Flexible Sleeve, Boot, Or Diaphragm Patents (Class 277/634)
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Patent number: 7513530Abstract: A seatbelt assembly is provided with buckle device having a holder located therein to segregate overlapping sections of the structural wire and/or signal cables.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Seiji Gomi, Byoung Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 7484760Abstract: A column hole cover is interposed between a circumferential portion of an aperture of a column hole of an instrument panel and a steering gear box capable of being displaced in a predetermined direction. The column hole cover includes a cylindrical main body extended in the predetermined direction. The main body includes a first annular end portion directly or indirectly fixed to the steering gear box, and a second annular end portion. The second end portion is provided with an annular seal. An intermediate portion between the first and second end portions is provided with a expandable/contractible portion capable of being elastically expanded or contracted in the predetermined direction. Irrespective of the displacement of the steering gear box, the annular seal is maintained in an elastic pressure contact against the circumferential portion of the aperture of the instrument panel by a reaction force of the compressed expandable/contractible portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignees: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd., Marugo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hirohisa Suzuki, Seizou Furukawa, Noboru Yamamoto, Teruya Fujiwara
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Publication number: 20090014966Abstract: In order to achieve the object of making available a folding bellows arrangement by means of which the acting clamping forces can be transmitted as uniformly as possible to the joint outer part of a tripod joint unit, it is proposed that such a folding bellows arrangement comprises a folding bellows (12) with a first collar region (20) for attachment to a shaft, and a second rotationally symmetrical collar region for attachment to a joint outer part (18) and a bellows region (16) which is arranged between the first and second collar regions, and an adapter ring (14) with an inner face which is adapted in a cross section to the outer contours of the joint outer part, the folding bellows being formed from an elastic material and the adapter ring being manufactured from at least one first plastic material (56) which has an approximately identical or higher Shore hardness than the material of the folding bellows.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Joachim Wette, Thorsten Scholtz
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Patent number: 7475550Abstract: A method and device to reduce the noise produced by jet aircraft engines and/or other supersonic nozzles involves the use of corrugated engine seals (30) for the secondary internal divergent flaps (14) of the nozzle (10). Such corrugated seals (30) serve not only to eliminate shock-generated noise, but also generate a counter-rotating vorticity to force low speed mixing of surrounding ambient air with the high-speed jet exhaust. Lower exhaust velocities, combined with reduced levels of the turbulent Reynolds shear stress, lead to reduction of turbulence-generated noise, including Mach wave emission.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: University of MississippiInventor: John M. Seiner
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Patent number: 7476075Abstract: A rotary pump 10, e.g. a centrifugal slurry pump, has a main casing 12 housing an impeller 18 rotatable in an impeller cavity 16 defined between end liners 25, 28 and a peripheral main casing portion 24. The end liner 28, at a suction end of the impeller, is slidingly sealed via an annular seal 32 against the main casing portion 24. A radially inner, axially outwardly extending tubular portion 36 integral with the end liner 28 is aligned with a stationary tubular inlet portion 40. Seats 38, 44 respectively on the tubular portions 36, 40 oppose each other over a bridge cavity accommodating an annular bridge 50 which is expansible to allow the end liner 28 to be adjusted axially to close any gap with the impeller 18 caused by wear. Two variations of the annular bridge 50 are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Weir Minerals Africa (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Siegfried Geldenhuys
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Patent number: 7472912Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece rubber body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A unitary rubber planar disc molded with the cylindrical section is of a circular circumference and which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of the waste through the line.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: MCP Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott Duncan
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Publication number: 20080246229Abstract: The seal comprising a rubber-elastic body (5) that, in the middle, comprises a first through opening (6) for receiving a first part (3) and, in a peripheral edge (7), comprises a flange (8) for detachably fixing the body (5) inside an opening (23) of a second part (2). The first through opening (6) is made in a wall (9) that extends from a front side (17) toward a rear side (19) of the body (5) through a significantly larger second through opening (10) of the peripheral edge (7). The wall (9) and the first through opening (6) can move like an eye in the peripheral edge (7). The seal (1) is particularly suited for use in the automotive industry and, in particular, as a wiper sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2004Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Josef Ott
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Publication number: 20080237999Abstract: A dust boot retention system includes a jounce bumper having an end portion with an outer diameter and an annular recessed groove adjacent to the end portion. A dust boot is attached to the jounce bumper and has an upper flange including a radially inwardly extending portion and an axially extending portion extending from an innermost portion of the radially inwardly extending portion. The axially extending portion has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. A rate ring secures the dust boot to the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an annular recessed channel in a first end thereof for receiving the axially extending portion of the dust boot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventors: David A. Mauceri, Robert S. Feldmann
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Publication number: 20080231002Abstract: A tight package sensor seal includes a first seal portion engaging an outer surface of a sensor body and including a stop surface floatingly engaging a peripheral face surrounding a bore in a cover member. The first seal portion includes a reinforcing insert disposed therein. A second seal portion is axially spaced from the first seal portion and a flexible membrane extends axially between the first and second seal portions. The second seal portion engages an inner diameter of a bore in a cover member and includes a reinforcing insert therein. The sensor seal takes up a small radial space yet allows for radial offset of the sensor body relative to the bore of the cover member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIPInventors: John B. Wagner, Kane A. Myers, J. Brian Cloud
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Publication number: 20080224420Abstract: When, according to the invention, a sealing sleeve is made of HNBR polymer and is provided with a bushing (3) which extends around the outwardly extending shaft (1), and also with an end portion (6) which may be bellows-shaped and finally an outer ring (7) which can engage the exterior of the shaft housing (6), a solid and tight sleeve is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2005Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: CODAN TECH A/SInventor: Anders Egholm Hansen
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Patent number: 7395576Abstract: A wiper cover is mounted in an opening in a vehicle housing and receives a wiper arm which pivots within the opening. The cover has a hollow body mounted in the opening, a rear flap which projects upwardly and forwardly from a rear side of the body, and a front flap which projects upwardly and rearwardly from a front side of the body. The front flap extends above and overlaps a portion of the rear flap. The flaps substantially cover the opening and slidably engage the wiper arm as it pivots within the opening. The body has upper and lower flanges which form a groove therebetween which receives an edge of the housing. The flaps include a notch and a recess which receives the wiper arm when the wiper arm is in a park position.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Dean Arden Boyce
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Publication number: 20080143057Abstract: A protective sleeve for protecting a ratchet cap or winch from damage or deterioration due to dirt of moisture is fabricated of a sturdy yet elastic material, which may be rubber. The sleeve is cylindrical in form and has circular grooves, which run parallel to each other formed on the inner surface of the sleeve. Cylindrical bars separate the grooves from each other. Mating grooves to those formed on the sleeve are formed on the ratchet cap or winch. The sleeve is installed in position on the cap or winch by forcing it into position over the cap or winch with the bars of the sleeve installed in the grooves of the cap or winch and the bars of the cap or winch installed in the grooves of the sleeve. This provides for firm retention of the sleeve in its installed position and permits relative rotation between the elements of the ratcheting member, yet the sleeve can readily be removed from its installed position without damage thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Howard Thomas Knox, Thomas H. Leone
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Publication number: 20080122188Abstract: A viscous material feed system, comprises a feed tube that receives material expressed from a container; and a container evacuator comprising a chamber to hold a container to express material from the container to the feed tube and a plunger comprising a platen axially and slidably accommodated within the chamber, the platen comprising an O-ring fitted against a platen driving face; a full ring with tabs extending to secure the O-ring to the platen driving face with a circumferential surface exposed to the chamber and a vacuum breaker valve to the chamber that seals the platen face when in contact with container material and retains residual material adhering to the platen face when the valve is activated at a termination of a driving cycle of the platen through a container content.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Roger Knox, Jennifer L. Stanton, Harry A. Bayly
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Publication number: 20080079224Abstract: Elastically deformable seal of an electrical control unit of a hydraulic machine. The seal has a pot-like shape with a diaphragm, which is in the form of a pot base, and also pot inner faces, pot edge faces and pot outer faces. In this case, the pot inner faces have first sealing faces, the pot edge faces have abutment faces and the pot outer faces have second sealing faces. The first sealing faces and the abutment faces are formed in such a way that they deform under pressure loading such that the second sealing faces arch out from the pot outer faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS INC.Inventors: REINHARDT THOMS, ANDERS BJURHAGEN
