Abstract: A hybrid seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component comprises at least one shoe extending along one of the machine components in a position to create a non-contact seal, at least one spring element connected between one of the machine components and the shoe(s) and a stack of sealing elements located within a slot formed in the shoe(s), wherein a primary seal and secondary seal of the circumferential gap is created by the shoe(s) in cooperation with the spring element(s) and sealing elements, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid ram air turbine includes a generally conical-shaped shaft which mounts a number of vanes wrapped in a substantially helical orientation along the shaft with a portion of each vane being formed in the general shape of a reaction turbine blade and another portion in the general shape of an impulse turbine blade. A number of fixed inlet guide vanes having a convergent wedge shape direct a flow of air onto the blades of the turbine which is mounted within the interior of a pod.

Abstract: A predictive maintenance method and apparatus for HVACR systems including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a gaseous phase in the refrigerant fluid at a location wherein solely liquid phase should be present if the system is functioning properly.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry and labyrinth-type teeth that influence the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry that influences the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: A hybrid brush seal is provided for sealing a circumferential gap between two machine components that are relatively rotatable with respect to each other having seal bristles mounted in a ring shape on a first machine component with bristle ends directed at the sealing surface of the second, rotating machine component. The bristle ends are kept from direct contact with the rotating machine component via one or more shoes which create a non-contact seal with the rotating machine component which is enhanced by the imposition of one or more spring elements connected between the machine component and shoes.

Abstract: A hybrid brush seal is provided having two bundles of axially spaced seal bristles each of which are mounted in a ring shape on a first machine component with bristle ends directed at a sealing surface of the second, rotating machine component. The bristle ends are kept from direct contact with the rotating machine component via one or more shoes which are designed such that as the shaft rotates a hydrodynamic film separates the shoe(s) from the shaft. The shoe(s) is attached to the bristle ends at discreet locations. Alternatively, one or more bundles of seal bristles are mounted at one end either to the fixed or rotating machine component, with the opposite bristle ends directed toward one or more shoes, and wherein one or more spring elements are connected between the machine component and shoes.

Abstract: A hybrid brush seal is provided having two bundles of axially spaced seal bristles each of which are mounted in a ring shape on a first machine component with bristle ends directed at a sealing surface of the second, rotating machine component. The bristle ends are kept from direct contact with the rotating machine component via one or more shoes which are designed such that as the shaft rotates a hydrodynamic film separates the shoe(s) from the shaft. The shoe(s) is attached to the bristle ends at discreet locations. Alternatively, one or more bundles of seal bristles are mounted at one end either to the fixed or rotating machine component, with the opposite bristle ends directed toward one or more shoes, and wherein one or more spring elements are connected between the machine component and shoes.

Abstract: A brush seal for sealing a circumferential gap between two relatively rotating machine components, e.g. the rotor or shaft and stator of a fluid flow machine, such as a gas turbine engine. One end of a plurality of seal bristles is fixed in an annular shape and are mounted to the stator, and their opposite ends are attached to a number of individual shoes located at the rotor. The shoes function very similarly to that of a tilting pad bearing shoe. Prior to shaft rotation, the shoes are in contact with the rotor surface with preferably the leading edge of each shoe set to have less contact than the trailing edge of the shoe. As such, when the rotor begins to rotate, a hydrodynamic wedge is created which lifts the shoe slightly off the surface of the shaft allowing the shoe to effectively “float” over the shaft at a design gap.

Abstract: A brush seal for sealing a circumferential gap between two relatively rotating machine components, e.g. the rotor or shaft and stator of a fluid flow machine, such as a gas turbine engine. One end of a plurality of seal bristles is fixed in an annular shape and are mounted to the stator, and their opposite ends are attached to a number of individual shoes located at the rotor. The shoes function very similarly to that of a tilting pad bearing shoe. Prior to shaft rotation, the shoes are in contact with the rotor surface with preferably the leading edge of each shoe set to have less contact than the trailing edge of the shoe. As such, when the rotor begins to rotate, a hydrodynamic wedge is created which lifts the shoe slightly off the surface of the shaft allowing the shoe to effectively “float” over the shaft at a design gap.

Abstract: An optical mass gauge sensor is disclosed comprising a vessel having an interior surface which reflects radiant energy at a wavelength at least partially absorbed by a fluid contained within the vessel, an illuminating device for introducing radiant energy at such wavelength into the vessel interior, and, a detector for measuring the energy per unit area of illumination within the vessel created by the radiant energy which is not absorbed by the fluid.

Abstract: In rocket engines power is usually obtained by burning fuel and oxidizer. The two are mixed, pressurized, and directed to a combustion chamber by means of turbopumps. Hydrostatic bearings have been proposed for use in these turbopumps because during flight, hydrostatic lubrication can reduce roller bearing wear. But during startup, acceleration and shutdown high pressure fluids are not available to provide fluid lubrication for hydrostatic bearings. During these periods a second bearing is required to carry the load, rendering hybrid bearings desirable for rocket engine turbopumps. Herein a hybrid hydrostatic-rolling element bearing has been provided. The rolling element bearing is locked on a stationary housing through which a rotating journal passes. A transient supporting ring is keyed to the journal. It is adapted to lock on the rolling element bearing so that the rolling element bearing supports radial loads during startup, initial acceleration, deceleration and shut down, and to release at high speeds.