For Shaft Sealing, Packing, Lubricating Or Bearing Means Patents (Class 415/111)
  • Publication number: 20140348635
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes a housing supporting compressor and turbine sections. An epicyclic gear train includes a carrier, a sun gear and intermediate gears arranged about and intermeshing with the sun gear. The intermediate gears are supported by the carrier. A baffle is supported relative to the carrier and includes a lubrication passage near at least one of the sun gear and intermediate gears for directing a lubricant on at least one of the sun gear and the intermediate gears. A spray bar is external to the carrier and is in communication with the lubrication passage. The spray bar terminates near the sun gear for directing lubricant on the sun gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Publication number: 20140341710
    Abstract: A refrigerant compressor (10) for use in a chiller-heater system that can provide chilled water at less than 10° C. and hot water at more than 80° C. without the need for additional heat input, the compressor (10) being configured to provide a compression ratio of at least 18:1 and a temperature lift across the compressor of at least 80K, and the refrigerant fluid being selected to give the desired temperature lift without the pressure at the compressor outlet exceeding 25 bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Creamer
  • Patent number: 8888441
    Abstract: Systems and devices for sealing portions of a rotary machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a seal assembly element includes: a head flange; an axial neck connected to the head flange, wherein the axial neck includes a mating flange extending circumferentially from a distal end of the seal assembly element, the mating flange configured to form a multidirectional seal with a recessed portion of a complementary seal assembly element; and a set of axial seal teeth connected to the axial neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Edward Jordy, William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, Jr., Dexter Andrew Young
  • Patent number: 8882446
    Abstract: A bearing system for a rotor in rotating machines, such as compressors, pumps, turbines, expanders, has points of bearing and sealing for the rotor each being in the form of a combined bearing and sealing formed by a stator situated within a rotating machine house and surrounding the rotor. The stator is formed with a bore, whereby an annular clearance is created between stator and rotor, and the bore is having sectional area gradually increasing in the direction of larger pressure within the rotating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventor: Harald Underbakke
  • Patent number: 8870552
    Abstract: A pump assembly and estimation and control system therefor, the pump adapted for continuous flow pumping of blood. In a particular form, the pump is a centrifugal pump wherein the impeller is entirely sealed within the pump housing and is exclusively hydrodynamically suspended therein against movement in three translational and two rotational degrees of freedom as the impeller rotates within the fluid urged by electromagnetic means external to the pump cavity. Hydrodynamic suspension is assisted by the impeller having deformities therein such as blades with surfaces tapered from the leading edges to the trailing edges of bottom and top surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Ayre, Geoffrey Douglas Tansley, Peter Andrew Watterson, John Campbell Woodard
  • Patent number: 8870522
    Abstract: In a centrifugal pump, in particular a radial or semi-axial pump including a housing with a pump chamber and a dry chamber, a drive shaft rotatably supported in the housing and connected to an impeller for pumping a liquid flow medium disposed in the pump chamber and a shaft seal arranged in an inner radial area for sealing the dry space with respect to the flow medium, a seal carrier is provided with a guide structure by which fluid flow medium is conducted from an outer radial area to an inner radial area for directing flow medium into the seal for lubrication and cooling of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Reischmann, Alexej Vaulin, Joachim Ruck
  • Publication number: 20140301828
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to improving performance characteristics of a low profile fan. More specifically configurations having sloped fan blade edges are disclosed. By applying a gradual slope to each of the fan blades, performance of the fan can be increased without risking contact or rubbing between the fan blades and a fan housing. In some embodiments, the sloped fan blades can be configured to prevent contact when bearings of the fan include a certain amount of tilt play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Aiello, Jesse T. Dybenko, Richard A. Herms
  • Publication number: 20140301829
    Abstract: A turbofan engine comprises an engine case. A gaspath extends through the engine case. A fan has a circumferential array of fan blades. A fan case encircles the fan blades radially outboard of the engine case. A plurality of fan case vanes extend outward from the engine case to the fan case. A front frame assembly includes a plurality of vanes extending radially across the gaspath. A transmission couples a shaft to a fan shaft to drive the fan. A bearing assembly couples the shaft to the front frame assembly. A bearing support extends aftward and radially inward from the front frame assembly to the bearing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory E. Reinhardt, Enzo DiBenedetto, Jason W. Mazanec
  • Patent number: 8845271
    Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft comprising a rotatable elongated cylinder with axially spaced journal bearing surfaces on the inside diameter and a thrust face on each end. A sleeve on the shaft incorporates a flange on one end that transmits thrust force to one thrust face on the elongated cylinder. A flanged collar on the opposite end of the shaft transmits thrust force to the thrust face on the opposite end of the elongated cylinder. A radially extending flange on one end of the elongated cylinder transmits thrust forces to stationary housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Joseph S. Delgado
  • Publication number: 20140271118
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The lubrication system is configured to provide pressurized air and lubricant to a bearing sump of the gas turbine engine to cool and lubricate a bearing included in the bearing sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Larry A. Junod
  • Publication number: 20140271128
    Abstract: An assembly for a turbocharger can include a shaft and turbine wheel assembly and a component that has a rotational axis and that includes a through bore for receipt of the component by the shaft of the shaft and turbine wheel assembly where the component includes an inner surface and an outer surface and one or more passages that extend between the inner surface and the outer surface, where the one or more passages are shaped to exert force on the component responsive to flow of fluid in the one or more passages and where the force rotates the component about the rotational axis. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Poomkuzhimannil Zachariah John, Suryakant Gupta, Parikshit I Mulani, Maltesh Kolur, Giorgio Figura
  • Publication number: 20140255157
    Abstract: A rotating assembly for a turbocharger can include a center housing that includes a through bore having a central axis; a bearing cartridge positioned in the through bore where the bearing cartridge includes an outer race, an inner race and rolling elements disposed between the inner race and the outer race; an anisotropic member positioned in the through bore between the outer race of the bearing cartridge and a surface of the center housing where the surface defines at least part of the through bore of the center housing; and a shaft rotatably supported in the center housing by the bearing cartridge where the inner race is mounted on the shaft and the shaft is connected at one end to a compressor wheel and at another end to a turbine wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Walter Lee Meacham, Kostandin Gjika, Mohsiul Alam, Gerald D. LaRue
  • Publication number: 20140255156
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section, a combustor, and a turbine section. The engine also includes a rotating element and at least one bearing compartment including a bearing for supporting the rotating element, a seal for resisting leakage of lubricant outwardly of the bearing compartment and for allowing pressurized air to flow from a chamber adjacent the seal into the bearing compartment. A method and section for a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: M. Rifat Ullah, Robert E. Peters
  • Publication number: 20140248127
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a component, a fairing, and a seal. The fairing is disposed adjacent to the component and defines a primary gas flow path. The fairing has a rib that is located outside of the primary flow path and extends from an outer surface of the fairing. The seal is disposed between the rib and the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140248128
    Abstract: A turbine seal system comprises an annular structural frame, a circumferential ring, a fairing and a seal. The circumferential ring is joined to the annular structural frame. The fairing is disposed within the annular structural frame and is engaged with the circumferential ring to limit circumferential rotation of the fairing with respect to the annular structural frame. The seal extends between the fairing and the circumferential ring. In one embodiment, the structural component comprises a ring-strut-ring turbine exhaust case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140248126
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first module, a second module, and a finger seal. The second module is connected to the first module along a joint. The finger seal is connected to the first module at a fixed end and has a free end that cantilevers from the fixed end to contact the second module. The finger seal acts to seal the joint between the first module and second module from an ingestion gas flow of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8821141
    Abstract: Various rotary pumps are disclosed that are designed to pump viscous fluids or slurries. Often, the seals of such pumps can become over heated. The disclosed pumps include slots disposed in the rotors and/or slots disposed in the openings through which the drive and driven shafts task so that some of the fluid being pumped through the pumping chamber can migrate through the proximal wall of the pump casing to the seal assemblies disposed on the other side of the proximal wall of the pump casing. Thus, the seal assemblies of the pumps are cooled without resorting to the use of a cooling jacket or other cooling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Wright Flow Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Helgeson, Joe Thompson, Jim Mayer, Chris Mihm, Keith Feeley, Juan Jose Mejia
  • Publication number: 20140241857
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a seal and a flow diverter. The flow diverter is disposed adjacent the seal to direct a secondary gas flow that passes across the seal away from a rotor cavity such that the secondary gas flow travels back toward a main gas flow path of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140241858
