With Lubricating, Sealing, Packing Or Bearing Means Having Internal Working Fluid Connection (e.g., Fluid Or Fluid Biased Seal, Etc.) Patents (Class 415/110)
  • Publication number: 20080138192
    Abstract: This Invention publicizes a kind of oil buffers with automatic reset, aiming to provide a kind of buffers with simple structure, long service life and function of automatic compensation of oil leakage. Its technical kernel includes a cylinder and a case around the outer surface of the Cylinder, where elastic capsule for oil storage is provided between the cylinder and case and wraps outer surface of the cylinder, there are through holes to atmosphere on the case. This Invention can be applied in application of keeping speed constant, shock absorption and etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jianneng Zhang
  • Patent number: 7238001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal arrangement in which a substantially labyrinth type seal is utilised between a rotating component and a stationary component such as a housing. An edged fin of the seal arrangement incorporates a slot nozzle or a slot nozzle is associated with a fin in order that fluid flow through those slot nozzles either impinges upon opposed surfaces or at least narrows the available leakage gap width for greater sealing efficiency. Typically, several seal arrangements in accordance with the present invention and possibly in association with simple barrier fins are combined in an assembly to provide an appropriate acceptable combined operational sealing efficiency in a turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Guy J Rushton
  • Patent number: 7201558
    Abstract: A fan-turbine rotor hub includes an outer periphery scalloped by a multitude of elongated openings. Each elongated opening defines an inducer receipt section to receive an inducer section and a hollow fan blade section. An inducer exit from each inducer section is located adjacent a core airflow passage within each fan blade section to provide communication therebetween. A seal is located between an inner fan blade mount and a blade receipt section to minimize airflow leakage between the inducer exit and the core airflow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Gary Roberge, Gabriel Suciu
  • Patent number: 7189054
    Abstract: A radial seal is provided for installation within a centrifugal pump of the type having an impeller, a pump casing having a suction inlet, a sealing ring groove formed in the pump casing, and means for supplying flushing water to the sealing ring groove. The radial seal comprises a seal body, including a sealing end, a water inlet end, and opposed sides. The sealing end has an outwardly extending lip portion. The seal is adapted for installation within the sealing ring groove, with openings formed through the seal body for the passage of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: GIW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme R. Addie
  • Patent number: 7033133
    Abstract: An air turbine starter is provided that includes a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly comprises a valve body, a valve seat and a valve element. The valve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The valve seat is coupled to the valve body, extends at least partially into the flow passage and has an opening therethrough. The valve element is disposed within the flow passage between the valve seat and the valve body outlet port. The valve element is also configured to translate axially between an open position and a closed position in response to a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent L. Bristol, Louie T. Gaines, Donald J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7033134
    Abstract: An air turbine starter is provided that includes a check valve assembly for placement between a first environment, at least a portion of which is at a first pressure (P1), and a second environment, at least a portion of which is at a second pressure (P2), wherein the difference between the first and second pressures generate a pressure force (Fp). The check valve assembly comprises a valve element disposed between the valve seat and the valve body, the valve element capable of being acted upon by a gravitational force (Fw), a viscous force of the fluid to be communicated between the gearbox assembly and the starter housing (Fv), a buoyancy force of the valve element (Fb), and the pressure force on the valve element (Fp), the valve element further configured to translate axially to a closed position when P2<P1 and Fw<Fv+Fb+Fp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent L. Bristol, Louie T. Gaines, William A. Facinelli, David M. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6929449
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr, Thomas J. Kane, Randal K. Albright
  • Patent number: 6910863
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for a gas turbine engine rotor includes a damper bearing configured to support the rotor, a bearing centering sub-assembly configured to position the damper bearing relative to the rotor, and a retainer. The damper bearing includes a frame that defines a bearing bore, an inner race, and an outer race, said inner and outer races within said bearing bore. The bearing centering apparatus sub-assembly includes a plurality of first springs and a plurality of second springs. The retainer is coupled to the bearing housing and is configured to maintain an axial position of the bearing outer race with respect to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ubaldo M. Scardicchio, Michael Slusher
  • Patent number: 6854958
    Abstract: A hydraulic turbine is adapted to introduce oxygen into a water flowing through a water passageway of a turbine. The turbine has a circumferential chamber formed between a rotating band and a stationary discharge ring. The chamber has a gas admission aperture for receiving an oxygen containing gas into the chamber. A downstream end portion of the band has a plurality of spaced apart vanes providing chamber outlet passageways between the vanes and through the band. The vanes are configured to rotate with the band and to draw the oxygen containing gas and water from the chamber through the outlet passageways in the band and into the water passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Normand Desy
  • Patent number: 6830426
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: David T. Stilcs
  • Patent number: 6821416
    Abstract: A decorative or landscape pond system which includes the skimmer assembly and a substantially horizontally-positioned, submersible and rotary pump in the skimmer assembly and supported on a bottom wall thereof. The skimmer assembly includes a side opening and a net and mat filter positioned within the skimmer below the opening and above the bottom wall. The pump is in elongated structure having an inlet/outlet section at one end, an electrical inlet section at the other end and an elongated electric motor section there between. A lubrication section is positioned between and sealingly engages the inlet/outlet section and motor section. A plurality of O-ring and face seals are provided for sealing the sections. The securement of the sections is either radially outward or radially inward of the O-rings and face seals to minimize leakage between sections or into the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Aquascape Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Kelly, Matthew J. Gulisano, Allan R. Kishpaugh, Donald J. Holder, Bruce B. Ordway
  • Publication number: 20040213662
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Randal K. Albright, Thomas J. Kane, John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr
  • Publication number: 20040165983
    Abstract: A damper seal 7, 21, 31 is provided in order to act within a mounting platform structure 3 for turbine blades 1, 2. The damper seal 7, 21, 31 includes an entrant surface 8, 28, 38 incorporating a number of paths 22, 32 to enable coolant flow across the entrant surface 8, 28, 38. The damper seal 7, 21, 31 acts to plug an aperture 9 in the structure 3 between adjacent blades 1, 2 and damper detrimental vibrations in the structure 3 which could damage the blades 1, 2. Thus, whilst contact portions 23, 33 are in vibrational coupling contact with the aperture 9, coolant airflow through the paths 22, 32 enables cooling of the seal 7, 21, 31 and areas of the structure 3 about the aperture 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Robert Elliott, Ian Tibbott
  • Publication number: 20040115041
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for a gas turbine engine rotor includes a damper bearing configured to support the rotor, a bearing centering sub-assembly configured to position the damper bearing relative to the rotor, and a retainer. The damper bearing includes a frame that defines a bearing bore, an inner race, and an outer race, said inner and outer races within said bearing bore. The bearing centering apparatus sub-assembly includes a plurality of first springs and a plurality of second springs. The retainer is coupled to the bearing housing and is configured to maintain an axial position of the bearing outer race with respect to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Ubaldo M. Scardicchio, Michael Slusher
  • Patent number: 6739829
    Abstract: A seal for use in a centrifugal pump of the type used for pumping an abrasive slurry, and having a sealing ring groove formed in the pump casing and an arrangement for supplying flushing water, comprising a radial seal having a sealing end, a water receiving end, and opposed sides and adapted for installation within the sealing ring groove, the radial seal having multiple openings formed therethrough for the passage of flushing water. The openings are dimensioned and located so that when flushing water is supplied to the water receiving end of the radial seal, the water flows through the openings, causing the radial seal to automatically moves to a self-compensating balanced position between the pump casing and a rotating pump impeller. This will reduce leakage between the pump casing and pump impeller and reduce wear of the pump surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: GIW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme R. Addie
  • Publication number: 20040096312
    Abstract: To accurately axially position and/or seal between axially facing turbine parts, a groove having a cylindrical cross-section is formed in one surface with a centerline offset toward the one surface, the groove opening through the one surface. Rod segments having corresponding cylindrical cross-sections are inserted in the groove. The rod segments have flat surfaces coextensive therewith projecting a predetermined measured distance from the one surface, thereby accurately axially locating the turbine parts relative to one another and forming a seal therebetween. The rod segments have ends abutting one another to seal the segments one to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew John Tomko, Brian Patrick Marks
  • Patent number: 6709245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump, in particular to oil pumps for internal combustion engines comprising a gear assembly or rotor assembly with one each of a pressure and suction region arranged in a pump housing, which may be sealed from each other by means of an axially displaceable piston valve which defines a supply chamber and a housing cover, closing the pump housing. The pressure region comprises a pressure channel connected to the waist of the control piston, whereby the control piston cooperates with a plunger on the end thereof facing the supply chamber, which is arranged at right angles to the control piston. The plunger is pre-tensioned against the control piston by means of a pressure spring, and the plunger and control piston are connected by means of a sliding surface, arranged at an angle to the control piston axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Bachmann
  • Publication number: 20040042896
    Abstract: A heat shield pipe portion 12a formed in an air layer 21 to protcet a bearing member metal 16 from the heat of a cooling medium 16 and a seal shaft portion 12c for forming a labyrinth seal 14 to prevent a leakage of the cooling medium arc formed with one piece and they form a heat shield seal pipe 12. A component number for installing the components to a rear portion shaft 105 can be arranged as one and also a bolt connection portion can be deleted. Namely, the bearing member metal 16 can be constituted to protect the bearing member metal from the heat of the cooling medium and the construction of the gas turbine can be simple and the manufacture thereof performs easily and further during the operation time the generation of the vibrations according to the centering displacement can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Akiyama, Shinya Marushima, Manabu Matsumoto, Masami Noda
  • Publication number: 20030231954
    Abstract: A sealing system (10) which ensures the safe operation of very high pressure centrifugal compressors which process lethal gases. The system comprises sealing means (18, 19) separated by an annular chamber (12), and a discharge line (32) for collecting and eliminating any gases that may be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: NUOVO PIGNONE HOLDING SPA
    Inventors: Riccardo Beccaluva, Stefano Mantellassi, Antonio Pumo
  • Publication number: 20030165381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gap seal in a gas turbine for sealing off a cooling space (6), formed between a heat shield (4) and a heat shield carrier (5), from a hot gas space (7) of the gas turbine. A sealing body (10) is retained in a movable manner on the heat shield (4), on the one hand, and on a blade carrier (2), on the other hand, adjacent to the heat shield carrier (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: ALSTOM (Switzerland) Ltd.
    Inventors: Arkadi Fokine, Igor Ossipov, Dmitry Petrunin, Joerg Stengele, Alexander Trishkin
  • Publication number: 20030103843
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crank shaft for a hermetic reciprocal compressor including the steps of providing a main shaft and a crank portion eccentric for a predetermined degree from the main shaft that are separately formed. The main shaft and the crank portion are joined through laser welding. The main shaft is a hollow pipe and the crank portion is made by sintering. The main shaft and the crank portion are connected, and an end portion of the main shaft is inserted into an annular groove formed at a main shaft connection side of the crank portion. Accordingly, the main shaft is a drawn steel pipe, and the crank portion is formed by sintering, thus the crank shaft becomes lighter and no post-process is needed. Therefore, the manufacturing process is remarkably reduced, and the crank shaft manufactured at a lower production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Seung-Don Seo
  • Patent number: 6568489
    Abstract: A lubricant ejector used downhole has a reservoir holding replenishment lubricant, and it includes a driver to eject at least a portion of the lubricant. A flow coupler connected to the ejector channels lubricant to a connected apparatus. One specific ejector includes a hollow rotor of a downhole motor, and a specific flow coupler includes a cross-channel diverter that directs lubricant from the hollow interior of the rotor to a bearing pack and that directs drilling fluid, used to drive the motor and create pressure that moves a piston in the rotor, from outside the rotor to inside a passageway through the bearing pack. A method includes injecting lubricant from a reservoir in the downhole motor into the bearing pack as the downhole motor operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Charles D. Hailey
  • Publication number: 20030059294
    Abstract: The invention recites a microturbine system comprising a housing and a turbine including a rotary element having a shaft supported by the housing and rotatable about a rotary axis. A starter wheel is coupled to the shaft and rotatable in response to a stream of high-pressure fluid flowing from a high-pressure flow path. A pump is operable to provide a supply of lubricating fluid. The engine further includes a starter valve receiving the supply of lubricating fluid and being selectively operable to provide one of the stream of high-pressure fluid to the high-pressure flow path and a stream of low-pressure fluid to a low-pressure flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew J. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20030059295
    Abstract: The invention recites a power turbine assembly including a turbine rotor and a plurality of turbine blades mounted to said rotor and adapted to rotate said rotor in response to a flow of hot gas over said blades. A support structure having a journal bearing and at least one other bearing supports said rotor for rotation, said journal bearing having a proximal end and a distal end with respect to said turbine blades. A supply of lubricant communicates with said journal bearing to provide lubricant between said rotor and an inner surface of said journal bearing, said lubricant damping rotational frequencies of said rotor and creating a temperature gradient from greater than about 1000° F. at said blades to less than about 350° F. at said distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew J. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20030035716
    Abstract: A rotor is provided so that a rotor-side end part of a rotation shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing accommodated in a bearing accommodating part provided in a bottom part of a yoke in such a way as to project to a rotor side, and a part of an armature winding wound around a core surrounds the bearing accommodating part through an insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Tomohide Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030012640
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed that comprises: (1) a support structure including a body having an annular end in which an opening is defined, and a volute connected to the said end of the body so as to define a pumping chamber therewith; (2) a bladed rotor disposed in the chamber and connected to a shaft which is mounted rotatably in the body and extends through the opening; and (3) a first and a second annular sealing member which are carried by the structure and which encircle the shaft in a leaktight manner. A lubrication chamber containing a lubricating grease is defined between the sealing members and the shaft. A first sealing ring, closer to the rotor, has an inner portion which forms at least one sealing lip which bears on the shaft, and a circular portion disposed outside the lip and having a substantially U-shaped cross-section with its convex side facing the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Sergio Rosso, Giorgio Morra
  • Patent number: 6504888
    Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for a nuclear reactor that permits measurement of the flow through each reactor internal pump (RIP) is described. The reactor pressure vessel also includes at least one reactor internal pump that includes an impeller and a pump diffuser. At least two seal rings extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the diffuser housing outer wall and are located in circumferential grooves in the housing outer wall. At least one lateral bore extends through the housing outer wall into a diffuser housing longitudinal flow passage. Each lateral bore is located in an area between two adjacent seal rings, with each inter-seal ring area containing one lateral bore. At least one pressure tap bore extends from the outer surface of the RPV bottom head petal, through the pump deck to an inner surface of a pump deck opening. Each pressure tap bore is aligned with an area in the RIP containing a corresponding lateral bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alex B. Fife, Hwang Choe, Jack T. Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020197151
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a C-shaped sealing assembly including an annular spring disposed between opposing legs of a base member. The spring biases the legs away from one another into sealing positions. In other embodiments, a vertical pump may be provided so as to include an oil recirculation system which enables an oil-based lubricant to be utilized instead of grease. In still other embodiments, the axial location of a pump shaft may be adjusted by rotating a bearing housing relative to the bearing frame where the two are threadedly connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: ENVIRONAMICS CORP.
    Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
  • Patent number: 6439836
    Abstract: A cryogenic turbo-expander has a rotary shaft which carries a turbine wheel and carries or is operatively associated with an energy dissipating device and which extends axially through a sleeve. Two sets of bearings, which are housed by two races surrounding the shaft, are axially spaced from one another. Each race has an aperture therein extending from an outer to an inner surface thereof communicating with a lubricating oil passage extending from an outer surface to an inner surface of the sleeve. Both races are arranged so that spent lubricating oil can pass therefrom to a common drain passage. The cryogenic turbo-expander additionally includes a reservoir for lubricating oil communicating with the aperture in the first race via an intermittently-operable metering pump and with the second race via an intermittently operable metering pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Cryostar-France SA
    Inventor: Josef Pozivil
  • Publication number: 20020037226
    Abstract: In turbocharger, particularly an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine with a turbine wheel and an impeller disposed on a common shaft which is rotatably supported by friction bearings to which lubricating oil is supplied by an oil supply, a turbine speed detection device is provided comprising a pressure modulating structure disposed on the shaft for modulating the oil pressure in the oil supply in accordance with the speed of the shaft and an oil pressure sensor is arranged in the oil supply for sensing the oil pressure modulations for determining the speed of the turbocharger
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Vogel
  • Publication number: 20020009361
    Abstract: The shaft bearing supports the rotor of a turbo-machine which extends along a rotor axis. The shaft bearing has a bearing element with a bearing surface. The bearing surface supports an associated rotor surface and the bearing element can be axially displaced. The invention further relates to a turbo-machine and to a method for operating said turbo-machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Arnd Reichert, Bernard Becker
  • Patent number: 6286303
    Abstract: A foil bearing assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes an annular bearing carrier mounted to the housing of the engine. An annular foil carrier disposed within the bearing carrier and carrying a plurality of overlapping foils that engage an outer surface of a journal. The journal is mounted to the rotating assembly of the engine to define a cavity. Disposed in the cavity is a showerhead having an inlet for receiving a flow of cooling air and a plurality of orifices for providing impingement cooling of the inner surface of the journal. The use of a showerhead in a thrust foil bearing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Pfligler, Carl A. Larson, George R. Cunnington
  • Patent number: 6270311
    Abstract: In gas turbine split rings, end faces having bent surfaces are formed in flanges. Adjoining split rings are coupled together with a groove therebetween to form a cylindrical split ring. Notches are formed in the flanges. These notches are sealed by inserting a seal plate into the notches of adjoining split rings. A hole for passing cooling air is drilled obliquely in the flange. Cooling air is allowed to flow out along the direction of rotation (of the turbine). This cooling air cools the outlet of the groove due to the effect of film cooling. Because of such cooling, high temperature gas is prevented from staying in this area, cooling effect is enhanced, and hence burning of the end portions can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Kuwabara, Yasuoki Tomita, Kiyoshi Suenaga, Masahito Kataoka, Yoshichika Sato, Koji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6264425
    Abstract: A fluid-flow machine for compressing or expanding a compressible medium is described, having a rotor on which there is arranged perpendicularly to the rotor axis at least one moving-blade row, the individual moving blades of which have moving-blades ends, which are free on the radial side and face the inner wall of a casing, surrounding the rotor, in a freely movable manner, through the interior space of which casing the compressible medium flows axially relative to the rotor axis. An annular-passage system is open to receive the compressible medium on either side of the moving-blade row and the flow in the interior of the casing, and in a modified form may have surface contours on the ends of the blades to create pressure conditions which correspond approximately to the static pressure conditions at the opposite sides of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Jakob Keller
  • Patent number: 6238179
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to create a centrifugal compressor with a cooling appliance which is simpler but more effective. This is achieved by the feed device (27) for the gaseous cooling medium (31) opening into the separating gap upstream of the mainly radially extending gap region (20) of the separating gap (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Dirk Wunderwald, Joachim Bremer, Ulf Christian Müller, Mihajlo Bothien, Jürg Greber
  • Patent number: 6234746
    Abstract: A cooling system for turbomachinery includes a compressor bleed air passageway for supplying bleed cooling air to a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally axially extending passages in communication with a cavity within the inner barrel in which the flanges of the turbine and compressor rotors are secured to one another. The exit ends of the passages have swirl devices for turning the flow from the general axial direction to a tangential direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the combined rotors. A leakage seal is provided between the rotor and the stationary component to provide a pressure drop across a plenum and cavity to increase the velocity of air flowing into the cavity. Consequently, cooling air is supplied the cavity at a tangential velocity approaching the rotor velocity with reduced windage and lower temperature, thereby improving the performance of the turbomachinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mark Stewart Schroder, Jeffrey John Butkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6217279
