US4500098A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas seal for rotating components
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1983-12-22
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Granted: 1985-02-19
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Expires: 2003-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A seal between co-rotating, opposed annular surfaces of interconnected elements comprises a multi-filament wire rope disposed within an annular groove formed at the interface between the two surfaces, the groove being wedge-shaped in cross-section, one side of the wedge being formed by each element. The wire rope is forced into sealing relationship with the groove surfaces along its entire length by centrifugal forces. The multi-filament wire rope has improved sealing capability over solid, single filament wire seals of the prior art. The seal is particularly well suited for use in the hot turbine section of a gas turbine engine and is resistent to damage and failures due to multiple engine cycles.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest W. Wilcox
- 👤 Jack W. Wilson, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:49
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/16; F16J15/164; F01; F01D; F01D11/00; F01D11/005; F01D11/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A seal assembly comprising; a first component adapted to rotate about an axis and including means defining a radially extending annular surface disposed about said axis of rotation; a second component interconnected to said first component and adapted to rotate therewith at the same speed about the same axis of rotation, said second component comprising wall means adjacent said annular surface, said wall means defining a substantially frusto-conical surface coaxial with said annular surface defining an annular seal compartment therebetween; and a free length of flexible wire rope, said flexible wire rope comprising a plurality of wire filaments twisted together, said rope disposed in said annular compartment and extending once substantially completely around said compartment in substantially continuous contact with both said annular surface and said frusto-conical surface, wherein during rotation of said seal assembly said wire rope is pressed into sealing relationship against said annular and frusto-conical surfaces by centrifugal forces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A seal assembly comprising; a first component adapted to rotate about an axis and including means defining a radially extending annular surface disposed about said axis of rotation; a second component interconnected to said first component and adapted to rotate therewith at the same speed about the same axis of rotation, said second component comprising wall means adjacent said annular surface, said wall means defining a substantially frusto-conical surface coaxial with said annular surface defining an annular seal compartment therebetween; and a free length of flexible wire rope, said flexible wire rope comprising a plurality of wire filaments twisted together, said rope disposed in said annular compartment and extending once substantially completely around said compartment in substantially continuous contact with both said annular surface and said frusto-conical surface, wherein during rotation of said seal assembly said wire rope is pressed into sealing relationship against said annular and frusto-conical surfaces by centrifugal forces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The seal assembly according to claim 1 wherein said flexible wire rope comprises a plurality of wire bundles twisted together, each bundle comprising a plurality of wire filaments twisted together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The seal assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first component is a gas turbine engine rotor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
The seal assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first component is a rotor comprising a disk having an axially facing surface and axially and radially extending lugs uniformly circumferentially spaced about the periphery of said disk defining axially extending blade root slots therebetween through said disk, each of said lugs having an end face forming a portion of said disk axially facing surface, said rotor including a plurality of rotor blades, each blade having a root disposed within a respective one of said slots, each root having an axially facing end surface substantially flush with said end faces of said lugs wherein said lug end faces and blade root end surfaces define said annular surface of said seal compartment against which said wire rope seals during rotation of said rotor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-19 | 1988-08-20 | 1989-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-19 | 1992-08-20 | 1993-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-19 | 1996-08-20 | 1997-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |