Abstract: A method of electrochemical machining that includes the steps of: positioning a workpiece and a tooling piece in a first position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece toward the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a second position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece away from the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a third position; and during at least a portion of the moving of the workpiece and/or the tooling piece from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, using a power supply to apply a voltage across a gap formed between the workpiece and the tooling piece.

Abstract: A reverse flow tolerant brush seal arrangement for restricting the transfer of a pressurized fluid between a first and a second chamber along a moving shaft. Opposing backing plates are provided to stiffen brush bristle alignment on the moving shaft. Differential pressure between the chambers is aided by spring biasing to seat axial movement of a sliding brush seal against one of the opposing backing plates for stiffening to maintain a design clearance with a shaft being sealed.

Abstract: A reverse flow tolerant brush seal arrangement for restricting the transfer of a pressurized fluid between a first and a second chamber along a moving shaft. Opposing backing plates are provided to stiffen brush bristle alignment on the moving shaft. Differential pressure between the chambers is aided by spring biasing to seat axial movement of a sliding brush seal against one of the opposing backing plates for stiffening to maintain a design clearance with a shaft being sealed.

Abstract: A circumferentially extending brush seal positioned between static and rotary components of a machine and, during operation of the machine, the brush seal having a higher pressure region at an upstream side and a lower pressure region at a downstream side. The brush seal may include a plurality of bristles forming a bristle pack carried by the static component and cantilevered toward the rotary component such that tips of at least some of the bristles engage the rotary component. The brush seal further may include a pressure plate and a bristle pack backing plate. The bristle backing plate may include a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced slots opening through opposite sides thereof. The slots may be disposed on an inner radial edge and an outer radial edge of the bristle backing plate.

Abstract: A method of electrochemical machining that includes the steps of: positioning a workpiece and a tooling piece in a first position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece toward the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a second position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece away from the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a third position; and during at least a portion of the moving of the workpiece and/or the tooling piece from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, using a power supply to apply a voltage across a gap formed between the workpiece and the tooling piece.

Abstract: A tooling piece in an electrochemical machining device that includes: an outer cathode surface, the outer cathode surface having a first side and, opposite of the first side, a second side; a plurality of spacer pads disposed on the first side of the outer cathode surface, the spacer pads each comprising thin, non-conducting pads of a predetermined thickness; one or more conducting strips; an electrolyte channel that is configured to direct a flow of electrolyte through an orifice cut through the outer cathode surface; and an elastomeric backing adjacent to the second side of the outer cathode surface, the elastomeric backing being configured to elastically support the outer cathode surface.

Abstract: A tooling piece in an electrochemical machining device that includes: an outer cathode surface, the outer cathode surface having a first side and, opposite of the first side, a second side; a plurality of spacer pads disposed on the first side of the outer cathode surface, the spacer pads each comprising thin, non-conducting pads of a predetermined thickness; one or more conducting strips; an electrolyte channel that is configured to direct a flow of electrolyte through an orifice cut through the outer cathode surface; and an elastomeric backing adjacent to the second side of the outer cathode surface, the elastomeric backing being configured to elastically support the outer cathode surface.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for sealing the space between a rotating element and a stationary element, the sealing arrangement comprising a compliant plate seal housing supported adjustably in the stationary element, the compliant plate seal housing supporting a compliant plate seal; and a spring system provided between the compliant plate seal housing and the stationary element to bias the compliant plate seal housing in a direction away from a surface of the rotating element. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more actuators may be provided to move the compliant plate seal housing in a direction away from a surface of the rotating element.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for sealing the space between a rotating element and a stationary element, the sealing arrangement comprising a compliant plate seal housing supported adjustably in the stationary element, the compliant plate seal housing supporting a compliant plate seal; and a spring system provided between the compliant plate seal housing and the stationary element to bias the compliant plate seal housing in a direction away from a surface of the rotating element. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more actuators may be provided to move the compliant plate seal housing in a direction away from a surface of the rotating element.

Abstract: A method of forming brush seal segments includes mounting a pair of full form plates having opposite arcuate edges in back-to-back relation and wrapping wire about the form plates in multiple passes to form wire runs at angles, e.g., 35-45° relative to radii of the arcuate edges. Half form plates are assembled to opposite sides of the full form plates adjacent one edge of the subassembly. The wire wrap adjacent the one edge of the full form plates is removed. Welds are applied between each adjacent half and full form plates. The inner edges of the wrapped wire and inner frame members of the full form plates are removed. The assembly is then separated to form a pair of arcuate brush seal segments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing ring assembly including a packing ring segment, a bar, a cover plate, and a spring. The packing ring segment has an axial slot. The bar is disposed within the slot. The cover plate is disposed along an outer periphery of the packing ring segment. And, the spring is compressed between the bar and the cover plate.

Abstract: Jack screws are threaded into the lower carrier half adjacent opposite ends and sides of the lower carrier half for supporting it on temporary support plates on shoulders in the lower outer shell. Tapped openings are provided below the temporary support plates. Alignment of the steam faces is carried out by adjusting the end jack screws. The upper carrier half is lowered onto the lower carrier half with bores in the upper carrier half receiving upper end portions of the jack screws. Permanent keys are secured to flanges of the upper carrier half to support the carrier from the lower outer shell. The jack screws and temporary plates are removed and hold down bolts are inserted into the bores and thread into the tapped opening to hold the carrier down on the lower outer shell.