Lip seals and related methods

Abstract

The seal assemblies, gaskets, bearing assemblies, and their components can be used as prepackaged seal systems and prepackaged seal and bearing systems. The seal assemblies can be arranged in a variety of configurations for different applications. The number of sealing points can be increased by incorporating gaskets or washers to restrict flow and gaskets or washers with memory lips to act as sealing lips. In the prepackaged configuration, the cylinder can be a straight cylinder, stepped cylinder, or split cylinder. The bearing assemblies can be prepackaged with the seal assemblies and can also be optionally fitted with a service grease to provide lubrication and limit fluid ingress into the spring cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a PCT application based on U.S. Application No. 18 / 461,411 filed September 5, 2023, U.S. Application No. 18 / 202,215 filed May 25, 2023, U.S. Application No. 18 / 088,040 filed December 23, 2022 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,746,906), and U.S. Application No. 18 / 051,805 filed November 1, 2022, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to lip seals, and more particularly to spring-loaded lip seals, lip seals with bearing assemblies, and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Bearings, such as ball bearings and roller bearings, are known to support an element, such as a shaft, that rotates within an outer stationary element, such as a housing. Lip seals, which may be equipped with energizers, are known to provide a seal in a flow path located between moving and stationary surfaces, such as a shaft and a housing, to prevent the flow of liquid from an area of ​​higher pressure to an area of ​​relatively lower pressure.

[0004] When both a seal and a bearing are used in an application, they are typically spaced apart or unconnected. Furthermore, the seal and bearing are typically mounted sequentially, one after the other. When used together, the seal is configured to prevent fluids, such as oil, from leaking out of the bearing box that houses the bearing and / or process fluids from leaking into the bearing box. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Aspects of the present invention relate to prepackaged seal systems and prepackaged seal and bearing systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one example, a pre-packaged seal system may include: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a first seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer; wherein the seal element includes a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring; a second seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer; wherein the seal element includes a spring cavity formed by the inner flange, the outer flange, and a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring; at least one washer including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening, and a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening; the first seal assembly, the second seal assembly, and the at least one washer are disposed within the bore of the cylinder prior to attachment to the shaft, and the at least one washer is disposed between the first seal assembly and the second seal assembly.

[0007] The cylinder may also be a housing, and may also be called a cylinder housing or a housing cylinder.

[0008] The bore may have a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.

[0009] The cylinder can have a first cylinder section connected to a second cylinder section along a splitline.

[0010] The seal system may include a bearing assembly, which may consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a cage that holds a number of rolling elements, the outer ring being mounted in the bore of the cylinder with an interference fit.

[0011] The bore in which the bearing assembly is disposed can have a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.

[0012] The cylinder within which the bearing assembly is disposed can have a first cylinder section connected to a second cylinder section along a split line.

[0013] The bearing assembly may be a first bearing assembly and further include a second bearing assembly spaced apart from the first bearing assembly, the second bearing assembly may be fixed to a housing, and the housing may contact the cylinder.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention further include a seal assembly, which may include: a lock ring including a lock flange and an inner flange extension aligned along an axial position; a first deck having a notch on a first side of the inner flange; and a second deck having a notch on a second side of the inner flange; a first seal element having inner and outer flanges that mechanically engage the notches in the first deck and a first energizer that urges the first seal element against the inner flange and the inner surface of the first deck; and a second seal element having inner and outer flanges that mechanically engage the notch in the second deck and a second energizer that urges the second seal element against the inner flange and the inner surface of the second deck.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a seal assembly including: a seal element including an outer flange, an inner flange, and a central channel section connected to the inner and outer flanges; a washer including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening, and a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening; a locking ring including a first ring portion connected to a second ring portion at an intersection; wherein the second ring portion has a flat surface, a first protrusion on a first side of the flat surface, and a second protrusion on a second side of the flat surface; wherein the second protrusion of the second ring portion mechanically engages a notch in the outer surface of the outer flange, and wherein the central channel section and the washer are both disposed between the first ring portion and the second protrusion.

[0016] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of using the prepackaged seal system and the prepackaged seal and bearing system and components thereof as shown and described.

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention is a pre-packaged seal system and a method of manufacturing or making the pre-packaged seal and bearing system and components thereof as shown and described.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" and related generic terms are intended to identify components by nomenclature only and are not structurally limiting unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0019] A seal system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first seal assembly 102 and a second seal assembly 104 disposed within a can or cylinder. The seal system may be disposed within a pump, blower, turbine, actuator, or other equipment with a movable shaft or pin within a housing, and may be used in electronic applications, avionics, space, oil and gas, medical, to name a few non-limiting examples. The seal system is understood to be generally circular and to have a hole for receiving the shaft or pin, the hole being spaced apart from the centerline. JPEG0007811276000001.jpg910 and is shown in part in various figures of this application.

[0020] The exterior of the cylinder can be tailored, such as by machining, to fit within the housing of a device for a particular application. Thus, the particular exterior configuration of the cylinder can be tailored or configured, such as sized or shaped, to allow installation within the equipment housing without departing from the spirit of the invention. A cylinder is a housing and may be referred to as a cylinder housing or a housing cylinder.

[0021] The canister holding the two seal assemblies can have a body including a wall having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface. The outer wall surface can have a shoulder for mating with an equipment housing. The body can have two open ends for assembling the two seal assemblies from either end of the body. In one embodiment, a retaining wall defining a retaining end is provided at one of the two ends of the body, thereby preventing components of the seal system from escaping from the bore through the retaining end. By default, the opposite end of the body is an insertion end or assembly end for placing seal components into the bore to form the seal system, as further described below.

[0022] Cylinders can be assembled onto a shaft and then used to house sealing components to form a sealing system before being assembled into a device or equipment housing. When pre-mounted within a can, the sealing system is sometimes referred to as a pre-packaged sealing system. The pre-packaged sealing system is then ready to be mounted onto a shaft as a unit, and the pre-packaged sealing system and shaft can then be mounted into the required housing. The size, dimensions, and material of the cylinder can be selected to suit the specific application. Metals such as stainless steel and alloys can be used for most applications. Stainless steel, cobalt chrome steel, titanium alloys, and platinum metals can be used for medical implant applications.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inner wall surface of the cylinder has a straight bore, which can be understood to have a generally constant inner diameter throughout the cylinder, without any intentional steps or shoulders incorporated into the bore. The entrance at the insertion end of the cylinder can be chamfered to eliminate sharp edges and facilitate insertion of the sealing components. On the outside, the outer wall surface of the cylinder can include a chamfered surface, annular groove, and / or one or more stepped surfaces to cooperate or mate with the equipment housing in which the sealing system is installed. For example, an annular groove can be provided on the outside for use with an O-ring to seal against the housing or with a bias spring, such as a canted coil spring, to bias against the housing. The cylinder can also be a housing and is sometimes referred to as a housing cylinder.

[0024] The first seal assembly of the prepackaged seal system can include a seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section connecting the inner and outer flanges and defining a cavity therebetween that can accommodate an energizer. The cavity may be referred to as a bias spring or spring cavity for accommodating the energizer, as further described below. The seal element is a non-metallic element and can be made from an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material such as PTFE, PE, PEEK, or other specialty polymers. The specific elastomer, thermoplastic material, or polymer can vary depending on the application.

[0025] In one embodiment, the energizer is a canted coil spring including multiple interconnected coils all canted in the same general direction, which act to bias the inner flange away from the outer flange to press against the shaft and create a seal. Each coil of the canted coil spring can have an elliptical or non-elliptical shape, such as a square, rectangular, or a combination of straight and curved edges. In other examples, the energizer can be an O-ring or a different metal spring type, such as a ribbon spring, a V-spring, or a helical compression or extension spring. In some examples, such as relatively low-pressure applications, the energizer can be omitted and the seal is a lip seal type, but not a spring-energized lip seal.

[0026] When the energizer is disposed within a cavity partially defined by the lock ring and the inner flange, the energizer, such as a canted coil spring including multiple interconnected coils, biases against both the inner flange and the lock ring (e.g., the deck of the lock ring). When the cavity is defined only by the seal element, the energizer biases against both the inner flange and the outer flange of the seal element, biasing them away from each other.

[0027] In one example, the inner flange of the seal element has an inner diameter for placement around the shaft and a seal lip that presses against the shaft surface to provide a dynamic seal when the shaft moves or rotates. The inner diameter is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft to form an interference fit. The seal lip can have a long dynamic surface that is about 20% to about 75% of the length of the inner flange, or a short dynamic surface that is about 5% to about 20% of the length of the inner flange. The seal lip can be biased against the surface of the shaft by an energizer. The energizer can be a canted coil spring and have an operating bias range that operates with a substantially constant bias throughout the bias range, so that the force applied by the canted coil spring at the sealing interface of the seal element remains substantially constant even when the shaft moves up and down.

[0028] The locking ring can mechanically engage the sealing element of the first seal assembly. The locking ring can have a body including a deck and a locking flange. The deck can include a notch for receiving the enlarged end of the outer flange in mechanical engagement, which is understood to be more than surface-to-surface contact. In addition to engaging the notch, the enlarged end of the outer flange also functions as a sealing lip that seals against the inner surface of the cylinder, which is pressed against the cylinder by the shape of the deck and notch.

[0029] When mechanically engaged, the sealing element and locking ring are prevented or limited from separating axially from one another along the length of the shaft. The deck may have a protrusion rising from the low point of the notch to support an inner or base portion of the outer flange.

[0030] The lock ring deck has an inner surface that defines a portion of the spring cavity. That is, the inner surface of the deck, a portion of the central channel section, and the inner flange define the shape of the cavity that houses the energizer. The thickness of the deck can be varied to change the dimensions of the spring cavity, and therefore the size and / or type of energizer used to bias against the inner surface of the deck and the inner seal flange.

[0031] In one example, the interior surface of the deck can be contoured relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, including a flat and a tapered portion. One or both of the flat and tapered portions can vary in size and angle to change the shape of the spring cavity for disposing the energizer therein. For example, the tapered portion can be expanded or widened, angled more or less relative to the shaft axis, or omitted entirely to form a single flat portion. The tapered portion can be incorporated to preload the energizer or rotate the position of the energizer when disposed within the spring cavity. For example, if the energizer is a canted coil spring, the canted portion can be selected to occupy a portion of the spring cavity such that, when the canted coil spring is disposed within the spring cavity, the contour of the interior surface rotates the minor axis of the canted coil spring from approximately horizontal relative to the shaft axis. Rotating the minor axis changes the force versus deflection curve of the canted coil spring compared to when the minor axis is perpendicular to the shaft axis.

[0032] The locking ring may include an inner flange extension. The contoured surface of the inner surface may combine with the inner flange extension of the locking ring to cooperate to retain the energizer within the spring cavity. The inner flange extension may have a radial end tip extending radially inward toward the shaft. The radial end tip projects inward relative to a flat portion of the inner surface. The thickness of the inner flange extension may limit or restrict axial movement of the energizer within the spring cavity.

[0033] The inner flange extension can reduce the spring cavity entrance or opening, making it more difficult for the energizer to escape through the spring cavity entrance and out of the cavity during use. If the inner flange extension does not extend below the plane defined by the flat portion of the inner surface, the spring cavity entrance between the end face of the inner flange and the lock ring will be larger, allowing the energizer to escape more easily.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the radial end of the outer flange extension of the locking flange is sized to press against the inner surface of the cylinder, securing the locking ring against axial translation during use. For example, the outer flange extension of the locking ring forms an interference fit with the bore of the cylinder, securing the locking ring to the cylinder via the interference fit. The sealing element mechanically engages the locking ring, thereby also securing the sealing element against axial translation during use. Additionally, a protrusion or enlargement on the outer flange presses between the notch in the deck and the inner surface of the cylinder, with the enlargement acting as a sealing lip to form a static seal on the outer flange and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

[0035] In one example, the displacement portion is provided at the end of the central channel section facing the inner flange. Alternatively, the displacement portion can be provided at the end opposite the free end of the inner flange. The displacement portion can be integrally formed with the seal element body and can have an inside diameter (ID) smaller than the inside diameter of the inner flange at the inner seal lip.

[0036] The displacement has a fin-like cross section with a flat or blunt tip that seals against the shaft adjacent the annular recess. The annular recess is a discontinuity along the inside of the seal flange. In other words, the inner flange can be separated from the displacement by the annular recess. The displacement, which fits snugly around the outside diameter (OD) of the shaft, prevents fluid outside the spring cavity from passing through the displacement and into the interface between the shaft and inner flange, where it could interfere with the dynamic seal or become a difficult medium for the seal to maintain.

[0037] The second seal assembly of the prepackaged seal system may be the same as or similar to the first seal assembly. For example, the second seal assembly may have the same or similar seal elements, lock ring, and energizer as the similar components of the first seal assembly. However, in this embodiment, the tips or free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges of the seal elements of the second seal assembly may face the seal elements of the first seal assembly. That is, the two seal assemblies face each other. In other examples, the seal system may be arranged so that the first and second seal assemblies face away from the pressure side (e.g., high pressure is from the left side and both seal assemblies face right), or so that both seal assemblies face the pressure side. Less preferred is having both seal assemblies face away from each other.

[0038] In yet another example, rather than being mounted to a housing where the outer seal flanges of the two seal assemblies are static relative to the inner surface of the cylinder, the seal assemblies may be mounted to the piston. In a piston-mounted configuration, the seal flange that seals against the outer diameter (OD) of the shaft is static relative to the shaft, and the seal flange that seals against the inner surface of the cylinder is in a dynamic sealing arrangement relative to the cylinder. In a piston-mounted seal system, the first and second seal assemblies may be positioned to face each other, either both facing the pressure zone, both facing away from the pressure zone, or both facing each other. The cylinder may be the housing and may also be referred to as a cylinder housing.

[0039] In one example, the two locking rings of the two seal assemblies of a prepackaged seal system contact each other at the parting line between them. Preferably, a washer is provided between the two seal assemblies to separate the two locking rings. The washer between the two seal assemblies is sometimes referred to as the first washer, as additional washers may be incorporated into the seal system. Washers can be made from elastomeric materials, thermoplastic materials (e.g., PTFE, PE, PEEK, or other specialty polymers), and can be incorporated into the primary and secondary seal configurations.

[0040] The first washer may have the same non-metallic material as the seal element, or it may be different. In one example, the seal system seals against two external or external environments outside the spring cavities of the first and second seal assemblies. Assuming the region is a high-pressure region and the first seal assembly fails, causing fluid from the high-pressure region to enter the spring cavity of the first seal assembly, the first washer helps prevent the fluid from entering or penetrating the spring cavity of the first seal assembly and then migrating or penetrating the spring cavity of the second seal assembly. Thus, the presence of the first washer allows the second seal assembly to continue to provide a seal despite a failure of the first seal assembly, and the first washer may have a memory lip that functions as a lip seal, as described further below.

[0041] In one example, the first washer has a planar body with a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first washer is wedged or positioned between two seal assemblies, such as two lock rings. A memory lip extends from the planar body and has a curved portion. The memory lip may be molded with the planar body to have the curved portion. The curved portion of the memory lip is curved or arcuate, and the second surface functions as a lip seal, shrinking the outer diameter of the shaft to seal against it when the first surface is away from or not in contact with the shaft. When a washer is provided with a memory lip that functions as a lip seal against the shaft, the washer may be referred to as a lip seal. The lip seal of the first washer provides another dynamic seal to the seal system, and in combination with the first and second seal assemblies, provides three dynamic seal points or three dynamic seals against the shaft.

[0042] The memory lip defines an inner opening of the washer within the outer periphery of the washer. The inner opening, or simply opening, has a diameter smaller than the shaft OD to provide interference with the shaft. The inner diameter of the opening is preferably equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner flange to provide greater interference than the inner flange. The washer can be oriented so that the opening faces an area of ​​high pressure, such as an edge between two surfaces. Thus, the pocket immediately behind the opening in the memory lip faces away from the medium the washer seals, avoiding the potential for material accumulation in the pocket.

[0043] In one example, another washer can be provided adjacent to the sealing element of the first seal assembly. This washer, referred to as a second washer, can be the same as or similar to the first washer. The second washer can have a memory lip that functions as a lip seal and an opening that faces away from the first seal assembly toward the external region. Therefore, if the external region is a high-pressure region, incorporating the second washer in addition to the displacement portion can help reduce or eliminate fluid ingress into the seal interface between the shaft and the inner flange of the first seal assembly. The lip seal of the second washer provides another dynamic seal to the sealing system, and the combination of the first washer and the first and second seal assemblies can provide four dynamic seal points or four dynamic seals with the shaft.

[0044] Additionally, by positioning the second washer in the same orientation as the first washer, the memory lip of the second washer can be oriented to seal against external fluids that may leak into the spring cavity of the first seal assembly, and the memory lip of the first washer is oriented to seal against external fluids that may leak into the spring cavity of the second seal assembly in the event of failure of the first seal assembly.

[0045] The sealing system may further include a washer positioned adjacent to the sealing element of the second seal assembly. This washer may be referred to as a third washer incorporated into the sealing system. The third washer may be the same as or similar to the first washer. The third washer may have a memory lip that functions as a lip seal and an opening facing an opposite external region away from the second seal assembly. Therefore, if the opposite external region is a high-pressure region relative to the spring cavity of the second seal assembly, incorporating the third washer into the lip seal may help reduce or eliminate fluid infiltration from the external region into the seal interface between the shaft and the inner flange of the second seal assembly. The lip seal of the third washer may provide another dynamic seal to the sealing system, and the combination of the first washer, the second washer, and the first and second seal assemblies may provide five dynamic seal points or five dynamic seals with the shaft.

[0046] In yet another example, the seal element of the second seal assembly can incorporate a displacement similar to that of the first seal assembly. In yet another example, the three washers can be omitted and the seal system implemented with only a displacement on each of the two seal elements of the two seal assemblies.

[0047] A retaining disk can be provided at the insertion end of the cylinder to retain the various components within the cylinder after assembly. The retaining disk can have an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter of the retaining disk can be selected to form an interference fit with the inner diameter of the cylinder, e.g., to provide a total clearance of about 0.1 to about 5 thousandths, and can be welded at the point of interference with the cylinder.

[0048] The inner diameter of the retaining disc can be visually larger than the outer diameter of the shaft to avoid interference or rubbing against the outer diameter of the shaft during assembly and use. The space between the inner and outer diameters of the retaining disc body must be large enough to retain the various sealing components within the cylinder without interfering with shaft movement. The retaining disc can be made from a metallic or polymeric material, with the specific material chosen depending on the application of the seal system.

[0049] Service grease can be filled into the spring cavity of the first seal assembly and / or the spring cavity of the second seal assembly. The type of service grease can be selected to suit the specific sealing application. For example, if the application is for an implantable medical device, the service grease can be a biocompatible grease, such as a perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based oil and thickener. For other non-medical applications, the grease can be a lubricating grease, such as calcium grease, lithium grease, or sodium grease. When service grease is incorporated into one of both spring cavities, not only does the grease provide lubrication to the dynamic interface between the moving shaft and the inner flange, but the presence of the grease also eliminates voids and pockets within the spring cavity, helping to prevent external fluids from entering the same space already occupied by the grease.

[0050] An alternative sealing system provided by a further aspect of the present invention is similar to the pre-packaged sealing system of the first embodiment, with a few exceptions. In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the exterior of the cylinder can be modified with an extended recess to form a shoulder for assembly with an equipment housing. The shoulder can be located farther from the insertion end of the cylinder than the shoulder of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the interior surface of the cylinder can be modified to have two different inner diameter sections defining two different inner diameter sections. The first inner diameter section can be sized with a first inner diameter (ID), and the second inner diameter section can be sized with a second ID that is larger than the first ID.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first and second seal assemblies are similar to the seal assembly of the first embodiment, except for their relative sizes. The ODs of the first and second seal elements of the first embodiment are generally the same to fit a cylinder with a single ID bore, but the seal elements of the second seal assembly in this embodiment have larger ODs than the seal elements of the first seal assembly. The different sized ODs can be used to seal two different bore sections of different sized cylinders.

[0052] The cylinders with different bore sections and seal elements with different outer diameters in this embodiment can facilitate assembly of the seal system. For example, when installing a first seal assembly into a cylinder bore, the lock ring must be pressed into the bore due to the interference fit between the lock flange and the first bore section. By sizing the cylinder to have two different bore sections, the lock ring of the second seal assembly is pressed into the first bore section to slide a minimal distance for installation and does not rub or contact the second bore section during assembly. Therefore, installation or assembly of the second seal assembly can be simplified by the stepped bore of this embodiment compared to the straight cylinder bore of other embodiments.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the lock ring deck is increased in thickness and diameter to accommodate the sealing element of the second seal assembly and seal the second bore section of the cylinder. In one example, a notch for mechanically engaging the outer flange and a support surface adjacent the notch are displaced radially outward relative to the central axis, forcing the outer sealing lip of the outer flange against the larger bore section. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the lock ring of the second seal assembly is the same or similar to the inner surface of the first seal assembly, allowing a similar energizer to be used for both seal assemblies. However, the inner surface of the second seal assembly can be adjusted to use two different energizers with two different sized spring cavities to provide two different sealing forces.

[0054] As an example, an alternative sealing system may incorporate three washers, each of which may include a memory lip that functions as a sealing lip as described above, although in this embodiment the second and third washers may be standard washers without a memory lip, understood to be generally planar and having outer and inner peripheries that define an interior opening.

[0055] In one example, the inner openings of the second and third washers are sized to provide an approximate size-on-size fit with the shaft outer diameter. A size-on-size fit can be sufficient to prevent viscous fluids from penetrating the interface between the shaft and the inner flange, which can interfere with the dynamic seal or be a difficult medium to maintain. In other embodiments, standard washers can have their inner openings sized to provide a size-on-size fit or a slight interference fit (approximately 0.1 to 2 thousandths) with the shaft outer diameter.

[0056] In this embodiment, the retaining disc can be sized to engage the larger second bore section, for example, the outer diameter of the retaining disc can be sized to provide an interference fit with the second bore section to retain various components within the bore.

[0057] Another alternative sealing system is similar to the first two sealing systems, with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, the cylinder has generally the same inner diameter but is a split cylinder, including a first cylinder section and a second cylinder section. The split cylinder has a stepped parting line, and one of the two cylinder sections has an opening with an inner diameter to receive a protrusion on the other cylinder to assemble the two cylinder sections. In one example, the opening with the inner diameter and the protrusion with the outer diameter are sized for an interference fit, preventing unwanted separation. While the opening is shown on the second cylinder section and the protrusion is shown on the first cylinder section, the two could be reversed.

[0058] Each cylinder section can have an open or insertion end and a closed end with a retaining wall. A first seal assembly is inserted into the first cylinder section through the insertion end and is retained at the opposite end by the retaining wall. Similarly, a second seal assembly is inserted into the second cylinder section through the insertion end of the second cylinder section and is retained at the opposite end by the retaining wall. The inner diameters of both retaining walls can be large enough to avoid rubbing or contact with the shaft outer diameter during installation and use.

[0059] Three gaskets or washers can be incorporated into this alternative sealing system. In this embodiment, each of the three gaskets can have a memory lip. Alternatively, the gaskets can be a mixture of both standard gaskets and gaskets with memory lips. In one example, both the first and second gaskets can have a memory lip to function as sealing lips, while the third gasket can be a standard gasket or washer. The first gasket can be positioned within the first or second cylinder section of the split cylinder. In one example, the first gasket is positioned within the bore of the first cylinder section with the outer diameter of the gasket pressed against the inner diameter of the first bore section. Furthermore, the first gasket can be sized to a thickness that is compressed between the two locking rings of the two seal assemblies when the sealing system is fully assembled as shown.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the seal system can be omitted and assembled directly into the housing without the cylinder. Optionally, the alternative assembly can be pre-packaged in the cylinder.

[0061] This alternative seal system may comprise a first seal assembly and a second seal assembly, each with a seal element having approximately the same inner and outer diameters and positioned opposite one another. However, in this embodiment, the locking ring is a combination locking ring. That is, the combination locking ring has a single locking flange for locking into the interior of the cylinder or housing, but has two distinct decks, each including a notch for mechanically engaging the respective outer flange of the respective seal element.

[0062] The two decks of the combination lock ring can be positioned on either side of the locking flange. The combination lock ring also includes a single inner flange extension. The locking flange and inner flange extension can be aligned along approximately the same axial position relative to the shaft, and the two decks can be positioned on either side of this aligned structure. The length of the single inner flange extension can be selected to optionally adjust the spring cavity openings of both the first and second seal assemblies, limiting leakage of the two energizers from their respective spring cavity openings during use.

[0063] In yet another alternative seal system, the seal assembly includes a seal element, a lock ring, a washer, and an energizer disposed within the spring cavity. The seal assembly can be installed directly within the housing gland to seal against the housing and dynamic shaft without a cylinder or can. In one example, the seal assembly of this alternative embodiment can be pre-installed within the cylinder. The seal system can further include a washer with a memory lip that functions as a sealing lip, as described above. This seal system can therefore be understood as a double seal assembly with two dynamic seals or two dynamic sealing points. One of the two sealing lips can seal against the shaft without being biased by a spring.

[0064] The sealing element has an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section that together define a spring cavity. An energizer, which may be a canted coil spring, is disposed within the spring cavity and biases the inner and outer flanges away from each other. The spring cavity can be formed without a locking ring, and the shape of the spring cavity can be defined only by the inner flange, the outer flange, and the central channel section without the locking ring. The enlarged end section of the outer flange can be sized with an outer diameter that presses against and seals against the interior of a housing or cylinder.

[0065] The retaining lip can extend radially inward from the end of the outer flange toward the shaft axis or central axis of the seal assembly to reduce the opening of the spring cavity. The retaining lip can be integrally formed with the seal element, and the length of the retaining lip can be selected to minimize the opening of the spring cavity.

[0066] The outer flange may have a notch on its exterior for mechanical engagement with a protrusion on the locking ring. The notch may be sized to match the outer diameter to form an interference fit with the housing or cylinder. In the assembled configuration, both the enlarged end section of the outer flange and the locking ring may contact the interior of the housing or cylinder.

[0067] The locking ring of this embodiment can include a first flange portion attached to a second flange portion at an intersection. In the illustrated example, the first flange portion can be generally planar and extend transversely to the shaft. The first flange portion can function as a retaining disk for securing various sealing components within a housing or cylinder cavity, similar to the retaining disks described elsewhere.

[0068] The second flange portion can extend axially relative to the shaft. In the illustrated example, the flange portion can have an end protrusion on an outer surface to define a larger outer diameter than the remaining outer diameter portion of the second flange. The outer protrusion can interfere with the inner surface of the cylinder or housing. In some examples, the protrusion can be located closer to the intersection of the two flange portions than the opposite end of the second flange portion.

[0069] Internally, the second flange of the locking ring has a protrusion on its inner surface for mechanically engaging a notch in the outer flange of the sealing element. A space or gap is provided between the vertical lip of the inner protrusion and the wall of the first flange. This gap can be sized and shaped to accommodate the width of the central channel and washer, holding them together during assembly and service.

[0070] The washer can have a memory lip that functions as a sealing lip, as described above. In this embodiment, the memory lip is oriented to face the exterior area, and the free end of the inner flange of the sealing element is oriented to face the exterior area. In one example, a second washer is incorporated between the retaining wall and the sealing element. The second washer can be a standard washer or a washer with a memory lip. The addition of the second washer allows for the use of service grease in the spring cavity.

[0071] A seal system according to a further aspect of the present invention can include a seal assembly mounted directly within the gland of the housing. Alternatively, the housing can be a cylinder and the seal assembly can be mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing. The seal assembly of the present invention can include a seal element, a lock ring, a washer, and an energizer disposed within the spring cavity.

[0072] The seal assembly of the present invention is similar to the first seal assembly. The seal assembly of the present invention can be used as a single seal to prevent external leakage when internal fluid pressure is high, or to seal leakage into a low-pressure spring cavity when environmental pressure is high. In some examples, a washer can be placed against the lock ring. A retaining disk can be placed adjacent to the washer to hold the washer against the lock ring. The washer can be a standard washer or a washer with a memory lip. The addition of the washer allows for the use of service grease in the spring cavity of the seal assembly.

[0073] A further aspect of the present invention includes a sealed bearing system, which shares many aspects with the seal systems described elsewhere herein. In one example, the sealed bearing system includes a cylinder with a retaining wall defining a bore with an open or insertion end for mounting various sealed bearing components. Externally, the cylinder can be shaped with shoulders, flanges, etc. to mate with an equipment housing, such as a pump, mixer, valve, blower, or any number of devices with a shaft movable within the housing.

