Close Proximity Seal (e.g., Contactless, Fluent, Etc.) Patents (Class 277/409)
  • Patent number: 10753308
    Abstract: Internal combustion engines that operate in an inverted orientation in which the piston is closer to the local gravitationally dominant terrestrial body's center of gravity at top dead center position than at bottom dead center position are disclosed. The engines may have non-circular, preferably rectangular, cross-section pistons and cylinders, and the pistons may include a skirt with a field of pockets that provide a ringless, non-lubricated, seal equivalent. The pistons also may have a domed piston head with depressions thereon to facilitate the movement of air/charge in the cylinder. The engines also may use multi-stage poppet valves in lieu of conventional poppet valves, and a split crankshaft. The engines may use the pumping motion of the engine piston to supercharge the cylinder with air/charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventors: Elario Dino Dalmas, II, Roy A. Blom
  • Patent number: 10590834
    Abstract: Internal combustion engines that use the pumping motion of the engine pistons to supercharge the cylinder with air/charge are disclosed. The pistons may include a skirt with a field of pockets that provide a ringless, non-lubricated, seal equivalent. The piston heads may be domed with one or more depressions to facilitate the movement of air/charge in the cylinder. The engines also may have non-circular, preferably rectangular, cross-section pistons and cylinders. The engines also may use multi-stage poppet valves in lieu of conventional poppet valves, and may include a split crankshaft. The engines also may operate in an inverted orientation in which the piston is closer to the local gravitationally dominant terrestrial body's center of gravity at top dead center position than at bottom dead center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventors: Elario Dino Dalmas, II, Roy A. Blom
  • Patent number: 10316974
    Abstract: Air-riding seal arrangement between two components are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis. The seal arrangement includes an axially slidable carrier module mounted to one component and runner provided by other components. The carrier module and runner have respective and opposing annular sealing faces in a seal arrangement normal operation are axially spaced to form an air-seal therebetween separating a high-pressure region at one side of the air-seal from low-pressure region at the other side. The carrier module has a front and rear portions, and carrier module sealing face is provided by the front portion. The front portion has first and second rotation positions relative to the rear portion, the first rotation position being in normal operation, and second rotation position being in event of high speed touchdown of the annular sealing faces when contact between sealing faces rotates the front portion to the second rotation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Helen Webster, Luke Hamilton, Murad Khader, Robert Grasse
  • Patent number: 10148150
    Abstract: A cover end of a fuel pump is formed by resin molding and has a tubular portion, which holds a bearing that is placed along a central axis of the tubular portion and rotatably supports one end portion of a shaft of a motor arrangement. Furthermore, three terminals, which supply three-phase electric power received from an outside to windings on a phase-by-phase basis, are insert molded in the cover end. In the cover end, a first transverse passage, which is formed between the first terminal and the second terminal in a circumferential direction, and a second transverse passage, which is formed between the second terminal and the third terminal in the circumferential direction, are configured into a form of V-shape, which diverges in a radially outer direction, in a view taken in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nagata, Tetsuo Hayakawa, Masaya Ootake
  • Patent number: 9897359
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle that includes one or more intermediate heat exchangers, exchanging heat between a heat source side refrigerant and a heat medium different from the heat source side refrigerant, a heat medium circuit that includes at least one pump configured to circulate the heat medium for heat exchange by the intermediate heat exchanger, a use side heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the heat medium and air in an air-conditioning target space, and flow switching valves configured to switch between passing the heated heat medium through the use side heat exchanger and passing the cooled heat medium through the use side heat exchanger and in which the pump, the use side heat exchanger, and the flow switching valves are connected by pipes, and a controller configured to calculate an actual temperature efficiency ratio based on a temperature at a heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger in the heat medium circuit and determine whether a flow rate of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Morimoto, Daisuke Shimamoto, Koji Azuma, Takayoshi Honda
  • Patent number: 9765638
    Abstract: An assembling method of a seal structure of a rotary machine includes inserting a pin member into a through hole formed in a cylindrical member; threadably fitting the pin member into a pin installation hole of a segment; inserting a locking member into a first pin hole formed in the segment and a second pin hole formed in the pin member and fixing the pin member to the segment; arranging the segment in a groove part; inserting the cylindrical member; positioning the cylindrical member by causing the cylindrical member to slide in the axial direction; fixing the cylindrical member with respect to a seal mounting hole; causing the pin member to engage with a temporary joint member; moving an outer circumference side member and an inner circumference side member to approach to each other in the radial direction; and taking out the temporary joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichi Tsutsumi, Kenichi Arase
