Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument includes a housing, a support plate disposed within the housing, and a shaft having a proximal end portion coupled to the support plate within the housing, a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an articulating portion interconnecting the proximal and distal segments. An end effector assembly is coupled to the distal segment of the shaft. A plurality of actuation components extends through the support plate and at least a portion of the shaft to operably couple to at least one of the end effector assembly, the articulating portion, or the distal segment to enable selective actuation of the end effector assembly. A seal configuration establishes seals against an interior annular surface of the shaft, about each actuation component of the plurality of actuation components, and within the proximal end portion of the shaft to inhibit fluid communication from the shaft into the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a seal for an assembly. The seal includes a jacket having a base, an inner sealing leg, and an outer sealing leg, and further includes a spring disposed within the jacket between and in contact with the inner sealing leg and the outer sealing leg. The spring includes an annular support ring disposed within the spring. The support ring biases an outer diameter (OD) of the spring towards the outer sealing leg of the jacket to maintain contact pressure between the inner sealing leg of the jacket and the shaft of the assembly. The support ring controls thermal shrinkage of the spring and the outer sealing leg to maintain a seal between a housing and a shaft of the assembly when the assembly is operated at cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is a clothes dryer having an improved structure which allows a drying performance to be improved. The clothes dryer includes a cabinet having an inlet, a support frame having a laundry inlet corresponding to the inlet and disposed inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet and having an opening corresponding to the laundry inlet, and a sealing member disposed between the laundry inlet of the support frame and the opening of the drum, wherein the sealing member includes a seal body having an elastic material.

Abstract: A bushing assembly is configured for a vehicle transmission shift shaft, the shift shaft having a first diameter, a shift lever fixedly mounted to an end thereof, and a step defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter along a length thereof. The bushing assembly includes a seal, a spacer, such as a spacer sleeve, and a bushing. The seal is positioned on the shaft abutting the shift lever, the spacer is positioned on the shaft abutting the seal, and the bushing is positioned over the spacer. A kit for replacement of an OE bushing and a method to replace a bushing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sealing device for a wheel hub assembly provided with a rolling bearing, the sealing device being provided with a shield mounted on an outer ring of the bearing and with an annular cylindrical wall having an inner lateral surface mounted on an outer lateral surface of a collar of the outer ring; and with a sealing material fixed to the shield and defined by a pre-formed annular covering of polymer material, preferably but not necessarily rubber or thermoplastic material, formed independently and separately from the shield and mounted on the shield.

Abstract: A stop seal for application of high temperature and high pressure is disclosed. A stop seal contains a first seal member and a second seal member, wherein the stop seal can prevent a fluid of high temperature and high pressure from leaking into an atmospheric space because, when the fluid of high temperature is introduced and the first seal member is moved toward a direction adjacent to a pump shaft, an opposite side of the second seal member is moved from a first position to a second position by the first seal member so as to block a gap between a pump side and a housing.

Abstract: A wellbore system includes a hanger lock energizing ring, a hanger lock ring, and a shoulder ring. The wellbore system further includes a seal energizing ring coupled to the shoulder ring. The wellbore system also includes a seal element being driven into an energized position by the seal energizing ring. The wellbore system further includes a seal lock energizing ring being driven to move via one or more extensions. The wellbore system includes a seal lock ring being supported, at least in part, by the seal energizing ring. Both the hanger lock ring and the seal lock ring are set, substantially simultaneously, responsive to movement of the one or more extensions.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a rotatable shaft assembly includes a seal housing and each of a main seal and a dust seal extending circumferentially around a seal housing center axis. The dust seal includes a radially inward dust seal lip, and is formed by a sealing layer having a plurality of ventilation openings formed therein, and a debris-blocking filter layer attached to the sealing layer and positioned across the ventilation openings. The main seal and dust seal assist in maintaining lubricating oil within a seal cavity. The dust seal prevents entry of debris whilst ventilating the seal cavity to limit carbonization of oil on seal assembly components. In an implementation the seal assembly is part of a rotatable crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: A free-wheel comprising a driving part and a driven part that are able to rotate about an axis of rotation, the free-wheel comprising at least one rotational connecting member arranged in a connection space, a driven connection section of the driven part surrounding a driving connection section of the driving part, the connection space being located radially, with respect to the axis of rotation, between the driving connection section and the driven connection section. The free-wheel comprises at least one barrier, the geometry of which varies depending on the speed of rotation of the driving part, arranged radially between the driving part and the driven part and longitudinally against the connection space, the barrier being constrained to rotate with the driving connection section.

Abstract: Sealing element for producing an electrically conductive connection between a first machine element and a second machine element, comprising at least one disc-shaped conducting element and a support ring, the support ring comprising an axial flange and a radial flanged, the conducting element being formed from an electrically conductive foil, and the conducting element being secured at least in sections along the axial flange between the support ring and the second machine element.

Abstract: A seal for sealing a shaft, the seal including a seal body having an inner member, an outer member, and a connecting member connecting the inner member and the outer member. The seal also includes at least one spoke connected to the seal body. The at least one spoke is configured to stiffen the seal body.

Abstract: A rotary seal apparatus for a rotating drum includes a mounting ring. The apparatus includes seal flaps attached to the ring. The apparatus includes wear pads attached to the seal flaps having a wear side and an exposed side. The apparatus includes eye nuts extending upwards from the seal flaps and from the wear pads. The apparatus includes a first tensioner extending through the eye nuts. The apparatus includes a cover that is disposed over the seal flaps and the exposed side of the wear pads. A method for forming a rotary seal apparatus for a rotating drum.

Abstract: A face to face contact assembly having at least one electrically conductive spring element and at least one shielding spring element separated from one another by a spacing element. From the perspective of a centerline and extending radially outwardly, electrically conductive spring element is located closest to the centerline, then the spacing element, and then the shielding spring element. The electrically conductive spring element electrically connects two adjacent faces, which in one example can be adjacent printed circuit boards, and the shielding spring element at least partially shields such electrical connection. Other face to face contact assembly arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inner circle and outer periphery punching step is performed in which a punching process is performed on a plate material made of a metal material to form an outline on an outer periphery side and a circle space on an inner periphery side, thereby forming an intermediate plate material. In an inner periphery bending step, the intermediate plate material is subjected to a bending process of bending a portion inside of a base circle that is a circle between an inner circle end portion and an outer circle, toward one side. In an inner periphery punching step, the intermediate plate material is subjected to a punching process of punching out inner periphery radial portions that are portions radially extending from the inner circle end portion, to form inner periphery slits extending inside of the outer circle in respective radial pieces.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism functioning as a separator between two spaces having different pressures includes: a housing; a shaft inserted into the housing; an annular sealing member sealing a gap by contacting a radial outer surface of the shaft or a radial outer surface of a rotary portion fixed to the shaft; and a lubricant groove storing a lubricant to be supplied between the annular sealing member and the radial outer surface.

Abstract: A variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger is disclosed. The VTG turbocharger may comprise a turbine section having a turbine wheel and plurality of guide vanes configured to regulate a flow of exhaust gases to the turbine wheel. The VTG turbocharger may further comprise an actuation pivot shaft (APS) configured to mediate actuation of opening and closing of the guide vanes, a bushing rotatably supporting the APS with a clearance therebetween, and a radial seal circumscribing the APS and inserted in a cavity of the bushing. The radial seal may form an interference fit with both an outer diameter of the APS and an inner diameter of the bushing to seal a leakage of the exhaust gases between the clearance between the APS and the bushing.

Abstract: A motor includes a facing member having a part facing a rotary shaft, a seal member having elasticity, and an annular member supporting the seal member. Magnets are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotary shaft. Coil units are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the annular member. The annular member is rotated by a magnetic force in the same direction as the rotary shaft when the rotary shaft rotates. The seal member rotates with the annular member at a rotation speed that is lower than a rotation speed of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A rotary locking joint that has zero backlash is provided to secure a camera mast mounted on a vehicle in a deployed position. The joint is passive to lock while being easily releasable. The joint prevents rotation of the mast in one direction, with a hard stop element that prevents further rotation of the mast in the opposite direction. The locking joint includes a pawl member configured to rotate about a pawl rotation axis. The pawl member is maintained in place in the locked position via a torsion spring to ensure contact with a base portion of the mast. To release the joint, the pawl member is rotated in the opposite direction to remove a geometry interference condition. A sensor is arranged to detect whether the pawl member is in an unlocked position relative to the mast.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing between a rotary shaft 11 and a housing 12 that can be rotated relative to each other, having a circular ring body 3 provided on the rotary shaft 11 and a seal lip body 6 made of a flexible material provided on the housing 12, wherein the seal lip body 6 has a discharge fin 8 on the outer peripheral side of a sealing part 6a which makes sliding contact with the circular ring body 3, and when the two members 11 and 12 rotate relative to each other, the surface of the discharge fin 8 on the side advancing relative to the circular ring body 3 composes an inclined surface receding more on the front edge side than the base end side of the discharge fin 8, and by this inclined surface, oil is discharged away from the sealing portion 6a.

Abstract: In a fluid pressure cylinder, a first positioning ring is provided detachably on a first annular projection of a head cover, and a second positioning ring is provided detachably on a second annular projection of a rod cover. Further, a structure is provided in which opposite ends of a cylinder tube are inserted over and capable of being retained on outer circumferential sides of the first and second positioning rings. As a result, by preparing a new cylinder tube having a different diameter, and new first and second positioning rings, and mounting the new cylinder tube through the new first and second positioning rings, which are installed on the first and second annular projections, a fluid pressure cylinder having a different bore diameter can be obtained.

Abstract: A rotary seal apparatus for a rotating drum includes a mounting ring. The apparatus includes seal flaps attached to the ring. The apparatus includes wear pads attached to the seal flaps having a wear side and an exposed side. The apparatus includes eye nuts extending upwards from the seal flaps and from the wear pads. The apparatus includes a first tensioner extending through the eye nuts. The apparatus includes a cover that is disposed over the seal flaps and the exposed side of the wear pads. A method for forming a rotary seal apparatus for a rotating drum.

Abstract: A hub bearing and a seal device therefore are disclosed. In one example, the hub bearing seal device includes inner and outer rings, a ring-shaped seal, and a seal retaining ring. A metallic framework is provided inside the seal. The seal is fixed to the outer ring via the metallic framework and a seal lip edge is provided on the metallic framework of the seal. The seal lip edge is in contact with the seal retaining ring in interference fit. The seal is further provided with another layer of metallic framework having a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the metallic framework. Together, the metallic frameworks form a bimetallic sheet type framework. During the operation of the seal device, the bimetallic sheet type framework can adjust the amount of interference between the seal lip edge and the seal retaining ring dynamically according to temperature change.

Abstract: An annular seal for a low friction bonded piston seal is provided. The annular seal having a central axis and including an annular seal body symmetrically positioned about the central axis. The annular seal is integrally molded to the body and provides a lower seal lip body, and a top seal lip. The top seal lip including a first radial lip thickness T1 and a second radial lip thickness T2. A ratio between second radial lip thickness T2 to first radial lip thickness T1 is less than 1.00. The annular seal includes a radial lip height H, and a radial lip overall pressure received thickness T3. A ratio of radial lip height H to second radial lip thickness T2 is greater than or equal to 0.65. The radial lip overall pressure received thickness T3 is less than or equal to 0.8 mm. The first radial lip thickness T1 is less than or equal to 0.7 mm.

Abstract: In a working cylinder, with a cylinder casing, in the cylinder interior of which is mounted a driving piston capable of linear movement under fluidic pressurization, wherein the cylinder casing is mounted between two cylinder covers closing the cylinder interior, wherein the cylinder covers each have a central section and an outer frame section, with at least four mounting areas and encompassing the central section, wherein there is formed between the frame section and the central section an annular space, in which are provided reinforcing struts aligned radially and each extending towards an assigned mounting area, outer surfaces of each reinforcing strut diverge away from the assigned mounting area towards the central section.

Abstract: A shaft seal in which a seal element a seal element and a gasket as held members are held between an outer case and an inner case, and, a protruding portion to locally increase holding pressure on the seal element is disposed on a pressing face for held member of the inner case.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a lip seal having an outer diameter portion including an outer protrusion configured to contact a first seal interface, wherein the protrusion has a curved surface.

Abstract: A lip seal includes: a lip part (1) forming a ring shape alone or with plural members and provided in sliding contact with the entire periphery of a surface of a shaft (0); an elastic arm part (2) and a flexible wall (3) supporting the lip part (1) at a sliding contact position; key parts (4) connecting the elastic arm part (2) and the flexible wall (3) to a housing (10), respectively, and a pressure regulation chamber (A) forming a ring shape alone or with plural members and using the elastic arm part (2) and the flexible wall (3) as partition walls. The flexible wall (3) is deformed by the increase and decrease in pressure in the pressure regulation chamber (A) to change the lip part (1) at least radially.

