US Patent 9366340 Non-contacting labyrinth seal assembly

A labyrinth seal assembly is provided for forming a seal between a shaft and housing. The seal assembly includes a stationary element configured to be coupled to the housing and having an annular shape defining a space through which the shaft extends; a rotary element disposed within the space and coupled to the shaft so as to rotate therewith, the rotary element having an outer surface that extends in an axial direction and having a groove formed therein, the rotary element being disposed between the stationary element and the shaft; and a valve element mounted within the groove and disposed between the stationary element and the rotary element when assembled to form the seal. The valve element is formed from an elastomeric material.