Patents by Inventor Frank H. Athearn

Frank H. Athearn 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).

  • Seal system for a turbomachine employing working fluid in its liquid phase as the sealing fluid
    Patent number: 4189156
    Abstract: A seal system for a turbomachine employing first fluid as a working medium and utilizing the same fluid in its liquid phase as a sealing medium. The pressure of the liquid sealing medium is maintained above the pressure of the working medium. The fluid is delivered to a first sealing region whereat the fluid flows in opposite directions along the shaft of the turbomachine, respectively towards the ambient and towards the working region in the machine. A seal is interposed between the first sealing region and the ambient to prevent the seal fluid from intermixing with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Carl H. Geary, Jr., Norman A. Samurin, Frank H. Athearn