Importance

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Abstract

A multibarrier seal having outer and inner cases fitted to the outer and inner races of a bearing respectively. The outer case carries a primary lip which bears against an axial wall on the inner case. The inner case carries a secondary lip which bears against an axial wall on the outer case. The outer case also carries a tertiary lip which bears against a radial sealing surface which may be on a carrier fitted to the inner case. All three lips are inclined with respect to the surfaces against which they bear, and have back faces which are presented away from the interior of the bearing. Initially atmospheric air bears against the back face of the primary lip and urges it with greater force against the axial wall of the inner case to hold a vacuum within the interior of the bearing. Should the primary lip fail, the secondary lip will serve to hold the vacuum in the same way, with atmospheric air urging it with greater force against the axial wall of the outer case. Should the secondary lip fail, the tertiary lip will hold the vacuum with atmospheric pressure urging it with greater force against the sealing surface. The multibarrier seal establishes a formidable obstacle to the entry of contaminants into the bearing and is useful for sealing a bearing operated in hostile environments, even in the absence of pressure differentials.

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First Claim