    Abstract: A sealing device for a gas turbine stator blade, in which an outer shroud (32) is mounted by heat insulating rings (32a,32b) on a blade ring (50). The blade ring (50) has a first air hole (1), which communicates with a space (53), and a second air hole (51), which communicates with a seal tube (2). The seal tube (2) is inserted into the second air hole (51), and a spring (6) is arranged between a projection (4) of the tube (2) and a retaining portion (5) of the air hole (51) to removably secure the seal tube (2). Cooling air (54) flows through the first air hole (1) to cool the shrouds and the inside of a stator blade (31) until it is released from the trailing edge of the blade. The cooling air also flows into a cavity (36) so that a high pressure can be maintained without a pressure loss because the tube (2) is independent of the space (53) in the blade ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshishige Ai, Masanori Yuri, Yasuoki Tomita, Kiyoshi Suenaga, Sunao Aoki, Hiroki Fukuno
  • Patent number: 6185924
    Abstract: A high efficiency coolant collection type gas turbine is obtained by forming coolant supply and collection flow paths for moving blades in a more outer peripheral side of a gas turbine rotor than a hub, supplying the coolant supplied from a shaft end into the moving blades through the supply flow path, collecting the coolant after cooling into a combustion chamber side, supplying air extracted from a compressor to cool moving blades of a downstream side stage or a rotor outer wall through slits formed from a turbine rotor central portion to the hub, reducing rotor thermal stress and a pressure loss of the coolant flow paths and cooling a high stage side of a compressor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Matsumoto, Shinya Marushima, Takashi Ikeguchi, Kazuhiko Kawaike
  • Patent number: 6171053
    Abstract: A device for thermally insulating casing parts of a steam turbine contains a shim element that can be inserted into a bearing region of supporting bearings of the casing parts. The supporting bearings face one another and the shim element has a number of holes formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Ulma
  • Patent number: 6109867
    Abstract: A turbine-nozzle vane fitted with a cooling system including a hollow airfoil (45) inserted between an outer deck and an inner deck (46). Disposed inside the airfoil (45) is a liner (60) which is fitted with a multi-perforated skirt to impact-cool the airfoil wall. The liner (60) has an inner wall (62) comprising a female frustum of a cone (66). A male frustum of a cone (64) is rigidly affixed to the inner deck (46) and is nested in the female frustum (66). These frusta provide communication between the inside of the liner (60) and the inside of the inner deck (46). Cooling air (70) is introduced into the liner (60) through the outer deck. A portion (71) of this air impact-cools the airfoil wall. Another portion (72) enters the inner deck (46) and passes through an orifice (67) to cool the turbine disks (49, 50) upstream and downstream of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."
    Inventor: Laurent Roger Jacques Portefaix
  • Patent number: 6102654
    Abstract: A turbomachine, especially a steam turbine, includes a casing, an inflow region formed at least in part by the casing for guiding working fluid, a feed for a cooling fluid, a rotating-blade carrier disposed in the casing and extending along a principal axis, and a shielding element disposed in the inflow region for shielding the rotating-blade carrier from the working fluid. The shielding element is attached to the casing by a mounting and the feed is guided through the mounting. A method is also provided for cooling one or more components of a turbomachine adjoining an inflow region for a hot working gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinrich Oeynhausen, Edwin Gobrecht, Helmut Pollak, Andreas Feldmueller
  • Patent number: 6077034
    Abstract: In the present disclosure, an air pipe extends through a stationary blade between outer and inner shrouds. Further, an air passage is directed to a lower portion of the stationary blade and is communicated with the air pipe so that a serpentine cooling passage is formed. The air enters a cavity from the air passage and is discharged to a gas passage through an air hole, a passage and a seal. Thus, the cavity is sealed at a high pressure. Cooling air is supplied from the air passage to a rotating blade through a cooling air hole, a cooling air chamber, a radial hole and a lower portion of a platform. The stationary blade is cooled by the air through the air passage. The cooling air can be supplied to the rotating blade at a low temperature and a high pressure as they are. Accordingly, the air can be also supplied to the rotating blade when a rotor is cooled by vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuoki Tomita, Hiroki Fukuno, Yukihiro Hashimoto, Kiyoshi Suenaga
  • Patent number: 6042337
    Abstract: A Kaplan turbine or similar hydraulic machine has a hub body (1) fixed to the turbine shaft with radial blades attached to the hub body. The blades are fitted with oil lubricated bearings in the hub body. A sealing arrangement for the oil system has first (60) and second (61) circumferential sealing members with a circumferential space (65) between the first and second sealing members (60, 61). High pressure water from a water source is directed into the circumferential space (65) via a connecting channel (64) to block the lubricating oil from leaking into the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Turbin Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Conny Thyberg
  • Patent number: 5971706
