Patent US4160551A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4160551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Seal assembly
Assignee: ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES Inc
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Filing: 1977-10-03
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Granted: 1979-07-10
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Expires: 1997-10-03
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a seal assembly comprising alternate, generally "V"-shaped layers of graphite and a spring metal which are nested one within the other for sealing between the relatively movable, generally coaxial cylindrical surfaces of an annular recess in which the assembly is contained.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeddy D. Nixon
- 👤 Fred K. Fox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:33
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/16; F16J15/18; F16J15/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S277/00; Y10S277/935; Y10S277/939; Y10S277/94; Y10S277/941
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
In apparatus wherein an annular recess is formed between the inner and outer, generally concentrically arranged cylindrical surfaces of relatively movable members; an improved assembly contained within the recess for sealing between said surfaces, comprising alternate, generally "V"-shaped layers of graphite and a spring metal which are nested within one another and which have inner and outer diameters approximating the diameters of the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces, respectively, of the recess, said layers being sufficiently thin to permit them to be flexed about their apices, in response to the predominant fluid pressure on one end of the assembly, whereby the metal layers deform the graphite layers so as to maintain their inner and outer edges sealably engaged with said recess surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
In apparatus wherein an annular recess is formed between the inner and outer, generally concentrically arranged cylindrical surfaces of relatively movable members; an improved assembly contained within the recess for sealing between said surfaces, comprising alternate, generally "V"-shaped layers of graphite and a spring metal which are nested within one another and which have inner and outer diameters approximating the diameters of the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces, respectively, of the recess, said layers being sufficiently thin to permit them to be flexed about their apices, in response to the predominant fluid pressure on one end of the assembly, whereby the metal layers deform the graphite layers so as to maintain their inner and outer edges sealably engaged with said recess surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, wherein each graphite layer is formed of a powdered graphite pressed into a ribbon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, wherein each metal layer is of a different material than that of the outer cylindrical surface of the inner member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, wherein each metal layer has a heat transfer coefficient at least that of copper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, wherein each metal layer has a modulus of elasticity of 30 million or above at 200° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, wherein each metal layer is berrylium copper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 6, wherein the outer cylindrical surface of the inner member is chrome.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 6, wherein each metal layer is about 0.004" thick, and each graphite layer is about 0.08" thick.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus of the character defined in claim 1, including a spring at one end of the assembly for applying an axial preloading force thereto.
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) | 1982-07-09 | 1983-01-08 | 1983-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-07-09 | 1987-01-08 | 1987-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-07-09 | 1991-01-08 | 1991-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |