Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer includes a gimbal having a support frame and enclosure configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure, a flywheel assembly including a flywheel and flywheel shaft, one or more bearings for rotatably mounting the flywheel inside the enclosure, a motor for rotating the flywheel, and bearing cooling system for cooling one or more bearings supporting the flywheel. The bearing cooling system enables heat generated by the bearings to be transferred through the flywheel shaft to a heat sink disposed within a cavity in the end of the flywheel shaft, and then external to the enclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a gland condenser skid system comprising a direct contact heat exchanger as gland condenser, configured to collect and condensate steam coming from a steam turbine sealing system, wherein the steam turbine sealing system is provided with an air buffering seal device, separating steam turbine shaft lubricating oil system from the steam turbine sealing system.

Abstract: A collar may be provided having an aperture through it through which the turret of a wafer handling robot may be extended or retracted. The collar may have one or more radial gas passages. Gas directed inwards towards the turret from the radial passage(s) may turn downward when it strikes the turret. A bellows may be optionally affixed to the bottom of the turret and to the bottom of the base such that the volume of the base occupied by the turret and the bellows remains generally fixed regardless of the degree to which the turret is extended from the base.

Abstract: An air bleeder includes a branch, a lubricant supply conduit, and a return conduit. Lubricant stored in a tank is to be supplied to a valve provided in a machine tool via the lubricant supply conduit. The lubricant supply conduit includes a first supply conduit, and a second supply conduit. The first supply conduit connects the branch and the tank. The second supply conduit connects the branch at a first connecting position and the valve. The return conduit connects the tank and the branch at a second connecting position higher than the first connecting position in a height direction along a height of the air bleeder to return lubricant to the tank and to remove air from lubricant in the lubricant supply conduit.

Abstract: A sealing system includes: a double mechanical seal having a pump-side sealing mechanism (10, 12) and an atmospheric-side sealing mechanism (11, 13); a pump mechanism (19) driven by a rotational shaft (1); a first medium circulation line (30) for circulating a fluid barrier-and-cooling medium between a first chamber (22a) and a second chamber (22b), the first medium circulation line (30) being coupled to the first chamber (22a) and the second chamber (22b), the fluid barrier-and-cooling medium being different from a fluid handled by the centrifugal pump; a heat exchanger (21) and a shut-off valve (28) attached to the first medium circulation line (30); a second medium circulation line (31) bypassing the shut-off valve (28); and a medium pressurizing pump (45) and an on-off valve (23) attached to the second medium circulation line (31).

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for utilizing a crankshaft lip seal over the course of a first overhaul life and a second overhaul life. In one example, a method includes installing the crankshaft lip seal between a flywheel housing and a crankshaft of an engine and operating the engine with the crankshaft lip seal. The method further includes removing the crankshaft lip seal, re-machining a floating seal sleeve coupled to the crankshaft or the flywheel housing, and replacing a lip. The crankshaft lip seal is then re-installed between the flywheel housing and the crankshaft and the engine operated with the re-installed crankshaft lip seal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to precise rotary motion control systems. More specifically, some embodiments relate to systems, methods, and means for providing pressure to a non-contact rotary system. In some embodiments, the rotary system comprises a rotary shaft that can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees continuously. In order for the rotary system to be entirely non-contact with any surfaces of surrounding components or housing, pressure must be supplied to a rotary air bearing that floats the rotary unit above a surface. In some examples, the bottom air bearing is a vacuum preloaded (VPL) air bearing. As such, the VPL air bearing requires a supply of positive pressure and a supply of negative pressure to stabilize the rotary unit. The present technology provides a mechanism for providing pneumatic air to the air bearing without a physical connection to the rotary shaft or air bearing.

Abstract: Sealing device for a propeller shaft of a marine vehicle propulsion unit including a plurality of sealing lips axially offset relative to each other, with a receiving space for a hydraulic fluid delimited by two adjacent sealing lips, at least one buffer space axially offset with respect to the receiving space and delimited by two adjacent sealing lips, whereby the sealing device includes suitable feeding means for supplying the buffer space with a buffer fluid. The device includes a sampling circuit able to sample fluid included in the buffer space and a monitoring device able to check parameters of the fluid sampled by the sampling circuit.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system includes a gas turbine exhausting an exhaust gas, a heat recovery steam generator including, a first economizer, a first steam generator, a second economizer, a second steam generator, a steam turbine which is driven by the steam generated at the first steam generator and the second steam generator, and a flasher which generates a first flash steam and a first drain water by flashing a portion of the water heated by the first economizer.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing between an oil cavity and an air cavity of a gas turbine is provided. The sealing assembly comprising a seal having a seal element and a circumferential seal housing receiving the seal element. The seal housing has an annulus extending circumferentially around a center axis, radially between an outer periphery and an inner periphery, and axially along the center axis between a first surface and a second surface. The seal housing has a collecting channel defined circumferentially in the inner periphery about the center axis and a draining pocket defined in a portion of the seal housing configured and disposed to in use collect liquid oil during engine operation. The draining pocket extends from the collecting channel to the first surface and configured to communicate collected liquid oil from the collecting channel to the oil cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for low-temperature cooling/liquefaction of a working fluid, in particular a working fluid including helium or consisting of pure helium by means of a refrigerator/liquefier that includes a working circuit provided with a compressor station and a cold box. The refrigerator/liquefier subjects the working gas within the working circuit to a cycle that includes, in series: compressing the working fluid within the compressor station, cooling and decompressing the working fluid in the cold box, and heating the working fluid with a view to the return thereof to the compressor station. The compressor station includes one or more compression levels, each one using one or more compressors mounted on landings.

Abstract: An industrial oil degassing system and method to remove gas from an industrial machine oil. Described is an industrial oil degassing system, including a pressure tank under pressure to receive oil charged with gas, a separation tank with an atmospheric pressure to separate gas from the oil, and a seal oil tank with an atmospheric pressure to receive the degassed oil from the separation tank. Further described is a method for industrial degassing of oil with the steps of exerting a pressure to a pressure tank, supplying the oil to the pressure tank, supplying the oil from the pressure tank to a separation tank with atmospheric pressure, separating gas from the oil in the separation tank, and supplying the degassed oil to a seal oil tank with atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: a first steam turbine coupled with a shaft; a seal system coupled with the shaft, the seal system including a set of linearly disposed seal locations on each side of the steam turbine along the shaft, each seal location corresponding with a control valve for controlling a flow of fluid therethrough; and a control system coupled with each of the control valves, the control system configured to control flow of a dry air or gas to at least one of the seal locations for heating the system.

Abstract: A dual-spindle screw pump having a pump housing (11) for a medium to be conveyed, in particular a foodstuff, which has a pump section (12), at least one bearing section (16) and at least one gear section (17), wherein the at least one bearing section (16) and the pump section (12) are constructed separately from one another, wherein the pump section is a product chamber (26) through which the medium is conveyed, having a conveyor housing part (13) as a constituent part of the pump section (12) in which two conveying screws (20, 21) that are arranged on shafts (18, 19) are provided, having at least one feed section (22) and at least one removal section (23) as constituent parts of the pump section (12), preferably each having a connection flange (24, 25), wherein the product chamber (26) has at least one parting line (28) having a connection to the surrounding atmosphere (29), which is provided with a vapor barrier (30) having a groove (31) as the vapor channel (38), characterized in that there is provided in

Abstract: A seal ring assembly includes a first seal ring axially disposed from a second seal ring. The first seal ring has an axial face opposing an axial face of the second seal ring. A radial oil channel is defined between the two axial faces. Both seal rings have a tapered surface configured to contact a spring. The spring biases the seal rings away from each other via the tapered surface. Both seal rings are disposed in a radially inwardly directed channel. At least one of the seal rings have a plurality of protrusions that extend beyond the axial face. The protrusions are configured to create a passageway to allow oil to flow through the passageway and to allow at least one of the seal rings to move into a desired position by reducing static friction between the axial faces.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a generator to be driven by an internal combustion engine to generate an electric power. The internal combustion engine is to drive vehicle wheels via a hydraulic clutch. The electric power is to be supplied to an electric motor to drive the vehicle wheels. An oil pump is to be driven by the internal combustion engine to supply oil to the electric motor and the generator and to the hydraulic clutch. A valve is to decrease a first amount of the oil to be supplied to the electric motor and the generator and to increase a second amount of the oil to be supplied to the hydraulic clutch when the hydraulic clutch is in an engaged state. The valve is to increase the first amount of the oil and to decrease the second amount of the oil when the hydraulic clutch is in a disengaged state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermodynamic circuit process device comprising a working medium having a lubricant additive; an expansion machine (5) for converting enthalpy in the working medium into mechanical energy; a multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus (1) for the step-by-step pressurization of the working medium; a means (4) for branching a part of the working medium between two stages of the multi-stage pressure-increasing apparatus (1); and a means (4) for feeding the branched off part of the working medium to one or a plurality of bearing points of the expansion machine. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for lubricating an expansion machine in a thermodynamic circuit process device.

Abstract: A product-lubricated multiphase pump for pumping a multiphase mixture containing hydrocarbon includes a separation system and a supply system. To achieve a good cooling and lubrication of pump elements without a lot of operating media and operating medium circuits, the separation system has a first separation stage for at least partly separating at least a portion of the multiphase mixture into a plurality of phase-enriched components and the supply system supplies a liquid-enriched liquid component as lubricant to a pump element to be lubricated.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system, comprising: a first chamber; a second chamber; a chuck; a movement system; wherein the first chamber comprises: a first element that has a first surface; a first chamber housing that comprises a second surface; wherein the first surface and the second surface come into proximity with each other at a first interface; a supporting element for supporting the chuck when the chuck is positioned within the first chamber; and a first dynamic seal formed at the first interface and is arranged to seal the first chamber from the movement system; wherein the second chamber comprises: a second chamber housing; a movement system that is arranged to introduce movement between (a) the first chamber housing and (b) the first element and the chuck; and a movement control element for mechanically coupling the first element to the movement system.

Abstract: A method includes treating a process fluid of a gas processing system to create a treated process fluid and pressurizing the treated process fluid to a predetermined pressure using a pump of the gas processing system. The method also includes routing the treated process fluid at the predetermined pressure to a rotating assembly of the gas processing system and lubricating a bearing of the rotating assembly using the treated process fluid at the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An electric generator, in particular a power station generator is provided, having at least one inlet and an outlet for at least one hollow conduit for receiving a coolant fluid. The hollow conduit is situated in or on a rotor and/or a stator/stator bars and/or a shaft and/or a housing of the electric generator wherein the hollow conduit is set up as an evaporator for receiving thermal energy from the electric generator via the coolant fluid. The cooling process allows the efficiency of the electric generator to be increased.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a ship's propeller shaft includes at least one oil-filled seal chamber bounded by seal rings around the shaft, as well as an oil reservoir tank, an oil supply line connecting the tank to the bottom portion of the seal chamber, an oil circulation pump interposed in the supply line between the tank and the seal chamber, and an oil return line communicating from the upper portion of the seal chamber back to the tank. Thereby, oil is continuously circulated through the seal chamber, and thereby flushes out any contaminant particles, air or water that might enter the seal chamber.

Abstract: A method of activating voice control on a wireless device includes sampling signals from a plurality of sensors on the device, determining if the device is in a hands-on state by a user on the basis of the signal sampling, and enabling a voice activated detection (VAD) application on the device on the basis of the determination. A voice controlled apparatus in a wireless device includes a plurality of sensors arranged on the device, a microphone, a controller to sample signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors, a processor coupled to the controller, and a voice activated detection (VAD) application running on the processor coupled to the controller and the microphone.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for sealing a shaft disposed for rotation within a casing, where two axially-spaced seal rings of an oil film seal extend around the shaft and define a clearance therebetween. Oil is pumped into the clearance from an oil reservoir and a portion of the oil is received in an annular port defined in the casing between an outer labyrinth seal and one of the axially-spaced seal rings. The oil mixes with a process gas to for an oil and gas mixture. A blower is in fluid communication with the annular port and circulates the oil and gas mixture to a trap where the oil is separated from the process gas and a separated process gas is returned back to the annular port.

Abstract: A device for collecting used sealing fluids/grease being used as sealing and lubricating medium between two objects such as risers.

