| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 277301000 | Close proximity seal (e.g., contactless, fluent, etc.) | 44 |
| 20080265512 | Hand assisted laparoscopic seal apparatus with a fast recovery foam core - A hand assisted laparoscopic seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes a seal body and a housing supporting the seal body. The seal body includes a core composed of a fast recovery foam and a flexible membrane covering the core. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080265513 | NON-CONTACT SEAL FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry and labyrinth-type teeth that influence the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090322028 | Seal arrangement - A seal arrangement ( | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100066024 | SEAL MEMBER, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A brush seal assembly and method for sealing a turbine machine rotary member relative to a stationary member circumscribing the rotary member. The seal assembly includes a first compliant seal component disposed at a radially inward region of the stationary member in rubbing contact with a surface of the rotary member. The seal assembly also includes at least one hard seal element formed integrally with a carrier of the first compliant seal component, located a specified axial distance from the first compliant seal component. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100072706 | MECHANICAL SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROTARY MACHINES - A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a machine stator, and a fluid seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The fluid seal includes a fluid seal stator, a fluid seal rotor, and an active gap control mechanism coupled to the fluid seal stator. The fluid seal is configured to control a gap between the fluid seal stator and the fluid seal rotor. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100171268 | System and Method for Providing Compliant Rotating Seals - A system for providing compliant rotating seals including a rotating portion that has one or more teeth extending radially from it, and a stationary portion that has a plurality of bristles extending radially from it. The one or more teeth rotatively engage the plurality of bristles creating a tortuous path between them that resists a leakage of gas or fluid through them. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20110210513 | NON-METALLIC BRUSH SEAL - A rotary machine comprises a housing, a rotor that is rotatably disposed within the housing and having an axis about which the rotor may spin, and a seal disposed upon the housing. The seal comprises a support disposed on the housing and a plurality of flexible non-metallic bristles that extend from the housing and engage the rotor, such that the seal provides a barrier to fluid flow between a first region located in a first axial direction from the seal and a second region located in an opposite axial direction from the first region. The first region is filled with a bearing liquid and the second region is filled with a process fluid. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20120038113 | HYDRODYNAMIC BACKUP RING - A seal backup ring is provided with undulating surfaces which create circumferential convergence with a relatively rotatable surface. The backup ring is configured so that differential pressure acting across a rotary seal forces portions of the backup ring against the relatively rotatable surface, closing, or substantially closing, the extrusion gap that the rotary seal is exposed to. In response to relative rotation between the backup ring and the mating relatively rotatable surface, the circumferential convergence promotes hydrodynamic lubrication within the dynamic interface that exists between the backup ring and the relatively rotatable surface. The modulus of elasticity of the backup ring is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the rotary seal. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120223483 | Aerodynamic Seal Assemblies for Turbo-Machinery - The present application provides an aerodynamic seal assembly for use with a turbo-machine. The aerodynamic seal assembly may include a number of springs, a shoe connected to the springs, and a secondary seal positioned about the springs and the shoe. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120286476 | RETRACTABLE SEAL SYSTEM - The present application thus provides a retractable seal system for use between a high pressure side and a low pressure side of a turbine engine. The retractable seal system may include a seal positioned in a slot of a stationary component, a pressure balance pocket positioned about the seal, and a conduit in communication with the pressure balance pocket and the high pressure side. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130270775 | SHAFT SEALING SYSTEM FOR STEAM TURBINES - A shaft sealing system and method are disclosed for a low pressure turbine section having a rotating member including a shaft and a stationary member surrounding the rotating member and defining a steam flow path. The shaft sealing system comprises at least one seal disposed about each of a first end and a second end of the shaft; and a connection line for conducting steam from the first turbine section to a downstream portion of the turbine. The downstream portion of the turbine has a lower pressure than both of the first turbine section and ambient pressure conditions. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20140035231 | SEAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROTARY MACHINE - A system includes an electrodynamically suspended seal. The electrodynamically suspended seal includes a first element that includes an electrically conducting material and a second element that includes a magnetic material. At least one of the first and second elements is configured to rotate about an axial axis. The first and second elements are disposed adjacent one another. The rotational movement of at least one of the first and second elements creates a levitation force such that the first and second elements are repelled away from one another. The electrodynamically suspended seal also includes a third element configured to create a counteracting force. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140191475 | INTERLOCKING HOLE PATTERN SEAL - A seal for a turbomachine is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a rotatable shaft having a stepped outer circumferential surface that defines one or more annular protrusions axially-spaced thereon. A seal is radially-offset dially-offset from the rotatable shaft and has one or more annular recesses that extend radially-outward from the inner circumferential surface of the seal. A plurality of holes are defined in both the inner circumferential surface and the one or more annular recesses of the seal, the one or more annular recesses being axially-spaced from each other and configured to receive the one or more annular protrusions in an interlocking fit. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140300057 | FLUID TRANSFER SEAL ASSEMBLIES, FLUID TRANSFER SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING PROCESS FLUID BETWEEN STATIONARY AND ROTATING COMPONENTS USING THE SAME - Fluid transfer seal assemblies for transferring process fluid between a stationary component and a rotating component, fluid transfer systems, and methods for transferring process fluid between the stationary and rotating components via a fluid transfer assembly are provided. A rotatable component includes a sealing surface. The fluid transfer seal assembly comprises a face seal ring having at least one segment of a fluid passageway and a sealing face configured to be disposed opposite of the sealing surface. The sealing face or the opposed sealing surface includes a geometric feature for forming a hydrodynamic seal therebetween. A secondary seal is configured to be disposed between and contacting the face seal ring and the stationary component. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140361489 | Axially Retractable Brush Seal System - The present application provides an axially retractable seal system positioned within a seal slot of a stationary component and adjacent to a rotating component. The axially retractable seal system may include a seal with an upper flange positioned within the seal slot and one more bristles extending towards the rotating component and a spring positioned axially between the upper flange of seal and the seal slot such that the seal is forced into a retracted position. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150115534 | PROCESS AND TOOL FOR ALIGNING A SEAL HOUSING ASSEMBLY WITH A CASING OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A process is provided for aligning a seal housing assembly with a casing of a gas turbine engine. The casing may comprise a plurality of connecting portions and the seal housing assembly may comprise a plurality of connecting sections. The process may comprise: providing an adjustment tool comprising: a main housing including a first bore and a threaded bore, a first bolt capable of extending through the first bore, and a second bolt capable of threadedly engaging the threaded bore. The process may further comprise mounting the adjustment tool to one of the seal housing assembly connecting sections via the first bolt and adjusting the position of the seal housing assembly relative to the casing by causing the second bolt to move. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20160186865 | THERMALLY RESPONSIVE CONTROLLED GAP SEAL DEVICE - A controlled gap seal device is adapted to surround a shaft with an annular seal element. A ring is positioned on an outer surface of the seal element, the ring adapted to modify a diametrical dimension of the seal element by thermally expanding/contracting as a function of temperature variations. A housing assembly has an interior enclosing the seal element and the ring, with the seal configured to be generally stationary in the interior. The housing assembly has an air inlet and air outlet in fluid communication with a surrounding environment for directing a flow of gas from the surrounding environment onto the ring to controllably cool and shrink the ring. A method for modifying a diameter of a controlled gap seal relative to the shaft is also provided. | 06-30-2016 |
| 277302000 | Magnetic | 3 |
| 20110248449 | COMBINED SEALING DEVICE FOR A ROTARY SHAFT - A combined sealing device for a rotary shaft, in which the combined sealing device comprises the ring ( | 10-13-2011 |
| 20140291935 | MAGNETIC FLUID SEAL WITH PRECISE CONTROL OF FLUID VOLUME AT EACH SEAL STAGE - A magnetic fluid seal includes a pole ring having an inner diameter, a rotatable shaft having an outer diameter, the rotatable shaft configured to extend along the inner diameter of the pole ring between an atmosphere side and vacuum side, at least one magnet coupled to the pole ring, the at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field having a strength and a shape, and grooves formed on either the inner diameter of the pole ring or the outer diameter of the shaft, the grooves capable of containing ferromagnetic fluid. The ferromagnetic fluid contained the grooves varies so as to improve the performance of the magnetic fluid seal. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20150300501 | MAGNETIC FLUID SEAL WITH PRECISE CONTROL OF FLUID VOLUME AT EACH SEAL STAGE - A magnetic fluid seal includes a pole ring having an inner diameter, a rotatable shaft having an outer diameter, the rotatable shaft configured to extend along the inner diameter of the pole ring between an atmosphere side and vacuum side, at least one magnet coupled to the pole ring, the at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field having a strength and a shape, and grooves formed on either the inner diameter of the pole ring or the outer diameter of the shaft, the grooves capable of containing ferromagnetic fluid. The ferromagnetic fluid contained the grooves varies so as to improve the performance of the magnetic fluid seal. | 10-22-2015 |
