Labyrinth Patents (Class 277/412)
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Patent number: 8133003Abstract: Disclosed is a seal for a turbomachine including at least one fixed component located proximate to a rotating component of the turbomachine defining a clearance therebetween. At least one magnet is located at the at least one fixed component. The at least one magnet is, when activated, capable of moving the at least one fixed component thereby adjusting the clearance between the fixed component and the rotating component. Further disclosed is a turbomachine utilizing the seal and a method for adjusting a position of at least one fixed component of a turbomachine.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Alan Davi, David Andrew Stasenko
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Publication number: 20120049461Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a plurality of compliant plate members attached to an interior surface of a stationary housing. The compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the compliant plate members comprises at least one slot therein. The seal assembly further includes at least one arcuate static ring attached to the interior surface of the stationary housing and extending radially into the at least one slot in the compliant plate members. Each of the at least one static ring extends circumferentially through and between a plurality of the compliant plate members. Finally, the seal assembly includes a vibration damper disposed adjacent to or provided on the plurality of compliant plate members. The vibration damper is configured to dampen vibration of the plurality of compliant plate members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Norman Arnold Turnquist, Farshad Ghasripoor, William Edward Adis
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Publication number: 20120043727Abstract: A shaft seal for a turbomachine is provided for sealing process side of the turbomachine against the atmosphere. The shaft seal includes a process gas seal which is acted upon by a process gas and be blocked on the process side, an atmosphere seal which is acted upon by air and be blocked on the atmosphere side, and a ventilation chamber extending around the shaft of the turbomachine. The ventilation chamber is arranged between the process gas seal and the atmosphere seal for collecting and discharging a process gas leakage that has passed through the process gas seal and an air leakage that has passed through the atmosphere seal. The ventilation chamber includes a radially inner leakage inlet, a radially outward leakage outlet and built in components that are dimensioned to as to provide a flame blocking function with regard to ignition of the leakage at the leakage inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Ludger Alfes, Wolfgang Zacharias
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Publication number: 20120043728Abstract: A seal is provided for preventing axial leakage through a radial gap between a stationary structure and a rotating structure. The radial gap is defined by an inner radial surface opposing an outer radial surface across the radial gap. The seal includes at least one land disposed on one of the inner radial surface and outer radial surface. At least one first tooth and at least one second tooth project from the other of the radial surfaces. The second tooth is shorter than the first tooth. At least one of the first tooth and second tooth, is configured to extend at an angle upstream. This angle is defined between a radial surface from which the first or second tooth projects and an upstream surface of the same tooth. The angle is less than or equal to about 80 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Xiaoqiang Zeng, Jonathon Edward Slepski, Tao Guo, Joshy John, Sudhakar Neeli
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Publication number: 20120032403Abstract: A seal assembly including first and second components; a seal arranged between the first and second components to seal a secondary flow region from a primary flow region; and a second recess portion provided on a surface of the second component between the seal and the primary flow region, the second recess portion further being arranged to receive a first portion of a flow from the secondary flow region and being configured to promote a second flow feature within the second recess portion, wherein the second recess portion is set back from the surface of the second component such that a second portion of the flow from the secondary flow region bypasses the second recess portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Tatjana ZORIC, James D. GODWIN
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Publication number: 20120027582Abstract: A packing ring assembly for use between a rotating and a stationary component in a turbomachine is disclosed, the assembly including an arcuate packing ring casing, an arcuate packing ring segment positioned at least partially within the packing ring casing, and a resistance component configured to allow movement of the packing ring segment in an axial direction, relative to the rotating component, between a first and second position in response to a pressure condition. In one embodiment, the resistance component allows movement when the pressure condition comprises approximately 30% of the turbomachine load. Also disclosed is an altered surface topography of the rotating component to accommodate variable length teeth extending from the packing ring segment, such that when the packing ring segment is in the first position, a clearance between the packing ring segment and the rotating component is larger than when the packing ring segment is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rajasekar Natarajan, Rakesh Vamsi Alamsetty, Mahendra Singh Mehra, Nestor Hernandez Sanchez, Manikandan Srinivasan
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Publication number: 20120025472Abstract: A labyrinth seal has a plurality of arcuate labyrinth seal segments 14 in which the confronting ends of adjacent arcuate labyrinth seal segments 14 have planar faces 26 which are oriented radially and axially but which are canted away from a strictly axial orientation 28 by a cant angle. A plurality of arcuate brush seal segments 16 may be retained in the plurality of arcuate labyrinth seal segments 14, thereby forming a combined labyrinth and brush seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Wilhelm Reiter, Christos Georgakis, Ivan Ramirez, Venkatesan Palaniappan
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Publication number: 20120017594Abstract: A seal assembly (50, 60) for a gas turbine engine for controlling air flow between a diffuser (48) and rotor disks comprising first and second annular flange ends (52, 54) and an annular seal mid-section (56) between and operatively connected to the flange ends (52, 54). The first and second annular flange ends (52, 54) abut respective outer frame members (46) of the diffuser, whereby a fluid flow path is formed between the seal assembly (50, 60) and the rotor disks (42). The first and second end flanges (52, 54) are composed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is substantially the same as a coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the outer frame members (46). In addition, the material of the seal mid-section (56) has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than that of the materials of the annular flange ends (52, 54) and outer frame members (46).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Christian Kowalski, Fan Zhang, Uwe Lohse, Robert W. Sunshine, Burkhard Voss
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Publication number: 20120001395Abstract: A seal assembly seals a first portion of a machine part relative to a second portion of the machine part. The seal assembly includes at least one seal element that contacts the machine part or contacts a component connected with the machine part or that extends with a gap relative to the machine part or to the component connected with the machine part. At least one of the seal element, the machine part and the component connected with the machine part is provided or coated with a material, which has super hydrophobic properties, in the area of the seal element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Jürgen Kurth, Jochen Lorenscheit
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Publication number: 20110291363Abstract: A seal for a pillow block that supports a rotating shaft includes an annular body having an inner surface opposite an outer surface. Disposed in the inner surface is a retaining channel that retains two double-wound laminar gripping rings that are separated by a double-wound laminar engagement ring. The gripping rings are dimensioned to frictionally engage and are carried by the shaft as it rotates. The engagement ring remains fixed within the retaining channel relative to the rotating gripping rings, resultantly forming a labyrinth seal to prevent the intrusion of particles and debris from entering the pillow block to prevent the contamination of lubricants contained therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Keith Allen Bartley
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Publication number: 20110280715Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a rotary machine and a packing seal that is disposed between rotary and stationary components of the rotary machine. The packing seal includes a pair of seal lands spaced axially along the rotary component and a seal tooth disposed at an axial position between the pair of seal lands. At least one seal land of the pair of seal lands or the seal tooth includes a curved flow-facing side and is slanted toward the curved flow-facing side.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Umesh Garg, Senthil Kumar, Prabakaran Modachur Krishnan
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Patent number: 8056902Abstract: An isolator seal includes a stator member for placement into the stator of rotating equipment and a rotor member for placement onto a rotary shaft of the rotating equipment. The stator member and the rotor member provide respective adjacent surfaces, while a static shut-off device engages both adjacent surfaces when the rotor member is static and disengages one or more of the surfaces when the rotor member is dynamic. In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the surfaces is inclined to the longitudinal axis at an angle greater or less than 90°.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: AES Engineering Ltd.Inventors: Alan James Roddis, Andrew Colverson
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Patent number: 8025296Abstract: In a shaft sealing mechanism which prevents fluid from flowing in an axial direction of a rotor through an annular gap between the rotor and a stator, there are provided a high pressure side plate positioned on a high pressure side region of a plurality of sheets, and a low pressure side plate positioned on a low pressure side region of the plurality of sheets, and construction is such that in a state in which the plurality of sheets is fixed on a stator side, and when under gas pressure, the sheets make contact with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Uehara, Tanehiro Shinohara, Takashi Nakano, Shin Nishimoto, Hirokazu Shirai, Toshio Asada
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Publication number: 20110221140Abstract: To improve sealing performance, a sealing device comprises an oil seal (10) mounted to a non-rotating housing (2), and a dust cover (20) mounted to a rotating body (5) outside the oil seal (10), one of the oil seal (10) and the dust cover (20) facing each other has an external seal lip (24) slidably in close contact with the other of them (10, 20) outside the slide sections (S1, S2) between the oil seal (10) and the rotating body (5), the oil seal (10) and the dust cover (20) have non-contact lips (16, 25) which are positioned outside the slide sections (S1, S2) and inside the external seal lip (24), have substantially conical tubular shapes becoming larger in diameter toward the tips thereof, and are loosely inserted to each other, and a labyrinth seal (30) is provided at the outer diameter side of the external seal lip (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: NOK CORPORATIONInventor: Takehiro Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20110223010Abstract: A device for sealing a bearing housing, which holds lubricating oil, from which a rotor supported inside the housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger is guided into a compressor housing, loadable by a mass flow of a charger. The device includes a fixed partition with a wall extension, a sealing disk fastened on a shaft of the rotor, a separating gap arranged between the sealing disk and the wall extension, and a drip device connected to an oil-collecting channel and directs lubricating oil collected in the oil-collecting channel into an oil drain by gravity. The drip device includes a drain-off surface for lubricating oil, which has a large axial distance from a rotating sealing disk which delimits the separating gap. Lubricating oil which can penetrate into the separating gap is guided into an oil drain of the bearing housing without interacting with the sealing disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: ABB TURBO SYSTEMS AGInventors: Gerd MUNDINGER, Joel SCHLIENGER, Matthias KIES, Patrick ABERLE
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Patent number: 8002285Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry that influences the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: John F. Justak
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Patent number: 8002286Abstract: A labyrinth seal having two or more knife edges in which at least one of the knife edges has a varying radial height in the circumferential direction or a cavity formed between adjacent knife edges has a varying axial width so that the leakage flow across the gap will vary around the circumference in order that excess vibrations will not develop in the knife edges and break them. The radial height of the step that forms a gap with the lab teeth varies either sinusoidal or random. An axial spacing between the step and the associated tooth can also vary either sinusoidal or random. To minimize a cavity edge-tone effect, the corners of the steps are rounded.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yehia El-Aini, George J Obranic, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110193293Abstract: A seal arrangement provided between a static component and a rotating component arranged for rotation about a rotational axis. The arrangement preferably takes the form of an interstage seal for a gas turbine engine, including: first and second seal members carried by respective said components and arranged concentrically about said rotational axis. The first seal member has a plurality of radially directed seal fins extending towards the second member and a substantially radially directed flow outlet configured to direct a flow of cooling air through the first member. In one aspect of the invention, the second member has a radial projection at one end of its axial length, the projection extending towards the first member at a position spaced axially between the flow outlet and said seal fins. In another aspect of the invention, the flow outlet is axially adjacent a seal fin which is configured so as to be generally concave towards the flow outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Dimitri D.V. MEGA, Jeffrey A. DIXON, Colin YOUNG, Ivan L. BRUNTON
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Publication number: 20110182729Abstract: A leaf seal 10 for location between a higher-pressure region and a lower pressure region of a rotary machine is configured so that radial movement of the free ends of the leaves 20 during operation of the rotary machine affects the aerodynamic forces acting upon the leaves 20. In particular, the housing 28 for the leaves 10 and the leaves themselves are part-conically formed such that when the free ends of the leaves are moved from their resting position, for example during shaft whirling, the gaps 34 and 36 between the upstream edge 21 of the leaf and the inner surface of the adjacent housing side-cheek 30, and between the downstream edge 22 of the leaf and the inner surface of the adjacent housing side-cheek 32, are altered. This alteration of the gaps can be used to provide improved control over the aerodynamic forces acting upon the leaves 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Siva Sivakumaran, Geir Leivseth
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Publication number: 20110163505Abstract: An adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism for use with variable speed components. The adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism may include a number of labyrinth teeth positioned on a component and an adverse pressure gradient seal positioned between a pair of the labyrinth teeth. The adverse pressure gradient seal may include a number of strips with each of the strips having an angled end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Anantha Padmanabhan Bhagavatheeswaran, Ravi Shankar Venkata Kasibhotla, Rohit Pruthi
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Publication number: 20110148046Abstract: A leaf seal assembly (20) for providing a seal between a first member and a second member (10), the leaf seal assembly comprising a plurality of leaf elements (22) and a first substantially planar cover plate (24a), the leaf elements being arranged in a pack, with a first edge of each leaf element being adjacent to the first cover plate, wherein each leaf element comprises a first shoulder (30a) in the first edge, the first shoulder being arranged so as to form a first gap (28a) between the first edge of each leaf element and the first cover plate over a portion of the first edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: INGO H.J. JAHN
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Publication number: 20110121519Abstract: A hybrid seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component comprises at least one shoe extending along one of the machine components in a position to create a non-contact seal, at least one spring element connected between one of the machine components and the shoe(s) and a stack of sealing elements located within a slot formed in the shoe(s), wherein a primary seal and secondary seal of the circumferential gap is created by the shoe(s) in cooperation with the spring element(s) and sealing elements, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: John F. Justak
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Publication number: 20110109047Abstract: A labyrinth sealing device is disclosed for use between a rotating shaft and a bearing housing. In some embodiments, an internal stator engages the housing and a rotor engages the shaft. A labyrinth pathway is defined between the rotor and stator to prevent the migration of lubricants and/or contaminants in either direction. The rotor acts as a running surface for the sealing element, but may also with a ground surface of the rotor to provide a pump that continuously draws lubricant away from the sealing lip toward a sump. In another embodiment, the stator and sealing element are combined as a single element formed from a sealing material. A recess in the sealing lip creates a pressure differential at the sealing surface and minimizes wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: GARLOCK SEALING TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher E. Tones, Gregory Burnett, Kwongvoon Wong, Earl Rogalski
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Publication number: 20110101618Abstract: A shaft seal assembly is disclosed having a stator including a main body and axial and radial projections therefrom. The rotor is radially extended and encompasses the axial and radial projections from said stator. A passageway formed between the radial projection of stator and rotor results in an axial passageway having its opening facing rearwardly from the rotor and away from the source of impinging coolant and/or contaminant. A concentric circumferential receptor groove in the stator facing the housing allows insertion of conductive means for transmission of electrostatic charge away from the shaft through the shaft seal assembly to the housing and ground. The receptor groove is opposite the axial passageway and provides for both a substantially lower contaminant environment and improved engagement with conductive means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Thomas D. Coe
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Patent number: 7918460Abstract: A pulsed discharge is generated between tip ends of a rotating member such as a blade and a discharge electrode including a hard material such as cBN in dielectric liquid or gas by a power supply for discharge to melt the discharge electrode, and a part of the discharge electrode is attached to the tip end of the rotating member to form an abrasive coating film including the hard materials such as cBN.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ochiai, Mitsutoshi Watanabe, Akihiro Goto, Masao Akiyoshi
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Patent number: 7896352Abstract: A hybrid seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component comprises at least one shoe extending along one of the machine components in a position to create a non-contact seal, at least one spring element connected between one of the machine components and the shoe(s) and a stack of sealing elements located within a slot formed in the shoe(s), wherein a primary seal and secondary seal of the circumferential gap is created by the shoe(s) in cooperation with the spring element(s) and sealing elements, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: John F. Justak
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Patent number: 7878508Abstract: This invention relates to a restrictive seal of the labyrinth type of reduced external size. The invention has an inner deflector which is capable of retaining the lubricating oil within the bearing housing with great efficiency, and a highly accurate system for adjusting and aligning the elements of the labyrinths, ensuring an infinite service life. Because it has very much smaller external dimensions it can be applied as a replacement to the lip seals commonly in use without causing problems to accessory equipment connected to a pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.- PetrobrasInventor: Paulo Roberto Leite Nóbrega
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Patent number: 7857321Abstract: A bearing seal device has an air purge mechanism that includes a rotor connected to the shaft of a piece of rotating equipment and a stator connected to the housing for the rotating equipment. An air passage extends between an inlet and an outlet and is at least partially defined by circumferentially extending stator and/or rotor surfaces. Preferably, the stator incorporates an orifice, which permits the attachment of an air supply line. The air purge mechanism may include a self-compensating air supply regulator device, located adjacent a circumferential air distribution cavity and substantially adjacent to one or more atmospheric communication orifices. The bearing seal device provides sealing integrity when the shaft is both idle and operational.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: AES Engineering Ltd.Inventor: Alan James Roddis
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Patent number: 7836591Abstract: A method of forming an interstage seal including removing a diaphragm seal box (14) from a gas turbine compressor assembly (10) and removing a labyrinth sealing member (12) from the diaphragm seal box (14). An abradable material layer (34) may be deposited on the diaphragm seal box (14). A spray gun may be mounted in relation to an engine disk (16) of the gas turbine compressor assembly (10) for cold-spraying a quantity of particles toward the engine disk (16). The particles may be sprayed at a velocity sufficiently high to cause at least a portion of the quantity of particles to adhere to the engine disk (16). The spray gun may be controlled to deposit a quantity of particles on the compressor disk (16) to form a geometry (32) that will abrade the abradable material layer (34) during operation of the gas turbine compressor assembly (10). The geometry (32) abrading the abradable material layer (34) forms an interstage seal.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: David B. Allen, Ramesh Subramanian
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Patent number: 7836593Abstract: A quantity of particles (28) may be cold-sprayed toward the distal surface (22) of a turbine blade (6) at a temperature below a melting point of the particles at a velocity sufficiently high to cause at least a portion of the particles to adhere to the surface to form squealer ridge (24) with a desired cutting profile. The cutting profile may be defined by a face (52) and a land (54) disposed at a relief angle (38) relative to a direction of motion (58) of a cutting edge (48). The ridge may be built by multiple passes of a cold spray gun depositing sequential layers (30, 32, 34) of varying widths. An in-service blade having worn distal surface may be repaired using this technique.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventor: David B. Allen
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Patent number: 7828297Abstract: A leaf seal for sealing a shaft rotating about an axis, in particular in a gas turbine, includes a plurality of spaced-apart leaves disposed in a concentric circle around the axis and fixed in position. Each of the leaves includes a surface oriented essentially parallel to the axis and an integrally formed element configured to position and retain the leaves in the leaf seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Matthias Hoebel, Nigel Anthony Rhodes, Ian James Summerside
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Publication number: 20100270750Abstract: A seal for a grate cooler, in particular for a grate cooler that operates according to the Walking-Floor principle, the seal sealing two individual grate elements that move relative to one another against the penetration of cooled material between the individual grate elements, the seal having at least one individual sealing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbHInventor: Karl Schinke
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Patent number: 7789395Abstract: An isolator device, which may be a bearing seal or a bearing isolator, for use hindering fluid flow between components which are rotating relative to each other about a longitudinal axis, the flow being in one direction parallel to this axis, includes a stator for securing to a rotary fixed one of the components and a rotor for securing to a relatively rotating one of the components. The stator has a surface which extends longitudinally and adjacent to a surface of a component, which rotates relative to the stator. The fluid flow is between the two surfaces and the stator surface is non-parallel to the adjacent component surface and is shaped to promote fluid flow in a direction opposing the general fluid flow direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: AES Engineering LimitedInventor: Alan James Roddis
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Publication number: 20100219587Abstract: A wheel seal is mainly provided with an annular internal sleeve oil seal. An annular concave inwards is formed at one side of the internal sleeve oil seal to contain one end of an annular outer annular member. A gap is kept between the internal sleeve oil seal and the outer annular member to contain an anti-friction ring and a second barrier. A labyrinth zone that is up and down is formed in the second barrier. Thus, the anti-friction ring is used to not only block foreign matters from entering the wheel seal through the gap and then being damaged, but also effectively transfer the strength from the inner annular member to the outer annular member at the time of installation for increasing the success rate of installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Shang-Huang Wang, Mark Bannister
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Publication number: 20100194052Abstract: A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft is disclosed. The pressure balanced shaft seal assembly includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoehle
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Patent number: 7762717Abstract: In a device for processing bulk materials, for example by mixing, shredding, metering and/or screening, with a container (40) and an implement (30) driven therein about a horizontal axis by an external rotary drive (10), it is proposed as claimed in the invention that, arranged between the container (40) and the rotary drive (10), is a connection unit (20), to which the container (40) is detachably fastened, in which a shaft (33) of the implement (30) is detachably retained and is detachably attached to the rotary drive (10), and in which a labyrinth seal (50) is loosely accommodated for the purpose of sealing the container (40) against the implement shaft (33).Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Gericke AGInventors: André Röhm, Ralf Weinekötter, Peter Brechbühler, Heinz Diethelm
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Publication number: 20100181730Abstract: A non-contacting sealing device for a bearing includes a labyrinth seal with a static shut-off device. The non-contacting sealing, or isolator, device includes stator, a rotor and the static shut-office device, which includes at least one deformable toroidal member adjacent to the stator surface and adjacent to the rotor surface. The deformable toroidal member engages both the stator surface and the rotor surface when the rotor is static and disengages at least one of the stator surface and the rotor surface when the rotor is operational. The seal may be an integral part of the bearing, or a substantially attachable member to a bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Alan James Roddis
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Publication number: 20100171268Abstract: A system for providing compliant rotating seals including a rotating portion that has one or more teeth extending radially from it, and a stationary portion that has a plurality of bristles extending radially from it. The one or more teeth rotatively engage the plurality of bristles creating a tortuous path between them that resists a leakage of gas or fluid through them.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Andrew Ray Kneeland, Eric David Roush
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Patent number: 7748715Abstract: A bearing seal includes a radially split stator and a rotor. The rotor is enclosed within the stator along the internal length of the rotor. The rotor may, optionally, also be radially split.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: AES Engineering Ltd.Inventor: Alan James Roddis