  • Patent number: 9745858
    Abstract: A turbine seal plate includes an inner rim with a labyrinth seal land that defines a central bore having a labyrinth seal diameter. The turbine seal plate also includes a housing coupling ring arranged radially outward of the inner rim. A housing pilot extends axially from the housing coupling ring and substantially parallel to the labyrinth seal land with respect to a radially inner portion of the housing pilot. The housing pilot has a housing pilot thickness, and a ratio of the housing pilot thickness to the labyrinth seal diameter is between 0.08 and 0.14. A frusto-conical body extends between the radially inner portion of the housing pilot and the inner rim of the turbine seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Eric Chrabascz
  • Patent number: 9742241
    Abstract: A low profile pump motor lead protector with a head guard and a trailing guard, the head guard including a front section with a front end and a rear section with a rear end, the trailing guard having a pin end for insertion in a head guard socket, the lead protector for protecting a motor lead of a pump and motor assembly of a downhole production string for surfacing fluid from a reservoir such as a subterranean oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Lawrence Osborne
  • Patent number: 9562478
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first module, a second module, and a finger seal. The second module is connected to the first module along a joint. The finger seal is connected to the first module at a fixed end and has a free end that cantilevers from the fixed end to contact the second module. The finger seal acts to seal the joint between the first module and second module from an ingestion gas flow of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Matthew Budnick
  • Patent number: 9356484
    Abstract: A low profile pump motor lead protector with a head guard and a trailing guard, the head guard including a front section with a front end and a rear section with a rear end, the trailing guard having a pin end for insertion in a head guard socket, the lead protector for protecting a motor lead of a pump and motor assembly of a downhole production string for surfacing fluid from a reservoir such as a subterranean oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Lawrence Osborne
  • Patent number: 9255642
    Abstract: An aerodynamic seal assembly for a rotary machine includes multiple sealing device segments disposed circumferentially intermediate to a stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the segments includes a shoe plate with a forward-shoe section and an aft-shoe section having multiple labyrinth teeth therebetween facing the rotor. The sealing device segment also includes multiple flexures connected to the shoe plate and to a top interface element, wherein the multiple flexures are configured to allow the high pressure fluid to occupy a forward cavity and the low pressure fluid to occupy an aft cavity. Further, the sealing device segments include a secondary seal attached to the top interface element at one first end and positioned about the flexures and the shoe plate at one second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul Anil Bidkar, Massimiliano Cirri, Azam Mihir Thatte, John Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 9121407
    Abstract: A system is provided and may include a compressor operable in a refrigeration circuit. A first sensor may detect high-side data indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit and a second sensor may detect low-side data indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit. Processing circuitry may receive the high-side data and the low-side data from the first and second sensors and may process the high-side data and low-side data to determine at least one of a low-side fault and a high-side fault. The processing circuitry may operate the compressor in a normal mode in the absence of a low-side fault and a high-side fault and may operate the compressor in a reduced-capacity mode or a shutdown mode based on a severity of the at least one of the low-side fault and the high-side fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung M. Pham
  • Patent number: 8992213
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ipsen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Moller, Werner Hendrik Grobler, Jake Hamid
  • Patent number: 8991829
    Abstract: A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: The Timken Company, Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Scott B. Lattime, Kevin M. Dillon, Alicia Black, Richard Borowski, Roger Trentman, Stephen E. Brister, Carl F. Meadows, Brian M. Hupp, David G. Toth
  • Patent number: 8899593
    Abstract: An intershaft seal is provided for inner and outer coaxial shafts which rotate relative to each other. The seal is located in an annular space between the shafts and maintains an axial pressure differential between a fluid pressure on a first side of the seal and a different fluid pressure on a second side of the seal. The seal includes first and second runners which project into the annular space from a first one of the shafts and extend circumferentially around the first shaft such that a cavity is formed between the runners. The seal further includes a sealing ring which is coaxial with the shafts and is located in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Ingo Henry Johannes Jahn, Christopher Davies
