Seal Including Heating Or Cooling Feature Patents (Class 277/930)
  • Patent number: 8366114
    Abstract: A system for cooling packing material utilized for sealing a shaft moving therethrough is described. The packing material held in place by at least one packing cup, wherein a coolant is directed axially through a significant volume of each packing cup close to the packing material. The present system finds use for compressors and pumps where pressure requirements of the fluids acted upon demand the use of packing materials in close contact with the moving shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Daron M. Gruner
  • Patent number: 8205454
    Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed divergent seals that circumscribe an engine centerline. Each divergent seal includes a multiple of divergent seal intakes adjacent to a joint structure to receive cooling airflow. Each divergent seal body is manufactured of a metallic hot sheet inner skin and a metallic cold sheet outer skin. The skins form a multiple of longitudinal channels which communicate with a multiple of edge channels formed within the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of each divergent seal. The multiple of edge channels are located transverse to the longitudinal axis and are raked aft to facilitate cooling of the gas path surface of each divergent seal and adjacent divergent flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis C. Cowan, James P. Allore, Paul Attridge
  • Patent number: 7857579
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a component gap with respect to a flow, in particular for use in a fluid-flow machine, specifically in a turbomachine is provided. In addition a fluid-flow machine is provided including such a sealing element for sealing a component gap. The sealing element includes a hollow profile enclosing a cavity. Arranged in the hollow profile are a first opening and a second opening, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the hollow profile. The first opening is formed as an inlet opening for a cooling fluid into the cavity of the hollow profile, the second opening is formed as an outlet opening for the cooling fluid from the cavity of the hollow profile. With the sealing element arranged in a fluid-flow machine, the sealing element can consequently be internally cooled by means of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, the sealing element uses the pressure gradient occurring in the flow in the direction of flow to form a stable cooling fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicolas Johnson Campino, Jonas Hurter, Markus Stemann, Sergey Trifonov, Alexander Zagorskiy
  • Patent number: 7694743
    Abstract: A ROV-deployable gas hydrate diverter comprising a body having a circular disc shape with a center hole, and a handle attached to and protruding from a surface of the body, wherein the handle is adapted to be grasped by the grasping arm of an ROV to facilitate installation of the gas hydrate diverter over a subsea wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Dean Arning
  • Patent number: 7338049
    Abstract: A self-cooling ferrofluid seal includes a housing having a housing case and an external pole piece integrally connected to the housing case where the housing case has a plurality of heat dissipating surfaces, a magnetic circuit within the housing formed in conjunction with the external pole piece, a rotatable shaft having one or more fan blades where the rotatable shaft is coaxially aligned within the housing, and a quantity of magnetic fluid between the rotatable shaft and the external pole piece forming a ferrofluid seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ferrotec (USA) Corporation
    Inventor: Zhixin Li
  • Patent number: 7217081
    Abstract: A seal for sealing a seal groove in a shroud of a turbine vane. The seal may include a cooling system configured to pass cooling fluids through a cooling fluid supply port in a shroud, through a cooling system in which the cooling fluids contact the shroud and the seal, and exhaust the fluids through a gap between adjacent turbine vanes. The seal may include an elongated cooling channel for channeling cooling fluids from a supply to an exhaust channel at a first end. The cooling system may remove heat from the turbine vane shroud, the seal, and other related components, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scheurlen, Xubin E. Gu
  • Patent number: 7150089
    Abstract: An apparatus that has housing for containing objects. The housing has two heat-conducting partial-boundaries having an interface between them. The apparatus also has a medium for enhancing heat transfer across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Scafidi
  • Patent number: 7052015
    Abstract: A brush seal adapted to restrict a fluid flow through a gap between a first component and a second component, comprising: a body; a brush pack secured to the body; and a passage through the body for introducing a cooling flow to the gap. The passage has a first end that is exposed to the gap and a second end that is not exposed to the gap. The passage discharges a cooling flow to the brush seal, the cooling flow being discrete from the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Addis
  • Patent number: 6932351
    Abstract: A packing case for cooling compressors and other machinery is disclosed. A packing case includes an opening through which a movable machinery shaft may be inserted such that the packing case is mounted on the shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the packing case contains at least one packing cup with channels through which a fluid coolant may flow. The channels form substantially parallel passageways along the length of the shaft that are spaced apart around the shaft circumference and series connected. The fluid coolant may be introduced through one or more inlet ports, circulate through the substantially parallel passageways of the at least one packing cup, and exit the packing case through one or more outlet ports. The fluid coolant may flow through the packing case in a single, continuous flow path or a split flow arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: William L. Mowll
  • Publication number: 20040150169
    Abstract: A gasket embedding an ion sensor 5 used for sealing a cylinder head to a cylinder block of an engine which is intervened under pressure between the cylinder head and the cylinder block, the gasket having a detection function of the condition in a combustion chamber. The gasket comprises a metal sheet in which a bore seal is formed at a ring-like bead structure and of an insulation seal layer coating at least the upper surface and the lower surface of the metal sheet so as to include the bead structure. An ionic current detection electrode is formed so as to project into the combustion chamber from the insulation seal layer and further a lug projecting outside from the periphery of the insulation seal layer is served as an ionic current introduction electrode of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Eiji Tomita, Sadami Yoshiyama
  • Patent number: 6725876
    Abstract: A compact fuel control valve is presented where a hydraulic manifold is used as both a valve bonnet and an actuator seat for the valve actuator. The valve body has a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet and a metering plug opening. A metering plug guide mounted within the metering plug opening and attached to the hydraulic manifold forms a thermal barrier between the valve body and the hydraulic manifold to protect lower temperature components from high temperature gaseous fluids. A valve metering plug is directly coupled to the valve actuator piston. The hydraulic manifold maintains barriers between the hydraulics and the gaseous fuel with redundant seals and leakage paths. An intermediate vent within the hydraulic manifold routed to atmosphere further maintains physical separation of the gas and hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Bowman, Wade A. Burdick
  • Patent number: 6702300
    Abstract: A high temperature sealing system is operative to seal an interface between adjacent hot structures and to minimize parasitic flow between such structures that move relative to one another in-plane or out-of-plane. The sealing system may be used to seal thrust-directing ramp structures of a reusable launch vehicle and includes a channel and a plurality of movable segmented sealing elements. Adjacent ramp structures include edge walls which extend within the channel. The sealing elements are positioned along the sides of the channel and are biased to engage with the inner surfaces of the ramp structures. The segmented sealing elements are movable to correspond to the contour of the thrust-directing ramp structures. The sealing system is operative to prevent high temperature thrust gases that flow along the ramp structures from infiltrating into the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce M. Steinetz, Patrick H. Dunlap, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6578851
    Abstract: A pair of substantially opposed mating surfaces are joined to each other and sealed in place by means of an electrically-conductive member which is placed in proximity to the mating surfaces. The electrically-conductive member has at least one element secured thereto which is positioned to contact the mating surfaces, and which softens when the electrically-conductive member is heated by passing an electric current therethrough. The softened element conforms to the mating surfaces, and upon cooling of the softened element the mating surfaces are joined together in an effective seal. Of particular significance is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is a gasket having an electrically-conductive gasket base and a pair of the elements secured to opposite sides of the gasket base. This embodiment is positioned between the opposed mating surfaces to be joined to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Melvin A. Bryant, III
  • Patent number: 6503061
    Abstract: A heat dissipating and power cutting-off device of a pump has a heat dissipating ceramics ring fitted in a plastic member to form watertight connection in between to prevent water from flowing to a motor. The plastic member has a pivotal hole for a main blade wheel connected to a shaft of the motor, and for a shaft seal tightly fitted in same and said ceramics ring. The ring has an annular trench forming between on outer and an inner annular portions for increasing contact area with water so that heat passing through said ring can be dissipated to prevent plastic member from getting melted by said heat. A power cutting-off member is connected to the motor, and has a sensing element abutting the ceramics ring to sense a temperature of same for activation of the cutting-off member when a racing of the motor occurs to cause temperature of both the motor and the ring to rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Wei-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6478303
    Abstract: A sealing ring packing (1) includes a cooled packing casing (4) that can be placed inside a stuffing box borehole (3), and holds at least one essentially annular slide ring (5) pressed against the moved component (2) to be sealed, whose outside periphery (11) exhibits at least one heat transfer sleeve (9) expandable until resting on the inside periphery of the stuffing box borehole (3) when inserted, and which is otherwise not separately cooled. This makes it possible to avoid the disadvantages of a separate liquid cooling in this area without impermissible temperature rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Ventilwerke GmbH
    Inventor: Christopher David Radcliffe
  • Patent number: 6250806
    Abstract: A downhole oil-sealed bearing pack assembly is provided for protecting bearing elements and seals. The bearing pack assembly includes a non-contact flow restrictor for reducing large differential pressures across sealing elements. The non-contact flow restrictor includes an inner restrictive element attached to a rotatable drive shaft and an outer restrictive element secured to a stationary bearing housing. The inner restrictive element can include an outwardly extending ring adjacent to a first land and the outer restrictive element can include an inwardly extending ring adjacent to a second land. During rotation of the drive shaft the inwardly and outwardly extending rings remain a distance from the second and first lands, respectively, thus permitting a fluid to traverse the rings and lands. The invention also provides a wear sleeve for increasing seal and shaft life. The wear sleeve includes a groove cut into a hollow sleeve which is secured to the rotatable driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Bico Drilling Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Beshoory
  • Patent number: 6220814
    Abstract: A gas turbine sealing arrangement which includes a seal housing having at least one seal in close proximity to the turbine rotor. The seal housing is preheated prior to turbine start-up to thermally move the seal housing and its seal radially away from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Brushwood, Raymond E. Chupp
  • Patent number: 6200086
    Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly is adapted for use with a shaft supported by a bearing, the mechanical seal assembly being located near the bearing. The mechanical seal assembly includes a rotating member attached to the shaft and stationary member engaging the rotating member so that, when the shaft rotates, frictional heat is generated. The mechanical seal assembly includes a thermal barrier for reducing the amount of frictional heat reaching the bearing, thereby reducing the effect of the frictional heat on the lubrication of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sundyne Corporation
    Inventor: Michael K. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 6142483
    Abstract: A gasket assembly for securing a pair of surfaces together wherein an electrically conductive gasket base having a central opening is provided with a pair of layers secured to opposite sides of the gasket base, with the layers being a fusible alloy, a brazing alloy or a synthetic, thermoplastic material which will melt, without degrading, when the gasket base is heated. The surfaces may be secured to each other by a plurality of bolts to squeeze the gasket assembly therebetween or by some other clamping means. An electrical current is passed through the gasket base to heat it to a temperature sufficient to melt the layers to seal the surfaces to opposite sides of the gasket base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Melvin A. Bryant, III
  • Patent number: 6098992
    Abstract: An anti-freezing seal for vehicle compartments, doors, trunks, etc. In cold climates, one of the problems is freezing shut of vehicle doors, for example, due to the moisture which accumulates on the seals during the daytime and then freezes at night. This is a problem for all vehicle compartment lids using seals to prevent leakage of moisture or dust into the compartment and can be resolved by heated or vacuum actuated seals. A heated anti-icing seal may be similar in construction with various existing compartment lid or door seals, which include a bulb or compression section, means for attaching the bulb to a compartment flange, a reflective shield, heat strip, and electrical wires or electric clips adapted to be connected to a DC or AC power supply via, for example, a switch, thermostat, and timer. The attaching means may be an adhesive or a seal setting flange compartment having grippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Neil G. Long, Scott Clare
  • Patent number: 6095234
    Abstract: A conveyance vehicle for the transportation of a vessel to be evacuated includes a heat sink in the form of one or more heat pipes located adjacent a seal forming part of a gripper assembly. The heat sink inhibits degradation of the seal when subjected to elevated temperatures consequent to engaging the neck of the vessel to be evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Graeme Huntley