Abstract: A combination vacuum pump, low friction bearing and seal assembly is provided in which a rotor relatively rotatable with respect to a stator has two sets of radially spaced, concentric spiral grooves. As the rotor rotates, one set of grooves forces sufficient ambient air between confronting surfaces of the rotor and stator to keep them axially spaced and provide a low friction bearing. Another set of grooves forces sufficient air from the vessel and through a one-way air exit to evacuate the vessel. A restriction created by the axially spaced confronting surfaces substantially prevents ambient air from moving radially inwardly to the evacuated vessel, as well as trapping the ambient air to maintain the axial spacing. Any ambient air passing through the restriction is dumped back to ambient through the same air exit, thereby keeping the evacuated vessel sealed.

Abstract: An improved sealing surface configuration consists of a grid-like pattern of indentations formed into the surface, uniformly spaced to create a consequently uniformly spaced series of intermediate seal support pads. Each indentation includes a sloped wall converging with an adjacent pad in the direction of seal lip motion. The consequent hydrodynamic pumping action pumps lubricant out of the indentations and over the pads, creating a uniform lip supporting film to reduce friction. A method of deforming and machining the sealing surface to produce the configuration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low friction dynamic seal assembly in which a seal body is selectively bonded to certain portions of a seal case fixable to a rotatable member. The selected bonding creates a hinge with the seal case of controllable resistance to the initial deflection of the seal body caused when the seal case is fixed rotatable member. The seal body is selectively bonded substantially only to that portion of the seal case toward which the seal body is deflected. Therefore, reduced frictional loads are provided at low speed of rotation. Additionally, the hinge provided by the selected bonding allows further deflection of the seal body at higher speeds of rotation to further reduce seal friction.

Abstract: A method of providing a cold-worked sealing surface on the annular face of an annular seal ring is disclosed. The seal ring is mounted in a rotatable holder with the annular face exposed. While the holder is rotated, a work tool with a plurality of shot-impregnated flaps is also rotated. The axis of rotation of the work tool and holder are displaced 90.degree.. During rotation, the holder and flaps are placed in interfering relationship so that the annular face is cold-worked by the shot-impregnated flaps. The opposite annular face of the seal ring can be worked in the same manner.

Abstract: A lip-type fluid seal for use with a rotating shaft has a molded seal portion having a cylindrical surface comprised of two elastomeric materials. These elastomeric materials have significantly different elastic modulus values and hardness values. The cylindrical surface on both of the elastomeric materials have an axial projection which are formed during the molding process. During rotation of the shaft, the axial projections deflect to a helical configuration and cooperate with the shaft to form a viscous shear pump. The lower modulus material has a greater helical attitude and therefore increasing pumping action.