Abstract: An electro-composite tribological coating for coating a flexible or compliant structure, for example a structural seal, includes a cobalt and cobalt alloy base containing a fine dispersion of tribologically suitable particles such as chromium carbide (Cr3C2), silicon carbide (SiC), carbon graphite, and the like, which can be deposited directly on the outer surface of the seal as a near-net shape coating requiring little or no mechanical polishing or grinding. The coating is deposited on the seal in one embodiment by an electrolytic bath. In this manner, a near-net shape coating of a desirable thickness, for example having a thickness of about 0.005? and a desirable surface finish can be achieved in the as-plated condition with little or no additional polishing or grinding after coating.

Abstract: An electro-composite tribological coating for coating a flexible or compliant structure, for example a structural seal, includes a cobalt and cobalt alloy base containing a fine dispersion of tribologically suitable particles such as chromium carbide (Cr3C2), silicon carbide (SiC), carbon graphite, and the like, which can be deposited directly on the outer surface of the seal as a near-net shape coating requiring little or no mechanical polishing or grinding. The coating is deposited on the seal in one embodiment by an electrolytic bath. In this manner, a near-net shape coating of a desirable thickness, for example having a thickness of about 0.005? and a desirable surface finish can be achieved in the as-plated condition with little or no additional polishing or grinding after coating.

Abstract: A non-metallic brush seal for use in high temperature applications includes a plurality of bristles fabricated from polymeric or ceramic materials that are twisted together along the length of the bristles.

Abstract: A non-contacting seal for sealing in high temperature applications includes at least one segment having an inner pad with a hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry enabling the seal to run in a non-contact mode, and at least one finger spring supported on the pad that aids in making the seal radially compliant while also being axially stiff, compared to the radial direction. In one embodiment, multiple segments are supported on a support member spaced from the pad to form a gap (g) therebetween. The pad preferably includes a wear resistant layer on its inner diameter (ID) which prevents excessive wear of the pad. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry is in the form of a groove formed on the inner pad. A cover may also be provided between inner pads at the ID and the support ring at the outer diameter OD in order to prevent leakage through the gap.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly including a bristle strip having a plurality of bristles mounted at an angle to at least one rail, and an annular holder for supporting the bristle strip is provided. In one embodiment, the bristle strip is flexible such that the strip can be readily bent by hand and the annular holder is preferably U-shaped. The brush seal assembly may be utilized with conventional mounting techniques, and may be mounted within a unitary or segmented holder. Once installed, the brush seal assembly acts as a static and dynamic seal in order to seal the gap between a high pressure source and a low pressure source.

Abstract: A brush shroud assembly for reducing the tip clearance between a rotating blade and an engine casing is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of bristle packs supported within a housing such that the bristle distribution at the inner diameter of the bristle packs is substantially continuous. The continuous surface is created by mounting the bristles packs within a housing such that the packs are flared, i.e. width at the outer diameter of the bristle pack is smaller than that at the inner diameter. Various embodiments are disclosed for mounting the flared bristle packs to form a substantially continuous inner diameter. The bristle strips may be mounted in one or more annular rings, may be secured within one or more channels in the housing, the bristle packs may be formed into a tufted ring, or any of these may be utilized in combination with a backplate supporting an abradable seal, i.e. a hybrid design.

Abstract: A brush shroud assembly for reducing the tip clearance between a rotating blade and an engine casing is disclosed. The assembly includes a plurality of bristle packs supported within a housing such that the bristle distribution at the inner diameter of the bristle packs is substantially continuous. The continuous surface is created by mounting the bristles packs within a housing such that the packs are flared, i.e. width at the outer diameter of the bristle pack is smaller than that at the inner diameter. Various embodiments are disclosed for mounting the flared bristle packs to form a substantially continuous inner diameter. The bristle strips may be mounted in one or more annular rings, may be secured within one or more channels in the housing, the bristle packs may be formed into a tufted ring, or any of these may be utilized in combination with a backplate supporting an abradable seal, i.e. a hybrid design.