Patent ID: 6700258
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
An electromagnetic bearing for a thrust member having a distal region extending outwardly from a support comprising:at least one continuously magnetic ferrous member having a single coil, the ferrous member straddling the distal region of said thrust member, confronting surfaces of at least two extrusions of the ferrous member and thrust member defining a control flux air gap on opposite sides of the thrust member, and generating an electromagnetic control flux path through the air gap whereby to axially position the ferrous member relative to the thrust member; and confronting surfaces of at least one permanent magnet and either the thrust member or the ferrous member, defining at least one magnetic air gap spaced from at least one of the control flux air gap, and generating a bias flux path parallel and non-coincident with the control flux path for a substantial portion of its length, wherein the permanent magnet is outside the control flux path and the length of each air gap in said bearing is limited to the physical separation of the confronting surfaces.