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Patent number: 7296802Abstract: A boot is made of a resin for covering a ball joint interposed between a larger diameter mating member and a small diameter mating member, including a large diameter attachment portion fixed to the large diameter mating member, a first bellows portion continuous to the large diameter attachment portion, a second bellows portion which is continuous to the first bellows portion and in which at least a bottom inner peripheral diameter thereof is not larger than that of the first bellows portion and a rigidity in a radial direction thereof is lower than that of the first bellows portion, a taper bellows portion continuous to the second bellows portion, and a small diameter attachment portion continuous to the taper bellows portion and fixed to the small diameter mating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuhisa Ota
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Patent number: 7290771Abstract: A bellows has an elongated bellows body defined by a flexible wall. The wall encloses a volume and extends between a first end and a second end. The body has a cross-sectional shape and a cross-sectional dimension that are generally constant between the first and second ends. The wall has an axial stiffness and an axial linear mass density. The stiffness and/or density varies generally monotonically between the first and second ends of the bellows body.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventor: Robert W. M. Smith
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Patent number: 7281984Abstract: An improved boot for use in sealing a constant velocity joint and ball spline joint assembly includes a plurality of articulating convolutes, a grease catching member, and a first stabilizing member adapted to ride above an inner race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of articulating convolutes and the grease catching member and provide stability at high speed. The boot further includes a plurality of plunging convolutes and a second stabilizing member adapted to ride above an outer race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of plunging convolutes and the grease catching member and provide additional stability.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.,Inventors: Pauline Maria Foster-Hamilton, Toshitaka Asai, Noel W. Sutton
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Patent number: 7244074Abstract: A ball and socket joint (1) is provided, for example, for a chassis bearing, with a ball (2), a pivot (3) originating from the ball (2), a housing (4) accommodating the ball, and a sealing bellows (5), which extends between the housing (4) and the pivot (3) and has a housing-side opening (6) and a pivot-side opening (7). The sealing bellows (5) has a circumferential sealing lip (8) for sealing at the pivot-side opening (7). The ball and socket joint (1) has a first guide ring (9), which guides the sealing bellows (5). The first guide ring (9) is arranged at the pivot (3). An especially favorable functional separation is achieved as a result between the guiding function and the sealing function.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Olaf Abels, Jürgen Gräber, Jochen Kruse, Volker Grube, Dirk Lamla, Manfred Bohne, Melanie Enkler, Metin Ersoy, Achim Möll, Thomas Rösler, Wolfgang Schmitt
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Patent number: 7097568Abstract: To protect a joint from exposure to contaminants and loss of lubricant disposed within a joint a traditional joint includes a sealing system. Typically the sealing system includes a boot and a boot cover. To produce a more effective joint, the sealing system of the present invention further includes a shield to protect the boot and the boot cover from exposure to contaminants by providing a barrier therebetween. The joint of the present invention includes a shield having several embodiments including an elastomer sleeve, a rigid cylindrical tube and a thermoplastic second boot.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, IncInventors: Ramon Christopher Kuczera, Danny Lee Booker, Lawrence Anthony Anastasia
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Patent number: 7097004Abstract: A boot-type seal having a seal and a valve. The seal has a first seal member, which is configured to sealingly engage a first surface, and a second seal member, which is configured to sealingly engage a second surface. The valve is coupled to the seal and is operable in a first condition, which inhibits fluid communication therethrough, and a second condition, which permits fluid communication therethrough. The condition of the valve changes from the first condition to the second condition in response to a fluid pressure exerted on a side of the seal that exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. A brake assembly that incorporates the boot-type seal is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Akebono Corporation (North America)Inventors: Sean Barrett, Seiji Nishimura, Takashi Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7077611Abstract: A sealing washer includes a connecting portion and an inner edge portion disposed radially inward of the connecting portion. The inner edge portion terminates in an edge disposed in an edge plane that is offset from the connecting portion. The sealing washer may be used, for example, to form a seal between a bolt and an elastomeric sheet, by forming a tight seal as the bolt is tightened.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.Inventor: Christopher S. Metschke
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Patent number: 7070355Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint has a housing, a ball pivot (3) mounted pivotably in the housing, and a sealing bellows (1), which is fastened to the housing and is mounted on the ball pivot (3) slidably via a sealing ring (4) provided with two legs (5, 6). A first leg (5) of the two legs (5, 6) is in contact with the ball pivot (3) under tension and the second leg (6) meshes with the wall of the sealing bellows (1). The second leg (6) is, furthermore, fastened in an anchoring ring (7) arranged at least partially in the wall of the sealing bellows (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Olaf Abels, Dieter Gröger
