Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize the escape of fuel out of a fuel tank when a tank wall is penetrated by a bullet. In one embodiment, a pressure differential may be maintained between a pressure within a fuel tank cavity and another pressure outside the fuel tank cavity in order to minimize the loss of fuel upon penetration of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, a compressed rubber layer of fuel-reactive rubber may be provided which is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank wall and to swell upon contact with fuel in order to substantially seal a penetrated hole in the fuel tank wall.

Abstract: A panel assembly of the kind found in the air intake of a gas turbine engine or a fan duct is designed to be demountable for maintenance purposes. Consequently there exists between the panels a gap to be sealed. Thus, the assembly has a deformable seal for such a purpose and has an elongated, hollow resilient member mounted on a flange at the edge of one of the panels and arranged to be pressed against a flange at the confronting edge of the adjacent panel. The flanges are shaped such that the hollow member when pressed between the flanges effectively seals the gap between the panels and a portion of the seal member lies flush between the panel edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (1) designed to be inserted between a nacelle element and an element of a turbojet of an aircraft propulsion unit. According to the invention, the seal (1) consists of at least two parallel tubular parts (2) each having a quadrangular cross-section including a planar supporting face (4), a convex contact face (6) in contact with an element to be sealed and two concave side faces (5) connecting the convex contact face (6) and the planar supporting face (4), said two tubular parts (2) being formed by a knitted web coated with a synthetic matrix.

Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a component gap with respect to a flow, in particular for use in a fluid-flow machine, specifically in a turbomachine is provided. In addition a fluid-flow machine is provided including such a sealing element for sealing a component gap. The sealing element includes a hollow profile enclosing a cavity. Arranged in the hollow profile are a first opening and a second opening, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the hollow profile. The first opening is formed as an inlet opening for a cooling fluid into the cavity of the hollow profile, the second opening is formed as an outlet opening for the cooling fluid from the cavity of the hollow profile. With the sealing element arranged in a fluid-flow machine, the sealing element can consequently be internally cooled by means of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, the sealing element uses the pressure gradient occurring in the flow in the direction of flow to form a stable cooling fluid flow.

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: A seal member seals a gap between upper and lower cover members of an engine cover of an outboard motor. The seal member includes a supporting portion and a sealing portion integral with the supporting portion. The supporting portion has such a high spring modulus that the supporting portion is not plastically deformed with a load is applied to the supporting portion when the upper cover member is locked to the lower cover member. The sealing portion is hollow and has such a small spring modulus that the sealing portion can readily flex into close contact with the upper and lower cover members so as to provide an improved seal between the upper and lower cover members.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system includes a first structure defining an aperture, such as a pipe receiving aperture. A second structure, such as a pipe is received in the aperture. And an annular seal is disposed within the aperture for radially sealing between the first structure and the second structure. The seal includes an outer radial portion embedded in the first structure and an inner radial portion in sealing engagement with the second structure. The inner radial portion defines an internal cavity containing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel that is movable within the cavity to provide a dynamic seal with the second structure.

Abstract: A gasket assembly and method of manufacture thereof provides a plurality of discrete, interconnected capsule beads spaced from one another. A sealant material is disposed in the capsule beads, such that when the capsule beads are ruptured under an applied clamping force, the gasket material is released from the capsule beads.

Abstract: Aerodynamic seals for use with control surfaces on aircraft are described herein. In one embodiment, a seal assembly for use with an aircraft includes a first seal member and a second seal member. The first seal member has a first proximal portion configured to be attached to a fixed airfoil portion of the aircraft, and a first distal portion configured to extend outwardly from the fixed airfoil portion toward a movable control surface. The second seal member has a second proximal portion configured to be attached to the movable control surface, and a second distal portion configured to extend outwardly from the control surface toward the fixed airfoil portion. In this embodiment, the second distal portion is further configured to movably contact the first distal portion to at least partially seal the gap between the fixed airfoil portion and the movable control surface as the control surface moves relative to the fixed airfoil portion.

Abstract: A seal mechanism for a transverse crop conveying auger in a header that incorporates a flexible-sealant-filled labyrinth at each end of a tube-like auger central core that allows rotation of the auger without allowing entry of dirt, debris, or other contaminants into the bearing housing area positioned inside of the tube-like central core of the auger.

Abstract: A gasket generally includes upper and lower members and first and second oppositely-disposed lateral members. The first and second oppositely-disposed lateral members connect the lower member to the upper member such that a spaced distance separates the lower member's inner surface from the upper member's inner surface. The first and second lateral members, lower member, and lower member may collectively define a generally trapezoidal profile.

Abstract: A mobile structure, such as a recreational vehicle, that includes a wall having first and second opposed surfaces and an edge surface. The edge surface defines an opening through the wall. A slide-out room or other enclosure is moveably located in the opening. A trim member having an integral seal is attached at the opening and the seal is engageable with a flange on the enclosure. A second trim member has an integrally attached flexible member projecting outwardly therefrom. The flexible member engages the enclosure and wipes moisture and debris from the enclosure as it is moved into a retracted position with the mobile structure. The two trim members have an overlapping portion with the opening and can be simultaneously secured to the wall by driving a mechanical fastener through the overlapped portions of the trim members. A method of manufacturing such mobile structures is also provided.

Abstract: A double-sided adhesive tape (24) and a method for fixing a sealing element (10) in place, preferably in motor vehicles, has a sealing body (12) made from silicone, to which a first self-adhesive sticking surface (18) of a double-sided adhesive tape (24) is applied which is formed at least partly of a silicone glue. The double-sided adhesive tape (24) is provided with a second self-adhesive sticking surface (20) for fixing to the site of application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device (1) for sealing off a joint (4) between a first and a second structural body (5, 6), in particular between concrete bodies, in the region of the joint (4) an injection duct (3) being provided, which is filled or can be filled with a sealing medium in order to seal off the joint (4) and/or voids (4a, 4b) present in the region of the joint (4), the injection duct (3) having arranged in it an extruded spacer body filling the injection duct (3), and the injection duct (3) being formed solely by walls of the structural bodies (5, 6), the extruded spacer body being a hollow profile extrusion (2) which has inside it at least one hollow profile duct preferably continuous in the longitudinal direction and a three-dimensional shape which withstands the hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete during the pouring of the second structural body and can be pressed in when sealing medium is pressed into the injection duct (3) and which narrows the cross section and is set back from t

Abstract: The present invention provides a bulb seal capable of navigating both interior corners and exterior corners of an opening while maintaining consistent and adequate sealing capacity, the invention comprising a tubular member having internal strain-controlling cavities, vent holes, and a pair of external collapse-controlling protrusions, and an attachment member for receiving a component to be sealed.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a refrigerator is provided. The structure includes a gasket formed at a door of the refrigerator and at least two air pockets provided in the gasket. There is at least one connector, which separates the at least two air pockets from each other, and first convection cut-off members provided inside of the at least two air pockets. Additionally, the seal structure includes an inner case provided at an interior side of the refrigerator; a door liner, which lines the door, provided at an interior side of the refrigerator; and an air dam provided between the inner case and the door liner. Further, second convection cut-off members are provided in the air dam.

Abstract: A roof weather strip for use in a convertible car is composed of a plurality of weather strip pieces corresponding to the folding of a sliding roof thereof. When the sliding roof is unfolded to form a roof of the convertible car, longitudinal end parts of adjacent roof weather strip pieces contact each other to define a continuously extending roof weather strip for sealing a side edge of the sliding roof. Each of the weather strip pieces has a base portion, a tubular door glass-sealing portion, and a sliding roof-sealing portion. In each of the longitudinal end parts, the sliding roof-sealing portion is formed tubular, and the tubular sliding roof-sealing portion and the tubular door glass-sealing portion are closed with end faces, respectively, which are provided in each of the longitudinal end parts.

