Abstract: This invention relates to a device for controlling and synchronizing the guide vanes of a distributor of hydraulic machines, particulalry of turbines, which comprises ramps borne by spaced apart radial tabs secured with the synchronization ring. Each lever fitted angularly on the journal of each guide vane presents a free end which cooperates with the corresponding ramp by a roller. The profile of the guide vanes is such that the hydrodynamic force tend to close them.

Abstract: A balanced rotary seal assembly for positively adjusting the seal between a rotating shaft such as a hydraulic turbine shaft having rotary components carried thereby and the surrounding non-rotating machine elements wherein the seal assembly includes a plurality of counteracting pressure applying and fluid conduit devices which are radially spcaed about the axis of the shaft so that an adjustable and variable force is uniformly created so as to regulate the engagement of a pair of annular seal elements against an annular wear plate carried by the rotary components of the turbine and wherein fluid flow to the seal elements and wear plate is generally insured whenever the rotary components are moved relative to the seal elements.