High pressure liquid injection seal assembly carrier

Abstract

A disposable containment tray (102) for use with a liquid jet cutting system can include a body (114) having a first end portion (120), a longitudinal axis (119), and a second end portion (122) opposite the first end portion along the longitudinal axis. The first end portion can have a first outer width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second end portion can have a second outer width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first outer width can be greater than the second outer width. The containment tray can also include a flexible region extending through at least a portion of the body along a portion of the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the body includes a plurality of outward projections (204) located between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 990,857, filed March 17, 2020, entitled High-Pressure Liquid Jetting Sealing Assembly Bracket, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to sealing brackets used with liquid jet cutting systems, and related systems and methods. Background Technology

[0004] Liquid jet cutting systems typically include high-pressure sealing assemblies with one or more sealing components. These sealing assemblies often have a short operational life (e.g., approximately 300 hours), necessitating frequent replacement. Replacement and / or failure of these seals are common causes of system downtime and can involve lengthy and complex processes. For example, in some cases, replacing a high-pressure sealing assembly may involve replacing multiple components, such as the high-pressure seal, high-pressure sealing O-ring, clamp, and support ring. These components must be installed in a specific order and / or relative to each other to ensure proper operation and prevent premature failure. Furthermore, these components may be deformed or damaged during delivery to the end user. Additionally, some installation processes require the application of a precise amount of high-vacuum grease to the O-ring. Controlling the amount of grease applied has a significant impact on the proper operation and lifespan of the high-pressure sealing assembly. Therefore, improved systems and methods are needed for supplying and replacing sealing assemblies for liquid jet cutting systems. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a sealing bracket assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0006] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Side view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0007] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1B The section cut from 1C-1C Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0008] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Exploded perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0009] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a sealing bracket configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of the sealing bracket.

[0011] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Rear view of the sealing bracket.

[0012] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A A top view of the sealing bracket.

[0013] Figure 3A This illustration shows an embodiment of the present technology involving the installation tool before the sealing bracket assembly is installed onto the plunger. Figure 1A Sealing bracket assembly.

[0014] Figure 3B This shows the process after the sealing component of the sealing bracket assembly is installed on the plunger. Figure 3A Sealing bracket assembly and installation tools.

[0015] Figure 3C The image shows the process after the sealing component of the sealing bracket assembly has been installed on the plunger and the installation tool has been removed from the plunger. Figure 3A Sealing bracket assembly and installation tools.

[0016] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of another sealing bracket assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 4B It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology. Figure 4A A perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0018] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B Side view of the sealing bracket.

[0019] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of another sealing bracket assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 5B It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology. Figure 5A A perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0021] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A Front view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0022] Figure 5D It is along Figure 5C The 5D-5D section cut Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0023] Figure 5E It is along Figure 5C The 5D-5D section cut Figure 5A A perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0024] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of another sealing bracket assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0025] Figure 6B It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology and is in an open configuration. Figure 6A A perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly.

[0026] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B A perspective view of the first part of the sealing bracket.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for assembling a sealing bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for installing a sealing component from a sealing bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of a sealing bracket for a liquid jet cutting system. The sealing bracket generally includes a body having a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion along the longitudinal axis. The first end portion may have a first external width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second end portion may have a second external width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first external width is greater than the second external width. The sealing bracket may also include a flexible region extending along a portion of the longitudinal axis through at least a portion of the body. In some embodiments, the sealing bracket may further include a plurality of external protrusions disposed between the first and second end portions. The sealing bracket may releasably receive one or more components of a seal for a liquid jet cutting system. One or more components may be arranged in a predetermined order around a portion of the sealing bracket, such that the sealing bracket can be used for transporting, shipping, installing, etc., of components. This can advantageously reduce the risk of damage to one or more components during transport and / or reduce the error rate of the seal installation process.

[0030] In the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or at least substantially similar elements. For ease of discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit of any reference numeral refers to the figure in which the element is first introduced. For example, element 240 is first introduced and discussed with reference to Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 1AThis is a perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly 100. As shown, the sealing bracket assembly 100 may include a sealing bracket 102 and a sealing component 104 disposed around the sealing bracket 102. The sealing bracket 102 may be formed of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, composite material, or combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 may be formed of injection-molded plastic (e.g., ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, etc.) or other suitable materials or combinations thereof. The sealing component 104 may include one or more components from a seal for use with a liquid jet cutting system, such as the Echion 15, Echion 30, and Echion 50 water jet pumps manufactured by Hypertherm, Inc. The sealing component 104 may be mounted on the sealing bracket 102. For example, the sealing component 104 may be at least partially disposed around a portion of the sealing bracket 102.

[0032] Figure 1B This is a side view of the sealing bracket assembly 102. As shown, the sealing assembly 104 may include an O-ring 106, a high-pressure seal 108, a clamp ring 110, and / or a support ring 112. As previously described, each of the O-ring 106, the high-pressure seal 108, the clamp ring 110, and the support ring 112 may be at least partially disposed around the sealing bracket 102.

[0033] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1B The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing bracket assembly 102 taken from section 1C-1C. As shown, the sealing bracket 102 may include a body 114 having a first end portion 120 (e.g., a first portion), a second end portion 122 (e.g., a second portion) opposite to the first end portion 120, and a longitudinal axis 119 extending therebetween. The body 114 may include a first end 116 and a second end 118 opposite to the first end 116. The first end portion 120 may be between the first end 116 and the second end portion 122, and the second end portion 122 may be between the first end portion 120 and the second end 118.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first and second end portions 120, 122 may have the same cross-sectional shape, which includes the following about Figure 2B The discussion concerns any cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the first and second end portions 120, 122 may have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the first end portion 120 may have a first cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting tool (not shown—regarding...). Figures 3A-3C(Discussed in more detail), and the second end portion 122 may have a different cross-sectional shape than the first cross-sectional shape and be configured to correspond to the internal cross-sectional shape of the sealing assembly 104. Therefore, the first end 116 and / or the first end portion 120 may be configured to be releasably coupled to an installation tool (not shown) (e.g., receiving, tight-fitting, attaching, etc.), and the second end 118 and / or the second end portion 122 may be configured to be releasably coupled to the sealing assembly 104. Setting the size and shape of the second end portion 122 to correspond to the internal dimensions of the sealing assembly 104 allows the sealing bracket 102 to structurally support the sealing assembly 104 during transport and prior installation, reducing the likelihood of warping, stress, or other failures of the sealing assembly 104 before installation. Contacting / supporting the sealing assembly 104 on its inner surface also reduces the risk of buckling of those components before installation.

[0035] Further reference Figure 1C The sealing bracket 102 may include a flexible or deformable region 124. The deformable region 124 may extend through at least a portion, a majority, or all of the body 114 between the first end 116 and the second end 118. The deformable region 124 may be generally aligned (e.g., parallel) with the longitudinal axis 119 of the sealing bracket 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable region 124 extends from the first end 116 to the second end 118. In other embodiments, the deformable region 124 extends only partially through the length of the body 114 of the sealing bracket 102 between and / or through the first and / or second end portions 120, 122. For example, the deformable region 124 may begin at the second end 118 and extend between 25% and 50%, 30% and 75%, and / or 45% and 90% of the length of the body 114. In some embodiments, the deformable region 124 extends from the first end 116 to a length of 25%-50%, 30%-75%, and / or 45%-90% of the body 114.

[0036] The deformable region 124 can allow circumferential and / or radial compression of the body 114 relative to the longitudinal axis 119. For example, at least a portion of the first and / or second end portions 120, 122 can be compressed to allow one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 to be positioned around the sealing bracket 102.

[0037] The body 114 may include a support 126 disposed between the first and second ends 116, 118. The support 126 may be configured to suppress or prevent longitudinal movement of the sealing assembly 104 relative to the body 114 when the sealing assembly 104 is disposed around the sealing bracket 102. For example, the support 126 may at least partially contact the high-pressure seal 108 to prevent the high-pressure seal 108 from moving across the support 126 toward the first end 116.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 is configured to receive the sealing assembly 104 in a predetermined configuration. For example, the high-pressure seal 108 may be positioned closest to the first end 116 and / or contact support 126, the support ring 112 may be positioned at least partially between the high-pressure seal 108 and the second end 118, the clamp ring 110 may be positioned at least partially between the high-pressure seal 108 and the support ring 112, and an O-ring may surround at least a portion of the high-pressure seal 108. Receiving the sealing assembly 104 in a predetermined configuration can reduce the risk of incorrect installation and the associated costs. For example, for sealing assemblies 104 that need to be installed in a predetermined sequence, the sealing bracket 102 can be used to provide (e.g., transport, align, place, etc.) the sealing assemblies 104 together in the aforementioned predetermined sequence to the end user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support ring 112 may be mated and / or connected to at least a portion of the second end portion 122; the clamp ring 110 may be disposed between the first end portion 120 and the support ring 112; the high-pressure seal 108 may be mated and / or connected to at least a portion of the sealing bracket 102 between the first end portion 120 and the clamp ring 110; and the O-ring 106 may be mated and / or connected to at least a portion of the high-pressure seal 108 and / or around the sealing bracket 102.

[0040] Figure 1D This is an exploded view of the seal bracket assembly 100. As shown, the seal bracket 102 can be configured to releasably receive the seal assembly 104. The seal bracket assembly 100 can be used for transport, assembly, and / or installation of the seal assembly 104. For example, the seal assembly 104 can be displaced relative to the seal bracket 102, such that the seal assembly 104 can be installed in a liquid jet cutting system. This will be about Figures 3A-3C Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0041] Figure 2AThis is a perspective view of the sealing bracket 102. As shown, the second end portion 122 and / or the second end 118 may include a flange 200. The flange 200 may extend inward (e.g., circumferentially, radially, etc.) toward the longitudinal axis 119 of the sealing bracket 102. The flange 200 may at least partially increase the stiffness (e.g., radial and / or circumferential stiffness) of the second end portion 122. For example, the region of the second end portion 122 including the flange 200 may have greater stiffness than the region of the second end portion 122 excluding the flange 200.

[0042] In some embodiments, the deformable region 124 extends through at least a portion of the flange 200. In some such configurations, the flange 200 may be compressed relative to the longitudinal axis 119 (e.g., radially, circumferentially, etc.). The flange 200 may have a constant radial thickness along its entire circumference (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 119). In some embodiments, the radial thickness of the flange 200 varies along its circumference.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 2A The support 126 may be a step in the outer surface of the body 114 and located between the first and second end portions 120, 122. The step 126 may be configured to contact one or more sealing components, such as... Figure 1A-1D The components of the sealing assembly 104. For example, step 126 can be configured to contact... Figure 1A-1D The high-pressure seal 108. In some embodiments, the support 126 may include one or more radial protrusions extending from the outer surface of the first end portion 120. For example, the first and second end portions 120, 122 may have similar or identical diameters and / or widths, and the one or more radial protrusions may inhibit or prevent the sealing assembly 104 ( Figure 1C (Move over the protrusion)

[0044] The first end portion 120 of the sealing bracket 102 may include an external protrusion or tab 204. In some embodiments, the tab 204 is elongated and may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 119, and may extend radially from the outer surface of the first end portion 120. As described below... Figures 3A-3C In more detail, during installation, tab 204 can be configured to work with the installation tool ( Figure 3A ) join.

[0045] Figure 2BThis is a front view of the sealing bracket 102. As shown, the sealing bracket 102 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 may have a generally triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing bracket 102 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing assembly 104 and / or the installation tool used with the sealing bracket 102.