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Patent number: 7063331Abstract: A middle portion 62 of a fitting portion 52A of a boot 52 for a universal joint is fastened to a flange-like portion 72 of a member to which the boot is attached and a front end portion 63 to which communicating paths 61A to 63A of the boot 52 are opened is faced to a small diameter periphery portion 73 following one side of the flange-like portion 72 of the member to which the boot is attached.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Iwano
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Patent number: 6994332Abstract: A vibration damping actuator including: a guide hole open onto a bottom face of a housing; a lid metal plate fitted into the opening of the guide hole with a size enough to hinder inward displacement thereof into the guide hole by an annular shoulder portion; an engaging groove disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the opening; a snap ring of C-letter shape fitted into the engaging groove to prevent the lid metal plate from becoming dislodged from the opening; and a sealing rubber layer formed covering an inside face of the lid metal plate. The lid metal plate is pressed by the snap ring so that the sealing rubber layer is pushed against the annular shoulder portion, thereby sealing the opening of the guide hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiro Goto, Hajime Maeno, Kei Okumura, Kazuhiko Kato, Kouichi Maeda, Tetsuo Mikasa, Hirotomi Nemoto, Hiroaki Ue, Ken Iinuma
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Patent number: 6994354Abstract: A gasket includes a fist sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and an elastic arm sealingly connecting between the two. The first sealing portion sealingly engages a first member and the second sealing portion sealingly engages a second member. The elastic arm is not highly compressed between the members, allowing the gasket to vibrationally decouple the first member from the second member.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventor: David Sakata
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Patent number: 6971526Abstract: A method is provided for fixedly joining a cloth, a cloth-like fabric or a synthetic mesh to a filter plate using a flanged cloth connector ring. The flanged cloth connector ring is attached to the filter cloth around the feed port of the cloth and inserted into a receiving channel in the filter plate. A locking ring or a distribution ring may be inserted into the channel adjacent to the connector ring to retain the connector ring and attached filter cloth in place. Filter cloths may be individually and independently attached to each side of a filter plate using a cloth connector ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Micronics, Inc.Inventor: Barry F. Hibble
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Patent number: 6962351Abstract: A ball and socket joint assembly having a cylindrical sealing cap (1) housing (6, 6A) connected to the external case (4) of the joint assembly. The housing (6, 6A) may be comprised of plastic, aluminum, rubber, or other malleable material. The housing (6, 6A) has a ring shape, with a groove molded into the housing's external surface for receiving the larger diameter end of a sealing cap (1), the smaller diameter end of the sealing cap (1) is directly attached to the shaft of the ball and socket joint's spherical pin (2). The preferred embodiment of the housing (6) has a general “L” shape, and an alternative embodiment (6A) has a more linear shape. The sealing cap (1) ensures that the ball and socket are not contaminated during operation of the joint assembly. The ball and socket joint of the invention is primarily designed for motor vehicle applications, specifically, in automotive steering and suspension systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Ademilson Vlademir De Freitas
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Patent number: 6942223Abstract: A molded boot having an inner layer and an outer layer made from different elastomeric material. Each layer is compatible with the fluid environment to which it is exposed. The dual layer boot provides longer service life with less degradation caused by chemical and environmental exposure.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
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Patent number: 6938902Abstract: A boot with O-ring seal for sealing around an article such as a universal joint housing includes a boot having a hollow body adapted to tightly receive the article. An O-ring extends lengthwise within an internal annular groove in the body. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has a radial dimension which is greater than the depth of the groove so that when the article is received in the body the O-ring is deformed and makes sealing contact with the article. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has an axial dimension which is less than the width of the groove by an amount such that when the article is received in the body and the O-ring makes sealing contact with the article, the O-ring is deformed into the space between the side walls of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Richard Allen Devers
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Patent number: 6935803Abstract: A joint (1) with a joint housing (2) and with a joint shell (3) is arranged therein with a ball (4) having a pivot pin (5) protruding from the joint housing (2) and surrounded by a rubber bellows (6) with a protective cap (7). A ring (8) for holding the protective cap (7) is connected to the edge area (6a) of the rubber bellows (6). The edge area (6a) concentrically surrounds the pivot pin (5). The ring (8) has a circular bead (8b, 8c) on its annular outer side (8a) and is vulcanized into the edge area (6a) of the rubber bellows (6). The protective cap (7) is provided on its inner side (7a) with a plurality of projections (9), which can be bent from the outside through openings (10) in the protective cap (7) by means of a tool (11) radially (arrow 12) in relation to the pivot pin (5) against the bead (8b, 8c) of the ring (8) in a non-positive and positive locking manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Olaf Abels, Jens Wohlers
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Patent number: 6932346Abstract: A method of installing a gaiter (10) around a joint defined between joint members of joints of vehicles, such as steering joints and constant velocity joints. The method provides a range of gaiters for use with a range of joints of different dimensions, the range of joints being greater than the range of gaiters and at least some of the gaiters (10) in the said gaiter range being stretchable to fit two or more joints of the said joint range so the said joint range can be accommodated by the range of gaiters wherein a gaiter is selected from the gaiter range to fit a particular joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Phillip Fields Hayward
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Patent number: 6921090Abstract: An improved diaphragm for use with a gasket to prevent leakage of a pressurized fluid. The diaphragm has an internal groove which uses strong spring back and the pressure of the fluid to increase the gasket seating load, thereby providing a self-energizing seal which can accommodate changes in gasket load due to changes in fluid pressure. In one embodiment, a ring is shrink-fit or press-fit about the outer side edge of the diaphragm which improves strength and reduces the material cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Ltd.Inventor: Nansheng Sun
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Patent number: 6921091Abstract: A sealing boot intended to ensure the sealing of a transmission joint connecting two shafts. The sealing boot includes a boot body having a bead at each end to contact and seal the periphery of the shaft or an element of the joint integral with the shaft. Each bead includes a radial outer shoulder forming a transition between the bead and the boot body, and a bearing surface extending from the shoulder and adapted to receive an element for fixing the bead against the shaft or associated joint element. The bearing surface is extended without an increase in its external diameter as far as the end of the bead. The shoulder forms a stop for longitudinal positioning during the mounting of the fixing element.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbHInventor: Claude Neviani
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Patent number: 6877749Abstract: An apparatus for and method of providing a seal (300) for a movable rod (111) is described. The seal includes a flexible material (303) and a rigid seat (305) that may be utilized as a spring seat. The flexible material (303) has an opening with annular grooves and/or bumps (301) that provide a seal with the rod (111) when it moves axially and/or non-axially, for example, within a cylinder (109) in which the rod (111) and seal (300) are disposed.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Thomas B. Warmoth, Kevin L. Yost
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Patent number: 6866271Abstract: A sealing device for use with a drive shaft of a water vessel. The sealing device comprises a housing for a seal and bearing, a compression ring, a lip seal flange attachment and a diaphragm for tracking the movement of the shaft. The diaphragm is made of a resilient, flexible material and is operatively connected to the seal housing. In operation, the diaphragm tracks the motion of the drive shaft so that the drive shaft may move freely in the hull of the vessel. The diaphragm allows the rigid seal housing to also move in response to any axial, lateral or circular-axial (wobble-like) movement of the shaft so that a constant seal around the shaft is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Duramax Marine, LLCInventor: George MacDonald
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Patent number: 6866015Abstract: To prevent the entry of ambient air and liquid such as rainwater into a direct acting type auto-by starter and thereby prevent the formation of rust in the auto-by starter, by adjusting pressure fluctuations in the auto-by starter caused by the operation of a starting valve for opening and closing a starting intake passage. A starting valve is lifted to open a starting intake passage to start an internal combustion engine. Pressure in a sliding space for the starting valve is increased, so that the gas in the sliding space flows out. The flow of the gas is absorbed by an increase in volume inside a bellows boot mounted on an upper portion of the starting valve. When the starting valve is lowered by the operation of a spring member, the pressure in the sliding space is reduced to allow the gas flow from the bellows boot into the sliding space.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akinobu Masunaga, Kazuhito Hotta
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Publication number: 20040256814Abstract: A flanged boot having a rolling bearing interface suitable for connection to two mechanical components which are movable with respect to each other, in terms of both rotational and axial movements. The flanged boot has a first annular flange at one end and a second annular at the other end. A rolling bearing, such as for example a roller (needle) or ball bearing, is press-fit onto a suitably configured structure of a first mechanical component. One of the first and second annular flanges is interfaced sealingly with respect to the rolling bearing. The other of the first and second annular flanges is sealingly connected to a second mechanical component. Either of the first or second mechanical components may be considered to be moving relative to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Steve W. Creek
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Patent number: 6832763Abstract: A protective bellows formed by injection (blow) moulding has a large-diameter end with a fixing collar (28) for sealingly embracing an externally tri-lobed surface of a housing of an articulation joint for a motor vehicle transmission. The fixing collar (28) comprises a circumferential outer surface 29 and an inner surface (30). The inner surface (30) is made up of part-circumferentially curved surface portions (30A, 30B, 30C) for engaging the three lobes of the housing, and three equi-angularly spaced inwardly curved integral surface portions (32A, 32B, 32C) which are shaped to engage the spaces or grooves between the three lobes on the housing. The resilient material between the outer surface (29) and each inwardly curved surface portion (32A, 32B, 32C) is formed with several slots (34) arranged with their depths directed in a radial direction. The slots (34) aid the de-moulding process.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Trelleborg ABInventors: Sebastien Huchet, Jean Luc Bouhour, Bernard Marhic
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Patent number: 6827242Abstract: A through-flow closure for a receptacle of flowable material, the closure includes a body part having a charging aperture and a closure operating member for opening the closure device of a container. There is an annular gap between the edge of the aperture and the closure operating device. A stretchable annular sealing member attached to the body part. The sealing member seals the gap between the body part and the closure operating member when the receptacle and container are separated and forms a seal between the body part and the container when the receptacle and the container are moved together and prior to the closure operating member opening the closure device of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: Ivan Semenenko
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Patent number: 6824139Abstract: An overmolded diaphragm pump for applying pumping force to a fluid such as liquid ink for ink-jet printing. The pump structure includes a rigid substrate having at least one chamber opening, and an elastomeric diaphragm and sealing structure fabricated of an elastomeric material. This diaphragm and sealing structure is overmolded over a portion of the rigid substrate and includes at least one diaphragm portion extending over a corresponding chamber opening. A gland seal portion makes a seal between the elastomeric diaphragm and sealing structure and a mating part.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Louis C. Barinaga, Dan D. Dowell
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Publication number: 20040217554Abstract: An elastic sealing bellows for a ball and socket joint, preferably for chassis suspensions or steering mechanisms of motor vehicles is presented, in which the ball and socket joint has a joint housing with a pivot pin, which is mounted therein rotatably and pivotably and is fixed therein with a corresponding pin part at a chassis-side mount. The sealing bellows (1) is fixed statically at the joint housing and by a sealing seat (8) having a sealing lip (7), which surrounds the pin part (4), and is arranged at a sealing bellows flange and bulges forward toward the pin part (4) in a bead-like manner. The internal diameter (d) surrounding the pin part (4) is selected to be smaller than the external diameter (D) of the corresponding area of the pin part. A pushing spring system has a pushing force generated by the deformation of the sealing lip (7) and provides a sufficient pressing force to achieve a durable sealing action of the sealing seat (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Olaf Abels
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Patent number: 6811158Abstract: A seal for sealing an interface between a piston shaft (4) of an expander mechanism for a disk brake and an inner surface of a housing (5) of the brake in which the shaft is received is described. The seal comprises: a laterally outwardly disposed portion (11) adapted to engage a portion of the housing in fixed relation therewith; a laterally inwardly disposed portion (12) which is adapted to form a static seal with a surface of the shaft; and an intermediate portion (13) interconnecting said laterally outwardly disposed portion (11) and said laterally inwardly disposed portion (12) such that the laterally inwardly disposed portion is permitted to move axially together with the shaft relative to the laterally outwardly disposed portion, in use, in static sealing relationship with the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) LimitedInventors: Carl Edward Heinlein, Bruce Montgomery Gardiner
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Patent number: 6808207Abstract: A boot is disposed between two members movable relative to each other. The boot includes a plurality of contracting portions situated adjacent to each other. In an unloaded condition, the contracting portions extend in a longitudinal direction and are gradually offset in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a contracted condition when at least one of the members moves toward the other member along the longitudinal direction, the contracting portions are overlapped with each other in the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Nakano, Masahiko Iwai
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Patent number: 6796563Abstract: A hermetic seal (10) for a limited rotation device (12) includes a plurality of vertical convolutes (18) bonded to a device housing (16) at their respective first ends (19). At their respective second ends (21), plurality of the vertical convolutes (18) are bonded to a plurality of horizontal convolutes (20). The plurality of horizontal convolutes (20) are bonded to a device shaft (14) at an end opposite of the plurality of vertical convolutes (18). The plurality of vertical convolutes (18) stretch in order to provide limited rotation and the horizontal convolutes (20) expand or contract to accommodate length changes of the plurality of vertical convolutes (18). The hermetic seal (10) permits limited rotation while defining a barrier (26) and preventing viscous fluid leakage to an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Dale T. Ruebsamen, Steve L. Hadden, Toren S. Davis
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Publication number: 20040164500Abstract: A boot with O-ring seal for sealing around an article such as a universal joint housing includes a boot having a hollow body adapted to tightly receive the article. An O-ring extends lengthwise within an internal annular groove in the body. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has a radial dimension which is greater than the depth of the groove so that when the article is received in the body the O-ring is deformed and makes sealing contact with the article. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has an axial dimension which is less than the width of the groove by an amount such that when the article is received in the body and the O-ring makes sealing contact with the article, the O-ring is deformed into the space between the side walls of the groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Richard Allen Devers
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Patent number: 6764243Abstract: A protruding part formed on one split end part of a boot is temporarily fixed to a recessed part formed on the other split end part in the state where step-shaped hook portions formed on one-end thereof are engagingly locked to each other, and connected by welding, fusion or adhesion. The protruding part is hooked only in one thickness directional side. An overlapping protruding part formed on the non-hook side (inner side) of the recessed part is connected extending over the inside surface of the protruding part and the inside surface of the split end part continued thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: NOK CorporationInventors: Yasuaki Inuzuka, Yoshifumi Kojima, Hiromitsu Yamoto, Yukihisa Tateishi, Kenichi Fujimoto, Kazuhiko Fujimoto, Atsushi Nagashima
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Publication number: 20040100040Abstract: A sealing assembly for use at a building penetration to seal against airflow and the spread of fire includes a gasket (5) and a retaining plate (6). The gasket seals with a sealing contact against both the penetrating member (3) and the wall surfaces (4) adjacent to the penetration (2). The gasket is resiliently flexible and is positioned in a compressed state to ensure that a seal will be maintained, notwithstanding shifting of the penetrating member with respect to the penetration by frictional slippage between the seal and the adjacent wall surfaces. The compressed state of the gasket is maintained by the retaining plate, which is fastened to the penetrating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Michael Sakno
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Patent number: 6739596Abstract: A compartment seal is disposed about an automotive tube or hose at the automotive firewall to prevent leakage of smoke and fumes generally from an engine compartment to an occupant compartment. The compartment seal comprises a rigid washer body member having a plurality of apertures circumferentially arranged around an opening therethrough,. The plurality of apertures is receptive to fasteners for attachment of the body member to the automotive firewall to provide a seal between the engine compartment and the occupant compartment. The tube or hose is attached to fittings at either end and passes through the opening in the body member. The body member includes a seal component within the opening configured to form a seal between a periphery of the hose and the seal component. The seal component is disposed within the opening of the body member.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Seals-ItInventors: Lois Z. Matczak, Stanley E. Matczak
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Publication number: 20040056434Abstract: An axle boot for joint sealing, in particular on the drive train of motor vehicles, includes a substantially axisymmetric bellows, which is designed as a single piece with a connecting collar. The connecting collar has a plurality of indentations projecting towards the inside that are adapted to radial recesses in the external contour of the joint housing. To the outside of the connecting collar are attached compensating pieces that complete the external contour, forming a cylindrical circumferential surface on which a clamp is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KGInventors: Joachim Wolf, Andreas Kammann
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Publication number: 20040051255Abstract: To prevent the entry of ambient air and liquid such as rainwater into a direct acting type auto-by starter and thereby prevent the formation of rust in the auto-by starter, by adjusting pressure fluctuations in the auto-by starter caused by the operation of a starting valve for opening and closing a starting intake passage. A starting valve is lifted to open a starting intake passage to start an internal combustion engine. Pressure in a sliding space for the starting valve is increased, so that the gas in the sliding space flows out. The flow of the gas is absorbed by an increase in volume inside a bellows boot mounted on an upper portion of the starting valve. When the starting valve is lowered by the operation of a spring member, the pressure in the sliding space is reduced to allow the gas flow from the bellows boot into the sliding space.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Akinobu Masunaga, Kazuhito Hotta