US3907310A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Floating seal construction
Assignee: Gas Developments Corp
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Filing: 1973-08-22
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1993-08-22
Abstract
Abstract Improved floating seal constructions for use in conjunction with rotary regenerative devices involved in fluid handling apparatus, more specifically for rotary regenerative heat and moisture exchangers useful in environmental air conditioning units, dryers and the like. Specific embodiments involve use of a silicone rubber flexure member carrying a Teflon rubbing strip or a floating radial T-bar having Teflon rubbing buttons. Another embodiment employs a ribbon bow spring as the flexure member, and is particularly useful for high temperature operations.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond James Dufour
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:47
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D19/00; F28D19/04; F28D19/047; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/16; F16J15/34; F16J15/3436; F16J15/3452; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S277/00; Y10S277/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
An improved seal assembly for use with an imprecisely fabricated apparatus to continuously seal a gap between spaced fixed and rotating members comprising, in combination: a. an integral self-energizing resilient member including a generally planar base portion for sealingly securing said seal assembly to one of said members, an intermediate hollow, tubular portion connected to said base portion and elastically flexible in response to any irregularity arising from the movement of said members relative to each other, and a seal gripping portion including a pair of gripping lips, said gripping portion connected to said hollow tubular portion; and b. a sealing member removably secured to said resilient member by said gripping lips, said sealing member comprised of a relatively low friction material adapted for contact with the other of said members, said hollow tubular portion of said resilient member biasing said sealing member against said other member, whereby said seal assembly compensates for axial and planar misalignment and out-of-roundness of said members relative to one another and said sealing member continuously engages said other member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
An improved seal assembly for use with an imprecisely fabricated apparatus to continuously seal a gap between spaced fixed and rotating members comprising, in combination: a. an integral self-energizing resilient member including a generally planar base portion for sealingly securing said seal assembly to one of said members, an intermediate hollow, tubular portion connected to said base portion and elastically flexible in response to any irregularity arising from the movement of said members relative to each other, and a seal gripping portion including a pair of gripping lips, said gripping portion connected to said hollow tubular portion; and b. a sealing member removably secured to said resilient member by said gripping lips, said sealing member comprised of a relatively low friction material adapted for contact with the other of said members, said hollow tubular portion of said resilient member biasing said sealing member against said other member, whereby said seal assembly compensates for axial and planar misalignment and out-of-roundness of said members relative to one another and said sealing member continuously engages said other member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improved seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said intermediate hollow tubular portion of said resilient member is round.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improved seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said relatively low friction material adapted for contact with said other member is selected from polytetrafluorethylene, chlorotrifluorethylene and polyethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improved seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said gripping lips are substantially parallel and extend from the side of said tubular portion opposite the connection to said base portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improved seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said resilient member is silicone rubber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2894635A
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US3443845A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |