Particular Seal Shape Patents (Class 277/626)
  • Patent number: 6916024
    Abstract: In order to provide a gasket which can be repeatedly used over a temperature range in which a rubber gasket cannot be used, which does not have any risk of damaging a flange, and which can follow the change of the distance between flanges, a gasket is constructed in such a way that two metallic coned disc springs each of which has a circulation opening for a fluid in a central portion and each of which is formed into a seal surface in which an outer peripheral portion with respect to the circulation opening rises having an arc-like curved surface are combined while being oppositely directed and have outer diameter peripheral edge portions which are welded and fixed so that by tightening flanges, repulsive force of the two coned disc springs concentratedly affects the seal surfaces consisting of the arc-like curved surfaces, and a tight fluid seal is formed between the flange surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Hanashima, Kenichi Takahiro, Hideshi Shibata, Hideaki Mori
  • Patent number: 6905125
    Abstract: An annular-shaped metal gasket, which can reduce a tightening force necessary to a seal and easily manage the manufacturability and the characteristics thereof, the metal gasket, in an annular-shaped metal gasket having a cross section provided with an outer circumferential opening and formed in one of a laterally U-shape, voids are formed to the innermost circumferential portions on the two confronting flat sealing surfaces of the metal gasket that are in contact with opponent surfaces, each void having a width equal to or more than 40% of the central wall thickness t0 of a bight section and a height equal to or more than 5% of the height H of the gasket, wherein the cross section of the gasket is formed in a tuning-fork shape. A tightening force necessary to the seal can be reduced by forming the cross section of the metal gasket in the tuning-fork shape and providing the voids with the surfaces of the metal gasket in contact with the opponent surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Hideshi Shibata, Kanji Hanashima
  • Patent number: 6869081
    Abstract: A gasket system for sealed interfaces utilizes a carrier ring having inner and outer compression stops to account for and control flange rotation effects in order to achieve a uniform and constant gasket seating stress across the sealing region. The inner compression stop provides a fixed fulcrum for flange rotation. The inner and outer compression stops have different heights, dependent upon the characteristic flange rotation, that allow the orientation of the sealing material to be angularly matched to the flange side profile and that allow the sealing material to be fully captured within the sealing region upon full compression, minimizing creep relaxation. A visual compression indicator on the circumference of the carrier ring permits assembly of the interface without the use of specialized or calibrated tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Jjenco, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Jenco
  • Patent number: 6869080
    Abstract: A metal-to-metal sealing element for a wellhead assembly which includes at least first and second adjacent components and first and second generally annular sealing surfaces that are each formed on a corresponding one of the components. The sealing element comprises an annular base, an annular sealing lip which projects radially toward at least one of the first and second sealing surfaces and which comprises a seal retaining groove, a soft metal sealing insert which is disposed within the seal retaining groove and which in use engages the at least one sealing surface, and an annular intermediate portion which extends between the base and the sealing lip. The intermediate portion presses the sealing insert against the at least one sealing surface in an interference fit relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight D. Janoff, John C. Vicic, Gregory L. Glidden, Neil C. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6863278
    Abstract: A back-up ring is disclosed wherein the ring is a knitted mesh section substantially surrounded by an outer coating covering substantially all of the knitted wire mesh section, the coating having contact with the outer and inner surface of an annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: John D. Morvant
  • Patent number: 6860487
    Abstract: An insertable gasket is made of a substantially cylindrical heat resistant metal and is formed into a configuration having raised and recessed portions formed continuously and alternately as viewed longitudinally and cross-sectionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Shiokawa, Naoki Hiromasa
  • Patent number: 6857638
    Abstract: A gasket for establishing a seal between the flanges of sanitary pipe fittings having a lumen of pre-determined diameter which comprises an O-ring portion of elastomeric material and an incompressible ring member bonded to said O-ring portion, said ring member having a substantially flat cross-section to limit compression of the O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rubber Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Robert Dupont, Colin W. Haase
  • Patent number: 6857849
