Brian P Roche

US Patent:

20090322031, Dec 31, 2009

Filed:

May 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/125133

Inventors:

Brian ROCHE - Schwenksville PA, US
Glenn GARRISON - Perkiomenville PA, US
Hiren PATEL - Harleysville PA, US
John EPPEHIMER - Fleetwood PA, US
Manik VASAGAR - Hatfield PA, US
Mark SANVILLE - Souderton PA, US
Saji PILLAI - Collegeville PA, US

Assignee:

STEIN SEAL COMPANY - Kulpsville PA

International Classification:

F01D 11/02

US Classification:

277348

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a windback device and method of use to prevent lubricant from leaking from a lubricant sump. More specifically, the present invention is comprised of a windback device within a lubricant sump formed from the coupling of an annular sump housing, an annular fluid seal assembly, and a bearing. The annular housing substantially surrounds the runner to form a chamber. The seal assembly is coupled to a sump housing both of which are adapted to receive a rotatable runner such that a sealed chamber is formed around the runner. A plurality of inclined threads extend along an inner face of the windback device and are angled such that lubricant or fluid splashed from the rotating shaft is redirected away from a shaft seal element of the annular fluid seal and through leak off slots leading to the sump housing chamber.