Patent ID: 6299174
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A mechanical seal assembly for providing an annular seal between a rotating shaft and a housing, comprising:a rotating sealing ring having a seal face and fixedly positioned about the shaft, such that said rotating sealing ring rotates with the shaft;a non-rotating sealing ring having a seal face and an opposing back face having a convex, hemispherically shaped surface, said non-rotating sealing ring positioned about the shaft and adjacent to said rotating sealing ring, such that said sealing ring seal faces are in contact forming an annular seal therebetween;a mechanical diode limited to movement along the shaft in the direction of said non-rotating sealing ring and comprised of an annular joint member having a concave, hemispherically shaped surface, said mechanical diode positioned about the shaft and adjacent to said non-rotating sealing ring, such that said concave surface of said mechanical diode's annular joint member and said convex surface of said non-rotating sealing ring's back face cooperate to form an annular hemispherical joint; wherein said mechanical diode further comprises a sleeve member encircling the shaft and terminating in said annular joint member,means for applying a force to said mechanical diode, such that said sealing rings are urged into sealing contact via the hemispherical joint, andbearings which are positioned linearly and parallel to the axis of the shaft, between said sleeve member and the housing to maintain the alignment of said mechanical diode, said rotating sealing ring, and the rotating shaft.