Patents by Inventor Alan D. McNickle
Alan D. McNickle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8616554Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle
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Patent number: 8342534Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, legal representative
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Patent number: 8272643Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. A plurality of radial dams disposed along the surface in an outward radial arrangement from the circumferential darn is provided to improve the stiffness of the thin film.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
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Publication number: 20120056383Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. A plurality of radial dams disposed along the surface in an outward radial arrangement from the circumferential darn is provided to improve the stiffness of the thin film.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: STEIN SEAL COMPANYInventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle
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Patent number: 8074995Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, legal representative, Glenn M. Garrison
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Patent number: 8074997Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
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Publication number: 20110215535Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison
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Publication number: 20110215530Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove may contain a pocket. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane McNickle
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Publication number: 20110210514Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove is an axial bore groove extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the seal ring segment in fluid communication with the dead end circumferential groove so as to direct fluid flow generated from a rotating shaft into the dead end circumferential groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison
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Publication number: 20110210518Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. Additional grooves are contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional grooves direct and create pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle
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Publication number: 20110115164Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: STEIN SEAL COMPANYInventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane R. McNickle
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Patent number: 7938402Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
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Publication number: 20110057396Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: STEIN SEAL COMPANYInventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle
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Publication number: 20100213674Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle
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Publication number: 20080284105Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Thurai Manik VASAGAR, Alan D. McNickle, Diane R. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison
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Publication number: 20080157479Abstract: An assembly for sealing a liquid region from a gas region across an annular surface of a rotating shaft in turbomachinery, having a plurality of annular sealing ring segments facing the rotating shaft, at least one sealing ring segment including a dead end annular groove formed in a radially inwardly facing bearing surface at a position closer to the liquid region than to the gas region when the segment is positioned proximate the shaft surface, the groove extending arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation, at least one diagonal groove formed in the segment bearing surface and extending from an edge of the segment proximate the gas region to a position of communication with the dead end annular groove that is downstream, from a mouth of the diagonal groove at the segment edge, with respect to rotary movement of the shaft along the segment bearing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Thurai Manik Vasagar, Alan D. McNickle, Glenn M. Garrison, Diane R. McNickle
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Patent number: 5558341Abstract: A seal structure is provided having a configuration with a very small seal gap between a relatively stationary seal member and a complementary surface on a movable (rotatable) member (such as a rotating shaft) adjacent to which the stationary seal member is mounted. The stationary seal member is movable toward and away from the movable seal member so as to vary the seal gap therebetween. The seal is effective in applications where an incompressible fluid is provided on the high pressure side of the stationary seal member so that leakage along the seal gap is of an incompressible fluid into a lower pressure region on the other side of the seal gap. A sealing dam is provided on the stationary seal member on its sealing face adjacent the low pressure end of the seal gap. A plurality of elongated pads are formed on the sealing surface of the stationary seal member on the high pressure side of the sealing dam, extending perpendicularly to the direction of leakage flow along the seal gap.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventors: Alan D. McNickle, Mingfong Hwang, Adam N. Pope
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Patent number: 5503407Abstract: An annular windback is provided in a housing containing a lubricant sump and a rotating shaft therein. The windback is located at one end of the sump and the shaft extends through the windback. The housing has a seal interacting between the housing and the shaft to prevent lubricant from exiting the sump and to prevent other media within the housing from entering the sump. The windback is located between the seal and the one end of the sump and has a spiral groove in the inner annular surface facing the shaft for providing a return path for lubricant carried toward the seal by shaft windage. One or more radial holes are formed in the windback at an axial location thereon between the seal and the closer end of the spiral groove to equalize the pressure at the aforesaid axial location between the windback and the shaft with the pressure in the remainder of the sump.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: Stein Seal CompanyInventor: Alan D. McNickle