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a seal ring mounting method for a turbocharger and a turbocharger with the seal ring, whereby the seal ring is less likely to be affected by other parts. An annular protrusion (12j) for restricting a position of a seal ring (16) in the radial direction is provided at a tip portion (12h) of an inner peripheral wall (12b) of a turbine housing (12), and the seal ring (16) is mounted between a side surface (36c) of a nozzle plate (36) and a first step portion (12k) of the tip portion (12h) of the inner peripheral wall (12b) so that the outer periphery of the seal ring (16) is restrained by the annular projection (12j).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoto Tashiro, Yasuaki Jinnai, Hiroyuki Arimizu
  • Publication number: 20140234075
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger may include a shaft mounted in a bearing housing carrying a compressor wheel and a turbine wheel. The shaft may include a sealing bush arranged on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The sealing bush together with a bearing housing cover may at least partially delimit an annular oil centrifuging space arranged coaxially to the sealing bush. The bearing housing cover may include a guiding nib located radially outside the sealing bush partially covering the sealing bush in axial direction. The guiding nib may be configured to guide oil separated in the oil centrifuging space onto the rotating sealing bush. The rotating sealing bush may be configured to direct the oil into the oil centrifuging space in response to centrifugal force creating an oil swirl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedemann Weber, Thomas Berger, Thanh-Hung Nguyen-Schaefer, Christoph Butscher, Jasmin Hausser, Andreas Fath
  • Patent number: 8807920
    Abstract: A pump assembly with a rotatable rotor shaft (10), wherein the rotor shaft (10) includes at least one axial bearing (36, 40) and a radial bearing (30, 32), which are integrated into a common bearing assembly (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Helge Grann, Alfred Lisbjerg Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8807922
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a gear system of a wind turbine includes a first reservoir and a second reservoir adapted to contain lubricant. It further includes pump means arranged to supply lubricant from the first reservoir to the second reservoir during normal operation, and a distribution system fluidly connected between the first reservoir and the gear system in such a manner that lubricant can be supplied to the gear system from the first reservoir via the distribution system during normal operation. The lubrication system further comprises valve means being shiftable between a first position and a second position. In the first position a flow of lubricant from the second reservoir towards the gear system or the first reservoir is prevented, and in the second position it is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems, A/S
    Inventors: Poul Torben Tietze, Thomas Korsgaard Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140227079
    Abstract: A compression system may include a compressor having first and second sides separated by a division wall, first and second shafts, and first and second radial bearings. The first and second shafts may be axially connected to each other at respective first ends via a rotor portion of an intermediate radial bearing. The rotor portion may include a plurality of laminations stacked between first and second plates fastened to each other. The first radial bearing may be disposed on a first side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the first shaft. The first radial bearing may be configured to support the first shaft. The second radial bearing may be disposed on a second side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the second shaft. The second radial bearing may be configured to support the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Jose L. Gilarranz, Timothy R. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8801365
    Abstract: This hydraulic machine comprises a wheel supported by a shaft (5), the wheel and the shaft being able to rotate about a vertical axis (X5) while a radial hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing (100) is formed between, on the one hand, a radial peripheral surface (52) of the shaft and, on the other hand, an internal radial surface (102) of a member (101) that is fixed relative to the vertical axis. The bearing (100) extends between two edges (121, 122) which, in normal operation, constitute regions for the removal of a film of water formed in the bearing. At least one cavity (130) is created in the fixed member (101) and opens onto its internal radial surface (102) near a first edge (122) of the bearing. The machine comprises means (131, 132, 133) for placing the cavity (130) in fluidic communication with a volume (V1) situated outside the bearing near the second edge (121) of the bearing (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Renewable Technologies
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Bertea, Gerard Vuillerod
  • Publication number: 20140217205
    Abstract: An air motor and an electric painting device improves driving efficiency, and includes a housing, a main shaft inserted inside of the housing, an impeller fixed concentrically with the main shaft to an inserted portion of the main shaft and having a plurality of turbine blades formed on the outer periphery, bearings for rotatably supporting the main shaft and the impeller, and a nozzle having a tubular or hole-shaped channel for ejecting compressed air to the respective turbine blades for rotating the impeller along the circumference. When M1=ve/a0 where ve denotes flow velocity of the compressed air in an entrance of the channel of the nozzle, and a0 denotes acoustic velocity, the length of the channel of the nozzle is set to a dimension of a calculated value or greater using a predetermined expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Kobayashi, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Yuu Koiwa
  • Patent number: 8794905
    Abstract: A turbocharger is disclosed. The turbocharger includes a seal plate facing a front portion outer periphery of an oil thrower arranged between a bearing portion and an impeller in front thereof, integral with a bearing housing. An oil-thrower facing part formed in the bearing housing faces a rear portion outer periphery of the oil thrower to provide an oil sump. The seal plate is in the form of press-fit plate, a diameter of the press-fit plate being smaller than an outer diameter of the impeller and being at least equal to a minimum working bore diameter for machining of an outer periphery or oil discharge openings of the oil-thrower facing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8790066
    Abstract: An exemplary turbocharger assembly includes a housing with a through bore having a central axis extending between a compressor end and a turbine end of the housing and a bearing, configured for receipt by the through bore, where the bearing includes an inner journal configured to rotatably support a turbocharger shaft and where the inner journal includes a central axis, an axial length, a lubricant opening, an axially confined lubricant well, a lubricant ramp, and a lubricant channel that spans the axial length of the inner journal. Various other exemplary devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Gutknecht
  • Publication number: 20140205425
    Abstract: An oil cooling arrangement includes a first manifold and a second manifold, each configured to route an oil. Further included is a first tube having a first end proximate the first manifold and a second end proximate the second manifold, wherein the first tube is configured to receive the oil and route the oil toward the second manifold. Yet further included is a second tube having a third end proximate the second manifold and a fourth end proximate the first manifold, wherein the second tube is configured to route the oil from the second manifold toward the first manifold. Also included is a turbine exhaust path configured to route an exhaust flow, wherein the first tube and the second tube are disposed along the turbine exhaust path, wherein the oil is cooled upon passage of the exhaust flow over the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Michael Wilbur Denius, Zachary J. Delong, Mark E. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20140205447
    Abstract: A turbine exhaust casing having an outer casing, an inner casing, an annular exhaust gas path defined between outer and inner flow path walls, and a turbine exhaust casing cavity located radially outward and radially inward from the gas path. A plurality of structural struts support the inner casing to the outer casing, and a fairing surrounds each of the struts in an area extending between the outer and inner flow path walls. A first purge air path extends through at least one of the struts for conducting purge cooling air radially inward to the inner casing, and a second purge air path extends through the strut for further conducting the purge cooling air radially outward to provide a flow of purge air to a location of the exhaust casing cavity radially outward from the outer flow path wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Harry Patat, Cheryl A. Schopf, Jerome H. Katy, Adam Wallace, David J. Wiebe
  • Publication number: 20140193239
    Abstract: A turbomachine with a rotary shaft supporting a turbine wheel is supported for rotation in a housing. The shaft extends through a bore in the housing and a bearing assembly being disposed in the bore. At least one end of the shaft has a primary seal and a secondary seal. The primary seal comprises a non-contact seal defined by an annular clearance between a first non-rotating seal element and a second seal element that rotates with the shaft. The primary seal is arranged to receive lubricating oil from the bearing assembly. An oil slinging feature is provided between the primary and secondary seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventors: Prabhu Ramasamy, Andrew Day
  • Patent number: 8770918
    Abstract: A rotating element is associated with at least one bearing compartment that includes a bearing to support the rotating element. A seal resists leakage of lubricant outwardly of the bearing compartment and allows air to flow from a chamber across the seal and into the bearing compartment. The seal has a seal face facing a rotating face rotating with the rotating element. The seal is a non-contact seal. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: M. Rifat Ullah, Robert E. Peters
  • Publication number: 20140186159
    Abstract: A bearing unit of a turbocharger may be disposed on an inner side of a space in a center housing and carry axial load of a rotary shaft connecting a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, and an electric motor. The bearing unit may include a bearing body fastened to a side of the center housing and has a through-hole substantially at a center of the bearing body for fitting the rotary shaft fitted, and a coupling disposed on the through-hole and the rotary shaft, having a stepped portion in which the bearing body is inserted, and forming an oil chamber with the bearing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicants: NEUROS CO., LTD., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kitae YEOM, Jaesik Yang, Sung Won Kim, Tae Won Hwang, Hong-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20140186158
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a core housing that includes an inlet case and an intermediate case that respectively provide an inlet case flow path and an intermediate case flow path. A geared architecture is arranged within the inlet case. A shaft provides a rotational axis. A hub is operatively supported by the shaft. A rotor is connected to the hub and supports a compressor section. The compressor section is arranged axially between the inlet case flow path and the intermediate case flow path. A bearing is mounted to the hub and supports the shaft relative to one of the intermediate case and the inlet case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Karl L. Hasel
