Abstract: A sealing gasket for insertion into a circumferentially continuous groove of a flange joint for joining axially aligned tube ends, the flange joint being of the type having axially opposed flanges at the tube ends to form a groove there between when the joint is assembled, the groove being formed by axially opposed seal faces and radial end faces of the flanges, the groove comprising a groove first portion that is open to an interior flow passage of the tubes and a groove second portion that extends radially outward from the groove first portion, the gasket having a gasket first portion that seals the groove first portion and a gasket second portion that extends from the gasket first portion and into the groove second portion; the gasket second portion being axially compressed when the joint is assembled and engaging with the radial end faces to produce a radial compression of the gasket; the gasket second portion having a volume that is less than volume of the groove second portion to form an expansion space

Abstract: A fluid responsive switch having a pivot arm for monitoring fluid flowing in a conduit or the level of liquid in a container with an improved resilient seal. The pivot arm, in the fluid responsive switch, is mounted in a housing by a pivot pin and a resilient elastomer seal molded around the pivot arm and the pivot pin. To improve the bond of the resilient seal, the surface of the pivot arm is cross-cut to provide a plurality of grooves diagonal to the axis of the pivot arm. A further improvement to the seal is provided by circumferential annular grooves in the pivot arm at each end of the cross-cut surface. The circumferential annular grooves act as retention stops to retain the resilient material in the groove and resist shear stresses and peeling tension and increase the contact surface area of the metal to resilient elastomer bond. The circumferential annular grooves are cut in the surface of the pivot arm at each end of the cross-cut surface to improve the metal to elastomer material bond.

Abstract: The sealing system seals a moving element in a valve. The sealing system includes an internal seal between the valve body and moving element proximate the lading and an external seal between the valve body and moving element proximate the free end of the moving element. A space for sealant is formed around the moving element between the internal and external seals. A load member is provided for pressurizing the sealant within the space to a pressure greater than the fluid pressure of the lading in the valve body cavity and the ambient pressure around the exterior of the valve. An indicator member is provided for detecting any leakage of the sealant past either the internal or external seals.

Abstract: A seal system for an oil well head, wherein the shaft rotates about its axis to drive a progressive cavity type pump. Primary and secondary polytetrafluoroethylene seals surround a sleeve that encircles the shaft. Pressure detectors connect to the space between the seals to detect leaks past the primary seal and signal a remote repair facility. The secondary seal assumes the sealing function while repairs are scheduled.