Patent ID: 6298833
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: F02D,F02M,G05D,Y02T

Abstract:
A fluid seal apparatus for a mechanical device comprising a fuel chamber that is fluidly connected to a fuel supply system, said mechanical device further comprising a moveable component extending through an opening in a wall of said fuel chamber, said fluid seal apparatus comprising:(a) a fluid seal comprising a cavity formed within said mechanical device, said cavity in fluid communication with a gap formed between said wall and said moveable component, thereby preventing fuel within said fuel chamber from leaking through said gap, wherein said fluid seal is in fluid communication with a sealing-fluid supply system; and(b) a pressure-balancing device comprising:a first chamber in fluid communication with sealing-fluid within said sealing-fluid supply system;a second chamber substantially fluidly isolated from said first chamber and in fluid communication with fuel within said fuel supply system; anda control member that is moveable in response to changes in the pressure within at least one of said first and second chambers, wherein the sealing-fluid pressure within said fluid seal is dynamically controllable in coordination with movements of said control member.