Abstract: A livestock enclosure washing assembly for automatically spraying down a livestock enclosure to remove dirt and waste materials includes a cart movable within an animal enclosure, an adjustable articulated arm that rotates around the cart in a settable range, a pivoting spray nozzle for spraying in and out from the cart as the articulated arm rotates around the cart, and a pressurizing unit for dispensing a pressurized fluid through the spray nozzle to effectively remove dirt, debris and waste material from surfaces contacted by the pressurized fluid spray.

Abstract: An improved vortex mill for milling a substantially particulate solid material, which includes one or more working chambers. The mill also includes one or more working fluid inlets and one or more discharge ports. One or more working fluid inlets together with one or more discharge ports facilitate the vortex flow within the one or more working chambers. There are also one or more feed inlets to provide milling of the solid material, which is discharged from one or more discharge ports. In addition, there is apparatus for inducing controlled perturbations in the flow of the working fluid in the one or more working chambers, thereby to improve the milling of the solid material in the vortex flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for making hydrogen storage powder by hydride comminution which includes a hydride reactor with at least one chamber for tumbling powder. An apparatus for making hydrogen storage powder by hydride comminution which includes a hydride reactor having multiple chambers linked to one another, wherein at least one chamber is for heating and at least one chamber is for cooling.

Abstract: A package of tape including a plurality of body portions. Each body portion is formed as a series of steps, each step including a plurality of turns of tape that are wrapped about a core. During formation of each step, the winding position of the tape is varied. In one embodiment, the winding position of the tape is oscillated a fraction of the width of the tape per revolution of the core, or during a revolution of the core. In an alternative embodiment, the winding position of the tape is varied by a fraction of the width of the tape in a first direction after each approximately full turn of tape. During formation of an immediately adjacent step in the same body portion, the winding position of the tape is varied by a fraction of the width of the tape in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A spinning reel for fishing includes: a reel body; a pinion rotated in response to a rotation of a handle; a rotary cylinder shaft integrally rotated with a rotor including a fishing line guide portion, the rotary cylinder shaft being rotatably supported in the reel body; a spool shaft including a spool at an end portion thereof, the spool shaft being inserted into the rotary cylinder shaft so that so that the spool shaft can be reciprocated in an axial direction thereof; a recessed portion formed in the axial direction on an inner circumference side of the rotary cylinder shaft; and a pair of rolling bearings arranged so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction between the recessed portion and an outer circumferential face of the spool shaft.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge which can prevent inclination of a case relative to a loading direction when a door is moved in an aperture opening direction by an operation of loading the cartridge into a drive device. The aperture is closed by a door provided at a corner portion between a front wall and a right wall. An engaging protrusion fixed at the drive device is engaged with an operation protrusion of the door by the operation of loading the cartridge into the drive device in an arrow A direction, and the aperture is opened. At this time, an engaging member provided at a bucket which moves in the arrow A direction with the case engages with an engagement surface of a cell retention notch provided at a left end portion of the case. Thus, torque that acts on the case in accordance with opening of the aperture is counteracted.

Abstract: A belt reel has a spindle having a main body portion and a relatively rotatable end member that can be latched to a fixed frame upon triggering of an activation device. The main body portion of the spindle is formed with a bore which is filled with hydraulic fluid. The spindle further includes a force-limiting element which cooperates with the hydraulic fluid in the bore to produce a resistance against which the spindle body must be rotated when the relatively rotatable end member is latched to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding cables onto a rotatably driven cable drum without gaps, an oncoming cable being wound in a new coil directly next to the preceding coil at the running-on point, and the running-on angle of the cable being corrected if a monitoring device finds a gap between the last coils. A marking that changes over time is applied to the cable by a marking device before it is wound, and in the marking is detected at least in the new coil and the preceding coil, it being possible for the new coil to be differentiated from the preceding coil.

Abstract: A method for operating a short range, air-to-air missile carried by an aircraft flown by a pilot. The missile includes a seeker operative to track a target. The method comprises providing a first indication to the pilot when the seeker is tracking a target, providing a second indication to the pilot when a rate of angular motion of the seeker falls below a given value for a predefined period.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (10) is provided including an aircraft fuselage (12). A plurality of hubs (20) are mechanically coupled to the fuselage (12) and are rotated by at least one engine (22). A plurality of tandem rotor/wings (14) are mechanically coupled to the plurality of hubs (20) and propel and lift the aircraft fuselage (12). A transitional lift wing (16) is mechanically coupled to the fuselage (12) and enables lift on the fuselage (12) during off-loading lift of the plurality of tandem rotor/wings (14). A main controller (24) is coupled to the plurality of tandem rotor/wings (14) and switches the plurality of tandem rotor/wings (14) between a vertical lift mode and a fixed wing mode. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A readily attachable window assembly for efficient installation and maintenance of aircraft windows is provided. The aircraft has a sidewall having an inner perimeter that defines an opening. The window assembly includes an outer window frame. A center window frame is attached to the outer window frame, and an inner window frame is attached to the center window frame. The inner window frame is readily attachable to the sidewall adjacent to the opening of the inner perimeter. The inner window frame includes a releasable coupling mechanism that includes first and second engaging mechanisms that positionally lock the first mechanism to the second mechanism via a torsion spring assembly and engageable teeth of each mechanism. The first engaging mechanism is locked onto the sidewall when torque is applied through at least one pinhole. The window assembly is disengaged by disengaging the first and second engaging mechanisms via a disengagement tab.

Abstract: Cargo drop system and process (1) with a cargo (2), a cargo parachute (6) and an auxiliary parachute (7), which, by means of at least one ripcord (12; 12a, 12b), connects the auxiliary parachute (7) to the cargo glide chute (6), whereby a stabilization harness (14; 14a, 14b) is connected to the ripcord (12; 12a, 12b) on one side and to the cargo (2) on the other side, in order to attain a stable position of the cargo (2) relative to the ripcord (12; 12a, 12b), which is pulled by aerodynamic forces after the drop. A first trigger device (20) is provided for the release of the stabilization harness (14; 14a, 14b), and a second trigger device (40) is provided for the release of the cargo parachute (6) from the cargo (2), so that the cargo (2) hangs from a hanging device (60) on the cargo parachute (6).

Abstract: An active satellite dispenser is preferably attachable to a reusable launch vehicle for deployment of one or more satellites into one or more desired orbits. The active satellite dispenser includes a center mast that releasably receives the satellite(s), a liquid propellant rocket, and an orbital control system on an avionics pallet. In the preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas selectively pressurizes the propellant tanks (which may include fuel and oxidizer tanks), to provide propellant to the rocket. In operation, the launch vehicle releases the satellite dispenser in a first deployment orbit. The active dispenser rocket and orbital control system then transport the active dispenser and satellite(s) into the final deployment orbit. In the preferred embodiment the active dispenser can operate multiple times to place individual satellites in different orbits.

Abstract: Differential Global Positioning System receivers (60) are located at the corners of a confined zone and receive signals from Global Positioning System satellites (62). The Differential Global Positioning System receivers (60) aid an aircraft (16) to fly and flight path or combing patten (20) over the confined zone. A vehicle (12) with a trailer (14) may be used to transport the aircraft (16) for use over the confined zone.

Abstract: A slat is selectively extended from a main wing body, with a concave rear surface of the slat facing a convex forward nose surface of the wing body, with a slat gap therebetween. At least one row of flexible bristles is movably arranged relative to the lower rear edge of the slat, to flexibly protrude up into the slat air gap. At least one row of flexible bristles is movably arranged along the upper rear edge of the slat to extend rearwardly over the slat air gap and the upper surface of the main wing body. The flexible bristles are flexibly self-positioning and self-contouring due to the aerodynamic forces acting thereon, to improve the air flow conditions through the slat gap, separate the slat gap airflow from an entrapped eddy vortex on the concave rear surface of the slat, and thereby reduce the aerodynamic noise generated along the slat gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking the end positions of movable switch parts and, in particular, the movable point (1) of a frog, in which two relatively axially displaceable parts are capable of being displaced into a position coupled with each other in a positive manner in at least one direction of movement, wherein the relatively displaceable parts are comprised of a tube (5) and a rod (6) guided within the tube (5) and are at least partially arranged in a stationary outer tube (4), whereby locking members (8) cooperate with the relatively axially displaceable parts (5, 6) as well as the outer tube (4) and are capable of being displaced in the radial direction into a locking position in a recess or inner annular groove (15, 16) of the outer tube (4). Said device is designed such that the outer tube (4) is comprised of two tube parts (17, 18) capable of being axially displaced within each other, and that each tube part carries at least one recess or inner annular groove (15, 16).

Abstract: A holster for storing a video game controller has upward, downward, left and right projections forming a cross. A mounting bracket can be connected to either the upward or downward projection so that the holster can be suspended from or supported by the video box or held upright in a free-standing arrangement. The holsters are modular and can be stacked vertically or connected laterally using back-to-back collars to achieve an assembly to store any desired number of controllers. The distance between rods extending from the left and right projections to support a controller can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of differently structured controllers.

Abstract: A reducible support system for supporting various items is presented in various embodiments. A reducible support structure, may comprise an operation element which may be attached to an orthogonal element. Limbs, preferably a tripod may be attached to the operation element and a plug element may provide a slide so that the limbs or tripod may open and collapse easily.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided that may be used, for example, by healthcare providers to educate patients and others on one or more particular pharmaceutical products. A promotional apparatus includes a housing, a support member that is configured to support articles suspended therefrom, and a display panel. The support member extends from the housing and is movable between a first position when not supporting an article and a second position when supporting an article. The display panel is operably coupled with the support member and is movable between a retracted, non-visible position within the housing when the support member is in the first position and an extended, visible position when the support member is in the second position. The display panel includes promotional indicia thereon.

Abstract: A retention device for retaining a post adjacent a structure having at least one guardrail. The device includes a spacer member with generally opposed spacer first and second ends, an anchoring member for anchoring the spacer member to the structure, and a grasping member for grasping the post to the spacer member. The anchoring member releasably connects to the spacer member adjacent the spacer first end via a first securing assembly so as to clamp the guardrail there between. The grasping member releasably connects to the spacer member adjacent the spacer second end via a second securing assembly so as to clamp the post there between.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device comprised of a base configured for attachment to a desired mounting surface and to secure a resilient connector extending away from a connector support. The resilient connector further comprising a flexible snubber and a spring surrounding the snubber. At least two alignment surfaces are provided, disposed around the resilient connector, where the alignment surfaces adjoining each other. The alignment surfaces may be disposed on an alignment loop, or a plurality thereof, disposed around the resilient connector.

Abstract: An anchor having an internally threaded first opening, a body, a first end on the body threaded to fit the first opening, a second end on the body, configured to fit an opening in the wall of the mold for extending a first length of the body into the wall, a second opening in the second end extending toward the first end, and a protrusion in the second opening configured for receiving a tool for transferring rotational force about an axis through the first end and the second end for withdrawing the body from the anchor. The protrusion is recessed the first length from the second end. An annular member extends radially from the body, one axial end of the protrusion is at the axial position of the annular member.

Abstract: A combined piezo and solenoid actuator are on separate electrical circuits that are coupled via a transformer. The solenoid actuator includes a first set of electrical windings that are arranged as a transformer with a second set of electrical windings that are a portion of a piezo actuator. Current supplied to the solenoid causes a brief induced voltage in the piezo circuitry that causes the piezo stack to expand and push the actuator member with a relatively large force over a short distance. As the magnetic flux of the solenoid continues to build, it applies an electromagnetic force to the armature to push the actuator member through a second larger distance. The combined piezo solenoid actuator finds potential application in valves that require high initial opening forces but also travel distances much larger than that practical with a piezo acting alone.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, in particular for limiting the pressure of a fluid, with a flat armature is mounted with an axial gap to a pole core. This pole core is installed in a housing of the solenoid valve and is stressed from both faces with the same fluid pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic part of a magnet valve is received in a bore of a valve block. The hydraulic part is secured to the valve block with a calked heel of a securing bush that is slipped onto a guide sleeve of the hydraulic part. The securing bush rests on an annular shoulder of the guide sleeve and engages a jacket wall of the guide sleeve with a press fit, and one edge of the securing bush is adapted to a rounded-out throat between the jacket wall and an end wall of the annular shoulder by means of plastic deformation. A valve sleeve engages a portion of the bore of the valve block with a press fit. The calked heel, the plastically deformed edge of the securing bush, and the press fit of the valve bush seals that seal off against fluid are achieved without using additional rubber-elastic sealing means.

