US4013141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for lubricating a mechanism disposed within a rotating shaft
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1975-10-16
•
Granted: 1977-03-22
•
Expires: 1995-10-16
Abstract
Abstract Lubrication means are provided for applying lubricant to appropriate devices associated with a hollow rotating shaft. More particularly, a first annular dam is disposed in the flow path of lubricant migrating along the interior surface of a hollow rotating shaft thereby causing lubricant to accumulate upon the interior surface to a sufficient radial thickness to lubricate that portion of the device spaced radially inwardly of the interior surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Freeman D. James
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:08
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16N; F16N7/00; F16N7/36; F16N7/363; F16N2270/00; F16N2270/20; F16N2270/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In a machine having a first hollow cylindrical rotatable shaft the combination comprising: means for introducing lubricant onto the interior surface of said shaft at the upstream end thereof; a device requiring lubrication disposed downstream of the upstream end of said rotatable shaft adjacent said interior surface, at least a portion of said device being spaced radially inward of said interior surface; annular dam means disposed downstream of said device, said dam means extending radially inward of the bore of said shaft; a second annular dam means disposed at the upstream end of said shaft in a first position in sealing engagement with said interior surface for impeding the migration of lubricant in an upstream direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In a machine having a first hollow cylindrical rotatable shaft the combination comprising: means for introducing lubricant onto the interior surface of said shaft at the upstream end thereof; a device requiring lubrication disposed downstream of the upstream end of said rotatable shaft adjacent said interior surface, at least a portion of said device being spaced radially inward of said interior surface; annular dam means disposed downstream of said device, said dam means extending radially inward of the bore of said shaft; a second annular dam means disposed at the upstream end of said shaft in a first position in sealing engagement with said interior surface for impeding the migration of lubricant in an upstream direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
The machine as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a second rotatable shaft disposed within said first rotatable shaft and wherein said second annular dam is an expandable seal drivingly connected to said second rotatable shaft for rotation therewith, said second annular dam occupying said first position when said second shaft is in a rotating condition and movable from said first position to a second position not in sealing engagement with said interior surface when said second shaft is not in a rotating condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The machine as set forth in claim 2 wherein said drive connection between said second annular dam and said second rotatable shaft comprises a tab and mating groove assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
The machine as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second annular dam is further comprised of an annular sealing ring portion, and a plurality of drive tab portions extending therefrom, each of, said drive tab portions being received by and disposed in drive grooves formed in said second shaft, said drive tab portions and said drive grooves comprising said tab and groove connection.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-21 | 1980-09-20 | 1981-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-21 | 1984-09-20 | 1985-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-21 | 1988-09-20 | 1989-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |