Patent ID: 7828299
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
1. A fluid-activated shaft bulkhead seal system comprising: an annular support fixed with respect to a bulkhead and about a rotating shaft extending through the bulkhead and the annular support; an annular carrier including an inward alignment ring about and spaced from the rotating shaft, the annular carrier including an interior surface defining a channel receiving the annular support therein, the annular carrier including opposing side grooves each supporting an O-ring frictionally mated with an outside face of the annular support to seal the annular carrier with respect to the annular support, the annular carrier moveable with respect to the annular support when the rotating shaft contacts the alignment ring; the annular carrier supporting a pair of lip seals, one on each side of the alignment ring, each lip seal including an outwardly facing pocket between a lip portion spaced from the rotating shaft and a portion abutting the annular carrier; annular retainers, one mated to each side of the carrier, each retainer supporting a foam body in the pocket of each lip seal; and each foam body including a gel material configured to expand the foam body in the presence of a fluid urging the lip portions of the lip seals into contact with the periphery of the rotating shaft to seal the annular carrier with respect to the rotating shaft.