Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of applying an apply piston seal is provided for a clutch assembly utilizing a balance piston. The method includes applying a rubber portion on an interior surface of an axially extending arm of the apply piston and applying a seal on an exterior surface of the axially extending arm of the apply piston.

Abstract: A low friction seal for sealing between a shaft and a bore and includes an inner case adapted to be mounted on the shaft. An outer case is adapted to be mounted within the bore. A seal element is mounted to the inner case and includes a base portion attached to the inner case. A membrane extends from the base portion and an axially extending leg extends from the membrane. A seal lip extends from the axially extending leg and sealingly engages a radially extending portion of the outer case. As the shaft rotates, the centrifugal forces tend to cause the membrane to flex and the torque loads applied by the dynamic seal are reduced to the point that the seal lip can lift off and apply zero torque load.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising first and second gas diffusion layers and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the diffusion layers. Each diffusion layer includes an inner surface facing the membrane, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a side surface defining a perimeter of the diffusion layers. An outboard region extends about the diffusion layers at the perimeter. The outboard region surrounds an inboard region. The outboard region has a low density region proximate to the side surface and a high density region between the low density region and the inboard portion. A seal is mounted at the low density region. The high density region prevents portions of the seal from entering the inboard region thereby damaging the MEA. The seal includes a first rim having a smaller radius than a second rim. The smaller radius allows the seal to fit between adjacent support plates and increases the durability of the seal.

Abstract: A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.

Abstract: A gasket is provided including a plurality of corner sections each having a cross-section having a width of at least a first dimension. A plurality of deformable sections are disposed between a pair of the plurality of corner sections, each of the plurality of deformable sections have a plurality of reduced width segments. The plurality of deformable sections have a curved shaped that is deformable to a straight shape in its installed condition, wherein the deformable sections allow the gasket to be formed with a smaller molding footprint than the assembled gasket shape and the plurality of corner sections have a same angled orientation in its installed and un-installed molded positions.

Abstract: A gasket includes a plurality of corner sections each having a cross-section having a width of at least a first dimension. A plurality of deformable sections are disposed between a pair of the plurality of corner sections, each of the plurality of deformable sections having a cross-section having a width less than the first dimension and having a curved shape that is deformable to a straight shape in its installed condition. The deformable sections allow the gasket to be formed with a smaller molding footprint than the assembled gasket shape and the plurality of corner sections have a same angled orientation in its installed and un-installed positions.

Abstract: A dynamic seal utilizes a groove on the active side of the seal to capture a leaked lubricant and pump the lubricant back into the lubricated side of the seal. The groove stops short of the leading edge of the seal that faces the lubricant side forming a static dam between the termination point of the groove and the seal edge. When the fluid pressure within the groove exceeds the opening pressure for the seal lip, the lubricant within the groove is pumped back into the lubricant side of the seal. The groove can have an induction zone wherein the fluid pressure rise is gradual and a booster zone wherein the fluid pressure rise is relatively faster than in the induction zone. The booster zone is disposed adjacent the static dam. Bars are provided across the spiral grooves to prevent contaminants from reaching and becoming trapped in the booster zone.

Abstract: An integrated noise attenuator and kick panel are provided for attenuating noise emanating from an appliance such as a dishwasher, washer, dryer, or refrigerator. The kick panel includes an elongated panel member having side flaps which are biased laterally against cabinets or other structures disposed on each side of the appliance. The elongated panel member is also provided with a textured noise attenuating surface on the back thereof which, along with the side flaps, attenuates and absorbs the sound and vibration emanating from the appliance.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly in an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head including an aperture therein in communication with a cylinder bore and a recessed pocket surrounding the aperture. A valve guide is received in the aperture and a valve stem is received in the valve guide. A valve seal support includes a radially outwardly extending flange disposed against a surface of the cylinder head external to the recessed pocket and a cylindrical body that extends into the recessed pocket. A valve spring contacts the flange and a resilient seal is secured to the rigid valve seal support and in sealing engagement with the valve stem.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating shaft and a housing. In this regard, the seal assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, and a stationary component connected to the housing. A first seal is connected to the rotating component and a second seal is connected to the stationary component. The first seal includes at least one dispersion member that generates a fluid disturbance in a region adjacent the space during rotation of the rotating component and a discontinuity that provide a pathway for a contaminant to exit the space.

Abstract: A method of making a dual lip seal is provided including the steps of molding first and second seals to a respective first and second insert. The first and second seals each include a body portion molded to the first and second inserts and including a seal lip extending from the body portion. The body portion of the first and second seals includes a side surface including at least one projection and at least one recess. The at least one projection and the at least one recess of the first and second seals are aligned so that the at least one recess of the first and second seals each receive a corresponding one of the at least one projection of the other of the first and second seals. A heating process is then applied to the first and second seals to bond the seals together via vulcanization.

Abstract: A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.

Abstract: A method of installing a seal on a fuel injector includes installing a seal in a groove in an outer surface of the fuel injector. The seal is then clamped in a heated clamp portion at a temperature sufficient to soften a material of the seal to allow the material to flow into the seal groove. The seal is then cooled while being maintained in the clamped state to allow the heated material to set to a desired outer diameter size. The seal groove in the fuel injector may be provided with an extrusion zone into which the softened material of the seal is allowed to flow as the seal outer diameter is reduced to the desired diameter during the heating and clamping process.

Abstract: A seal includes a mounting portion having an outer diameter surface adapted to be received in a bore. An axially extending leg extends from the mounting portion. A hinge portion is disposed at an end of the axially extending leg. The hinge portion has a generally round cross-section with a larger diameter than the end of the axially extending leg. A main seal lip and a dust lip extend from the hinge portion.

Abstract: A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper.

Abstract: A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper.

Abstract: A gasket is formed using a plurality of compression limiting inserts each having first and second surfaces, and at least one edge disposed between the first and second surfaces with an elastomeric sealing material bonded thereto. Opposite ends of each of the compression limiting inserts are aligned with, and spliced to, adjacent ones of the compression limiting inserts by the elastomeric sealing material. The plurality of compression limiting inserts are aligned to form a completed gasket.

Abstract: A low cost and simple installation tool is designed to ease the installation of bonded pistons and lip seals in an automatic transmission or other industrial machine. The installation tool is in the form of a flexible circular disc that can be inserted in the gap between the bore and the shaft and pressed against the seal lip to flip the seal lip to its desired orientation while the disc is rolled around the circumference of the gap to orientate the entire seal in its proper position.

Abstract: A solenoid valve may include a housing, a solenoid coil, and a plunger. The solenoid coil may be disposed about an external portion of the housing and the plunger may be slidably disposed within the housing. The plunger may include a recess in a first end thereof having a seal assembly located therein and including a pin member inserted into the recess and an elastomeric sealing element molded around the pin member while inserted into the recess of the plunger.