The University of Akron

United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Christopher C Daniels

Patrick H Dunlap, Jr

John J Mayer

Gary J Drlik

Nicholas Garafolo

Gary M Pease

A seal assembly is provided that includes a protective shroud to protect a sealing element from hazardous elements and/or a hazardous environment.

Shrouded seal assembly

In various embodiments, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for quantification of fluid loss from a nominally closed system using a pressure decay with mass point leak rate analysis methodology, which avoids the need for repetitive testing due to test configuration incompatibilities and allows for real time analysis and test control based upon desired results. The novel apparatus and methods of the present invention utilize a control system to maintain a desired pressure differential across the test article throughout the test by automatically raising or lowering the downstream pressure as the fluid leaks through the test article. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method of the present invention improves the efficiency of existing test methods by shortening otherwise long test durations, right-sizing the amount of data collected, providing quantifiable and controllable measurement uncertainty, reducing statistical variance, and eliminating post-process data analysis.

Apparatus and method for quantifying fluid loss in a closed system

A sealing construct for a space environment includes a seal-bearing object, a seal on the seal-bearing object, and a seal-engaging object. The seal includes a seal body having a sealing surface, and a textured pattern at the sealing surface, the textured pattern defining at least one shaded channel surface. The seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object through the seal. The seal-engaging object has a sealing surface, wherein, when the seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object, the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object engages the sealing surface of the seal, and the seal is compressed between the seal-bearing object and the seal-engaging object such that at least one shaded channel surface engages the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object.

Seals having textured portions for protection in space environments

The present invention is directed to a specially configured seal system which provides a barrier to gas leakage flow between a pressurized module and its external environment. The seal includes a shroud covering which protects the sealing interface from its environment when not in use, and retracts to expose the sealing interface when mated. The seal system is constructed and arranged to mate with a seal of identical construction and arrangement or to mate with a flat surface.

Growing community of inventors

Akron, OH, United States of America

Christopher C Daniels