Abstract: A unit for discharging loose material from a dispensing device to a user unit comprises a discharge tube leading to the user unit and a valve element connecting the dispensing device to the infeed end of the tube. The valve element comprises a first annular element equipped with a shutter device, consisting of a first shutoff element and a second shutoff element connected to each other by permanent magnets, and a second annular element connected to the infeed end of the tube. When the first and second annular elements are separated by the operation of pistons, a gap is created between the two shutoff elements. A pair of concentric seals positioned between the first and the second annular elements isolate the gap from the outside environment so that a cleaning fluid can be made to flow into it.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic valve apparatus in a preferred embodiment comprises an upper valve portion, a lower valve portion, an endoskeletal structure configured as a weir support or reinforcing member and an exoskeletal framework configured as a support collar. The upper valve portion preferably includes an upper plastic valve housing or body, a resilient diaphragm and a valve actuator. The lower valve portion comprises a lower plastic valve housing or body that is preferably configured to mate with the upper valve housing to define a valve interior. The lower valve body preferably has an integral weir which, in conjunction with the resilient diaphragm, defines a fluid passage. The diaphragm is configured to sealingly engage and disengage with the weir as effected by the valve actuator. The weir support member is disposable within the lower housing to support the weir.

Abstract: An improved ball valve (1), in particular for gas systems, includes a tampering indicating seal (25) made by injection molding a synthetic or metal material into cavities (19; 21; 22) formed in the screw-clamping nut assembly (11, 13) and including a cap outer portion (29) which substantially covers the surface of the outer face of the nut (13) and/or extending (29A) on the side surface of the nut (13).

Abstract: A fuel injection valve contains a piston-shaped valve needle for closing at least one injection opening at the combustion chamber end of the bore. A conical valve seat at the combustion chamber end of the bore is contacted in the closed position of the valve needle by a valve sealing surface on the of valve needle in order to seal the at least one injection opening. The valve sealing surface includes a first conical surface and a second conical surface and the valve seat contains a first annular groove, which extends in a radial plane of the valve bore, and a second annular groove, which is disposed downstream of and parallel to this first annular groove.

Abstract: An improved seat ring, valve body, and seat ring valve assembly have self-aligning characteristics that reduce leakage without the need for an unacceptably high level of assembly torque. The seat ring includes at least one annular thrust bearing surface rim for receiving a valve plug to open and close the valve. The seat ring further includes threads positioned on its exterior surface for mating with threads in the valve body to provide a secondary seal of the seat ring. In order to prevent unacceptable leakage, a point of contact is provided to seat on an angled body contact surface of the valve to form a superior primary contact seal. The seat ring valve assembly reduces torque requirements, properly aligns the seat ring within the cavity, and reduces leakage.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device capable of being rapidly raised in a mechanical movement by use of a linkage mechanism that comprises a lifting device, a rotating shaft and a linkage. The lifting device has a basic construction of two vertical side plates, a lifting arm, and a saddle support plate at the front end of the lifting arm. An outer end of the saddle support plate has an axial rod at a predetermined position. The rotating shaft extends through a clearance hole in the vertical side plate of the lifting device. The rotating shaft is integrally attached to the linkage, and the linkage has two extreme ends which are integrally attached to both the rotating shaft and the axial rod in the saddle support arm.

Abstract: A removable tensioned fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate comprises a plurality of spaced apart poles having a lower end inserted into holes drilled in the deck around the swimming pool and a mesh screening material stretched between such poles. A pair of support structures, each comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical poles, constitutes the outermost poles in the tensioned fence. A lower end of each of the poles is inserted into holes drilled into the deck. A pair of rigid horizontal cross bar extends between the poles in each support structure and mesh screening material is tensioned between the poles. A gate comprised of a pair of spaced apart vertical bars, a pair of spaced apart horizontal bars and mesh screening material tensioned therebetween is supported within a gate opening, defined by the innermost poles of the support structures, by a pair of spaced apart self-closing hinges mounted between one of the innermost poles of a support structure and the adjacent vertical bar of the gate.

Abstract: A portable cooling unit (i.e. a mister) having a portable frame on which a fan and a water tank is mounted. A pump is mounted on the frame for pumping water from the tank to nozzles in a mister head which, in turn, is mounted on the front of the fan. Both the direction and the flow through the nozzles are adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a flotation machine in which a drive shaft for mixing slurry and transporting air is driven by a drive arrangement and the drive shaft is provided with a bearing assembly and the drive shaft is at least partly hollow in the interior for transferring air to a rotor. According to the invention the drive shaft is provided with at least one bearing in a housing separated from at least one element forming an air transfer chamber around the drive shaft. Further, the drive shaft has at least one opening in order to create an essentially continuous connection between the air transfer chamber and the interior of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A two-stage vaporizer includes two vaporizing stages joined by a vaporization chamber located gravitationally below the first vaporizing stage and gravitationally above the second vaporizing stage. A separator covering an outlet within the vaporization chamber allows vaporized precursor from both vaporizing stages to pass through the outlet to chemical vapor deposition system and prevents any remaining liquid precursor from passing through the outlet. The liquid precursor is premixed with carrier gas just prior to entry into the vaporizer. Additional flows of carrier gas pass through the two vaporizing stages in opposite directions to carry the vaporized precursor to the outlet.

Abstract: A device for reducing the resonant vibrations of a helical valve spring of an internal combustion engine includes a member, such as a tension cable, attached between one end of the spring and a coil mid-section of the spring for limiting the movement of the coil mid-section away from the one end of the spring to about the distance between the coil mid-section and the one end of the spring when the spring is in a condition corresponding with a condition at which the spring is in static equilibrium.

Abstract: An interior c-clamp's holding-device (10), for repairing cracks in violins without removing the soundboard (18) (top of the violin), comprising a housing (15) located at the bottom-end of a c-clamp (21). The housing (15) has both a horizontal and a vertical passage bored through the housing (15) creating an intersection inside the housing (15) where the two bores meet.

Abstract: A folding cutting board has a contiguous cutting surface, and an opposed surface subtended by four distinct and generally parallel grooves. The grooves form five body members, four which have approximately equal surface area and one which has a width approximately equal to twice the thickness of the substrate. With this relationship, the cutting board may be folded into a compact and durable structure for transport which requires only one quarter the surface area, and which still provides the solid, non-porous and uninterrupted surface for cutting or working. Special hinges are also illustrated herein having a smooth curve within the region of flexure which prevents undesired concentration of stress. In adjacent and relatively non-pliant regions, a second geometry is superimposed which serves to clear away obstacles, including fingers, from the hinge region during movement therein. Consequently, the hinge structure is a “no pinch” hinge.

Abstract: A signature transport device has a conveyor for moving a plurality of signatures in a first direction, and a rotary blade device having a first blade having an edge for lifting a first signature of the plurality of signatures from the conveyor, the edge being parallel to the first direction, and the first blade rotating about an axis perpendicular to the edge. A printing press and rotary blade device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device has a conveyance guide for guiding a sheet conveyed from a photosensitive drum and a transfer roller of a transfer portion to a pressurizing roller and a fixing roller of a fixing device, and the conveyance guide has a second guide surface and a third guide surface, the bending point of the guide surfaces being situated above the intersection of the nip plane of the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller and the nip plane of the pressurizing roller and the fixing roller and in a region on the side opposite to the direction in which the sheet is separated from the conveyance guide with respect to the nip planes.

Abstract: A variable pressure document infeed transport provides a first driving pressure on a document being transported in a first direction along a document transport path of a self-service terminal, and provides a second driving pressure which is greater than the first driving pressure on a document being transported in a second direction which is opposite the first direction along the document transport path of the self-service terminal. The first driving pressure means may be provided by a first plurality of idlers centered along the document transport path, and the second driving pressure means may be provided by a second plurality of idlers off-centered along the document transport path.

Abstract: The Payroll22 Dice Set has with Letter and Number Characters in place of Dots. The Dice produce scores ranging from 6 to 22 when totaling the point value of each Die rolled. An “A” and “X” score is called a PAYROLL. Alpha-numeric Characters are used to play a Game similar to Blackjack. The Game is played on a Unique Cloth Layout 3 Special Bets are New with the Game and pay 33 to 1 if the Shooter or the House get a PAYROLL score. If both the Shooter and House get a PAYROLL score the payoff is 1000 to 1. For Regular bets, PAYROLL scores pay 3 to 2 and Tie scores are Pushes. Both the Shooter and House roll the Dice to compete for the highest Score and both may roll a second time.

