Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position.

Abstract: A linear bearing assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed in a housing of the assembly. A first rail and a second rail are movable relative to one another. A plurality of linear bearings are connected to the housing and disposed about the first and second rails. An actuator device is connected to at least one of the first rail and the second rail to selectively move the first rail and the second rail relative to one another and the housing in at least one of simultaneous and separate modes to redistribute lubricant in the linear bearings thereby preventing deformation of at least one of the first rail and the second rail.

Abstract: A linear bearing assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed in a housing of the assembly. A first rail and a second rail are movable relative to one another. A plurality of linear bearings are connected to the housing and disposed about the first and second rails. An actuator device is connected to at least one of the first rail and the second rail to selectively move the first rail and the second rail relative to one another and the housing in at least one of simultaneous and separate modes to redistribute lubricant in the linear bearings thereby preventing deformation of at least one of the first rail and the second rail.