C-, U-, Or V-shaped Patents (Class 277/647)
  • Patent number: 6857639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gap seal (6) for sealing a gap (3) between two adjacent components (1, 2), in particular of turbo machines, with the following characteristics: each component (1) has one each groove (7) that is open towards the gap (3), the two grooves (7) are essentially facing each other in the gap (3), in each groove (7), a compensation body (16) is movably positioned transversely to the longitudinal groove direction and parallel to the gap plane (10), each compensation body (11) abuts the groove bottom (9) of the corresponding groove (7) in a sealing manner, each compensation body (11) has a V-shaped receiving groove (14) that is open towards the facing compensation body (11), a mutual sealing body (16) has a rhombus-shaped cross-section and projects with outer sides (17) into both receiving grooves (14), the straight inner sides (15) of each receiving groove (14) are angled towards each other at the same angle as the straight outer sides (17), in each receiving groove (14), at least one out
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LTD
    Inventors: Alexander Beeck, Arkadi Fokine, Edouard Sloutski, Sergey Vorontsov
  • Patent number: 6811011
    Abstract: A dust seal is disposed in a rotational control apparatus for sealing a pressurized chamber, such as a pressure chamber in a pneumatic on/off fan clutch. The dust seal is an annular elastomeric member disposed between first and second members rotating about a first axis. The seal is for sealing against ingress of foreign matter into a pressure chamber that is formed between the first and second members, wherein the first member has an annular extension and the second member has a radially extending surface. The seal comprises a center base section having a first side and a second side, a radially inner upright section and a radially outer upright section. The radially inner upright section extends generally perpendicularly from the first side of the center base section and the radially outer upright section extends from the first side of the center base section at an acute angle relative to the center base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Horton, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Bastien
  • Publication number: 20040188956
    Abstract: To provide 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 the gasket 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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Hideshi Shibata, Kanji Hanashima
  • Patent number: 6773776
    Abstract: A component having at least one support member with a first connecting portion and at least one part with a second connecting portion is formed by activating the second connecting portion by plasma treatment and then combining the first and second connecting portions and securing their attachment to one another by a heat and pressure treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: KACO GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Gust
  • 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: 6764081
    Abstract: In a gas turbine, a supplemental seal is provided between an annular axially facing sealing surface of a nozzle support ring and an annular axially opposed sealing surface formed by circumferentially adjacent nozzle segments. Each segment carries an inner rail mounting a chordal hinge seal which engages the sealing surface of the nozzle support ring. That seal is supplemented by a generally arcuate V-shaped seal between the sealing surfaces which opens radially inwardly toward a high pressure leakage path past the chordal hinge seal. The supplemental seal is initially compressed and maintained in a compressed condition during installation by application of a solder. At operating temperature, the solder melts away, releasing the supplemental seal to seal between the nozzle support ring and nozzle segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Srikanth Vedantam, Ning Fang
  • Patent number: 6726978
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is the development of a support strip, which lends a seal, made from a rubber material, a stiffness adequate for production and assembly, has good extension and compression properties, has an adequate mobility in order to be able to follow the given directional curves of the chassis components and lends the seal a clamping force sufficient for a secure and durable seating of the seal on the attachment flange of the chassis components. Said aim must be achieved with the proviso of a lowest possible weight and low production costs for said support strip. The aim is achieved by means of an asymmetric arrangement of short (2) and long (3) wedge-like recesses and slots (4) in the support strip as in FIG. 1, permitting a low weight and low production costs in fulfilling the said aims. The invention further relates to an asymmetric strip which can be used as reinforcing support for a seal made from rubber material in chassis production of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Saar Gummi GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Sehr
  • 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: 6705832
