Having Circumferentially Adjustable Biasing Element Patents (Class 277/578)
  • Patent number: 8985589
    Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing includes a seal having a central axis, an inner annular sealing lip sealingly engageable with the shaft and an outer annular rim with an outer circumferential surfaces engageable with the housing inner surface. At least one and preferably two support members are disposed within the annular rim and at least one and preferably a plurality of adjustment devices are coupled with the support members. Each adjustment device is configured to displace at least a portion of each support member radially outwardly with respect to the central axis, to displace at least a portion of the rim generally toward the housing inner surface, and/or to displace at least a portion of each support member radially inwardly toward the central axis to permit displacement of at least a portion of the rim generally away from the housing inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Yefim Epshetsky, John Manuel Dominguez
  • Patent number: 8656942
    Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to length-adjustable pressure-retaining components used in piping systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a device comprising a first pressure component and an adjustable spacer ring operatively coupled to the first pressure component is disclosed, wherein the adjustable spacer ring is adapted to adjust a combined overall length of said the pressure component and the adjustable spacer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wong, Pablo Garce, Sandra Lipezker, Yue Gong
  • Publication number: 20130292909
    Abstract: An elastomeric or polymeric seal assembly (10) includes an annular elastomeric or polymeric sealing element (60), an internal circumferential surface of which sealingly engaging a first component (12), the sealing element abutting a radial annular face of a second component (16) and an external circumferential surface of the sealing element sealingly engaging an internal circumferential surface of a second component, a vent (92) being provided in the internal circumferential surface of the second component adjacent to the radial face, to vent the space between the external circumferential surface of the sealing element and the internal circumferential surface of the second component, an inlet to the vent being defined by an annular groove (88) in the internal circumferential surface of the second component, an annular helically wound element (94) being provided in the annular groove to prevent extrusion of the sealing element into the vent, the helically wound element being formed from a strip of material of
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: John Crane UK Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Derek Quarmby, Bhikhubhai Chhanabhai Patel
  • Patent number: 8505925
    Abstract: A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft includes an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft. The seal assembly further includes a coil spring and a shape memory alloy element. The coil spring is disposed in contact with the elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to the elastic seal member. The shape memory alloy element is configured for applying pressure to the coil spring to thereby augment the compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130140777
    Abstract: A rotary wheel assembly is configured for use with a system for conditioning air to be supplied to an enclosed structure. The rotary wheel is configured to be positioned within a supply air stream and an exhaust air stream. The assembly includes a cassette frame, a wheel rotatably secured within the cassette frame, and a self-adjusting seal subassembly configured to maintain sealing engagement with respect to a surface of the wheel. The self-adjusting seal subassembly includes at least one seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Venmar CES, Inc.
    Inventor: Venmar CES, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8356821
    Abstract: A seal assembly forming a seal with a rotatable shaft of a hydrogen-cooled generator is provided. The seal assembly includes a ring assembly disposed about the rotatable shaft. The ring assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A hydrogen side ring is coupled to a generator frame of the generator. An insulating structure is positioned between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame to provide electrical insulation between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame. An air side ring is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen side ring and the seal structure is coupled to the air side ring. Structure for supplying oil to the ring assembly is provided, such that the oil flows through the ring assembly to an interface between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure so as to substantially limit direct contact between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Freal, Joseph M. Emery, John M. Nemeth
  • Publication number: 20120319359