Abstract: A watch case having a through-hole, an operating member including an operating shaft to be inserted to the through-hole of the watch case, an exterior member mounted on the operating member and configured to be displaced in a shaft direction of the operating shaft and be rotated together with the operating member, and a buffer member located between the operating member and the exterior member are provided. Therefore, when the exterior member receives impact from outside, the impact can be buffered by the buffer member. As a result, the operating member can be prevented from being damaged because the impact from the outside is not directly transmitted to the operating member, thereby improving impact resistance.

Abstract: A front fork includes a fork body having an outer tube and an inner tube relatively movably inserted into the outer tube in an axial direction, a damper housed in the fork body to dampen relative movement between the outer and inner tubes, a biasing member that biases the fork body in an expansion direction at all times, an annular dust seal that is held in the outer tube and makes sliding contact with an outer circumference of the inner tube, an annular oil seal that is held in the outer tube inside the fork body to be inner than the dust seal and makes sliding contact with the outer circumference of the inner tube, and a C-shaped scraper that is provided between the dust seal and the oil seal and makes sliding contact with the outer circumference of the inner tube.

Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin cartridge assembly of an undercarriage of a track-type machine. The seal assembly can include a pin defining a longitudinal axis and first and second members both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining a seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly, including a seal ring and a load ring, is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first and second members. A radial segment of a first member engagement surface of the load ring is radially offset, measured along a radial axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, from a radial segment of a seal ring engagement surface of the load ring.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing between a housing and a rotary shaft includes an annular sealing member coupled with the housing and having inner and outer circumferential surfaces and a plurality of projections extending radially from the outer surface and spaced circumferentially about a central axis. Each projection has first and second axial ends and the plurality of projections define first and second projections. An annular biasing member is disposed about the sealing member outer surface and exerts an inwardly directed force on the sealing member. The biasing member has first and second ends and is arranged on the sealing member with the biasing member first end contacting the second end of each first projection and the biasing member second end contacting the first end of each second projection. As such, the biasing member extends axially and circumferentially between the first and second projections.

Abstract: A seal assembly can be incorporated into a track pin joint assembly including a pin defining a longitudinal axis, a first member and a second member both coaxial with the pin about the longitudinal axis. The first member is pivotable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the second member and includes a load ring engagement surface defining, at least in part, an axially-extending seal cavity disposed in proximal relationship to the second member. A seal assembly including a seal ring and a load ring is disposed in the seal cavity and sealingly engages the first member and the second member. The load ring includes a main body and a neck having a neck perimeter with a first sealing blade disposed along the neck perimeter and comprising an outwardly-extending projection. The first sealing blade is adapted to sealingly engage one of the seal ring and the first member.

Abstract: A shaft seal includes a radially outward flange area and a radially inward sealing lip connected to the flange area. An annular spring with a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section is arranged on a radial outer face of the sealing lip, wherein an outer limb bears on the flange area and an inner limb bears on the sealing lip, and wherein a surface of the spring exposed to an exterior of the shaft seal is coated with an elastomer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a shaft seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a space between a housing and a rotary shaft includes a generally annular sealing member having a central axis and inner and outer circumferential surfaces extending about the axis, at least a portion of the inner surface providing a sealing surface engageable with the shaft outer surface so as to define a seal interface with opposing axial ends. The sealing surface is configured to direct substances entering the interface toward at least one of the axial ends. Further, an annular biasing member is disposed about the sealing member outer surface and configured to exert a radially-inwardly directed force on the sealing member so as to generate contact pressure within the seal interface. The biasing member is arranged on the sealing member such that at least a portion of the biasing member extends axially in general alignment with at least a portion of the sealing surface.

Abstract: An energized composite metal to metal seal. A sealing device includes a metal seal with a metal sealing surface facing radially outward, and another metal sealing surface facing radially inward; and a nonmetal seal including a nonmetal sealing surface positioned proximate one metal sealing surface and facing radially outward, and another nonmetal sealing surface positioned proximate the other metal sealing surface and facing radially inward. A method of sealing between a housing assembly and a closure member includes applying a pressure differential across the sealing device while the sealing device seals between the housing assembly and the closure member, and the pressure differential increasing contact pressure in a metal to metal seal between the housing assembly and a metal sealing surface on the metal seal, and increasing contact pressure in a metal to metal seal between the closure member and another metal sealing surface on the metal seal.

