Abstract: A labyrinth sealing device is disclosed for use between a rotating shaft and a bearing housing. In some embodiments, an internal stator engages the housing and a rotor engages the shaft. A labyrinth pathway is defined between the rotor and stator to prevent the migration of lubricants and/or contaminants in either direction. The rotor acts as a running surface for the sealing element, but may also with a ground surface of the rotor to provide a pump that continuously draws lubricant away from the sealing lip toward a sump. In another embodiment, the stator and sealing element are combined as a single element formed from a sealing material. A recess in the sealing lip creates a pressure differential at the sealing surface and minimizes wear.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gasket material may comprise inserting a polymer sheet into a press, and pressing the polymer sheet with a mold comprising opposing arrays of protrusions to define interconnected sealing ridges surrounding an array of indentations on each major surface of the polymer sheet. A gasket material may comprise a polymer sheet comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface opposing the first major surface. Interconnected sealing ridges may define an array of indentations on the first major surface of the polymer sheet. Additionally, interconnected sealing ridges may define an array of indentations on the second major surface of the polymer sheet, substantially symmetric to the first major surface.