Abstract: A brush seal assembly including a pair of annular plates (11,12) defining an annular slot (14) between them and a radially outer chamber (15) opening into the slot (14); and an annular brush seal (13) having bristles (16) and an enlarged portion (17) at its outer periphery formed by welding the bristles (16) together, the brush seal (13) extending through the slot (14) with its enlarged portion (17) retained in the chamber (15) wherein at least a portion of one of the plates (11, 12) has an extension thereof which is deformed over the other plate (11, 12) to hold the plates (11, 12) together to form the assembly characterised in that one of the plates (12) has a flat face in the region of the slot (14).

Abstract: A high-speed vertical take-off and land aircraft includes a body with an engine supported by the body. A fan assembly is also carried by the body. The fan assembly includes a hub and a plurality of blades to provide vertical lift for the aircraft. A nozzle ring is provided on the fan assembly. The nozzle ring includes an annular nozzle array. Hot gases from the engine are fed to the nozzle array by a feed duct. A bearing mechanism supports the fan assembly on the body. The bearing mechanism is carried in a work space. A brush seal assembly thermally isolates the work space from the hot exhaust gases passing through the feed duct to the nozzle array.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a brush seal assembly is disclosed. The method includes circumferentially arranging bristles about an axis. A plate is arranged adjacent to the bristles. Unwelded ends of the bristles are aligned with a periphery of the plate to provide a flush surface across the plate and bristles. The unwelded ends are laser welded to the periphery at the flush surface to provide a unitary subassembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly which, among other applications, may be used for sealing fluid leakage between a steam or combustion (gas) turbine rotor and a turbine stator body. The seal assembly includes elements having a plurality of spaced leaf seal members with slots therebetween. Each leaf seal member is angled out-of-plane between a fixed end and a free end thereof, and the free ends slidably engage the rotatable component. In one embodiment, the fixed ends of each leaf seal member are positioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rotating component. A support may be provided supporting the free end such that it contacts a distal end of the support in an operative state and is out of contact with the distal end in an inoperative state. Seal members may include two different materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method of forming brush seal segments includes mounting a pair of full form plates having opposite arcuate edges in back-to-back relation and wrapping wire about the form plates in multiple passes to form wire runs at angles, e.g., 35-45° relative to radii of the arcuate edges. Half form plates are assembled to opposite sides of the full form plates adjacent one edge of the subassembly. The wire wrap adjacent the one edge of the full form plates is removed. Welds are applied between each adjacent half and full form plates. The inner edges of the wrapped wire and inner frame members of the full form plates are removed. The assembly is then separated to form a pair of arcuate brush seal segments.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly is disclosed that includes bristles arranged circumferentially about an axis to provide a bristle assembly. First and second plates are secured about the bristle assembly to provide a subassembly. A circumference of the subassembly is pressed into a retaining ring to provide the brush seal assembly. The circumference need not be machined. A perimeter weld is no longer needed to secure the first and second plates and bristle assembly to one another to provide the brush seal assembly.

Abstract: A method for assembling a rotary machine is provided. The method includes providing at least one seal assembly that includes at least one annular seal housing defined by a top wall, a front wall, and a rear wall, that are connected together such that a cavity is defined within the housing, coupling a plurality of flexible plates within the cavity such that the plates are axially-spaced from the front wall and the rear wall within the cavity, coupling at least one side plate to the at least one annular seal housing such that the at least one side plate is moveable with respect the front wall and the rear wall, and coupling the at least one sealing assembly within a rotary machine to facilitate sealing between a rotary component and a stator component.

Abstract: A high-speed vertical take-off and land aircraft includes a body with an engine supported by the body. A fan assembly is also carried by the body. The fan assembly includes a hub and a plurality of blades to provide vertical lift for the aircraft. A nozzle ring is provided on the fan assembly. The nozzle ring includes an annular nozzle array. Hot gases from the engine are fed to the nozzle array by a feed duct. A bearing mechanism supports the fan assembly on the body. The bearing mechanism is carried in a work space. A brush seal assembly thermally isolates the work space from the hot exhaust gases passing through the feed duct to the nozzle array.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing a gap between two components which can move rotationally with respect to one another about a common axis of rotation, having a brush seal on a first component which interacts with a sealing surface of the second component. The sealing surface is conical in form, with at least one component being axially displaceable and adjustable with respect to the other component in order to reduce the gap between the brush seal and the second component.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for a non-hermetical seal between the stator and the rotor of a gas turbine. The arrangement comprises a brush seal which is arranged in a receiving chamber that is formed by at least one spacer or reinforcing element arranged between preferably two cover or guide elements. The brush seal is hub-centered via sliding elements, especially via sliding pads, said sliding elements being integrated into the spacer or reinforcing element.