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Patent number: 7744093Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilizes folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces while perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurization 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 pressurization 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Alison J McMillan
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Publication number: 20100148449Abstract: A labyrinth sealing ring for a labyrinth seal of a turbine disk 1 of a gas turbine includes a metallic annular element 3 with at least one annular sealing lip 4. The sealing lip 4 is provided with at least one groove 5 on its circumference which is essentially arranged in the radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KGInventor: Miklos GAEBLER
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Publication number: 20100145310Abstract: A device and a method for sealing a micromotor with an optional associated gearbox are disclosed where, in one aspect of the present invention, a catheter tip comprises: a micromotor; an ultrasound imaging transducer; a gearbox mechanically coupled to the micromotor, the gearbox having a rotatable portion mechanically coupled to the ultrasound imaging transducer array; and a moisture barrier disposed so as to reduce or prevent acoustic coupling fluid from entering both the gearbox and the micromotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Warren Lee, Douglas Glenn Wildes, Weston Blaine Griffin
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Patent number: 7726661Abstract: A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft is disclosed. The pressure balanced shaft seal assembly includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Inpro/Seal LLCInventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoelhe
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Patent number: 7726021Abstract: A method for repairing damaged fins in a labyrinth seal without the use of welding or metallurgical bonding by removing a section of the shaft containing the damaged fins, and providing a sleeve with replacement fins.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventor: Barry Barnett
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Publication number: 20100109251Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for maintaining a seal during shaft misalignment comprising a first sealing means adjacent said shaft with a defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means, said shaft moveable axially in relation to said first sealing means; a second sealing means, said first sealing means partially encompassed within second sealing means and in cooperative communication with said second sealing means; a third sealing means, said second sealing means partially encompassed within third sealing means and in cooperative communication with said third sealing means, said third sealing means attached to said housing or vessel and allowing said first sealing means and second sealing means to cooperatively respond to said forces produced by angular misalignment of said shaft during rotation of said shaft while maintaining defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoelhe
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Publication number: 20100102514Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft sealing device (11) for sealing gas-fluid mixtures or cooling lubricants in electrical machines of work machines, particularly machine tools, having the following characteristics: —the shaft sealing device (11) is axially positioned between the work machine and the bearing of the electrical machine, —a spin element (6) is connected in a torsion-proof fashion to a shaft (10) of the electrical machine and is designed with at least one rear section (13) facing the bearing, —at least one fixed cover (3) connected to a bearing shield (1) in a fixed manner, the structure of said cover forming a labyrinth seal with the rear section (13) of the spin element (6), —said labyrinth seal comprising at least spray-off edges, two collecting grooves (5, 2), and beveled jacket surfaces, wherein, at least from the last collecting groove (2), via a return channel (4); the delivery of the collected medium to the outside is ensured by the Venturi effect while the electrical machine is in operationType: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Werner Lipot
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Patent number: 7703774Abstract: A shaft seal reduces leakage between a rotating shaft such as a rotor and a stator. The shaft seal or shingle seal includes a plurality of compliant-plate members attached to the stator in facing relation. The compliant-plate members define a sealing ring between the stator and the rotating shaft. Each of the compliant-plate members includes a plurality of shingles, where adjacent compliant-plate members are disposed relative to each other such that the shingles are at least partially staggered in a direction of axial leakage.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shorya Awtar, William Edward Adis, Mark William Kowalczyk, Norman Arnold Turnquist
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Patent number: 7651101Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shorya Awtar, Norman Arnold Turnquist
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Publication number: 20100013164Abstract: Gas seals are embodied in the form of contactless joints for sealing a gas processing chamber with respect to a sealed chamber, wherein a gas leak is generally extremely low. A locking labyrinth comprising at least one chamber to which the gas is supplied and which is placed upstream of the gas seal makes it possible to avoid said situation. The chamber is provided with a rate control element for operating with a constant supply pressure and for supplying the chamber with a predetermined rate gas flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2006Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Franz-Josef Meyer
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Patent number: 7624989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Erwin Hartmann, Wilhelm Walter