Patent ID: 6422568
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
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, 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 positioned about the shaft, said mechanical diode limited to movement along the shaft in the direction of said non-rotating sealing ring; means for applying a force to said mechanical diode, such that said sealing rings are urged into sealing contact; and means for amplifying any axial displacement of said non-rotating sealing ring away from said rotating sealing ring, such that said mechanical diode readily responds to the displacement to maintain said sealing rings in sealing contact.