Abstract: A protective filter unit for use with a fluid seal assembly. The filter unit includes a screen positioning unit and a filter screen extending inwardly of portions of the positioning unit and terminating in an inner screen edge spaced just apart by a working clearance from a shaft forming a part of the sealed mechanism. The filter is associated in use with a seal having a seal casing which may be aligned with the screen positioning unit of the filter, and an elastomeric seal body having portions defining a seal band which engages the sealed shaft and another portion bonded to the seal casing. Preferably the screen positioning unit includes inner and outer support rings held apart by spacers, and the support rings, the spacers, and the screen are all made from plastic materials.

Abstract: A protective filter unit for use with a fluid seal assembly. The filter unit includes a screen positioning unit and a filter screen extending inwardly of portions of the positioning unit and terminating in an inner screen edge spaced just apart by a working clearance from a shaft forming a part of the sealed mechanism. The filter is associated in use with a seal having a seal casing which may be aligned with the screen positioning unit of the filter, and an elastomeric seal body having portions defining a seal band which engages the sealed shaft and another portion bonded to the seal casing. Preferably the screen positioning unit includes inner and outer support rings held apart by spacers, and the support rings, the spacers, and the screen are all made from plastic materials.

Abstract: A unitized seal assembly for vehicle wheel hubs and the like. The seal assembly includes a primary seal component and a wear sleeve component. The primary seal component includes an elastomeric seal body with a primary sealing lip contacting a first portion of the wear sleeve component, an intermediate excluder lip facing another portion of the wear sleeve, and an outer, excluder seal portion with a cylindrical contact surface. The wear sleeve component has a casing with providing an interior cylindrical contact surface and an elastomeric exterior excluder lip with a seal band portion facing the cylindrical contact surface portion of the outer excluder seal. The seal body is reinforced by a stiffener that engages one part of the wheel hub and the wear sleeve casing is mounted on the other part of the hub.