Abstract: For sealing between two opposed surfaces of two machine elements (1, 2) a combination seal is provided to be fitted into an open groove (3) in one of the machine elements (2). The seal comprises an electomeric expansion ring (4, 5) at the bottom of the groove (3), an intermediate ring (6) made of a viscous-elastic material, e.g. PTFE and having a sealing surface (6b) to contact the mating machine element (2), and an elastomeric outer ring (8) fitted into a separate groove (7) in the sealing surface (6b) of the intermediate ring.

Abstract: A seal assembly having an exclusion portion and a seal portion so that the assembly functions as both a sealing and exclusion device. The seal portion includes surfaces which are shaped to provide chambers that create vortexes which reduce leakage of fluid or gas from the system. The exclusion portion, in combination with the seal portion, is shaped to prevent entry of contaminants into the system being sealed and to reduce extrusion of the excluder portion of the seal. Three different embodiments of the invention are disclosed using different elastomer energizer configurations.

Abstract: A sealing system for use in sealing a rod bore and reciprocating rod including a first and second sealing assembly. The first sealing assembly, disposed within a gland in the rod bore wall, comprises a seal ring, non-sealing backup rings, and an energizer that seals only in one direction. The energizer has axial and radial grooves permitting one way sealing. The backup rings have channels preventing sealing in either direction. One embodiment of sealing system includes the first seal assembly containing no downstream backup ring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid seal and rod wiper assembly suitable for insertion in annular groove of a piston housing packing chamber. The rod wiper assembly comprises a generally U-shaped elastomeric rod wiper having a thin lip which wipes a piston shaft and a thicker lip which provides a shoulder for accommodating an interference or compression fitting locking ring. An alternative embodiment includes a cantilever spring which is snap fit into the u-shaped compartment of the rod wiper. Another alternative embodiment includes an O-ring positioned within the u-shaped compartment defined by the rod wiper.

Abstract: A seal back-up assembly adapted for use in preventing the extrusion of the cap seal of an elastomer energized seal into the extrusion gap between two mating surfaces which are being sealed by the elastomer energized seal. One of the mating surfaces has a groove with side walls in which the elastomer energized seal is housed. The elastomer energized seal includes a cap seal and an elastomer energizer. The seal back-up assembly includes first and second back-up elements, which are located between the elastomer energized seal and the groove walls to sandwich the elastomer energized seal therebetween. Each of the back-up elements includes an outer member made from a relatively hard, non-resilient material which is sufficiently strong to prevent extrusion of the cap seal and an inner member made from a relatively soft plastic material which does not abrade or chafe the soft elastomer energizer.

Abstract: An improved low pressure seal ring configuration, which is adapted for use in combination with a high pressure seal ring to provide a seal assembly which is capable of sealing first and second relatively reciprocating surfaces at both high and low pressures. The low pressure seal ring is designed to be located between the high pressure seal ring and the wall of the groove in which the seal assembly is mounted. The low pressure seal ring exerts pressure against the high pressure seal to provide desired high pressured sealing. The low pressure seal also includes a seal lip which has a tip that extends over the edge of the high pressure seal to provide low pressure sealing. The low pressure seal lip includes a bottom surface which is V-shaped and terminates in an apex. The outer portion of the seal lip includes an annular lobe having a second annular apex.

Abstract: An improved low pressure seal ring configuration which is adapted for use in combination with a high pressure seal ring to provide a seal assembly which is capable of sealing first and second relatively reciprocating surfaces at both high and low pressures. The low pressure seal ring is designed to be located between the high pressure seal ring and the wall of the groove in which the seal assembly is mounted. The low pressure seal ring exerts pressure against the high pressure seal to provide desired high pressure sealing. The low pressure seal also includes a seal lip which has a tip that extends over the edge of the high pressure seal to provide low pressure sealing.

Abstract: An expander ring for use in elastomer energized seal assemblies. The expander ring includes two annular lobe portions interconnected by an integral center portion. Each lobe portion is provided with annular pressure ridges for providing localized annular pressure loading of the seal edges to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid when the seal is in a low pressure environment.