Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque.

Abstract: A rotary shaft sealing assembly in which a first fluid is partitioned from a second fluid in a housing assembly having a rotary shaft located at least partially within. In one embodiment a lip seal is lubricated and flushed with a pressure-generating seal ring preferably having an angled diverting feature. The pressure-generating seal ring and a hydrodynamic seal may be used to define a lubricant-filled region with each of the seals having hydrodynamic inlets facing the lubricant-filled region. Another aspect of the sealing assembly is having a seal to contain pressurized lubricant while withstanding high rotary speeds. Another rotary shaft sealing assembly embodiment includes a lubricant supply providing a lubricant at an elevated pressure to a region between a lip seal and a hydrodynamic seal with a flow control regulating the flow of lubricant past the lip seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque.

Abstract: A composite, dynamic seal suitable for use in a high temperature environment and method of making same. The dynamic seal includes a resilient, generally ring-shaped seal body having a first layer formed of a first resilient sealing material and a second layer formed of a second resilient sealing material. The first and second layers are preferably molded and cured together simultaneously and chemically cross-linked to each other. The first resilient sealing material is selected for its wear resistant dynamic properties and the second resilient sealing material is selected for its compression set resistant properties. Preferably, the first resilient sealing material is tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer and the second resilient sealing material is fluorocarbon rubber. The first and second resilient sealing materials have compatible cure systems, preferably peroxide cure systems.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque.

Abstract: A rotary shaft sealing assembly in which a first fluid is partitioned from a second fluid in a housing assembly having a rotary shaft located at least partially within. In one embodiment a lip seal is lubricated and flushed with a pressure-generating seal ring preferably having an angled diverting feature. The pressure-generating seal ring and a hydrodynamic seal may be used to define a lubricant-filled region with each of the seals having hydrodynamic inlets facing the lubricant-filled region. Another aspect of the sealing assembly is having a seal to contain pressurized lubricant while withstanding high rotary speeds. Another rotary shaft sealing assembly embodiment includes a lubricant supply providing a lubricant at an elevated pressure to a region between a lip seal and a hydrodynamic seal with a flow control regulating the flow of lubricant past the lip seal.

Abstract: A rotary shaft sealing assembly in which a first fluid is partitioned from a second fluid in a housing assembly having a rotary shaft located at least partially within. In one embodiment a lip seal is lubricated and flushed with a pressure-generating seal ring preferably having an angled diverting feature. The pressure-generating seal ring and a hydrodynamic seal may be used to define a lubricant-filled region with each of the seals having hydrodynamic inlets facing the lubricant-filled region. Another aspect of the sealing assembly is having a seal to contain pressurized lubricant while withstanding high rotary speeds. Another rotary shaft sealing assembly embodiment includes a lubricant supply providing a lubricant at an elevated pressure to a region between a lip seal and a hydrodynamic seal with a flow control regulating the flow of lubricant past the lip seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic sealing assembly including a first component having first and second walls and a peripheral wall defining a seal groove, a second component having a rotatable surface relative to said first component, and a hydrodynamic seal comprising a seal body of generally ring-shaped configuration having a circumference. The seal body includes hydrodynamic and static sealing lips each having a cross-sectional area that substantially vary in time with each other about the circumference. In an uninstalled condition, the seal body has a length defined between first and second seal body ends which varies in time with the hydrodynamic sealing lip cross-sectional area. The first and second ends generally face the first and second walls, respectively. In the uninstalled condition, the first end is angulated relative to the first wall and the second end is angulated relative to the second wall. The seal body has a twist-limiting surface adjacent the static sealing lip.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque.

Abstract: A contaminant pressure responsive, lubricant pressure amplified or modified rotary seal cartridge for rotary well pumps and other rotary mechanisms. A housing member having a passage subject to contaminant pressure, has a rotary wear sleeve which is supported by bearings and is sealed to the housing by a plurality of spaced seals which define at least one and preferably two or more lubricant chambers for bearing lubrication and for hydrodynamic sealing. Lubricant pressure amplification cylinders are in fluid communication with respective lubricant chambers. Pistons moveable within each of the cylinders define differential surface areas exposed to lubricant and to contaminant pressure. Contaminant pressure acts on the pistons and develops lubricant pressure which is different, preferably higher, but can be lower than contaminant pressure.

