Abstract: A seal assembly for a reciprocating shaft includes a body having a bore and a shaft adapted to move reciprocally within the body between an extended position extending from the body and a retracted position retracted within the body. The shaft has a first seal travel area which is in contact with a first seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The shaft has a second seal travel area which is in contact with a second seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The first seal travel area and the second seal travel area are axially spaced separate and distinct areas on the shaft. Damage to the exposed portion of the first seal travel area leading to a failure of the first circumferential seal, does not lead to failure of the second circumferential seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first body and a second body. A primary seal is disposed between the first body and the second body. A secondary seal is disposed between the first body and the second body in spaced relation to the primary seal. A pressure port extends through one of the first body and the second body between the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure sensor is provided for detecting a pressure increase within the pressure port, thereby indicating a failure of the primary seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a reciprocating shaft includes a body having a bore and a shaft adapted to move reciprocally within the body between an extended position extending from the body and a retracted position retracted within the body. The shaft has a first seal travel area which is in contact with a first seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The shaft has a second seal travel area which is in contact with a second seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The first seal travel area and the second seal travel area are axially spaced separate and distinct areas on the shaft. Damage to the exposed portion of the first seal travel area leading to a failure of the first circumferential seal, does not lead to failure of the second circumferential seal.

Abstract: A seal configuration to reduce seal extrusion includes a body having an opening with inwardly tapered peripheral sidewalls. A closure having an attachment portion larger than the opening and an axially projecting stopper portion adapted to fit closely within the opening. The stopper portion has an endless peripheral seal groove extending in spaced relation around the axis in which is positioned a peripheral seal which conforms to the tapered peripheral sidewalls. A backing ring of pliable memory retaining material is positioned between the peripheral seal groove and the attachment portion of the closure. The backing ring resists extrusion flow under pressure. In response to an increase in internal pressure within the body, the peripheral seal is extruded against the backing ring which deforms to prevent the peripheral seal from entering the extrusion gaps.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first body and a second body. A primary seal is disposed between the first body and the second body. A secondary seal is disposed between the first body and the second body in spaced relation to the primary seal. A pressure port extends through one of the first body and the second body between the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure sensor is provided for detecting a pressure increase within the pressure port, thereby indicating a failure of the primary seal.