Patent ID: 7859154

Claim:
A turboalternator system comprising: a turboalternator having a rotatable member operatively engaged to a bearing set, the rotatable member defining a first end, a second end and an axis of rotation; a radial support element; and a contact structure engaged with the radial support element, wherein the turboalternator system is configured to be thermally adjustable such that in a first thermal condition the contact structure is at a first radial position with respect to the axis of rotation and contacts the rotatable member to provide support, and wherein the turboalternator system is further configured such that in a second thermal condition the contact structure is at a second radial position with respect to the axis of rotation that is spaced further from the axis of rotation than the first radial position, wherein the contact structure comprises a ring having a groove formed in an outer diameter surface thereof, and wherein the radial support element engages the groove in the contact structure.