Fluid-activated shaft seal
US7828299B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/48
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.