Sealing assembly and method

Abstract

A sealing assembly is provided for securing an opening in a seat having a seating surface. Typically, the sealing assembly of the present invention adapted for use with, for example, a dual-chamber orifice fitting. The sealing assembly comprises a drive, a carrier, a strip, a stop and a guide. The drive is actuateable for movement. The carrier is associated with the drive and moveably actuated by the drive. The strip is engaged with the drive for moving with the drive or at a right angle to the drive. The stop is engageable with the strip such that when the strip and the stop are engaged, the strip moves at a right angle to the drive, and when the strip and the stop are not engaged, the strip moves with the drive. The guide secures the strip, the carrier and the drive for operation in any orientation. When the stop is sufficiently displaced from the drive and the strip, the opening in the seat is unobstructed. And when the stop has engaged the strip and the drive is moving toward the nearest position to the stop, the strip is approaching the seat in a parallel manner. Such that when the drive is in its nearest position to the stop, the strip is securedly engaged with the seat for securing the opening in the seat. A method for securing an opening in a fitting assembly for use with an orifice plate is also provided.