  • Patent number: 8864139
    Abstract: A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly includes a carrier having cylindrical outer flange with an annular leg extending inwardly therefrom. An elastomeric body is attached to the leg. The body has a first pair of seal lips extending radially inwardly in diverging relation from one another and a second pair of seal lips spaced radially outwardly from the first pair of seal lips. The second pair of seal lips includes radially outermost and a radially innermost seal lips. The radially outermost seal lip has a cylindrical inner surface and an inner surface of the radially innermost seal lip has a first portion extending substantially parallel to the cylindrical inner surface to form an annular channel and a second portion extending radially outwardly to an innermost lip free end that is radially aligned with the cylindrical inner surface to form an annular opening having a width less than a width of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald A. Greca, Alicia Black
  • Patent number: 8807914
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal device comprising a sealing passage which allows communication between a first space and a second space, and evacuation lines individually connected to the first space and the sealing passage. A gas feed line for feeding dry gas is connected to the sealing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20140197600
    Abstract: Sliding parts are provided wherein a plurality of pumping areas for generating pumping action via the relative rotational sliding of a stationary ring and a rotating ring is discontinuously formed in a circumferential direction on a sealing face of one of the stationary ring and rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed fluid-containing space. The pumping areas are provided with intake pumping areas operating in a direction in which the sealed fluid is drawn in and outflow pumping areas operating in a direction in which the sealed fluid is expelled. A plurality of dynamic pressure-generating grooves for generating dynamic pressure via the relative rotational sliding of the stationary ring and the rotating ring are formed in a circumferential direction on a sealing face of the other of the stationary ring and the rotating ring so as to communicate with the sealed fluid-containing space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hosoe, Hideyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 8740224
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a seal ring rotatable between a first position and a second position and having a plurality of tunnels. Also included is a back ring located adjacent the seal ring and having a plurality of apertures that align with more of the plurality of tunnels of the seal ring when at the second position than at the first position. Further included is a retention piece operably connecting the seal ring and the back ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Nathaniel Carmello Glinbizzi, Rodrigo Rodriguez Erdmenger, Norman Arnold Turnquist
  • Publication number: 20140133971
    Abstract: A seal configuration includes a housing and a rotatable member rotationally mounted relative to the housing. The rotatable member has at least one portion defining an outer perimetrical face that is configured to contact the housing during operational conditions that cause a radial dimension of the at least one portion to increase. The at least one portion has opposing axial surfaces with each of the opposing axial surfaces being dimensionally axially nearer to the other of the opposing axial surfaces immediately radially inwardly of the outer perimetrical face than a furthest part of the outer perimetrical face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Richard Johns, Eric David Roush
  • Publication number: 20140042707
    Abstract: A sealing element of a hydrodynamic seal for relatively rotating elements, having a sealing surface (26) and consisting of or comprising at least one stabilising ply (58) of fabric impregnated with or disposed n a binder material which prevents relative movement of fibres of the fabric during use of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: James Walker & Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter John Warren, Godfrey Duncan Elliott
  • Publication number: 20130270775
    Abstract: A shaft sealing system and method are disclosed for a low pressure turbine section having a rotating member including a shaft and a stationary member surrounding the rotating member and defining a steam flow path. The shaft sealing system comprises at least one seal disposed about each of a first end and a second end of the shaft; and a connection line for conducting steam from the first turbine section to a downstream portion of the turbine. The downstream portion of the turbine has a lower pressure than both of the first turbine section and ambient pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Coffey, Guoqiang Lu, John Richard Powers, Steven Paul Scarlata, Christopher David Suttles, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Publication number: 20130221620
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a seal ring rotatable between a first position and a second position and having a plurality of tunnels. Also included is a back ring located adjacent the seal ring and having a plurality of apertures that align with more of the plurality of tunnels of the seal ring when at the second position than at the first position. Further included is a retention piece operably connecting the seal ring and the back ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Nathaniel Carmello Glinbizzi, Rodrigo Rodriguez Erdmenger, Norman Arnold Turnquist