[0046] refer to Figure 2A-2C At least a portion of the body 114 of the sealing bracket 102 may be hollow. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 114 is hollow from the first end 116 to the second end 118. In other embodiments, the body 114 is hollow only in a portion between the first and / or second end portions 120, 122. Utilizing a hollow, or at least partially hollow, body 114 allows the body 114 to be compressed relative to the longitudinal axis 119 (e.g., circumferentially, radially, etc.). For example, the compressible portion of the body 114 may correspond to the hollow portion of the body 114. Furthermore, making the body 114 hollow can reduce the weight and / or manufacturing cost of the sealing bracket 102.

[0047] Figure 2D This is a side view of the sealing bracket 102. As shown, the first end portion 120 may have a first outer width W1 relative to the longitudinal axis 119, and the second end portion 122 may have a second outer width W2 relative to the longitudinal axis 119. The second outer width W2 may be smaller than the first outer width W1. In some embodiments, the outer width of the body 114 increases relative to the longitudinal axis 119 from the second end 118 toward the first end 116. This change in outer width may define a tapered shape of the body 114. For example, the body 114 includes an outward (e.g., widening, enlarging, expanding, etc.) tapering from the second end portion 122 toward the first end portion 120. The tapering may at least partially correspond to a change in stiffness (e.g., compressibility) along the body 114 relative to the longitudinal axis. For example, as the outer width of the body 114 increases from the second end 118 toward the first end 116, the stiffness may decrease from the second end portion 122 toward the first end portion 120. In some embodiments, the first end portion 120 has a constant outer width W1 from the support 126 to the first end 116. The second end portion 122 may have a constant outer width W2 from the support 126 to the second end 118.

[0048] The first end portion 120 may have a first stiffness (e.g., a first radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119), and the second end portion 122 may have a second stiffness (e.g., a second radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119). The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness, such that the stiffness (e.g., compressibility) of the body 114 decreases from the second end 118 toward the first end 116.

[0049] like Figure 2D As shown, the first end portion 120 may include a first region 208 and a second region 210 located between the first region 208 and the support 126. The first region 208 of the first end portion may have a first radial stiffness (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 119), and the second region 210 may have a second radial stiffness. The second radial stiffness may be greater than the first radial stiffness, such that the stiffness of the first end portion 120 decreases from the step 126 toward the first end 116. In some embodiments, the first region 208 may have reduced stiffness, such that the first region 208 is the most deformable region along the length of the sealing bracket 102.

[0050] The second end portion 122 may include a first region 212 and a second region 214 located between the first region 212 and the support 126. The first region 212 may have a first radial width (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 119), and the second region 214 may have a second radial width. The radial widths of the first and second regions 212, 214 may be based on the presence or absence of any sealing components (e.g., Figure 1A-1D The sealing component 104 is modified as it is releasably attached to the second end portion 122. For example, when one or more sealing components are releasably attached to the second end portion 122, the first radial width (e.g., of the first region 212) may be greater than the second radial width (e.g., of the second region 214), and when one or more sealing components are released from the second end portion 122, the first radial width may be approximately equal to the second radial width. In some embodiments, the radial width of the second end portion 122 increases linearly from the first region 212 toward the second region 214 to correspond to the tapering of the second end portion 122 and / or the body 114.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 2DThe deformable region 124 can include various structures, materials, and / or geometries depending on the specific application. For example, in some embodiments, the deformable region 124 is part of the body 114 having a reduced thickness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119. In other embodiments, the deformable region 124 may be part of the body 114 formed of a different (e.g., more flexible, deformable, compressible, compliant) material. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformable region 124 is configured as a groove extending through a portion of the body 114 of the sealing bracket 102. The groove 124 is generally aligned with (e.g., parallel to) the longitudinal axis 119.

[0052] The groove 124 may be defined by a first lateral boundary 218 and a second lateral boundary 220 facing the first lateral boundary 218. The second lateral boundary 220 may mirror the first lateral boundary 218 about the plane containing the longitudinal axis 119. The first lateral boundary 218 may have a first slope relative to the plane, and the second lateral boundary 220 may have a second slope mirroring the first slope. The first and / or second slopes may be linear, non-linear, curved, zigzag, stepped, or any other suitable configuration relative to the plane.

[0053] The groove 124 may further include a first width W3 between the first and second lateral boundaries 218, 220 at the first end portion 120 and a second width W4 between the first and second lateral boundaries 218, 220 at the second end portion 122. The first and second widths W3, W4 of the groove 124 may be selected based on the desired stiffness of the body 114. For example, the first width W3 (e.g., at the first end portion 120) may be greater than the second width W4 (e.g., at the second end portion 122), such that the stiffness of the first end portion 120 may be lower than that of the second end portion 122. In some embodiments, the groove 124 includes a tapered portion 125W4 that transitions between the first width W3 and the second width. The tapered portion 125 may be at least partially located in the second end portion 122. The radial stiffness of the second end portion 122 may decrease as the width of the groove 124 increases along the tapered portion 125. In some such embodiments, the radial and / or circumferential stiffness of the second end portion 122 decreases from the second end portion 118 toward the support 126. For example, the second region 214 of the second end portion 122 can have a lower radial / circumferential stiffness than the first region 212 of the second end portion 122. This stiffness variation allows the second region 214 to undergo greater radial compression than the first region 212 when the sealing assembly 104 is coupled to the sealing bracket 102. The increased radial compression of the first region 212 compared to the second region 214 can reduce the pressure on the high-pressure seal 108 ( Figure 1CThe stress on the high-pressure seal 108 can reduce the likelihood of components of the sealing assembly 104 unintentionally slipping off the second end portion 122. Reducing the stress on the high-pressure seal 108 can reduce the chance of the high-pressure seal 108 being stretched or otherwise deformed before installation.

[0054] The sealing bracket 102 can be formed in a two-piece injection mold. For example, the sealing bracket 102 can be formed such that the bracket has no negative draft angle and / or no zero draft angle region.

[0055] Figures 3A-3C The use of embodiments according to this technology is illustrated. Figure 1A-1D The method for the sealing bracket assembly 100 involves multiple stages. (Refer to...) Figure 3A The method includes coupling the sealing bracket assembly 100 to the installation tool 300. This coupling may include, for example, at least partially housing the sealing bracket assembly 100 within the installation tool 300. The installation tool 300 may have the features described previously. Figure 1A The internal cross-sectional shape that is discussed, supplemented, matched, or otherwise corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the first end portion 120 of the sealing bracket assembly 100 and / or sealing bracket 102.

[0056] The first end portion 120 of the sealing bracket 102 and / or one or more tabs 204 may at least partially contact the inner surface 302 of the installation tool 300. The tabs 204 may inhibit or prevent the sealing bracket 102 from sticking to the installation tool 300 because they reduce the contact surface area between the sealing bracket 102 and the installation tool 300. In some embodiments, the first end portion 120 includes surface treatments (e.g., roughening, lubrication, texturing, etc.) configured to reduce friction between the sealing bracket 102 and the installation tool 300. These surface treatments may be used in place of or added to the tabs 204.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the sealing bracket 102 is inserted into the installation tool 300, one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 (e.g., the high-pressure seal 108) may at least partially contact the distal surface 304 of the installation tool 300. The interaction between the sealing assembly 104 and the distal surface 304 may inhibit or prevent longitudinal movement of the sealing component relative to the installation tool 300 (e.g., toward the proximal portion 306 of the installation tool 300).

[0058] The method may further include aligning the sealing bracket 102 with the plunger 308 of the liquid jet cutting system. The plunger 308 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing assembly 104, such that the sealing assembly 104 slides onto and around a portion of the plunger 308. Similarly, the plunger 308 may have an external width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger 308, which is smaller than the internal width of the installation tool 300, such that at least a portion of the plunger 308 can be insertably received by the installation tool 300.

[0059] refer to Figure 3B The method may include actuating the installation tool 300 relative to the plunger 308 to displace the sealing assembly 104 relative to the sealing bracket 102. The plunger 308 may contact the second end 118 to move the sealing bracket 102 toward the proximal portion 306 of the installation tool 300. The interaction between the distal surface 304 and the sealing assembly 104 may prevent the sealing assembly 104 from moving proximal (e.g., toward the proximal portion 306 of the installation tool 300). This results in the sealing assembly 104 being released from the second end portion 122 of the sealing bracket 102 onto a portion of the plunger 308. Releasing the sealing assembly 104 from the sealing bracket 102 in the assembly arrangement may reduce the risk that the sealing assembly 104 may be incorrectly positioned on the plunger 308 after installation (e.g., in the wrong order or orientation).

[0060] refer to Figure 3C The method may include removing the installation tool 300 from the plunger 308. This may involve, for example, pulling the installation tool 300 off the plunger 308. When the installation tool 300 and the sealing bracket 102 are removed from the plunger 308, the sealing assembly 104 may remain in place on the plunger 308.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 and / or the installation tool 300 may be disposable (e.g., sacrificial, single-use, consumable, etc.). In other embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 and / or the installation tool 300 may be reusable, such that the sealing bracket 102 can be removed from the installation tool 300 and the sealing bracket 102 and / or the installation tool 300 can be reused. In some embodiments, the sealing bracket 102 is completely removed / disconnected from the liquid jet cutting system prior to operation of the liquid jet cutting system.

[0062] Figures 4A-4C Various views of a sealing bracket assembly 400 configured according to embodiments of the present technology are shown. Figures 4A-4C The components of the sealing bracket assembly 400 can be roughly similar to Figure 1A-1DThe components of the sealing bracket assembly 100. Therefore, similar numerals (e.g., support 426 relative to support 126) are used to identify similar or identical components, and for... Figures 4A-4C The discussion of the sealing bracket assembly 400 will be limited to its relationship with Figure 1A-1D The sealing bracket assembly has 100 different features. Furthermore, Figures 4A-4C Any feature of the sealing bracket assembly 400 can be combined with each other and / or with Figure 1A-1D The sealing bracket assembly 100 is assembled.

[0063] Similarly, Figures 4A-4C The components of the sealing bracket 402 in the middle can be roughly similar to Figure 1A-2D The sealing bracket 102 is a component. Therefore, similar numerals (e.g., first end portion 420 relative to first end portion 120) are used to identify similar or identical components, and Figures 4A-4C The discussion of the sealing bracket 402 will be limited to its relationship with Figure 1A-2D The sealing component 102 has those different features. Furthermore, Figures 4A-4C Any feature of the sealing bracket 402 can be combined with each other and / or with Figure 1A-2D The sealing bracket 102 assembly.

[0064] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the sealing bracket assembly 400. The sealing bracket assembly 400 may include a sealing assembly 104 releasably received by the sealing bracket 402. In some embodiments, the sealing assembly 104 may include an O-ring 106, a high-pressure seal 108, a clamping ring 110, and a support ring 112.

[0065] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A perspective view of a sealing bracket 402. The sealing bracket 402 may include a central portion 430 aligned with a longitudinal axis 431 of the sealing bracket 402, and a plurality of arms 432 extending radially outward therefrom relative to the longitudinal axis 431. Each of the arms 432 may be configured to contact (e.g., support, brace, engage) one or more sealing components (not shown), such as... Figure 4A Sealing component 104.

[0066] The sealing bracket 402 may further include a first end portion 420 and a second end portion 422. The first end portion 420 may include a portion of an arm 432 between a first end 416 of the sealing bracket 402 and a support 426 of the sealing bracket 402. The second end portion 422 may include a portion of the arm 432 between the support 426 and a second end 418 of the sealing bracket 402. The second end portion 422 may be configured to releasably receive one or more sealing elements, such as… Figure 4AThe sealing assembly 104. In some embodiments, the second end portion 422 of each arm 432 may include a chamfer or bevel 434 at or near the second end 418 of the sealing bracket 402. The bevel 434 may help guide one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 onto the second end portion 422 during assembly.

[0067] Support 426 may be located between the first and second end portions 420, 422. Support 426 may be configured to contact one or more components of sealing assembly 104 to inhibit or prevent movement of one or more components of sealing assembly 104 over support 426 toward the first end 416 of sealing bracket 402. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, support 426 is a step on one or more arms 432 that at least partially contacts Figure 4A High-pressure seal 108.

[0068] Figure 4C This is a side view of the sealing bracket 402. As shown, the first end portion 420 may have a first outer width W5, and the second end portion 422 may have a second outer width W6, and the first outer width W5 may be greater than the second outer width W6. The dimension of the first outer width W5 may be set to match or substantially match the internal width of a mating or substantially matching mounting tool (e.g., the mounting tool 300 described above). The dimension of the second outer width W6 may be set to match or substantially match the internal width of one or more components of the sealing assembly 104.

[0069] The sealing bracket 402 can be configured together with the installation tool 300 to comply with the above-mentioned Figures 3A-3C The described methods operate in a similar or identical manner, wherein similar components of each of the sealing brackets 102 and 402 (e.g., first end portions 420 and 120) operate in a similar or identical manner. In some embodiments, one or more arms 432 are configured to flex when the sealing assembly 104 is located thereon. For example, when the sealing assembly 104 is located on the second end portion 422 of the sealing bracket 402, one or more arms 432 may bend in a direction tangential to the longitudinal axis 431.

[0070] Figure 5A A sealing assembly 500 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown. The sealing assembly 500 may include a sealing bracket 502, which may at least partially include (e.g., surround, enclose, encircle, etc.) one or more components of the sealing assembly 104. A first end portion 520 of the sealing bracket 502 may correspond to a tool, for example... Figures 3A-3C The installation tool 300 allows the first end portion 520 to be releasably coupled to the tool.

[0071] The second end portion 522 of the sealing bracket 502 may include a plurality of arms 550. One or more arms 550 may contact one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 to inhibit or prevent radial movement of the sealing assembly 104 relative to the longitudinal axis of the sealing bracket 502. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the arms 550 contacts the support ring 112. In some embodiments, at least one of the arms 550 may be biased inward (e.g., toward the longitudinal axis of the sealing bracket 502) such that positioning one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 within the sealing bracket 502 can at least partially offset the inward bias of at least one arm 550 and secure one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 relative to the sealing bracket 502. In some embodiments, the diameter or width of one or more components of the sealing assembly 104 (e.g., the support ring 112) is greater than the width W7 of the second end portion 522. Figure 5D This causes the sealing assembly 104 to insert into the second end portion 522, resulting in the arm 550 bending away from the longitudinal axis of the sealing bracket 502. The bent arm 550 can create a frictional fit between the second end portion 522 and the sealing assembly 104 to reduce the possibility of the sealing assembly 104 accidentally decoupling from the sealing bracket 502. Although in Figure 5A The diagram shows four arms 550, but in other embodiments, the sealing bracket 502 may include more or fewer arms. For example, the sealing bracket 502 may have two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of arms 550.

[0072] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Front view of sealing bracket 502. (Reference) Figure 5B The second end portion 522 may further include a socket 552. The socket 552 may be configured to releasably receive one or more sealing components, such as... Figure 5A The sealing assembly 104 is located on the socket. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket 552 includes an arm 550.

[0073] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B Front view of sealing bracket 502. Figure 5D It is a 5D-5D section along the line. Figure 5C Cross-sectional view of sealing bracket 502. Figure 5E yes Figure 5D A perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing bracket 502. (Reference) Figure 5C-5EThe sealing bracket 502 may further include a support or flange 526 radially disposed on the inner surface of the sealing bracket 502 about a longitudinal axis. The flange 526 may extend at least partially inward (e.g., toward the longitudinal axis) and may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing bracket 502. The flange 526 can support the sealing assembly 104 when it is placed within the socket 552. Figure 5A One or more components of the sealing assembly 104. For example, refer to Figure 5D-5E Flange 526 can prevent Figure 5A One or more components of the sealing assembly 104 are movable relative to the sealing bracket 502 toward the first end portion 520. In some embodiments, the flange 526 has a uniform radial thickness around the entire circumference of the sealing bracket 502. In some embodiments, the radial thickness of the flange 526 varies along the circumference of the sealing bracket 502. In a further embodiment, the flange 526 may be discontinuous, such that one or more circumferential gaps (e.g., tabs) divide the flange 526 into one, two, or more portions around the circumference of the sealing bracket 502.

[0074] like Figure 5C As best shown, the sealing bracket 502 may also include a bore 554. The bore 554 may be at least partially defined by the internal width of the flange 526. The bore 554 may have a width W8 and / or correspond to the plunger 308. Figures 3A-3C The cross-sectional shape of the plunger 308. For example, when the plunger 308 is inserted into the socket 552, at least some or all of the plunger 308 can pass through the hole 556. When the installation tool 300 is used above regarding... Figures 3A-3C The manner described allows the sealing assembly 104 to be mounted on the plunger 308 as it passes through the passage of the bore 556.

[0075] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of a sealing bracket assembly 600 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 6A The components of the sealing bracket assembly 600 can be roughly similar to Figures 5A-5E The sealing bracket assembly 500 is a component. Therefore, similar numerals (e.g., flange 526 relative to flange 626) are used to identify similar or identical components, and for... Figure 6A The discussion of the sealing bracket assembly 600 will be limited to its relationship with Figure 1A-1D The sealing bracket assembly 100 and / or Figure 5A The sealing bracket assembly has 500 different features. Furthermore, Figure 6A Any feature of the sealing bracket assembly 600 can be combined with each other and / or with Figure 1A-1D The sealing bracket assembly 100 and / or Figure 5A 500 sets of sealing bracket assemblies.

