Machine assembly with vertically-spaced levitation and axial adjustment actuators

Abstract

A machine assembly includes a ferromagnetic annular rotor rotatable about a central vertical axis and configured to support at least one object. A plurality of levitation actuators are spaced circumferentially about the central axis and radially outwardly from the rotor. Each levitation actuator includes a permanent magnet configured to exert an attractive force on the rotor to levitate the rotor above a base surface, the attractive force having a vertical component along the central axis. A plurality of axial adjustment actuators are spaced circumferentially about the central axis and radially outwardly from the rotor. Each axial adjustment actuator includes an electromagnet configured to exert an attractive force on the rotor to adjust the position of the rotor along the central axis, the attractive force of each axial adjustment actuator having a vertical component directed in an opposing axial direction from the vertical component of the levitation actuators attractive force.