Patent ID: 6257589
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A seal assembly comprising:a first seal ring of a generally annular shape and defining radial and circumferential directions; anda rotatably mounted second seal ring positioned in facing relation to said first seal ring to define an interface therebetween, wherein one of said first seal ring and second seal ring includes a plurality of hydropads, said hydropads each including:an inner edge oriented substantially circumferentially;an outer edge oriented substantially circumferentially and spaced radially outward from said inner edge;a leading edge interconnecting said inner edge with said outer edge, said leading edge being substantially straight and positioned at an angle relative to a radial axis passing through a mid-point of said leading edge; anda trailing edge interconnecting said inner edge with said outer edge, said trailing edge being substantially straight and positioned at the same angle relative to a radial axis passing through a mid-point of said trailing edge,wherein said one of said first seal ring and second seal ring is positioned to overlap an edge of said interface such that said hydropads are exposed to air in a first region having a first pressure, and rotation of said second seal ring with respect to said first seal ring pumps air into said interface from said first region toward a second region having a second pressure no less than said first pressure thereby substantially preventing penetration of fluid disposed in said second region through said interface.