Abstract: A variety of methods and apparatus are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a downhole tool for use in a borehole, comprising: a mandrel; and a sealing element disposed about the mandrel, wherein the sealing element comprises bulk metallic glass (BMG).

Abstract: A sealing element for a rotating control device includes an elastomeric body having a central bore for sealing against a pipe passing therethrough. The elastomeric body has an upper portion which is internally reinforced with a frame and a lower portion formed with a plurality of protrusions. The radial protrusions provide columnar support to the lower portion permitting the lower portion to resist centrifugal and frictional forces against the lower portion during drilling and other operations. The sealing element may be used to form an assembly with reusable parts for connecting the sealing element to a mandrel of a rotating control device.

Abstract: Oleophobic and/or oleophilic coatings to reduce heat loads on a gas turbine engine thermal management system are disclosed herein. An example method to reduce heat load in a gas turbine engine includes applying an oleophobic coating to an internal wall of a sump, the sump located in proximity to a heat generating element of the gas turbine engine, and applying an oleophilic coating to the heat generating element of the gas turbine engine, the heat generating element positioned in a cavity of the sump.

Abstract: Seal assemblies, gaskets, bearing assemblies, and their components can be used as pre-packaged seal systems and pre-packaged seal and bearing systems. The seal assemblies can be orientated in different configurations for different applications. Gaskets to restrict flow and gaskets with memory lips to operate as sealing lips can be included to increase the number of sealing points. In a pre-packaged configuration, the cylinder can be a straight cylinder, a stepped cylinder, or a split cylinder. Bearing assemblies can be pre-packaged with the sealing assemblies and service grease may optionally be used to provide lubrication and limit fluid incursion into the spring cavities.

Abstract: A seal for a pipe coupling can include an outer gasket defining a radially inner surface defining a plurality of grooves; and an inner gasket separably joined to the outer gasket and defining a radially outer surface, the radially outer surface defining a plurality of ridges extending radially outward and including: a first ridge, each of first and second side surfaces of the first ridge angled in cross-section with respect to a radial direction of the inner gasket towards a first axial end of the inner gasket when in an uncompressed state; and a second ridge, each of first and second side surfaces of the second ridge angled in cross-section with respect to the radial direction towards a second axial end of the inner gasket when in the uncompressed state; wherein the radially outer surfaces of the inner and outer gaskets contact each other.

Abstract: A hybrid abradable seal including a stator substrate having an external surface; a casing coupled to the external surface, the casing including radial walls extending radially from the external surface; an abradable material disposed within the casing; the abradable material and the casing being coupled together and configured to resist a deflection responsive to engine gas loads.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a wall assembly, a seal assembly, and a member extended through the wall assembly is provided. The wall assembly defines an opening through which the member is extended, and the wall assembly defines a first side and a second side opposite of the first side along a direction of extension of the member through the wall assembly. The seal assembly includes a retaining portion extended at least partially co-directional to the member. The retaining portion is configured to couple around the member and extend through the opening. The seal assembly further includes a locking portion configured to sealingly attach to the wall assembly and the retaining portion at an interface between the locking portion and the retaining portion.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing an annular space between a shaft and a housing, the housing having a bore and a radial end surface extending outwardly from the bore. The seal assembly includes an outer case disposeable within the housing bore, configured to support a primary seal member and having a radially-outwardly extending flange disposeable against the housing radial surface, the flange defining an annular groove. An inner case is disposed within the outer case and is disposeable upon the shaft. An annular retainer formed of a rigid polymeric material has an outer radial end disposed within the flange groove, an inner radial end disposeable about the shaft and a radial retention surface. The retainer retention surface extends between the inner and outer ends and is contactable by the inner case so as to retain the inner case disposed within the outer case.

Abstract: A method for temporarily sealing a turbocharger compressor outlet and the seal for doing same are disclosed. The seal may include a layer of lubricant, a cover, and a layer of heat-shrink material. The seal creates a temporary water-tight seal around a turbocharger compressor outlet preventing damage to the inside of the turbocharger while the turbocharger is not in use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided in which a seal flange includes a seal flange body having an integrated electrically conductive seal integrated onto an outer circumferential edge of the seal flange body. The seal flange with integrated seal is installable to seal between two confronting mounting flange faces. The seal is operative to conduct electric charge between said seal flange body and said mounting flanges.

Abstract: A seal for sealing an interface between a container and a lid of a process chamber. The seal comprises a first seal element and a second seal element that are arranged to seal the interface in series, with the second seal element being situated to encounter processing activity upstream of the fist seal element. The first seal element has a deflectable portion and a protrusion extending radially from the deflectable portion. The second seal element has a radially extending recess in which the protrusion of the first seal element is received. The protrusion and recess interlock to restrict separation and/or rotation of the first and second seal elements. Inclined surfaces of the first seal element interact with the second seal element to apply axial sealing forces to sealing surfaces of the second seal member.

Abstract: A sealing part that is inexpensive and enable excellent durability to be secured without the need for a predetermined sealing space as would be required for a double sealing structure. A sealing part seals an inside of a reduced pressure vessel from an outside, in which a high-elasticity polymeric material-eroding eroding substance is present and which is comprised of a substrate processing apparatus carrying out predetermined processing on a substrate housed in the reduced pressure vessel. The sealing part has a radical sealing member and a vacuum sealing member. The radical sealing member is disposed on an inside side of the reduced pressure vessel and is resistant to the eroding substance. The vacuum sealing member is made of the high-elasticity polymeric material and is disposed on an outside side of the reduced pressure vessel. At least one refuge space is formed through at least part of the radical sealing member and at least part of the vacuum sealing member being separated from one another.

Abstract: A dust seal structure for a valve stem in a rotary throttle valve The dust seal structure has a cylindrical throttle valve with a metering needle and a throttle through-hole, and a fuel nozzle disposed on the central axis of the throttle valve that is openable into the throttle through-hole with the metering needle inserted therein. The valve stem of the throttle valve, which protrudes at one end from the shaft hole formed in the cover body of a valve hole in the carburetor body, is caused to rotate in accordance with the operation of the accelerator pedal, whereby the throttle valve moves in the direction of a central axis thereof while rotating as a whole, and controls airflow and fuel-flow rate. A dust-proof member composed of a sealing ring is fitted between the valve stem and the shaft hole formed in the cover body.

Abstract: An insert for sealing and acoustic damping of a longitudinal cavity having an interior surface, comprising: a) one or more carrier plates made of a polymeric material (A) which does not deform when heated to a temperature not higher than 180° C. and which comprises a main polymer (A1) which gives mechanical strength to the carrier plate, and—at least one vibration-damping polymer (A2), and b) a thermally expandable material (B). The vibration-damping polymer (A2) is preferably selected from the group comprising: thermoplastic polyurethanes, styrene/butadiene block copolymers, hydrogenated styrene/butadiene block copolymers, styrene/isoprene block copolymers, hydrogenated styrene/isoprene block copolymers, styrene/isoprene/styrene tri-block copolymers, and hydrogenated styrene/isoprene/styrene tri-block copolymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage gasket having a multi-stage structure constituted by multiple kinds of gasket materials and being used by holding between a cover plate and a base plate, the multi-stage gasket having contactness of a gasket as the lowermost layer to the cover plate or the base plate in contact with the gasket that is higher than contactness of a gasket as the uppermost layer to the cover plate or the base plate in contact with the gasket. A gasket can be provided that provides good reworkability of a cover plate and a base plate of a hard disk device, provides sufficient adhesiveness of the gasket to a cover plate and a base plate even when used in a high humidity and temperature environment, and is prevented from being toppled sideways or peeled off even when applied with a force in an oblique direction.

Abstract: A sealing device for forming an airtight seal between a first body, such as a cure tool, and a second body, such as a vacuum bag, without the use of adhesives. The sealing device may comprise an outer surface attached to the second body, an inner surface configured to face the first body, and two cusps located at opposite edges of the inner and outer surfaces. The sealing device may form a continuous boundary around an area of any shape or size. The sealing device may have a substantially crescent-shaped cross-section, allowing the sealing device to suction to the first body when compressed against the first body. The sealing device may also comprise a tab portion protruding from the inner surface between the first and second cusp for providing a more secure seal between the sealing device and the first body.

Abstract: A process chamber 10 comprising a container (12), a lid (14), and a sealed interface (16) therebetween. The container's interface surface (30) and/or the lid's interface surface (32) includes at least one groove (36) in which a seal (40) is situated. The seal (40) comprises an elastomeric element (50) and a metallic element (60). The elastomeric element (50) and the metallic element (60) can be arranged and adapted to seal the chamber's interface (16) sequentially during its conversion to a sealed condition. And/or the elastomeric element (50) and the metallic element (60) can be arranged and adapted to seal the chamber's interface in series once the lid (14) is in its sealed condition.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing, baffling and/or sealing components of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The method includes providing a carrier and disposing masses of expandable material onto the carrier. The method further provides for providing a fastener connected to the carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. In one embodiment, an outer surface 10s of an expandable conduit 10 is provided with a formation 20 that includes an elastomeric material (e.g. a rubber) that can expand and/or swell when the material comes into contact with an actuating agent (e.g. water, brine, drilling fluid etc.). The expandable conduit 10 is located inside a second conduit (e.g. a pre-installed casing, liner or open borehole) and radially expanded. The actuating agent can be naturally occurring in the borehole or can be injected or pumped therein to expand or swell the elastomeric material to create the seal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrowetting device comprising first and second immiscible fluids, the liquids being sealed within a structure comprising a cap portion, a base portion, a gasket formed of a first material positioned between a first contact surface on said cap portion and a second contact surface on said base portion, and a first film formed of a second material between said gasket and one of said first contact surface and said second contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction roll seal strip and a method for manufacturing it from a mixture, which mostly consists of nitrile rubber and graphite. A seal blank is formed from the mixture and hardened at a chosen temperature. The mixture to be hardened includes wax.

Abstract: A system is provided for sealing a space in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system has a swelleable body arranged in the wellbore in a manner so as to seal the space upon swelling of the swelleable body, the swelleable body being susceptible of being in contact with formation water flowing into the wellbore, the swelleable body including a matrix material provided with a compound soluble in the formation water. The matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swelleable body and allows migration of the formation water into the swelleable body by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swelleable body upon migration of the formation water into the swelleable body.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during manufacture and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. A special installation tool is used to pull the gasket from an initially deformed, elliptical shape to a normal cylindrical shape. The installation tool uses only one fluid cylinder for power and can be hand installed and operated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. In one embodiment, an outer surface 10s of an expandable conduit 10 is provided with a formation 20 that includes an elastomeric material (e.g. a rubber) that can expand and/or swell when the material comes into contact with an actuating agent (e.g. water, brine, drilling fluid etc). The expandable conduit 10 is located inside a second conduit (e.g. a pre-installed casing, liner or open borehole) and radially expanded. The actuating agent can be naturally occurring in the borehole or can be injected or pumped therein to expand or swell the elastomeric material to create the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for sealing a wellbore. The apparatus includes a swelling elastomer disposed around an outer surface of the tubular body. The swelling elastomer is isolated from wellbore fluid in an annulus. However, upon the application of an outwardly directed force to an inner surface of the tubular body, the tubular body expands radially outward causing the swelling elastomer to contact the wellbore while exposing the swelling elastomer to an activating agent via the one or more apertures, thereby causing the swelling elastomer to create a pressure energized seal with one or more adjacent surfaces in the wellbore.

Abstract: A gasket singulation apparatus for separating one gasket from a web-connected stack of gaskets includes a mandrel for receiving the web-connected stack and an arrangement of cylinders which are used to support the web-connected stack of gaskets and to pull one gasket away from the remainder of the web-connected stack so as to singulate that one gasket. A first plurality of cylinders are used to support the web-connected stack. A second plurality of cylinders are used to pierce any connecting material between the gasket to be singulated and the remainder of the stack. Once the web material is pierced, cylinder movement is effected so as to pull the selected gasket away from the stack, allowing any connecting material to sever and thereby singulate one gasket from the stack. Once the gasket is singulated, various insertion mechanisms are disclosed for inserting the singulated gasket into a pail lid groove.

Abstract: A system for pressure molding plastic material includes a source of hot flowable plastic material and a manifold for receiving hot flowable plastic material from the source and for transporting the hot flowable plastic material to a nozzle that is disposed within a nozzle cavity. A heater is provided to heat the nozzle and is positioned outside of, but close to, the nozzle cavity and includes at least one electrical supply wire. A shut-off seal is positioned within the nozzle cavity to seal the nozzle with respect to the wall defining the shut-off cavity. In addition, a secondary seal is most advantageously positioned between the shut-off seal and the heater for ensuring that any hot flowable plastic material that might leak through the shut-off seal does not come into contact with the electrical supply wire. This has been found to increase the reliability and operating life of conventional pressure molding systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stainless steel gasket having markedly improved strength and fatigue properties due to precipitation strengthening. Its composition comprises C: at most 0.03%, Si: at most 1.0%, Mn: at most 2%, Cr: 16.0%-18.0%, Ni: 6.0%-8.0%, N: at most 0.25%, if necessary Nb: at most 0.30%, and a remainder of Fe and unavoidable impurities. After cold rolling, final annealing is carried out, and after a structure is formed of recrystallized grains with an average grain diameter of at most 5 &mgr;m having an area ratio of 50-100% and an unrecrystallized portion having an area ratio of 0-50%, a metal gasket is formed by steps including temper rolling with a reduction of at least 30% to make the area ratio of a strain induced martensite phase at least 40%, and forming and heat treatment at 200-350° C.

Abstract: The air damper includes a piston reciprocating within a cylindrical housing. The piston includes a lip seal which is coated with a minimum of 0.5%/seal part weight graphite powder/molybdenum disulfide. This provides for increased smoothness of operation of the air damper, particularly at low speeds.

Abstract: A magnetic gasket that fastens together components in an electronic device. An adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, is attached to a magnetic strip. An electrically conductive gasket, such as a soft foam core with a conductive fabric wrap, is also attached to the magnetic strip. The adhesive attaches the magnetic gasket to one component, and the magnetic strip holds another metallic component firmly in place. This compresses the electrically conductive gasket, filling the gap between the components with an electrical connection that reduces EMI.

Abstract: In an oil seal of a hydraulic shock absorber, the oil seal is made of a nitrile rubber of a low nitrile, and an inner diameter of a second lip is set to be smaller within a range between 0.3 and 1.0 mm &phgr; than an outer diameter of a piston rod.

Abstract: The composite material for a metal gasket includes a metal plate; a rubber layer fixed on the surface of the metal plate; and a solid lubricant layer fixed on the rubber layer. The solid lubricant layer contains polytetrafluoroethylene and a resin as main components, and has a friction coefficient equal to 0.15 or lower. Thus, the seal durability of the metal gasket is improved by effectively preventing fretting wear.

Abstract: A sealing cord (10) for sealing shafts (14) or other movable machine and equipment parts includes a core (24) having an elastically deformable hollow section (26), the hollow section (26) comprising at least one chamber (26), and a braiding (28) surrounding the core (24). The at least one chamber (26) is equipped with at least one connection (30) for the supply and/or discharge of pressurized fluid (32).

Abstract: A pair of substantially opposed mating surfaces are joined to each other and sealed in place by means of an electrically-conductive member which is placed in proximity to the mating surfaces. The electrically-conductive member has at least one element secured thereto which is positioned to contact the mating surfaces, and which softens when the electrically-conductive member is heated by passing an electric current therethrough. The softened element conforms to the mating surfaces, and upon cooling of the softened element the mating surfaces are joined together in an effective seal. Of particular significance is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is a gasket having an electrically-conductive gasket base and a pair of the elements secured to opposite sides of the gasket base. This embodiment is positioned between the opposed mating surfaces to be joined to each other.

Abstract: Flexible graphite article of manufacture made by compressing a mixture of expanded graphite particle and a fluoro-resin including ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymers after additional heat treatment. An article of manufacture of a gasket material made shows enhanced mechanical properties especially after oil immersion and reduced leakage.

Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.

Abstract: A material comprised of two different polymers so that the material exhibits anisotropic properties. The anisotropic properties exhibit hardness and wear resistance along with flexibility. The anisotropic material is made up of a hard segment polymer and a soft segment polymer having contact with each other. This anisotropic material can be used to make seals, which exhibit these same properties and are therefore appropriate for use in high-pressure situations, where they will have a longer life than seals currently on the market.

Abstract: The air damper includes a piston reciprocating within a cylindrical housing. The piston includes a lip seal which is made of rubber or thermoplastic elastomer impregnated with a minimum of 3% molybdenum/seal part weight, or a minimum of 2% polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone/seal part weight or a minimum of 1% wax/seal part weight. The lip seal is coated with a minimum of 0.5%/seal part weight graphite powder/molybdenum disulfide. The housing is made with a minimum of 2% silicone impregnated thermoplastic or a minimum of 2% moly sulfide impregnated thermoplastic. This provides for increased smoothness of operation of the air damper, particularly at low speeds.

Abstract: A sealing ring, including a support ring made of an impact-resistant material, and a lip ring made of PTFE, where the lip ring has a holding segment and a sealing segment, and where the holding segment is connected with the support ring by an intermediate layer made of a polymer material. The holding segment and the sealing segment are made of two different PTFE compounds, each adapted to their purpose of use.

Abstract: A gasket for electrical apparatus and the like, operation of which tends to generate or be adversely affected by electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI), comprising a compressible, electrically conductive core. It may also comprise a flexible, electrically conductive, and substantially abrasion resistant sheath surrounding the compressible core. The apparatus may be sealed against EMI/RFI leakage, noise emission and environmental infiltration and the like.

Abstract: A rubber component that provides a fuel seal is provided which includes a base formed principally of fluorosilicon rubber or hydrin rubber, and a coating layer applied by coating to the base and formed principally of nylon or fluorine-contained resin.

Abstract: O-ring seals for rock bit bearings comprise a body formed from an elastomeric material having one or more lubricant additive uniformly distributed throughout to reduce the coefficient of friction and stick slick amplitude at O-ring seal surfaces. The lubricant additives are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene, hexagonal boron nitride, flake graphite, ultra-high molecular weight polyurethane, and mixtures thereof. O-ring seals made from elastomeric compositions of this invention comprise in the range of from about 85 to 99 percent by volume elastomeric material, and in the range of from about 1 to 15 percent by volume of the lubricant additives based on the total volume of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal seal, which is fitted with a coating containing 10 to 60 wt. % of at least one elastomer, 5 to 50 wt. % of at least one inorganic fiber, 0.5 to 20 wt. % of at least one organic fiber, 10 to 80 wt. % filling material. The part by weight ratio of the at least one elastomer in relation to the part by ratio sum of the at least one inorganic fiber and the at least one organic fiber ranges from 1:1.1 and 1.5:5. The invention further relates to the coating material.

Abstract: A substantially adhesive-free flexible multi-layer graphite based product comprising a first and second outer graphite layer and a layer intermediate to the first and second outer graphite layers, wherein said first and second outer graphite layers comprise at least about 30% flake graphite and said intermediate layer comprises between about 5% to about 20% elastomeric polymer and between about 5 to about 40% fiber.

Abstract: Sealed structural joints for use in manufacturing pressurized tank structures, and particularly cryogenic fuel tanks. In a preferred embodiment, the structural joints and seals comprise a strain-compliant material as applied to a joint or seam to provide a surface to bridge the joint with a continuous skin so as to provide a completed bonded inner surface. In the preferred embodiment, the strain-compliant material comprises honeycomb, although foam cores and homogenous elastomeric materials may also be utilized. Among the specific applications by which the joint seals of the present invention may be employed include splice joint seals, frame seals, and access cover openings.

Abstract: A roller-cone drill bit in which a double lip seal, made of a self-lubricating elastomer, protects the bearings from the mud.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement including a ring gasket having at least one dynamically stressed sealing lip which is in sealing contact with a first machine element. A multipole ring made of a magnetized elastomer material is connected to a carrier ring and is moveable past an rpm sensor for detecting rotational movement of the first machine element relative to a second machine element. The carrier ring has an essentially C-shaped profile which is open axially in the direction of the ring gasket and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first machine element. A first leg of the carrier ring is connected to the first machine element has an end which is adjacent the sealing lip at an axial distance.

Abstract: A sealing element for a face seal assembly including a bellows portion having mounting portions at its axial ends. One of the mounting portions is designed for non-rotational mounting on a component, e.g. a shaft, and the other for retaining an annular face member. The sealing element is formed, on at least the faces thereof exposed to a medium to be sealed, from a plastics material selected from a group of plastics materials comprising PEEK and ECTFE. The sealing element serves for applying a bias force to the annular face member. The sealing element enables the design of an uncomplicated, easily maintained, externally pressurised single action face seal assembly which is particularly suitable for sealing aggressive media.