[0074] The bearing assembly can be positioned within the bore adjacent the seal assembly. A retaining disc is positioned between the seal assembly and the bearing assembly. Alternatively, a sealing washer having an internal opening that seals against the shaft is positioned between the seal assembly and the bearing assembly. In yet another alternative embodiment, a sealing washer and a retaining disc are positioned between the seal assembly and the bearing assembly.

[0075] Internally, the cylinder can have a stepped bore with a first bore section and a second bore section, similar to the other split cylinders described elsewhere herein. Similar to the seal systems described elsewhere herein, a first seal assembly, a second seal assembly, and two washers can be positioned within the bore. The first and second washers can be standard types with straight inner openings without memory lips. The inner opening of the standard washers can be smaller than the shaft outer diameter to create an interference fit. In other examples, each of the two washers can have a memory lip, or only one of the washers between the two locking rings or the washer adjacent to the retaining wall can have a memory lip. Furthermore, while the two seal elements face each other, they can be oriented so that both face the exterior area, both face the exterior area, or face away from each other.

[0076] A retaining disc can be positioned against the sealing element of the second seal assembly. The retaining disc is incorporated to provide an interference fit with the cylinder and retain the various sealing components within the bore. In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the retaining disc, a washer is positioned against the sealing element of the second seal assembly. The washer can be a standard washer with an inner opening sized to closely match the outer diameter of the shaft. The washer can be thicker than the first and second washers to separate the second seal assembly from the bearing assembly.

[0077] In one example, a bearing assembly of a sealed bearing system may be comprised of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a cage for retaining multiple rolling elements in retaining sockets. The various components of the bearing assembly are typically made from metallic materials, and may all be the same material or, more likely, may be made from a variety of different metallic materials. The inner ring may be configured to fit snugly around the outside of the shaft and rotate with the shaft along with the rolling elements. The rolling elements may be retained by the cage as they rotate with the shaft in a spaced-apart relationship. The inner ring may have an inner diameter configured to fit around the shaft with an interference fit, and an outer diameter relative to the inner diameter, defining a thickness therebetween. The inner ring may have a width, size, and shape to accommodate selected rolling elements.

[0078] The outer ring is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of the cylinder and remains fixed relative to the cylinder as the inner ring, cage, and rolling elements rotate with the shaft. The outer ring can have an inner diameter configured to contact the rolling elements and an outer diameter configured to provide an interference fit within the interior of the cylinder. The inner and outer diameters of the outer ring define a thickness therebetween. The outer ring has a width and is sized and shaped to accommodate the type of rolling elements selected.

[0079] In one example, the bearing assembly is a ball bearing assembly, and the rolling elements are metal balls or spherical balls. If the bearing assembly is a ball bearing assembly, the outer ring and the inner ring may include inner and outer bearing races for contacting and rolling the plurality of balls. In other examples, the bearing assembly may be a different bearing type, such as a roller bearing assembly, a tapered or angled roller bearing assembly, a thrust ball bearing assembly, or a roller bearing assembly. The rolling elements of roller bearing assemblies and tapered roller bearing assemblies may embody solid rotating cylinders or solid tapered cylinders.

[0080] As shown, the outer ring has two outer grooves that define three raised protrusions. In other examples, one or more outer grooves and two or more raised protrusions can be incorporated. Additionally, the outer side of each protrusion can have relatively small grooves, such as microgrooves, to facilitate assembly of the outer ring into the cylinder bore. Incorporating grooves reduces interference and friction, facilitating assembly.

[0081] The bearing assembly, seal assembly, and washer are assembled to the cylinder in a prepackaged configuration to form a sealed-bearing system in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The prepackaged seal and bearing assembly is then ready to be installed on the shaft as a unit. The assembly can then be installed within the housing.

[0082] As mentioned above, a service grease may be incorporated into the spring cavities of one or both seal assemblies of the sealed bearing system. The same or a different service grease may be used with the bearing assemblies to provide lubrication for the rolling elements.

[0083] The alternative seal and bearing system is similar to the seal and bearing systems described elsewhere herein. The alternative embodiment pre-packaged seal and bearing system can have a split cylinder to facilitate installation of the seal assembly, washer, and bearing assembly, similar to the split cylinder described elsewhere herein. A first washer with a memory lip can also be incorporated into the seal and bearing system of the present invention in place of the standard washer between the two seal assemblies.

[0084] The pre-packaged seal and bearing system can be mounted in a housing with additional bearing assemblies. The seal and bearing system can be engaged or installed in a housing that can have multiple housing sections. For example, the pre-packaged seal and bearing system can be first mounted on a shaft and then assembled and mounted in the housing.

[0085] In one example, a second bearing assembly can be attached to the housing and shaft and positioned away from the first bearing assembly of a prepackaged seal and bearing system. This configuration illustrates how a prepackaged seal and bearing system can be used in a device. In this device, the gap between the first and second bearing assemblies (called the device chamber) can accommodate any number of device components, such as a motor rotor, motor stator, oil sump, valve packing material, or fan blades. Placing bearing assemblies at either end of the device chamber provides support and stability as the shaft rotates. Prepackaged seal and bearing systems offer a single sealing solution with multiple components and can be adapted for multiple applications. For example, seal assemblies can be arranged in various configurations, such as facing each other or both facing high-pressure areas, to suit various applications. Prepackaged seal and bearing systems can also be modified to use different gaskets or washers for additional sealing points, such as using one or more gaskets with memory lips to act as sealing lips. Cylinders can be straight bores, stepped bores, or even split cylinders for easier assembly.

[0086] Additionally, the service grease can be sealed within the spring cavity to seal it, making it more difficult for external fluids to enter the same space. The service grease can be selected to suit a particular application. For example, if the housing is part of a medical implant device, the service grease must be biocompatible.

[0087] In yet another example, the prepackaged assembly is a prepackaged seal system without a bearing assembly, and the bearing assembly can be mounted outside or external to the cylinder of the prepackaged seal system.

[0088] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of using the seal assembly, seal system, pre-packaged seal system, and pre-packaged seal and bearing assembly as shown and described.

[0089] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing or making the seal assemblies, seal systems, pre-packaged seal systems, and pre-packaged seal and bearing assemblies as shown and described.

[0090] The various seal assemblies, gaskets, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing systems are interchangeable as long as the components are not mechanically or operationally incompatible. For example, the cylinder of FIG. 7 can be replaced with the split cylinder of FIG. 8, and the washer of FIG. 7 can be replaced with the memory lip washer of FIG. 1A. Thus, the various embodiments described herein are intended to be interchangeable where interchangeable.

[0091] These and other features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional side view of a seal system in a prepackaged assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a first seal assembly of the seal system. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional side view of a seal system in a prepackaged assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a first seal assembly of the seal system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal system in a prepackaged assembly, where the cylinder has a stepped bore. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal system in a pre-packaged assembly, where the cylinder has a split bore. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal assembly with a dual locking ring engaging two spaced apart seal elements. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal assembly with a ring engaging two lip seals in a back-to-back configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal and bearing system in a prepackaged assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a seal and bearing system in a prepackaged assembly according to an embodiment of the invention where the cylinder is a split cylinder. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal and bearing system of FIG. 8 assembled to a housing and spaced apart from the second bearing assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 11A] 11A-11D are different views of a sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] 11A-11D are different views of a sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11C] 11A-11D are different views of a sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11D] 11A-11D are different views of a sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] 12A-12D are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 12A-12D are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] 12A-12D are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12D] 12A-12D are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] 13A-13C are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13C] 13A-13C are different views of another sealing washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 30]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having two seal assemblies, each with a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having two seal assemblies, each with a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal and bearing system in a pre-packaged assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 38] 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal and bearing system of FIG. 38 assembled to the housing and spaced apart from the second bearing assembly. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly having two seal assemblies, each with a sealing element, a locking ring, and an energizer. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly that includes two seal assemblies, each with a sealing element and an energizer, both sharing a single locking ring. [Figure 41]FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal and bearing system in a pre-packaged assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side view of another seal assembly that includes two seal assemblies, each with a sealing element and an energizer, both sharing a single locking ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of lip seal and bearing assemblies provided by aspects of the device, system, and method of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only manner in which the device, system, and method of the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description describes features and procedures for constructing and using embodiments of the device, system, and method of the present invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. However, it should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be achieved by different embodiments that are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As shown elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

[0094] A description of a technical feature or aspect of an exemplary configuration of the present disclosure should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects of another exemplary configuration of the present disclosure. Therefore, a technical feature described in this specification according to one exemplary configuration of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other exemplary configurations of the present disclosure, and therefore, a redundant description may be omitted in this specification.

[0095] 1A, a seal system 100 including a first seal assembly 102 and a second seal assembly 104 is shown disposed within a can or cylinder 106 whose interior surface defines a bore. As used herein, the terms first and second, and related generic terms, are intended only to identify components by nomenclature and are not structurally limiting unless the context indicates otherwise. The seal system 100 may be disposed within a pump, blower, turbine, actuator, or other equipment having a shaft or pin 108 movable within a housing 110, such as in electronic applications, avionics, space, oil and gas, or medical applications, to name a few non-limiting examples. The seal system 100 is generally circular, has a bore for receiving the shaft or pin 108, and is generally oriented along a centerline. JPEG0007811276000002.jpg910. The exterior of the cylinder 106 can be tailored, such as machined, to mate with and be received within the housing 110 for a particular application. Thus, the particular exterior configuration can be tailored or configured, such as sized and shaped, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] The can 106, which holds the two seal assemblies 102, 104, can have a body 112 including a wall with an outer wall surface 113 and an inner wall surface 114 that defines a bore 116. The outer wall surface 113 is shown with a shoulder 113a for mating with the housing 110. The body 112 can have two open ends for assembling the two seal assemblies 102, 104 from opposite ends of the body. In this embodiment, a retaining wall 118 is provided at one of the ends of the body 112 to define the retaining end and prevent components of the seal system 100 from escaping from the bore 116 through the retaining end. By default, the opposite end of the body 112 is an insertion end or assembly end 120 where seal components are placed into the bore 116 to form the seal system 100, as described further below. In an alternative embodiment, where a retaining wall 118 is shown or used, an open cylinder and retaining disk can be used instead. In other words, the cylinder can have two open ends with two retaining discs.

[0097] The cylinder 106 can be used to house the sealing components to form the sealing system 100 before it is assembled onto the shaft 108 and then installed into a device or equipment housing. When pre-installed within the can 106, the sealing system 100 may be referred to as a pre-packaged sealing system. The pre-packaged sealing system is then ready to be installed onto the shaft as a unit. The size, dimensions, and material of the cylinder can be selected to suit a particular application. Metals such as stainless steels and alloys can be used for most applications, although stainless steels, cobalt chromium steels, titanium alloys, and platinum metals can be used for medical implant applications.

[0098] In this embodiment, the cylinder's inner wall surface 114 has a straight bore 116, which can be understood to have a generally consistent inner diameter throughout the cylinder, without any intentional steps, unlike the stepped-wall cylinder of FIG. 2. However, the entrance to the insertion end 120 may be chamfered to eliminate sharp edges and facilitate insertion of the seal components. On the exterior, the outer wall surface 113 may include a chamfered surface, annular grooves, and / or one or more stepped surfaces to interface with or mate with an equipment housing to which the seal system 100 is attached. For example, an annular groove may be provided on the exterior for use with an O-ring to seal against the housing, or for use with a bias spring, such as a canted coil spring, to bias against the housing.

[0099] The first seal assembly 102 is comprised of an inner or inner flange 128, an outer or outer flange 130, and a seal element 126 including a central channel section 132 connecting the inner and outer flanges and defining a cavity 134 therebetween that can accommodate an energizer 136. The cavity 134 is sometimes referred to as a spring cavity for accommodating a bias spring, as described further below. With further reference to FIG. 1B , which is an enlarged view of the first seal assembly 102, the seal element 126 is non-metallic and can be made from an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material such as PTFE, PE, PEEK, or other specialty polymers. The specific elastomer, thermoplastic material, or polymer may vary depending on the application. In the illustrated embodiment, the energizer 136 is a canted coil spring including multiple interconnected coils all canted in generally the same direction, which act to bias the inner flange 128 away from the outer flange 130 to compress and seal against the shaft 108. In other examples, the energizer 136 can be an O-ring or a different metal spring type such as a ribbon spring, a V-spring, or a helical compression or extension spring. In some examples, such as relatively low pressure applications, the energizer can be omitted and the seal is a lip seal type, but is not a spring-loaded lip seal.

[0100] As shown, the inner flange 128 of the seal element 126 has an inner diameter for placement around the shaft 108 and a seal lip 140 that compresses against the shaft surface to provide a dynamic seal as the shaft moves or rotates. The inner diameter is preferably smaller than the outer shaft diameter to create an interference fit. The seal lip 140 can have a long dynamic surface that is about 20% to about 75% of the length of the inner flange 128, or a short dynamic surface that is about 5% to about 20% of the length of the inner flange. The seal lip 140 can be biased against the surface of the shaft 108 by an energizer 136. As shown, the energizer 136 is a canted coil spring that has a workable deflection range and provides a substantially constant biasing force throughout the deflection range, so that the force at the seal interface remains substantially constant even when the shaft moves up and down.

[0101] The locking ring 146 mechanically engages the seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102. The locking ring 146 includes a body 148 that includes a deck 150 and a locking flange 152. The deck 150 includes a notch for mechanically engaging and receiving the enlarged end section 129 of the outer flange 130, which is understood to be more than surface-to-surface contact. In addition to engaging the notch, the enlarged end section 129 of the outer flange 130 also functions as a sealing lip that seals against the inner surface of the cylinder 106, which is pressed against the cylinder by the geometry of the deck and notch. This mechanical engagement prevents or limits axial separation of the seal element 126 and the locking ring 146 along the length of the shaft. The deck includes a protrusion extending from a low point of the notch to support an inner or base portion of the outer flange 130. The deck 150 also includes an inner surface 154 that defines a portion of the spring cavity 134. The thickness of the deck 150 can be varied to change the size of the spring cavity 134 , so that the size and / or type of energizer 136 is used to bias against the inner surface of the deck 150 and the inner surface of the inner sealing flange 128 .

[0102] In the illustrated example, the inner surface 154 of the deck 150 is contoured relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, with flat and tapered sections. The size and angle of one or both of the flat and tapered sections can be varied to change the shape of the spring cavity 134 for placement of the energizer 136. For example, the tapered section can be expanded or widened at a greater or lesser angle relative to the shaft axis, or omitted entirely to provide a single flat section. The tapered section can be incorporated to preload the energizer 136 or to rotate the position of the energizer 136. For example, if the energizer 136 is a canted coil spring, the canted section can be selected to occupy a portion of the spring cavity, and when the canted coil spring 136 is within the spring cavity, the contour of the inner surface 154 rotates the minor axis of the canted coil spring from approximately horizontal relative to the shaft axis. Rotating the minor axis changes the force versus deflection curve of the canted coil spring compared to when the minor axis is perpendicular to the shaft axis.

[0103] The contoured surface of the inner surface 154 combines with an inner flange extension 158 of the locking ring to retain the energizer 136 within the spring cavity 134. The inner flange extension 158 has a radial end tip that extends radially inward toward the shaft. The radial end tip protrudes inward relative to a flat portion of the inner surface 154. The thickness of the inner flange extension 158 can limit or restrict axial movement of the energizer 136 within the spring cavity 134. The inner flange extension 158 also reduces a spring cavity entrance or opening 160, making it more difficult for the energizer 136 to exit the cavity through the spring cavity entrance 160 during use. If the inner flange extension 158 does not extend below the plane defined by the flat portion of the inner surface 154, the spring cavity entrance 160 between the end face of the inner flange 128 and the lock ring 146 will be larger, allowing the energizer 136 to escape more easily.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the radial end of the outer flange extension 162 of the locking flange 152 is sized to press against the inner surface 114 of the cylinder 106, securing the locking ring 146 against axial translation during use. For example, the locking ring's outer flange extension 162 may have an interference fit with the bore of the cylinder 106, such that the interference fit secures the locking ring to the cylinder. The sealing element 126 mechanically engages the locking ring 146, thereby also securing the sealing element 126 against axial translation during use. Additionally, a protrusion or enlarged section 129 of the outer flange 130 presses between the notch in the deck 150 and the inner surface 114 of the cylinder 106, with the enlarged section 129 acting as a sealing lip to form a static seal on the outer flange 130 and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

[0105] In one example, the displacement portion 166 is provided at the end of the central channel section 132 on the inner flange 128 side. Alternatively, the displacement portion 166 is provided at the end opposite the free end of the inner flange 128. The displacement portion 166 may be integrally formed with the body of the seal element 126 and may have an inner diameter (ID) smaller than the inner diameter of the inner seal lip 140 of the inner flange 128 and / or the outer diameter of the shaft 108. The displacement portion 166 may have a fin-like cross-section with a flat or blunt tip that seals against the shaft positioned adjacent to the annular recess 168. The annular recess represents a discontinuity along the inside of the seal flange. In other words, the inner flange 128 is separated from the displacement portion 166 by the annular recess 168. The displacement portion 166, which fits snugly around the outside diameter (OD) of the shaft 108, helps prevent fluid outside the spring cavity 134 from passing through the displacement portion 166 and into the interface between the shaft and the inner flange, potentially interfering with the dynamic seal or providing a difficult medium for the seal to maintain.

[0106] 1A , the second seal assembly 104 of the seal system 100 can be the same as or similar to the first seal assembly 102. For example, the second seal assembly 104 can have the same or similar seal element 126, lock ring 146, and energizer 136 as the similar components of the first seal assembly 102. However, in this embodiment, the tips or free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges 128, 130 of the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly face the seal element of the first seal assembly; i.e., the two seal assemblies face each other. In other examples, the seal system 100 can be arranged so that the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104 face away from the pressure side 50 (e.g., high pressure is from the left and both seal assemblies face right), or so that both seal assemblies face the pressure side 50. Although less preferred, both seal assemblies face away from each other.

[0107] In yet another example, rather than being mounted to the housing as shown, with the outer sealing flanges 130 of the two seal assemblies 102, 104 static relative to the inner surface of the cylinder 106, the seal assemblies are mounted to the piston. In the piston-mounted configuration, the sealing flange sealing against the outer diameter (OD) of the shaft is static relative to the shaft, and the sealing flange sealing against the inner surface 114 of the cylinder 106 is in a dynamic sealing arrangement relative to the cylinder. In a piston-mounted seal system, the first seal assembly 102 and the second seal assembly 104 are positioned to face each other, and may be positioned so that both face the pressure region, both face away from the pressure region, or both face each other.

[0108] In one example, the two locking rings 146 of the two seal assemblies contact each other at the parting line between them. Preferably, a washer 172 is provided between the two seal assemblies 102, 104 to maintain spacing between the two locking rings. The washer 172 disposed between the two seal assemblies is sometimes referred to as a first washer 172a, as additional washers may be incorporated into the seal system 100. The washer 172 may be made from an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material (e.g., PTFE, PE, PEEK), or other specialty polymers and may be incorporated into the primary and secondary seal configurations.

[0109] The first washer 172a may have the same non-metallic material as the seal elements, or it may be a different material. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, the seal system 100 seals against two external environments 50, 52 outside the spring cavities 134 of the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104. Assuming that the region 50 is a high-pressure region and the first seal assembly 102 fails, causing fluid to enter the spring cavity 134 of the first seal assembly, the washer 172 helps prevent the fluid from entering or seeping into the spring cavity 134 of the first seal assembly 102 and then migrating or seeping into the spring cavity 134 of the second seal assembly 104. Thus, the presence of the first washer 172a allows the second seal assembly 104 to continue to provide a seal even if the first seal assembly 102 fails. The first washer 172a includes a memory lip that functions as a lip seal, as described further below.

[0110] In one example, the first washer 172a has a body 174 with a first surface 174a and an opposing second surface 174b. The first washer 172a is wedged or positioned between two seal assemblies, such as two locking rings 146. A memory lip 176 extends from the planar body 174 and has a curved portion. The memory lip 176 may be molded with the planar body 174 to have the curved portion. The curved portion of the memory lip 176 is curved or arcuate, and the second surface 174b functions as a lip seal, constricting the outer diameter of the shaft to seal against it while the first surface 174a is away from or not in contact with the shaft. When a washer has a memory lip 176 that functions as a lip seal to seal against the shaft, the washer may be referred to as a lip seal. The lip seal of the first washer 172a provides another dynamic seal to the seal system 100, and in combination with the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104 provides three dynamic seal points or three dynamic seals with the shaft.

[0111] The memory lip 176 defines an inner opening 180 of the washer 172 inside the outer circumference of the washer 172. The diameter of the inner opening 180, or simply the opening, is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, thereby interfering with the shaft. The inner diameter of the opening 180 is preferably the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner flange 128, providing a greater interference than the inner flange. The washer 172 is positioned so that the opening 180, e.g., the edge between the two surfaces 174a, 174b, faces the high-pressure region 50. Therefore, a pocket 182 (FIG. 1B) immediately behind the opening 180 is positioned away from the medium that the washer 172a seals, thereby avoiding the potential for material accumulation in the pocket 182.

[0112] Referring again to FIG. 1A , another washer 172 is provided adjacent to the seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102. This washer 172, also referred to as second washer 172b, is the same as or similar to the first washer 172a. The second washer 172a has a memory lip 176 that functions as a lip seal and an opening 180 that faces away from the first seal assembly 102 toward the exterior region 50. Thus, if the exterior region 50 is a high-pressure region, incorporating the second washer 172a in addition to the displacement portion 166 helps reduce or eliminate fluid ingress into the seal interface between the shaft and the inner flange 128 of the first seal assembly 102. The lip seal of the second washer 172b provides another dynamic seal for the seal system 100, and in combination with the first washer 172a and the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104, provides four dynamic seal points or four dynamic seals with the shaft.

[0113] Furthermore, by positioning the second washer 172b in the same orientation as the first washer 172a, the memory lip 176 of the second washer is oriented to seal against external fluids that may leak into the spring cavity 134 of the first seal assembly 102, and the memory lip 176 of the first washer is oriented to seal against external fluids that may leak into the spring cavity 134 of the second seal assembly 104 in the event of failure of the first seal assembly 102.

[0114] The seal system may further include a washer 172 disposed adjacent to the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104. This washer 172 may be referred to as a third washer 172c incorporated into the seal system 100. The third washer 172c may be the same as or similar to the first washer 172a. The third washer 172c has a memory lip 176 that functions as a lip seal and an opening 180 that faces the exterior region 52 away from the second seal assembly 104. Therefore, if the exterior region 52 is a high-pressure region relative to the spring cavity 134 of the second seal assembly 104, incorporating the third washer 172a with the lip seal may reduce or eliminate fluid infiltration from the exterior region 52 into the seal interface between the shaft and the inner flange 128 of the second seal assembly 104. The lip seal of the third washer 172c provides another dynamic seal to the seal system 100. This, in combination with the first washer 172a, the second washer 172b, and the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104, provides five dynamic seal points or five dynamic seals with the shaft.

[0115] In yet another example, the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104 can incorporate a displacement 166 similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102. In yet another example, the three washers 172a, 172b, and 172c can be omitted, and the seal system 100 can be implemented with each seal element only having a displacement. In yet another example, any combination of one to three washers 172a, 172b, and 172c can be used. For example, two end washers 172b and 172c can be used and the first intermediate washer 172a can be omitted, or one or both of the end washers 172b and 172c can be omitted and the intermediate washer 172a can be used. In another example, only one of the end washers 172b or 172c can be used. In yet another alternative embodiment, when a particular washer is used, two or more consecutively stacked washers are used. For example, if a first intermediate washer 172a is used, two or more such washers can be used in the same location, rather than just one as currently shown. For example, for the single intermediate washer 172a currently shown, two washers can be used back-to-back, or for the single intermediate washer 172a currently shown, three washers can be used back-to-back. Two or more washers arranged back-to-back provide increased rigidity over a single washer. In other examples, the increased thickness of a single washer allows the single washer to operate with greater rigidity compared to a single, thinner washer. Other dual seal embodiments described elsewhere herein can have similar alternative optional washer configurations. Additionally, one or more washers in the various configurations described can have a memory lip, be a standard sealing washer, or a combination of both, as described further below.

[0116] The retaining disk 190 is located at the insertion end 120 of the cylinder 106 and retains the various components after assembly. The retaining disk 190 can include an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter of the retaining disk 190 is selected to interfere with the inner diameter of the cylinder 106, e.g., to provide a total clearance of about 1 / 1000 to about 1 / 5000, and can be welded to the cylinder 106 at the interference point. The inner diameter of the retaining disk 190 is visually larger than the shaft OD to prevent interference or rubbing against the shaft OD during assembly and use. The space between the ID and OD of the retaining disk 190 body must be large enough to retain the various seal components within the cylinder without interfering with the movement of the shaft 108. The retaining disk 190 can be made of a metallic or polymeric material, with the specific material selected depending on the application of the seal system.

[0117] Service grease can be packed into the spring cavity 134 of the first seal assembly 102 and / or the spring cavity 134 of the second seal assembly 104. The type of service grease can be selected to suit the particular sealing application. For example, if the application is an implantable medical device, the service grease can be a biocompatible grease, such as a perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based oil and thickener. For other non-medical applications, the grease can be a lubricating grease, such as calcium grease, lithium grease, or sodium grease. When service grease is incorporated into one or both of the spring cavities 134, not only does the grease provide lubrication to the dynamic interface between the moving shaft and the inner flange, but the presence of the grease can also help prevent voids or pockets within the spring cavity from moving, preventing external fluids from entering the same space already occupied by the grease.

[0118] Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative seal system 100 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention is shown. This seal system 100 is similar to the seal system of FIG. 1A, with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, the exterior 113 of the cylinder 106 is modified with an elongated recess to form a shoulder 113a for assembly with the housing 110. The shoulder 113a is located farther from the insertion end 120 of the cylinder than the shoulder in the embodiment of FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the interior surface 114 of the cylinder 106 is modified to have two distinct interior surface sections defining two distinct bore sections 116a, 116b. The first bore section 116a is sized with a first inner diameter (ID), and the second bore section 116b is sized with a second ID that is larger than the first ID.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first and second seal assemblies 102, 104 can be similar to the seal assemblies of Figure 1A, except for their relative sizes. While the ODs of the first and second seal elements 126 in Figure 1A are generally the same to fit a cylinder 106 having a single ID bore, the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104 in this embodiment has a larger OD than the seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102. The different sized ODs can be used to seal against two different bore sections 116a, 116b of a cylinder 106 of different sizes.

[0120] The cylinder 106 having different bore sections and seal elements having different ODs in this embodiment facilitates assembly of the seal system 100. For example, when installing the first seal assembly 102 into the bore of the cylinder 106, the locking ring 146 must be pressed into the bore due to the interference fit between the locking flange 152 and the first bore section 116a. By sizing the cylinder to have two different bore sections 116a, 116b, the locking ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 is slidingly pressed a minimal distance into the first bore section 116a for installation, so it does not rub or contact the second bore section 116b during assembly. Therefore, installation or assembly of the first seal assembly 102 is simplified by the stepped bore of this embodiment compared to the straight cylinder bore of other embodiments.

[0121] The thickness and diameter of the deck 150 of the lock ring 146 are increased to accommodate the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104 and seal the second bore section 116b of the cylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch for mechanically engaging the outer flange 130 and the support surface adjacent the notch are displaced radially outward relative to the central axis, forcing the outer seal lip of the outer flange against the larger bore section. In this embodiment, the inner surface 154 of the lock ring of the second seal assembly 104 is the same as or similar to the inner surface 154 of the first seal assembly 102, allowing a similar energizer 136 to be used for both seal assemblies. However, the inner surface 154 of the second seal assembly can be adjusted to use two different energizers with two different sized spring cavities to provide two different sealing forces.

[0122] This embodiment, similar to FIG. 1A, incorporates three washers 172. As previously described, all three washers 172 may include a memory lip that functions as a sealing lip. However, in this embodiment, second washer 172b and third washer 172c may be standard washers without a memory lip, generally planar, and having outer and inner peripheries that define an inner opening. In one example, the inner openings of second and third washers 172b and 172c are sized to approximately match the outer diameter of the shaft. This matching size may be sufficient to prevent viscous fluids from entering the interface between the shaft and the inner flange, which could interfere with the dynamic seal or make the seal difficult to maintain. In other embodiments, the standard washers may be sized to have an inner opening that is a size-on-size fit or a slight interference fit (approximately 0.1 to 2 thousandths of a second) with the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0123] In this embodiment, the retaining disc 190 is sized to engage with the larger second bore section 116b, for example, the outer diameter of the retaining disc 190 is sized to provide an interference fit with the second bore section 116b to retain various components within the bore.

[0124] Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative sealing system 100 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention is shown. This sealing system 100 is similar to the sealing system of FIG. 1A, with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, the cylinder 106 has generally the same inner diameter but is a split cylinder, including a first cylinder section 106a and a second cylinder section 106b. The split cylinder has a stepped parting line 192, and one of the two cylinder sections has an opening 194 with an inner diameter to receive a protrusion 196 on the other cylinder to assemble the two cylinder sections. In one example, the opening with the inner diameter and the protrusion with the outer diameter are sized for an interference fit to prevent unwanted separation. While the second cylinder section 106b includes the opening and the first cylinder section 106a includes the protrusion, the two could be reversed.

[0125] Each cylinder section has an open or insertion end and a closed end with a retaining wall 118. The first seal assembly 102 is inserted into the first cylinder section 106a through the insertion end and is retained at the opposite end by the retaining wall 118. Similarly, the second seal assembly 104 is inserted into the second cylinder section 106b through the insertion end of the second cylinder section and is retained at the opposite end by the retaining wall 118. Both retaining walls 118 can have a sufficiently large inner diameter to avoid rubbing or contact with the shaft OD during installation and use.

[0126] Three gaskets or washers 172 can be incorporated into the seal system. In this embodiment, each of the three gaskets can have a memory lip. Alternatively, the gaskets can be a mixture of both standard gaskets and gaskets with memory lips. As shown, the first and second gaskets 172a, 172b both have a memory lip and function as sealing lips. The third gasket 172c can be a standard gasket. The first gasket 172a can be positioned within either the first cylinder section 106a or the second cylinder section 106b. As shown, the first gasket 172a is positioned within the bore of the first cylinder section, with the outer diameter of the gasket pressed against the inner diameter of the first bore section. Furthermore, the first gasket 172a can be sized with a thickness that allows it to be compressed between the two locking rings of the two seal assemblies 102, 104 when the seal system is fully assembled as shown.

[0127] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative seal system 100 provided in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention. This seal system 100 is similar to the seal system of FIG. 1A, with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, the cylinder 106 has approximately the same inner diameter. Alternatively, the seal system 100 can be assembled directly into the housing 110 without the cylinder, omitting the cylinder. Similar washers, with the exception of the intermediate washer, can also be used in this seal assembly.

[0128] The seal system 100 is comprised of a first seal assembly 102 and a second seal assembly 104, each with seal elements 126 having generally the same ID and OD and positioned facing each other. However, in this embodiment, the lock ring 146 is a combination lock ring 146a. That is, the combination lock ring 146a includes a single locking flange 152 for locking into the interior of a cylinder or housing, but includes two distinct decks 150, each including a notch for mechanically engaging with a respective outer flange 130 of a respective seal element. The two decks 150 are positioned on either side of the locking flange 152. The combination lock ring 146a also includes a single inner flange extension 158. The locking flange 152 and the inner flange extension 158 are aligned along generally the same axial position, with the two decks positioned on either side of this aligned structure. The length of the single inner flange extension 158 can be selected to optionally adjust the spring cavity openings 160 of both the first and second seal assemblies to restrict leakage of the two energizers 136 from their respective spring cavity openings during use.

[0129] Referring now to FIG. 5 , a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 having a seal element 126, a lock ring 146, a washer 172, and an energizer 136 disposed within a spring cavity 134. The seal assembly 102 can be mounted directly to the gland of the housing 110 without a cylinder or can and seal against the housing and dynamic shaft 108. However, the seal assembly 102 of this embodiment may be pre-mounted within the cylinder 106. The seal system 100 further includes a washer 172 having a memory lip 176 that functions as a sealing lip, as described above. Therefore, the seal system 100 can be understood as a double seal assembly with two dynamic seals or two dynamic sealing points.

[0130] The sealing element 126 includes an inner flange 128, an outer flange 130, and a central channel section 132, which together form a spring cavity 134. An energizer 136, which is a canted coil spring, is disposed within the spring cavity and biases the inner and outer flanges away from each other. The spring cavity 134 is formed without a locking ring; the shape of the spring cavity is defined only by the inner flange, outer flange, and central channel section. The enlarged end section 129 of the outer flange 130 can be sized at an OD that presses against and seals against the interior of a housing or cylinder.

[0131] The retention lip 200 extends radially inward from the end of the outer flange toward the shaft axis or central axis of the seal assembly and can reduce the spring cavity opening 160. The retention lip 200 can be formed separately from the seal element 126, and the length of the retention lip 200 can be selected to minimize the spring cavity opening 160.

[0132] The exterior of the outer flange 130 includes notches 202 for mechanically engaging protrusions on the locking ring 146, which are sized OD to form an interference fit with the housing or cylinder. In the assembled configuration, both the enlarged end section 129 of the outer flange 130 and the locking ring 146 contact the interior of the housing or cylinder.

[0133] The locking ring 146 in this embodiment includes a first flange portion 206 attached to a second flange portion 208 at an intersection. In the illustrated example, the first flange portion 206 is generally planar and extends transversely to the shaft. The first flange portion 206 functions as a retaining disk for securing various sealing components within a housing or cylinder cavity, similar to the retaining disk of FIG. 1A.

[0134] The second flange portion 208 extends axially relative to the shaft. In the illustrated example, the flange portion 208 has an end protrusion 210 on its outer surface to define a larger outer diameter than the remainder of the second flange portion. The outer protrusion 210 provides interference with the inner surface of the cylinder or housing. In some examples, the protrusion 210 can be located closer to the intersection of the two flange portions 206, 208 than the opposite end of the second flange portion.

[0135] Internally, the inner surface of the second flange portion 208 of the locking ring 146 has a protrusion 212 for mechanically engaging the notch 202 in the outer flange 130 of the sealing element 126. A space or gap is provided between the vertical lip of the inner protrusion 212 and the wall of the first flange portion 206. This gap is sized and shaped to accommodate the width of the central channel section 132 and washer 172 to hold the two therebetween during assembly and service.

[0136] The washer 172 has a memory lip 176 that functions as a sealing lip, as previously described. In this embodiment, the memory lip 176 is oriented to face the exterior region 52, and the free end of the inner flange 128 of the sealing element 126 is oriented to face the exterior region 50. In one example, a second washer can be incorporated between the retaining wall 118 and the sealing element 126. The second washer can be a standard washer or a washer with a memory lip. The addition of the second washer allows for the use of service grease within the spring cavity.

[0137] Referring now to FIG. 6 , a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system before being installed within the housing gland. The seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, a washer 172 (not shown), and an energizer 136 disposed within a spring cavity 134. The seal assembly 102 is similar to the first seal assembly 102 of FIG. 1A . The seal assembly 102 can be used as a single seal to prevent internal, higher fluid pressure from leaking to the outside, or it can be used to seal against higher environmental pressure from leaking into an internal, lower-pressure spring cavity. In some examples, a washer or second washer is positioned against the locking ring 146. A retaining disk can be positioned adjacent to the washer to retain the washer against the locking ring. The washer can be a standard washer or a washer with a memory lip. The addition of the washer allows for the use of service grease in the spring cavity 134 of the seal assembly 102.

[0138] Referring now to FIG. 7, a seal bearing system 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The seal bearing system 240 shares many aspects with the seal system 100 described elsewhere herein. As shown, the seal bearing system 240 includes a cylinder 106, similar to the cylinder of FIG. 1A, with a retaining wall 118 and an open or insertion end 120 for mounting various seal bearing components. The exterior of the cylinder may be configured with shoulders, flanges, etc. for mating with an equipment housing 110. The equipment housing 110 may be any number of devices, such as a pump, mixer, valve, blower, etc., with a shaft 108 movable within the housing 110.

[0139] The interior of the cylinder 106 includes a stepped bore with a first bore section 116a and a second bore section 116b, similar to the cylinder of FIG. 2. The interior of the bore 116 includes the first seal assembly 102, the second seal assembly, and two washers 172a, 172b, similar to the seal system of FIG. 2. The first and second washers 172a, 172b can be standard types with straight inner openings without memory lips. The inner openings of the standard washers can be smaller than the shaft outer diameter to create an interference fit. In other examples, the two washers 172a, 172b can each have a memory lip, or only one of them can have a memory lip—the one between the two locking rings or the one adjacent to the retaining wall 118. Furthermore, the two seal elements 126 face each other, but can be oriented so that they both face the exterior region 50, both face the exterior region 52, or face away from each other.

[0140] A retaining disk 190 is positioned against the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104. The retaining disk is incorporated to provide an interference fit with the cylinder 106 and retain the various seal components within the bore 116. In another embodiment, a washer 172c is positioned against the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104. The washer 172c is a standard washer with an inner opening that fits snugly in size with the shaft OD. The washer 172c can be thicker than the first washer 172a and the second washer 172b to separate the second seal assembly 104 from the bearing assembly 244.

[0141] In one example, bearing assembly 244 is comprised of an outer ring 246, an inner ring 248, and a cage 250 for retaining a number of rolling elements 252 (only one shown) in retaining sockets. The various components of bearing assembly 244 are typically made of metallic materials and may all be the same material or more likely be made of a variety of different metallic materials. Inner ring 248 is configured to fit snugly around the outside of shaft 108 and rotate with the shaft along with rolling elements 252. The rolling elements are spaced apart and retained by cage 250 as they rotate with the shaft. Inner ring 248 has an inner diameter configured for an interference fit around the shaft and an outer diameter relative to the inner diameter, defining a thickness therebetween. Inner ring 122 is also wide and sized and shaped to accommodate the selected rolling elements.

[0142] The outer ring 246 is rigidly attached to the inner surface of the cylinder 106 and remains fixed relative to the cylinder as the inner ring 248, cage 250, and rolling elements 252 rotate with the shaft 108. The outer ring 246 can have an inner diameter configured to contact the rolling elements 126 and an outer diameter configured to provide an interference fit within the interior of the cylinder 106. The inner and outer diameters of the outer ring 246 define a thickness therebetween. The outer ring 246 has a width and is sized and shaped to accommodate the type of rolling elements selected.

[0143] In one example, bearing assembly 244 is a ball bearing assembly, and rolling elements 252 are metal balls or spherical balls. If bearing assembly 244 is a ball bearing assembly, outer ring 246 and inner ring 248 can include inner and outer bearing races for contact and rotation of multiple balls 252. In other examples, bearing assembly 244 can be a different bearing type, such as a roller bearing assembly, a tapered or angled roller bearing assembly, a thrust ball bearing assembly, or a roller bearing assembly. The rolling elements of roller bearing assemblies and tapered roller bearing assemblies can embody solid rotating cylinders or solid tapered cylinders.

[0144] As shown, the outer ring 246 includes two exterior grooves that define three raised protrusions. In other examples, one or more exterior grooves and two or more raised protrusions can be incorporated. Additionally, the exterior of each protrusion can include relatively small grooves, such as micro-grooves, to facilitate assembly of the outer ring 246 into the bore of the cylinder 106. Incorporating grooves can reduce interference and friction, facilitating assembly.

[0145] The bearing assembly 244, seal assemblies 102, 104, and washers 172a, 172b, 172c can be assembled to the cylinder in a pre-packaged configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention to form the seal-bearing system 240. The pre-packaged seal and bearing assembly is then ready to be installed as a unit on the shaft 108. The assembly can then be installed in the housing 110.

[0146] As explained above, service grease may be incorporated into the spring cavity 134 of one or both of the seal assemblies 102, 104. The same or a different service grease may also be used with the bearing assembly 244 to provide lubrication to the rolling elements 252.

[0147] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 that is similar to the pre-packaged system of Figure 7 with a few exceptions. The pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 of this embodiment includes a split cylinder 106 to facilitate installation of the seal assembly, washer, and bearing assembly, similar to the split cylinder description of Figure 3. A first washer 172a with a memory lip 176 can also be incorporated into this seal and bearing system 240 instead of a standard washer between the two seal assemblies.

[0148] 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 of FIG. 8 mounted to a housing with an additional bearing assembly 244a. The seal and bearing system 240 is engaged with or attached to the housing 110, which may have multiple housing sections 110a. For example, the pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 may be first mounted to the shaft 108 and then assembled and mounted to the housing 100.

[0149] In the illustrated example, a second bearing assembly 244a is attached to the housing and shaft and spaced apart from the first bearing assembly 244 of the prepackaged seal and bearing system 240. This configuration illustrates how the prepackaged seal and bearing system 240 can be used in a device where the gap between the first bearing assembly 244 and the second bearing assembly 244a, referred to as the device chamber 254, can house any number of device components, such as a motor rotor, a motor stator, an oil sump, valve packing material, or fan blades. Placing the bearing assemblies 244, 244a at opposite ends of the device chamber 254 provides support and stability as the shaft rotates. The prepackaged seal and bearing system 240 provides a single sealing solution with multiple components that can be adapted for multiple applications. For example, the seal assemblies 102, 104 can be arranged in different configurations, such as facing each other or both facing high-pressure areas, to suit different applications. The pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 can also be modified to use different gaskets for additional sealing points, such as using one or more gaskets with a memory lip to act as a sealing lip. The cylinder 106 can also include a straight bore, a stepped bore, and split sections for ease of assembly.

[0150] Additionally, service grease may be included in spring cavity 134 to occupy the spring cavity and prevent external fluids from entering the same space. The service grease may be selected to suit a particular application. For example, if housing 110 is part of a medical implant device, the service grease should be biocompatible.

[0151] In yet another example, the prepackaged assembly is a prepackaged seal system 100, such as the seal system of Figures 1A, 2, or 3, without the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly may instead be mounted outside or external to the cylinder 106.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 10 , a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder, canister, or cartridge 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder or cartridge as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the housing gland. The seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134. The seal assembly 102 is similar to the second seal assembly 104 of FIG. 1A , with a few exceptions.

[0153] In this embodiment, the seal element 126 does not incorporate a displacement. Instead, the intersection 260 of the central channel section 132 and the inner flange 128 is spaced from the OD of the shaft 108, reducing the length of the inner flange that contacts the shaft. Additionally, while the central channel section 132 has a nominal thickness section 261, a lower portion 262 of the central channel section, which forms part of the cavity 134, is thickened, i.e., thicker than the nominal thickness section 261, to push or separate the coils of the canted coil spring from the outer surface 264 of the central channel section. The thickened lower portion 262 pushes the contact points on the minor axis of each coil of the canted coil spring 136, or the shorter of the two axes of the elliptical coil shape, toward the inner flange 158 of the lock ring 146, aligning the minor axis with a specific point on the inner flange 128 of the seal element 126. This changes the location of the maximum range of motion of the minor axis along the force-deflection characteristic of the canted coil spring.

