US4149823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of maintaining optimum minimum operating clearance between rotor and stator components of fluid-flow machines
Assignee: BBC Brown Boveri AG Switzerland
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Filing: 1978-01-27
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Granted: 1979-04-17
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Expires: 1998-01-27
Abstract
Abstract A method of operating a machine which incorporates a rotor component and a stator component between which there exists a clearance space, wherein the clearance space is at least partially filled with at least one abradable element. The abradable element is formed of a material which grows continuously with regard to its dimensions under the operational conditions of the machine. The rate of such dimensional growth is adjusted such that there is established at least repeated contact between the abradable element and an oppositely located surface to bring about repeated abrasion of the abradable element in order to maintain the operating clearance at a size promoting efficient operation of the machine.
Inventors
- 👤 Josef Zboril
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 14:39
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/44; F16J15/445; F01; F01D; F01D11/00; F01D11/08; F01D11/12; F01D11/122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of operating a machine under varying operating conditons and which machine incorporates a rotor component and a stator component between which there exists a clearance space, comprising the steps of: at least partially filling the clearance space with at least one abradable element, said abradable element being formed of a material which grows continuously with regard to its dimensions under the varying operation conditions of the machine, the rate of such dimensional growth being adjusted such that there is established at least repeated interfering contact between the abradable element and an oppositely located surface to bring about repeated abrasion of the abradable element and an oppositely located surface to bring about repeated abrasion of the abradable element in order to maintain the operating clearance at a size promoting efficient operation of the machine throughout its varying operating conditions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of operating a machine under varying operating conditons and which machine incorporates a rotor component and a stator component between which there exists a clearance space, comprising the steps of: at least partially filling the clearance space with at least one abradable element, said abradable element being formed of a material which grows continuously with regard to its dimensions under the varying operation conditions of the machine, the rate of such dimensional growth being adjusted such that there is established at least repeated interfering contact between the abradable element and an oppositely located surface to bring about repeated abrasion of the abradable element and an oppositely located surface to bring about repeated abrasion of the abradable element in order to maintain the operating clearance at a size promoting efficient operation of the machine throughout its varying operating conditions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the contact between the abradable element and the oppositely located surface is continual.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2930521A
Cited
US3817719A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-04-16 | 1982-10-16 | 1983-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-04-16 | 1986-10-16 | 1987-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-04-16 | 1990-10-16 | 1991-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |