US Patent 11680643 Noncontacting intershaft seal system

A noncontacting intershaft seal system includes force generating mechanisms to reduce contact related effects. A sealing system includes an outer shaft that has a hollow interior. An inner shaft extends through the hollow interior of the outer shaft. Spaced apart end plates encircle and rotate with the inner shaft. A gland opening is defined between the inner and outer shafts and between the end plates. A ring is disposed in the gland opening. The end plates and/or the ring include force generating elements that generate force to separate the ring from the end plates, reducing contact related heat generation and wear.