Abstract: An embodiment provides a MLS gasket that includes a metal layer having an external periphery, an upper surface generally defining a first plane, and a lower surface generally defining a second plane. The first and second planes define a layer thickness therebetween. At least one cylinder aperture is formed in the metal layer. The metal layer includes a stopper portion formed adjacent at least a portion of the external periphery. The stopper portion is formed such that at least a portion of the stopper portion extends above the first plane. At least a portion of the stopper portion extends below the second plane. An average thickness of the stopper portion is less than the layer thickness. The gasket also includes a first sealing layer adjacent the metal layer. The first sealing layer includes a first bead portion. Compression of the first bead portion is selectively limited by the stopper portion.

Abstract: A bolt retainer mechanism in one layer of a multiple-layered steel (MLS) gasket, includes an aperture defining a radially inwardly extending tabs. In one embodiment, each tab is formed to define an inverted U-shaped tang positioned adjacent to, and in symmetrical registration with though axially spaced from, an associated mated aperture formed in a second layer of at least a two-layer gasket. Collectively, the plurality of tangs defines a circumscribed diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the associated mated aperture, to assure retention of a bolt supported through the mated apertures for pre-assembly shipment. Preferably, the tangs in association with each of the mated apertures are formed of a spring metal adapted to provide radially inwardly directed forces against threaded shanks of associated bolts. To enhance effectiveness of bolt retention, the bolt-contacting portion of each U-shaped tab has an axial length greater than the axial thickness of the apertures.

Abstract: A bolt retainer mechanism in one layer of a multiple-layered steel (MLS) gasket, includes an aperture defining a radially inwardly extending tabs. In one embodiment, each tab is formed to define an inverted U-shaped tang positioned adjacent to, and in symmetrical registration with though axially spaced from, an associated mated aperture formed in a second layer of at least a two-layer gasket. Collectively, the plurality of tangs defines a circumscribed diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the associated mated aperture, to assure retention of a bolt supported through the mated apertures for pre-assembly shipment. Preferably, the tangs in association with each of the mated apertures are formed of a spring metal adapted to provide radially inwardly directed forces against threaded shanks of associated bolts. To enhance effectiveness of bolt retention, the bolt-contacting portion of each U-shaped tab has an axial length greater than the axial thickness of the apertures.

Abstract: A bolt retainer mechanism in one layer of a multiple-layered steel (MLS) gasket, includes an aperture defining a radially inwardly extending tabs. In one embodiment, each tab is formed to define an inverted U-shaped tang positioned adjacent to, and in symmetrical registration with though axially spaced from, an associated mated aperture formed in a second layer of at least a two-layer gasket. Collectively, the plurality of tangs defines a circumscribed diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the associated mated aperture, to assure retention of a bolt supported through the mated apertures for pre-assembly shipment. Preferably, the tangs in association with each of the mated apertures are formed of a spring metal adapted to provide radially inwardly directed forces against threaded shanks of associated bolts. To enhance effectiveness of bolt retention, the bolt-contacting portion of each U-shaped tab has an axial length greater than the axial thickness of the apertures.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a flange and a mating surface includes a metal layer having at least two integral tabs formed as a continuation of said metal layer. The flange includes at least two apertures that are correspondingly sized and positioned to receive the tabs. In a first embodiment, each tab is formed on the outer periphery of the metal layer and comprises two contoured, resilient legs separated to form a vertical slot between the legs, and a contoured tip located at a distal end of each tab leg. In a second embodiment, each tab includes a serrated resilient edge that promotes tab insertion, but digs into an inner periphery of the aperture upon attempted tab removal. In a third embodiment, each tab is formed on an inner periphery of two mounting apertures formed in the metal layer.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a flange and a mating surface includes a metal layer having at least two integral tabs formed as a continuation of said metal layer. The flange includes at least two apertures that are correspondingly sized and positioned to receive the tabs. In a first embodiment, each tab is formed on the outer periphery of the metal layer and comprises two contoured, resilient legs separated to form a vertical slot between the legs, and a contoured tip located at a distal end of each tab leg. In a second embodiment, each tab includes a serrated resilient edge that promotes tab insertion, but digs into an inner periphery of the aperture upon attempted tab removal. In a third embodiment, each tab is formed on an inner periphery of two mounting apertures formed in the metal layer.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold gasket for sealing between an exhaust header and a first mating flange includes a metal layer having at least two integral tabs formed on an outer periphery of the metal layer. The first mating flange further includes at least two apertures located within the first outer periphery that are correspondingly sized and positioned to receive the tabs. In one embodiment each tab comprises two contoured, resilient legs separated to form a vertical slot between the legs, and a contoured tip located at a distal end of each tab leg. The contoured tip includes a sloped portion that slopes laterally outwardly from the distal end of each tab leg along an outside edge of each tab leg and terminates in a laterally outwardly extending protrusion for providing a tight interference fit when inserted into a corresponding aperture. In another embodiment, each tab includes a serrated resilient edge that promotes tab insertion, but digs into an inner periphery of the aperture upon attempted tab removal.