| 277303000 | Labyrinth | 13 |
| 20080197575 | Damping device for a stationary labryinth seal - A stationary labyrinth seal system includes a seal housing having an annular cavity, a plurality of damping devices, and a retaining ring. The damping devices are positioned within the annular cavity and are maintained within the annular cavity by the retaining ring. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080217859 | Speed fit brush seal - A seal assembly includes a component of a gas turbine engine having a circumferential surface, a first knife edge seal, a second knife edge seal, and a brush seal assembly. The first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal extend radially from the circumferential surface of the component and form a gap at the circumferential surface of the component between the first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal. The brush seal assembly is positioned within the gap between the first knife edge seal and the second knife edge seal and is attached to the circumferential surface of the component. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080265514 | Methods and apparatus to facilitate sealing in rotary machines - A method and seal assembly for sealing a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of flexible leaf plates in an opening defined between a pair of spaced walls that include an adjustable front wall and an adjustable back wall that is opposed to the front wall. The method also includes adjusting a width of the opening by axially adjusting at least one of the front and back walls with respect to a central rotational axis of the rotary component. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090302543 | SEALING SYSTEMS FOR ROTARY MACHINES AND METHODS FOR MODIFICATION - A hydrogen-cooled generator includes a sealing device disposed between a rotor and a stator. The sealing device is configured for at least partially segregating hydrogen atmosphere on one side of the sealing device and a cavity on an opposite side of the sealing device. The sealing device includes a non-contacting seal and a contacting seal including an aluminum body coupled to the non-contacting seal and a plurality of non-metallic bristles projecting from the aluminum body with tips of the bristles engaging the rotor of the generator. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100013164 | SEALING SYSTEM FOR SEALING OFF A PROCESS GAS SPACE WITH RESPECT TO A LEAKTIGHT SPACE - Gas seals are embodied in the form of contactless joints for sealing a gas processing chamber with respect to a sealed chamber, wherein a gas leak is generally extremely low. A locking labyrinth comprising at least one chamber to which the gas is supplied and which is placed upstream of the gas seal makes it possible to avoid said situation. The chamber is provided with a rate control element for operating with a constant supply pressure and for supplying the chamber with a predetermined rate gas flow. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100078893 | ACTIVE RETRACTABLE SEAL FOR TURBOMACHINERY AND RELATED METHOD - An active retractable seal assembly is configured for use between a rotating component and a stationary component of turbo machinery is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a seal mounted to the stationary component. The seal is movable towards and away from the rotating component between a respective closed position and an open position as a function of pressure drop across the seal. The seal includes an active seal segment, a non-active seal segment, and a fluid by-pass circuit. The fluid by-pass circuit is configured for directing fluid around the active seal segment to reduce pressure drop across the active seal segment thereby resulting in the active seal segment moving towards an open position under the action of one or more biasing devices while maintaining the non-active seal segment in a closed position. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20110163505 | Adverse Pressure Gradient Seal Mechanism - An adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism for use with variable speed components. The adverse pressure gradient seal mechanism may include a number of labyrinth teeth positioned on a component and an adverse pressure gradient seal positioned between a pair of the labyrinth teeth. The adverse pressure gradient seal may include a number of strips with each of the strips having an angled end. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110187055 | Shaft Seal Assembly - A method for maintaining a seal during shaft misalignment using a shaft seal assembly comprising a first sealing means adjacent said shaft with a defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means, said shaft moveable axially in relation to said first sealing means; a second sealing means, said first sealing means partially encompassed within second sealing means and in cooperative communication with said second sealing means; a third sealing means, said second sealing means partially encompassed within third sealing means and in cooperative communication with said third sealing means, said third sealing means attached to said housing or vessel and allowing said first sealing means and second sealing means to cooperatively respond to said forces produced by angular misalignment of said shaft during rotation of said shaft while maintaining defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20120112415 | ROTATING SEAL RING WITH TARGETED SPLIT SURFACE ORIENTATION - A seal assembly includes a first component, a second component that defines an outer surface and is located radially inward from the first component, a groove defined in the second component and arranged to face the first component, and a seal ring positioned between the first and second components and extending at least partially into the groove. The seal ring defines an outer diameter surface and a first lateral surface adjoining the outer diameter surface. The seal ring is split to define a first free end and a second free end, and the first and second free ends are configured to overlap along a split surface that extends from the first lateral surface to the outer diameter surface. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20130140774 | ANNULAR SEAL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A non-contacting shaft seal apparatus according to which an alternating array of axially-spaced, porous and non-porous annular segments extend radially-inward from the inside surface of an annular seal body and to a radial clearance defined between the segments and a rotating shaft. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20140062024 | FILM RIDING SEALS FOR ROTARY MACHINES - A seal assembly for a rotary machine is provided. The seal assembly includes multiple sealing device segments disposed circumferentially intermediate to a stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the segments includes a shoe plate with a forward-shoe section and an aft-shoe section having one or more labyrinth teeth therebetween facing the rotor. The sealing device includes a stator interface element having a groove or slot for allowing disposal of a spline seal for preventing segment leakages. The sealing device segment also includes multiple bellow springs or flexures connected to the shoe plate and to the stator interface element. Further, the sealing device segments include a secondary seal integrated with the stator interface element at one end and positioned about the multiple bellow springs or flexures and the shoe plate at the other end. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20150069712 | Windback Device for a Circumferential Seal - The disclosure describes a windback device for a circumferential seal within a turbine engine. The windback device includes an annular collar at one end of an annular fluid seal housing, at least one inclined thread, and a plurality of inclined baffles separately disposed along an outer circumferential surface of a rotatable runner. The housing is adapted at another end for an annular seal. The collar has an opening therethrough sized to receive the runner without contact. The annular seal surrounds and sealingly engages the runner. The threads extend from an inner face of the collar toward the runner. The baffles are separately recessed in or raised above the outer circumferential surface of the runner. The baffles are interposed between the runner and threads. Each baffle is separated from the threads via a radial clearance. Threads and baffles direct lubricant away from the annular seal. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20160010480 | FILM RIDING SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR TURBOMACHINERY | 01-14-2016 |
| 277304000 | Formed by pressurized sealing fluid introduced to form barrier | 9 |
| 20080303218 | FLUID-ACTIVATED SHAFT SEAL - Systems and methods associated with a fluid-activated shaft seal are provided. The systems, which feature multiple components, include a support component defining an exterior surface, a carrier component including an interior surface to slideably engage the exterior surface of the support component, and a seal disposed relative to the carrier component. The seal includes a lip portion and a fluid-responsive gel material that expands when exposed to a fluid to urge the lip portion towards or into contact with a shaft. The gel material contracts in the absence of the fluid to form or increase the size of a gap between the shaft and the lip portion. Methods of assembling and installing such a system are also described. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20100127458 | SHAFT SEALING SYSTEM, PREFERABLY FOR A HYDROGEN COOLED GENERATOR - A shaft sealing arrangement includes at least two seal rings radially enclosing a rotating shaft so as to define a clearance between the shaft and the at least two seal rings. A sealing oil supply channel is disposed between the at least two seal rings and a pump is configured for pumping a sealing oil through the sealing oil supply channel in a radial direction towards the shaft so that the sealing oil subsequently flows through the clearance in a first axial direction toward a first side of the sealing arrangement and in a second opposite axial direction toward a second side of the sealing arrangement. The sealing oil is collected on the first and second sides and at least partially reintroduced into the sealing oil supply channel. At least one seal ring includes a sealing oil return channel and at least a portion of the sealing oil flowing through the clearance exits the clearance in a radial direction through the sealing oil return channel and is at least partially collected and reintroduced into the sealing oil supply channel. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100127459 | METAL-TO-METAL SEAL UTILIZING A FLANGED PINCH-OFF TUBE AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus includes a manifold having a passageway through the manifold and a seal fitting extension. The seal fitting extension includes a shoulder portion having a metal seal ring. The apparatus also includes a pinch-off tube having a flange in sealed contact with the metal seal ring of the shoulder portion of the manifold. The apparatus could further include a backing element in contact with the flange of the pinch-off tube, where the backing element forces the flange into contact with the metal seal ring. In addition, the apparatus could include a sealing nut in contact with the backing element, where the sealing nut causes the backing element to force the flange into contact with the metal seal ring. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20110049809 | Hydrodynamic Circumferential Seal System for Large Translations - A circumferential seal system for sealing a high pressure region from a low pressure region separated by a runner with an outer circumferential surface and a seal ring disposed about the outer circumferential surface is described. The seal system includes a plurality of groove sets separately disposed along the outer circumferential surface. Each groove set further includes at least two grooves. At least one groove within each groove set exerts a lifting force via a fluid from the high pressure region onto the seal ring as the runner translates with respect to the seal ring along an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the runner. The continuous feed of fluid onto the seal ring ensures a thin film between the seal ring and the runner regardless of their relative arrangement during axial excursions of the runner resulting from conditions within a turbine engine. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110127726 | Hydrodynamic Circumferential Seal System for Large Translations - A circumferential seal system for sealing a high pressure region from a low pressure region separated by a runner with an outer circumferential surface and a seal ring disposed about the outer circumferential surface is described. The seal system includes a plurality of groove sets separately disposed along the outer circumferential surface. Each groove set further includes at least two grooves. At least one groove within each groove set exerts a lifting force via a fluid from the high pressure region onto the seal ring as the runner translates with respect to the seal ring along an axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation of the runner. The continuous feed of fluid onto the seal ring ensures a thin film between the seal ring and the runner regardless of their relative arrangement during axial excursions of the runner resulting from conditions within a turbine engine. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20130082443 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING METAL CONTAINERS - An apparatus and method for transferring compressed air between machine elements uses a rotary manifold in which an orifice restrictor is provided between the air supply, between each piston and shoe. The orifice restrictors meter volumetric flow rate during loading and/or unloading cans from the apparatus, thereby optimised compressed air consumption. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130113162 | Low and Reverse Pressure Application Hydrodynamic Pressurizing Seals - The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20140367919 | Barrier System for Mechanical Seal - A barrier system for a dual mechanical seal, the system comprising means for controlling barrier fluid pressure relative to product pressure. The pressure control means comprises means for monitoring the volume of barrier fluid in the system and for supplying additional fluid to the system to maintain the volume within a desired range. The system further comprises means for maintaining the barrier fluid pressure at a pre-determined pressure above product pressure. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140374993 | Pressure Resistant Static and Dynamic Seal Assembly and Method - A seal assembly includes a stator attached to a housing and a rotor attached to a shaft. A static sealing member is attacked to the stator presenting a contact with the rotor at stand-still. An electromagnetic is attached to the stator at a distance from an end of the static sealing member. The static sealing member is activated and moved away from the rotor by the magnetic force exerted by the electromagnet as the shaft rotates. The electromagnet is controlled by a control system for controlling the equipment in which the bearing isolator is used. To deactivate the static sealing member during shaft rotation, the bearing isolator may have its own control system with a sensor to indicate if the shaft is rotating. As the shaft rotates, contaminants are expelled through gaps between the stator and the rotor. | 12-25-2014 |
| 277305000 | Floating ring or bushing | 2 |
| 20140252720 | FLOATING HIGH VACUUM SEAL CARTRIDGE - An apparatus that uses a combination of mechanical contact bearings and air bearings is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixed seal housing, attached to a process chamber and a floating seal cartridge, which is disposed in proximity to the fixed seal housing. A shaft is disposed with an aperture in the process chamber, the central opening in the fixed seal housing and the second central opening in the floating seal cartridge. A first air bearing is created between the shaft and the floating seal cartridge in the second central opening. A second air bearing is created between the floating seal cartridge and the fixed seal housing. In this way, the floating seal cartridge is free to move with the shaft radially, while still maintaining a seal between the process chamber and the external environment. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20160053627 | FLEXIBLE FEATHER SEAL FOR BLADE OUTER AIR SEAL GAS TURBINE ENGINE RAPID RESPONSE CLEARANCE CONTROL SYSTEM - An active clearance control system for a gas turbine engine includes an intersegment seal engaged with each pair of a multiple of air seal segments. | 02-25-2016 |
