US Patent 7484944 Rotary vane pump seal

A rotary vane pump is provided that provides an improved fluid replenishment and pressure relief system within a rotary vane pump system. A system, containing a rotary vane pump containing at least one relief cut between the housing and the rotor, functions to relieve fluid pressure normally found between the housing and the rotor. The fluid leaks from areas such as the rotational clearance required between the rotor and an inner wall of the housing. The system includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the relief cut wherein fluid leaks are then retained within the reservoir. A fluid distribution manifold employing a plurality of check valves, each corresponding to a respective chamber within the rotor, provides a controlled fluid feed from the reservoir to the rotor thereby balancing the fluidic pressure existing between the radially innermost ends of the vanes and the radially outermost ends of the vanes.