Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position.