    Abstract: A membrane seal includes a pair of confronting annular sealing grooves. A first annular sealing member is received in one of the oppositely facing sealing grooves and a second annular sealing member is received in the other of the oppositely facing sealing grooves. The first and second sealing members are sealably connected together by an annular membrane. A pressure difference across the membrane forces the first and second sealing members into contact with a side wall of each of the oppositely facing sealing grooves to effect a seal. Known sealing members have a circular cross-section but in the present invention at least one of them has an oval cross-section. The oval cross-section gives the first and/or second sealing member(s) a larger zone of contact with the oppositely facing sealing groove(s). This reduces the amount of wear on the first and/or second sealing member(s) and produces a better seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Alston Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Hirst
  • Patent number: 6854739
    Abstract: A sealing ring (12) has an annular principal body (15) responsible for its dimensional stability, such body having an annular groove on at least one axial side, in which groove a sealing body (16), consisting of rubber-elastic material, is held. The sealing body (16) has a sealing bead (24) projecting axially past the principal body (15). The capacity of the annular groove (25) is at least equal to the volume of the sealing body (16) so that the annular groove (25) is in a position of receiving the material of the sealing body (16) defining its sealing bead (24) during action on and deformation of the sealing bead (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Andreas Schleth, Winfried Schulz, Hans-Walter Brenner
  • Patent number: 6843480
    Abstract: A high pressure ring seal for tube assembly joints provides structural foundation ring having inside and outside circumferential channels between end rims. The channels and rims are separated by a web of integral ring material. This web is perforated by a plurality of apertures. As an integral coating within both channels and integrally tied through the web apertures is a coating of polymer sealant material. Inside and outside faces of the sealant are pressure equalized by vent apertures through the web apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Alan Nelson, John Vince Salerni
  • Patent number: 6843483
    Abstract: A seal ring for an orifice plate includes a metal annular body having an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. A first sealing element retainer is integrally formed with and extends from a first side of the body. A second sealing element retainer is integrally formed with and extends from a second side of the body. An annular first sealing element engages the first sealing element retainer on the first side of the body. An annular second sealing element engages the second sealing element retainer on the second side of the body. The first sealing element and the second sealing element leave the outer peripheral edge of the body exposed to facilitate metal on metal contact between a carrier of an orifice fitting and the outer peripheral edge. The first sealing element and the second sealing element extend past the inner peripheral edge to form an orifice plate receiving groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Derold Gary Clark
  • Patent number: 6843516
    Abstract: A coupler for a low pressure piping system has a hollow metal tube terminating in a pair of end portions defining open ends for slidably receiving and joining together sections of other metal tubes in a substantially air tight relationship. Slots are formed in at least one of the end portions to aid in the crimping of the hollow metal tube by an annular clamp. A radial flange is formed adjacent the end portion and receives an annular seal therein. A stop for limiting the insertion of a tube section into the end of the hollow metal tube is formed on the inside of the coupler adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots. The annular clamp encircles the slots and is tightened to clamp the end portions to form metal to metal contact between the metal tubes and to form a seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: H-P Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Bishop, Gregory A. Calderone, Leland J. Dick, James F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6811157
    Abstract: A gasket made of nickel, nickel alloy or stainless steel has a sealing face to be engaged by a knife-edge of a joint part. The gasket is cut to form a concave groove, a stepwise reduction in thickness or a sloping cut-out at the sealing face. The sealing face is protected from contact by an adjacent higher land portion. During processing, the gaskets can be stacked or carried on a rest. Any contact occurs at the land portion rather than at the sealing faces, which are protected by the land portions from contact. Dents or scratches in the sealing faces are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Vacs SEV Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satsuo Shinoda, Satoshi Kurokochi
  • Patent number: 6802512
    Abstract: The inventive sealing body (DK) is comprised of a number of segments (DS1, DS2, DS3) in whose sealing chambers (DKAA, DKAM) a sealing block (DBAS, DBMS) is arranged that is made of an easily deformable, in particular, gel-like substance. Tabs (ZE) which conically extend toward one another serve to center the cable which is inserted into the sealing body (DK) and held therein. Wedges (K) which can be actuated from the outside act upon assigned pressure elements (DE), which deform the corresponding sealing block (DBAS, DBMS) thus displacing the gel-like substance in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorsten Muller, Rainer M. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20040188955
