Abstract: In order to return the fluid which has penetrated into the sealing gap of a floating ring seal, recesses with closed edges are machined inside the region permanently covered by the sealing surfaces in a sealing ring in which the fluid is drawn to an end of the recess very close to the chamber to be sealed and hydrodynamically taken to a high pressure. Mirror-image recesses are effective regardless of the direction of rotation. The recesses are machined in very small sliding surfaces of ceramic sealing rings using a laser beam. Such a floating ring seal has a relatively low leakage rate with low friction. Two fluids can be mutually sealed with a double recess array.

Abstract: A metal bellows for use in a mechanical seal is rolled from a flat sheet and seam welded along an axial diagonal line. The bellows includes corrugations or convolutions having inner and outer crowns of identical radii. The end corrugation or convolution at each end of the bellows is axially compressed to provide an annular double-thickness bearing and support surface against which an end ring is located in face-to-face connection. A similar bellows of multiple plies is similarly constructed using a plurality of tubular bodies.

Abstract: A vapor emission control system for preventing the emission to the atmosphere of vapor leaking from a seal of a rotating machine. A containment vessel defines a chamber into which any vapor leaking form the seal must flow. An emission control device is connected to an outlet from the chamber, the emission control device being arranged to render innocuous any vapor delivered thereto through the outlet. Any vapor within the chamber is pumped through the outlet to the emission control device. Thus any vapor leaking into the chamber can only leave the chamber via the emission control device.

Abstract: In a mechanical seal, a seal face member is compressed by a shrink fitted squeeze ring onto a spigot of a carrier forming one of two seal elements. This arrangement reduces distortion of the seal face and shrouds the seal member from attack by a fluid product in the space. Distortion of the seal face is further discouraged by also shrink fitting the squeeze ring onto the carrier. The squeeze ring circumferentially abuts the face seal member and either radially or circumferentially abuts the carrier to provide structural stability and to shroud the face seal member on three sides leaving only the seal face exposed. The squeeze ring can be arranged internally of the seal face member with the spigot on the carrier arranged externally. In either event the seal face member, usually constructed from carbon is held under radial compression for increased strength.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for disposition between two rotating shafts to reduce transmission of vibration or to increase the torque and speed range of the coupling for a given level of vibration transmission comprises input and output members connectible to driving and driven shafts and interconnected by a spacer via coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force and by torque transmitted through the coupling, such that, over a range of speeds and torques the spacer is relatively rotatable to at least one member.A secondary coupling is also disclosed to render radially rigid a primary coupling comprising input and output members and coupling elements. The secondary coupling may comprise a bearing or a plain bearing, a multiple bearing or a cross links flexural pivot.

Abstract: A backup seal for a main seal (not shown) sealing a rotary shaft (10) to a housing (12) comprises a rotary seal element (20) sealed (22) to the shaft (10) and a stationary seal element (16) sealed (18) to the housing (12). The seal elements (16,20) have opposing annular seal surfaces (41,42) surrounding the shaft (10) and these are adapted to be urged together to form a running seal therebetween substantially only by the pressure of fluid product leaking through the main seal should that fail. A second aspect of the invention provides a close fit bush (50) which helps to close the seal faces (41,42) together when the main seal fails and before any leak occurs between them.

Abstract: A mechanical seal for a shaft (1) existing a housing (12) has an end plate (22) secured to the housing and a sleeve (26) secured to the shaft. The sleeve (26) carries a rotary seal element (40) and the end plate a stationary seal element (52) which form a running seal at faces (48,50). A multipurpose bush (60) is a close fit on the sleeve (26), it positions a spring (64) pressing the seal elements (40,52) together, it caries a lipseal (78) and it prevents collar (30) securing the sleeve (26) to the shaft (10) from contacting the end plate (22) in the event that the sleeve becomes unsecured from the shaft (110). The bush (60) is constructed from spark resistant material. A removable key (88) positions the sleeve (26), and hence the seal elements (40,52) and bush (60) with respect to the end plate (22) prior to tightening sleeve-security screws (32).

Abstract: A membrane type coupling has concentric input and output members, intermediate member and pair of spacers, the input and output members being connected to one each of the spacers, and the intermediate member being connected at either end to both spacers, by membrane packs. The connection between each spacer and at least one member comprising a pair of axially spaced packs. The coupling thus has lateral rigidity but angular and substantial axial flexibility.

Abstract: A flexible coupling used to transmit power between two shafts and comprising first and second transmission members and a flexible element between and interconnecting the transmission members. The first and second transmission members are each connectible to one of the shafts for rotation therewith and the flexible element is located relative to the transmission members by devices for transmitting power and by a location means for predetermining an amount of in-built deformation in the flexible element. In a specific embodiment, the flexible element consists of a pack of members held together as a sub-assembly by means of a sleeve and a collar press-fitted thereover. The flexible element sub-assembly is deformed to a predetermined amount by a spigot formed on the transmission members; the spigot is removed at two or more points remote from the connection locations on the transmission member to facilitate assembly of the coupling.