Air bearing for use as seal
US12044272B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R39/26
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In order to effect a seal a porous material which comprises one side of two opposing surfaces is used to restrict and evenly distribute externally pressurized gas, liquid, steam, etc. between the two surfaces, exerting a force which is opposite the forces from pressure differences or springs trying to close the two faces together and so may create a non-contact seal that is more stable and reliable than hydrodynamic seals currently in use. A non-contact bearing is also disclosed having opposing surfaces with relative motion and one surface issuing higher than ambient pressure through a porous restriction, wherein the porous restriction is part of a monolithic porous body, or a porous layer, attached to lands containing a labyrinth, the porous restriction and lands configured to not distort more than 10% of a gap created from differential pressure between each side of the porous restriction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.