Patent ID: 8941278
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A suspension system for use with rotating machinery, the system comprising: a first suspension assembly disposed between an inner structure and an outer structure of the rotating machinery for providing axial support, the first suspension assembly comprising an array of magnets; and a second suspension assembly disposed between the structures for providing radial support, the second suspension assembly comprising an inner portion in contact with the inner structure, an outer portion in contact with the outer structure, and at least one ceramic, diamond, or other non-metallic bearing member disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion, wherein the outer portion moves between a first axial position and a second axial position relative to the inner portion in response to receiving an axial load, wherein the inner portion includes a plurality of bearing members aligned in a row and the outer portion comprises a continuous piece of hardened material, wherein the outer portion includes a plurality of fluid pathways configured to supply fluid to the plurality of bearing members, and wherein the fluid pathways are grooves formed in an inner surface of the continuous piece of hardened material.