Patents Examined by Nicholas L Foster
  • Patent number: 11619308
    Abstract: Low-torque sliding components have sliding surfaces rotated relative to each other with an annular mating ring and an annular seal ring facing each other. The sliding surface of at least one of the mating ring and the seal ring has therein a plurality of multi-stepped recess portions formed in a circumferential direction. Relative rotation and sliding of the mating ring and the seal ring causes the multi-stepped recess portions to generate a dynamic pressure, and the multi-stepped recess portion is formed in a stepwise shape in a cross-sectional view by a dynamic pressure recess portion and a static pressure recess portion with the dynamic pressure recess portion surrounding the static pressure recess portion deeper than the dynamic pressure recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Tadatsugu Imura, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Yuichiro Tokunaga, Hideyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 11614187
    Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a plurality of pressure-energized metal seals configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure and/or hydraulic fluid pressure. Pressure-energized metal seals may also be provided to seal between the body of the female coupling member and a removable seal retainer or seal cartridge. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seals are back-to-back metal C-seals separated by annular seal supports having a generally T-shaped cross section and retained on one or more shoulders in the body of the female member by a removable seal cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, III, Scott Stolle, Chris Roy
  • Patent number: 11603934
    Abstract: A sliding component has an annular mating ring and an annular seal ring opposite to each other and causing respective sliding surfaces thereof to slidably rotate relative to each other, to seal a sealed fluid present on radially inner or outer side of the sliding surfaces. In the sliding surface of the seal ring, a plurality of dynamic pressure recesses is formed separately arranged in a circumferential direction, the dynamic pressure recesses generating a dynamic pressure by a relative sliding rotation between the mating ring and the seal ring. In the sliding surface of the mating ring, a plurality of static pressure recesses is formed in the circumferential direction at positions where the static pressure recesses cooperate with the dynamic pressure recesses to enable the sealed fluid to flow the static pressure recesses to the dynamic pressure recesses. The static pressure recesses is deeper than the dynamic pressure recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Tadatsugu Imura
  • Patent number: 11598472
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing broken, compromised, damaged or cracked conduits is provided. Conduits such as pipes and tubing may bear fluid flows therethrough. Often these conduits are damaged or compromised and begin leaking fluid. A clamp is provided that holds expandable metal securely about the outer circumference of the conduit. The expandable metal may react with any leaking fluid, such as water, thereby expanding and sealing the crack or otherwise seals the compromised conduit in a permanent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Shanu Thottungal Eldho, Christopher M. Pelto
  • Patent number: 11598421
    Abstract: Provided is a seal arrangement for sealing an internal space between two components mounted for rotation relative to each other, in particular for sealing a wheel bearing. The seal arrangement comprises a first carrier element, which can be connected to the first component, and a second carrier element, which can be connected to the second component. A sealing element is formed on at least one of the carrier elements and rests against the respective other carrier element at least one contact point. It is provided that at least one opening is made in the first carrier element, into which a ventilation element is inserted. It is provided that a receiving space is formed on the ventilation element, which is delimited in the radial direction by a collar on a base body of the ventilation element, wherein a gas-permeable membrane or a porous body is arranged in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BRUSS SEALING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Mathias Piehl, Gerd Behrends, Lutz Wolter, Bjoern Lindener, Juergen Grundt, Timo Besoke, Manfred Brand, Sebastian Teuscher
  • Patent number: 11598375
    Abstract: A labyrinth seal includes a seal case with an inner-diameter leg encircling a rotation axis, and an insert fixed in the seal case and encircling the rotation axis. The labyrinth seal also includes a slinger encircling the rotation axis and wrapping around the inner-diameter leg to cooperate with the seal case to form a first part of a labyrinth path. The slinger rotates relative to the seal case. The labyrinth seal also includes a rotor that encircles the rotation axis, cooperates with the insert to form a second part of the labyrinth path, and interlocks with the insert to limit axial movement of the rotor when the rotor rotates relative to the insert. The labyrinth seal may be combined with a bearing cone, a bearing cup, and a plurality of rollers to form a roller bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: James Hargraves
  • Patent number: 11598418