    Abstract: A turbine includes a sealing element with a receiving area for sealing the guide blade vanes which are adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction of the turbine. The foot plates of the guide blade vanes extend into the receiving area. The edge area of the foot plates does not have to be reinforced compared to a conventional seal, which enables the entire foot plate to be cooled homogeneously. A closed cooling system can therefore be used for cooling, especially with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Patent number: 6702549
    Abstract: A turbine installation, especially a gas turbine installation, includes foot plates of the guide blades of adjacent turbine stages being interconnected with a clip-type sealing element on their rear sides facing away from the gas area. This provides a simple seal between adjacent foot plates which is effective regardless of the thermal expansion of the foot plates. The clip-type sealing element is also suitable for sealing the tiles of a combustor of the turbine installation together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Patent number: 6695318
    Abstract: An arrangement for improved thermal and/or electrical coupling between parts disposed in electronic device processing equipment is provided. In an illustrated embodiment, an improved coupling between a chamber liner and a chamber wall is provided which can be utilized in semiconductor processing equipment. The arrangement includes a compressible coupling or gasket which is compressed between a wedge ring and the chamber wall. The chamber liner is coupled to the wedge ring, so that the chamber liner is coupled to the chamber wall by way of the wedge ring and compressible coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Stephen N. Golovato, Arthur H. Laflamme, Jr., Jay R. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040007834
    Abstract: A device for protecting against electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic influences on electronic components in a housing. An element, for instance an electrical terminal or an operating element, leads through an I/O shield that covers a housing aperture, and the element is sealed with a sealing layer. The layer is so constructed that electrical contact with the sealing layer exists on the edges of the housing aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Friedrich Kohler, Holger Hein, Wilhelm Neukam, Frank Muller-Augste, August Scherer
  • Patent number: 6659472
    Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Srikanth Vedantam, Ning Fang, Gayle Hobbs Goetze, Brian Peter Arness, John Ellington Greene, Wei-Ming Chi
  • Patent number: 6648333
    Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially facing sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir
  • Patent number: 6648001
    Abstract: A rotary plug valve is disclosed in a preferred embodiment that has two telescoping seat assemblies that fit into respective recesses provided in the valve body surrounding a passageway through the plug valve. A valve chamber is formed in the valve body into which the rotary plug may be positioned to control flow through the valve by rotation thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the telescoping seat assemblies provide an upstream and a downstream seal with the rotary plug. The telescoping seat assemblies preferably function differently when in the open and closed position so that both assemblies expand when in the open position whereas in the closed position one assembly expands and one is compressed A line pressure surface is provided to provide a force against the plug seal seat element. The plug seal seat element and plug mate with a curved surface and the contact stress varies depending on the location along the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: World Wide Oldfield Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Vijay R. Chatufale
  • 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: 6623832
    Abstract: A sealing strip, such as for fitting to the frame of a door opening in a motor vehicle body, comprises a longitudinally extending channel-shaped mounting portion incorporating a channel-shaped reinforcing carrier. The hollow tubular longitudinally extending sealing portion is attached to the outside of the mounting portion. When such a strip is bent to follow curves in the door frame, the increased tension in the mounting portion at the curves can cause the sealing portion to move inwardly of the curve so as partially the bridge across the curve. In order to avoid this, the sealing strip, and particularly the mounting portion are longitudinally compressed at positions corresponding to the positions where curves are to be formed in the strip. This local longitudinal compression helps to maintain the sealing portion in its correct attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: GenCorp Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Helmut Greven
  • Publication number: 20030122325
    Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Srikanth Vedantam, Ning Fang, Gayle Hobbs Goetze, Brian Peter Arness, John Ellington Greene, Wei-Ming Chi
  • Publication number: 20030107189