Abstract: A forced oscillation radial seal is described for regenerative air preheaters which contain rotatable radial plates having upper and lower edges. The forced oscillation seal includes a base with a first portion attached to a lateral face of the plates adjacent the upper and lower edges, and a second free portion, with a pivot system having an axis attached to the second free portion, and a rigid sealing sheet with a first free portion, second portion, and central portion, the sealing sheet attached at its central portion to the pivot system. The forced oscillation seal includes a counterweight attached to the sealing sheet so the sealing sheet reassumes a vertical position after forming a seal with a sealing surface, and a plurality of springs in contact with the sealing sheet and base along the axis of the pivot system, which cooperate with the counterweights to force the seal to oscillate.

Abstract: Seal (1) for sealing a shaft (2), comprising a supporting ring (3) and at least one sealing lip (4) made of polymeric material, the pressing of the sealing lip (4) against the shaft (2) taking place by magnetic interaction, the sealing lip (4) containing magnetizable particles (5).

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly reduces valve-generated vibration. One embodiment comprises a valve body and valve seat having substantially collinear longitudinal axes. A rebound characteristic frequency is associated with rebound of the elastic valve body base plate from forceful contact with the valve seat. A central cavity in the valve body encloses a spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid and having a damper resonant frequency approximating a pump housing resonance. A lateral support assembly adjustably secured to the valve seat has a support resonant frequency designed in conjunction with the rebound characteristic frequency and the damper resonant frequency. Combined hysteresis heat loss associated with the above three vibration frequencies is reflected in lower closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of associated vibrations.

Abstract: The present cartridge seal assemblies pertain to rotary lip-type seals. In certain embodiments, a sealing member is constructed of a relatively hard material that increases the lifespan of the sealing member. The sealing member is energized with a canted-coil spring, which in some embodiments includes an adjustable spring force. The present embodiments enable control of sealing force to achieve an appropriate sealing force between the sealing member and the shaft based on factors such as temperature, pressure, rotary speed, properties of fluid media, etc. to achieve longer seal life.

Abstract: A dynamic shaft seal assembly for sealing a rotating or reciprocating shaft includes an elastic seal member having at least a portion thereof in sealing communication with the rotating or reciprocating shaft. A shape memory alloy element is in contact with the elastic seal member, the shape memory alloy element being discontinuously disposed about the elastic seal member, and being configured to i) directly apply a compressive force in a radial direction on the seal member against the rotating or reciprocating shaft, and ii) maintain the compressive force on the seal member as a function of temperature. The seal assembly is adapted to seal at a temperature ranging from about ?55° C. to about 250° C. Methods including the seal assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Low-pressure and high-pressure reciprocating and rotary applications use seal assemblies to prevent leakage. One embodiment of a seal assembly includes a major annular body having opposing spaced-apart annular lips extending from a heel portion with a bore extending through the heel portion. A first spring is disposed between the lips, biasing the lips apart. A minor annular body extends from one of the lips of the major annular body. The minor annular body has opposing spaced-apart walls that extend from a base region and form a pocket. A second spring is disposed in the pocket between the spaced-apart walls, biasing the walls apart. During actuator operation, pressurized fluid urges one wall of the minor annular body against a pump head surface to produce a face seal and one of the lips of the major annular body against a rod surface to produce a radial seal.

Abstract: In a seal (1) of shafts (7) relative to a medium, being received in housing-fixed support rings (4, 5), it is provided that in an embodiment of the seal with a clamp-in element (3) and an angled element with a seal lip (2) arranged via an intermediate part (6) whereby a contact pressure is applied via a spring (10). For this it is provided that the spring (10) is embodied in a receiving groove (11) as a spring pocket with a free space (12) for the spring in the pressureless state. A nose (13) as a retaining element for the inserted spring is arranged on the membrane as an intermediate part (6) above the spring pocket (11). The membrane is adjustable upon changing a tilt angle (?) by pressure loading up to reaching a limit pressure for contacting on an allocated housing wall (16) such as an extended support ring (5). Thereby an enlarged bottom side contact angle (?) is established in the angled region with the seal lip (2).