Abstract: A seal has a non-woven fabric folded along lines transverse to the opposite side of the seal and secured by adhesive to fabric strips. The non-woven fabric forms elongated cells with a plurality of the cells receiving inserts to increase seal stiffness. By securing one of these strips to a stationary component of the sealing surfaces, the opposite strip may expand or collapse relative to a movable sealing surface to accommodate excursions of that surface. Multiple layers of cells may be provided in the seals. The inserts may have various cross-sectional configurations including circular, triangular or rhombic and formed of tubes, solid rods or coiled springs.

Abstract: An insert, or gasket, intended to be used at a joint between two panels. The insert is preferably pre-formed into a particular cross-sectional shape such that it can be easily, and securely, installed between two panels. Preferably, the insert is shaped, in cross-section, with one flange on each end, such that upon installation, one flange is seated on the front side of the panels and the other flange is seated on the rear side of the panels. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second flange portions may include a pair of lips, and the lip of the second flange portion is of a thickness that is greater than that of the lip of the first flange portion. Such a configuration facilitates installation. The present invention also relates to a method of installing such an insert.

Abstract: A sound insulation device for mounting in a tubular part, in particular a motor vehicle bodywork part, the device comprising a partitioning insert, a cord of a composition that is thermally expandable so as to form a foam, said cord being fitted to the periphery of the insert, retaining means for holding the cord on the insert prior to expansion of the cord, and means for encouraging the cord to expand towards the inside wall of the tubular part, wherein the cord is formed by being extruded in rectilinear manner without any particular shaping, and wherein the cord retaining means are integrally molded with the partitioning insert and also serve to shape the extruded cord around the periphery of the partitioning insert.

Abstract: A process for forming the ball and socket joint with bellows seal (10), a bellows seal (10) and a ball and socket joint with bellows seal (10) is provided including a ball pivot pin (36, 38) with a connection piece (40). The sealing bellows is provided with an annular engagement surface (16) with a cavity (20). The connection piece with a sealing face is connected to the ball pivot pin. Lubricant (22) is disposed in the cavity prior to assembly of the ball and socket joint. The annular engagement surface (16) is provided in contact with the sealing face upon assembly to cause an amount of lubricant (22) to be squeezed out of the cavity (20).

Abstract: A sealing gasket for sealing gaps adjacent to a pickup truck is provided. In alternate embodiments a combination pickup truck and sealing gasket is also provided. The sealing gasket of the present invention comprises an elongated member made of a deformable and a somewhat resilient polymeric material. The polymeric material is preferably a closed cell sponge material made of one of a number of polymeric materials which are the somewhat flexible, resilient, water resistant and the like. The cross-section of the elongated member, if divided into two parts, includes a generally triangular portion and a generally semi-circular portion which come together to form a teardrop-like shape. The elongated member preferably has a first lumen which is generally circular in shape when the sealing gasket is undeformed, and preferably a second lumen which has two converging tear surfaces which converge to join at one end and join to an arcuate inner surface at the other end.

Abstract: A sealing device for a gap between two adjacent machine parts, including at least one inflatable, elastically stretchable tube, which is fitted into a groove in the sidewall of one of the machine parts, and which, when inflated, may, be positioned against a surface of the other machine part, which borders on the gap on the side opposite the groove, at least one end of tube (2) being provided with a circumferential, turned-inward portion (6, 16) that engages its interior, into which a supporting member (5, 15) is inserted on the inside.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped seal for sealing a power-operated closing device comprising a jam-protection zone, which has at least two electrically conductive areas, situated at a distance from each other. According to the invention, to save space and reduce weight and cost, the carrier is used as a metallic conductor for the conductive area so as to reduce volume resistance. Alternatively or in addition thereto, a frame can be used to which the shaped seal can be fixed.

Abstract: A coupler for a low pressure piping system has a hollow metal tube terminating in a pair of end portions defining open ends for slidably receiving and joining together sections of other metal tubes in a substantially air tight relationship. Slots are formed in at least one of the end portions to aid in the crimping of the hollow metal tube by an annular clamp. A radial flange is formed adjacent the end portion and receives an annular seal therein. A stop for limiting the insertion of a tube section into the end of the hollow metal tube is formed on the inside of the coupler adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots. The annular clamp encircles the slots and is tightened to clamp the end portions to form metal to metal contact between the metal tubes and to form a seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.