    Abstract: A system to provide at least two circumferential metal to metal seals between coaxial tubulars. Where a first tubular includes a circumferential shoulder having a circumferential first metal seal and a circumferential second metal seal. A second tubular has a circumferential shoulder that matches and abuts the first tubular circumferential shoulder. Each metal seal is of a material having a higher yield strength than the second tubular shoulder such that the first metal seal and the second metal seal will penetrate the material of the second tubular shoulder thereby providing a seal. Additionally a test port is provided from the exterior of the exterior tubular to a point on either the first or second tubular between the first and second metal seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Patriot Research Center, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Cain, Craig Cotton
  • Patent number: 11592109
    Abstract: A bearing seal includes at least one first metal-plate element having an attachment region for attaching the first metal-plate element to a bearing inner ring, at least one seal element attached to the first metal-plate element, and at least one spring element configured to press at least one region of the seal element in a radially outward direction. Also a wheel bearing assembly including the bearing seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Rico Dittmar
  • Patent number: 11592111
    Abstract: A torque-resistant dual face seal includes a seal ring having an L-shaped cross-section including an axially-extending flange and a radially-extending flange, the seal ring including an annular seal face and an opposing loading surface. The seal ring includes a plurality of deformations formed in a spaced apart arrangement circumferentially around the axially-extending flange. An axial cross-section through the axially-extending flange and intersecting one of the plurality of deformations includes a stepped geometry. The plurality of deformations allows a load ring to squeeze into the plurality of deformations to increase a surface area contact between the seal ring and the load ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Loreena S. Plouse, Kenneth L. Crunkleton, Dennis M. Turczyn, Benjamin J. Copple
  • Patent number: 11592106
    Abstract: A hollow annular seal for sealing two concentric components in a subsea environment is disclosed. The hollow annular seal is constructed from an elastomeric material with a hollow core. The hollow annular seal also includes a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to flow through the apertures and into the hollow core to prevent collapse of the fluid filled, hollow annular seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Sean P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11585442
    Abstract: There is proposed an annular seal for a pipe coupling, comprising, a lower portion beatable within an upwardly open annular groove in the pipe coupling, an upper portion having an upwardly facing abutment surface, a depending skirt and a stiffening ring. The depending skirt is configured for engagement over a circular upstand of the pipe coupling, which is located inwardly of the annular groove. The stiffening ring is located within the upper portion of the annular seal, and includes an annular portion that is generally parallel with and spaced apart from the abutment surface and at least one circumferential leg depending from the annular portion that provides reinforcement for the depending leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jeanette Byrne
  • Patent number: 11578757
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes: an annular reinforcement ring around an axis; and an annular elastic body part around the axis, which is attached to the reinforcement ring and is formed of an elastic body. The elastic body part has: a side lip, an intermediate lip, and a grease lip. A grease as a lubricant is applied to respective inner peripheral side surfaces of the side lip, the intermediate lip, and the grease lip. A thickener of the grease includes no urea-based thickener. In a usage state of the sealing apparatus, a cross sectional area of an inter-lip space enclosed by the side lip, the intermediate lip, and a hub ring is equal to or greater than 3.5 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tarukawa, Yuichi Shuto, Kei Sasaki, Shohei Yamane, Takuya Kato
  • Patent number: 11578801
    Abstract: A cover for a bearing housing, in particular intended to be mounted on machinery for the food industry, provided with an end wall transverse to an axis of the bearing housing; with an annular side wall which extends transversely with respect to the end wall; and with an engaging portion towards the bearing housing, which is formed on one end of the side wall opposite to the end wall; a through-opening being formed through the end wall so as to allow the passage of a moving shaft, preferably a rotating shaft, and being surrounded by a reinforcing ring rigidly joined to and integral with the end wall so as to support a sealing element mounted on the through-opening and sealingly engaged by the moving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Fausto Baracca, Andrea A. Bertolini, Fabio Cavacece, Fabio Falaschi, Pasquale Frezza
  • Patent number: 11572968