[0076] refer to Figure 6A The sealing bracket 602 has a first body portion 652a and a second body portion 652b joined by a hinge 656. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 656 is located on the outer surface of the first end portion 620 of the first and second bodies 652a, 652b. The hinge 656 can be a movable hinge, a clamshell hinge, or any other suitable hinge. The hinge 656 can be configured to pivot the first body portion 652a relative to the second body portion 652b and / or pivot the second body portion 652b relative to the first body portion 652a to allow the sealing bracket 602 to move from an open configuration (e.g., ...). Figure 6A The hinge 656 may also include a latch 657. Figure 6B The latch 657 is configured to lock the sealing bracket 602 in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the latch 657 may be sacrificial, such that the latch 657 breaks as the sealing bracket 602 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In other embodiments, the latch 657 may be releasable, such that the latch 657 can be reused to return the sealing bracket 602 from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0077] The second end portion 622 may further include, similar to the above, the portion 622. Figures 5A-5E The described arm 550 comprises multiple arms 650. One or more arms 650 may have end portion catches 658. End portion catches 658 may be, for example, flanges extending from the second end 618 of the sealing bracket 602 toward the longitudinal axis of the sealing bracket 602. Each catch 658 may correspond to a recess 660 in one of the components of the sealing assembly 604, such that the catch 658 can be releasably received by the corresponding recess 660. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the support ring 612 includes multiple recesses 660 corresponding to the catches 658. The catches 658 may prevent one or more components of the sealing assembly 604 from moving longitudinally (e.g., away from the first end portion 620) relative to the sealing bracket 602 when the sealing bracket 602 is in a closed configuration. Although in Figure 6A The diagram shows four arms 650, but in other embodiments, the sealing bracket 602 may include more or fewer arms. For example, the sealing bracket 602 may have two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other suitable number of arms 650. In some embodiments, the arms 650 extend beyond the sealing assembly 604 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some such embodiments, the stop 658 retains the sealing assembly 604 without requiring one or more recesses on the sealing member.

[0078] Figure 6B yes Figure 6APerspective view of sealing bracket 602. (Reference) Figure 6B The first body portion 652a may be structurally similar to or identical to the second body portion 652b. For example, in some embodiments, the second body portion 652b may mirror the first body portion 652a with respect to a plane that is coplanar with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sealing bracket 602 and bisectes the hinge 656.

[0079] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B A perspective view of the first main body portion 652a of the sealing bracket 602. (Reference) Figures 6B-6C The sealing bracket 602 may also include a support or flange 626. When the sealing bracket 602 is in a closed configuration, the flange 626 may be configured to resemble and / or substantially resemble... Figure 5C-5E The flange is the same as 526. Flange 626 can prevent... Figure 6A One or more components of the sealing assembly 604 are movable longitudinally (e.g., toward the first end portion 620) relative to the sealing bracket 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 626 and the stop 658 can contact Figure 6A The sealing assembly 604 is positioned on opposite sides such that one or more parts of the sealing assembly 604 can be at least partially secured between the flange 626 and the stop 658. This can advantageously help maintain the alignment of one or more parts of the sealing assembly 604 with the sealing bracket 602 and / or with each other.

[0080] During installation, the sealing bracket 602 may be operated in a similar or identical manner to the sealing bracket 502 described above. Installing one or more components of the sealing assembly 604 using the sealing bracket 602 may include the additional step of opening the sealing bracket 602 to remove the sealing bracket 602 from the plunger 308 and / or the sealing assembly 604.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method 700 for assembling a sealing bracket assembly using a sealing bracket according to an embodiment of the present technology. Method 700 can be used with any of the sealing brackets discussed above.

[0082] At block 710, method 700 includes releasably coupling an O-ring to a sealing bracket. The O-ring may be positioned between a first end and a second end of the sealing bracket. In some embodiments, installing the O-ring may include applying a lubricant to the O-ring. The lubricant may be a high-vacuum grease used with liquid jet cutting systems, such as... High-vacuum grease or other suitable grease. The lubricant can be applied by a skilled manufacturer before shipping, which reduces the risk of applying too much, too little, and / or uneven lubricant to the O-rings. Lubricants can also be applied for specific applications. For example, some mounting points (e.g., machines or machine parts) may require different lubricants or lubrication dosages compared to other mounting points.

[0083] At block 720, method 700 includes releasably coupling a seal to a sealing bracket. The seal may be at least partially located between an O-ring and a second end of the sealing bracket. In some embodiments, the O-ring may be positioned at least partially around a portion of the seal such that the seal can support the O-ring. The seal may contact a support on the surface of the sealing bracket to prevent movement of the seal toward a first end of the sealing bracket. For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the sealing bracket may include a support, and the seal may at least partially contact the support. In other embodiments, the sealing bracket may include an inner flange, and the seal may at least partially contact the flange. In some embodiments, the O-ring is mounted to the seal before coupling the O-ring and the seal to the sealing bracket.

[0084] In frame 730, method 700 includes releasably mounting a clamping ring around a sealing bracket. The clamping ring may be at least partially positioned between the seal and a second end of the sealing bracket.

[0085] At frame 740, method 700 includes releasably mounting a support ring at least partially around the sealing bracket. The support ring may be positioned on the side of the hoop opposite to the first end. In some embodiments, the support ring may have a first region located between the hoop and a second end of the sealing bracket, and a second region extending away from the second end of the sealing bracket. In some embodiments, the method includes shrink-packing or otherwise sealing the assembled sealing bracket assembly in a container (e.g., a disposable package) for shipment.

[0086] Method 700 for assembling the seal bracket assembly can be performed by skilled personnel at the manufacturing site. This reduces the risk of the seal components being assembled in the wrong order or orientation. Proper alignment / orientation of the seal components allows the end user to quickly install the seal components, as the end user does not need to study or otherwise find out how to orient multiple seal components at the plunger or other mounting points.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of method 800 according to an embodiment of the present technology, a method for installing a sealing component onto a plunger of a liquid jet cutting system using a sealing bracket, using a tool. Method 800 can be used with any of the sealing brackets discussed above.

[0088] In box 810, method 800 includes attaching a sealing bracket to a tool. Specific methods of attaching a sealing bracket to a tool have been described above with respect to sealing brackets 102, 402, 502, and 602. The sealing bracket may be releasably coupled to at least one of an O-ring, a seal, a clamping ring, and a support ring. The tool may be... Figures 3A-3C The installation tool 300, or any other suitable tool. The tool may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape and may include an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the first end portion of the sealing bracket.

[0089] At frame 820, method 800 includes an actuating tool to mount at least one of an O-ring, a seal, a clamping ring, and / or a support ring onto a plunger. The plunger may be... Figures 3A-3C The plunger 308. In some embodiments, the displacement sealing bracket may result in at least one of an O-ring, a seal, a clamping ring, and / or a support ring being mounted to the plunger.

[0090] The following describes some examples of the disclosed technology.

[0091] Example 1. A disposable sealing bracket for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the disposable sealing bracket comprising:

[0092] The subject has—

[0093] A first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion along the longitudinal axis, wherein—

[0094] The first end portion has a first outer width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0095] The second end portion has a second outer width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and

[0096] The first outer width is greater than the second outer width;

[0097] A flexible region extending along a portion of the longitudinal axis through at least a portion of the body; and

[0098] Multiple external protrusions located between the first and second end portions.

[0099] Example 2. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein the second end portion tapers outward relative to the longitudinal axis toward the first end portion.

[0100] Example 3. The disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein the body further includes an external step disposed around the longitudinal axis and between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0101] Example 4. The disposable sealing bracket according to Example 3, wherein:

[0102] The first end portion has a first radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and

[0103] The second end portion has a second radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second radial stiffness is greater than the first radial stiffness.

[0104] Example 5. The disposable sealing bracket according to Example 3, wherein the first end portion has:

[0105] A first region having a first radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and

[0106] In a second region between the first region and the step, the second region has a second radial stiffness measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second radial stiffness is greater than the first radial stiffness.

[0107] Example 6. The disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein at least a portion of the body is hollow.

[0108] Example 7. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 6, wherein the second end portion is hollow and further includes a flange extending circumferentially inward toward the longitudinal axis.

[0109] Example 8. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein the second end portion is configured to receive at least one of an O-ring, a sealing assembly, a clamping ring, and a support ring.

[0110] Example 9. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein the body has a cross-section perpendicular to the generally circular longitudinal axis.

[0111] Example 10. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 1, wherein the flexible area is a groove.

[0112] Example 11. A sealing assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the sealing assembly comprising:

[0113] A disposable sealing bracket having a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis;

[0114] A support ring is positioned substantially around the second end portion;

[0115] A clamp ring, which is essentially positioned around the disposable sealing bracket between the first end portion and the support ring;

[0116] A seal, which is substantially positioned around the disposable seal assembly bracket between the first end portion and the clamp ring; and

[0117] An O-ring is positioned around a portion of the seal.

[0118] Example 12. The sealing assembly according to Example 10, wherein the disposable sealing bracket further comprises—

[0119] A flexible region, which is configured to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and pass through at least a portion of the disposable sealing bracket between the first and second end portions, and

[0120] A support is disposed between the first and second end portions and configured to contact the seal in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bracket.

[0121] Example 13. The sealing assembly according to Example 12, wherein the flexible region is a groove.

[0122] Example 14. The sealing assembly according to Example 10, wherein the support ring, the clamp ring, the seal, and the O-ring are configured to be releasably attached to the second end portion of the disposable sealing assembly.

[0123] Example 15. The sealing assembly according to Example 14, wherein the second end portion of the disposable sealing bracket includes:

[0124] A first region having a first radial width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and

[0125] A second region between the first region and the first end portion, the second region having a second radial width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0126] in--

[0127] When the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring are releasably attached to the disposable sealing bracket, the first radial width is greater than the second radial width, and

[0128] When the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring are released from the disposable sealing bracket, the first radial width is typically equal to the second radial width.

[0129] Example 16. The sealing assembly according to Example 15, wherein, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the outer radial width of the first region is greater than the outer radial width of the second region.

[0130] Example 17. A sealing assembly according to Example 16, wherein when the support ring, hoop ring, and seal are releasably attached to the disposable sealing bracket, the maximum radial width of the first region is less than the maximum radial width of any one of the support ring, hoop ring, seal, and O-ring.

[0131] Example 18. A disposable sealing bracket for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the disposable sealing bracket comprising:

[0132] The main body, which includes—

[0133] The first end portion having the first stiffness,

[0134] Longitudinal axis; and

[0135] A second end portion, spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis and having a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness, and

[0136] A first lateral boundary and a second lateral boundary facing the first lateral boundary;

[0137] The first width, measured perpendicular to the plane, is between the first and second lateral boundaries at the first end portion, and the second width is between the first and second lateral boundaries at the second end portion, wherein the first width is greater than the second width.

[0138] Example 19. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 18, wherein the first lateral boundary has a slope that is non-linear with respect to the plane.

[0139] Example 20. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 18, wherein the second end portion includes an outer surface configured to releasably receive at least one of an O-ring, a sealing assembly, a clamping ring, or a support ring.

[0140] Example 21. A disposable sealing bracket according to Example 18, wherein the first lateral boundary is a mirror image of the second lateral boundary across a plane coplanar with the longitudinal axis.

[0141] Example 22. A method for creating a sealing assembly for a liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising:

[0142] An O-ring is releasably mounted around a disposable sealing mounting bracket having a first end and a second end;

[0143] A seal is releasably mounted around the disposable seal mounting bracket and between the O-ring and the second end;

[0144] A clamping ring is releasably mounted around the disposable seal mounting bracket and between the seal and the second end; and

[0145] The support ring is releasably mounted on the side of the hoop opposite the first end, at least partially around the disposable sealing assembly mounting bracket.

[0146] Example 23. The method according to Example 22 further includes placing the disposable sealing mounting bracket on the plunger of the liquid jet cutting system.

[0147] Example 24. The method according to Example 23 further includes actuating the installation tool to displace at least one of the disposable seal mounting bracket relative to the O-ring, the seal, the clamp ring, and the support ring.

[0148] Example 25. The method according to Example 24, wherein actuating the mounting element further includes releasably mounting at least one of the high-pressure O-ring, the high-pressure seal, the clamp ring, or the support ring to the plunger.

[0149] Example 26. The method according to Example 22 further includes:

[0150] Apply lubricant to the O-ring seal;

[0151] The O-ring is positioned around a portion of the seal such that the seal supports the O-ring; and

[0152] The seal is positioned relative to the disposable seal mounting bracket to contact the support on the outer surface of the disposable seal mounting bracket.

[0153] Example 27. A sealing assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the sealing assembly comprising:

[0154] A disposable sealing bracket having a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis;

[0155] A support ring, which is connected to the second end portion;

[0156] A hoop is positioned between the first end portion and the support ring;

[0157] A seal, which is positioned to connect to the disposable seal assembly bracket between the first end portion and the clamp ring; and

[0158] An O-ring is attached to a portion of the seal.

[0159] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the foregoing description do not imply that all features and advantages achievable with this technology should be present in or in any single embodiment of this technology. Rather, references to features and advantages are to be understood as meaning that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this technology. Therefore, the discussion of features and advantages throughout this specification, and similar language, may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiments.

[0160] As those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments of the sealing bracket described herein allow for more reliable transport of sealing components. Furthermore, the designs described herein reduce the risk of incorrectly mounting seals onto plungers or other components of a liquid jet cutting system.

[0161] The above detailed description of examples and embodiments of this technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. While specific examples of the technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this technology. For example, although processes are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines with steps in a different order, and some processes may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternatives or sub-combinations. The teachings of this disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily those described above. Elements and actions of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments. All patents and applications and other references indicated herein, including any that may be listed in the accompanying applications, are incorporated herein by reference. If desired, aspects of this disclosure may be modified to incorporate the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0162] In general, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless these terms are expressly defined in the foregoing detailed description. Therefore, the actual scope of this disclosure includes not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing this disclosure.

[0163] As will be understood from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present technology. Furthermore, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the technology is not limited except by the appended claims. Moreover, although certain aspects of the technology are presented hereinafter in certain claims, the applicant may include multiple aspects of the technology in any number of claims. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to file supplementary claims after the filing of this application to include such a list of supplementary claims in this application or a continuing application.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the sealing assembly comprising: A disposable sealing bracket having a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis; A support ring, which is disposed substantially around the second end portion, wherein at least a portion of the support ring extends away from the disposable sealing bracket in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; A clamp ring, which is essentially positioned around the disposable sealing bracket between the first end portion and the support ring; A seal is positioned around the disposable sealing bracket, substantially between the first end portion and the hoop ring; and An O-ring is positioned around a portion of the seal.

2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the disposable sealing bracket further comprises: A flexible region is configured to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and pass through at least a portion of the disposable sealing bracket between the first end portion and the second end portion; as well as A support is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and is configured to contact the seal in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the disposable seal bracket.

3. The sealing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the flexible region is a groove.

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The support ring, the clamp ring, the seal, and the O-ring are configured to be releasably attached to the second end portion of the disposable sealing bracket.

5. The sealing assembly of claim 4, wherein the second end portion of the disposable sealing bracket comprises: A first region having a first radial width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and A second region between the first region and the first end portion, the second region having a second radial width measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; in: When the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring are releasably attached to the disposable sealing bracket, the first radial width is greater than the second radial width, and When the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring are released from the disposable sealing bracket, the first radial width is typically equal to the second radial width.

6. The sealing assembly of claim 5, wherein, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the outer radial width of the first region is greater than the outer radial width of the second region.

7. The sealing assembly of claim 6, wherein when the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring are releasably attached to the disposable sealing bracket, the maximum radial width of the first region is less than the maximum radial width of any one of the support ring, clamp ring, seal, and O-ring.

8. A method for creating a sealing assembly for a liquid jet cutting system, the method comprising: An O-ring is releasably mounted around a disposable sealing bracket, wherein the disposable sealing bracket has a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis; The seal is releasably mounted around the disposable sealing bracket; The O-ring is positioned substantially around a portion of the seal; A clamp is releasably mounted around the disposable sealing bracket, such that the seal is positioned between the first end portion and the clamp. and A support ring is releasably mounted substantially around a second end portion of the disposable sealing bracket on the side of the hoop opposite to the first end portion, such that the hoop is positioned between the first end portion and the support ring, and at least a portion of the support ring extends away from the disposable sealing bracket in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising placing the disposable sealing bracket on the plunger of the liquid jet cutting system.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising actuating the installation tool to displace the disposable sealing bracket relative to at least one of the O-ring, the seal, the clamp, and the support ring.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein actuating the installation tool further comprises releasably installing at least one of the O-ring, the seal, the clamp, or the support ring to the plunger.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Lubricant is applied to the O-ring; The O-ring is positioned around a portion of the seal such that the seal supports the O-ring; and The seal is positioned relative to the disposable seal holder to contact the support on the outer surface of the disposable seal holder.

13. A sealing assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the sealing assembly comprising: A disposable sealing bracket having a first end portion, a longitudinal axis, and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal axis; A support ring, which is connected to the second end portion, wherein at least a portion of the support ring extends away from the disposable sealing bracket in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; A hoop is positioned between the first end portion and the support ring; A sealing element, which is connected to the disposable sealing bracket between the first end portion and the hoop ring; and An O-ring is attached to a portion of the seal.

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