Nested can brush seal

Abstract

A method of forming a brush seal which includes placing a bristle hoop sandwiched by a sideplate and a backplate in the cavity of a forming die. The components are then die formed together into a unitized brush seal.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A unitized brush seal made by the method which comprises; 
 (a) providing a sizing die which includes a molding cavity having a substantially flat bottom section, and an associated forming plunger,    (b) positioning a backplate ring component in the bottom section of said molding cavity;    (c) placing a bristle hoop component in engagement with and inside of said backplate ring component;    (d) placing a sideplate ring component over said bristle hoop and inside of said backplate ring component thereby capturing said bristle hoop component between said two ring components, and    (e) activating said plunger to force and join said components together in fixed engagement to form of a unitized brush seal.    
   
   
       13 . The seal of  claim 12  in which both ring components have a cross sectional shape which approximates an “L” and define a bottom and side wall, respectively.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  in which the side walls of the finished brush seal are spot welded at selected locations.  
   
   
       15 . A die formed brush seal which includes a backplate ring and a sideplate ring which flank and secure a bristle arrangement which comprises; 
 (a) a backplate ring having a “L” shaped cross section;    (b) a sideplate ring contained and nested inside and in fixed engagement with said backplate ring and having a “L” shaped cross section; and    (c) a bristle hoop captured and secured between said two rings, with said rings and hoop being mechanically held together in fixed engagement to form a unitized brush seal.    
   
   
       16 . The brush seal of  claim 15  in which the seal has a “L” shaped cross section and contains a central opening with the bristles being in an annular arrangement within said opening.  
   
   
       17 . The seal of  claim 16  which contains a plurality of spot welds which aid in holding said two rings together.