  • Publication number: 20130186103
    Abstract: A near flow path seal for a turbomachine includes a support member having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion, and an arm member extending from the first end portion of the support member. The arm member includes a first end that extends to a second end, a first surface extending between the first and second ends, and a second, opposing surface extending between the first and second ends. The second surface includes a plurality of surface features that extend from about the first end toward the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kumar Jha, Harish Bommonakatte, Sheo Narain Giri
  • Publication number: 20130187339
    Abstract: The present application provides a near flow path seal for a gas turbine. The near flow path seal includes a base, a pair of arms extending from the base, and a curved indentation positioned between the pair of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Wesley Harris, JR., Bruce J. Badding, Brian D. Potter
  • Patent number: 8342535
    Abstract: A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: The Timken Company, Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Scott B. Lattime, Kevin M. Dillon, Alicia Black, Richard Borowski, Roger Trentman, Stephen E. Brister, Carl F. Meadows, Brian M. Hupp, David G. Toth
  • Publication number: 20120308367
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a seal body and a biasing support member. The seal body includes a generally annular shape that defines an outer diameter surface. The biasing support member is circumferentially disposed about the outer diameter surface of the ceramic matrix composite seal body and includes an array of spring fingers that circumferentially overlap about the biasing support member. The array of spring fingers contacts the seal body and centers the seal body relative to the centerline axis of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Blake J. Luczak
  • Publication number: 20120299248
    Abstract: A shaft sealing ring for a barrier oil sealing system of a hydrogen-cooled generator is designed, in the installed state, to bear radially against a generator shaft by way of its running surface arranged on the inner side and to interact with the generator shaft, under the action of a barrier oil, with hydrogen sealing, wherein the shaft sealing ring is produced from a lead bronze material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Cordiner, Thomas Günther, Christoph Lehmann, Oliver Majchrzak
  • Publication number: 20120280457
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic shaft seal assembly includes a PTFE seal member having outer and inner sections. The outer section is affixed to an annular carrier. The inner section is free and includes at least one hydrodynamic groove in direct running contact with a rotating shaft or wear sleeve. A mid-portion of the seal member is formed between the inner and outer sections. The mid-portion is thinned and includes one or more annular undulations formed therein to improve flexibility of the inner section relative to the outer section. The seal assembly may include one or more excluder features. A rubber casing is molded about portions of the carrier. Preferably, one or more annular undulations are formed in a coining operation during the rubber molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick R. Hatch, David M. Toth
  • Patent number: 8265715
    Abstract: There are a first packing 31 and a second packing 32 for covering and sealing a first opening portion 11a and a second opening portion 12a other than a groove portion 31a and a groove portion 32a for leading an FPC 20. The first packing 31 and the second packing 32 wipe surfaces of the FPC 20 corning in and going out of the groove portion 31a and the groove portion 32a by sliding operation of a second frame 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiko Komiyama
  • Patent number: 8240674
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal with non-contact adjacent deflector rings, arranged concentrically to each other, about a common rotation axis, whereby, on a first deflector ring of the deflector rings, at least two axially-adjacent radial lips are embodied an said radial lips are embodied such as not to come into contact with a second deflector ring of the deflector rings and an annular hollow cavity is embodied between two axially-adjacent radial lips and the second deflector ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erwin Hartmann, Wilhelm Walter
  • Patent number: 8149535
    Abstract: A disk device with disk contamination control having a spindle for rotating at least one disk. A spindle hub located on the spindle. A disk clamp for clamping the at least one disk on the hub. A magnetic clamp seal magnetically and removably attached to the disk clamp wherein the magnetic clamp seal encapsulates disk contaminants between the clamp and the clamp seal. The magnetic clamp seal magnetically collects metallic contaminants within a sealed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Na Li, Yongjun Liang, Shaoyong Liu, Yi Zhao Yao
  • Patent number: 8055315
    Abstract: There are a first packing 31 and a second packing 32 for covering and sealing a first opening portion 11a and a second opening portion 12a other than a groove portion 31a and a groove portion 32a for leading an FPC 20. The first packing 31 and the second packing 32 wipe surfaces of the FPC 20 coming in and going out of the groove portion 31a and the groove portion 32a by sliding operation of a second frame 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiko Komiyama
  • Publication number: 20110128515
