Patent ID: 6811154
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
An apparatus including:a finger seal adapted to be interposed between an upstream region of relatively high fluid pressure and a downstream region of relatively lower fluid pressure, the finger seal comprising: circumferentially extending first and second finger elements, wherein the first and second finger elements each include a plurality of spaced integral fingers, wherein the fingers define gaps therebetween, wherein the first and second finger elements are adjacently positioned so that the fingers of each block the gaps of the other, a lift pads, wherein each lift pad extends from a respective finger, wherein each lift pad is adapted to be arranged adjacent a rotating member, whereby at least a portion of each lift pad is operative to lift away from the rotating member upon at least one of sufficient rotational speed of the rotating member or hydrostatic pressure loading adjacent the lift pad, wherein when the first finger element is positioned downstream of the second finger element, all lift pads of the finger seal extend from their respective finger in a downstream direction.