Sealing mechanism for a vacuum heat treating furnace
US8992213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/48
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.