Abstract: An annular seal assembly which is adapted to be utilized in a vehicle air conditioning compressor. The seal assembly includes an outer annular support housing which is sealingly secured to the main body of the compressor in coaxial relationship with a rotatable shaft. An annular PTFE seal element includes an outer annular periphery sealingly secured to the support housing, and an inner annular periphery adapted to sealingly engage the rotatable shaft. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer annular housing of the seal assembly is formed to include an inwardly facing annular recessed portion which is adapted to receive an annular gasket ring utilized to provide a seal between the PTFE seal element and the outer annular housing. The outer annular housing is also provided with an outwardly facing inner annular recessed portion which is adapted to receive a suitable tool for removing the seal element from the main body of the compressor.

Abstract: An annular seal assembly which is adapted to be utilized in a vehicle air conditioning compressor. The seal assembly includes an outer annular support housing which is sealingly secured to the main body of the compressor in coaxial relationship with a rotatable shaft. An annular PTFE seal element includes an outer annular periphery sealingly secured to the support housing, and an inner annular periphery adapted to sealingly engage the rotatable shaft. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer annular housing of the seal assembly is formed to include an inwardly facing annular recessed portion which is adapted to receive an annular gasket ring utilized to provide a seal between the PTFE seal element and the outer annular housing. The outer annular housing is also provided with an outwardly facing inner annular recessed portion which is adapted to receive a suitable tool for removing the seal element from the main body of the compressor.

Abstract: A lip seal comprising a uniformly thin wafer of adjacent radical concentric sections of polytetrafluoroethylene and an elastomer, which elastomer is attached to a rigid annular member for mounting the seal. The polytetrafluoroethylene annular lip sealing portion may be either on the inner or outer circumference of the washer-shaped annular seal, and the rigid annular supporting member may be of a plastic or metal which is bonded and/or clamped to the elastomeric annular portion. The polytetrafluoroethylene annular portion of the wafer seal may be slit, grooved and/or formed to improve its flexibility and/or sealing action.The combination polytetrafluoroethylene and elastomer wafers are formed by first fabricating a polytetrafluoroethylene tube or rod having a wall thickness corresponding at least to the radial thickness of the resulting washer, and then etching at least one of the cylindrical surfaces of this tube or rod to which the elastomer is next bonded in a mold.