Abstract: A deformable sleeve for attachment to various products for use as a grip and/or to provide a stylish appearance. The deformable sleeve features two membranes that define a cavity filled with a formable material. The deformation of the sleeve results in greater comfort for the user where the sleeve is mounted on products that are manually manipulated or are otherwise contacted by the user. In one preferred embodiment, the sleeve can be mounted on a writing instrument for use as a grip. Alternatively, the sleeve c-an be filled with a formable material that will resume its original shape after being deformed.

Abstract: Sealing material for application to a sealing surface of a gasket and/or a machine component, wherein problems with respect to the portioning and handling of the sealing material are avoided in that the sealing material has the form of a capsule filled with a fluid to pasty sealing substance and having a capsule wall bursting under the influence of pressure and the sealing substance can be hardened in situ under operating conditions.

Abstract: A waterproof structure that is provided on a device includes a waterproof member. A pipe with no flash of a parting line, which is formed by extrusion-molding an elastic material such as a rubber or a resin, is used as the waterproof member. The waterproof member is interposed at a coupling part between members that is to be waterproofed, such that terminal-end faces of the pipe are disposed to be opposed to each other with their center (axes) being aligned (coaxial). When pressure is applied by engagement between the to-be-waterproofed members, the terminal-end faces of the pipe are put in close contact with each other. Alternatively, terminal-end portions of the pipe are juxtaposed with their centers being made parallel, and when pressure is applied, side faces of the terminal-end portions are put in close contact with each other. Thus, waterproofing is effected.

Abstract: A shape memory foam material is obtained by impregnating a base foam material in a thermoplastic substance, heating and compressing the same at a temperature the same as or higher than the softening temperature of a thermoplastic substance as well as less than the softening temperature of the base foam material, cooling down while retaining the compressed state, and releasing the pressure after the cooling operation. The compressed state of the shape memory foam material is retained in a room temperature by a hardened product of a thermoplastic substance existing at least in the surface layer part thereof. The compressed state is released by softening the hardened product by heating. Moreover, a soundproof cover for an automobile engine is obtained using this shape memory foam.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for sealing gaps adjacent to a pickup truck is provided. In alternate embodiments a combination pickup truck and sealing gasket is also provided. The sealing gasket of the present invention comprises an elongated member made of a deformable and a somewhat resilient polymeric material. The polymeric material is preferably a closed cell sponge material made of one of a number of polymeric materials which are the somewhat flexible, resilient, water resistant and the like. The cross-section of the elongated member, if divided into two parts, includes a generally triangular portion and a generally semi-circular portion which come together to form a teardrop-like shape. The elongated member preferably has a first lumen which is generally circular in shape when the sealing gasket is undeformed, and preferably a second lumen which has two converging tear surfaces which converge to join at one end and join to an arcuate inner surface at the other end.

Abstract: An improved, polytetrafluoroethylene shaft sealing element, and a method to make the sealing element: The improved element is characterized by being manufactured as one piece of a selected polytetrafluoroethylene mixture (which is conventionally clamped in a conventional housing) that has a strategically placed circumferential groove and that preferably has hydrodynamic grooves that end at a selected distance from the toe end of the seal. Optionally, the improved seal may include a wiper lip as part of the one piece of a polytetrafluoroethylene mixture. Alternatively, the improved element may have the thickness of the part of the seal bearing on the shaft tapered in its thickness (not of uniform thickness). Adjustment of these properties optimizes the pressure distribution of the part of the seal that bears on the shaft with a resultant significant increase in the effective lifetime of the seal and significant improvement in the effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a gap between an elevator car door and the associated car wall during car travel includes a sealing strip of resilient material with wall portions that can be reversibly stretched to bridge and seal the gap.