Abstract: A metal gasket is utilized for sealing two metal surfaces clamped together by a pair of bolts. A first metal plate has at least two apertures for receiving the bolts. The bolts have a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter. At least one of the apertures has a first inner diameter larger than the major diameter with a plurality of retainer tabs extending radially inwardly to define a second inner diameter larger than the minor thread diameter and smaller than the major thread diameter.

Abstract: A flexible plastic grommet is received in an aperture of an internal combustion engine with the multiple purposes of frictionally engaging the gasket to prevent separation, locating the gasket with respect to separate but communicating components, and retaining a threaded fastener in the grommet which is used to join the mechanical components. The grommet comprises a sidewall with a plurality of symmetrically spaced circumferentially disposed grooves that extend longitudinally along the grommet. An innermost periphery of the sidewall is defined by a base of each of the grooves while an outermost periphery of the sidewall extends circumferentially between each of the grooves. The innermost periphery and the outermost periphery of the sidewall comprise a plurality of locking projections extending radially away from the sidewall to promote frictional engagement between the grommet and the gasket, fastener, and the one of the mechanical components.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing between two opposed surfaces with a rigid carrier to which a flexible sealing element is bonded includes at least two carrier members. The carrier members define continuous circumferentially closed inner and outer peripheries. A first carrier member has a first overlapping portion at a first end and a second overlapping portion at a second end. A second carrier member has a first overlapping portion at a first end and a second overlapping portion at a second end. The second overlapping portion of the first member is overlapped by the first overlapping portion of the second member.

Abstract: A metal gasket is utilized for sealing two metal surfaces clamped together by a pair of bolts. A first metal plate has at least two apertures for receiving the bolts. The bolts have a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter. At least one of the apertures has a first inner diameter larger than the major diameter with a plurality of retainer tabs extending radially inwardly to define a second inner diameter larger than the minor thread diameter and smaller than the major thread diameter.

Abstract: An improved gasket insert assembly for use in a gasket that is adapted to seal a high pressure fluid opening includes a gasket body, a sealing member with the high pressure fluid opening, and a unitized flange assembly. The sealing member is secured to the flange assembly and positioned in an aperture of the gasket body. The flange assembly is secured to the gasket body at locations generally remote from the aperture of the gasket body, using flanges that typically serve additional functions, increasing the clamping force available for sealing.

Abstract: A one-piece baffle/metering insert is utilized to block or partially restrict the flow of fluid through an aperture formed in a gasket. The insert is constructed of a single piece of stainless steel and is provided with two pair of flange portions about its outer periphery which enables the entire periphery of the insert to be sealingly secured within the gasket aperture. The present invention also includes a unique method of securing the insert within an associated gasket aperture.

