Abstract: An improved process for molding parts such as gaskets using an injection molding machine including upper and lower mold plates which are transparent to UV light and have pattern recesses of differing sizes and spaced apart locations, a UV light source, and a low pressure injection system for delivering elastomers to the mold plates. The elastomers are cured by exposure to UV light. An optional carrier plate may be inserted between the mold plates and provides a rigid surface for attachment of the elastomer. The carrier plate selectively covers the pattern recesses located in the mold plates.

Abstract: A composite gasket including facing material and a core material. The core material includes tanged portions which are formed by disturbing a surface of the core. The tang portions preferably terminate into pointed tips which penetrate the facing material when it is forced against the tangs. When sufficient force is applied against the facing material, the pointed tips of the tangs deform inwardly forming hook shaped ends. These hook shaped ends help form and maintain an excellent mechanical bond between the core material and the facing material. The forming of the tangs does not penetrate completely through the thickness of the core material but simply forms a slight divot in the surface of the core material. Thus, there is no possibility of leakage through the core material.

Abstract: A combustion seal for a cylinder head gasket of an internal combustion engine includes a corrugated rigid carrier having a radially extending base portion, the radially innermost peripheral edge defining a portion of a cylinder bore opening, and three channels defined radially inwardly of the base portion and radially outwardly of the inner peripheral edge. The radially innermost and outermost channels open in a first axial direction while the channel disposed between them opens in the opposite axial direction. An elastomeric ring is received in all but the radially outermost channel, first face of the rings in facial contact with a root of the channel and an opposing second face defined outwardly of the channels when the seal is in a relaxed state. When the gasket is installed, the elastomeric rings elastically compress to become generally flush with the walls of the channel in which they are received.

Abstract: An annular elastomeric combustion seal for a cylinder head gasket of an internal combustion engine includes a radially inner sealing section and a radially outer section. A first integral cantilevered section is disposed between the inner sealing section and the outer sealing section while a second integral cantilevered section extends radially outwardly from the outer section and is bonded to an inner peripheral edge of the base plate. The seal includes a plurality of grooves with roots, the roots formed by means of the cantilevered sections. Once the gasket is installed, the grooves are substantially diminished, but the seal maintains its natural recovery characteristics. A generally U-shaped flange encloses substantially all of the inner sealing section.