Abstract: A mechanism for automatically changing the pitch of propeller blades employing engine torque alone which increases with air speed. A powered hub mounts at least two blades and includes blade pitch changing elements automatically responsive to engine torque for changing blade pitch. The elements include a gear train having a drive gear and several driven gears with flexible coupling components interconnected therebetween. The flexible coupling includes a number of compressible components disposed in cavities in a circular array between the driving gear and the driven gears and which distort under torsional loads at a pre-determined rate.As engine torque changes due to aerodynamic loads on the blades, the flexible coupling components distort causing the blades to change pitch angle.

Abstract: A split mechanical face seal assembly for mounting around a shaft, and having two holder halves, each of the two holder halves having first and second axial ends, each first end defining a counterbore formed therein, a seal face half received in the counterbore of each of the two holder halves, a resilient mounting in the counterbore of each of the two holder halves to seal the respective seal face half relative to its holder half, a resilient member in the counterbore of each of the two holder halves biasing the seal face half outwardly of its counterbore, a separate split retainer ring half located between and engaging each biasing means and its respective seal face half and an annular member for securing the two holder halves to each other around the shaft. A method of assembling and installing a split mechanical face seal around a shaft that extends from a housing.

Abstract: A fluid handling machine having a shaft, a radially disposed housing, and a backup seal. During normal operation, the backup seal is concentric with and radially spaced from the shaft. The backup seal includes a first annular portion located adjacent the backup seal chamber and a second annular portion preferably made of carbon graphite. The backup seal is configured to engage the housing such that when the fluid pressure in the backup seal chamber exceeds a predetermined level, a sufficient axial force is applied to the first annular portion and transmitted therethrough to the second annular portion to cause the second annular portion to close radially into sealing engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly having a rotatable seal ring connected to the shaft and a non-rotatable seal ring connected to the housing. A cylindrical drive ring encircles the rotatable seal ring and an annular shroud is mounted to the cylindrical drive ring and extends from it terminating in an annular lip that is disposed in contacting relationship with the rotatable seal ring adjacent the seal face of the rotatable seal ring. The shroud may be provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots. A connection is provided for moving the end of the shroud toward the non-rotatable seal ring when the shaft moves toward the non-rotatable seal ring.

Abstract: An improved mechanical seal assembly for separating high pressure fluid from lower pressure fluid including a vented Quad-ring in a non-rotatable seal ring for providing lower sliding friction and improved, more consistent pressure deflection of the non-rotating seal face, an improved means for positioning a pressure breakdown means located in the high pressure fluid for controlling the pressure differential between the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid by a predetermined amount and means for improving the circulation of clean fluid around the outer periphery of the seal assembly under conditions where the fluid being pumped is contaminated.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly especially adaptable for use in the chemical industry in which a jacket impervious to the chemical involved surrounds a spring means which urges the seal faces toward one another, the spring being capable of transmitting torque and provides axial support to the jacket.

Abstract: A single or multiple stage mechanical seal assembly in which one seal ring is resiliently coupled to a rotatable shaft and the other seal ring is resiliently urged toward the first seal ring by axially-arranged identical springs received in spring pockets in a spring retainer, some pockets opening at one radial surface of the retainer and others opening at the other radial surface of the retainer. The outer surfaces of the seal rings are protected against deflection by being encircled by cylindrical members and one seal ring is resiliently coupled to its encircling cylindrical member. A balance sleeve means partly supports the axially movable seal ring and is capable of angular adjustment to compensate for shaft misalignment.

Abstract: An improved mechanical seal assembly comprising a generally stationary seal ring and rotatable seal ring, each with opposed seal faces, the stationary seal ring being connected to a stationary housing by elastomeric keys. One of said seal rings is constructed of a material such as a carbon graphite composition which is more brittle than the other which is constructed of a much harder less brittle material. As in most seals of this character, the seal faces are lubricated by a fluid film flowing radially across the opposing faces. In the absence or upon failure of the film, the rings can seize, generally resulting in a breakage of or other damage to the more brittle seal ring. However, the elastomeric connecting keys provide a cushion for absorbing dynamic forces in the tangential direction, to distribute bearing loads substantially evenly and to allow radial deflections of the stationary seal ring relative to the housing due to thermal and pressure effects.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly comprising stationary rotating seal rings having opposed faces which remain parallel to one another during operation or defect to become convex in order to provide a convergent path for leakage across the opposed faces.