Abstract: A system for operating a turbine includes a rotating component and a non-rotating component separated from the rotating component by a clearance. A first actuator is connected to the non-rotating component, and the first actuator comprises a shape-memory alloy. A method for operating a turbine includes sensing a parameter reflective of a clearance between a non-rotating component and a rotating component and generating a parameter signal reflective of the clearance. The method further includes generating a control signal to at least one actuator based on the parameter signal and moving at least a portion of the non-rotating component relative to the rotating component to change the clearance.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly for sealing a rotating or reciprocating shaft includes an elastic seal member having at least a portion thereof in sealing communication with the rotating or reciprocating shaft. A shape memory alloy element is in contact with the elastic seal member, the shape memory alloy element being discontinuously disposed about the elastic seal member, and being configured to i) directly apply a compressive force in a radial direction on the seal member against the rotating or reciprocating shaft, and ii) maintain the compressive force on the seal member as a function of temperature. The seal assembly is adapted to seal at a temperature ranging from about ?55° C. to about 250° C. Methods including the seal assembly are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a first turbine structure that supports a seal. The seal is movable within a recess of the first turbine structure. The seal is arranged in close proximity to a seal land of a second turbine structure for preventing a fluid from leaking past the seal and seal land. A thermal expansion member interconnects the first turbine structure and the seal. The thermal expansion member expands in response to an increase in temperature to move the seal toward the seal land preventing the typical enlarged gap between the seal and seal land resulting from thermal growth. In one example, the thermal expansion member, which is arranged at each opposing end of a seal segment, is a bimetallic coil spring supported on the first turbine structure by a cage. A free end of the coil spring is secured to the seal at the opposing end portions.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine expansion joint comprises first and second members having confronting faces defining a gap therebetween. At room temperature, the gap varies in accordance with the temperature distribution profile of the first and second members during normal engine operation.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement and method are disclosed for enhancing a seal in response to conditions of changing temperature. An annular seal is disposed in an annular sealing cavity, with the seal and the cavity having different changes in dimensions in response to a temperature changes. The sealing cavity has a radially outwardly positioned end portion that converges radially outward and a radially inwardly positioned end portion that converges radially inward. Differential changes in the dimensions of the sealing cavity and the sealing member force the sealing material to wedge into one of the converging end portions to enhance the sealing relationship.

Abstract: The present invention is a physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member which includes a plastic carrier and a patch adapted to adhere to said carrier and the panel member. The present invention also includes a method of sealing an orifice in a metal panel member with a plastic carrier. Lastly, the present invention includes a thermoplastic which adheres to both plastic and metal upon the application of heat.

Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially facing sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.

Abstract: A bearing device includes a pair of bearings. One of the bearings is exposed to a higher temperature condition than the other. Each of the bearings has an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of rolling members disposed in a space between the outer ring and the inner ring and a pair of sealing members fixed to the outer ring. Each of the sealing members has an elastic lip in contact with an outer surface of the inner ring, and the lip of the bearing exposed to a higher temperature condition is made of a material that is more heat-resistant than the lip of the other sealing member.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a bearing (24) linking first and second vehicle parts (12, 14) for movement relative to each other, and a boot seal (30) protecting the bearing (24). The boot seal (30) is a tube of heat shrinkable thermoplastic material. The tube (30) has a first end portion (34) shrunken against the first vehicle part (12), a second end portion (42) shrunken against the second vehicle part (14), and a flexible intermediate portion (44) which is deflectable between the opposite end portions (34, 40) upon movement of the vehicle parts (12, 14) relative to each other.

Abstract: A valve with fire-resistant seal for use in industrial piping applications. The valve includes a valve body with a valve element therein. The valve is illustrated as a ball valve, but other valve configurations could also be used. A valve stem engages the valve element so that it can be rotated between open and closed positions. A conventional primary seal is used on the valve stem for normal conditions. The valve body defines a body bearing surface, and the valve stem defines a facing stem bearing surface. A thrust bearing is disposed between the body and stem bearing surfaces, and a fire-resistant seal is positioned radially inwardly from the thrust bearing. Initially, the fire-resistant seal is not engaged with at least one of the body or stem bearing surfaces, and the fire-resistant seal has a thickness less than an initial thickness of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A metal gasket is used for an internal combustion engine, preferably as a manifold gasket. The gasket is formed of a plurality of metal gasket sections, and at least one metal connecting section situated between two gasket sections adjacent to each other to connect the same. Each gasket section has a sealing hole to be sealed and a sealing device situated around the sealing hole. At least one through hole is formed in the connecting section. The through hole allows the connecting section to easily deform to absorb deformation of the gasket due to expansion and contraction of the engine. The gasket with the deformable connecting section can be easily and accurately formed.

Abstract: A gasket is formed of a gasket body having at least one hole to be sealed, and a sealing space situated around at least a part of the hole. A heat foamable coating is disposed only in the sealing space. The gasket is installed between two members, and then, the gasket is heated to foam the foamable coating in the sealing space. Thus, the foamable coating provides a surface pressure in the sealing space by foaming to securely seal thereat.

Abstract: Today, the trend is to increase the temperature of operation of gas turbine engines. To cool the components with compressor discharge air, robs air which could otherwise be used for combustion and creates a less efficient gas turbine engine. The present low thermal expansion sealing ring support system reduces the quantity of cooling air required while maintaining life and longevity of the components. Additionally, the low thermal expansion sealing ring reduces the clearance "C","C'" demanded between the interface between the sealing surface and the tip of the plurality of turbine blades. The sealing ring is supported by a plurality of support members in a manner in which the sealing ring and the plurality of support members independently expand and contract relative to each other and to other gas turbine engine components.

Abstract: A system for delivering a pressurized lubricant fluid from a stationary source to an interior of a drive shaft of a gas turbine engine which rotates at high speed and operates at high temperatures, includes a pair of axially spaced-apart seals that surround the shaft. The pressurized lubricant fluid is delivered to a radial passage defined between the seals. To ensure reliable operation under the high speed and high temperature conditions, the seals are constructed so that a film of the lubricant fluid is formed between the rotating shaft and the seals. The seals float on the film and wear is reduced. In order to minimize variations in the space between the seals and the shaft caused by changes in operating temperatures, each seal is surrounded by a control ring of material having a coefficient of expansion similar to the material of the shaft. The advantage is reliable delivery of lubricant to a shaft rotating at high speed in a high temperature environment.

Abstract: A configuration seals a leadthrough gap between a wall and a shaft which is passed through the wall and can be set in rotation relative to the wall. The configuration has a sealing ring through which the shaft can be passed as well as a holder that can be firmly connected to the wall and has a cylindrical recess and a groove opening into the recess. The groove has a first groove surface and a second groove surface, between which the sealing ring is held while leaving respective radial gaps as well as a chamber that surrounds the sealing ring and can be filled with oil. The radial gap at the first groove surface is blocked to prevent a throughflow of oil from the chamber. The configuration can be used in a sealing system for an electrical machine filled with hydrogen, in particular for a turbogenerator.

Abstract: A variable clearance packing ring includes a plurality of circumferentially extending segments disposed in a generally dovetail-shaped slot in the stationary component of a machine having a rotor rotatable about an axis, the packing ring including an arcuate seal face in opposition to the rotor and axially extending flanges within the dovetail slot. Pins project axially from opposite sides of the stationary component for location between the flanges and sealing faces of the segments. A centering ring is mounted on the pins for each segment and has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the segment.

Abstract: A device for sealing the gap or void between the outer circumference of a pipe and a hole in a wall the pipe passes through includes a sheet metal casing flexible enough to be bent around the pipe. The inside wall of the casing includes spaced apart inner directed radial projections for containing a swelling agent that is heat activated for filling the void between the housing and pipe in a manner overlapping the gap between the pipe and the wall.

Abstract: An improved expandable gasket, sealed joint and method of forming a sealed joint which includes a gasket having at least 5% by weight unexpanded or unexfoliated graphite. The graphite material is preferably a mixture of expanded and unexpanded graphite compressed in a sheet or other shape affixed to a metal plate. The preferred composition is 5 to 70% by weight of unexpanded graphite and 30 to 95% expanded graphite, wherein the percentage of unexpanded graphite is controlled to provide the desired gasket expansion. A more preferred composition includes at least 10% by weight unexfoliated graphite or more preferably 15 to 50% by weight. The gasket is placed between the surfaces to be sealed and clamped in place. When the joint is heated, the unexpanded graphite exfoliates, causing the gasket to swell or expand, tightly sealing the joint.