Patent ID: 8610323

Claim:
A rotating machine comprising: a stationary subassembly including a casing and a plurality of stator elements disposed proximate an inner circumference of a portion of the stationary subassembly, the casing having a first portal; a rotating subassembly including a plurality of rotor elements disposed proximate an outer circumference of a portion of the rotating subassembly, the rotating subassembly aligned coaxially within the stationary subassembly and adapted to be rotatable relative to the stationary subassembly without the aid of mechanical support bearings; and a first circumferential track defined by a first rotor track portion on the rotating subassembly and a first stator track portion on the stationary subassembly, the first circumferential track in communication with the first portal; wherein the first rotor track portion and the first stator track portion are defined by a fan volute.