    Abstract: Provided is a sealing apparatus which can reduce the torque of a rotary portion while always exhibiting a stable and high sealing performance even when a high fluid pressure is being applied. A seal ring (4) inclines when subjected to a hydraulic pressure (P) and a pressing force by a D-ring (3), and stabilizes in a state where an entire opposite pressure-side taper surface (4c) is in contact with an opposite pressure-side side surface (5b) of an annular groove for sealing (5). With the hydraulic pressure (P) being applied to a portion (4b1) of the inner peripheral surface (4b) of the seal ring (4) where an operating oil comes into contact, a space between the portion (4b1) and a shaft (2) is enlarged, and an area of contact between the seal ring (4) and the shaft (2) is reduced. Thus, the torque can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiro Jotaki
  • Publication number: 20120235361
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a sealing device, which is capable of keeping a higher sealability even when a fluid pressure is not applied and even just after starting of application of the fluid pressure, and which is capable of reducing a sliding resistance while keeping a sealability during operation where the fluid pressure is always applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Hikaru Tadano, Hiroaki Monma, Shigeo Sekine
  • Patent number: 8083234
    Abstract: Seal assembly for sealing a clearance gap between a boundary of an aperture formed in a housing and a member extending through the aperture. The seal assembly comprises a seal member and a seal member mounting means disposed around the sealing member and is configured to engage with the aperture boundary. The seal member mounting means is configured to seal an alignment interspace provided in the clearance gap between the seal member and aperture boundary. The seal member mounting means is configurable to permit the seal member to be located at a position relative to the aperture boundary in dependence upon the relative positions of the member and aperture boundary to thereby accommodate misalignment between the member and aperture boundary. The seal member mounting means is configurable to lock the seal member relative to the aperture boundary in said position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Alec R. Groom, Gordon S. Margary
  • Patent number: 7905495
    Abstract: A circumferential sealing arrangement is disclosed herein. The circumferential sealing arrangement includes a structure operable to rotate about an axis and having a first surface facing radially outward. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes a static housing circumscribing the rotatable structure. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes at least one seal element connected to the static housing and having a second surface facing radially inward. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes a seal runner rotatable with the structure and having a third surface facing radially outward. The third surface cooperates with the second surface to form a circumferential seal between the static housing and the rotatable structure. A radial gap is defined between the first surface of the rotatable structure and a fourth surface of the seal runner facing radially inward and opposing the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: John Munson
  • Publication number: 20100051846
    Abstract: A shaft sealing device with a simple internal structure switches a sealing state and an unsealing state of a fluid, with high sealing performance maintained, because of no abrasion accompanying the movement of a sealing material or a sealing member, thereby enabling feeding a fluid at a predetermined flow rate, and adjusts the expanding rate of the sealing material with the quantity of an external electric signal and accordingly adjusts the contact face pressure to enable controlling the amount of leakage of the fluid highly precisely, so that it can be used for all applications. The shaft sealing device includes a shaft sealing body formed of a macromolecular material and made expansible or contractible, or deformable, through external electrostimuli applied to a shaft sealing portion disposed in a device body, and flow passages disposed in the shaft sealing portion for feeding the fluid leaked due to the expansion or contraction, or the deformation, of the shaft sealing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Aoki, Tomoya Yamasaki, Chikashi Gomi
  • 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: 7478815
    Abstract: A high-pressure sealing arrangement is provided for sealing a gap (26) between two concentric machine parts (4, 5) which can be moved relative to each other, of which a first machine part (4) comprises a groove (3) and a second machine part (5) comprises an outer peripheral surface (7) opposite the groove (3). A sealing ring (1) of an extrusion-resistant material and a tensioning ring (2) of an elastomeric material are provided in the groove (3). A shaped section of the sealing ring (1) on the low-pressure side can be deflected towards the outer peripheral surface (7) under fluid pressure load. When the pressure decreases, the pressure-dependent deflection of the sealing ring (1) automatically returns towards the initial, unpressurized state of the sealing ring (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Jordan
  • Publication number: 20080115630
    Abstract: A device (1) for the adjustment of a gland nut (2), provided with a plurality of gripping means (8) through which said gland nut (2) can be caused to rotate, comprising an engaging member (3) and actuator means (25, 26) to cause the engaging member (3) to effect a working movement from a first position to a second position. The engaging member (3) is capable of effecting one-way engagement with the gripping means (8) to rotate the gland nut (2) through a predetermined angle (?) in the working movement from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: PERONI POMPE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Vinciguerra, Luciano Manara, Andrea Sirtori
  • Patent number: 7036824
    Abstract: A device for float mounting a sealed housing around a rotating, deflecting shaft. A sealed housing is connected to a static part in such a way that it can yield radially as well as rotate around a shaft axis at least to a small extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: List AG
    Inventors: Alfred Kunz, Jörg List
  • Patent number: 6860484
    Abstract: A rotor seal, especially for turbo engines, is described. The sealing elements are folded from a pleated band and are connected to each other even when the rotor seal is in the assembled state. The barrier effect of the inventive rotor seal is thus increased in relation to lamella seals that always require a gap between the individual lamella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Urlichs
  • Patent number: 6776419
    Abstract: A seal for a reciprocating plunger is formed of a hard polyimide plastic, rather than the relatively soft elastomers of earlier seals. The present seal has a conical section, with the tapered face fitting closely within the mating conical face of a hard metal retainer. An O-ring resides in a groove within the seal to provide low pressure sealing between the plastic seal and the metal retainer. The tapers of the seal and retainer urge the seal inwardly toward the plunger by operational pressures, thereby providing a better seal. The present seal provides greatly extended life over softer prior art seals, and will generally last for the life of the pump or other mechanism in which it is installed. Yet, the plastic material allows some flow under high pressures, allowing the seal to conform closely to the plunger surface during operation and throughout the life of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 6672593
    Abstract: A variable pressure washer has two interlocking channel rings separated by a channel and retained by a captive set of fasteners. Within the channel between the rings are multiple rows of springs having at least two different spring moduli. The washer is particularly suited for use with a polar boss assembly secured to a bulkhead of a pressure vessel such as of propellent tank dome structure where the washer allows for the substantially uniform deflection of multiple O-rings as affected by the curved structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stanley S. Smeltzer, III, Hector Estrada
  • Publication number: 20030116922
    Abstract: A variable pressure washer has two interlocking channel rings separated by a channel and retained by a captive set of fasteners. Within the channel between the rings are multiple rows of springs having at least two different spring moduli. The washer is particularly suited for use with a polar boss assembly secured to a bulkhead of a pressure vessel such as of propellent tank dome structure where the washer allows for the substantially uniform deflection of multiple O-rings as affected by the curved structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Stanley S. Smeltzer, Hector H.E. Estrada
  • Patent number: 6254103
    Abstract: A seal comprises a support member having an outer periphery of substantially circular form, and a resilient seal member mounted upon the support member, the seal member, when occupying a relaxed condition, having an outer periphery of generally circular form and a diameter greater than that of the support member, the seal member and support member being eccentric to one another when the seal member occupies the relaxed condition, the seal member being compressible towards a compressed condition in which the seal member and the support member are of substantially equal diameter and are substantially coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventor: Michael Peter Cooke
  • Patent number: 6082740
    Abstract: A seal ring assembly for a generator includes an upper seal casing having a first radially inwardly directed channel for supporting at least one seal segment therein, the upper seal casing having a removable cap forming one side of the inwardly directed channel, and a lower seal casing having a second radially inwardly directed channel for supporting at least another seal segment. The first and second channels and the segments are adapted to be joined about a generator shaft to form a substantially 360.degree. seal, and the upper and lower seal segments in the upper and lower seal casings, respectively, are secured together at an interface therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Steven William Jones, Luis Alberto Estrada, Blake Weldon Wilson
  • Patent number: 5769428
    Abstract: A device for oil-impermeably sealing a stationary hood (6) off from a rotating, tumbling barrel, containing at least one stationary packing cord (7) which is forced against a race (8) by a pre-stressed and compressed gasket (9). The race is part of the barrel and rotates along with it. A cap (10) is connected to the hood (6) and demarcates in conjunction with part of the hood's end wall a region of expansion for the packing cord (7) and the gasket (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: A. Friedr. Flender AG
    Inventor: Mark Rypalla