Multi-function seal assembly for rotating shafts

Abstract

A seal system is provided for a bearing. The bearing includes a housing having two sides and a bearing element disposed within the housing. The bearing element is disposed to facilitate motion of a rotating shaft. The seal system includes a seal carrier which is adapted to be mounted on the bearing housing. The seal carrier has a groove in an inner periphery wherein a seal is disposed within the seal carrier groove. The seal has a soft flexible lip which contacts the rotating shaft. A groove is formed in an outer periphery of the seal for receiving a retaining device. The seal and the seal carrier are mountable on either side of the bearing even when the two sides experience dissimilar environments such as vacuum on one side and a liquid spray on the other. The seal and/or the seal carrier may be split for facilitating simpler in-field installation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.