Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer gasket seal. The gasket seal includes a sheet having a first sheet surface. An aperture pierces the first sheet surface. A first channel is defined in the first sheet surface and extends along a first path around the aperture. The first channel has a depth and a width. The gasket seal also includes a ring seal disposed in the first channel. The ring seal has a thickness defined between a sealing surface facing away from the channel and an opposing surface facing the channel. One of the thickness and the depth varies about the aperture such that a distance between the sealing surface and the first sheet surface varies about the aperture.

Abstract: A static gasket assembly having a grid-like carrier (10, 10?) formed as a mesh of overlapping strands. Openings (16-22) are created strategically in the carrier (10, 10?) with the severed ends of the strands forming cantilever stems (12) projecting inwardly. Any one of a variety of specially configured sealing elements (24, 30, 32, 36, 38) are pressed into the respective openings (16-22) with the cantilever stems (12) engaging a peripheral groove (26) in each sealing element to retain the respective sealing elements in position. The gasket assembly is then placed over a surface to be sealed (40) and the carrier (10, 10?) can either be removed, or remain as a permanent fixture of the gasket assembly.

Abstract: A static gasket assembly having a grid-like carrier (10, 10?) formed as a mesh of overlapping strands. Openings (16-22) are created strategically in the carrier (10, 10?) with the severed ends of the strands forming cantilever stems (12) projecting inwardly. Any one of a variety of specially configured sealing elements (24, 30, 32, 36, 38) are pressed into the respective openings (16-22) with the cantilever stems (12) engaging a peripheral groove (26) in each sealing element to retain the respective sealing elements in position. The gasket assembly is then placed over a surface to be sealed (40) and the carrier (10, 10?) can either be removed, or remain as a permanent fixture of the gasket assembly.

Abstract: A gasket assembly has at least one fluid-conveying opening and at least one bolt hole. The gasket includes PEEK material that may be applied as a layer to at least a portion of a metal core of the gasket. A layer of elastomeric sealing material is applied to at least a portion of the PEEK material.

Abstract: An accessory device for use with a microhardness tester to position a test surface of a sample in a focal plane of the microhardness tester is disclosed. The device comprises a frame having a base that attaches to a z-stage of a microhardness tester, and upstanding front and rear walls connected by a bridge wall spaced vertically from the base. The front and rear walls of the frame each have an inwardly protruding detent rail defining an engagement surface on an underside of the detent rail, wherein the respective engagement surfaces lie in a common plane that corresponds to the focal plane of an objective lens of the microhardness tester. A swivel stage is provided between the front and rear walls for carrying a test sample. The stage is movable automatically or manually to a test position wherein a test surface of the sample abuts with the engagement surfaces in the focal plane and a released position.