Caterpillar Inc.

University of Cincinnati

Alan M Dickey

Harold L Reinsma

Kristy J Johnson

Anthony D Friend

F James Boerio

David A Penning

David K Perry

R Giles Dillingham

Elastomeric seals, including O-rings, may have chemically resistant thin films applied by the technique of plasma polymerization to the surface of the elastomer, enhancing wear resistance and environmental resistance without changing the physical properties of the elastomer. The films may be a silane polymer applied by plasma deposition in a radio frequency/microwave dual power source reactor.

Product having a thin film polymer coating and method of making

The present invention relates to a method for producing a mold having a micro-textured surface, wherein the mold can be used to form an elastomeric seal having a micro-textured surface. The resulting seal will hold an amount of lubricant that is released with time, the release of the lubricant will result in decreased friction between the seal and a surface contacted by the seal.

Process for micro-texturing a mold

A seal ring mountable to a rotating member for rotation therewith, the seal ring including a gap or other feature providing controlled leakage therethrough, a radial inner circumferential face, an opposite radial outer circumferential face, and at least one axial end face extending between the inner circumferential face and the outer circumferential face, wherein at least one face includes elements for receiving and holding a lubricant for providing lubrication between the face and a surface located in opposing relation thereto during rotation of the seal ring relative to the surface.

Controlled leakage rotating seal ring with elements for receiving and holding a lubricant on a face thereof

A seal is provided having a back surface that is generally perpendicular with a longitudinal axis of the seal and a sealing portion on the side opposite the back surface. The sealing portion is defined by first and second intersecting surfaces. A plurality of projections are disposed on one of the first and second surfaces at a location generally adjacent the intersection of the surfaces and a cylindrical recess is defined in at least a portion of the plurality of projections. The sides of the cylindrical recesses and the plurality of projections are oriented perpendicular to the back surface to enhance the ability to manufacture the seal in an economical manner.

Textured seal

A radial lip seal for sealing about a pin of a hinge joint is disclosed. Such seal includes an outer mounting ring, a rubber flex ring mounted inside the mounting ring, a tension ring mounted inside the flex ring, and an inner elastomeric seal ring mounted inside the tension ring. The seal ring has an inside diameter that is a sufficient amount smaller than the pin to cause the tension ring to be stretched by a predetermined amount when the seal is mounted about the pin. The tension ring is capable of exerting a radial force of at least 20 N/cm of circumference on the seal ring upon being stretched the predetermined amount. The unique construction of such a seal is effective in sealing out highly abrasive materials found in very severe operating applications, such as on earthmoving vehicles, and provides a seal having an extremely long service life in such applications.

Process of making radial lip seal

A radial lip seal for sealing about a pin of a hinge joint is disclosed. Such seal includes an outer mounting ring, a rubber flex ring mounted inside the mounting ring, a tension ring mounted inside the flex ring, and an inner elastomeric seal ring mounted inside the tension ring. The seal ring has an inside diameter that is a sufficient amount smaller than the pin to cause the tension ring to be stretched by a predetermined amount when the seal is mounted about the pin. The tension ring is capable of exerting a radial force of at least 20N/cm of circumference on the seal ring upon being stretched the predetermined amount. The unique construction of such a seal is effective in sealing out highly abrasive materials found in very severe operating applications, such as on earthmoving vehicles, and provides a seal having an extremely long service life in such applications.

Growing community of inventors

Brimfield, IL, United States of America

Alan M Dickey