Abstract: A method of producing a low cost impregnated and coated fiber useful in forming pump, valve, expansion joint, hydraulic cylinder and similar packings capable of resisting high caustic concentrations is provided. In accordance with this method a relatively low cost yarn, such as rayon, is simultaneously subjected to a spreading operation and passed through a highly alkaline colloidal tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) solution. As the yarn fibers are spread from a fiber bundle to a flat ribbon-like array of spaced parallel fibers, the fibers swell or "balloon," thus allowing the TFE to completely penetrate the interior of each fiber. A subsequent coating step insures that the exterior of each fiber is completely coated with the TFE solution. Fibers produced according to the present process are characterized by substantially lower cost than available materials, are completely caustic resistant at a pH approaching or exceeding 14, and have a long, useful service life in a variety of different environments.

Abstract: A method for welding together filled sintered polytetrafluoroethylene components. The ends of the components to be welded are carefully tapered to form reverse mated surfaces and then assembled in position to be welded. The actual welding step is carried out under heat and pressure followed by cooling under pressure. The process is particularly useful in the fabrication of very large gaskets or other very large planar objects.

Abstract: A highly compressible gasket material is formed by fusing two filled sheets of PTFE containing dispersed microballoons to a central unfilled sheet of PTFE which provides tensile strength to the material. The two unfilled sheets each constitute from 20% to 25% of the overall thickness of the gasket material. This method provides a unitary gasket assembly having an overall compressibility of 45% or more, but the thicker unfilled PTFE central area of the assembly provides excellent recovery characteristics and resistance to creep relaxation.

Abstract: A reinforced composite gasketing material characterized by high strength and dimensional stability, excellent recovery and superior creep relaxation resistance properties and a process for producing such a gasketing material are provided. The composite gasketing material of the present invention is a multiple layer laminate of filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and at least one ply of perforated stainless steel. The process of the present invention includes the steps of pressure sintering alternately layered sheets of a PTFE/filler blend and stainless steel by the application of a sequence of intervals of pressures and temperatures selected primarily according to the thickness desired in the finished material and then rapidly cooling the sintered composite under pressure. The resulting gasketing material has the metal layer completely encapsulated by and bonded to the PTFE/filler material.

Abstract: A highly compressible gasket material is formed by fusing two filled sheets of PTFE containing dispersed microballoons to a central unfilled sheet of PTFE which provides tensile strength to the material. The two unfilled sheets each constitute from 20% to 25% of the overall thickness of the gasket material. This method provides a unitary gasket assembly having an overall compressibility of 45% or more, but the thicker unfilled PTFE central area of the assembly provides excellent recovery characteristics and resistance to creep relaxation.

Abstract: A high temperature compressed non-asbestos sheet is provided which is effective for gasketing applications in temperatures up to at least 900.degree. F. The sheet is formed from carbon fibers having a high percentage of carbonization and a low modulus of elasticity. The carbon content of the fibers is above 90% while the modulus of elasticity is less than 10,000,000 psi., and such fibers form at least 75% of the fiber content of the sheet. The carbon fibers may be blended with small portions of organic fibers to enhance the physical properties of the sheet.

Abstract: A bearing isolator seal having a shaft seal assembly that includes a 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 bearing isolator seal having a shaft seal assembly that includes a stator housing having an inner radially extending face with an annular flange of substantially frusto-conical shape that extends 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 of substantially frusto-conical shape that is provided with a smaller diameter end that is fixed to a hub of the rotor, a larger diameter free end, and a contact sealing surface therebetween, the free end being biased into contact with the inner radially extending face of the stator housing and the contact sealing surface being biased into contact with the free end of the annular flange of the stator housing under static seal conditions, the rotor being constructed in a manner causing these areas of contact to be broken under the effect of centrifugal forces generated by rotation of the rotor with the shaft.

Abstract: A one-piece hub seal sleeve is slip fit onto a cooperating element to properly locate and orient that sleeve prior to affixing the sleeve to the cooperating element. A flange on a trailing portion of the sleeve can abut a bearing race of a wheel assembly during installation of the sleeve to keep the sleeve properly oriented and located during assembly.

Abstract: An improved glandless plug valve of the type in which a tapered plug fits into a tapered bore in a valve body is provided wherein the tapers formed on the plug and in the body coact to form a body seal. A stem seal is also provided. The stem seal comprises a ring-like sealing member confined within mating grooves in the top of the plug and in a floating seal member. The floating seal member is biased downwardly to effect the seal between itself and the ring-like seal member. The bias force is transmitted to the plug valve urging it into engagement with the body of the valve, to provide a good body seal. In a preferred embodiment, the valve and plug are lined such that the valve is suitable for use in connection with corrosive liquids or slurries. The floating seal provides automatic compensation for temperature induced dimensional changes and for wear.

Abstract: A lip type bonded shaft seal adapted to seal against substantial fluid pressure. The seal includes a low-friction liner bonded to a sealing portion of an elastomeric element which is bonded to a U-shaped metal shell which helps to support the sealing lip portion. The low-friction liner is not bonded to any part of the metal shell.

Abstract: A mechanical seal includes a drive sleeve on a rotating shaft having a flush agitator thereon. The flush agitator includes a fluid contacting surface that is in the form of a non-directional trisymmetric sine wave and creates particle movement away from the shaft. Seal face dissipation is monitored using an optical device located outside of the seal housing and having a portion thereof focused on a seal element which moves in response to seal face dissipation.

Abstract: An improved band seal clamp for clamping cylindrical members, for example, automotive or truck exhaust systems, is disclosed which features clamping bars at each end of the band. Upon tightening of bolts, at least one end of the band is wrapped up about an axis outside of and parallel to the axis of the tube, so as to tighten the band clamp.

Abstract: A method for molding an annular lip type shaft seal 10 of the type having an annular elastomeric shaft seal element 12 and a resin liner 14 (preferably polytetrafluoroethylene) integrally molded therewith and bonded thereto, including providing a step or shoulder 36 on the mold core 26 to prevent the resin liner 14 from flowing axially beyond a predetermined location during molding. The method includes providing a certain range of acute angles ".alpha." between the shoulder surface 42 and the liner forming surface 38 of the mold core surface 34, and a certain range of shoulder heights "d" relative to the liner thickness "t", for various values of the initial viscosity of the elastomeric preform 18. The percentage of rejects due to undesired flow of the resin liner 14 during molding has been greatly reduced.

Abstract: An improved band seal clamp for clamping of tubular members is disclosed which features a band-like clamping member having slots formed in its ends for interaction with bolts held rigidly in holes formed in a spacing member disposed between the ends of the clamp. The ends of the band are shaped to define surfaces at an angle with respect to the surface of the tubular members which coact with force bars having corresponding shapes. Throughbolts fit through the slots in the band, holes in the force bars and the holes in the spacing member, so that upon tightening of the bolts the ends of the band clamp are forced outward, thus exerting a compressive stress on the tubular member.

Abstract: A linecutter article, apparatus and method wherein the linecutter is mounted adjacent a shaft seal cutting line to protect the shaft seal(s). The linecutter includes an annular ring of tough, low coefficient of fricton, abrasion-resistant, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or its equivalent in contact with the shaft and having a sharp linecutter edge facing outwardly. The ring is tough enough to cut monofilament fishing line but flexible enough to follow shaft runout and provides an additional seal.

Abstract: An annular trimmed lip shaft seal of the type not having a metal shell but consisting solely of an elastomeric body and a liner of low friction material bonded thereto, which liner includes a radial flange extending radially out beyond the outside diameter of the elastomeric body for abutting the housing for locating the seal, and for strengthening the seal to provide seal retention and alignment. A method for making the seal and a method for locating, retaining and aligning a seal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disc brake boot seal 10 (and method for assembling a disc brake system) that is molded in its extended condition and that when moved into its collapsed condition will remain in its collapsed condition. The boot seal comprises a molded elastomeric sleeve 12 having a plurality of different wall portions 20-34 certain ones of which interact to releasably hold the sleeve in its collapsed condition so that it does not self-extend. The expense and high mold breakage resulting from the prior art system of molding a seal in its collapsed, convoluted condition are eliminated by this invention.

Abstract: A shaft seal (and method for making the same) of the type having an annular elastomeric body, a molded lip, and the molded lip having a liner of sintered polytetrafluoroethylene bonded thereto. The elastomer is molded simultaneously with the polytetrafluoroethylene liner being formed and bonded to the elastomer. The method for making the seal employs the same mold used to make common, molded lip elastomeric seals.

Abstract: A shaft seal (and method for making the same) of the type having an annular elastomeric body, a molded lip, and the molded lip having a liner of sintered polytetrafluoroethylene bonded thereto. The elastomer is molded simultaneously with the polytetrafluoroethylene liner being formed and bonded to the elastomer. The method for making the seal employs the same mold used to make common, molded lip elastomeric seals.