    Abstract: An inter-rotor bearing assembly includes a first annular member having a circumferential inner surface and a second annular member having a circumferential outer surface. The outer surface is concentric to and disposed radially inward of the inner surface and a bearing is disposed between the surfaces. The bearing has an outer race fixedly attached to the first annular member along the inner surface, an inner race fixedly attached to the second annular member along the outer surface, and rolling elements disposed between the races. A low density high circumferential strength support ring is fixedly attached to the first annular member disposed concentrically outside of the inner race and is preferably made of a titanium matrix composite. The rolling elements may be cylindrical rollers having cylindrical rolling surfaces. The support ring may be fixedly attached around or integral with the first annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David G. Glista, David W. Crall, Christopher C. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5964574
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a nozzle ring for the exhaust-gas turbine of a turbocharger which, in addition to an improved service life, also guarantees a constant efficiency.According to the invention, this is achieved in that an radial expansion gap (20) is formed between the turbine casing (2) and the nozzle ring (11), and at least one seal (22) is arranged in the expansion gap (20). To this end, an encircling groove (21) accommodating the seal (22) is formed in at least one of the fastening elements (16, 17) of the nozzle ring (11) or in at least one of the components (3, 4, 5) which surround the fastening elements (16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Marcel Meier, Martin Seiler, Claus Weisheit, Marcel Zehnder
  • Patent number: 5951243
    Abstract: A system and device for pumping molten metal that reduces bearing member fractures comprises a pump having a pump chamber including a first bearing surface, a rotor having a second bearing surface that aligns with the first bearing surface. The second bearing surface is formed by a plurality of spaced bearing pins attached to the rotor. Each bearing pin has an outer surface preferably substantially flush with the outer perimeter of the rotor. The pins are comprised of a heat resistent material that is harder than the material comprising the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5893703
    Abstract: For a pump that produces a negative pressure in a pump casing, a shaft seal system comprises a positive flow of air into the seal system to flow about shaft seals to counteract the negative pressure otherwise being communicated thereto from within the pump casing. The seals engage the rotating shaft and a lubrication passageway supplies lubricant to the shaft seals engaging the rotating shaft, which is driving the rotor. Preferably, no air flows through the seal system when the rotor shaft is stationary and a small air flow, e.g., 0.3 c.f.m. to 1 c.f.m., flows through the shaft seal when the shaft is rotating. This flow rate is preferably monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eddy Pump Corporation
    Inventor: Harry Peter Weinrib
  • Patent number: 5871332
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a rotating shaft (1) with a centrifugal impeller (3) mounted on it. The shaft (1) and impeller (3) are mounted within a stationary casing (7) and a mechanical seal (8) is provided where the shaft (1) passes out through the casing (7). In order to cool rubbing, sealing faces (9, 11) of the seal, fluid is caused to flow along a path from a tip (6) of the impeller, through the casing (7), into a seal chamber (14), through a clearance (15) between a hub (2) of the impeller and the casing (7) and returning through a port (16) in the impeller. In order to act as a vent for and to clear debris from the seal chamber (14), the clearance is located radially outwardly of and remote from the shaft (1). Especially those parts which are moving and are subject to wear can be replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Company
    Inventors: Ian Gray, John Culler, Ronald Palgrave
  • Patent number: 5823539
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for a centrifugal pump including a split ring shaft seal located inboard of both the shaft sleeve and a cartridge-loaded bellows seal so as to prevent the fluid being pumped from leaking under the sleeve and carbonizing. Because there is no carbonization under the sleeve, the bellows seal does not become bonded to the pump shaft. Accordingly, seal disassembly is made easier. A plurality of elongated push rods are disposed along the shaft between the split ring seal and a pushing assembly. The pushing assembly forces the push rods toward the split ring seal so as to tighten it down into fluid sealing contact with the outer periphery of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Environamics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Rockwood
  • Patent number: 5795129
    Abstract: A floating-ring seal in a seal chamber is disposed on a pump casing at said end of a housing on the side remote from said pump. The seal chamber is isolated from the pump side by a contact seal element that is seated close to a rotating pump part. The seal chamber has a cooling circuit that is preferably filled with a fluid that is identical to the pumping medium. The seal chamber is separated from pumping medium by the seal element. A pressure compensation device is disposed in the region of the seal element in case fluid leaks from the seal chamber. The pressure compensation device fills the seal chamber with pumping medium to compensate for the leaked fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jorg Urban, Hans-Dieter Strum, Waldemar Schwartz