Magnetic bearing and motor

A magnetic bearing, comprising:

• means (33) having a plurality of segments (30, 32/32'/107) aligned along a longitudinal axis (Z) for providing oppositely directed magnetic flux paths;
• said plurality of segments including magnet means (32/107) symmetrically positioned around said longitudinal axis for producing magnetic fields within said flux paths, and having arrays of pole faces (40-43) concentric about said longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of means (20, 22) having arrays of end surfaces (50-53) concentrically arrayed about a common axis (34), separated from said end pieces by air gaps (60-63) for controlling flux distribution between said pole faces;
• first bracket means (24, 26) connectible to a first machine member for holding said plurality of controlling means (20, 22) in fixed, axially aligned separation;
• and
• second bracket means (90, 92) for connecting said magnetic flux path providing means (33) to a second machine member rotatably associated with said first machine member.