Abstract: A rotary seal is provided that operates hydrodynamically in response to relative rotation even when subjected to exposure to a high fluid pressure from either side, and provides low breakout and running torque. A dynamic sealing lip having a wavy geometry provides hydrodynamic lubrication in response to relative rotation when little or no differential pressure is acting across the seal. When differential pressure exists, controlled fluid pressure-induced distortion results in a distorted dynamic sealing lip configuration that is suitable for hydrodynamic lubrication, regardless of which direction the differential pressure acts from.

Abstract: A rotary seal is provided that operates hydrodynamically in response to relative rotation even when subjected to exposure to a high fluid pressure from either side, and provides low breakout and running torque. A dynamic sealing lip having a wavy geometry provides hydrodynamic lubrication in response to relative rotation when little or no differential pressure is acting across the seal. When differential pressure exists, controlled fluid pressure-induced distortion results in a distorted dynamic sealing lip configuration that is suitable for hydrodynamic lubrication, regardless of which direction the differential pressure acts from.

Abstract: A frequency selective device that consists of two or more frequency selective surfaces that are separately manufactured to exacting engineering tolerances. The two or more frequency selective surfaces are joined together by a seam in a manner such that the device appears electrically to be one surface without degrading radar system performance and aircraft low-observability characteristics.

Abstract: A device for shielding composite material surfaces of aircraft from the destructive forces associated with lightning strikes and for protecting avionics from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), is provided, consisting of a thin metallic foil having uniformly spaced polygonal apertures formed therein. The polygonal apertures are so shaped as to provide at least one axis along which the shield material can expand or lengthen, permitting the shield material to better fit the irregular or compound curved surfaces found on aircraft. The foil shield can also be used to protect the filler material used between joints and to repair breaks and openings formed in the aircraft surface. When fashioned out of aluminum and applied to a composite material, such as graphite epoxy, the shield may be plated with nickel to prevent galvanic corrosion caused by the contact between dissimilar materials. When manufactured from copper the shield provides a solderable surface.

Abstract: A device for shielding composite material surfaces of aircraft from the destructive forces associated with lightning strikes and for protecting avionics from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), is provided, consisting of a thin metallic foil having uniformly spaced polygonal apertures formed therein. The polygonal apertures are so shaped as to provide at least one axis along which the shield material can expand or lengthen, permitting the shield material to better fit the irregular or compound curved surfaces found on aircraft. The foil shield can also be used to protect the filler material used between joints and to repair breaks and openings formed in the aircraft surface. When fashioned out of aluminum and applied to a composite material, such as graphite epoxy, the shield may be plated with nickel to prevent galvanic corrosion caused by the contact between dissimilar materials. When manufactured from copper the shield provides a solderable surface.

Abstract: An apparatus provides lightning protection for the radome of an aircraft, or the like, by providing an electrically discontinuous path having a plurality of separated electrically conductive segments that upon exposure to a high voltage field, form an inonization channel in the air above the segments. The conductive segments are so formed that the gap separating adjacent segments is narrower along the outer, exposed surfaces of the segments than is the case between surfaces of the adjacent segments anchored to a dielectric material. Such a design ensures the electrical separation of adjoining segments while permitting the breakdown voltage between adjacent exposed surfaces to be minimized.

Abstract: A combination of a thin sheet of marshmallow, or the like, that is enclosed and sealed in plastic-like film. The film may be suitably frosted to allow creative markings thereon to serve as patterns on the marshmallow sheet for making cutouts from the sheet. Such cutouts may be used in decorating a food stuff, creating edible crafts, substituting for heavy sugar substances and creating other confectionary ideas.