  • Patent number: 8757959
    Abstract: A non-rotating compartment along an engine centerline of a tip turbine engine is defined between an inner support housing, an outer support housing and an aft housing. The non-rotating compartment provides a space that may be utilized for a multitude of engine accessories and components including an engine lubricating fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian Merry, Lawrence Portlock
  • Publication number: 20140169941
    Abstract: A baffle within a gas turbine engine includes a cylindrical flange with a multiple of holes at least partially therearound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8740549
    Abstract: A lubrication system for turbocharger(s) ensures continuous lubrication of bearings and shaft of the turbocharger with lubricant retention during start and shut down of turbocharger-associated systems thereby enhancing the performance and turbocharger life. A shaft and bearings are lubricated by introducing pressurized lubricating oil through an oil inlet passage in the bearing housing and after lubricating, the lubricant returns to the engine oil sump located below the turbocharger through the oil outlet passage. A valve in the oil inlet pipe line permits lubricant flow to the bearings during engine running, and when the engine stops and oil pressure falls below the valve opening pressure, the valve shuts and traps the lubricant in oil inlet pipe that is above the valve. The oil outlet pipe retains sufficient lubricant in the bearing housing which lubricates the shaft and bearings post engine shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
    Inventors: Kishor Raut Shashank, Sharad Shete Manoj
  • Patent number: 8714907
    Abstract: A shaft seal for sealing a gap between a shaft and a casing is provided. The shaft seal includes a plurality of sealing modules, at least one fluid feed and at least one fluid outlet. The sealing modules include an outer main seal, and inner main seal and a fluid drain between the two. Conventional shaft seals of the above type require significant amounts of additional barrier fluid in regular intervals to ensure suitable pressure gradients. In the presently provided shaft seal, the inner seal is designed as a radial double seal which is defined by two gas seals having respective rotating sealing surfaces and stationary sealing surfaces, the pair of sealing surfaces being opposite each other in a sealing plane. The sealing planes extend from the shaft in a substantially radial manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludger Alfes
  • Patent number: 8702373
    Abstract: The present disclosure is applicable to all gear trains using a journal bearing as a means of supporting gear shaft rotation. It is related in some embodiments to a system and method for supplying lubricant to the journal bearings of a gear-turbofan engine gear train when the fan rotor is subjected to a wind-milling condition in both directions, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Valva, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8696302
    Abstract: A wind turbine is provided comprising a rotatable main shaft having a centre axis and being at least indirectly connected to a wind turbine rotor of the turbine and a main bearing supporting the rotatable main shaft at least indirectly against a first stationary part of the turbine, wherein fastening unit are provided for fastening the rotor to the first or a second stationary part of the turbine during replacement of the main bearing and tappet unit are provided which are able to act on the main bearing and permit a movement of the main bearing relatively to the first stationary part in the direction of the centre axis. A method for replacement of a main bearing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Publication number: 20140099184
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling infiltration of ambient air into, and exfiltration of process gas out of, an organic Rankine system. A system comprises a first sealing mechanism configured to seal at least one shaft against exfiltration of a process gas when the turbomachine is operating. The system further comprises a second sealing mechanism configured to seal the at least one shaft against infiltration of ambient air when the system is in a standstill mode. The system further comprises one or more pressure sensors configured to detect a pressure of gas within the system to monitor whether infiltration of ambient air has occurred and a system purge is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Antonio Asti, Giacomo Landi, Dante Sabella, Paolo Susini, Mario Martini
  • Publication number: 20140075916
    Abstract: A device and method feeding turbomachines with lubricant, the turbomachine including a first set of bearings and a second set of bearings. Both the first and the second sets of bearings are fed with lubricant, and the second set of bearings operate at a temperature higher than the first set. The second set of bearings is fed with lubricant at a temperature higher than the first set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Turbomeca
    Inventor: Philippe Alain François Augros
  • Publication number: 20140064917
    Abstract: A bearing lubrication system for a centrifugal pump includes a hydraulic recirculating pump that is structured to provide recirculation of a fluid to and from the motor that drives the impeller of the centrifugal pump, and a system of efferent and afferent conduits that are connected to both the motor and the bearing housing of the centrifugal pump to direct lubricating fluid to or from the bearings, and to or from the motor for recirculation to the hydraulic recirculating pump, thereby utilizing the lubricating fluid used to lubricate the drive motor as a means of lubricating and cooling the bearings that support the rotating shaft of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Weir Minerals Australia, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jamie W. Kean, Gary Saylor
