PATENTS

15

Annular seal and pump

Applicant: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp. USAThis patent describes a pump for liquid chro-matography applications. It is specifically designed to operate without lubricants that could cause contamination of the samples. The seals described are designed to run without lubricant and prevent cross contamination of samples. They are spring energised plastic U-rings, typically with a wiper type of lip, but all with two energiser springs. Both flanged seals, as often used for rotary applications, and non flanged seals are described. A range of detail variations in geometry are illustrated.Patent number: WO/2007/082111Inventors: J. An and R.T. RacicotPublication date: 19 July 2007

Tubular jointApplicant: Saint-Gobain Pam, FranceThe patent describes a joint for use on drinking water distribution pipes. A seal, anti-extrusion ring and pipe gripping device are contained in a groove in the fitting. A number of potential geometries are shown and the gripper may have an O-ring fitted on the outside diameter to seal against the groove wall.Patent number: WO/2007/083028Inventors: J-P. Vitel, D. Grojean and P. RenardPublication date: 26 July 2007

Dual bushing rod seal

Applicant: Hunt Valve Co. Inc. USAThis patent describes a steam service valve that has a dual bushing rod seal housed in a balance chamber head. The purpose of the dual bushings is to improve alignment of the rod to provide more reliable sealing. An application to de-scale valves is mentioned.Patent number: WO/2007/090117Inventors: M. Heestand, C. Santini and R. SomplatskyPublication date: 9 August 2007

Gasket, particularly for the burner of a boiler

Applicant: Unical AG s.p.a. ItalyThe aim of the present invention is to provide a gasket that indicates immediately the onset of a leak, allowing a prompt response. The gasket includes a conductor wire which extends along the entire gasket and is connected to a control unit. The conductor is made of a material that will melt if a rise in temperature caused by a leak of the gas contained in the boiler occurs, thus interrupting the signal to the control unit.Patent number: WO/2007/090436Inventor: G. JahierPublication date: 16 August 2007

Gasket and method for producing the same

Applicant: Bridgestone Corp. JapanA cured in place gasket is manufactured in two stages. A first bead of sealant is deposited and semi-cured with UV light. A second layer is then added to the first layer and both layers are then fully cured. The first layer is cured sufficiently such that it does not flow when the second layer is deposited. This provides a high profile gasket with a narrow width and good dimensional accuracy.Patent number: WO/2007/091685Inventors: R. Takahasahi and Y. ImaiPublication date: 16 August 2007

Seal of a toner container

Applicant: S.R.O. Goset, SlovakiaA seal for toner cartridges consists of a foam layer for sealing in operation. It may be addi-tionally sealed before use with a removable elastic layer.Patent number: WO/2007/091982Inventors: A. van Betsbrugge and D. HanulaPublication date: 16 August 2007

Closure and package with induction seal and RFID tagApplicants: Owens-Illinois Healthcare Packaging Inc. USAA container seal is described in which the seal disk has an electrically conducting layer. An RFID tag is electrically connected to the inner portion of the conductive layer.Patent numbers: WO/2007/092121 and 092126Inventor: D.W. AbbottPublication date: 16 August 2007

Microfluidic method and structure with an elastomeric gas-permeable gasketApplicants/Inventors: A. Elizarov et al. USAThis patent describes a microfluidic device that circumvents the complications involved in the manufacture of microfluidic valves. This can traditionally include precise microfabrication of features in under-cured polymers as well as the task of layer-to-layer adhesion. The patented device uses hard material contacts for the valve to provide a microfluidic device that is can be fabricated reproducibly and has utility amongst a range of reaction chemicals, while having a tight seal and being durable.Patent number: WO/2007/092472Publication date: 16 August 2007

These seals designed for liquid chromatography pumps have two energizing springs, WO 2007/082111.

January 2008 Sealing Technology

Seal member for door

Applicant: Nagoya OilChemical Co., Ltd. JapanA seal that fits between the door panel and trim of a vehicle is described. It can be manufactured by vacuum moulding, pres-sure forming, or cold-working of a foam sheet material. This appears to be sound deadening material.

Patent number: WO/2007/097278Inventors: M. Ogawa et al.Publication date: 30 August 2007

Optical probe window seal

Applicant: Equitech International Corp. USAAn optical probe for use in measuring charac-teristics of polymers in extruders is described. The materials for the lens and fitting are selected to have similar thermal expansion coefficients, such as sapphire lenses and tita-nium fittings so that in the heat and pressure of the extruder, the stresses on the lens do not lead to its failure.Patent number: WO/2007/097997Inventor: P.E. O’RourkePublication date: 30 August 2007