Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a base portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the base portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The stiffening bead reduces the seal's propensity for “bell mouthing” while the axially extending barrel portion provides improved shaft followability for the dynamic seal.

Abstract: A locking joint seal includes a ring-shaped body made from poly tetra fluoroethylene and having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends each include mutually engageable first and second locking features. The first locking feature including a first axially extending portion overlapping a second axially extending portion of the second locking feature in an assembled condition.

Abstract: A curable sealant composition free from volatile organic compounds. The composition comprises a urethane acrylate oligomer present in an amount from about 20% to about 60% by weight. A liquid elastomer is present in an amount from about 20% to about 60% by weight, and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. A process for sealing a dynamic seal assembly in a housing bore is also provided.

Abstract: A gasket elastomer precursor of admixed fluoroelastomer particulate, curing agent, and metallic oxide reduction-agent optionally admixed with any of microspheres, inert particulate, PTFE particles. In one embodiment, the composition is applied to a substrate and cured to provide a fuel cell gasket. The admixtures provide a basis for designed cured admixtures having internally differentiated regions interbonded by cured elastomer.

Abstract: A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.

Abstract: A seal includes a mounting portion having an outer diameter surface adapted to be received in a bore. An axially extending leg extends from the mounting portion. A hinge portion is disposed at an end of the axially extending leg. The hinge portion has a generally round cross-section with a larger diameter than the end of the axially extending leg. A main seal lip and a dust lip extend from the hinge portion.

Abstract: A unitized pinion seal assembly has a seal portion and a sleeve portion that are assembled in an interference fit relationship. The unitized pinion seal assembly is assembled to a carrier bearing cage and an axle companion flange with proper spacing between non-sealing components, and without a spacer mounted between the two portions.

Abstract: A seal shipping system includes a seal having an outer diameter surface and an inner sealing lip. A sleeve member having a cylindrical body and a radially extending flange extending from the cylindrical body engages the inner sealing lip. An annular collar surrounds the radially extending flange of the sleeve member and frictionally engages the outer diameter surface of the seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating shaft and a housing. In this regard, the seal assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, and a stationary component connected to the housing. A first seal is connected to the rotating component and a second seal is connected to the stationary component. The first seal includes at least one dispersion member that generates a fluid disturbance in a region adjacent the space during rotation of the rotating component. In this manner, any contaminants that may be prone to enter the space are dispersed away from the space and prevented from entering.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly is provided including a dynamic seal for engaging a rotary shaft. The dynamic seal includes a base portion that is mounted within a casing and has an axially extending barrel portion extending from a radially inner end of the base portion. The axially extending barrel portion terminates in a radially extending leg portion which extends inwardly from an end of the axially extending portion. A generally conically shaped seal portion extends from an end of the radially extending portion and the seal portion includes a radially inner face engaging the shaft and a radially outer face having a stiffening bead integrally formed thereon. The stiffening bead reduces the seal's propensity for “bell mouthing” while the axially extending barrel portion provides improved shaft followability for the dynamic seal.

Abstract: A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, a second portion for engaging a valve guide, and a pressure relief lip extending from the second portion. The first portion can be configured to extend away from or within the second portion, and the second portion can have a channel formed therein. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A dynamic seal advantageously utilizes a plurality of grooves on the active side or surface of the seal to capture a leaked lubricant and hydrodynamically pump the lubricant back into the lubricated side of the seal. The grooves are interrupted at an intermediate location by a continuous circumferential band that aids in preventing leakage past the band when the shaft is not rotating and the grooves on both sides of the band pump contaminants away from the sealing lip.

Abstract: A gasket for engagement between a first adjoining structure and a second adjoining structure can include a rigid substrate, a first raised bead, a second raised bead, a first conformable member, and a second conformable member. The rigid substrate can have a generally uniform thickness and define a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The rigid substrate can include a support section. The first raised bead can be connected to the support section and protrude from the first major surface. The second raised bead can be connected to the support section and protrude from the second major surface and can be laterally spaced apart from the first raised bead. The first conformable member can be disposed on the first raised bead against the first major surface. The second conformable member can be disposed on the second raised bead against the second major surface.

Abstract: A seal adapted to sealingly engage an outer member and an inner member in an installed position includes a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion. The first portion is adapted to sealingly engage a sealing surface of the outer member in the installed position. The second portion is adapted to sealingly engage the inner member in the installed position. The intermediate portion extends between the first and second portions. The first portion includes an outboard surface engaging the sealing surface of the outer member and a first overlap portion extending outwardly beyond an inner diameter of the sealing surface.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The seal includes an annular body portion, a first sealing lip portion, and a first pocket portion. The first sealing lip portion has a substantially uniform axial dimension and is adapted to sealingly engage a shaft. The first pocket portion includes a plurality of pockets, each having an opening toward the first sealing lip portion. The plurality of pockets are each adapted to collect a working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a first direction and to dispense the working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a second direction. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal.

Abstract: An elastomer blend is made by admixing fluoroelastomer and fluorinated silicone polymer (with optional filler and/or conductive particulate) into a polymeric admixture in weight ratios to provide a low vaporous hydrocarbon permeation rate and high thermal strain value in thermally robust elastomer cured from the blend. The blend is of especial use for making gaskets for use in high stress conditions at elevated operating temperatures.

Abstract: A radial shaft seal is provided for accommodating large radial offset of the shaft relative to a housing. The seal includes an annular retainer insert provided for engaging the seal to a fixed housing. An annular elastomeric seal body is molded to the retainer insert and includes a flexible axially extending portion extending from an inner surface of the retainer insert. A seal portion extends from a radially inward end of the flexible portion and includes first and second seal lips and an elastomeric bearing surface disposed between the first and second sealing lips. The bearing surface includes a plurality of raised pads adapted to engage the shaft. The pads each include a rounded edge on lateral sides thereof for encouraging the creation of a lubricating film between the pads and shaft. The pads are lubricated by a lubricant disposed in a lubricant chamber disposed between the first and second seal lips.

Abstract: A seal shipping system includes a seal having an outer diameter surface and an inner sealing lip. A sleeve member having a cylindrical body and a radially extending flange extending from the cylindrical body engages the inner sealing lip. An annular collar surrounds the radially extending flange of the sleeve member and frictionally engages the outer diameter surface of the seal.

Abstract: A seal for a reciprocating rod includes an annular body having inner and outer seal lips extending axially from the annular body. The annular body includes a recess including a generally radially extending wall portion and a chamfered axially extending wall surface that is angled relative to a central axis of the annular body. A back-up ring is provided with an angled mating surface such that the backup ring is snap-fit in the recess of the annular body.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The seal includes an annular body portion, a first sealing lip portion, and a first pocket portion. The first sealing lip portion has a substantially uniform axial dimension and is adapted to sealingly engage a shaft. The first pocket portion includes a plurality of pockets, each having an opening toward the first sealing lip portion. The plurality of pockets are each adapted to collect a working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a first direction and to dispense the working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a second direction. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal.