Abstract: A rotary coupling has a nonrotatable stator having a stator passage with an end opening along an axis and a rotor rotatable on the stator about the axis and having a rotor passage with an end axially confronting the stator end. A rotor seal is rotatable with the rotor end about the axis, and a stator seal is rotationally fixed to the stator end and bears axially on the rotor seal. Thus the rotor seal rotates on the stator seal on rotation of the rotor. A strain element that changes size in response to temperature in the stator adjacent the seals is coupled to one of the seals for shifting the one seal relative to the other seal in response to temperature changes adjacent the seals.

Abstract: A coupling for supplying a heat-exchange liquid to a load has a shaft extending from the load and centered on the axis. A nonrotating housing surrounding the shaft at the tube end has a connection so that the heat-exchange liquid can be pumped into the load. A roller bearing is engaged between the housing and the shaft axially between the opening and the load. Respective seal rings rotationally fixed on and sealed to the housing and the shaft between the bearing and the opening bear axially on one another. A cooling sleeve on the housing surrounds and extends axially past the seal rings. An insulator has a part closely radially surrounding the shaft between the seal rings and the opening and forming therewith a small gap through which the heat-exchange liquid can flow.

Abstract: A coupling for supplying a heat-exchange liquid to a load has a shaft extending from the load and centered on the axis. A nonrotating housing surrounding the shaft at the tube end has a connection so that the heat-exchange liquid can be pumped into the load. A roller bearing is engaged between the housing and the shaft axially between the opening and the load. Respective seal rings rotationally fixed on and sealed to the housing and the shaft between the bearing and the opening bear axially on one another. A cooling sleeve on the housing surrounds and extends axially past the seal rings. An insulator has a part closely radially surrounding the shaft between the seal rings and the opening and forming therewith a small gap through which the heat-exchange liquid can flow.

Abstract: A rotary steam-heated system and a source of steam under superatmospheric pressure are connected together by a coupling having a tubular shaft extending along and rotatable about an axis and having an outer end supporting the system and an inner end. A housing engaged around the inner end forms therewith a chamber connected to the source and opening into the tubular shaft so that steam from the source can flow through the chamber into the shaft and therethrough to the system. A bearing supports the shaft in the housing and a primary seal closing an outer side of the chamber is engaged between the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: A coupling for feeding a heat-exchange fluid between a stationary supply and a rotating body comprises a tubular rotor shaft fixed to the rotating body and rotatable about and centered on an axis and a nonrotatable housing fixed stationarily adjacent and surrounding the body. This housing is provided with an inlet connected to the supply and is formed with a passage permitting fluid communication between the supply and the body through the shaft. At least one roller bearing rotationally supports the shaft in the housing and outer and inner seals axially flanking the bearing define an annular substantially closed chamber containing the bearing and each seal between the housing and the shaft. The inner seal has an inner side exposed to the fluid and the outer seal has an outer side exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. A coolant is circulated through the chamber.