Bearing system

Abstract

A bearing system comprised of a base made of a magnetic material. The bearing system is also comprised of an element disposed adjacent the base. The element is comprised of a device for creating a separation force and a positive stiffness between the element and the base such that a gap is formed therebetween. The element is also comprised of a device for generating magnetic flux such that a closed magnetic flux circuit is formed through the element, the base and the gap creating a preload force and a negative stiffness between the element and the base. The positive stiffness is greater than a negative stiffness, and the preload force essentially balances the separation force. In a preferred embodiment, the creating device includes a device for flowing fluid through the element such that a fluid pressure is formed between the element and the base, resulting in the presence of the gap and the positive stiffness.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.