Abstract: The invention includes a method for continually circulating a fluid in a system, in the absence of an external pumping mechanism, by providing a fluid, an active space capable of generating a higher pressure zone and causing a contiguous lower pressure zone, a passive space, and a porous medium disposed between the active space and the passive space, and generating a pressure differential relationship between the active space and the passive space causing the fluid to circulate freely in both directions between the active space and the passive space, across the porous medium, without the aid of an external pumping system, such that the fluid circulation defines a self-acting self-circulating fluid system, and to the system created thereby.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for continually circulating a fluid in a system, in the absence of an external pumping mechanism, by providing a fluid, an active space capable of generating a higher pressure zone and causing a contiguous lower pressure zone, a passive space, and a porous medium disposed between the active space and the passive space, and generating a pressure differential relationship between the active space and the passive space causing the fluid to circulate freely in both directions between the active space and the passive space, across the porous medium, without the aid of an external pumping system, such that the fluid circulation defines a self-acting self-circulating fluid system, and to the system created thereby.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sealing devices used in conjunction with two relatively rotatable members and having a fluid seal there between. Finger seals are utilized to achieve sealing between a rotating member and a stationary member. As such the present invention involves a double padded finger seal with both pads oriented axially in the same direction. The sealing apparatus may optionally utilize a padless third laminate. In other embodiments, the present invention provides variations of the basic double padded finger seal with pad configurations utilizing various arrangements and geometries of the padded area.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sealing devices used in conjunction with two relatively rotatable members and having a fluid seal there between. Finger seals are utilized to achieve sealing between a rotating member and a stationary member. As such the present invention involves a double padded finger seal with both pads oriented axially in the same direction. The sealing apparatus may optionally utilize a padless third laminate. In other embodiments, the present invention provides variations of the basic double padded finger seal with pad configurations utilizing various arrangements and geometries of the padded area.

Abstract: A seal assembly which cooperates between relatively rotatable members for creating a sealing relationship between areas of high and low pressures. The assembly includes a face seal arrangement nonrotatably associated with one of the relatively rotatable members, which face seal arrangement defines thereon a pair of annular sealing faces, and an annular brush having a plurality of bristles disposed in an annular array. The brush bristles are mounted on the holder such that free ends thereof are in sealing contact with the other member to form a first seal between the areas of high and low pressures, whereby the brush is rotatable along with the other member to minimize wear thereto. The brush defines thereon a pair of annular sealing faces which are disposed in axially adjacent and opposed face-to-face relation with the respective sealing faces of the face seal arrangement to form a second seal between the areas of high and low pressures.

Abstract: A hybrid floating brush seal (10) generally includes a brush (30) that encircles a rotating shaft (12). The brush (30) includes a bristle portion (32) that is carried by a holder (34). A self acting film device such as a spiral groove seal (52) is disposed adjacent to a back plate (36) of the holder (34). A collar (72) is disposed adjacent to a front plate (38) of the holder (34). A plurality of pins (70) and springs (76) act to bias the brush (30) away from the collar (72) towards the spiral groove seal (52). When the shaft (12) rotates, the spiral groove seal (52) creates a cushion of air between itself and the back plate (36) of the brush (30) thus forcing the brush (30) against the springs (76). Thus, the brush (30) constantly adjusts its position between the collar (72) and the spiral groove seal (52) while creating minimal friction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil field steam production and use. Heated refractory particles are flowed through a steam generator in heat exchange relation with well water to generate steam. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the steam is flowed into a well to heat oil in the well. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the refractory particles are heated by flowing through a solar receiver in heat exchange relation with solar radiation.