Bellows seal rotary drive device was developed which allows high torque transmission through sealed compartments. Bearing friction which would normally be carried by sealing bellows in comparable devices is absorbed by universal-gimbal joint. It can be used to transmit high torque, low speed, rotary motion through sealed barriers to prevent contamination or escape of fluids

Adams, D. W.

Diaguila, A. J.

Macomber, J. W.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

/ F -
October 1972
	
137210681 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Lewis Research Center 	 C, 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
High Torque Bellows Seal Rotary Drive 
A bellows seal rotary drive device has been developed 
which allows high torque transmission through sealed 
compartments. Bearing friction which would normally be 
carried by the sealing bellows in comparable devices is 
absorbed by a universal-gimbal joint. 
This device was developed for activating control drums 
through the pressure vessel wall of a nuclear reactor where 
a hermetic seal is required. It can be used to transmit high 
torque, low speed, rotary motion through hermetically
sealed barriers in other process systems in order to prevent 
contamination, exposure, or escape of system fluids. 
A model of the device is shown in the photograph. 
Rotary motion is transmitted through the compartment 
wall by a rotating bent shaft enclosed in a capped bellows 
sealing arrangement. The motion is transferred to the 
mating shaft through a crank arm. The unique feature of 
this device is the addition of a universal-gimbal joint 
mounted around the bellows. Frictional torque generated 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19720000680 2020-03-17T03:42:14+00:00Z
by the interior and exterior bearings on the capped end of 
the bellows is absorbed by this joint rather than by the 
bellows which have low torque carrying capacity, espe-
cially in a bent position. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B72-10681 
B72-10681
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: Anthony J. Diaguila, John W. Macomber,

and Donald W. Adams

Lewis Research Center
(LEW 11813) 
Category 07


High torque bellows seal rotary drive

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server