Abstract: An annular seal including a body defining a central lumen and a weakened portion disposed around the central lumen. In an embodiment, the weakened portion includes at least one aperture or a plurality of apertures. In a further embodiment, the apertures may be identical to one another. An annular seal including a body defining a central lumen bounded by a sidewall, wherein the body has a dual-elastic modulus profile including a first elastic modulus, S1, as measured along the sidewall prior to assembly with an inner component, and a second elastic modulus, S2, as measured along the sidewall after assembly with the inner component, and wherein the first elastic modulus is less than the second elastic modulus.

Abstract: An annular seal including a body defining a central lumen and a weakened portion disposed around the central lumen. In an embodiment, the weakened portion includes at least one aperture or a plurality of apertures. In a further embodiment, the apertures may be identical to one another. An annular seal including a body defining a central lumen bounded by a sidewall, wherein the body has a dual-elastic modulus profile including a first elastic modulus, S1, as measured along the sidewall prior to assembly with an inner component, and a second elastic modulus, S2, as measured along the sidewall after assembly with the inner component, and wherein the first elastic modulus is less than the second elastic modulus.

Abstract: A stem packing assembly including a first annular member defining a central axis, a second annular member defining a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the first annular member, and an annular energizing member defining a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the first annular member. In an embodiment, the stem packing assembly can have a leakage rate according to ISO 15848-1 of less than 1×10?4 mgs?1m?1 for at least 500 cycles at 160° C., and less than 1×10?4 mgs?1m?1 for at least 500 cycles at ?46° C. In another embodiment, the first annular member can include a PAEK, the second annular member can include a PTFE, and the annular energizing member at least partially includes a PTFE.

Abstract: A structure for and method of producing large diameter seal rings. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a co-extruded “support” layer of a polymer showing better weld quality and strength. The use of a co-extruded support polymer bonded to the functional polymer can be used to improve the strength of the entire weld, including the weld of functional polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing an article includes compressing a polymeric material to form a body and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) the body in an inert atmosphere at a pressure of at least 3 ksi without an encapsulant. The body may optionally be sintered prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The body may have a porosity of not greater than 8% prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The polymer material may be a non-melt processible polymer.

Abstract: A stem packing assembly including a first annular member defining a central axis, a second annular member defining a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the first annular member, and an annular energizing member defining a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the first annular member. In an embodiment, the stem packing assembly can have a leakage rate according to ISO 15848-1 of less than 1×10?4 mgs?1m?1 for at least 500 cycles at 160° C., and less than 1×10?4 mgs?1m?1 for at least 500 cycles at ?46° C. In another embodiment, the first annular member can include a PAEK, the second annular member can include a PTFE, and the annular energizing member at least partially includes a PTFE.

Abstract: A structure for and method of producing large diameter seal rings. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a co-extruded “support” layer of a polymer showing better weld quality and strength. The use of a co-extruded support polymer bonded to the functional polymer can be used to improve the strength of the entire weld, including the weld of functional polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing an article includes compressing a polymeric material to form a body and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) the body in an inert atmosphere at a pressure of at least 3 ksi without an encapsulant. The body may optionally be sintered prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The body may have a porosity of not greater than 8% prior to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The polymer material may be a non-melt processible polymer.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer and a colloidal metal oxide. The composite material has a Plasma Etch Index of 40 relative to a polymer absent the colloidal metal oxide.