  • Publication number: 20140050561
    Abstract: An oil supply system for a propeller turbine engine includes a first oil circuit for supplying the turbomachine and a second oil circuit for supplying the propeller gearbox and the high-pressure pump associated with a propeller adjusting device. The two oil circuits are integrated into a common oil tank and connected to one another by means of an oil supply line in the flow direction downstream of the first and the second oil conveying pumps in such a way that a limited oil volumetric flow can flow from the first oil circuit into the second oil circuit, and only in this direction, if the pressure difference between the first and the second oil circuits falls below a certain level in the event of a pressure reduction in the second oil circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG
    Inventors: Christian Homeyer, Klaus Willenborg, Roland Fiola
  • Patent number: 8647052
    Abstract: A shaft seal for sealing a gap between a shaft and a casing is provided. The shaft seal includes a plurality of sealing modules, at least one fluid supply and one fluid drain, and a first main seal on which a major partial pressure difference occurs. Conventional shaft seals of the above type require significant amounts of additional barrier fluid in regular intervals to ensure suitable pressure gradients. In the presently proposed shaft seal, the first main seal is designed as a radial double seal which is defined by two gas seals having respective rotating sealing surfaces and stationary sealing surfaces, the pair of sealing surfaces being opposite each other in a respective sealing plane. The sealing planes extend in a substantially radial manner relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludger Alfes, Dirk Grieshaber
  • Patent number: 8641366
    Abstract: A rotating element is associated with at least one bearing compartment that includes a bearing to support the rotating element. A seal resists leakage of lubricant outwardly of the bearing compartment and allows air to flow from a chamber across the seal and into the bearing compartment. The seal has a seal face facing a rotating face rotating with the rotating element. The seal is a non-contact seal. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: M. Rifat Ullah, Robert E. Peters
  • Patent number: 8641365
    Abstract: A rotor of a thermal turbomachine, particularly a gas turbine, is provided. The rotor includes a plurality of individual rotor components that are held together by a tie-bold and combined into a unit. The tie-bolt is supported by the assembly of the surrounding rotor components including the tie-bolt and the rotor disks. A hollow shaft which is made up of two tubular sections and a support wheel further support the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guido Ahaus, Francois Benkler, Ulrich Ehehalt, Harald Hoell, Karsten Kolk, Walter Loch, Harald Nimptsch, Oliver Schneider, Peter-Andreas Schneider, Peter Schröder, Vyacheslav Veitsman
  • Publication number: 20140023478
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a single-flow turbine using CO2 as a working fluid. The turbine includes a balance piston portion configured to optimize an axial load of a rotor on a bearing with a fluid having a temperature lower than a temperature of the working fluid introduced into the turbine, wherein a flow path in which at least a part of the fluid passing through the balance piston portion is extracted from a middle part of the passing, and in which at least a part of the extracted fluid is urged to flow to a middle part of a passage where the working fluid passes and where rotor blades at a plurality of stages are provided, is formed at the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hideyuki MAEDA, Tsuguhisa Tashima, Shogo Iwai, Nobuhiro Okizono, Iwataro Sato, Kazutaka Tsuruta, Naoyuki Okamura
  • Publication number: 20140003908
    Abstract: The propensity for gas leakage around a shaft, which extends through a bore which connects volumes of differing pressures, e.g., a turbocharger turbine housing and the ambient air, is minimized with the addition of a pair of seal rings biased by a gas pressure to provide a continuous gas and soot seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Timothy House
  • Publication number: 20130330171
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a rotary machine which includes a rotor assembly having a rotatable rotor shaft is disclosed. The seal assembly may comprise a spacer, a seal plate, a ring seal, and a ring seal midplate. The spacer, the seal plate, and the ring seal midplate may be rotatable with the shaft and extend outwardly from the shaft. The ring seal is free and provides a seal for a bearing compartment of the rotary machine. The ring seal midplate is not attached to the spacer or the seal plate during a hardface process which is applied to any component of the seal assembly. The ring seal midplate may be longitudinally located between the spacer and the seal plate and be radially spaced between the ring seal and the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Logan Miller, Alexander J. Maret
  • Patent number: 8596960
    Abstract: A tapered hydrostatic bearing assembly with a rotor shaft rotating about a stationary shaft in which two tapered hydrostatic bearings are formed to rotatably support the rotor shaft. The stationary shaft includes a bearing fluid passage to channel the bearing fluid to the two tapered hydrostatic bearings. The tapered bearings also function as axial thrust bearings for the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip C. Pelfrey