Pressure equalizing rotary joint

Abstract

This invention pertains to a novel rotary joint which seeks to equalize exterior-interior pressure. This rotary joint is useful in permitting free rotary motion between two components connected by the joint in conditions where unequal pressures exist at the interior and exterior of the joint. It includes a rotary joint comprising: (a) first annular member means adapted to be connected to the end of a first tube-like object; (b) second annular member means adapted to be connected to the end of a second tube-like object; (c) intermediate member means adapted to be positioned between the first annular member means and the second annular member means and being capable of moving independently of the first and second annular member means, said intermediate member means defining a first chamber between said intermediate member and the first annular member and a second chamber between said intermediate member and said second annular member; (d) first sealing means associated with the first annular member means and the intermediate member means and adapted to seal the first chamber from the interior and exterior of the joint; (e) second sealing means associated with the second annular member means and the intermediate member means and adapted to seal the second chamber from the interior and exterior of the joint; and, (f) resilient valve means adapted to enable pressure in the first chamber and pressure in the second chamber to seek to equalize when the respective pressures are unequal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.