Abstract: One or more packing systems and/or methods of manufacture are disclosed for a valve seal with lowered emissions while being complaint with fire standards. The packing system may have alternating mid-layers, a top layer, a bottom layer, and a first end cap and a second end cap. The layers can be formed of a flexible graphite-based material and/or a metal and/or non-fluoropolymer material. The layers may be bonded together and expand under compression to form a seal between a valve stem and a stuffing box.

Abstract: A seal clamp assembly for sealing a female and male member together may include a seal configured to be positioned over the female and male members, the seal having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a retainer configured to be positioned over the seal, the retainer having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the retainer has a serpentine configuration along its length.

Abstract: A sealing device for an exhaust manifold in a vehicle having longitudinally overlapping first and second components separated by a gap includes a plurality of backing rings for positioning in the gap between the first and second components. An intumescent mat is positioned between and abuts the backing rings. A retainer connected to the first and second components covers the gap to prevent the backing rings and mat from exiting the gap while allowing for relative longitudinal and rotational movement between the first and second components.

Abstract: A flow control valve and method for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing defining a valve chamber. A port member mounted within the valve chamber receives a reciprocally movable piston/spool assembly. The assembly is engageable with a valve seat for blocking fluid flow through the chamber. The assembly includes a piston body defining an annular recess for receiving an annular seal and a compression bonnet received by the piston body which is operatively engageable with the annular seal. When the assembly is not engaging its associated valve seat, the seal is relaxed and thus reciprocal movement between the assembly and the port member is not substantially hindered or resisted.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the thickness of a flexible expanded graphite sheet is provided that includes the steps of providing a a flexible expanded graphite sheet having a surface adhered to a substrate, pulling apart the sheet and the substrate with a force sufficient to separate the adhered flexible expanded graphite sheet into a removed layer and a remainder layer adhered to the substrate; and optionally repeating the foregoing steps until the remainder layer has a desired thickness.

Abstract: An ultra-thin flexible expanded graphite heating high resistance element is produced by a method including the steps of providing a flexible expanded graphite sheet having a surface adhered to a substrate; pulling apart the sheet and the substrate with a force sufficient to separate the adhered flexible expanded graphite sheet into a removed layer and a remainder layer adhered to the substrate; and optionally repeating the foregoing steps until the remainder layer has a thickness of about 0.01 mils to about 2 mils. A resistance heater for high voltage applications is also provided.