Abstract: A flow inducing ring for a mechanical seal includes a body portion having a first edge face and a second edge face, and at least one first groove extending both axially and circumferentially in one direction across the body portion from the first edge face to the second edge face. At least one second groove extends both axially and circumferentially in an opposite direction across the body portion from the first edge face to the second edge face. Each of the first groove and the second groove includes an entry portion, configured to draw a barrier fluid into the groove from the first edge face, and an exit portion, that is configured to expel barrier fluid from the groove to the second edge face and to impede the drawing of barrier fluid into the groove from the second edge face. The first and second grooves preferably have substantially constant cross-sections throughout the entirety of their lengths for enhanced uniform fluid flow.

Abstract: A flow inducing ring for a mechanical seal includes a body portion having a first edge face and a second edge face, and at least one first groove extending both axially and circumferentially in one direction across the body portion from the first edge face to the second edge face. At least one second groove extends both axially and circumferentially in an opposite direction across the body portion from the first edge face to the second edge face. Each of the first groove and the second groove includes an entry portion, configured to draw a barrier fluid into the groove from the first edge face, and an exit portion, that is configured to expel barrier fluid from the groove to the second edge face and to impede the drawing of barrier fluid into the groove from the second edge face. The first and second grooves preferably have substantially constant cross-sections throughout the entirety of their lengths for enhanced uniform fluid flow.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly includes a rotary component having a rotary seal face, a stationary component having a stationary seal face and a central component arranged between the rotary component and the stationary component, which has a first seal face arranged adjacent the rotary seal face and a second seal face arranged adjacent the stationary seal face. The central component is configured so that, when seal face rotation of the rotary seal face or the stationary seal face, or both, occurs, the first seal face is configured to form a seal with the rotary seal face and the second seal face is configured to form a seal with the stationary seal face. The central component is arranged so that the first and second seal faces are aligned substantially parallel to the rotary and stationary seal faces, respectively. The central component is configured so that contact seals, or non-contact seals, form between the adjacent seal faces.

Abstract: A system including a first device comprising a first radio communications unit, a video camera, and electronic computer means, and a second device comprising a second radio communications unit, video display means and electronic computer means, wherein the first device is adapted, upon receipt of a predetermined communication from the second device, to activate the video camera and to transmit live video data from the video camera to the second radio communications device, and wherein the second radio communications device is adapted to display the live video data on the video display means.

Abstract: A mechanical seal provides a sealing between a rotatable shaft and a housing. The seal has a stationary part for connection to the housing and a rotary part for rotation with the shaft. Mating sealing faces are carried by the stationary and rotary parts and the rotary parts are mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith. Each sealing face is held relatively stationary to their respective stationary or rotary part by means of at least one link member extending therebetween. The link member is arranged for at least limited longitudinal rotation.

Abstract: A mechanical shaft seal includes stationary and rotary assemblies providing mating seating faces 3, 11 such that first and second fluids are kept separate from each other. A barrier fluid system provides a third fluid between the first and second fluids and a flow inducer 13 promotes axial flow of the barrier fluid in the desired direction irrespective of the direction of rotation of the rotary assembly.