Patent ID: 8836190

Claim:
A magnetic bearing with an axis of rotation, wherein the magnetic bearing comprises: a cylindrical rotor comprising a ferromagnetic material, wherein the cylindrical rotor has an axis of symmetry, wherein the cylindrical rotor has an inner radius, wherein the cylindrical rotor has a top side that lies in a plane orthogonal to the axis of symmetry, a static hub, wherein the static hub has an overhang which protrudes from the static hub and is located adjacent to the top side, a lift magnetic actuator apparatus for controlling the distance between the top side and the overhang, a radial magnetic actuator apparatus for controlling the distance between the inner radius and the axis of rotation; wherein the lift magnetic actuator apparatus comprises at least one permanent magnet capable of supporting the cylindrical rotor against the gravitational force and wherein the radial magnetic actuator apparatus and/or the lift magnetic actuator apparatus comprises at least one hybrid magnet, wherein the a hybrid magnet comprises: a ferromagnetic core, wherein the ferromagnetic core has two slots cut in is the ferromagnetic core such that its cross section is E-shaped, wherein there is a middle section between the two slots, wherein the middle section has an outer surface whose normal points away from the ferromagnetic core, a coil of wire adapted for generating a magnetic field when a current is passed through the wire, wherein the coil is located within the two slots and around the middle section, and a permanent magnet placed on the outer surface, wherein the magnetization is aligned with the normal of the outer surface.