Importance

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Abstract

The rotary machine includes an automatically-retracting axial abutment system mounted between the rotary shaft of the machine and its case, the abutment system having a displaceable abutment portion that is prevented from rotating, a rotary abutment portion mounted on the displaceable abutment portion by means of a bearing suitable for transmitting axial forces to the displaceable abutment portion, a very stiff flexible device connecting the displaceable abutment portion to the case in such a manner as to enable the displaceable abutment portion to move through a small amplitude in translation along the axis of the rotary shaft, and an axial thrust transmission member for transmitting thrust from the rotary shaft to the rotary abutment portion, the thrust transmission member being shaped to be in contact between the rotary shaft and the displaceable abutment portion when the machine is at rest, and to drive the rotary abutment portion via purely static friction when the machine is rotating and is exerting axial thrust. Means enable a control fluid to be applied in contact with the flexible device so that the pressure of the fluid exerts a force on the flexible device tending to move the displaceable abutment portion, the rotary abutment portion, and, where applicable, the thrust transmission member away from the shaft when the pressure of the fluid conveyed by the machine at a given point within the machine exceeds a predetermined value.

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First Claim