Abstract: According to one embodiment, a composite seal may include a first, substantially annular seal element having an upper body portion, a neck portion, and an axial protrusion. The upper body portion includes opposing inclined surfaces extending toward the neck portion defining a first angle. The axial protrusion includes opposing inclined surfaces extending toward an axial end of the axial protrusion defining a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle are substantially similar. The composite seal may further include a second, substantially annular seal element having a mouth portion, a neck portion and a recess portion, wherein the axial protrusion is configured to be complementarily engaged with the recess portion in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: A sleeve element having at least one end region configured to be biased into a laterally adjacent recess formed in one of a piston element surface and a bore surface is disclosed. A seal assembly is disclosed including two sleeve elements, each sleeve element having at least one end region disposed adjacent a recess formed in one of the piston element surface and the bore surface, the at least one end region being configured for deflection thereinto. A seal assembly including one sleeve element, wherein the sleeve element includes end regions thereof, each end region disposed adjacent a recess formed in one of the piston element surface and the bore surface, the end region being configured for deflection thereinto is also disclosed. Further, an energizer may be disposed generally within a recess. Pressure relief and equalization structures for a sleeve element and seal assembly are also disclosed, as is a method of sealing.

Abstract: A seal having a body portion, at least one lip portion extending from the body portion, and a protrusion formed on the at least one lip portion. The lip portion and protrusion formed thereon may each include an arcuate segment wherein the arcuate segment of the protrusion exhibits a smaller radius than the arcuate segment of the lip portion. The protrusion further includes a surface or a segment adjoining its arcuate segment on the intended fluid or upstream side of the seal. The segment of the protrusion on the intended fluid side may be configured to be substantially perpendicular with the surface of a machine element with which it comes in contact. The configuration and orientation of the protrusion enables the seal to apply an increased contact force over a reduced area, improving penetration of any fluidic film formed on the surface of the machine element and thereby reducing leakage.

Abstract: A buffer seal adapted for use in a seal assembly including at least a primary seal, the seal assembly being adapted to provide a fluid seal between two relatively moving machine elements, such as a piston or rod of a first machine element moving within a cylindrical bore of a second machine element. The buffer seal comprises a sealing element and a resiliently deformable biasing element. The material, shape, and/or volume of the biasing element are selected to provide a desired biasing force sufficient to maintain a surface of the sealing element in sealing contact with a surface of the first machine element and to simultaneously maintain another surface of the sealing element in sealing contact with a surface of the second machine element. In one embodiment, the buffer seal may be configured such that axial movement and tilting of the buffer seal within its associated gland are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a groove or seal gland in a relatively displaceable machine part for sealing an axial machine part extending therethrough comprises a pair of annular seal elements and a support element disposed between the annular elements and radially extending wall of said groove. The annular seal elements have an axial slot therein and a key portion extending therefrom, shaped to engage the axial slot. The seal elements are arranged in an inverted nesting relationship to provide superior sealing characteristics when biased toward the machine part by said support element.

Abstract: A seal assembly 20 for a groove 12 or seal gland in a relatively displaceable machine part 10 for sealing an axial machine part 18 extending therethrough comprises a pair of annular seal elements 30 and a support element 50 disposed between the annular elements 30 and a radially extending wall 14 of said groove 12. The annular seal elements 30 have an axial slot 32 therein and a key portion 36 extending therefrom, shaped to engage the axial slot 32. The seal elements 30 are arranged in an inverted nesting relationship to provide superior sealing characteristics when biased toward the machine part 18 by said support element 50.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a groove or seal gland in a relatively stationary machine part for sealing an axially displaceable machine part extending therethrough comprises a relatively flexible seal element supported by a relatively rigid support element. The seal element has a static seal that bears on a radial wall of the seal gland to provide superior back-pressure relief while maintaining proper seal element position in the seal gland.