[0154] The seal assembly 102 may be used as a single seal. The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges may face away from the retaining wall 118. In one example, a sealing washer (not shown) may be disposed between the retaining wall 118 and the outer surface 264 of the central channel section 132 to provide two dynamic sealing points or two dynamic seals with the shaft 108. As previously mentioned, the first sealing point is between the sealing lip of the inner flange and the shaft, and the second sealing point is between the memory lip of the sealing washer and the shaft. The sealing washer may be a standard washer, as shown in FIG. 2, or a washer with a memory lip 176, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0155] In some examples, a sealing washer (not shown) can instead be placed against the lock ring 146, with a retaining disk 190 ( FIG. 1A ) placed adjacent to the washer to hold the washer against the lock ring 146. The washer can be a standard washer or a washer with a memory lip. In yet another example, a first washer (not shown) can be placed between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element outer surface 264, and a second washer (not shown) can be placed against the lock ring 146, with the retaining disk 190 ( FIG. 1A ) included to hold the second washer against the lock ring and inside the cylinder or cartridge 106. The addition of the second washer against the lock ring 146 allows for the use of service grease in the spring cavity 134 of the seal assembly 102.

[0156] 11A-11C, which show a front view, a front perspective view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a sealing washer 172 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11D shows a centerline 180 of the washer. JPEG0007811276000003.jpg910 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the upper half of sealing washer 172. Sealing washer 172 includes a planar body 174 with an outer periphery 266 defining an outer diameter and an inner periphery 268 defining a central opening 180. The central opening can be sized for an appropriate interference with the shaft to be inserted, which can be on the order of 0.5 to 5 thousandths of a second.

[0157] The central opening 180 is located in a memory lip 176, an arcuate portion of the body 174 formed during molding of the sealing washer. The arcuate projection is formed by bending the interior portion of the body toward a first side or surface 174a of the body 174 and away from a second side or surface 174b, as previously described, to create a pocket 182 ( FIG. 11C ) behind the projection. The projection can be varied in size, length, and shape, including the size of the central opening 180, to create different pocket sizes and shapes. Additionally, varying the thickness of the body 174, which is the dimension between the first surface 174a and the opposing second surface 174b, can control the stiffness and / or hardness of the sealing washer. In one example, the projection is formed without or with a minimal inner opening perimeter, and then the final central opening 180 is formed by cutting or punching the opening 180 using an appropriately sized punch or tap to control the opening size.

[0158] In another example, the projections that form the memory lip are formed after molding the washer itself, for example, by heating the washer against a mold with a central projection and then allowing the washer to cool while still pressed against the mold. The central opening 180 is then formed by cutting or stamping the opening using an appropriately sized punch or tap. The sealing washer 172 of the present invention can be used in any of the seal assemblies and seal systems described elsewhere herein.

[0159] 12A-12C, which show a front view, a front perspective view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a sealing washer 172 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12D shows a centerline passing through the central opening 180 of the washer. JPEG0007811276000004.jpg 910 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the upper half of a sealing washer 172. The sealing washer 172 includes a planar body 174 with an outer periphery 266 defining an outer diameter and an inner periphery 268 defining a central opening 180. The central opening can be sized for appropriate interference with an inserted shaft, which can be on the order of 0.5 to 5 thousandths of a second. The sealing washer of the present invention is similar to the sealing washer of FIGS. 11A-11D, except that the memory lip 176 is less pronounced than the memory lip of FIGS. 11A-11D. The sealing washer 172 of the present invention can be used in any of the seal assemblies and seal systems described elsewhere herein.

[0160] 13A and 13B, which show a front view and a front perspective view, respectively, of a sealing washer 172 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13C shows a centerline 180 of the washer. JPEG0007811276000005.jpg 910 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the upper half of a sealing washer 172. The sealing washer 172 includes a planar body 174 with an outer periphery 266 defining an outer diameter and an inner periphery 268 defining a central opening 180. The central opening can be sized for an appropriate interference with an inserted shaft, which can be on the order of 0.5 to 5 thousandths of a second. This sealing washer is similar to the sealing washer of FIGS. 11A-11D, but is formed without a memory lip. The sealing washer 172 of the present invention can be used in any of the seal assemblies and seal systems described elsewhere herein.

[0161] Referring now to FIG. 14 , a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder, can, or cartridge 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to FIG. 10 and other seal assemblies 102.

[0162] 10 , in this embodiment, the central channel section 132 has a substantially constant thickness along its entire length or height. Thus, there is no significant thickening at the bottom of the central channel section to push the coils of the canted coil spring 136 away from the outer surface 264.

[0163] The sealing washer 172 is positioned between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element 126. In particular, the body of the sealing washer contacts both the retaining wall and the central channel section of the seal element. The sealing washer 172 can incorporate a memory lip 176, which faces toward the retaining wall 118. The memory lip 176 can be an extended memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, or a shortened or short memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. In some examples, a second sealing washer (not shown) can be positioned in contact with the locking ring 146, and a retaining disc 190 (FIG. 1A) can be positioned at the insertion end to hold the second sealing washer against the locking ring and various components within the housing or cylinder 106. It is understood that the retaining disc 190 (FIG. 1A) can be positioned spaced apart or spaced apart from the retaining wall 118.

[0164] Referring now to FIG. 15, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder or canister 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Accordingly, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, canister, or cartridge 106 may be expandable to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assembly 102 of FIG. 14 and seal elements 102 described elsewhere. However, in this embodiment, the sealing washer 172 has an extended or longer memory lip 176, similar to the memory lip shown in FIGS. 1A and 11A-11D. In some examples, a second sealing washer is positioned in contact with the locking ring 146, and a retaining disc 190 (FIG. 1A) is positioned at the insertion end to retain the sealing assembly and two washers within the cylinder or cartridge 106. The retaining disc 190 is understood to be spaced or spaced apart from the retaining wall 118.

[0165] Referring now to FIG. 16, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. This seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assembly 102 of FIG. 14. However, in this embodiment, the sealing washer 172 is a standard sealing washer without a memory lip. The sealing washer has a central opening 180 that seals against the shaft outer diameter. In the illustrated example, the body 174 of the sealing washer 172 has a first thickness at the outer diameter or periphery and a second thickness at the inner diameter or opening, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. The thinner washer portion is preferably located at the inner diameter or opening to vary the stiffness of the inner diameter. In some examples, a second sealing washer can be located in contact with the locking ring 146, and a retaining disc 190 (FIG. 1A) can be located at the insertion end to retain the sealing assembly and two washers within the housing or cylinder. It is understood that the retaining disc 190 is spaced or spaced apart from the retaining wall 118.

[0166] Referring now to FIG. 17 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106 with a retaining wall and an open end for assembly, as previously described with reference to FIG. 1A and elsewhere, forming a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of an equipment housing, such as a bearing box. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 may be expandable to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The seal assembly 102 comprises a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assembly 102 of FIG. 14 and described elsewhere herein.

[0167] However, in this embodiment, the inner flange 128 is extended or lengthened so that the free end 128a of the inner flange is positioned on one side of the coils of the canted coil spring and the central channel section 132 is positioned on the opposite side of the coils. As shown, the free end 128a is positioned approximately at the inner end of the inner flange extension 158 of the lock ring 146. The extended inner flange 128 increases the surface contact between the sealing element and the shaft.

[0168] Although the seal assembly 102 of Figure 17 does not show one or more sealing washers, one or more sealing washers may be used with one or more retaining discs, similar to the seal assemblies of Figures 14-16.

[0169] Referring now to FIG. 18, a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of the housing 110. The seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a lock ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134. This is similar to the seal assemblies 102 of FIGS. 14-17 and the other seal assemblies 102. In this embodiment, the inner flange 128 of the seal element 126 is provided with a seal lip protrusion 270 for sealing contact with the outer diameter of the shaft 108. The seal lip protrusion protrudes from the surface of the inner seal flange. The seal lip protrusion 270 spaces the remainder of the inner flange from the shaft. The seal lip protrusion 270 has a width that is approximately 10% to 30% of the width or length of the inner flange measured from the free end to where the inner flange intersects the central channel section 132. Preferably, the width is approximately 15% to 25% of the length of the inner flange. The selected width of the sealing lip projection 270 increases the sealing force at the seal interface with the shaft due to a smaller surface area of ​​contact compared to when the sealing lip is greater than 30% of the length of the inner flange.

[0170] In one example, an optional recess 272 is formed in the inner surface of the central channel section 132. The incorporation of the recess effectively reduces the width or thickness of the central channel section, creating a section with a relatively thin thickness. The reduced thickness increases flexibility at the bottom of the central channel, providing flexibility to the inner flange 128.

[0171] While FIG. 18 shows the instrument housing 110 with the seal assembly 102, the seal assembly 102 may also be initially packaged in a cylinder or cartridge 106 (FIG. 1A) to form a pre-packaged seal assembly, as described elsewhere herein. In some examples, the pre-packaged seal assembly may also incorporate one or more sealing washers. If used, one sealing washer may be positioned against the sealing element and another sealing washer may be positioned against the locking ring 146. Retaining disks may also be used to secure various components inside the cylinder. In some examples, an open cylinder is used with two retaining disks. It is understood that the retaining disk may be spaced apart or spaced apart from the retaining wall if only one is used.

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 19, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of the housing 110, or pre-packaged in a cylinder or canister 106 that is then installed within the housing 110, such as a bearing box. Accordingly, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, canister, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 14-17 and 18 and described elsewhere herein. In this embodiment, similar to the seal element of FIG. 18, the inner flange 128 of the seal element 126 is provided with a seal lip projection 270 for sealing contact with the outer diameter of the shaft 108.

[0173] In this embodiment, the lock ring 146 has an extended rear portion 274 with an inner diameter that includes a plurality of spaced apart rings 276. The spaced apart rings 276 are formed separately and then attached to the extended rear portion of the lock ring. Alternatively, the spaced apart rings 276 are integrally formed with the lock ring. The spaced apart rings 276 have a close tolerance fit, such as a size-on-size fit or a small clearance (e.g., 0.5 to 2 thousandths of the total clearance), around the shaft 108. The spaced apart rings 276 provide a tortuous path that helps prevent fluid leakage or seepage into the seal cavity 134. Spaced apart rings are sometimes referred to as labyrinth seals and can be utilized with any of the seal rings described elsewhere herein.

[0174] Referring now to FIG. 20 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder or cartridge 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A and 6 . The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0175] The first sealing washer 172a is disposed between the locking ring 146 and the retention disc 190. The retention disc 190 is understood to be spaced apart or spaced apart from the retention wall 118. The first sealing washer 172a has a memory lip 176 that faces towards the seal element 126. In other examples, the memory lip 176 of the first sealing washer can face in the opposite direction.

[0176] The second sealing washer 172b is positioned between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element 126. In one example, the body of the second sealing washer 172b contacts both the retaining wall and the central channel section of the seal element. The sealing washer 172 is shown as a standard sealing washer similar to the sealing washer in FIGS. 13A-13C. However, the second sealing washer 172b can optionally incorporate a memory lip 176. The memory lip can face toward the retaining wall 118 or toward the canted coil spring 136. The memory lip 176 on one or both sealing washers can be an extended memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, or a short memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. If the first sealing washer 172a is used, service grease can be added to the cavity 134. If both sealing washers 172a, 172b are used, service grease can optionally be added to the cavity.

[0177] Referring now to FIG. 21 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, and is similar to seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as the seal assembly of FIG. 20 . The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A , 6 , and 20 . The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0178] In this embodiment, two sealing washers 172a, 172b are used in a stacked or back-to-back arrangement, and may include more than two sealing washers. The two sealing washers shown are positioned between the locking ring 146 and the retaining disc 190 and spaced apart from the retaining wall 118. The two sealing washers may both be standard sealing washers without a memory lip, may both have the same or different types of memory lip, or may be a mixed combination, one with a memory lip and one a standard sealing washer. As shown, the first sealing washer 172a has a memory lip facing toward the cavity 134, and the second sealing washer 172b is a standard sealing washer.

[0179] Optionally, a third sealing washer can be disposed between the retaining wall 118 and the sealing element 126. The third sealing washer can be a standard sealing washer or a sealing washer with a memory lip, either an extended memory lip as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D or a shortened memory lip as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. In another example, a stacked sealing washer arrangement can be incorporated between the retaining wall and the sealing element. Service grease can be contained within the cavity.

[0180] Referring now to FIG. 22 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 may be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as those of FIGS. 1A , 6 , 20 , and 21 . 1A, 6, 20, and 21, the seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168. The free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges face away from the retaining wall 118.

[0181] In this embodiment, two sealing washers 172a, 172b are used in a stacked or back-to-back arrangement, and may include more than two sealing washers. The two sealing washers shown may be positioned between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element 126. The two sealing washers may both be standard sealing washers, may both have the same or different types of memory lips, or may be a mixed combination, one with a memory lip and one a standard sealing washer. As shown, the first sealing washer 172a has a memory lip facing away from the cavity 134, and the second sealing washer 172b, located between the first sealing washer and the seal element, may be a standard sealing washer.

[0182] Optionally, a third sealing washer can be positioned between the locking ring 146 and the retaining disc 190 (FIG. 1A) and spaced apart from the sealing element 126. The third sealing washer can be a standard sealing washer or a sealing washer with a memory lip. The memory lip can be an extended memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, or a shortened memory lip, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. The cavity 134 can contain service grease.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 23, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. It is therefore inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, and is similar to seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as the seal assemblies of FIGS. 1A, 6, and 20-22. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A, 6, and 20-22. The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0184] In this embodiment, two sealing washers 172a, 172b are used in a stacked or back-to-back arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 22 . Two additional stacked sealing washers 172c, 172d can be included between the lock ring 146 and the retaining disk 190. The two additional sealing washers 172c, 172d can both be standard sealing washers with the same or different types of memory lips, or they can be a mixed combination, with two having memory lips and one being a standard sealing washer. As shown, the third sealing washer 172c has a memory lip facing the cavity 134, and the fourth sealing washer 172d, located between the third sealing washer and the retaining disk 190, can be a standard sealing washer. The cavity 134 can contain service grease.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 24, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder or canister 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, canister, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as those of FIGS. 1A, 6, and 20-22. 1A, 6, and 20-22, seal element 126 has a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168. The free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges face toward retaining wall 118, opposite the seal element of FIGS.

[0186] In this embodiment, two sealing washers 172a, 172b are used in a stacked or back-to-back arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 22 and 23, but the two sealing washers are positioned between the retaining wall 118 and the locking ring 146, with the locking ring 146 positioned closer to the retaining wall than the sealing ring is to the retaining wall. At least one additional sealing washer 172c is provided between the retaining disc 190 and the seal element 126. The third sealing washer 172c may include a memory lip facing away from the seal element 126. However, the third sealing washer 172c may also be a standard washer.

[0187] If the third sealing washer 172c has a memory lip, a fourth sealing washer 172d can be included. In the embodiment shown, the third and fourth sealing washers are in a stacked arrangement and are both disposed between the seal element 126 and the retaining disc 190. Service grease can be included in the cavity 134. Optionally, where stacked washers are shown, only a single washer is used.

[0188] Referring now to FIG. 25 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 may be expandable to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as the seal assemblies of FIGS. 1A , 6 , and particularly FIG. 24 . However, in this embodiment, only one sealing washer 172a is disposed between the retaining wall 118 and the locking ring 146, and one sealing washer 172b is disposed between the seal element 126 and the retaining disc 190. Both sealing washers can have memory lips facing away from each other or away from the cavity. Optionally, the memory lips can face each other. The memory lips of both washers can be extended or shortened, as described above. The cavity 134 can contain service grease.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 26 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A , 6 , and 20 . The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0190] In this embodiment, a wedge sealing washer 278 is disposed between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element 126. The wedge sealing washer 172 includes a body 174 with an outer periphery 266 defining an outer diameter and an inner periphery 268 defining a central opening 180 with an inner diameter. The body 174 has a first surface 280 that contacts the outer surface 264 of the central channel section of the seal element 126 and an opposite second surface 282 that is spaced from the central channel section and contacts the retaining wall 118. In one example, the first surface 280 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108, and the second surface 282 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, forming a wedge-shaped body 174 that is thicker at the base or inner periphery than at the tip of the outer periphery 266. The taper angle of the second surface 282 can be varied to vary the thickness of the wedge sealing washer 278 at the base or inner periphery 268.

[0191] To form a line contact between the surface of the retaining wall 118 and the second surface 282 of the wedge sealing washer 278, the retaining wall 118 has a support surface 288 that is angled relative to the cylindrical body portion a 106 a of the cylinder 106, e.g., angled relative to the longitudinal dimension of the outer surface. The support surface 288 preferably contacts the second surface 282 along a line contact when viewed along a longitudinal cross section. Thus, the support surface 288 can have approximately the same taper angle as the second surface 282 of the wedge sealing washer 278.

[0192] Optionally, a sealing washer 172 can be positioned between the locking ring 146 and the retaining disc 190. The sealing washer 172 can be a standard sealing washer or a sealing washer with a memory lip, either an extended memory lip as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D or a shortened memory lip as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. Service grease can be contained within the cavity 134. The memory lip 176 can face toward the cavity 134 containing the service grease or face away from the cavity. In another example, a stacked washer arrangement can be used, with two or more washers positioned where the second sealing washer 172 is located, similar to that shown in FIGS. 21-24.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 27, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder or cartridge 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Accordingly, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A, 6, and 20. The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0194] The present seal assembly 102 most closely resembles the seal assembly of FIG. 26 and includes a similar wedge sealing washer 278. However, in this embodiment, a notch 290 is provided between the first surface 280 and the inner periphery 268. The notch 290 in the wedge sealing washer 278 incorporates a linear notch 292 between the two surfaces 268, 280, forming a triangular notch 290 at the bottom of the wedge sealing washer 278. The incorporation of the notch reduces the contact length between the inner periphery 268 and the shaft 108. The cavity 134 can contain service grease. The second washer 172 is positioned against the lock ring 146. In another example, a stacked washer arrangement of two or more washers, similar to those shown in FIGS. 21-24, can be placed where the second sealing washer 172 is shown.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 28 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a prepackaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal element of the first seal assembly 102 of FIGS. 1A , 6 , and 20 . The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0196] In this embodiment, the retaining wall 118 has a generally wedge-shaped body 296 along its side cross section. The retaining wall 118 is generally perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 108 and has a support surface 288 configured to contact the central channel section outer surface 264, similar to the other retaining walls described elsewhere herein. However, in this embodiment, the retaining wall's outer or exposed surface 298 is angled relative to the axis of the shaft 108 to define a generally wedge-shaped body 300. The retaining wall 118 has a stepped periphery 302 at its lower end near its central opening for receiving a correspondingly shaped stepped sealing washer 304, which in combination form a generally cylindrical throughbore 306 in line contact with the shaft 108, preferably providing an interference fit therewith.

[0197] In one example, the stepped sealing washer 304 is generally L-shaped along its side cross section, with the longer portion of the L-shape oriented to contact the shaft and the shorter portion of the L-shape oriented to contact the sealing element 126. The stepped sealing washer 304 can be assembled to the retaining wall 118 prior to assembling the various components to the cylinder 106 via the assembly end of the cylinder.

[0198] The second sealing washer 172 may be positioned between the lock ring 146 and the retaining disc 190, similar to other seal assemblies described elsewhere herein. The second sealing washer 172 may be a standard sealing washer or a sealing washer with a memory lip, which may be an extended memory lip as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D or a shortened memory lip as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. Service grease may be contained within the cavity. The memory lip 176 may face toward the cavity 134 where the service grease is contained. Another example may be a stacked washer arrangement, similar to that shown in FIGS. 21-24, with two or more washers positioned where the second sealing washer is shown.

[0199] Referring now to FIG. 29 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, with the seal assembly 102 mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 may be expandable to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, such as the seal assembly of FIG. 26 .

[0200] 1A, 6, and 20, the seal element 126 has a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168. The free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges face away from the retaining wall 118. In this embodiment, an inner retaining disk 294 is incorporated to secure the wedge sealing washer 278 to the support surface 288 of the retaining wall 118. The inner retaining disk 294 has an outer periphery that mounts with an interference fit inside the cylinder 106 and an inner periphery that is spaced apart from the outer diameter of the shaft by a clearance.

[0201] Referring now to FIG. 30, a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes at least one seal assembly 102 mounted within a cylinder 106 as a prepackaged seal system and a seal system mounted in the gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. It is therefore understood and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The seal system 100 includes two seal assemblies 102, 104 mounted with their free ends facing each other. The seal system 100 is similar to that of FIG. 1A, with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the cylinder 106 has been modified to accommodate different housing 110 configurations. As shown, a protrusion 310 on the exterior of the cylinder 106 is configured to fit within a gap in the housing 110. Two shoulders are formed adjacent to the protrusion 310. In other examples, the outside can be molded, such as by machining, with different exterior contours to accommodate different housing configurations. Optionally, the cylinder 106 can also be provided with parting lines.

[0202] The cylinder 106, similar to FIG. 1A, has a body with a retaining wall 118 and an insertion end 120 for mounting the seal assemblies and washers. The seal system 100 also incorporates multiple sealing washers 172, including a first sealing washer 172a positioned between the retaining wall 118 and the seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102 and a second sealing washer 172b positioned between the seal element 126 of the second seal assembly 104 and the retaining disk 190. As shown, the first seal element 126 is provided with a displacement portion 166. Either or both of the sealing washers 172a, 172b may include a memory lip, which may be extended or shortened, as described above, or a combination of each. In a less preferred embodiment, the sealing washers are of the standard type without a memory lip. Service grease may be included within the cavity 134. Optionally, where a single sealing washer is shown, a stacked washer arrangement may be incorporated.

[0203] Referring now to FIG. 31 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly installed within a cylinder 106 as a prepackaged seal system and a seal system installed within a gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Accordingly, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this seal system 100, two seal assemblies 102, 104 are mounted with their free ends facing each other, but the locking ring 146 is a combination locking ring 146a similar to that shown in FIG. 4 . That is, the combination locking ring 146a has a single locking flange 152 for locking into the interior of the cylinder or housing 106 or 110, but has two distinct decks 150, each including a notch for mechanically engaging the respective outer flange 130 of the respective seal element.

[0204] In this embodiment, a sealing washer 172 is attached to the single inner flange extension 158 of the combination lock ring 146a and separates the two spring cavities 134. The sealing washer 172 has a similar overall shape to the sealing washer of FIGS. 12A-12D with a shortened memory lip 176. However, the perimeter defining the outer diameter of the sealing washer 172 is relatively smaller. In other words, the OD-to-ID ratio of the sealing washer is smaller than the OD-to-ID ratio of the sealing washer of FIGS. 12A-12D and other sealing washers shown elsewhere. In other examples, the sealing washer may have an extended sealing lip or may be a standard sealing washer.

[0205] In one example, a sealing washer 172 is disposed within cavity 134 of second seal assembly 104 and contacts inner flange extension 158 of the lock ring. The sealing washer can have inner and outer diameters that provide an interference fit with the shaft and combination lock ring, respectively. In one example, canted coil spring 136 of second seal assembly 104 is positioned to hold sealing washer 172 against inner flange extension 158.

[0206] Referring now to FIG. 32 , a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Thus, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies 102 of FIGS. 10 and 14 .

[0207] In this embodiment, a sealing washer 172 is disposed within the spring cavity 134. As shown, a standard sealing washer 172 having an outer periphery defining an outer diameter and an inner periphery defining an inner diameter is disposed within the spring cavity 134 and contacts the inner flange extension 158 of the lock ring 146, disposed between the inner flange extension and the energizer 136 (preferably a canted coil spring). In one example, the sealing washer 172 has an interference fit with the underside of the shaft and lock ring deck 150.

[0208] Referring now to Figure 33, a seal system 100 according to yet another aspect of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the seal system of Figure 32. However, in this embodiment, the sealing washer 172 includes a memory lip 176. As shown, the memory lip is a shortened memory lip, extending away from the spring cavity 134.

[0209] To provide clearance for the memory lip 176, the inner periphery of the inner flange extension 158 is spaced from the shaft outer diameter by a gap 314. The gap 314 allows the memory lip 176 to extend therein, as shown.

[0210] Referring now to FIG. 34, a seal system 100 according to a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a seal assembly 102 mounted directly to the gland of a housing 110. Alternatively, the housing may be a cylinder 106, and the seal assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder as a pre-packaged seal system prior to installation within the gland of the housing, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Accordingly, it is inherently and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The present seal assembly 102 includes a seal element 126, a locking ring 146, and an energizer 136, which can be a canted coil spring disposed within a spring cavity 134, similar to the seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, including FIG. 28. The seal element 126 includes a displacement portion 166 and an annular recess 168, similar to the seal elements of FIGS. 1A, 6, 20, and 28. The free ends of the inner and outer sealing flanges face away from the retaining wall 118 .

[0211] In this embodiment, the retaining wall 118 has a generally wedge-shaped body 298 along its side cross section. The retaining wall 118 has a support surface 288 generally perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 108, which supports a length of an L-shaped sealing washer 304 similar to the L-shaped stepped washer of FIG. 28. The length of the sealing washer 304 contacts the outer surface 264 of the central channel portion of the seal element 126.

[0212] The lower end of the retaining wall 118 near the central opening includes an inner periphery 302. In one example, a shorter length 312 of an L-shaped sealing washer 304 is positioned on the inner periphery 302 and contacts and seals the shaft. The stepped sealing washer 304 can be assembled to the retaining wall 118 prior to assembling the various components to the cylinder 106 via the assembly end of the cylinder.

[0213] Similar to other seal assemblies described elsewhere herein, a second sealing washer 172 can be positioned between the lock ring 146 and the retaining disc 190. The second sealing washer 172 can be a standard sealing washer or a sealing washer with a memory lip, either an extended memory lip as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D or a shortened memory lip as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. Service grease can be included in the cavity. The memory lip 176 faces toward the cavity 134, which can contain service grease. In other examples, a stacked washer arrangement can be used, with two or more washers positioned where the second sealing washer is shown, similar to that shown in FIGS. 21-24.

[0214] 35, there is shown a seal system 100 in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes at least one seal assembly 102 mounted within a cylinder 106 as a pre-packaged seal system, and the seal system mounted in a gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, etc. Thus, it is inherent and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0215] The present seal system 100 includes two seal assemblies 102, 104 similar to those shown in FIG. 30, mounted with their free ends facing each other, where the free ends are understood to be the free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges. However, in this embodiment, the seal elements 126 of both the first and second seal assemblies include a displacement portion 166. The present seal system 100 is also similar to the seal system of FIG. 3 in that the cylinder 106 has an inner surface defining a bore and a split portion defining a first cylinder section 106a and a second cylinder section 106b. The split cylinder has a stepped split line 192, and one of the two cylinder sections has an opening 194 with an inner diameter to receive a protrusion 196 from the other cylinder to assemble the two cylinder sections. In one example, the opening with the inner diameter and the protrusion with the outer diameter are sized for an interference fit to prevent unwanted separation. Although the second cylinder section 106b is shown with an opening and the first cylinder section 106a is shown with a protrusion, the two may be reversed.

[0216] In this embodiment, the outer contour of the cylinder 106 is modified to accommodate different housing 110 configurations. Additionally, while an exemplary outer contour of the present cylinder 106 is shown, this cylinder, as well as various other cylinders described herein, may have outer contours that can be varied in size and shape to accommodate various operating environments requiring the seal assembly or combined seal and bearing assembly of the present disclosure. As shown, the outer shoulder 320 of the second cylinder section 106b is configured to receive a corresponding shoulder on the housing 110, which can be any number of equipment types, such as a pump, a valve, a bearing box, etc. Thus, the exterior can be molded (e.g., machined) with various outer contour features to accommodate various housing configurations. Alternatively, the cylinder 106 can be a single solid cylinder without a parting line or can include a stepped bore with bores of different inner diameters.

[0217] The cylinder 106 includes a body with two retaining walls 118, one for each of the two cylinder sections. Various sealing components, such as washers, sealing elements, and springs, can be installed within the bore by separating the two cylinder sections at a parting line 192. The seal system 100 also incorporates a plurality of sealing washers 172, including a first sealing washer 172a positioned between the retaining wall 118 of the first cylinder section 106a and the sealing element 126 of the first seal assembly 102, and a second sealing washer 172b positioned between the sealing element 126 of the second seal assembly 104 and the retaining wall 118 of the second cylinder section 106b. The second retaining wall 118 of the second cylinder section 106b can be the same length as the first retaining wall of the first cylinder section, or it can be longer so that it does not contact the shaft 108, as shown.

