Having Installation, Removal, Assembly, Disassembly, Or Repair Feature Patents (Class 277/421)
  • Patent number: 11585352
    Abstract: A seal structure of a drive device is provided which includes a case in which a motor chamber for accommodating an electric motor and a gear chamber for accommodating a gear mechanism are located adjacent to each other, a partition that separates the motor chamber and the gear chamber, a bearing that supports a rotating shaft, a seal part that seals between the rotating shaft and the partition, a lubricating oil that lubricates the gear mechanism, and a coolant that cools the electric motor, and also includes a first bearing on the motor chamber side, a second bearing on the gear chamber side, a first seal part on the motor chamber side, a second seal part on the gear chamber side, and at least the second seal part of the first seal part and the second seal part is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Tominaga, Daisuke Tokozakura, Yuki Iwama, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 11585230
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a turbomachine, comprising a stator (1) and a rotor (2) rotatable relative to the stator (1) about an axis, the rotor (2) comprising blades each ×comprising a vane (3) connected to a radially inner platform (5), a block of abradable material (6) extending radially inwardly from the radially inner platform (5) the stator (1) having a shroud comprising an annular area (9), at least one lug (12) extending radially outwardly from said annular area (9), the radially outer end of the lug (12) cooperating with the block of abradable material (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Alexis Hector Ulysse George, Christophe Scholtes, Antoine Robert Alain Brunet
  • Patent number: 11448081
    Abstract: A machine has: an outer member; an inner member mounted for rotation about an axis relative to the outer member; and a seal system. The seal system has: a seal housing mounted to the outer member; one or more seal rings held by the seal housing and having an inner diameter surface; and a seal runner mounted to the inner member and having a first outer diameter surface portion contacting or facing the inner diameter surface of the one or more seal rings. The seal runner has a circumferential array of mounting features. One or more weights are mounted to one or more of the mounting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Dyer, Abhijeet Shrestha
  • Patent number: 11052928
    Abstract: A railcar adapter for radially connecting a railcar body to a bearing. The railcar adapter provides an adapter body, and a top cover mounted onto an outer surface of the adapter body. The top cover is includes at least one recess receiving a radially outwardly projecting pin provided to the outer surface of adapter body. The top cover is adapted to be in direct radial contact with the railcar body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Gautier Jenart, Ludovic Fenayon, Thierry Le Moigne
  • Patent number: 11035374
    Abstract: A rotary machine includes a stationary housing, a rotor, a shaft, a bearing unit, and a sealing arrangement to seal the bearing unit with respect to the rotor. The sealing arrangement includes a stationary sealing element surrounding the shaft. The sealing arrangement includes a rotor ring to prevent an axial flow along the shaft to the rotor and a cover plate, the rotor ring rotationally fixedly connected to the rotor and arranged axially adjacent to the sealing element, the rotor ring including a radially outer edge extending in the axial direction and surrounding the sealing element. The cover plate is fixed with respect to the housing and surrounding the rotor ring, and has an outer rim, a drain chamber formed between the outer edge of the rotor ring and the outer rim of the cover plate, and a discharge passage to discharge the drain chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventor: Alan Swaby
  • Patent number: 10443421
    Abstract: A turbomachine blade can include a blade root defining a plurality of feather seal slots on a lateral portion thereof. The plurality of seal slots includes two leg slots, each leg slot extending radially, and a cross member slot extending axially. An airfoil portion extends radially from the blade root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 10280776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine assembly (10) of a turbine engine (1), comprising at least: a first bladed rotor (12), a bladed stator (13) and a second bladed rotor (14) arranged in series, the rotors (12, 14) being mounted on a shaft (2); a sealing plate (20) extending between the stator (13) and the shaft (2) and separating a first recess (C1) arranged between the first rotor (12) and the stator (13), from a second recess (C2) arranged between the stator (13) and the second rotor (14); and pressure-reducing means (300, 31) positioned inside the first recess (C1), the assembly being characterized in that said pressure-reducing means (300, 31) comprise a plurality of substantially radial recompression fins (300) extending into the first recess (C1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Damien Bernard Quelven, Jean-Baptiste Vincent Desforges, Maurice Guy Judet, Ba-Phuc Tang
  • Patent number: 10174790
    Abstract: An inner ring includes: a pair of shoulder outer peripheral surfaces on first and second axial sides of a raceway surface of the inner ring in contact with balls; seal grooves disposed in first and second axial ends of the inner ring and defining labyrinth clearances with lips; and edges disposed on the first and second axial sides. Each of the edges is configured to cause grease flowing along an associated one of the shoulder outer peripheral surfaces to leave the shoulder outer peripheral surface in the direction of an extension thereof. Each of the lips includes a lip oblique surface functioning as a guide surface to guide the grease that has left the edge not to a radially inner region of the bearing but to a radially outer region of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ishii, Youzou Taniguchi, Takashi Iwata
  • Patent number: 10094423
    Abstract: An inner ring includes: a pair of shoulder outer peripheral surfaces on first and second axial sides of a raceway surface of the inner ring in contact with balls; seal grooves disposed in first and second axial ends of the inner ring and defining labyrinth clearances with lips; and edges disposed on the first and second axial sides. Each of the edges is configured to cause grease flowing along an associated one of the shoulder outer peripheral surfaces to leave the shoulder outer peripheral surface in the direction of an extension thereof. Each of the lips includes a lip oblique surface functioning as a guide surface to guide the grease that has left the edge not to a radially inner region of the bearing but to a radially outer region of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ishii, Youzou Taniguchi, Takashi Iwata
  • Patent number: 10077843
    Abstract: A division type mechanical seal includes a through hole portion formed over two divided sealing rings so as to go over divided contact faces of the two divided sealing rings adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and a coupling tool inserted into the through hole portion to couple the two adjacent divided sealing rings. The coupling tool includes a bolt, a nut, and a tube fitted to a shaft portion of the bolt, and the tube is compressed in the axial direction and expanded in the outer diameter direction when the two adjacent divided sealing rings are coupled by fastening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Sato
  • Patent number: 10054226
    Abstract: A mechanical sealing system for preventing leakage of a fluid from a housing. The mechanical sealing system has a housing, wherein the housing contains the fluid. A shaft penetrates the housing. A narrow fluid flow path directs a leaked fluid from the housing. A labyrinth seal constrains the leaked fluid from the narrow fluid flow path. A stationary seal constrains a flow of the leaked fluid from the labyrinth seal and a grease seal for constraining the flow of the leaked fluid from the stationary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Billy Dean Watson
  • Patent number: 9551235
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial flow machine, in particular a gas turbine with axial hot gas flow. Gaps between rotor-side heat shields are blocked by easily mountable sealing strips, which are arranged with their longitudinal edges in opposing grooves in the side walls of the respective gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Anatolievich Khanin, Andrei Vladimirovich Pipopulo
  • Patent number: 8740225
    Abstract: The disclosed finger seals are designed to be operational under rotational velocity or a stationary condition. The contact surface of the finger seals is inclined in an axial direction. The rotational velocity of the bore does not affect the hydrodynamic lift and the finger seals can operate at any rotational speed, unlike prior finger seal where the hydrodynamic lift is generated by rotational velocity. Each finger seal is pressure balanced. The pressure chambers on the two sides of each finger seal are connected through the finger cutouts. The finger seal design is such that the fingers lift and move away from the bore surface in radial direction. In one form, each finger seal is designed with the specific required length to allow sufficient surface area for the hydrodynamic force such that the finger seals would be lifted from the bore surface at the design pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Exponential Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Patterson, Alejandro Juan, Soheil Farshchian
  • Patent number: 8657297
    Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Stein Seal Company
    Inventor: Glenn M. Garrison
  • Patent number: 8485531
    Abstract: The invention concerns an oil seal assembly 12, especially for a gas turbine engine, for use in situations, for example, where a shaft passes 2 through the wall of a bearing chamber 10, so that one side of the seal is in a “wet” zone 8 and the other side in a “dry” zone 14. The seal comprises two parts, a relatively stationary annular seal member 32 which runs against the surface 34 of a seal runner 36 carried by the rotatable shaft 2. Both parts of seals of this kind are designed to be a demountable service items. Usually the seal runner 36 is bolted to a flange 16 on the shaft 2. However, problems may arise with oil leakage through the bolt holes formed in the flange 16 and along the bolt threads. In order to solve these problems the invention proposes a double flange arrangement 42, 44, 46 (FIG. 3) in which the seal runner 36 spans both flanges 42, 44 and is secured to the flange 42 in the dry zone 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Durling
  • Patent number: 8474827
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of this invention, a pressure actuated leaf seal assembly is provided that includes film riding, hydrodynamic/hydrostatic runners under seal member leaf ends. Leaf seal assemblies according to embodiments of this invention maintain the runner away from a rotating body until adequate rotating speed is present to generate lift required to allow the runner to float on a thin film of operating fluid on the rotating body, so that the runner does not rub the rotating body. In addition, runners are attached, or added, to leaf seal members such that the runners move in a radial direction, while remaining parallel to the rotating body. In one embodiment, a runner can comprise a separate structure coupled to a leaf seal member, and in another embodiment, a runner can comprise a wear-resistant pad on a distal end of a leaf seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: CMG Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Clayton M. Grondahl, Richard Lee Smith, James Carlton Dudley
  • Patent number: 8424877
    Abstract: A method and systems for a purged seal for an annular space are provided. The purged seal includes a first baffle element that extends from an inner surface of the annular space into the annular space at an oblique angle and a second baffle element that extends from an outer surface of the annular space above the first baffle element in a direction opposite gravity flow into the annular space wherein the second baffle element extends at an oblique angle. The system also includes a third baffle element that extends from the inner surface above the first baffle element in a direction of gravity flow into the annular space wherein the third baffle element extends into the annular space at an oblique angle with respect to the inner surface and wherein a distal end of the third baffle element is positioned proximate a distal end of the second baffle element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Constantin Dinu, James Michael Storey, Aaron John Avagliano, Douglas S. Byrd, Shaoping Shi, Judeth Brannon Corry, Allyson Joy Jimenez Huyke
  • Patent number: 8413993
    Abstract: A sealing ring for turbo engines is provided. The sealing ring includes individual sealing segments, between which springs are mounted. Locking elements are provided on the parting joint of the turbo engine to retain the sealing segments. In order to ensure that the sealing elements can be securely closed on the parting joint, the sealing segments are positively interconnected on the parting joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Brück, Eduard Jenikejew, Matthias Neef, Norbert Sürken
  • Patent number: 8387991
    Abstract: A sealing assembly provides a seal between a first element and a second element, the first element being movable with respect to the second element, wherein the sealing assembly comprises: a sealing member adjacent to the first and second elements; a first seal portion for providing a first seal between the sealing member and the first element, the first seal portion being arranged in a first direction; and a second seal portion for providing a second seal between the sealing member and the second element, the second seal portion being arranged in a second direction, wherein the first direction is arranged at an angle with respect to the second direction and the sealing member is disposed such that the sealing member is movable relative to the second element in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Durling
  • Patent number: 8272643
    Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. A plurality of radial dams disposed along the surface in an outward radial arrangement from the circumferential darn is provided to improve the stiffness of the thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Stein Seal Company
    Inventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8220802
    Abstract: A leaf seal for sealing a shaft rotating about an axis, in particular in a gas turbine, includes a plurality of spaced-apart leaves arranged in a concentric circle around the axis and fixed in position by brazing, the leaves having surfaces oriented essentially parallel to the axis. The leaves are brazed to one another via intermediate spacers made of a brazing foil, so that a brazed joint is produced by brazing alloy from the brazing foils. The brazing temperature may be set to an optimum value just above the solidus temperature of the brazing foil, at which partial melting of the brazing foil occurs and penetration of liquid brazing alloy into the gap between the leaves is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Nigel Anthony Rhodes, Matthias Hoebel, Walter Brehm, Alexander Schnell
  • Patent number: 8181965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to replaceable brush seal assemblies for use with turbines such as industrial gas turbines. In accordance with the present invention, a brush seal assembly comprises a flange, a brush seal mounted to the flange, and retainers preventing rotation of the brush seal relative to the flange. A method of repairing a brush seal having a back plate, side plate, and bristles is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of removing the side plate and the bristles from the back plate, and securing a second brush seal to the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Addis
  • Patent number: 8113771
    Abstract: A spring assembly for a retractable turbine rotor seal supported in an arcuate segment may include in one embodiment a first radially inner restraining plate having a lower surface adapted to engage a surface of a turbine stator, and a flat upper surface provide with an upstanding hub; a second radially outer restraining plate having a flat lower surface and an upper surface adapted to engage a surface of the arcuate segment, the radially outer restraining plate formed with an opening receiving the upstanding hub; and at least one spring telescoped over the upstanding hub and exerting a radially outward biasing force on the second radially outer restraining plate, and adapted to exert a radially outward retracting force on the arcuate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norman Arnold Turnquist, Shorya nmn Awtar, Mustafa Gursoy, Kartik Mangudi Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 8074997
    Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Stein Seal Company
    Inventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7997858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing the space between first and second components, wherein a sealing element is placed between the sealing surface of the first component and the sealing surface of the second component, means are used for displacing the sealing element towards the first component and the sealing surface of the second component is used in the form of a guiding surface for the sealing element when it is displaced towards the first component. The means comprise a movable pressure element which is embodied in such a way that the displacement thereof generates the displacement of the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Vinko Mikulec
  • Patent number: 7955462
    Abstract: This method to allow the use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) solvents in blanket cleaning operations and the resultant product that is produced by this method involves the retrofitting of currently existing seals on printing press so that operators can use low VOC solvents in place of high VOC solvents. High VOC solvents are harmful to the atmosphere and humans alike. As VOC are lighter than the surrounding air, humans are subjected to inhalation of these harmful vapors which cause respiratory and other health ailments. The VOC continue to rise, mixing with nitrogen oxides, until they reach the troposphere forming thick layers of ozone or smog. The current movement of municipalities to limit the use of high VOC solvents have lead printers and others to use low VOC solvents which are inherently less evaporative than high VOC solvents. This lack of evaporation causes problems with having to handle greater volumes of waste to handle and dispose properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Tubbs
  • Patent number: 7938402
    Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Stein Seal Company
    Inventors: Glenn M. Garrison, Alan D. McNickle, Diane McNickle, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7918462
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the installation of labyrinth packing comprises the step of using pressurized air to extend the packing segments of a portion of a disassembled rotor casing to the close clearance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Star Field Fit, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna L. MacGregor, Thomas W. Rambin
  • Patent number: 7918461
    Abstract: a system for facilitating turbine labyrinth packing comprises: a packing holder 30, packing 20, packing teeth 21, pressurized air supply 50, hose 40, hose stabilizer 41, hose sleeve 42, pneumatic regulator 51, pressure gage 52, male quick disconnect 43, and female quick disconnect 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Star Field Fit, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna L. MacGregor, Thomas W. Rambin
  • Patent number: 7918643
    Abstract: A compressor of a gas turbine engine comprises blades 2, 4 provided on blade platforms 8, 12 of a rotor. Stator vanes 20 lie between the blades 2, 4 and are connected to a vane support structure 22. Sealing rings 38 are secured to the vane support structure 22 to restrict air flow into stator wells 36 on each side of the vane support structure 22. The sealing rings 38 are made from a flexible material so that they deflect on installation of the vane support structure 22 in a direction radially inwards between the adjacent blade platforms 8, 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Kevin J Weaver
  • Patent number: 7850173
    Abstract: A repairable labyrinth seal of a gas turbine engine comprises at least one fin having a base with a thickness and a tip portion extending therefrom. A shoulder distinguishes the base from the tip portion. The shoulder defines a machining site suitable for receiving a welded replacement piece for shaping a new tapered tip portion following removal of a worn tapered tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Richard Ivakitch
  • Patent number: 7806410
    Abstract: A stationary labyrinth seal system includes a seal housing having an annular cavity, a plurality of damping devices, and a retaining ring. The damping devices are positioned within the annular cavity and are maintained within the annular cavity by the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yehia M. El-Aini, William S. Mitchell, Lawrence P. Roberts, Stuart K. Montgomery, Gary A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7789395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: AES Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Alan James Roddis
  • Patent number: 7762717
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Gericke AG
    Inventors: André Röhm, Ralf Weinekötter, Peter Brechbühler, Heinz Diethelm
  • Patent number: 7748715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: AES Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan James Roddis
  • Patent number: 7726940
    Abstract: Assembly of segmented seals can be problematic in areas of limited space for an introductory tapered mandrel and where there are the problems with damage to the seal surfaces 23, 24. By the present method and arrangement, a seal formed from segments 22 is expanded to an expanded state and then retained at that state by the use of a sacrificial material 26 in the gaps 25 between the segments 22 opened by expansion. The sacrificial material 26 is typically a low melting temperature wax and so is removed when the seal arrangement reaches its operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Guy David Snowsill
  • Patent number: 7704041
    Abstract: A packing ring assembly is provided and includes an arcuate carrier ring segment, an arcuate packing ring segment movable relative to the carrier ring segment, an attachment component disposed in association with the packing ring segment and in association with the carrier ring segment, and an actuator component configured to maintain the packing ring segment in a first position and to allow a movement of the packing ring segment to a second position when the packing ring assembly is exposed to a pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Edward Adis
  • Patent number: 7641200
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable clearance packing ring arrangement including a packing ring, wherein the packing ring includes a sealing face. The variable clearance packing ring arrangement also includes an actuating arrangement internal to the packing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Jon Chevrette
  • Patent number: 7631878
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Isotech of Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, Neil F. Hoelhe
  • Publication number: 20090274548
    Abstract: A seal assembly for deflecting contaminated fluid flowing through the seal assembly from an upstream space to a downstream space includes an annular housing, at least one vent hole peripherally disposed on the annular housing, a first set of seals disposed within the annular housing adjacent to the downstream space, the first set of seals having an inclined surface to deflect the flow of contaminated fluid through the at least one vent hole, and a second set of seals mounted on the shaft, disposed within the annular housing, adjacent to the first set of seals and adjacent to the upstream space. The second set of seals may have larger inside diameter than the first set of seals. The seal assembly may prevent contaminated fluid from entering an air bearing cooling circuit, thereby preventing bearing wear, erosion and failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: FIDEL MANALO JOCO, Marshall Saville, Alan Kang
  • Patent number: 7581931
    Abstract: A seal strip assembly for use in a turbomachine having a plurality of stages including rotationally driven disks, and arms on opposed portions of adjoining disks to define paired arms with a space therebetween. The seal strip assembly includes a seal strip positioned in the space between the paired arms and having opposing edges for locating in slots formed in opposed faces of the paired arms. An anti-rotation block is provided, where a portion of the anti-rotation block is removably located in opposed openings formed in the paired arms and is engaged with the seal strip to resist movement of the seal strip relative to the paired arms. A detachable engagement member is detachably fastened to the anti-rotation block for maintaining the anti-rotation block in engagement with the seal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Shaefer, Brian D. Nereim
  • Patent number: 7498703