Abstract: A mystery role playing game system optimized for children suitable in terms of level of difficulty for all participants; that does not require any participant to play the role of a criminal and/or “bad guy”, that allows responsible supervision of the course of the game, that provides positive social rewards to a selected individual (for example a particular child whose birthday party is the occasion for the game), that provides a carefully structured format for progression of the game, and which includes one or more modest “physical” challenges such as hunts for treasure and/or clues. A central “detective” character may supervise other player's rounds, and non-player supervisors may also supervise revelation of each character's clues. Non-player characters may take the negative roles (such as suspects), and the central character may have sufficient information to solve the mystery at the end of the game.

Abstract: A game system and method of playing for entertaining a plurality of players. The game system and method of playing includes a game board. A playing path is positioned on the game board. The playing path is comprised of a plurality of play spaces. A plurality of player tokens are placed one the playing path for representing the place of the associated one of the players on the playing path. A fish containment assembly is operationally coupled to the game board. The fish containment assembly selectively contains a plurality of fish members. Each of a plurality of retrieval members is for retrieving one of the fish members from the fish containment assembly by one of the players when one of the player tokens of an associated one of the players is placed on a portion of the play spaces of the playing path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kissing shield game and method teaching safe affection to at least one person playing the kissing shield game. The kissing shield game includes a plurality of removable pegs, a playing surface, a gaming member, a plurality of frames and a plurality of thin, flexible membranes forming a kissing shield, and a resetable timer. The playing surface has a plurality of holes arranged in a predetermined pattern with each of the plurality of holes being capable of receiving at least one of the plurality of removable pegs. Each side of the gaming member has a different color associated therewith as well as a predetermined set of alphanumeric symbols associated therewith. The kissing shield is used when a selected person or object determined by a player is kissed so that the player learns safe affection and the proper use of the kissing shield through repetition.

Abstract: A method of playing a side game is provided in combination with a game of chance where a dealer hand of playing cards is dealt to a dealer and a player hand of playing cards is dealt to a player. The method includes receiving a side game wager from the player, wherein after dealing the dealer hand and the player hand, all playing cards from the dealer hand and player hand are combined into a combined hand. The side game wager is resolved according to the playing cards in the combined hand. Typically, the side game wager is resolved according to non-poker combinations, such as characteristics of the playing cards including card color, picture cards or the like.

Abstract: A casino game is provided that can be played on a gaming table with a base game wager and an optional side bet bonus wager. The game is preferably a Baccarat derivative or Mini-Baccarat derivative, wherein there is at least one potential payout on the side bet bonus wager in addition to normal play of the game. One payoff for wagering on a winning hand in the side bet bonus wager (either the player's hand or a banker's hand) is based upon the hand that is wagered upon having a natural (two-card) 8-count or 9-count. A second potential payout on the side bet bonus wager is based upon the size of the difference between player hand point count and dealer hand point counts. Alternatively, the bonus hand pays only for the highest payout.

Abstract: A new partnering game and method of playing same for enabling male and female players to anonymously select a player of their liking and determining whether or not the selected player likes them in such manner that only a mutually self-selected male-female couple knows of the selection. A method for revealing admirers of the players is also provided.

Abstract: A mechanical end face seal comprising two relatively rotatable seal rings, a resilient bellows for providing a secondary seal between one seal ring and either a housing or a rotating shaft and a finger spring element nested in the bellows. The resilient bellows comprises an elastomeric material, such as molded rubber, and has a single convolution having a general cross-sectional shape of an inverted “Omega.” The finger spring member comprises a plurality of generally “U” shaped spring fingers which provide the axial biasing force to urge the ring faces in sealing relation. In a preferred embodiment, the spring includes ferrules for providing radially inward force on a flange portion of each end of the bellows to maintain the secondary seal.

Abstract: A dry gas seal has a housing with an annularly-shaped channel disposed concentric with the drive shaft, and an inlet to introduce pressurized buffer gas into the housing interior. An annularly-shaped shutdown piston is slidably received in the housing channel for axial shifting, and includes a circumferential seal between its inside and outside surfaces, and an end seal. A biasing member resiliently urges the shutdown piston toward an open position, such that during compressor operation, the forces generated by the biasing member combined with the pressure of the buffer gas acting on the piston's interior face retain the shutdown piston in the open position.