    Abstract: In order to provide a ring-shaped metal gasket that can secure a uniform sealing property over the entire surfaces of flanges regardless of the position of a bolt and a nut for tightening a clamp, a ring-shaped metal gasket is composed of an annular main body having a square cross section, a pair of annular arm portions projecting circumferentially outwardly of the annular main body in a bugle state at a predetermined angle, and an annular projecting portion bulging circumferentially inwardly with a height larger than the axial height of the annular main body. The annular projection portion acts as a positioning means. When a flange portion is tightened by a wedge action achieved by tightening a clamp, the pair of annular arm portions are elastically deformed and come into pressure contact with the flange surfaces by the elastic repulsive force thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Takahiro, Hideaki Mori, Katsumi Watanabe, Kanji Hanashima
  • Patent number: 6769698
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a structure of seal ring, and seal structure using the seal ring for flange joints of composite tanks and pipes, that prevents seal surface variations due to differences in thermal contraction between the seal ring and the tank/the flange joint, etc., that improves the resilience of the seal, and that prevents gas leakage due to poor sealing, in order to achieve the stable sealing. The seal ring fits into a ring groove formed in a sealed unit such as a tank unit or a flange joint to provide a tight seal to contain fluids. The heart-shaped seal ring has three curved surface areas that smoothly flow together, comprised of a first curved seal surface which contacts the formed surface of the ring groove, a second curved seal surface which contacts the seal surface of a second member (e.g. manhole cover), and a projecting curved surface on the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Eagle Engineering Aerospace Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Kamiya, Makoto Watanabe, Tetsuya Iguchi
  • Patent number: 6739596
    Abstract: A compartment seal is disposed about an automotive tube or hose at the automotive firewall to prevent leakage of smoke and fumes generally from an engine compartment to an occupant compartment. The compartment seal comprises a rigid washer body member having a plurality of apertures circumferentially arranged around an opening therethrough,. The plurality of apertures is receptive to fasteners for attachment of the body member to the automotive firewall to provide a seal between the engine compartment and the occupant compartment. The tube or hose is attached to fittings at either end and passes through the opening in the body member. The body member includes a seal component within the opening configured to form a seal between a periphery of the hose and the seal component. The seal component is disposed within the opening of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Seals-It
    Inventors: Lois Z. Matczak, Stanley E. Matczak
  • Patent number: 6719302
    Abstract: A gasket for a pipe joint includes an annular gasket body which is symmetrical around an axial centerline and is therefore insensitive to axial orientation. The gasket is formed of a resilient material and includes a base adapted to sealingly engage an annular groove formed in one of the pipe segments to be joined. First and second protrusions run along the length of the gasket body and extend radially therefrom. The first and second projections are spaced apart symmetrically about the centerline. An annular bore, bisected by the center line, extends within the interior of the gasket body, and comprises a central region bridging first and second transversely spaced apart lobes. It is particularly suited for sealing an annular space in a bell-and-spigot pipe joint and provides an increased surface contact area to compensate for defects in the sealing surfaces of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Vertex, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Andrick
  • Patent number: 6712365
    Abstract: An over-molded gland seal for producing both a fluidic seal and a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a substrate having an elastomeric layer over-molded thereon and an elastomeric gland seal molded into the over-molded layer. Another aspect of the apparatus includes a host-part having a raised wall thereon, said host-part receives the elastomeric gland seal and compresses the gland seal with the raised wall. The substrate, the gland seal, and the host-part define an enclosed region. To form the fluid conduit, the apparatus includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port that communicate with the enclosed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Louis Barinaga, Daniel D. Dowell, James P. Kearns
  • Patent number: 6708978
    Abstract: A method and device for sealing or reducing holes or their connection with a tube end or similar fitting is characterized by at least one element with disc shaped surface with a rim smaller than the diameter of the hole to receive the element worth cone or some shaped surface with the wall of the drill hole under axial pressure, possibly with an additional tumbling action, and at least a temporary support of the element, the element of the device being placed into the drill hole and then with axial pressure from outside, e.g. by a punch, possible with an additional tumbling action, at least a radial shift of the disc shaped surface of the element and a press fit with the wall of the drill hole is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Lee Company
    Inventor: Rene Kägi
  • Patent number: 6708984
    Abstract: A seal assembly comprising a main O-ring seal element for engaging in a fluid tight manner opposed surfaces of two objects to be sealingly connected together and a barrier element positioned to protect all or a substantial portion of the surface of the main O-ring seal element against contact by the fluid when passing through the seal assembly from one object to the other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Phillip North, Stephen Ellis Ormrod, Christopher Mark Bailey
  • Patent number: 6688609
    Abstract: Gasket for sealing between flanges in a pressurized fluid system. A central opening is disposed within an inner periphery of the gasket, the inner periphery being curved toward the central opening. Fluid pressure on the inner periphery is reacted by hoop tension in the gasket. The outer periphery of the gasket has concave segments between fastener holes so the area of the gasket is substantially less than the area of the flanges. In this manner, the clamping pressure exerted by the flanges on the gasket is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6682081
    Abstract: A reduced area gasket has a sealing ring around the inside perimeter of the gasket. Remaining portions of the gasket are removed or compressed so that the bolt load is focused on the sealing area when the flange is tightened. In this way, the lower bolt loads mandated by plastic piping may be met, and the required sealing may be further obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Inertech, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Burton, James E. B. Frew, Alfred F. Waterland, III
  • Publication number: 20040012157
    Abstract: A metal seal of ring as a whole disposed between a first contact flat face portion and a second contact flat face portion parallel to each other. This metal seal has a middle base portion, a first contact convex portion, and a second contact convex portion. The first contact convex portion protrudes from an inner side and the second contact convex portion protrudes from an outer side. The metal seal generates torsional elastic deformation around the middle base portion as a center in an attached and compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI CABLE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Oida, Tetsuya Ashida, Takayoshi Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20040007829
    Abstract: A downhole seal assembly (70) and method for controlling the flow of fluids in a wellbore (72) are disclosed. The seal assembly (70) includes a tubular member (78) that is positionable within the wellbore (72). A seal element (90) is disposed externally around the tubular member (78). The seal element (90) has a substantially annular shaped body of deformable material such that the seal element (90) is radially expandable into sealing engagement with the wellbore (72) downhole. The body has a passageway (102) extending therethrough, which provides a communication path that bypasses the sealing engagement between the seal element (90) and the wellbore (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Colby M. Ross
  • Patent number: 6644670
    Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a water closet and the floor or other supporting structure. In cross section it includes a flat seat for the base of the closet, an outer flange for sealing against the outer edge of the base and an inner sealing rib formed for hinge-like deflection by and toward the base as the latter is seated. The gasket is adapted to conform to various perimetrical shapes of bases, and may include an integral gasket and sealing section for annularly and sealingly engaging the drain joint of the water closet and the surface of the floor or other supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Peb S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Esteban Etcheverry
  • Publication number: 20030205084
    Abstract: In order to produce a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal check element, a motor for driving the checking element and a housing for accommodating the motor, which will be universally employable especially in difficult working surroundings, it is proposed that a seal be arrangement between the checking element and the housing around a shaft by means of which the checking element is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Rainer Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6631910
    Abstract: The open circular section gasket is not deformed under flattening while nevertheless ensuring the leaktightness of the two spaces to seal. Each contact surface (16) is slightly inclined and has a slightly offset projecting part (15) such that the summits of the two projecting parts define an axis that is offset with respect to the center line (A2) of the general circular shape of the gasket (10). When the gasket is flattened, the contact surfaces (16) tend to become parallel, the projecting parts (15) come closer to the center line (A2). Application to cases of static sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Philippe Caplain, Laurent Mirabel, Christian Rouaud
  • Patent number: 6626440
    Abstract: A seal of single or multiple plies and/or single or multiple convolution regions features inflection regions to arrest or reduce bending stress in the seal's acute bend regions and/or ply deformations on non-pressure-facing plies. Additionally, there is disclosed the combined use of multiple-ply seals incorporating the inflection regions in each ply and deformations on non-pressure-facing plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 6619668