Abstract: An adjustable seal apparatus for mounting a mixing apparatus having a movable shaft in sealed engagement with a wall of a vessel and in a selected orientation with respect to the wall of the vessel. The adjustable seal apparatus includes a seal mechanism for creating a gas-tight seal between the shaft of the mixing apparatus and the wall of the vessel and an adjustable mounting mechanism for selectively positioning the shaft in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A sealing system between a relatively rotating element and a stationary element has at least three sealing elements arranged between the rotating element and the stationary element and arranged in series between a process fluid and an environment, and a barrier fluid arrangement to provide a barrier fluid to spaces formed between the sealing elements. The barrier fluid arrangement has at least two compensator devices where under use the pressure in the process fluid is acting on one side of a piston in the compensator device and the pressure in the barrier fluid is acting on the opposite side of the piston. There is a difference between cross sectional areas of the two sides of the piston and the difference varies between the at least two compensator devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device that is configured to form a seal around a pipe by use of an air flow in order to prevent a fluid from passing the sealing device. The sealing device includes an air inlet for the inflow of compressed air and configured to be connected to a source of compressed air; one or more channels connected to the air inlet, the channels extending along a substantially annular trajectory and configured to—in use—extend substantially around the pipe; a plurality of outlet points or an annular outlet groove connected to the one or more channels, the outlet points being configured to blow the compressed air in the region of the pipe wall, in order to create an air flow about the pipe in order to prevent a fluid from passing the sealing device.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealing gland capable of use in high-pressure environments and methods for the use thereof. One aspect of the invention provides a sealing gland including: a first sealing surface having a first groove and a second groove, a first O-ring received in the first groove, a second O-ring received in the second groove, and a pressure port located on the first sealing surface between the first groove and the second groove. The pressure port is configured to apply a fluid pressure intermediate to a first pressure applied to the first O-ring and a second pressure applied to the second O-ring.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a control device of an internal combustion engine includes a housing. A channel is formed in the housing. The channel has a gas flow therethrough. A control member controls a flow of the gas in the channel. The control member is arranged on a shaft. A bearing supports the shaft in a bearing bore of the housing. A vent bore extends in the housing from an inner wall of the channel on an inlet side of the control member to a rear side, facing outward from the channel, of the bearing arranged in the housing, and into the bearing bore. A first groove is formed in the shaft behind the bearing. The first groove is configured so as to be circumferential when seen from the channel. The first groove is surrounded radially by a sealing device which is configured to cooperate with the first groove.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a seal oil feeding apparatus includes a hydrogen detraining tank, a float trap tank, and an air detraining tank. The hydrogen detraining tank is configured to collect and reserve seal oil that has flowed out to the inside of a housing from a sealing unit. The float trap tank is provided integrated with the hydrogen detraining tank in horizontally, and is connected to the hydrogen detraining tank, so that the liquid level of the seal oil becomes substantially the same as the height of the hydrogen detraining tank. The float trap tank includes a float valve. The air detraining tank is placed at a position lower than the hydrogen detraining tank and float trap tank, and reserves seal oil that has flowed out from the float valve.

Abstract: In the present positioning apparatus, a positioning apparatus, comprising: a box body including a process chamber exposed to a decompression environment in the interior of the box body and an opening allowing said process chamber to communicate with an outside; a moving member for shielding said opening of said box body with a slight clearance between said box body and the moving member and movable with respect to said opening of said box body; and a differential pumping seal for sealing said slight clearance between said opening of said box body and said moving member, wherein a portion of said moving member to be moved into the interior of said process chamber, when said moving member moves, is formed as an adsorption preventive area.

Abstract: A main spindle device includes: a housing having an air supply passage; a spindle that is inserted into the housing and supported by a bearing so as to be able to rotate relative to the housing; and an air sealing member that is positioned between an outer circumferential surface of the spindle and the housing on a front side with respect to the bearing along a rotation axis of the spindle, has a substantially annular shape, and is detachably fixed to the housing with an inner circumferential surface of the air sealing member facing the outer circumferential surface of the spindle, wherein air supplied from the air supply source through the air supply passage is discharged into a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the spindle and the housing, thereby effecting non-contact air sealing at least between the inner circumferential surface of the air sealing member and the outer circumferential surface of the spindle.

Abstract: A shaft extending along and rotatable about an axis and a housing surrounding a portion of the shaft are provided with a seal assembly having an inner ring fixed on and rotatable with the shaft and having a pair of axially oppositely directed outer faces and a pair of outer slide rings axially flanking the inner ring and having inner faces axially sealed on the inner-ring outer faces. The outer rings, the housing, and the inner ring form an annular housing compartment surrounding the shaft. A blocking compartment on the housing is separate from the housing compartment. The inner ring is formed with a radially throughgoing passage having an inner end open on the shaft and an outer end open into the housing compartment. The housing is formed with a bore between the housing compartment and blocking compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solution to automate a seal oil float trap by-pass for a hydrogen cooled generator. An automated by-pass system is coupled to an existing manual by-pass system for a float trap for a hydrogen cooled generator. The automated by-pass system includes at least one solenoid valve and a controller that controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve. The automated by-pass system can also include manual valves, orifices and limit switches. The controller activates the solenoid valve to allow the seal oil to drain. The controller can also provide a notification alarm that the hydrogen cooled generator is being purged.

Abstract: A shaft seal pressure compensation system for an underwater device such a remotely operated vehicle powered by motor driven thrusters where the shaft of the motor extends from a motor housing into the surrounding water and is sealed by a shaft seal by automatically supplying air to pressurize the thrusters to balance the internal pressure of the thrusters to match the ambient water pressure. The air is supplied by a variable volume container that responsive to a pressure differential between the external ambient pressure and an internal pressure within the variable volume gas container for adjusting the volume of the variable volume gas container so that the internal pressure equals the ambient pressure, and thus balancing the system.

Abstract: A charged particle beam examination equipment for examining and measuring a semiconductor wafer, comprising a wafer exchange portion for exchanging an unexamined wafer and an examiner wafer with each other, which has a first arm longitudinally sliding for reciprocation, a first wafer gripping part provided to the distal end of the first arm, for gripping/releasing the wafer, a second arm longitudinally sliding for reciprocation, and a second wafer gripping part provided to the distal end of the second arm, for gripping/releasing the wafer. The apparatus may shorten the time required for exchange of the wafers so as to enhance the throughput during examination and measurement of the wafers.

Abstract: A rotary seal housing having opposing ends, a first fluid conducting slot at one of the opposing ends, a pair of spaced apart fluid conducting slots at the other opposing end, and sets of apertures connecting the first fluid conducting slot with the pair of fluid conducting slots, the housing having helical push back grooves that are arcuate in cross-section.

Abstract: On a hydraulic shaft sealing arrangement for high-temperature applications, a heat protection ring (21) and an air chamber (22) are arranged before the annulus (8) containing the sealing medium (10) for thermal insulation, while spacers (16, 17) for the generation of a pumping action are provided in the annulus continuously supplied with fresh sealing medium (oil) to accelerate liquid transport. The hazard of coking and oil carbon deposition is thereby minimized. A split design of the annulus with an inserted annular ring also provides for an improved hydraulic shaft sealing arrangement optimized for weight, overall height, manufacture and assembly time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch for branching off bulk material flows, the switch includes a rotary plug (1) which is arranged in a fixed housing having preferably three connection openings. In a first position the plug establishes a connection between a first pair of connection openings and, by rotation into a second position, establishes a connection between a second pair of connection openings, a gap being provided between the rotary plug (1) and the housing in such a way as to arrange the rotary plug (1) in the housing in a non-contact manner without any additional contact sealing elements. The plug (1) and/or said housing includes at least one labyrinth sealing arrangement (7).

Abstract: A viscous seal for fluid transfer devices that deviates from the conventional wisdom of avoiding contact between the seal and a rotating drive shaft of the fluid transfer device. Instead of avoiding contact, contact between the seal and drive shaft is used to effect axial alignment of a sealing sleeve with the shaft. As a result, the viscous seal is compliant in that the sealing sleeve can follow the axis of the drive shaft. Accordingly, the sealing sleeve can fit snugly around the drive shaft for more effective prevention of leakage of low or any viscosity fluid along the drive shaft, but without any significant radial load being applied to the sealing sleeve that might cause undue wear or damage due to galling.

Abstract: System for providing sealing between a rotor and a turbine casing in a hydraulic turbomachine includes a sealing ring arranged in a peripheral region of the rotor. The sealing ring forms at least one hydrostatic bearing with respect to at least one of the rotor and the turbine casing. The at least one hydrostatic bearing includes at least two bearing surfaces which face one another. At least one of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged on the sealing ring. At least another of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged on at least one of the rotor and the turbine casing. At least one groove is formed on at least one of the at least two bearing surfaces. At least one pressure-liquid line is coupled to each of the at least one groove and a pressure-liquid supply. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: In the present positioning apparatus, a positioning apparatus, comprising: a box body including a process chamber exposed to a decompression environment in the interior of the box body and an opening allowing said process chamber to communicate with an outside; a moving member for shielding said opening of said box body with a slight clearance between said box body and the moving member and movable with respect to said opening of said box body; and a differential pumping seal for sealing said slight clearance between said opening of said box body and said moving member, wherein a portion of said moving member to be moved into the interior of said process chamber, when said moving member moves, is formed as an adsorption preventive area.

Abstract: A set of seals is installed on the impeller of a centrifugal pump that allows a low viscosity fluid to be injected into a chamber between the impeller shroud and the casing sidewall. A seal ring, with a number of grooves formed in it is installed on the tip of the impeller. Another seal ring is mounted at the leading edge of the eye of the impeller. The gas is picked up by the grooves in the impeller tip ring inside diameter and is compressed by centrifugal force to a higher pressure than the discharge pressure of the impeller. It is then injected into the pumpage stream. The eye ring seals have pockets or grooves and inject gas at a low volume into the eye of the impeller.

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

Abstract: A sealing mechanism comprises a support member forming part of the semiconductor producing apparatus which has a vacuum chamber, a rotation shaft rotatably received in the support member, and at least three seal rings axially spaced apart from each other between the support member and the rotation shaft to form a first fluid chamber close to the atmosphere and a second fluid chamber close to the vacuum chamber. The first fluid chamber is vacuumized to have a first pressure, and the second fluid chamber is also vacuumized to have a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure. The first and second fluid chambers work together to enhance the sealing performance of the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A seal assembly (22) for sealing a pressurized gaseous product includes, a pair of seals (24,26) spaced axially to provide a chamber (28) therebetween, a gas seal (24) being disposed on the inboard side of the seal assembly (22) between the sealed gaseous product and the chamber (28), an inlet (38) opening to the side of the gas seal (24) exposed to the gaseous product, the inlet (38) being connected to a supply of clean gas, the chamber (38) defined between the seals (24,26) being connected to a reservoir (50), the reservoir (50) being connected back to inlet (38) via a pressure intensifier (70) and the reservoir (50) being connected to the supply of clean gas, so that additional clean gas may be supplied thereto, when pressure in the reservoir (50) falls below a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: An aerodynamic seal for a continuous heat treatment furnace which contains a protective atmosphere, and through which a metal strip moves in a given direction is disclosed. The seal is adjacent a passage through which the strip moves through a wall of the furnace, and comprises two slit nozzles above the strip and two slit nozzles below the strip, and inlets for causing a jet of gas to flow through each of the slit nozzles. The slit nozzles are so positioned that gas flowing normal to the strip through the two nozzles above the strip will strike the strip in two lines which are separated from one another in the given direction, and gas flowing normal to the strip through the two nozzles below the strip will strike the strip in two lines which are separated from one another in the given direction.

Abstract: A non contact isolation seal assembly for rotary and linear sealing for use in semiconductor manufacturing automation. The noncontact isolation seal assembly employs a seal having an aperture with a shaft extending through the aperture. A gap region is maintained between the outside surface of the shaft and the aperture of the seal. A gas source is connected to the interior of the gap region whereby gas pressure in the gap region is maintained at a higher pressure than gas pressure surrounding the shaft. The flow of gas and differential pressure prevents fluids, gasses, and contaminants from passing through the gap region preventing contamination of the drive mechanism.