    Abstract: A high capacity universal connector for use in connecting tubular members and a method for sealing the tubular members is provided. First and second tubular members are provided which each have ends that are brought into face-to-face engagement by a connector. A metal sealing element seals against conical surfaces at the ends of the first and second tubular members and enables the entire surface of the end of one tubular member to be bought into engagement with the surface of the end of the other tubular member so as to improve the bending and compression capacity of the assembly comprising the tubular members and the metal sealing element. A metal sealing ring for use in this assembly is also provided, along with a gasket retention assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris B. Wade, Mark A. Manning, Blake T. DeBerry, Bruce J. Witwer
  • Patent number: 11565786
    Abstract: An aircraft door sealing system comprises a resilient sealing element secured to an aircraft door arrangement first element and comprising a sealing lip extending from a sealing member. A rigid counter-bearing element is secured to an aircraft door arrangement second element and cooperates with the sealing element to seal a gap between the first and second elements. The counter-bearing element comprises a first portion cooperating with the sealing member and a second portion cooperating with the sealing lip. The sealing lip and the second portion are positioned relative to each other, and the sealing lip can be resiliently deformed, so that the sealing lip is applied to the second portion and a contact face between the sealing lip and the second portion is formed or increases, when an external pressure acting on an outer face of the sealing lip via the gap, exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Heeren
  • Patent number: 11566616
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for mitigating fluid loss or leakage from a fluid pump with a rotating shaft driving a pumping mechanism. A one-piece, combined packing gland-bushing component can have an internal seal that allows for use of lubricants at higher pressures. Further, the combined packing gland-bushing component can be configured with a removal component that allows for easier removal of the packing gland-bushing component from a pump shaft, and shaft packing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: VIKING PUMP, INC.
    Inventors: Victor Christian Iehl, John Hall, Michael Robert Crawford, Chad Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 11566669
    Abstract: A component assembly for a motor vehicle includes a housing and an actuating element that is rotatable about an axis. The assembly also includes an actuator which is configured to cause a rotation of the actuating element. The assembly further includes a rotatable shaft which extends along a shaft axis and is disposed between the actuating element and the actuator and which is coupled to the actuating element and the actuator. The shaft is guided through a first through opening in the housing. A sealing system is provided in a radial direction perpendicular to the shaft axis so as to be between the shaft and a first internal wall of the first through opening. The sealing system has a sealing element support having a first side and a second side that faces away from the first side. The sealing element support is fastened in the first through opening. The sealing element support has a second through opening having a second internal wall. The shaft is guided through the second through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Glemser, Rene Schepp
  • Patent number: 11566708
    Abstract: A gasket assembly is provided having a ring seal (100) and a ring joint gasket (12). The ring seal (100) has an annular sealing body (102) and an annular outer seal portion (106) disposed on and defining an outer edge of the annular sealing body (102). An annular inner seal portion (108) is disposed on and defines an inner edge of the annular sealing body (102). A central bore (104) is defined by an annular surface (110) of the annular inner seal portion (108). The ring joint gasket (12) has an inner surface (13) that engages the annular outer seal portion (106) of the ring seal (100), wherein the ring joint gasket is insertable into a flange of a ring-type joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Miles Keeney-Ritchie, David Kuhny
  • Patent number: 11560948
    Abstract: A seal device for sealing slide-out room opening in recreational vehicles. The seal including a base; a bulb; an alignment aid member; and a positional member. The base having a proximal end, a distal end, an inside portion, an outside portion, and a perpendicular member. The bulb having an arcuate portion, a sidewall portion and a curled end portion. The positional member extending perpendicularly to the base distal end in opposite direction of the alignment aid member. The seal device may further include a flap extending co-linearly from the base distal end and a fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Uni-Grip, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Mathias, Kip Alspach, Doug Parsell, John Newman, Creston Kinley, Gary Steinmetz, Josh Weatherholtz, Charles Billeg, Christopher Vent
  • Patent number: 11549622
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sealing apparatus for use in a hypertube, which includes a first tube, a second tube having one end connected to an end of the first tube, and a gasket including a seal made of a fiber structure formed with a space that is filled with a sealing fluid, wherein the gasket is configured to seal a space between the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: KOREA RAILROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: JaeHeon Choi, KwanSup Lee, SuYong Choi, JinHo Lee, YongJun Jang, ChangYoung Lee, LeeHyeon Kim, MinHwan Ok, JungYoul Lim, JeongMin Jo