Abstract: A method of making a spring-energized elastomeric seal is disclosed in which the seal has a C-shape or a U-shape spring substantially surrounded by an elastomer. The method uses a male die section upon which the spring is loaded. A female die section is positioned around the male section. Elastomer is injected, cooled and the die sections pulled apart yielding the finished seal.

Abstract: An improved seal for use in a hydraulic system such as a piston rod in a housing, the seal having a stressing member and sealing member in which the latter is in point contact with, for example, a piston rod under low fluid pressure and has an additional contact area with the piston rod under high fluid pressure; a shallow concavity between the point contact and the contact area entraps lubricating fluid when the seal is subjected to high fluid pressure. In another modification the sealing member has an incline on the face in contact with the stressing member so that under high fluid pressure, the stressing member is forced up the incline and thus exerts increased pressure through the sealing member against the contact area and produces an effective high fluid pressure seal. In still another embodiment the sealing member has a concave surface to receive the stressing member such that it is centered, during low pressure operation, over a sealing contact area of the sealing member.

Abstract: A composite seal for use between a movable element and a static element in a fluid pressure system where pressures vary on opposite sides of the seal. The seal comprises a fluoronated hydrocarbon sealing ring with a finely grooved sealing surface and an elastomer loading ring. The loading ring is a static seal and normally imposes radial force on the dynamic sealing ring and under increased fluid pressure deforms the peripheral grooves, forcing entrained fluid from them. The sealing ring has recovery characteristics which tend to restore the deformed grooves without readmitting fluid into the grooves, establishing a pressure differential which adheres the sealing ring to the surface to be sealed.