Applicant: Surgical InnovationsLtd, UK

A seal for a laparoscopic port isdescribed. This will provide a facil-ity for surgical tools during anoperation. It has a series of jawsthat can either permit movement

or restrain the surgical tools. Theaction resembles that of a machinetool collet.Patent number: WO 2004/110286Inventors: P. Moran and S.S. MoranPublication date: 23 December

2004

Applicant: Hydril Co LP, USAThis patent describes a bonnetassembly for a blowout preventerthat uses a removable seal carrier.The purpose is to aid mainte-nance, permitting the replacementof seals in a bonnet assembly with minimal time, effort andresources. The removable seal car-rier (204) can be removed fromthe bonnet (200) for maintenance

and replacement. Removal of the fastening devices (210) willuncouple the connecting pinsfrom the bonnet, and the seal carrier can then be removed formaintenance.Patent number: WO 2004/111379Inventors: E.R. Hemphill, W.R.

Holland and M.W. BerckenhoffPublication date: 23 December

2004

A sub-sea well assembly is des-cribed. It includes a wellheadhousing that has a cylindrical innersealing surface, and a tubularhanger with a tapered externalsealing surface. A setting piston isactuated by fluid pressure in the

annulus, which is used to energizethe seal between the running tooland the hanger.Patent number: WO 2004/111380Inventor: L.E. ReimertPublication date: 23 December

2004

Applicant: Federal-MogulCorporation, USA

This patent is concerned with themanufacture of gaskets for automo-tive engine applications such asbetween an intake manifold andcylinder head. It aims to overcomeproblems associated with mismatchof the ports between the two com-ponents. A common design forthese gaskets is to employ a rigidcarrier plate of either metal or plas-tic, with a sealing bead molded to the carrier around the ports.Misalignment of ports or differentsizes may cause uneven loading ofthe gasket. The gasket assembly isformed from at least two carrier lay-

ers laminated together. An elas-tomeric seal is molded to the carrierto create the sealing beads on oppo-site sides of the carrier. The sealingcontact surfaces are asymmetricallyarranged relative to one anotheracross the carrier, to accommodatemisalignment of the ports to besealed. The patent shows a varietyof options, where the mating portsmay be of different diameter, eccen-tric to one another, or of differentgeometry, such as oval or lobed.Patent number: WO 2004/111502Inventors: E. Gernand, D.J. Vialard

and T.M. WillisPublication date: 23 December

2004

PATENTS

13Sealing Technology March 2005

The surgical tool seal arrangement described in WO 2004/110286.

The blow-out preventer described in WO 2004/111379, showing theremovable seal carrier (204).

Surgical seal to permit movement of or restrain tools

Wellhead assembly with pressure-actuated seal assemblyApplicant: Dril-Quip Inc, USA

Laminated carrier gasket with offset elastomeric sealing

Removable seal carrier for blowout preventer

Applicant: MTU Aero EnginesGmbH, Germany

This invention is concerned withthe manufacture of brush seals. Analmost straight casing element (12),and an almost straight brush seal(11), are prepared. The straightbrush seal is fitted into the casing

element. The unit consisting of thebrush seal and casing element is fab-ricated into a circumferential brushseal unit of the required diameter.Patent number: WO 2004/111507Inventors: S. Beichl et al.Publication date: 23 December

2004

Method for producing brush seal units