Abstract: The sealing arrangement (1) is to seal a gap (2) between two cooperating components (3, 4). A grip rail (7), to which a holding region (19) of a profile (18) is positively latched, is fixed to a first one (3) of the components (3, 4) by way of clips (6). A sealing region (20) of the profile (18) which cooperates in a sealing manner with a second one (4) of the components (3, 4) is attached to the holding region (19). The grip rail (7) consists of synthetic material and comprises at least two latching regions (21, 23) which are disposed transversely with respect to a longitudinal extension of the profile (18) at a mutual spaced interval. A complementary counter latching region (24 to 26) of the holding region (19) is latched to each latching region, wherein a first (21) and a second latching region (22) are provided on longitudinal edges of the grip rail (7).

Abstract: A splash cover is assembled to a mount of a base. A space for holding a packing is provided between the splash cover and the mount. A packing port is provided to the accommodating space. The structure allows an operator to install or remove the packing to or from the accommodating portion inside the splash cover without interference from the splash cover. Thus, installing or removing the packing can be easily performed. In addition, because the packing is invisible from outside, the appearance of the splash cover is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining element (VE), consisting of a fixing component (FT) and a closing component (VT), for the ends (DE1, DE2) of a divided seal (D) in sealing systems in cable fittings.

Abstract: A sealing strip, such as for fitting to the frame of a door opening in a motor vehicle body, comprises a longitudinally extending channel-shaped mounting portion incorporating a channel-shaped reinforcing carrier. The hollow tubular longitudinally extending sealing portion is attached to the outside of the mounting portion. When such a strip is bent to follow curves in the door frame, the increased tension in the mounting portion at the curves can cause the sealing portion to move inwardly of the curve so as partially the bridge across the curve. In order to avoid this, the sealing strip, and particularly the mounting portion are longitudinally compressed at positions corresponding to the positions where curves are to be formed in the strip. This local longitudinal compression helps to maintain the sealing portion in its correct attitude.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement which comprises at least two abutting components that form a gap therebetween and a seal that sealingly bridges the gap. The inventive sealing arrangement is characterized in that the seal entirely consists of a matrix or is provided with a matrix representing a composite system. The matrix is combined with a base body and is a pasty mixture comprising a water-soluble material. A lubricant and a swelling agent which can be activated by means of water as well as optionally additional additives are mixed into the material. In an advantageous embodiment, the matrix is introduced into the chamber. The wall of the chamber is configured in the form of a web that can be torn out. The web is removed before assembly. The base body consisting of an elastomeric material is provided with channels and grooves which extend in an extruded-like manner.

Abstract: An infrared heating unit which finds particular application in paper making equipment for coating drying and moisture profile control. In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises a housing and a heat resistant, porous ceramic matrix received in the housing having an inner surface, side walls and an external surface. The inner surface of the ceramic matrix and the housing cooperate to define a chamber. There is at least one resilient anchoring strip extending between the ceramic matrix and the housing about the perimeter of the ceramic matrix to retain the ceramic matrix in place within the housing and seal the edges of the ceramic matrix. An inlet to the housing is provided to admit a gas/air combustion mixture to the chamber. The gas/air mixture passes through the ceramic matrix to burn adjacent the external surface of the ceramic matrix to heat the external surface to incandescence.

Abstract: A double ring seal of unitary construction is made from a resilient deformable material. The ring seal comprises two coplanar sealing rings for use in sealing between two substantially planar surfaces, and means interconnecting the rings, such that an interspace volume is formed between the rings when the seal is in use.

Abstract: A device and method for sealing a first cylinder in a fixed position inside a second concentric cylinder. The inner cylinder has an annular depression in its wall at the point of sealant placement, which causes the wall of the inner cylinder to intrude inwardly. The depression is filled with a partially compressible fluid and is covered over by a malleable/ductile sleeve. The inner cylinder is placed within the outer cylinder with the covered annular depression positioned at the desired sealing point. A cylindrical displacement device is directed through the inside of the inner cylinder where it encounters the intrusion of the annular depression. The displacement device is forced past the annular intrusion and pushes the wall outward. The partially compressible fluid is forced to expand outward under the malleable/ductile cover in a manner that intrudes into the annular space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and into contact with the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A sealing element for use in motor vehicles which has a sealing body (12) made of silicone and is provided with a self-sticking adhesive surface (20) for attachment to the application site.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for sealing gaps adjacent to a pickup truck is provided. In alternate embodiments a combination pickup truck and sealing gasket is also provided. The sealing gasket of the present invention comprises an elongated member made of a deformable and a somewhat resilient polymeric material. The polymeric material is preferably a closed cell sponge material made of one of a number of polymeric materials which are the somewhat flexible, resilient, water resistant and the like. The cross-section of the elongated member, if divided into two parts, includes a generally triangular portion and a generally semi-circular portion which come together to form a teardrop-like shape. The elongated member preferably has a first lumen which is generally circular in shape when the sealing gasket is undeformed, and preferably a second lumen which has two converging tear surfaces which converge to join at one end and join to an arcuate inner surface at the other end.

Abstract: In a packing (20) interposed between inner and outer peripheries of two members fitted to each other and in a state of being attached to one of two members, pressure contacting a lip portion (21) with another, thereby sealing a gap between both of the members, wherein a hollow portion (22) is provided at least in an inner side of the lip portion (21). The hollow portion (22) is formed according to a gas assist molding.

Abstract: An expandable baffle for sealing a cavity of an automobile is provided. The baffle includes a thermally expandable sealing material which has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of the automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., the paint bake stage). The inventive baffle further includes a support for the sealing material which maintains the material at the desired location within the cavity until thermal expansion. The support is formed of a material having a melting point higher than the thermal expansion temperature of the sealing material. In one embodiment, the support comprises a pair of solid, spaced-apart sidewalls that “bow” upon expansion of the sealing material. In an alternate embodiment, the sidewalls include a plurality of openings formed therein through which the sealing material flows during thermal expansion.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing at least two facing surfaces of two adjacent machine elements includes an inflatable sealing tube arranged in a groove in a first surface of a first machine element. The sealing tube can be filled with a medium to which pressure can be applied, and can be inflated by the medium as well as made to rest against a second surface of a second machine element, forming a seal. The ends of the sealing tube are each arranged in an insert piece. The insert pieces are each structured as a sleeve and surround the ends of the sealing tube under elastic pre-stress, forming a seal. The sleeves are each arranged in a recess of the first machine element that extends essentially crosswise to the lengthwise direction of the groove. In the non-pressurized state, the sealing tube and the face of the sleeves that faces the second surface of the second machine element are essentially flush with the first surface of the first machine element.

Abstract: A gasket arrangement for sealing between first and second components includes a tube through the material of the gasket for transferring fluid through the gasket. The first and second components may be, for example, a transmission case and transmission fluid pan.

Abstract: A compressible annular gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a first tubular member having an annular groove and an adjacent ridge and a smooth annular section of a second tubular member when the first tubular member and the smooth annular section are in a relative surrounding and surrounded relationship. The compressible annular gasket includes an anchor portion adapted to be disposed in the annular groove and an elongated portion adapted to extend across the adjacent ridge when the anchor portion is disposed in an adjacent groove. The elongated portion makes contact with the annular section when the first tubular member and the smooth annular section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a space between an annular flange on a nuclear reactor vessel and a surrounding ledge of a refueling canal to provide a temporary water barrier during refueling operations. The seal assembly includes an annular closure plate having an outer portion secured to the surrounding ledge and an inner portion supporting a first sealing surface. A second sealing surface opposing the first sealing surface is formed on or secured to the annular flange of the reactor vessel. An annular space between the first and second sealing surfaces provides a ventilation path from the reactor cavity during normal plant operation. The annular space is sealed by an inflatable seal during refueling operations to provide a water barrier between the refueling canal and the reactor vessel. The inflatable seal is secured to and supported by an annular support structure that straddles the annular space.

Abstract: In a connector 1, a plurality of resin-filling regions, in which a plurality of terminals 3 are arranged, are separated from each other by a separation wall 4. The plurality of resin-filling regions are equal to each other in cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to axes of the terminals 3. The shortest widths of the plurality of resin-filling regions in a direction perpendicular to a direction of juxtaposition of the terminals 3 are equal to each other.