Sealing assembly having liquid-filled seal
AssigneeA-Lok Products, Inc.
InventorsJames A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, Christopher Hangdago
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system includes a first structure defining an aperture, such as a pipe receiving aperture. A second structure, such as a pipe is received in the aperture. And an annular seal is disposed within the aperture for radially sealing between the first structure and the second structure. The seal includes an outer radial portion embedded in the first structure and an inner radial portion in sealing engagement with the second structure. The inner radial portion defines an internal cavity containing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel that is movable within the cavity to provide a dynamic seal with the second structure.
Claims21
A continuous seal for sealing between a first associated member and a second associated member, comprising:
- a first radial portion embedded in the first associated member and a second radial portion protruding away from the first associated member;
- a cavity defined within said second radial portion;
- and
- a fluid or gel disposed within said cavity and movable within said cavity to provide a dynamic seal with the second associated member.
A sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system, comprising:
- a structure defining a conduit receiving aperture;
- a conduit received in said aperture;
- and
- an annular seal disposed within said aperture for radially sealing between said structure and said conduit, the seal including an outer radial portion embedded in said structure and an inner radial portion in sealing engagement with said conduit, said inner radial portion defining an internal cavity containing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel.
A method of making a sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system, comprising:
- casting a structure having a hole defined therethrough;
- providing an annular seal including a cavity defined in an inner radial portion thereof;
- introducing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel within said cavity;
- and,
- embedding a radial outer portion of said annular seal in said structure so that it surrounds said hole, said inner radial portion extending radially inwardly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.