    Abstract: The metal static gasket forms an annular body about an axis ZZ′. The profile of the gasket in axial half-section presents an elongated S-shape and comprises a lateral first portion defining the inner peripheral surface of the gasket, a lateral second portion defining the outer peripheral surface of the gasket, said lateral first and second portions being offset from each other along the direction of the axis of the gasket. The gasket also presents a curved third portion of undulating shape having a substantially rectilinear first contact region at one of its ends, and a curved fourth portion of undulating shape having a substantially rectilinear second contact region at one of its end extending perpendicularly to the axis of the gasket in such a manner that the gasket provides sealing between two flanges solely by means of the axial pressure exerted by the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventor: Alain Pyre
  • Patent number: 6612585
    Abstract: An elastomeric strand-shaped sealing profile including at least one continuous transverse beam located in a region between the base and rear side surfaces of the profile and having two sidewise projecting cantilever arms, two sealing lips provided on the respective lateral side surfaces of the profile adjacent to the regions of the corners between the base surface and the respective lateral side surfaces and extending sidewise of the base body, two webs extending from corners formed by the rear side surface and respective lateral side surface and toward each other, and forming, together with a rear side surface-forming web, a triangular structure, and a further web extending from a tip of the triangular structure and toward the base surface and forming with the two webs a Y-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Däwyler AG Schweizerische Kabel - Gummi-und Kunststoffwerke
    Inventor: Werner Grabe
  • Patent number: 6608414
    Abstract: A gasket that seals a lead opening on an electric motor has opposite first and second surfaces and a lead opening passing through the gasket. The gasket has a wall projecting outwardly from the gasket first surface and extending around the gasket lead opening, defining a cavity adjacent the gasket lead opening. The gasket is positioned on the electric motor so that the gasket lead opening is aligned with an electric motor lead opening and motor leads pass through the gasket lead opening. A conduit box having a bottom wall with a lead opening is positioned on the electric motor with the gasket between the conduit box and the electric motor, the conduit box lead opening aligned with the gasket lead opening and the motor leads passing through the conduit box lead opening. A sealant is applied in the gasket cavity, and seals the gasket lead opening closed. The gasket wall prevents the sealant from contacting and adhering to the conduit box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Donald W. Conley
  • Patent number: 6592153
    Abstract: An end fitting in which to receive a flexible pipe end to be joined includes an annular seal unit comprised of a resilient elastomeric composition contained in a tapered rigid housing ring force fit in a tapered recess of a surrounding component so as to engage the outer surface of the received pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Wellstream, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Belcher
  • Patent number: 6588767
    Abstract: A mat gasket for use with a tapping saddle is disposed about an aperture in a main fluid conduit and is further disposed between and in sealed contact with the main fluid conduit and an outer sleeve member. The mat gasket includes an aperture aligned with the aperture in the main fluid conduit and outer and inner portions in sealed contact with the outer sleeve member and the main fluid conduit, respectively. The mat gasket's inner portion is provided with a waffled surface and includes spaced ribs concentrically disposed about and in closely spaced relation to the aperture in the gasket and a pair of opposed, tapered edges. The mat gasket's outer portion is provided with a pair of concentric O-rings disposed about the gasket's aperture for engaging the outer sleeve member in a sealed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cascade Waterworks Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: William L. Kane
  • Patent number: 6588761
    Abstract: A seal features a first ply and a second ply, each ply having at least one convolution. Leg termination regions connect the plies, such that a substantially enclosed volume is created between said first and second surfaces. Additional plies may be disposed between the first and second plies, the material of the additional plies having substantially the same convoluted shape of the first and second surfaces and being disposed within the envelope created between the first and second surfaces. The seal of the present invention may be formed of tube or strip stock. A seal formed of strip stock may have its edges, running about the circumference of the seal, either abutting, overlapping, or welded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 6581940
    Abstract: An integrated connection for a manhole having a wall opening defining a peripheral surface and a ring shaped elastomeric body cast in place on the peripheral surface. The elastomeric body includes a foot region cast within the wall thickness of the manhole and connected to a leg region. The leg region terminates in a primary sealing surface. A reinforcing element passes through the ring shaped elastomeric body at one circumferential location which, when viewed in cross section, appears below the peripheral surface of the wall opening once the gasket is cast in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio Dittel
  • Patent number: 6572118
    Abstract: A sealing member for sealing a joint between a pipe and a wall defining an opening is provided. The sealing member has an annular base, a projection, and preferably first and second annular flanges. The annular base has a bottom and first and second sidewalls. The projection is attached to the base for anchoring the sealing member within the wall. In some embodiments it extends radially outwardly from the base. The first and second annular flanges extend from opposite sidewalls of the base. The first and second flanges each have a top and a bottom surface. The top surfaces of each can have an annular depressed portion, and each of the bottom surfaces can have a plurality of grooves formed therein. Preferably, the base includes at least one cavity extending completely around the circumference of the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fouad M. Deeb, Michael R. Miller, John M. Kurdziel, James W. Skinner, Ronald W. Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 6568692
    Abstract: A low stress seal seals boundaries between rotor sections of a turbofan engine. The low stress seal includes rounded feet on the ends of legs, which rounded feet cooperate with rounded interior corners within a seal groove. The elimination of sharp interior corners reduces stress and prevents the fatigue failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kolodziej, Raymond Hemmele
  • Patent number: 6568691
    Abstract: A molded annular gasket is placed upon a mandrel for embedment of its annular-shaped embedment portion within an opening in a cast member. After the cast member has been cured and removed from a molding assembly, including the mandrel, the pipe attachment end of the gasket is pulled through the center of the gasket so that its pipe attachment end extends beyond the embedment end, to facilitate the placement of a take-down clamp which secures the pipe attachment end to a pipe inserted there through thereby providing a fluid-tight joint. The mandrel is preferably a one-piece member. The gasket may have a cylindrical or conical-shaped intermediate portion provided with spaced-apart annular projections at the pipe attachment end, between which the takedown clamp is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Poly-Tec Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20030094770
    Abstract: A watertight antenna assembly adapted for mounting on a mounting surface includes a sealing gasket having a body portion and a peripheral edge, and a continuous sidewall formed with the peripheral edge. A radome is releasably mounted to the sealing gasket forming a cavity therebetween. The sealing gasket includes a sealing projection that extends continuously along an inside portion of the sidewall and is configured to abut the radome to form a seal. A downwardly depending lip is formed of deformable material and extending continuously along a bottom portion of the sidewall. When the sealing gasket is compressed against the mounting surface, the lip sealingly deforms against the mounting surface forming a watertight seal therebetween so as to prevent ingress of water into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Francisco X. Gomez
  • Patent number: 6565093
    Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a downhole tool. In a described embodiment, a seal structure includes a seal support ring having at least one annular groove formed thereon and a longitudinal axis. At least one seal is included in the seal structure. The seal is disposed at least partially in the groove, and the seal is bonded to the ring. An annular recess is positioned longitudinally between opposing side walls of the groove. The recess may be formed in a body of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Crow, William D. Henderson, Timothy E. Harms, Robert W. Crow, Ralph Jones
  • Patent number: 6561521
    Abstract: An annular metal-to-metal sealing system, for use in wellhead systems and having many other uses, has a metal member defining an annular internal or external sealing surface for which sealing is intended. An annular seal body composed of high strength metal material is positioned in concentric relation with the annular sealing surface and is sufficient flexible to become spring loaded, typically during assembly, for continuous application of a spring force. The annular seal body defines one or more annular seal retainer grooves each having an annular soft metal sealing insert therein, with a portion thereof exposed for sealing engagement with the annular sealing surface. The spring loaded characteristic of the annular seal body applies constant force to maintain the soft metal seal insert in constantly energized sealing relation with the annular sealing surface and maintains effective sealing even when dimensional changes to the sealing surface occur due to temperature or pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight D. Janoff, John C. Vicic, Gregory L. Glidden, Neil C. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6561522