Abstract: A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft includes an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft. The seal assembly further includes a coil spring and a shape memory alloy element. The coil spring is disposed in contact with the elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to the elastic seal member. The shape memory alloy element is configured for applying pressure to the coil spring to thereby augment the compressive force.

Abstract: A fluid activated shaft bulkhead seal system includes an annular carrier fixed with respect to a bulkhead and about a shaft extending through the bulkhead and the annular carrier. The annular carrier supports a pair of lip seals each of which defines an outwardly facing pocket and a lip portion spaced from the shaft and a portion abutting the carrier. A foam body is disposed in the pocket of each lip seal. Each foam body includes a gel material configured to expand in the presence of fluid urging the lip portions of the lip seals into contact with the shaft to seal the annular carrier with respect to the shaft. An annular retainer is mated to each side of the annular carrier for retaining the foam body in the pocket of each lip seal.

Abstract: A hand power tool has a housing with having at least two housing parts. A sealing element provides mounting of the housing parts on one another fluid-tightly. The housing parts have short sides with which the housing parts abut against one another with interposition of a sealing element. The sealing element is fixed on one of the housing parts.

Abstract: A seal assembly disposed between relatively rotating members such as a rotating shaft passing through an opening in a stationary housing. The seal assembly may include a housing, such as a canister, and a seal member retained in the canister. The seal member may include an inner portion and an outer portion interconnected by a flexible wall and an aperture for receiving the shaft. The flexible wall may permit the inner portion to move relative to the outer portion of the seal member. The inner portion of the seal member may forms a seal with the shaft, and the seal member may rotate with the shaft within the canister. The seal assembly may engage an oil seal and may function as an excluder seal.

Abstract: A multifunction ring comprises an elastomeric body which totally encloses at least one circumferential tubular cavity filled with at least one liquid medium. In various ring embodiments the liquid medium conducts heat, damps vibration, blocks extrusion and/or transmits hydraulic pressure. When one or more rings are used in a plunger packing, longitudinal compression of the ring(s) secondary to increased pumped fluid pressure occurs during a pressure stroke. Such compression, acting through the compliance of each ring, increases tubular cavity hydraulic pressure and causes radial ring expansion. Ring expansion is both inward toward a plunger and, simultaneously, outward toward its packing box. Inward expansion tends to seal the extrusion gap, while outward expansion increases coupling from plunger to packing box to increase vibration damping and/or heat scavenging. Periodic reduction of pumped fluid pressure tends to reverse radial ring expansion, thus reducing both frictional ring wear and heat generation.

Abstract: One or more multifunction elastomeric plunger seal rings augment a plunger packing assembly within a plunger pump packing box. Each such ring comprises a totally-enclosed circumferential tubular cavity. The cavity is filled with a dilatant liquid which transmits hydraulic pressure throughout the tubular cavity and simultaneously damps pump vibration transmitted via the packing box. Pump pressure strokes increase tubular cavity hydraulic pressure, resulting in radial ring expansion forces both inwardly toward a plunger and outwardly toward its packing box. Inward ring expansion tends to close the extrusion gap, while outward expansion force improves heat transfer from plunger to packing box. Outward expansion force also increases coupling of packing box vibration to hysteresis loss in the dilatant liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing ring (10) having a first sealing surface (26) arranged on the inner circumference thereof and at least one second sealing surface (13, 14) arranged on the outer circumference thereof. According to the invention, a compensation region (17, 18) that can be at least partially deformed in an elastic manner in the axial direction is arranged on at least one of the two faces of the sealing ring (10).

Abstract: One or more elastomeric multifunction rings augment a plunger packing assembly within a plunger pump packing box. Each such ring comprises a totally-enclosed circumferential tubular cavity filled with a fluid medium which transmits hydraulic pressure throughout the tubular cavity. Longitudinal ring compression secondary to pumped fluid pressure acts through the compliance of each ring to increase tubular cavity hydraulic pressure, resulting in radial ring expansion. Ring expansion is both inward toward a plunger and, simultaneously, outward toward its packing box. Inward expansion tends to seal the extrusion gap, while outward expansion improves heat transfer via the ring from plunger to packing box. Periodic reduction of pumped fluid pressure tends to reverse radial ring expansion. Thus, relatively more effective sealing and heat transfer functions occur as a pump's pressure stroke increases pumped fluid pressure.