Patent ID: 7201379
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
1. A cartridge seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating member and a stationary member, the rotating member comprising a sleeve having a cylindrical member and an annular flange member extending outwardly from the cylindrical member and a shaft attached to the sleeve whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the sleeve, the cartridge seal assembly comprising: a seal assembly comprising a sleeve extending around the rotating member and with the inner surface of the sleeve being spaced from the outer surface of the rotating member to form a gap, a housing extending around the sleeve extending around the rotating member, at least one bore formed in the housing for receiving pressurized fluid and introducing it to the sleeve to establish a predetermined gap between the sleeve and the rotating member, so that the pressure of the fluid can be varied to maintain the predetermined gap despite variations of the diameter of the rotating member during its rotation, and further comprising a journal bearing assembly located adjacent to the seal assembly and including at least one bearing pad spaced axially from the seal assembly sleeve and extending over the cylindrical member of the rotating member with the inner surface of the pad being spaced from the outer surface of the cylindrical member to form a gap, and at least one other bore formed in the housing for receiving pressurized fluid and introducing the pressurized fluid to the pad to establish a predetermined gap between the pad and the cylindrical member, so that the pressure of the latter fluid can be varied to maintain the latter predetermined gap despite variations of the diameter of the cylindrical member during its rotation.