Abstract: A flattened tubular knitted wire mesh is passed through a bath of a slurry comprising a vermiculite binder and a high temperature lubricant powder with optional metal fibers suspended in water to form an impregnated moving slurry filled web. The slurry filled web is passed between metering bars to remove excess slurry to reduce the web to the desired thickness and then dried in an oven at a temperature in the range of about 200-400.degree. F. The web is conveyed at about 5 feet/minute and forms a continuous sheet of flexible preform with a dried filler which is wound on a take up roller driven by a motor via a controller which also operates the web drying oven. The preform is then formed into discrete preforms for article manufacture such as seals and the like by conventional die compression.

Abstract: A substantially squeak-free heat cured exhaust seal adapted to be interposed between a pair of confronting pipes in sealing relationship therewith, comprises a one-piece substantially rigid grommet and a heat cured seal body of annular configuration and flat radial surfaces of different area at either end. The seal body comprises a mixture of metallic fibers, non-metallic filler, a thermally stable lubricant and a resin binder, and the grommet covers the entire inner circumference of the seal body, at least partially the large flat radial surface at one end of the seal body, and optionally at least partially the small flat radial surface of the seal body at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A high temperature seal, particularly suitable for use in vehicle engine exhaust systems, is formed of a composite structure including refractory sheet material and wire mesh. In a typical application, the seal is disposed between confronting ends of an engine exhaust manifold pipe and an exhaust tail pipe, and permits relative rotation of the pipes without impairment of the effectiveness of the seal, thereby preventing leakage of high temperature exhaust gases passing through the joined pipes.

Abstract: A heat cured exhaust seal, adapted to be interposed between a pair of confronting pipes in sealing relationship therewith, is formed of wire mesh having openings between the wires thereof and a mixture of metallic fibers, non-metallic filler, a thermally stable lubricant and resin binder, which mixture surrounds the wires and substantially fills the openings in the mesh and forms the seal. The method of forming the seal includes placing a preform of wire mesh into a die cavity, forming a powder mixture of metallic fibers, non-metallic filler, a thermally stable lubricant and a resin binder, placing the powder mixture into the die cavity, pressing the wire mesh and powder mixture to the final size and shape of the seal and curing the seal at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A combination metal and knitted wire mesh gasket includes a gasket body formed of metal and having interconnected first and second portions. A layer of knitted wire mesh having a recess extending along the internal circumference of a first surface thereof receives the first portion of the metal gasket body. The second surface of the knitted wire mesh engages the second portion of the metal gasket body such that the first portion of the metal gasket body and the first surface of the knitted wire mesh form the first surface of the gasket. The second surface of the gasket is formed by the second portion of the metal gasket body.

Abstract: A high temperature seal, particularly suitable for use in vehicle engine exhaust systems, formed of a composite structure including refractory sheet material and wire mesh. In a typical application, the seal is disposed between confronting ends of an engine exhaust manifold pipe and an exhaust tail pipe, and permits relative rotation of the pipes without impairment of the effectiveness of the seal, thereby preventing leakage of high temperature exhaust gases passing through the joined pipes.

Abstract: A composite gasket includes two spaced rings of refractory sheet material and a ring of knitted wire mesh. The knitted wire mesh extends into the space between the refractory rings and radially outward from the outside diameter of the refractory rings.

Abstract: A high temperature seal, particularly suitable for use in vehicle engine exhaust systems, is formed of a composite structure including a refractory metallic oxide impregnated into compressed knitted wire mesh. In a typical application, the seal is disposed between confronting ends of an engine exhaust manifold pipe and an exhaust tail pipe and permits relative rotation of the pipes without impairment of the effectiveness of the seal thereby preventing leakage of high temperature exhaust gasses passing through the joined pipes.

Abstract: A high temperature seal, particularly suitable for use in vehicle engine exhaust systems, is formed of refractory sheet material which is first placed within a wire mesh sleeve. The sleeve is then wound into a cylindrical preform and axially compressed to provide a unified structure in which the mesh sleeve and sheet material are firmly interlocked.