Expansion joint with low friction packed seal
US5303960A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/91
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides an expansion joint that uses a flexible sealing element in conjunction with a packed seal in a manner that allows a reduction in break-away forces and permits continued operation of the joint after a failure of the bellows or bellows attachment point. The expansion arrangement includes a flexible sealing element, usually in form of a bellows, and a containment chamber in communication with the exterior portion of the flexible sealing element or bellows and an interior portion of the packed seal. The containment chamber has an opening that permits relative movement between the ends of the expansion joint and is sealed by the packed seal. In the event of a bellows failure, the packing material acts to restrict or prevent leakage from the containment chamber to the outside environment. The packed seal is made of a combination of materials that provide packing friction coefficient of less than 200 lbs/in.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.