    Abstract: A scaling ring (1) for sealing an annular gap between a concrete pipe socket and a concrete pipe spigot end is adapted to be mounted on a mould ring intended for casting of a concrete pipe comprising a socket so as to be fixed in the socket by said casting. The scaling ring is made in one piece by means of co-extrusion of a soft rubber material and a hard rubber material. The soft rubber material has a hardness of 30-40 IRHD and forms a radially inner sealing layer (6), which is intended to abut against the mould ring during said casting and to abut sealingly against the spigot end during use of the sealing ring (1). The hard rubber material forms a second layer (7) located radially outside the radially inner sealing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Roger Bonnert, Fraser Hunt, Paul Willis
  • 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: 6561794
    Abstract: An infrared heating unit which finds particular application in paper making equipment for coating drying and moisture profile control. In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises a housing and a heat resistant, porous ceramic matrix received in the housing having an inner surface, side walls and an external surface. The inner surface of the ceramic matrix and the housing cooperate to define a chamber. There is at least one resilient anchoring strip extending between the ceramic matrix and the housing about the perimeter of the ceramic matrix to retain the ceramic matrix in place within the housing and seal the edges of the ceramic matrix. An inlet to the housing is provided to admit a gas/air combustion mixture to the chamber. The gas/air mixture passes through the ceramic matrix to burn adjacent the external surface of the ceramic matrix to heat the external surface to incandescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 6502833
    Abstract: A metal C-shaped ring gasket is constructed so that a satisfactory sealing property can be obtained even with a low clamping pressure. The metal C-shaped ring gasket is made of an austenite stainless steel and constructed so as to have a superficial roughness below 0.2 &mgr;m Ra and a superficial hardness below 230 Hv by electrolytic polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Hideshi Shibata, Kanji Hanashima, Ichiro Kubo, Shuichiro Wada, Masahito Tanemoto
  • Patent number: 6485030
    Abstract: A sealing element for use in motor vehicles which has a sealing body (12) made of silicone and is provided with a self-sticking adhesive surface (20) for attachment to the application site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Hahn, Martin Schlenke
  • Patent number: 6446978
    Abstract: A resilient seal has an annular curved region having a generally C-shaped cross section, and a pair of annular leg regions. Each leg region has a free end and extends generally radially inward towards the inside of the C-shaped cross section. The leg regions contact each other and each form a generally frustro-conical disk spring member extending inwardly from the curved region. The leg regions are adapted to contact each other and to provide a restoring force when the sealing ring is compressed. A first bend connects one of said leg regions to the curved region, and a second bend connects the other of the leg regions to the curved region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventors: Horace P. Halling, Paul L. Porter
  • Patent number: 6447255
    Abstract: A nose cone assembly (30) for a gas turbine engine (10) comprising a spinner (34) having a generally conical forward portion (33) and a base portion (35). The base portion (35) of the spinner (34) is disposed radially inside an extended profile of the forward portion (33). Upon the base (35) there is a radially outwardly extending flange (41) through which mounting fasteners (40) are arranged to attach the spinner (34) to a fan hub (6) of the gas turbine engine (10). A fairing (36) is arranged to surround and cover the base portion (35) of the spinner (34) when the nose cone assembly (30) is fitted to the fan hub (6). The fairing (36) having a generally circumferentially and axially smooth continuous outer surface, the profile of which continues that of the forward portion 33 of the spinner 34. Fasteners (44) preferably extend from the fairing (36) in a substantially radially inwardly directed direction to attach the fairing (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Adam M Bagnall, Kevin P Vyze
  • Patent number: 6409180
    Abstract: A metallic seal is provided that concentrates the available load over a narrow band to produce a sealing dam over a sufficient width to minimize leakage on a molecular level. The metallic seal has a first annular beam section, a second annular beam section, and inner and outer surfaces extending between the first and second annular beam sections. One of the inner and outer surfaces has an annular recess that at least partially defines an annular column section of material extending substantially perpendicular between said first and second annular beam sections thereto. The first annular beam section has a first non-sealing surface and a first raised portion with a first annular sealing surface facing in a first axial direction to contact a first member for creating a first annular sealing dam therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: PerkinElmer, Inc.
    Inventors: John Loyd Spence, Kevin R. Felber
  • Patent number: 6406216
    Abstract: A storm sewer overflow control device for controlling runoff surge flows from a generally vertically oriented storm drain into a generally horizontally oriented storm sewer pipe includes an engagement portion configured for insertion into the storm sewer pipe, a flow control portion attachable to the engagement portion and configured for receiving runoff surge flow flowing down the storm drain and slowing the flow for entry into the storm sewer through the engagement portion. The engagement portion is radially expandable to tightly and frictionally engage an interior surface of the storm sewer pipe, and preferably is configured to expand radially as it is shortened axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
  • Patent number: 6361054
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing at least two facing surfaces of two adjacent machine elements includes an inflatable sealing tube arranged in a groove in a first surface of a first machine element. The sealing tube can be filled with a medium to which pressure can be applied, and can be inflated by the medium as well as made to rest against a second surface of a second machine element, forming a seal. The ends of the sealing tube are each arranged in an insert piece. The insert pieces are each structured as a sleeve and surround the ends of the sealing tube under elastic pre-stress, forming a seal. The sleeves are each arranged in a recess of the first machine element that extends essentially crosswise to the lengthwise direction of the groove. In the non-pressurized state, the sealing tube and the face of the sleeves that faces the second surface of the second machine element are essentially flush with the first surface of the first machine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fritsche, Mollmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Denker, Alois Giesker, Herbert Krause
  • Patent number: 6357759
    Abstract: In order to achieve constantly stable, high seal performance without requiring high machining accuracy, and in order to provide a reusable jacket seal, the present invention discloses a jacket seal, wherein a projection is formed at a position of a metal jacket in opposite relationship with a seal surface of a member being sealed, a flat portion is formed in an elastic member within the metal jacket so as to be brought into surface-to-surface contact with a flange portion interior surface, and the vertex portion of the projection is formed flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Azuma, Takayoshi Mitsui, Takahiro Kariya
  • Patent number: 6352267
    Abstract: An adjustably sizable ring seal includes a monolithic ring having a first end portion and a second overlapping end portion. The first end portion has a first cross-section and the second end portion has an integrally formed reduced cross-section slidably receivable generally within the first cross-section and/or an integrally formed radially offset cross-section slidably receivable generally within the first cross-section so that the monolithic ring seal is circumferentially expandable and contractable in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 6349946
    Abstract: A sealing member to seal the opening in the side wall of a chamber such as a catch basin through which a laterally extending member such as a drain pipe is positioned and connected. The sealing gasket comprises an annular ring having a cylindrical bore to receive such drain pipe for example, an annular groove cut into the annular ring which divides the portions adjacent the groove into a first annual flange on one side of the groove and a second annular flange on the opposite side of the groove. The sealing gasket is made of a flexible compressible material. It is worked into the opening to be sealed by flexing the gasket in such a way as to insert the peripheral edge of the wall surrounding the opening into the annular groove, whereupon one of the annular flanges is in sealing bearing relationship against the outer surface of the wall around the opening and the other annular flange is in sealing bearing relationship against the inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: John K Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6340162
    Abstract: A seal (10) is for use in a hydraulic apparatus such as a power steering gear (12) having first and second parts (14, 40) that are fastened to each other and that have facing major side surfaces (24, 42) that include aligned fluid pressurized openings (28, 48). The seal (10) has generally planar inner and outer major side surfaces (50, 60) and a seal opening (64) extending therebetween that is aligned with the openings (28, 48) in the first and second parts (14, 40) when the second part is secured to the first part with the seal clamped between them. The seal (10) has an annular edge portion (70) extending around and defining the opening (64) in the seal. The edge portion (70) has a free condition in which annular lip portions (86, 76) of the seal edge portion project from the planes of the inner and outer major side surfaces (50, 60) of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: James Martin Hobaugh, II
  • Patent number: 6336300
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealing device serve to preclude the passage of water and debris between the conventional gaps in a deck. The water sealing device comprises an elongated member preferably formed of natural rubber with weather and ultraviolet resisting additives, but may be formed alternatively of vinyl or other resilient plastic materials as desired. In each embodiment, the seal has a pair of upwardly extending flanges along the top of each opposed edge. The sealing device fits tightly within the gap between the boards of a deck, preventing the passage of water and/or other debris between the boards. The flanges are biased outwardly, creating a watertight seal between the boards and the sealing device. Further sealing may be provided by the use of an adhesive and/or caulking compound at the time of installation of the seals, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Fred M. Babucke
  • Patent number: 6322111
    Abstract: An air duct installation joins the ends of two air ducts together using a self-seal coupling connector. The coupling connector has a band with first and second edges and inside and outside surfaces. First and second gaskets are provided, with each gasket being wrapped around a respective edge of the band. Each gasket has a first portion that is interposed between the band and the respective air duct. The first portion of each gasket has seals or lips that extend into contact with the respective air duct. In addition, the first portion of each gasket has a bead that serves as a mechanical stop. The air duct is installed by sliding onto the gasket, wherein the end of the air duct contacts the bead. In addition, the first portion of each gasket is inclined between the lips and the bead. This inclination results in an increasing gasket thickness toward the bead, wherein another seal is provided and the joint is snugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lewis & Lambert, L.L.L.P.
    Inventor: Larry V. Brady
  • Patent number: 6318732
    Abstract: A gasket (10) comprises a first sealing member (12) and a second sealing member (14) both made of springy metal, and a clamping member (16) which holds the first and the second sealing members in an overlying relationship. The first sealing member (12) has an arm portion (12a) projecting from the clamping member (16), the arm portion being adapted to resiliently form a seal with a first body. The second sealing member (14) has an arm portion projecting from the clamping member (16), the arm portion being adapted to resiliently form a seal with a second body. A compression limiting stop (16e) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Flexitallic Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Hoyes, Anthony Russel Currie, Peter George Mowvley, Alan William Atkinson, Stephen Peter Bond
  • Patent number: 6318736
    Abstract: A seal features a first curved region generally concave in a direction of concavity, and a second curved region generally concave in the direction of the concavity of the first curved region. The second curved region is oriented within the direction of concavity of the first curved region. A first bend connects the first curved region to the second curved region, and a second bend connects the first curved region to the second curved region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Jet Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 6315298
    Abstract: A seal for the aft end of a turbine blade and disk assembly of a gas turbine engine to prevent leakage of the cooling air whose main body and cross section are U-shaped that freely fits into a groove formed in the disk lug adjacent the rim of the disk on the aft side thereof. When rotating the center of the base of the U bears against the buttress of the platform of the blade and centrifugal force forces the sides of the U to deform to bear against the walls of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Kildea, Herbert R. Voigt
  • Patent number: 6299178
    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: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 6286840
    Abstract: An knitted wire mesh seal, such as for use in catalytic converters, is provided with a plurality of protrusions to prevent complete nesting of adjacent seals. When packaged and shipped, seals that do not completely nest prevent accidental assembly of two seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: ACS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Zettel
  • Patent number: 6286839
    Abstract: A ring seal contains a core made from an elastic organic polymer and a metal jacket having a U-shaped sectional shape, which jacket surrounds the core to prevent transfer of a substance generated from the core into the sealed space. The seal of the present invention does not release a foreign material into the sealed space, nor does it require a great force for clamping. Accordingly, it is useful as a vacuum seal that achieves miniaturization and reduced weight of a vacuum apparatus. In particular, by making the sectional shape of the metal jacket a U shape, the core can be easily detached and attached for fitting after forming the jacket, and the inside of the jacket can be washed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Mitsui, Takahiro Kariya
  • Patent number: 6257594
    Abstract: A resilient seal has an annular curved region having a generally C-shaped cross section, and a pair of annular leg regions. Each leg region has a free end and extends generally radially inward towards the inside of the C-shaped cross section. The leg regions contact each other and each form a generally frustro-conical disk spring member extending inwardly from the curved region. The leg regions are adapted to contact each other and to provide a restoring force when the sealing ring is compressed. A first bend connects one of said leg regions to the curved region, and a second bend connects the other of the leg regions to the curved region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventors: Horace P. Halling, Paul L. Porter
  • Patent number: 6227546
    Abstract: A seal and method of using a seal are provided. The seal has a convolution region and two legs extending therefrom, and the seal may be positioned in a cavity such that an inner side of an extending leg faces a lower pressure zone; and/or an outer side of an extending leg faces a higher pressure zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Jetseal, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Patent number: 6164663
    Abstract: A bidirectional metal-to-metal seal of material composition with low modulus of elasticity and yield strength which is gall resistant and designed to seal against fluid pressure in the annulus between concentric cylindrical members. The seal comprises an annular body of U-shape and radial cross section with an annular base and a pair of coaxial sealing lips integral therewith. An annular bridge of similar composition is inserted in the gap between the sealing lips and fluid pressure in the annulus is cemented to the gap by recesses in the inner wall of one of the sealing lips. The exterior surface of the one lip is provided with a pair of axially spaced circumferential flanges, the radial extremities of which provide annular sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaetner Dilfield Products
    Inventor: Edwin C. Turner
  • Patent number: 6161841
    Abstract: This invention discloses, as a manufacture, a vehicle O ring fuel cap gasket having a diagonally inverted modified C shape cross section and a groove extending for the full circumference of the O ring and in cross section the groove edges extend downward, with one or first edge extending downward to about 4 o'clock position and the other or second edge extending downward to about 7:30 o'clock, to provide a groove opening extending diagonally upwards for a depth of about 2.2.times. to about 2.5.times. the thickness T-T' of the back of the C shape, and optional ridges on the outer circumference, the inner circumference, or the top of the O ring, and the O ring formed of an elastomer having a Shore A hardness about 50 to 60 and ultimate elongation range of 200% to 315%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard J. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6163268
    Abstract: In an information processing system having a portable terminal unit, such as a hand-held computer, driven by a rechargeable battery and a data communication adaptor for enabling communication between the portable terminal unit and a host computer of the system, the terminal unit and the data communication adaptor are designed to minimize the size thereof in the following five ways. First, a memory card holding mechanism for connecting the memory card of the portable terminal unit is provided between a swinging back lid and a recess of the back casing. Second, a normal interface and a high-speed interface are both provided in the portable terminal unit and the the data communication adaptor respectively. Third, an auxiliary connector for an optional device to extend a function of the portable terminal Unit is provided in the opening of the casing of the portable terminal unit movable in three dimensions mounted on a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takao Obata, Mitsuaki Kumagai, Akihiko Iura, Akio Murata, Shinji Yamamoto, Makoto Sato, Akira Okawado, Shinichiro Tsurumaru, Maki Miyata, Toshiyuki Kobayashi, Nobuaki Akasawa, Masahiko Okano, Takao Miyanaga
  • Patent number: 6120037
    Abstract: A resilient static seal for sealing the closure on a pressure vessel. The seal is provided with a curved cross section with the convex side of the curve exposed to the higher pressure which may exist within the interior or exterior of the pressure vessel. The seal is also provided with opposed inwardly curved side edges which engage the side walls and a bottom wall of a vessel closure seal groove in which the continuous seal is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Schmertz
  • Patent number: 6091175
    Abstract: The invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a motor containing self-centering rotor bearing assemblies. Each rotor bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a sleeve, a journal, and at least two seals. The journal is preferably disposed about the sleeve which is keyed to the power transmission shaft of the motor. The journal has a peripheral surface which is configured to have at least two circumferential support regions which are spaced apart from one another. Each of these circumferential support regions supports a corresponding seal. Each seal includes an interface member and an activating member. When in place in a rotor section of a submersible pump motor, the seals frictionally engage the inner surface of the stator and exert a centering force against the journal and thus against the bearing sleeve and the power transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Camco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Griff H. Kinsinger
  • Patent number: 6059295
    Abstract: A flexible seal permits slidable access to equipment components in an essentially zero clearance environment, without time-consuming disassembly and reassembly. A flexible seal ring includes a thickened radiused boss connected to the outer rim of a flexible flange, connected to a mounting block by an inner hub. The seal ring can be formed as a unitary structure from metal, plastic, elastomer, wood, foam, composite, or combinations thereof. Usually the seal ring has rotational symmetry. Alternatively, the seal ring has an elongated or irregular configuration, e.g. for sealing around a slot. The seal ring can contain an outer o-ring groove. The seal ring is attached to a first plate. A second plate slides laterally to align with the first plate, contacting the flexible seal surface. This presses the seal surface against the second plate, sealing the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6056291
    Abstract: A metal gasket excellent in sealing performance and capable of sealing with a small pressing force. The metal gasket comprises at least one metal sheath with C-shaped cross-section and a ring elastic core surrounded by the metal sheath and the metal gasket is served for sealing with aid of the contact with the sealing face tightened by exerting a force in the axis center direction, wherein the metal sheath has the worked portion with a locally thin cross-section over the whole length, and when the metal sheath is exerted with a force and deformed, the deflection in the axis direction of the metal sheath due to concentrated stress on the thin worked portion causes to form projections at the both sides of the deflection which projections are pressed onto the sealing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Inagaki, Yoshinori Morooka, Akihiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 6042121
    Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first plate or member having a recess with a bottom mating surface which receives sealing ring therein and a second plate or member having a sealing surface for contacting a metallic sealing ring. First and second plates or members are coupled together by a plurality of fasteners or bolts. By tightening the fasteners the sealing ring is loaded, and thus, compressed to plastically deform and create an annular seal between the first and second members. Metallic sealing ring has a first annular sealing surface, a second annular sealing surface, an annular inner surface and an annular outer surface. The first annular sealing surface faces in a first axial direction to contact sealing surface of first member for creating a first annular sealing dam therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: EG&G Sealol, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai-Ping Ma, Matthew D. Cunningham, Amitava Datta