Abstract: A seal for sealing between two mating faces that are curved. The seal includes a groove formed in one of the faces for encircling a passageway that terminates at the face. The groove has a depth that varies along the diameter of the groove with the curvature of the face. The base or bottom of the groove is located in a single plane. An elastomeric seal ring is located in the groove. The seal ring also has a variable cross-sectional thickness that varies around the diameter of the ring corresponding to the depth of the groove. The seal ring has an annular band that fits within a counterbore in the groove to retain the seal ring.

Abstract: A seal assembly releasing tool is shown having an outer support case and an inner unlocking element rotatably mounted on a shaft and coupled by a planetary gear train. The seal assembly is provided with cam surfaces into which cam followers latch for securely connecting the tool to the seal assembly and enabling the outer case to turn the assembly in one direction while the inner element turns the locking sleeve of the seal assembly in the other direction to release the seal assembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly releasing tool is shown having an outer support case and an inner unlocking element rotatably mounted on a shaft and coupled by a planetary gear train. The seal assembly is provided with cam surfaces into which cam followers latch for securely connecting the tool to the seal assembly and enabling the outer case to turn the assembly in one direction while the inner element turns the locking sleeve of the seal assembly in the other direction to release the seal assembly.