Abstract: A gasket having a closure assembly secured over a port formed through the body thereof for thermally sealing and insulating the intake manifold from the cylinder head is disclosed. The closure assembly is formed from a metallic baffle plate, a thermal barrier plate formed from a heat insulating material, and a sealing plate formed from a material which is a relatively good heat conductor and which is resistant to degradation from high temperatures. The baffle plate is formed having a first plurality of tabs which extend outwardly therefrom in a co-planar manner, a second plurality of tabs which extend upwardly from the plane thereof, and a third plurality of tabs which extend downwardly from the plane thereof. The sealing plate is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the baffle plate. The downwardly extending tabs of the baffle plate are bent inwardly over the outer peripheral edge of the sealing plate so as to secure it thereto.

Abstract: A plurality of positioning grommets are fixed to a gasket for use in an internal combustion engine. The gasket is adapted to provide sealing between two separate but communicating engine parts which contain mating bores for passage of mechanical fasteners. One of the parts includes at least two counterbores, each concentrically aligned with one mechanical fastener bore. Each counterbore is adapted to receive a grommet sized and toleranced to assure clearance from the sidewall and bottom of the counterbore, and hence to provide an interference-free grommet-counterbore mating. In a preferred form, each grommet body contains a plurality of circumferentially spaced integral detents.

Abstract: A gasket having multiple regions of different densities and thicknesses is disclosed. First and second laminae of a gasket material are disposed in partial overlapping relationship. A perforated core is provided with a plurality of prongs. The prongs extend from a first side of the core into the first and second laminae so as to form a unitary gasket having a uniform thickness portion. The uniform thickness portion includes a first density region defined by that portion of the first lamina which was overlapped by the second lamina and a second density region defined by that portion of the first lamina which was not overlapped by the second lamina. Third and fourth laminae may also be disposed in partial overlapping relationship such that a plurality of prongs extend from a second side of said core therein so as to form the unitary gasket.

Abstract: A sealing structure for providing a relatively leak-proof seal between the junction of two gaskets which are disposed at an angle relative to one another is disclosed. A first gasket is interposed between two pieces of a first component of a vehicle engine or other device. When the two pieces are assembled together, the first component defines a surface adapted to mate with a corresponding surface formed on a second component of the device. An edge of the first gasket extends beyond the mating surface of the first component. The edge of the first gasket includes a plurality of outwardly extending projections formed integrally therewith. A second gasket is interposed between the mating surfaces of the first and second components. The second gasket includes a plurality of recesses formed in a face thereof, each of which corresponds to one of the projections formed in the first gasket.

Abstract: A protective boot assembly 10 includes a flexible body 12 having at least one corrugation 16 positioned traversely to a longitudinal axis 14 of the body, whereby a coupling member for a pair of angularly disposed rotatable shafts encased therein may be continuously protected from foreign elements. The body includes an axial opening 22 which defines two opposed axially extending surfaces 24,26 which retain and support a sliding fastener 28 which provides a closure system.In a preferred embodiment, the opposed surfaces are each bounded by a protective lip 34,36 whereby closure of the opening is effected by the combination of the fastener slider mechanism and the protective lips. The fastener mechanism and the protective lips together define an axially extending cavity 38 which upon closure is filled with a flexible sealant material.

Abstract: An improved gasket having multiple regions of different densities and thicknesses and a method of manufacturing same. First and second laminae of compressible gasket facings can be utilized to form a finished gasket or gasket blank having two different density regions. The first lamina has a shape which corresponds to the overall shape of the gasket. The second lamina has a shape which corresponds only to those regions of the gasket for which a higher density is desired. The first and second laminae are aligned with one another in overlapping planar relationship and pressed together by a die having opposed flat surfaces. When so pressed, the second lamina is pressed into and combined with the first lamina so as to form a unitary gasket having flat facing surfaces and two different density regions.

Abstract: A puncturable seal assembly is formed with a tubular shell adapted to be retained in an aperture in a housing of a vehicle engine. A generally radially inwardly extending flange is formed at one end of the tubular shell to define an opening which is closed by a sealing membrane. The sealing membrane has a generally circular center section attached to an annular rim portion which is molded about and bonded to the flange. A plurality of grooves are formed in a surface of the central portion whereby when pressure is applied to the membrane, the grooves rupture before any other portion of the membrane thereby permitting insertion of an oil line tube into the aperture in the housing of a vehicle engine.