Abstract: A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier.

Abstract: A method for reducing fuel permeation through gasketed joints in an internal combustion engine (10) includes surface treating the gaskets in a halogenated medium before placing them into service. A low-cost elastomer such as acrylic, EPDM or HNBR, can be used for the gasket body. The halogenated medium may comprise either a liquid bath or a gaseous bath, into which the gasket is immersed. The halogenated medium bath is excited by heating to accelerate the halogenation process. A gasket treated according to this invention possesses a chemically altered exterior surface which substantially enhances its fuel permeability resistance at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A method for reducing fuel permeation through gasketed joints in an internal combustion engine (10) includes surface treating the gaskets in a halogenated medium before placing them into service. A low-cost elastomer such as acrylic, EPDM or HNBR, can be used for the gasket body. The halogenated medium may comprise either a liquid bath or a gaseous bath, into which the gasket is immersed. The halogenated medium bath is excited by heating to accelerate the halogenation process. A gasket treated according to this invention possesses a chemically altered exterior surface which substantially enhances its fuel permeability resistance at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A flanged cover assembly includes a cover having a wall portion, a lateral attachment flange surrounding the wall portion extending outwardly therefrom and a plurality of spaced flange bores extending through the flange from a upper surface to a lower surface. The bores are adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners which are adapted to be inserted through the bores and secure the cover to a base. The invention also includes a spring retainer which is adapted to extend along at least a portion of the outer surface of the lateral attachment flange. The spring retainer has a plurality of spaced retainer bores corresponding to at least two of the spaced flange bores and at least one shaped spring portion that is adapted to contact the upper surface of the lateral attachment flange mediate the spaced flange bores. The assembly may also include a cover gasket having a plurality of bores corresponding to the plurality of spaced flange bores and spaced retainer bores.

Abstract: A unitized oil seal assembly (20, 220, 320,420) has a sealing disk (34, 234, 334, 434) fabricated of a single water of PTFE-based material that is split along its radially outer edge to define a pair of split sections, one of which (48, 248, 348, 438) is fixed to an outer annular carrier member (30, 230, 330, 430) and supports the other split section (50, 250, 350, 450) and an unsplit section (52, 252, 352, 452) in sealing engagement with corresponding sealing surfaces of a wear sleeve (32, 232, 332, 432) to exclude contaminants and retaining lubricant, respectively, from passing by the seal assembly (20, 220, 320, 420).

Abstract: Elastomers are securely bonded to metal substrates using an aqueous adhesive solution containing a silane adhesive in combination with a phosphonium quaternary salt additive. The additive concentration is preferably between 15% and 40% of the silane concentration. The concentration of the silane and additive in the water base is preferably 2.7%, on a weight basis.

Abstract: Elastomers are securely bonded to metal substrates using an aqueous adhesive solution containing a silane adhesive in combination with a phosphonium quaternary salt additive. The additive concentration is preferably between 15% and 40% of the silane concentration. The concentration of the silane and additive in the water base is preferably 2.7%, on a weight basis.