    Abstract: A shaft sealing assembly (10) for providing a seal between a shaft and a housing within which the shaft rotates. The sealing assembly (10) comprises a rotor (40) adapted to be mounted to the shaft and a stator (42) adapted to be mounted to the housing. The rotor (40) and the stator (42) include recesses and/or projections which mate and interlock to form a labyrinth lubricant chamber therebetween. The stator (42) carries at least one electrical-path-establishing element (88) which forms an electrically conductive path between the shaft and an electrical ground to thereby dissipate residual current and/or stray shaft voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Rea, Sr., Paul E. Yager, Ronald J. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7470113
    Abstract: A compressor for a turbine engine includes multiple compressor disks having rotor blades mounted about the circumference of each of the disks. A plurality of stator vanes extend between the rotor blades of axially adjacent disks. A knife edge seal segment is supported by each disk backbone extending from the disks and contacts the stator vanes to restrict leakage of compressed air from between the stator vane and the compressor rotor to limit the recirculation of air. Retaining flanges extend from each disk rim to retain the knife edge seal segments to the disk backbone and spacer bridges integral to the knife edge seal segments prevent axial movement of the knife edge seal segments. A plurality of lock assemblies are spaced about the circumference of the disk backbone to prevent circumferential shifting and rotating of the knife edge seal segments during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tuy Tran, John T. Pickens
  • Patent number: 7445212
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Gail, Lodewijk Prins, Klemens Werner
  • Patent number: 7249769
    Abstract: A seal (40) provides sealing between two pressure zones (60, 62) and a rotating and non-rotating member (42, 52) by providing a first sealing member (46) between two seal lands (48, 50). A second seal (64) is mounted between the non-rotating member (52, 58) and one of the seal lands (50, 66) so as to control pressure around the seal lands (48, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: John R Webster
  • Patent number: 7165771
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly is provided for sealing components which move relative to one another. One of the components includes a recess or groove for accommodating a clamping sleeve which supports bristles. A support plate which is formed separately from the component and the clamping sleeve is pressed into the recess and abuts the recess wall surfaces and the clamping sleeve to hold the same in a predetermined working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Beichl, Carsten Butz, Christoph Cernay, Alfons Gail, Adriano Marchini, Alexander Rauschmeier
  • Patent number: 7090220
    Abstract: A cartridge type bearing seal facilitates the prevention of contaminant ingress between a spindle rotor and a spindle housing, particularly in situations where a circumferentially uniform fluid pressure is generated within the annular volume of the spindle housing. The cartridge includes ringlike rotor and stator sections which can be compressed axially to snap fit together, in a manner which enables relative rotation about a common axis. When interconnected, the sections define an inside surface and an outside surface, and a fluid flow path which extends radially outwardly therebetween, and which traverses a collar and tangs construction which enables the snap fit connection. The tangs are arcuate in shape and spaced equidistantly around the axis. The total arcuate space occupied by the tangs is relatively small, compared to the total arcuate space residing between the tangs, and bounded by the two sections adjacent the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Setco Sales Co.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Hoeting, Bobby L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 7052014
    Abstract: The assembly includes rotor and stator elements each having an inclined plane or surface juxtaposed to each other. This is a metallic assembly and the rotor and stator also have juxtaposed cavities. The stator cavity being of sufficient size to accommodate a sealing member. The inclined surfaces are flexed with the inclined plane or surface of the rotor forced over the inclined plane or surface of the stator to lock the rotor and stator together with the sealing member enclosed between the rotor and stator. The sealing member does not rotate with the stator. The seal contains at least one labyrinth formed with the rotor and stator, are adjacent each other and lock together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: David C. Orlowski, William L. Steinert
  • Patent number: 6962482
    Abstract: A shroud segment for being incorporated in a gas turbine engine having a turbine case and a rear turbine case connected with a rear end of the turbine case so as to suppress influence of hot combustion gas on the turbine case and the rear turbine case, is provided with a back plate formed in an arc shape and supported by the turbine case, a touching member integrally formed on an inner surface of the back plate for touching with a rotating turbine blade; and a jet shield extended from a rear end of the back plate and slanted radially inward so as to shield the rear turbine case from a jet of the hot combustion gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Agamu Tanaka
  • 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