Importance

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Abstract

A submersible seal that operates in a substantially frictionless manner is provided for protecting a motor from liquid intrusion along the shaft. Motors of this type are commonly used, for example, in aerators, pumps, mixers, flow developers, and the like. The submersible seal of the present invention includes a stationary seal element and a rotating seal element. The stationary seal element is in the form of a tubular section which is attached to the motor casing, surrounding but spaced from the rotating shaft. The rotating seal element, is a cylindrical section which is attached to the rotatable shaft and inter-engages the stationary seal element to form a labyrinth passageway having a first end at the casing of the motor, a second end opposite the first end, and at least one reverse bend therebetween. Liquid from the body of liquid in which the motor is immersed attempts to enter the first end of the labyrinth passage, and in so doing compresses an air cushion in the labyrinth passage. The geometry is such that the air cushion occupies the reverse bend, and serves as a liquid seal to prevent ingress of liquid.

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First Claim