Abstract: In a method for forming at least one of a circular rotor or stator lamination, at least one or two electrical strips of lamination material are provided. At least one or two of the strips are cut into segments. At least three of the segments are connected together to form a polygon having all equal sides.

Abstract: A seal assembly which operates efficiently at high altitudes and low surface speeds includes a first seal ring, a second seal ring, and hydropads. The first seal ring is of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions. The second seal ring is positioned in facing relation to the first seal ring and rotatably mounted relative to the first seal ring about an axis of rotation. A plurality of hydropads formed on one of the first seal ring and second seal ring provides a lift force that varies about the circumference of the mating ring.

Abstract: A segmented shaft seal is provided for circumferentially sealing an outer surface of a rotating shaft unit. The shaft seal includes a plurality of seal ring segments disposed within a housing having a circumferential spring holding the ring segments together. The ring segments further have lift grooves defined on the circumferential inner surfaces thereof to generate a radially outwardly directed lift force acting against the inwardly directed spring force. The lift grooves have a tapered profile radially and/or circumferentially to facilitate formation of the outwardly directed lift force as well as molding of the ring segments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic brush seal including a plurality of ceramic bristles and a support member supporting the plurality of ceramic bristles. Each of the plurality of ceramic bristles extending from a first end to a second end. The plurality of bristles are bent over the support member such that the first end and the second end form a brushing surface on a side of the support member and a fold on an other side of the support member. The plurality of ceramic bristles is made from a ceramic material selected to operate at temperatures in excess of 1500° F.

Abstract: A bristle pack for use in a brush seal includes a support and a plurality of bristles. The bristles are folded over the support defining a fold, and are joined together adjacent the support opposite the fold.

Abstract: A seal assembly which operates efficiently at high altitudes and low surface speeds includes a first seal ring, a second seal ring, and hydropads. The first seal ring is of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions. The second seal ring is positioned in facing relation to the first seal ring and rotatably mounted relative to the first seal ring about an axis of rotation. A plurality of hydropads formed on one of the first seal ring and second seal ring provides a lift force that varies about the circumference of the mating ring.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a first seal ring of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions, and a second seal ring positioned in facing relation to the first seal ring. One of the first seal ring and the second seal ring includes a plurality of hydropads. Each hydropad has an inner edge oriented substantially circumferentially, an outer edge oriented substantially circumferentially and spaced radially outward from the inner edge, a leading edge interconnecting the inner edge with the outer edge, and a trailing edge interconnecting the inner edge with the outer edge. Both the leading edge and the trailing edge are substantially straight and are positioned at the same angle relative to a radial axis passing through a mid-point of each edge, respectively.

Abstract: An aerospace housing and shaft assembly comprising a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, a seal assembly operatively positioned between the housing and the shaft, and low pressure air (e.g., atmospheric air) having a pressure substantially less than 14 psia and being positioned on one side of the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a first seal ring mounted on the housing, and a second seal ring mounted on the shaft in facing relation to the first seal ring. One of the first seal ring and the second seal ring includes a hydropad. The hydropad is positioned to pump low pressure air from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. The hydropads can include an inner edge oriented substantially circumferentially, an outer edge oriented substantially circumferentially and spaced radially outward from the inner edge, a leading edge interconnecting the inner edge with the outer edge, and a trailing edge interconnecting the inner edge with the outer edge.