Abstract: A device operating in an environment includes a fiber optic sensing system having one or more fiber optic sensors disposed in the device and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the device. The parameters may include temperature, strain, pressure, vibration, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A brush seal for sealing gaps, such as those found in gas turbine engines, includes a plurality of metallic bristles mechanically captured by a support member. The support member includes at least one flexible plate extending at least substantially along the bristle length of the plurality of bristles. The support member is constructed and arranged to support the plurality of metallic bristles during operation.

Abstract: RF signal noise in a powertrain utilizing a power inverter module and electric motor is attenuated by providing a low impedance connection between a transmission output shaft and housing.

Abstract: A brush seal for sealing off components movable relative to one another with respect to a pressure difference is disclosed. The brush seal having bristles which are arranged in a bristle housing which consists of two housing halves having free ends of legs which project into the area of the ends of the bristles, which legs carry mutually facing supporting surfaces for the bristles.

Abstract: In a process for producing leaves (20, 20?) for a leaf seal, in particular as a seal for a gas turbine, which leaves (20, 20?) are laterally delimited by a peripheral edge contour and have regions of different thicknesses (d1, d2), a simplification, without sacrificing precision, is achieved by virtue of the edge contour of the leaves (20, 20?) being cut out of a metal sheet (28) by an etching process and the regions of different thicknesses (d1, d2) also being produced simultaneously as part of the etching process.

Abstract: A seal assembly comprising a first movable stator member movable between a sealing position and a non-sealing position, a second fixed stator member, the first stator member being movable relative to the second stator member, the seal assembly further comprising at least one flexure member coupled to the second stator member, and at least one biasing member coupled between the at least one flexure and the movable stator for biasing the movable stator to a non-sealing position.

Abstract: The seal is capable of providing a seal for an air gap between a rotor (18) and a stator. It incorporates a container for the textile insulators (4) fixed on the rotor (18) or the stator. The textile insulators are subjected, on one side, to an upstream pressure and, on another side, to downstream pressure, the upstream pressure being greater than the downstream pressure. The textile insulators (4) are supported on the stator or the rotor (18) so as to be at an angle to the side of the seal where the pressure is lower, namely the downstream pressure.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly is formed of a bristle array receiving at least one housing member. Alignment structures are formed on the housing and bristle assembly to ensure that the bristle assembly will be properly positioned in a working environment.

Abstract: A passive brush seal effectively to limit conditioned air such as humidity, temperature or filtered air, or contaminated air such as smoke or fumes from an area of greater pressure to one of lower pressure. The passive brush seal is in the form of a strip brush with polygonal filaments that provide an improved block to the flow of gases. The shape of the filaments is such that they inter-fit or interlock and separate less readily. Important applications are as elevator seals or clean room or computer room seals.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided. The sealing assembly includes a foil disposed circumferentially around a rotating component and configured to provide primary sealing to the rotating component between high pressure and low pressure sides and a spring system disposed adjacent to the foil. The spring system includes a plurality of features to facilitate foil surface to follow excursions of the rotating component, wherein the plurality of features provide secondary sealing from the high pressure to the low pressure sides between the foil and a stationary component.

Abstract: A self centering, floating brush seal assembly for a machine housing including a seal channel disposed circumferentially about a rotating shaft. The seal channel is typically configured to accommodate a ring seal. The ring seal is removed and a radially floating brush seal is installed in the seal channel but the brush seal is not fixed to the machine housing. The typical brush seal includes a front plate, a back plate, and a plurality of bristles sandwiched between the front plate and the back plate and having free radially extending ends disposed circumferentially about and contacting the rotating shaft. A radially extending rub feature is associated with at least one of the front plate and the back plate. The rub feature is disposed circumferentially about and contacts the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An outside diameter brush seal assembly is disclosed. The brush seal assembly includes a first static component, a second static component, and a brush seal. The first and second static components may be configured to form a flow path from a first pressure cavity to a second pressure cavity. The brush seal includes a plurality of bristles that extend in a radially outward direction from the first static component to form a brush seal against the second static component.

Abstract: In accordance with the present application, a fluid seal 30 and fluid sealing element 32, which are tolerant of fluid F direction reversals are provided. A sealing element 32 has at least two brush stages 50 to restrict leakage of the fluid F through a gap 38 between a component and a sealing surface. Each brush stage 50 includes a bristle arrangement 44 sandwiched between a back plate 48 and a common mid plate 46. A value allows 70 the fluid F to bypass a bristle arrangement 44 if the fluid pressure P1 or P2 varies between the chambers. Permanent damage to the sealing element 32 is avoided by allowing the higher pressure fluid F to bypass the upstream bristle arrangement 44 and a properly load the downstream bristle arrangement against a back plate 48.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of a surgical instrument inserted through a cannula assembly includes a valve body defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure defining an aperture in general alignment with the central longitudinal axis. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members positioned to engage the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a fluid-tight manner upon at least partial insertion of the instrument into the valve body. Each bristle member is adapted to be displaced relative to the longitudinal axis to facilitate expansion of the aperture to accommodate variously sized surgical instruments. Bristle members are arranged in a pattern facilitating the reduction of the insertion force required to introduce an instrument while providing robust lateral support for the instrument.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a bearing coupled to the machine rotor, a machine stator, and a sealing device disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The sealing device includes a dry gas seal and first and second seals disposed between the dry gas seal and the bearing. One or both of the first and second seals includes a brush seal or more specifically a brush seal including a plurality of non-metallic fibers.

Abstract: A method of making a bristle arrangement for a brush seal, which includes providing a bristle arrangement; severing the bristle arrangement, the bristle arrangement now having free ends; and joining the free ends. A method of reworking a bristle arrangement for a brush seal, which includes the steps of: providing a bristle arrangement; removing a section from the bristle arrangement; and adding a replacement section to the bristle arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic brush seal including a plurality of ceramic bristles and a support member supporting the plurality of ceramic bristles. Each of the plurality of ceramic bristles extending from a first end to a second end. The plurality of bristles are bent over the support member such that the first end and the second end form a brushing surface on a side of the support member and a fold on an other side of the support member. The plurality of ceramic bristles is made from a ceramic material selected to operate at temperatures in excess of 1500° F.

Abstract: A brush seal for sealing a rotor with respect to a stator includes a bristle housing which is held on the stator or rotor, a cover plate, a supporting plate, a circumferential surface and two side surfaces and in which bristles oriented with their free ends to the rotor or stator are fastened. The bristle housing, for ensuring correct, anti-rotation installation in its seat, includes a first positioning arrangement on at least one side surface or the circumferential surface, the first positioning arrangement interacting in a positive-locking manner with a correspondingly configured second positioning arrangement on the stator or rotor or a separate fastening element for the definite positioning of the bristle housing.

Abstract: A method and seal assembly for sealing a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of flexible leaf plates in an opening defined between a pair of spaced walls that include an adjustable front wall and an adjustable back wall that is opposed to the front wall. The method also includes adjusting a width of the opening by axially adjusting at least one of the front and back walls with respect to a central rotational axis of the rotary component.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a turbo-engine, for sealing a peripheral gap between a rotor and a stator is provided. The stator a seal holder provided with at least one groove for respectively receiving a segmented, dynamic seal. Segments of the dynamic seal are made up of a plurality of brush seal segments, and free ends of bristles of the brush seal segments extend in the radial direction project from the respective groove and lie on the rotor. The or every groove for receiving the brush-type seal segments is designed without an undercut, the brush-type seal segments being received in the respective groove without an undercut in a positive manner.

Abstract: A compliant seal provides a seal between an upstream region and a downstream region. The seal includes: a seal pack carrier defining a slot, the seal pack carrier having an upstream face and a downstream face; and a seal pack slideably mounted within the slot, the seal pack having an upstream face and a downstream face. The seal pack carrier and seal pack define a high-pressure plenum which abuts the downstream side of the seal pack, and which can be pressurized to apply a force to the seal pack in the upstream direction.

Abstract: A compliant seal assembly having a seal pack carrier having an upstream face and a downstream face that defines a slot, and a seal pack having an upstream face and a downstream face slideably mounted within the slot. The seal pack carrier and the seal pack contact each other and form a high-pressure plenum and a low-pressure plenum. The compliant seal assembly also includes a first passage with a first and second opening and a second opening with a first and second opening. The first opening of the first passage is located at the upstream face of the seal pack carrier, and the second opening of the first passage communicates with the high pressure plenum. The first opening of the second passage is located at the downstream face of the seal pack carrier, and the second opening of the second passage communicates with the low-pressure plenum.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for an industrial gas turbine has thermal protective elements which are installed along the inner circumference of its casing. The thermal protective elements are cooled by cooling air which is added to the fuel in the region in front of a front casing section after the cooling. A brush seal is installed between the front casing section and the thermal protective elements, where the brush seal is configured in segments. The combustion chamber can be sealed against leakages of cooling air in all operating states of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A brush seal for use with a housing and sealing a high pressure area from a low pressure area is provided. In an embodiment, the brush seal includes a retainer and a plurality of bristles. The retainer is comprised of a thermally-sensitive material having a thermal expansion rate. The bristles are connected to and extend from the retainer. In an embodiment, the retainer is not fixedly connected to the housing, and the thermal expansion rate of the retainer is greater than the thermal expansion rate of a portion of the housing adjacent the retainer. In another embodiment, a joint associated with a plurality of bristles is permitted to move into a headspace provided above the joint. A method for making a control-gap brush seal assembly for use in connection with a shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bristle pack for use in a brush seal includes a support and a plurality of bristles. The bristles are folded over the support defining a fold, and are joined together adjacent the support opposite the fold.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a component of a gas turbine engine having a circumferential surface, a first knife edge seal, a second knife edge seal, and a brush seal assembly. The first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal extend radially from the circumferential surface of the component and form a gap at the circumferential surface of the component between the first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal. The brush seal assembly is positioned within the gap between the first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal and is attached to the circumferential surface of the component.

Abstract: A shaft seal serves to reduce leakage between a rotating shaft and a static shell. The shaft seal includes a plurality of compliant plate members, each having a root and a tip. The compliant plate members are secured to the static shell at their root in facing relation. The tips of the compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the static shell and the rotating shaft. An axial flow resistance member is disposed within the compliant plate members and serves as a barrier to axial leakage flow between the compliant plate members.

Abstract: In accordance with the present application, a fluid seal 30 and fluid sealing element 32, which are tolerant of fluid F direction reversals are provided. A sealing element 32 has at least two brush stages 50 to restrict leakage of the fluid F through a gap 38 between a component and a sealing surface. Each brush stage 50 includes a bristle arrangement 44 sandwiched between a back plate 48 and a common mid plate 46. A value allows 70 the fluid F to bypass a bristle arrangement 44 if the fluid pressure P1 or P2 varies between the chambers. Permanent damage to the sealing element 32 is avoided by allowing the higher pressure fluid F to bypass the upstream bristle arrangement 44 and a properly load the downstream bristle arrangement against a back plate 48.

Abstract: A ceramic seal element (200) for use in a turbo-machine comprises a first, rigid portion (210) comprising ceramic fibers (212) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (214), a second, flexible portion (220) comprising ceramic fibers (222), and a third, rigid portion (230) comprising ceramic fibers (232) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (234). Ceramic fibers (222) retain a desired flexibility because they are not bound in ceramic matrix binder. In some embodiments the ceramic fibers (212, 222, 232) are stacked as horizontally disposed layers (225). Also, the fibers (212, 222, 232) of any layer (225) comprise bundles of fibers wherein some of the bundles extend continuously across portions (210, 220, 230). An alternative sealing element (300) comprises a first, rigid portion (310) comprising ceramic fibers (312) that are bound within a ceramic matrix binder (314), and a second, flexible portion (320) that comprises ceramic fibers (313) that retain a desired flexibility. Methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a segmented annular seal (10) the sealing leakage gaps between relatively movable components 14,16 between high and low pressure regions in a gas turbine engine, for example for sealing an engine shaft 16. The seal comprises an annular array of circumferentially spaced and radially movable arcuate seal segments (12) which extend in a continuous end to end relationship in annular housing (14) and project radially from the housing for effecting a seal against an engine shaft (16), rotor or the like. The segments (12) are located in a channel (22) in the housing (14) sized such that the segments (12) are able to follow radial movements of the shaft (16). In order to reduce an axial loading on the segments (12) that ends to cause them to seize a pressure balance region (30) vented to the upstream pressure region is formed on the downstream side of the segments (12).

