Abstract: A substantially adhesive-free flexible multi-layer graphite based product comprising a first and second outer graphite layer and a layer intermediate to the first and second outer graphite layers, wherein said first and second outer graphite layers comprise at least about 30% flake graphite and said intermediate layer comprises between about 5% to about 20% elastomeric polymer and between about 5 to about 40% fiber.

Abstract: A bearing isolator seal having a shaft seal assembly that includes a stator housing comprising two components, an interior and an exterior component, the two stator housing components being selectively connectable, and axially positionable (relative to the radial faces of the rotor), disconnectable via screw threads on similar structures formed thereon to enable a perishable rotor component to be readily replaced with the stator components being reusable with a new rotor, the assembled stator housing, having an inner radially extending face with a pair of spaced concentric annular flanges of substantially frusto-conical shape extending from a larger diameter end that is fixed to the inner radially extending face to a smaller diameter free end, and a rotor having a peripherally extending radial flange that is fixed to a hub of the rotor and has a contact sealing surface that contacts the free end of the annular flanges of the stator housing.

Abstract: A three-ring packing set for a forged valve stem is disclosed which includes upper and lower adapter rings formed from fiber reinforced graphite tape and each having a first density and a first axial thickness, and an intermediate preform ring formed from graphite tape and having a second density that is less than the density of the upper and lower adapter rings and a second axial thickness that is less than the axial thickness of each of the adapter rings.

Abstract: Compact stuffing box packing assemblies of the present application include high density metal inserted braided end rings of graphite which have each been die formed to have angled facing surfaces and a plurality of center Preform rings is disclosed In one embodiment, three low density graphite Preform rings having angled facing surfaces are contained between the high density braided end rings. The facing surfaces of the Preform rings extend at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the packing assembly than do the facing surfaces of the braided end rings. The braided end rings provide a support function for the Preform rings as well as a stem wiping function. In another embodiment, additional Preform support rings made of the same material as the end rings are positioned between the low density Preform rings.

Abstract: A split sealing member for a rotary shaft comprising a coiled body, with non-adjoined ends, having a plurality of turns about a central axis, bent along the course of the body such that the body is divided into a radially-inner portion and a radially-outer portion wherein the radially-inner portion defines a first plane and the radially-outer portion defines a second plane which is substantially transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A ruler for aiding in packing a stuffing box surrounding a shaft having a measurement scale comprising at least one mark for delineating the optimal compressed height of a compressible set of packing rings, each packing ring having about the same optimal compression and dimension, and a linear series of graduation marks of repeat basic measurements units for delineating by the distance between the graduation marks the height of non-compressible bushing rings of about the same dimension.

Abstract: A valve packing compression apparatus and method of use therefor are disclosed for compressing packing rings into a stuffing box of a valve bonnet which has a gland follower. The compression apparatus includes a base plate configured to support and consistently position the valve bonnet. A rocker arm is pivotally attached to the base plate. A hydraulic ram is also attached to the base plate and extends to contact one end of, and thereby pivot, the rocker arm. The opposite end of the rocker arm includes a pair of tines which straddle a yoke support arm of the valve bonnet and align with the gland follower. Hydraulic fluid is provided to the ram by a hydraulic pump through a pressure regulator. When the hydraulic ram is activated to extend, the tines contact the gland follower, thereby compressing the packing rings a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A dynamic labyrinth sealing device which includes a stator having an annular engagement flange on a radially inner portion thereof and a rotator having an annular engagement flange on a radially outer portion thereof. The stator annular engagement flange and the rotator annular engagement flange have coacting radially extending openings for mechanically interlocking the stator and the rotator.

Abstract: A dynamic labyrinth sealing device which includes a stator having an annular engagement flange on a radially inner portion thereof and a rotator having an annular engagement flange on a radially outer portion thereof. The stator annular engagement flange and the rotator annular engagement flange have coacting radially extending openings for mechanically interlocking the stator and the rotator.

Abstract: A floating wiper seal assembly for sealingly engaging a reciprocating shaft within a hydraulic pump or cylinder housing. The seal assembly includes a generally cylindrical elastomeric seal body configured for reception within a cylindrical bore of the housing. An axial bore extends through the seal body for receiving the reciprocating shaft. A pair of opposed flexible annular lips extend radially inwardly from an interior surface of the axial bore for wiping and sealingly engaging the reciprocating shaft, and at least two flexible annular rings extend radially outwardly from the seal body for sealingly engaging an interior surface of the cylindrical bore. The elastomeric seal body is dimensioned and configured to float freely within the cylindrical bore in both a radial and axial direction upon flexure of the annular lips and annular sealing rings in response to reciprocating movement of the shaft while maintaining sealing engagement with the shaft and the pump or cylinder housing, respectively.

Abstract: The compact five ring stuffing box packing assembly includes high density metal inserted braided end rings of graphite which have each been die formed to have angled facing surfaces. Three low density graphite preform rings having angled facing surfaces are contained between the high density braided end rings. The facing surfaces of the preform rings extend at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the packing assembly than do the facing surfaces of the braided end rings. The braided end rings provide a support function for the preform rings as well as a stem wiping function.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use between a pair of abutting planar surfaces with opposed grooves which combine to form a seal groove to receive the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a stiffly flexible body element having portions which surround, protect and compress a pair of more resilient members. The compressed resilient members hold portions of the body element in sealing engagement with faces of the seal groove formed between the abutting planar surfaces.

Abstract: Compressed non-asbestos gasketing material suitable for use in high temperature applications and particularly for sealing steam and other oxidizing fluids. In a preferred form, the material is characterized by a markedly reduced weight loss at high temperatures as compared to other compressed non-asbestos gasketing materials. The material contains a substantial quantity of sepiolite fiber and a lesser amount of other inorganic fibers such as rock, wool and ceramic.

Abstract: A particle exclusion assembly designed to operate in an inclined position and to protect an associated sealing assembly. The assembly includes radially inner and outer relatively rotatable walls and axially inner and outer baffles and a rotary, controlled porosity, open-celled element which substantially fills the cavity between the two walls and the two baffles. The open-celled element controls the rate of movement of particulate material and restricted annular opening is provided to control ingress and egress of particulate material from the open-celled element.

Abstract: A laser markable composite material which when so marked retains good color contrast after heat aging. The material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene resin, photosensitive filler material and an extrusion aid. The photosensitive material is preferably a metal oxide and has a larger mean particle size than typical pigments. Also disclosed is a sequence of milling, mixing and blending steps which forms the desired composite material.

Abstract: An improved flowing arch expansion joint includes a fiberglass body layer having an overlapping longitudinal seam that are bonded together by a layer of heat flowable fluoropolymer material. The radial expansion strength of the joint is enhanced by a supplemental peripheral reinforcing strip extending over less than the entire axial length of the joint, in the area of the maximum diameter portion, only. The peripheral reinforcing strip is formed by a winding process in which tire cord-based strip material is wound at a laying angle as close as possible to ninety degrees relative to the axis of the joint.

Abstract: A labyrinth type seal assembly having one or more controlled porosity elements retained in the labyrinth pathway between relatively rotatable seal elements. Preferably the controlled porosity elements are formed of open celled foam material such as polyurethane. The controlled porosity elements assist in preventing the ingress of contaminating solid or liquid materials, the loss of sealed materials and the flooding or overloading of drain ports.

Abstract: A polymer resin-molluscicidal composite for preventing and controlling damage to water distribution systems caused by Dreissena polymorpha, the zebra mussel, and other undesirable sessile mollusks is provided. The composite is preferably formed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and 0.1 to 20 weight percent of a water insoluble, high melting point molluscicide which is preferably a metal salt or complex of an organic sulfur compound. Alkyldithiocarbamates, tetraalkylthiuram sulfides and the metal salts and complexes thereof are preferred molluscicides. The molluscicidal composite may be formed into structural components, such as valves, or into linings, coatings and encapsulators.

Abstract: A labyrinth seal ring designed to function properly regardless of its rotational orientation relative to a horizontal shaft to be sealed. The novel seal ring bore is formed with a series of lands and grooves, with a plurality of axially extending drainage grooves cut across the axially inner lands to allow fluid to drain back into the associated housing interior. The pattern of the drainage grooves varies from land to land so that nowhere is there a direct flow path across more than two lands. The new ring will most likely be used in conjunction with a bearing isolator seal, but it may be used alone in some applications.

Abstract: A unitized seal includes a unitizing joint which is remotely spaced from a seal lip. The seal requires only two stampings with one elastomeric element bonded to one of the stampings. The remaining stamping forms a one piece wear sleeve having a first section with a wear surface which is engaged by a seal lip formed on the elastomeric element to provide a seal. A second section of this stamping extends angularly away from the wear surface and includes a terminal end which cooperates with the elastomeric element bearing stamping to form the unitizing joint.