Abstract: This invention provides a product comprised of a substrate with a rubber composition attached to the substrate by at least one interlayer of a polysilsesquioxane composition having phosphate cross-linkages. The at least one polysilsesquioxane layer having phosphate cross-linkages is produced from a mixture of a silane coupling agent and a phosphatizing reagent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier.

Abstract: This invention provides a product comprised of a substrate with a rubber composition attached to the substrate by at least one interlayer of a polysilsesquioxane composition having phosphate cross-linkages. The at least one polysilsesquioxane layer having phosphate cross-linkages is produced from a mixture of a silane coupling agent and a phosphatizing reagent.

Abstract: This invention provides a product comprised of a substrate with a rubber composition attached to the substrate by at least one interlayer of a polysilsesquioxane composition having phosphate cross-linkages. The at least one polysilsesquioxane layer having phosphate cross-linkages is produced from a mixture of a silane coupling agent and a phosphatizing reagent.

Abstract: This invention provides a product comprised of a substrate with a rubber composition attached to the substrate by at least one interlayer of a polysilsesquioxane composition having phosphate cross-linkages. The at least one polysilsesquioxane layer having phosphate cross-linkages is produced from a mixture of a silane coupling agent and a phosphatizing reagent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier.

Abstract: A method for reducing fuel permeation through gasketed joints in an internal combustion engine (10) includes surface treating the gaskets in a halogenated medium before placing them into service. A low-cost elastomer such as acrylic, EPDM or HNBR, can be used for the gasket body. The halogenated medium may comprise either a liquid bath or a gaseous bath, into which the gasket is immersed. The halogenated medium bath is excited by heating to accelerate the halogenation process. A gasket treated according to this invention possesses a chemically altered exterior surface which substantially enhances its fuel permeability resistance at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A method for reducing fuel permeation through gasketed joints in an internal combustion engine (10) includes surface treating the gaskets in a halogenated medium before placing them into service. A low-cost elastomer such as acrylic, EPDM or HNBR, can be used for the gasket body. The halogenated medium may comprise either a liquid bath or a gaseous bath, into which the gasket is immersed. The halogenated medium bath is excited by heating to accelerate the halogenation process. A gasket treated according to this invention possesses a chemically altered exterior surface which substantially enhances its fuel permeability resistance at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A shaft seal/position sensor module assembly includes a carrier body that is mountable on a shaft housing about an opening through which a rotatable shaft extends. A sleeve is mountable on the shaft and carries a multi-pole encoder ring having a radially outwardly facing sensor surface. A magneto-resistive sensor is mounted on said carrier body in position to communicate with said sensor surface of said encoder ring.