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 slider seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a housing, a seal plate moveable relative to the housing and a retaining ring. The housing includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a recessed opening between the outer surface and the inner surface. The seal plate is received within the recessed opening. The inner surface of the housing includes a curved portion which is curved in an outward direction toward the outer surface.

Abstract: A method of making a brush seal includes the steps of providing a plurality of brush filaments, and bonding a flexible plastic backing and a flexible plastic retainer to the filaments to secure the filaments together and form a flexible brush seal. A flexible brush seal adapted to provide a seal between a movable member and a structure includes a plurality of brush filaments; a flexible backing securing together the brush filaments; and a flexible plastic retainer bonded to the filaments, the retainer being adapted for mounting on an exterior surface of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush seal for sealing a gap between a rotor and a stator, with at least one brush ring, comprising a number of sealing brushes and at least two annular brush ring carriers, running in the circumferential direction of the rotor. Each brush ring is fixed between a first front face of a first brush ring carrier and a second front face of a second brush ring carrier, whereby the second brush ring carrier is directly axially and radially fixed to the first brush ring carrier.

Abstract: A sealing device for sliding window and door openings with a self-sealing pass-through opening for electrical cords and the like includes a body having a generally planar panel with a pass-through aperture formed therein, and a perimeter frame surrounding the panel, and a self-sealing pass-through seal assembly connected to the panel of the body around and over the aperture. The seal assembly includes a brush seal with a pair of brushes disposed in opposing relation with each having bristles extending toward and meeting each other, and a web seal, formed of a thin flexible membrane with a slit formed therein, overlying the brush seal. Several embodiments of the seal assembly are provided. The panel may be formed of a single transparent pane, of double transparent panes, of screen mesh, or a combination thereof. The body length may be fixed or adjustable.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly includes a plurality of bristles, a joint securing the bristles, and a retaining assembly. Each of the bristles has a first end and a second end. The joint has a first side and a second side and connects the first ends of the bristles. The retaining assembly sandwiches the joint and includes a side plate, a back plate, and a threaded connection. The side plate engages the first side of the joint and the back plate engages the second side of the joint. The threaded connection holds the side plate and the back plate in engagement with the joint.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber brush seal, suitable for use with SiC—SiC CMC components. The seal may be coated with a boron nitride based coating.

Abstract: A brush seal for use in a rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed inside a stationary component. A brush sealing system is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component. The brush sealing system includes a seal housing that contains a matrix of potting compound, coupled to the stationary component. A plurality of bristles is provided, each bristle having a first end embedded in the potting compound and a second end protruding from the seal housing towards the rotary component. The potting compound is formed from a ceramic suitable for use at high temperatures that is capable of bonding to non-metallic bristles.

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 benefits of leaf seals with respect to providing sealing in gas turbine engines is well known but wide scale applicability is hindered by the costs and manpower necessary for assembly of leaf seals. By utilising a concertina fold of a band or strip 50, 80 in which leaf seal elements 51, 52 are defined with leaves seal sections 52, 82 and spacers 53, 83 defined at tilt angles appropriate for the eventual lay angle in a leaf seal assembly more automated manufacture of leaf seal assemblies is achieved. The means by which the leaf seal sections 51, 81 are formed ensures that the spacers 53, 83 have a thickness greater than the leaf seal element 82a and generally side portions are provided with folding sections 56, 86 which are sacrificially removed during forming of leaf tufts 140 for final assembly within leaf seal assembly 1.