comprises of an accelerator, levitation, and brake button. The mounting system comprises of a horizontal piece, a vertical and base piece, and push button locks. The plurality of tire chambers comprises of a plurality of sensor and levitation electromagnet pairs, propulsion electromagnets and permanent propulsion magnets. The vertical piece and horizontal piece both comprise of an inner and outer shaft, the latter of which comprises of a plurality of holes. The inner shell comprises of an orientation device, a plurality of permanent levitation magnets and sensor and propulsion electromagnet pairs, a plurality of permanent safety magnets, and an axle. The outer shell comprises of a tire tread.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetic levitation device that has a pair of permanent magnets or electromagnets, which are used to create a large constant magnetic field on a horizontal plane between two magnetic poles. An object is levitated between the two magnets and is kept within the horizontal magnetic field by an electromagnet that is controlled by a servomechanism.

Abstract: A homopolar magnetic actuator is configured to exert controllable radial forces on a body adapted to rotate around an axis. The actuator comprises at least three radial magnetic pole assemblies distributed at some distances from each other along the axis, each including a plurality of poles adjacent to an actuator target on the body. Permanent magnets are used to induce bias magnetic fluxes in the assemblies with polarities alternating from assembly to assembly but remaining the same around the rotational axis. Having several small bias fluxes distributed between several pole assemblies instead of a large single bias flux facilitates designing an actuator with a high aspect ratio. A control coil around each pole can induce a control magnetic flux in the poles. These control fluxes affect magnetic flux distribution around the actuator target, resulting in magnetic forces exerted on the target.

Abstract: This invention improves the operation of flywheels by allowing rotation about an inertial axis without the generation of imbalance forces that arise from the use of bearings to support the rotating components of the flywheel. The system uses periodic positional corrections to the rotating components of the flywheel so as to ensure that the system rotates within a predetermined boundary without continuously confining the rotating components to rotate about their geometric axis.

Abstract: This invention improves the operation of rotating machinery by allowing rotation about an inertial axis without the generation of imbalance forces that arise from the use of bearings to support rotating components.

Abstract: Apparatuses employing suspended rotors are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing forming an internal cavity and a rotor disposed in the internal cavity of the housing. The rotor has a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a first end ring coupled to the first end of the rotor and a second end ring coupled to the second end of the rotor. The first end ring and the second end ring are each magnetically repulsed from the housing to cause the rotor to be suspended relative to the housing.

Abstract: In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification features a torquer apparatus that includes a rotor with magnetic poles such that, when radially projected on a concentric octahedron, the same symmetrical pattern is obtained on all faces of the octahedron, the polarity of the poles projected on two adjacent faces of the octahedron being opposite. A stator with at least twenty poles magnetized with coils and such that, when radially projected on a concentric icosahedron, the same symmetrical pattern is obtained on all faces of the icosahedron, the stator being-in nominal position-concentric with the rotor. Real-time measurements, or equivalent information, of the position of the rotor with respect to the stator, and real-time measurements, or equivalent information, of exported torque from the stator, or of the orientation of the rotor with respect to the stator can be obtained.