Unidirectional labyrinth seal
US9133940B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/164
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unidirectional annular labyrinth seal having flexible annular fins positioned on a circular plate near an outer edge of the circular plate wherein the fins are biased towards a center of the circular plate. Annular ribs are positioned on an end of an idler roller. The fins project into recesses formed by the annular ribs, thereby forming the unidirectional annular labyrinth seal. The annular fins engage the annular ribs when the temperature of air within an interior of the roller is similar to the temperature of air exterior to the roller, thereby closing the labyrinth seal. The flexible annular fins bend away from the annular ribs when the temperature of air within the interior of the roller is higher than that of air exterior to the roller, thereby opening the labyrinth seal and allowing heated air within the interior of the roller to escape through the labyrinth seal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.