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first body; a second body that is moveable relative to the first body; a seal arranged between the first and the second body such that a first space is separated from a second space by the first body, the second body and the seal, wherein the seal is located at a distance from the first body; a fluid supply arranged to create a fluid flow between the first body and the seal to create a non-contact seal between the first and the second space so as to enable movement between the first and the second body, and a controller configured to control the distance during movement of the first and the second body relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes MAQUINÉ
  • Patent number: 7827685
    Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilises folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces whilst perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurisation can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurisation and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alison J McMillan
  • Publication number: 20090148275
    Abstract: A laminate air seal for a gas turbine engine includes at least one fabric layer made of fiberglass, ceramic fiber, basalt and/or carbon, and a polymeric resin that is stable at an operating temperature of the gas turbine engine. The resin may be preimpregnated into the fabric layers, or introduced into the fabric during assembly and formation of the laminate. The resin may be polyimide, bismaelimide (BMI) or cyanate ester. A particular resin selected may depend, in part, on the operating temperatures in that region of the gas turbine engine. In some embodiments, the laminate seal may include a coating to increase lubricity of the seal. In one embodiment, the laminate air seal is used to seal a gap between a pylon fairing and an exhaust nozzle of the turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Bogue, Daniel M. Stadtlander, Charles R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20080277881
    Abstract: Present invention involves a seal means suitable to replace the classic seals. For instance the seal means of present invention can be a liquid seal ring (7) to replace the classic rubber seal rings. Such is liquid O-ring can be adapted to resists the actuation pressure relying on surface tension forces. Such liquid O-rings can also be linked in series, hereby increasing the maximum seal pressure. In a preferred embodiment the seal means of present invention comprises two major components, a surface tension seal (7) and a pressure divider (4). The pressure divider will comprise a system that generates a pressure drop. Such pressure divider can be located before the surface tension seal and perform the first pressure drop. The combination of these two systems has the advantage that the surface tension seal is able to reduce the leakage to zero or essentially zero and that the pressure divider is able to perform a large pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Michael De Volder, Dominiek Reynaerts
  • Publication number: 20080240963
    Abstract: A rotor shaft sealing structure of an oil-free rotary compressor is provided, with which is reduced a risk of occurrence of lubrication oil intrusion into the compression chamber (9) of the compressor which is liable to occur when negative pressure is produced in the compression chamber (9). The rotor shaft sealing structure is composed such that two shaft seal means (20, 30) are provided in the rotor casing (1) between the oil lubricated bearing (10, 10?) and the compression chamber (9) such that an annular airspace (24) is formed between the two shaft seal means (20,31), at least one communicating hole (34,34?) is provided to communicate the annular airspace (24) to the outside of the rotor casing (1), and the annular airspace (24) of the male rotor shaft (6) sealing part and the annular airspace (24) of the female rotor shaft (7) sealing part are connected by a between-rotor shaft communication passage (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki KIMURA, Masami MUTO
  • Publication number: 20080018054
    Abstract: A seal body includes an annular, axially extending portion; a radially extending portion defining a primary seating surface, and cooperating with the axially extending portion to define a generally L-shaped cross section; and at least one annular axially-extending seal tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William L. Herron, Joseph C. Albers, Christopher C. Glynn, Peter Crudgington
  • Patent number: 7232286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal device comprising a sealing passage which allows communication between a first space and a second space, and evacuation lines individually connected to the first space and the sealing passage. A gas feed line for feeding dry gas is connected to the sealing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 7178808
    Abstract: A layer system for the rotor/stator seal of a turbomachine, in particular of a gas turbine, is applied to a metallic component and can be run in with respect to a further component which can move relative to the metallic component, which, in order to improve the service life and run-in properties, is characterized by a bonding layer which is applied to the metallic component and a run-in coating which is applied to the bonding layer and comprises at least two layers, the first layer, which adjoins the bonding layer, being harder than the second layer, and the second layer having run-in properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Grunke, Lothar Peichl, Klaus Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 7108266
    Abstract: A seal assembly including a rotatable seal head subassembly also includes a fan that rotates with the seal head assembly, with the fan drawing air through a pump housing for purposes of cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventor: John C. Dahlheimer
  • Patent number: 7086648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device having an acoustic resonator. The acoustic resonator is adapted to create acoustic waveforms to generate a sealing pressure barrier blocking fluid flow from a high pressure area to a lower pressure area. The sealing device permits noncontacting sealing operation. The sealing device may include a resonant-macrosonic-synthesis (RMS) resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Bruce M. Steinetz
  • Patent number: 6962341
    Abstract: A coupling for supplying a heat-exchange liquid to a load has a shaft extending from the load and centered on the axis. A nonrotating housing surrounding the shaft at the tube end has a connection so that the heat-exchange liquid can be pumped into the load. A roller bearing is engaged between the housing and the shaft axially between the opening and the load. Respective seal rings rotationally fixed on and sealed to the housing and the shaft between the bearing and the opening bear axially on one another. A cooling sleeve on the housing surrounds and extends axially past the seal rings. An insulator has a part closely radially surrounding the shaft between the seal rings and the opening and forming therewith a small gap through which the heat-exchange liquid can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Christian Maier GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Peter Szam
  • Patent number: 6935634
    Abstract: A packing spring for a steam turbine comprising a flat, elongated spring body of specified length, width and thickness dimensions; a flange at one end of the main spring body; and at least one bend in the main spring body, located substantially midway along the length dimension of the spring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lei Zuo, Norman Arnold Turnquist, Frederick George Baily, Mark Edward Burnett, Biao Fang
  • Patent number: 6932349
    Abstract: A system (10) for sealing and pressurization for the support cushion (24) of a gas turbine (20), wherein the gas turbine (20) is provided with a compressor (21), with which there is associated an inner barrel (23), and the support cushion (24) is in turn provided with seals (38, 39) relative to the axis of the compressor (21), and has at least one pipe (33) for the venting discharge. The air is fed into the inner barrel (23), using the venting piping (33) of the support cushion (24), such as to create a flow of air, which starts from an intermediate stage of the compressor (21), and goes towards the inner barrel (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holding S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Coppola
  • Patent number: 6932347
    Abstract: An arrangement for a non-hermetic seal between a stator and a rotor of a turbomachine in the root region of guide blades belonging to the stator. The arrangement includes a brush sealing ring which is mounted on the guide blades via a spoke centering means and whose bristles together with a rotating sealing surface form a fluid barrier which is permeable in a defined manner. On the sealing side of lower pressure, a supporting ring for the bristles is arranged at a slight distance from the rotating sealing surface, and this supporting ring is integrally connected to the guide blade roots and can be segmented by parting seams. The spoke centering means is permeable to pressure, as a result of which the brush sealing ring is pressure-relieved axially, with the exception of the bristle area between the sealing surface and supporting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines, GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Beichl, Wilhelm Graebeldinger, Alexander Rauschmeier
  • Patent number: 6858150
    Abstract: A water processing device for removing contaminants from water for consumption, consisting of: 1) a heat exchanger; 2) a heater; 3) a boiler chamber; 4) a liquid level control device; 5) a demister; 6) a degasser; and, 7) a self-cleaning component. A water seal to prevent steam from leaking from the device with liquid seal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Stephan B Sears
  • Patent number: 6845986
    Abstract: A unitized seal assembly for use with roller or ball bearing assemblies is disclosed. The unitized seal assembly includes, among other things, a radially outer ring and a radially inner deflector ring. The outer ring includes a first shield element which defines a first sealing face. The radially inner deflector ring includes a second shield element which defines a second sealing face. The second sealing face is dimensioned and configured so as to correspond to the first sealing face such that when the first shield element is positioned in non-contacting proximity to the second shield element, a circuitous sealing labyrinth is formed between the first sealing face and the second sealing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Stemco LLC
    Inventors: Charles Robin Hood, Donald G. Wells, Mark N. Gold
  • Patent number: 6827350
    Abstract: A steam gland includes a steam inlet scroll and an extraction scroll axially spaced from one another defining high and low pressure regions. A seal body is disposed between the regions and includes a pair of brush seals axially spaced from one another. Intermediate the brush seals is a honeycomb seal. The hybrid brush seal/honeycomb seal combination minimizes steam leakage between the high and low pressure regions and eliminates the possibility of heat induced damage to the rotor while optimizing seal leakage performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen Randolph Walcott, David Leach, Hamid Reza Sarshar