Combined rotary electrical contact and shaft seal system
US4156155A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1977 |
| Grant date | May 22, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S505/878
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A combined rotary electrical contact and seal system for rotating machines, sing a liquid metal for electrical continuity and convertible labyrinth and rotating rubbing face seals to effect a nearly perfect seal system for the liquid metal, both while the machine is at rest and during rotation at normal operating speed. To avoid leakage of the liquid metal while the rotor is stopped or at low speeds, a face seal is effected by a slight axial movement of the rotor. As the rotational speed increases, the rubbing face seal becomes a labyrinth seal to avoid wear while maintaining an adequate seal. The liquid metal level is monitored and drains are provided to recover any leakage losses, and a replenishment system is provided to maintain the liquid metal at a proper level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.