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided including a first housing and a second housing and a sealing member positioned therebetween. In various embodiments, one housing includes a channel shaped portion and the other housing includes a tongue shaped portion movable in an axial direction into the channel shaped portion to compress the sealing member therebetween in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction. In further embodiments, both housings include a channel shaped portion and the sealing member extends into each channel shaped portion and is compressed within each channel shaped portion in a transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem N.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan Radelet, Valere Buekers, Dirk Deroost
  • Patent number: 6550775
    Abstract: An annular gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of a second member. The gasket includes a support portion and a gasket portion. The support portion is made from a first material having a first hardness. The support portion includes an anchor portion shaped to fit within a recess or groove in a first member and a tip portion that extends radially outward from the anchor portion. The gasket portion is made from a softer elastomeric material. The gasket portion is disposed on the tip portion. The gasket portion is configured to make sealing contact with a ridge of the first pipe and the smooth annular section when the first pipe and the smooth annular section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Malcolm Mann, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Knapp
  • Patent number: 6547257
    Abstract: A transition piece seal assembly includes a transition piece seal support having a first flange for supporting a transition piece seal, and a second flange adapted for mounting in an adjacent nozzle; and at least one spring seal element having a mounting flange adapted to engage the second flange of the transition piece seal support, and a flex portion having a free edge adapted to engage a forward face of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Harold Cromer
  • Patent number: 6547255
    Abstract: A fluid seal for sealing a joint between two components in a fluid line has an integral filter. The seal has sealing portions on each side of the filter that are compressed by relative axial movement of the components to effect a fluid-tight seal therebetween with the filter extending across the fluid line. The seal and filter are located in a central hole of a support plate with the seal bonded to the marginal edge of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pamargan Products Limited
    Inventors: Peter Donaway, Daniel Iwan Jones
  • Patent number: 6543787
    Abstract: A unitary boundary gasket adapted for sealing between flanged portions of two axially mated surfaces of rigid metallic members, such as between an engine block and an associated engine oil pan. In one preferred form, the gasket has a rectilinearly shaped annular body, and is formed of a one-piece radially outermost rigid metallic carrier having a first axial thickness, and adhesively bonded to a one-piece radially innermost elastomeric sealing body. The sealing body, bonded to the metallic carrier at the radially innermost edge of the carrier, includes a plurality of spaced apertures adapted for accommodating passage of bolt members for fastening said flanged portions together about the gasket body. Intermediate the apertures are longitudinally extending waffle pattern regions designed for sealing against leakage of fluids between said apertures. In one preferred form, a plurality of sealing beads extend medially between each waffle pattern region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Josefino T. Inciong
  • Patent number: 6540234
    Abstract: A gasket (10; 40; 50; 70) comprises a sealing member which forms a closed loop extending around a hole. The sealing member is formed from resilient metal and has a transverse cross section which is generally X-shaped and comprises two arms (12, 14) which project inwardly of the hole, and two arms (16, 18) which project outwardly of the hole. The inwardly projecting arms form a first seal around said hole, and the outwardly projecting arms form a second seal around said hole. Each arm extends from a junction (22) with the remainder of the gasket to a tip (24) of the arm which engages one of the bodies. Each arm has its greatest thickness at said junction (22) and its smallest thickness at a point adjacent to or at said tip (24), the arm continuously reducing in thickness between said junction and said point. The gasket can yield from the tips of the arms inwardly as the pressure on the gasket increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Flexitallic Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan William Atkinson, Stephen Peter Bond, John Robert Hoyes, Gary Briggs, Stephen Alexander Schultze, Kevin Richard Holmes, Julia Rosalind Mary Hood
  • Publication number: 20030047880
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved annular well seal elements and method for installing and removing the elements from a subterranean well. The seal element has a plurality of slots formed in the seal element. During radial expansion of the seal element the slots are deformed to reduce hoop stresses in the seal due expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Colby M. Ross
  • Patent number: 6523833
    Abstract: A ring-shaped low load seal attached into a ring-shaped dovetail groove having an opening portion, a first side wall face, a second side wall face, and a bottom wall face. This seal has a trileaf cross-sectional configuration composed of a first arc portion, a second arc portion, a protruding portion, and a concave portion disposed between the first arc portion and the second arc portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd., SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneo Ishigaki, Mamoru Fukuda, Yasuyuki Nishimura, Kazumasa Nishida