[0218] Either or both of sealing washers 172a, 172b may be straight sealing washers or may include a memory lip, which may be extended or shortened as described above, or a combination thereof. As shown, the first sealing washer or gasket has a memory lip 176, while the second sealing washer may be standard without a memory lip. Service grease may be included in cavity 134. Optionally, where a single sealing washer is shown, a stacked washer arrangement may be incorporated.

[0219] In one example, the first lock ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 and the second lock ring 146 of the second seal assembly 104 are positioned along a split line 322. In some examples, the split line 322 aligns with at least a portion of the cylinder split line 192. In one example, the two lock rings 146 contact each other along the split line 322. However, a small gap may be provided at the split line to separate the two lock rings. In yet another example, a gap filler, such as a non-sealing gasket spaced from the shaft, may be positioned between the two lock rings at the split line 322. The cavity 134 common to both seal assemblies 102, 104 is positioned near the split line 322, but does not include a sealing washer as in other embodiments shown and described herein. In one example, service grease may be added to the cavity common to both seal assemblies. In yet another example, in the assembled configuration shown, one of the two locking rings can extend from the open end of the respective cylinder section and into the bore section of the other cylinder section.

[0220] 36, there is shown a seal system 100 in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes at least one seal assembly 102 mounted within a cylinder 106 as a pre-packaged seal system, and the seal system mounted in a gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, etc. Thus, it is inherent and expressly contemplated that the cylinder, can, or cartridge 106 can be expanded to include a bearing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0221] The present seal system 100 includes two seal assemblies 102, 104, similar to FIG. 30, mounted with their free ends facing each other, the free ends being understood as the free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges. The outer contour of the cylinder 106 is modified to accommodate different housing 110 configurations. Additionally, while an exemplary outer contour of the present cylinder 106 is shown, this cylinder, and various other cylinders described herein, can have outer contours that can be varied in size and shape to accommodate various operating environments requiring the disclosed seal assemblies or combined seal and bearing assemblies. As shown, the outer shoulder 320 of the cylinder 106 is configured to receive a corresponding shoulder of the housing 110, which can be any number of equipment types, such as a pump, a valve, a bearing box, etc. Thus, the exterior can be machined or otherwise shaped with various outer contour features to accommodate various housing configurations. Alternatively, the cylinder 106 can include a parting line.

[0222] The cylinder 106 of the present invention has a body with a retaining wall 118 at one end and an insertion or open assembly end 120 for mounting various sealing components such as washers, sealing elements, springs, etc. A retaining disk 190 is used to secure the open end of the cylinder after installation.

[0223] In this embodiment, cylinder 106 has a stepped bore with at least two different inner diameters, similar to cylinder 106 in Figure 2. The stepped bore reduces the distance that locking flange 152 of second locking ring 146 must travel from the open end to install the second seal element. Also, because of the stepped bore, the two decks of the two locking rings have different thicknesses, with the second deck of the second locking ring being thicker than the first deck of the first locking ring, forcing the outer seal flange of the second seal element against the larger bore diameter portion of the bore.

[0224] The seal system 100 also incorporates a plurality of sealing washers 172, including a first sealing washer 172a disposed between the retaining wall 118 of the first seal assembly 102 and the first seal element 126, a second sealing washer 172b contacting the second seal element of the second seal assembly 104, and a third sealing washer 172c disposed between the second sealing washer 172b and a retaining disk 190. The retaining disk 190 is a press fit with the bore and can be used to apply a compressive force to compress the two sealing washers 172b, 172c against the second seal element. Service grease can be contained in the cavity 134. Optionally, where a single sealing washer is shown, a stacked washer arrangement can be incorporated.

[0225] One or more of the three sealing washers in this embodiment can include a memory lip, which can be an extended or shortened memory lip. For example, the first sealing washer 172a can have a memory lip facing away from the second seal assembly. As shown, all three sealing washers 172a, 172b, and 172c can be straight sealing washers without a sealing lip. Service grease can also be included in the cavity 134. Optionally, where a single sealing washer is shown, a stacked washer arrangement can be incorporated.

[0226] In one example, the first locking ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 and the second locking ring 146 of the second seal assembly 104 can be positioned along the split line 322 as described above with reference to the seal system of Figure 35. Service grease can be added to the cavity 134 common to both seal assemblies 102, 104.

[0227] Referring now to FIG. 37, a seal bearing system 240 in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The seal bearing system 240 shares many aspects with the seal and bearing system of FIG. 7. For example, the seal bearing system 240 includes a cylinder 106 with a retaining wall 118 and an open or insertion end 120 for mounting various seal bearing components, similar to the cylinder of FIG. 7. Externally, the cylinder is tailored and shaped with shoulders, flanges, etc. to mate with a particular equipment housing 110. The equipment housing 110 can be any number of devices, such as a pump, mixer, valve, blower, etc., with a shaft 108 movable within the housing 110. In an alternative embodiment, the cylinder 106 can be a split cylinder, similar to the cylinder of FIG. 8.

[0228] The cylinder 106 has an interior surface defining a stepped bore with a first bore section 116a and a second bore section 116b. A first seal assembly 102, a second seal assembly, and two washers 172a, 172b are located at opposite ends of the bore. The first and second washers 172a, 172b can be of a standard type with a straight inner opening without a memory lip. Optionally, the first sealing washer 172a can have a memory lip facing away from the second seal assembly. The two seal assemblies 102, 104 share a common cavity 134. The cavity 134 can contain service grease.

[0229] A retaining disc 190 may be positioned against the second sealing washer 172b. The retaining disc is incorporated to provide an interference fit with the cylinder 106 and retain the various sealing components and washers within the bore 116. In the illustrated example, no retaining disc is incorporated at the open end of the cylinder.

[0230] 7, a bearing assembly 244 is mounted adjacent to the second sealing washer 172b. An interference fit between the outer ring of the bearing assembly and the bore of the cylinder 106 retains the various sealing components, including the second sealing washer 172b, within the bore. The same or different service grease as used in the common cavity 134 can be used with the bearing assembly 244 to provide lubrication to the rolling elements 252.

[0231] In one example, the first locking ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 and the second locking ring 146 of the second seal assembly 104 can be positioned along a split line 322, as described above with reference to the seal system of FIG. 35 and elsewhere. If the cylinder 106 has a split line, the split line 322 can be aligned with at least a portion of the split line.

[0232] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 of Figure 37 mounted to the housing 110 with an additional bearing assembly 244a. The cylinder 106 of the seal and bearing system 240 is engaged with or attached to the housing 110, which may have multiple housing sections 110a. For example, the pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 may be first mounted to the shaft 108, and then the combination may be mounted to the housing 110.

[0233] In the illustrated example, a second bearing assembly 244a is attached to the housing 110 and shaft 108 and spaced apart from the first bearing assembly 244 of the prepackaged seal and bearing system 240. This configuration illustrates how the prepackaged seal and bearing system 240 can be used in a device where the gap between the first bearing assembly 244 and the second bearing assembly 244a, referred to as the device chamber 254, can house any number of device components, such as a motor rotor, a motor stator, an oil sump, valve packing material, or fan blades. Placing the bearing assemblies 244, 244a at opposite ends of the device chamber 254 provides support and stability as the shaft rotates. The prepackaged seal and bearing system 240 provides a single sealing solution with multiple components that can be adapted for multiple applications. For example, the seal assemblies 102, 104 can be arranged in different configurations, such as facing each other or both facing high-pressure areas, to suit different applications. The pre-packaged seal and bearing system 240 can also be modified to use different gaskets or washers for additional sealing points, such as using one or more gaskets with a memory lip to act as a sealing lip. The cylinder 106 can also include a straight bore, a stepped bore, and parting lines for ease of assembly.

[0234] Additionally, a service grease may be included in the cavity 134 common to both seal assemblies 102, 104 to occupy or displace space within the cavity, making it more difficult for outside fluids to enter that same space. The service grease may be selected to suit a particular application. For example, if the housing 110 is part of a medical implant device, the service grease should be biocompatible.

[0235] In yet another example, the pre-packaged seal and bearing assembly is a pre-packaged seal system 100, such as the seal system of Figures 1A, 2, 3, or 36, without the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly may instead be mounted outside or external to the cylinder 106.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 39, a seal system 100 is shown in which two seal assemblies 102, 104, similar to those in FIGS. 30 and 35, are mounted with their free ends facing each other, where the free ends refer to the free ends of the inner and outer seal flanges. As shown, the first seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102 can incorporate an exclusion portion 166. Optionally, the second seal element of the second seal assembly can also include an exclusion portion. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a cylinder 106 and can be configured as a prepackaged seal system that can then be installed within the gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Therefore, the exterior of the cylinder 106 can be tailored to the environment in which the prepackaged seal system is configured to operate, including lengthening the bore to accommodate a bearing assembly.

[0237] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the cylinder housing defines a straight bore that receives the first and second seal assemblies 102 and 106, although the cylinder may alternatively have a stepped bore and / or parting lines, as shown and described elsewhere. The cylinder 106 has a body with a retaining wall 118 at one end of the bore and a retaining disk 190 at the other end, for closing the open assembly end after assembly of the various sealing components (including a first sealing washer 172a adjacent the retaining wall 118 and a second sealing washer 172b adjacent the retaining disk 190).

[0238] Either or both of sealing washers 172a, 172b may be straight sealing washers or may include a memory lip, which may be extended or shortened, as described above, or a combination thereof. As shown, both first and second sealing washers 172a, 172b have memory lips 176, which may face in opposite directions. In the illustrated example, first sealing washer 172a may have an extended memory lip 176, and second sealing washer 172b may have a shortened memory lip. Optionally, second sealing washer 172b may be a straight or standard sealing washer without a memory lip. Also optionally, where a single sealing washer is shown, a stacked washer arrangement may be incorporated, with two or more washers stacked on top of each other.

[0239] The first locking ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 and the second locking ring 146 of the second seal assembly 104 are positioned along the split line 322 as previously described with reference to FIG. 35 and elsewhere. Compared to the other locking rings described elsewhere herein, each locking ring 146 has a deck 150 that is elongated from a first end 328, where the deck protrudes into the seal element, to a second end 330, where the deck terminates at the split line 322. The elongated deck 150 increases the space in the spring cavity, widening the clearance between the inner flange extension 158 and the energizer 136, which may be a canted coil spring.

[0240] As shown, a third sealing flange 172c is provided between the inner flange extension 158 of the first seal assembly 102 and the energizer 136. In this embodiment, the third sealing washer 172c is attached to the inner flange extension 158 of the first locking ring 146. Although the third washer 172c is shown spaced apart from the energizer 136 of the first seal assembly, the energizer can be positioned to contact the third sealing washer.

[0241] The third sealing washer 172c has an overall shape similar to the sealing washer of FIGS. 12A-12D, but with a shortened memory lip 176. The memory lip 176 of the third sealing washer may face the same direction as the memory lip of the first sealing washer 172a, away from the second seal assembly 104. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the third sealing washer 172c is relatively smaller than the sealing washers positioned adjacent to the seal element. In other words, the OD-to-ID ratio of the third sealing washer 172c is smaller than the OD-to-ID ratios of the sealing washers of FIGS. 12A-12D and elsewhere. The third sealing washer 172c can abut both the deck and the inner flange extension 158 and seal against the shaft 108 to form a first spring cavity 134a separated from the second spring cavity 134b, as described further below. In other examples, the sealing washer has an extended sealing lip or is a standard sealing washer.

[0242] Similarly, the fourth sealing flange 172d is positioned against the inner flange extension 158 of the second lock ring 146, which has a lengthened deck to accommodate the fourth sealing flange. As shown, the fourth sealing flange 172d communicates with the deck, inner flange extension, and energizer 136 of the second seal assembly 104, sealing against the shaft to form a second spring cavity 134b separated from the first spring cavity 134a. The fourth sealing washer 172d can have inner and outer diameters that provide an interference fit with the shaft and lock ring, respectively. In one example, the canted coil spring 136 of the second seal assembly 104 is positioned to hold the sealing washer 172d against the inner flange extension 158. The fourth sealing washer can be a straight or standard sealing washer without a memory lip. Optionally, the fourth sealing washer can include a memory lip.

[0243] As shown, third and fourth sealing washers 172c, 172d create a third cavity 134c located between the first spring cavity 134a and the second spring cavity 134b. In one example, service grease can be added to the first and second spring cavities 134a, 134b. Optionally, service grease can also be added to the third cavity 134c.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 40 , the seal system 100 is comprised of two seal assemblies 102, 104 mounted with their free ends facing each other. As shown, the first seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102 can incorporate an exclusion 166. Optionally, the second seal element of the second seal assembly can also include an exclusion. The seal system 100 of this embodiment is configured as a prepackaged seal system, including a cylinder 106, which can then be installed into the gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Therefore, the exterior of the cylinder 106 can be tailored to the environment in which the prepackaged seal system is configured to operate, such as by lengthening the bore to accommodate a bearing assembly.

[0245] The present seal system 100 is similar to the seal systems of other embodiments shown and described herein, including the seal system of FIG. 30 . For example, the present seal system, like that of FIG. 30 , has a third seal flange 172c and a fourth seal flange 172d disposed adjacent to the first and second canted coil springs, respectively. However, in this embodiment, the lock ring 146 is a combination lock ring 146a. That is, the combination lock ring 146a has a single lock flange 152 for locking against the interior of a cylinder or housing, but has two distinct decks 150, each including a notch for mechanically engaging with a respective outer flange 130 of a respective seal element. The two decks 150 are disposed on either side of the lock flange 152. The combination lock ring 146a also has a single inner flange extension 158. The lock flange 152 and the inner flange extension 158 are aligned along approximately the same axial position, and the two decks are disposed on either side of this aligned structure. The length of the single inner flange extension 158 can be selected to adjust the spring cavity openings 160 of both the first and second seal assemblies as needed, restricting leakage of the two energizers 136 from their respective spring cavity openings during use.

[0246] Because the combination lock ring 146a has only one inner flange extension 158, both the third seal flange 172c and the fourth seal flange 172d contact the same inner flange extension 158. The third sealing washer 172c contacts both the deck and the inner flange extension 158 and seals against the shaft 108, allowing the first spring cavity 134a to be separated from the second spring cavity 134b, as described above with reference to FIG. 39. The third cavity 134c is between the first and second spring cavities. Service grease can be included in the first and second spring cavities, the third cavity, or all three cavities.

[0247] Referring now to FIG. 41 , a seal bearing system 240 in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention is shown. The present seal bearing system 240 shares many aspects with the seal and bearing systems of FIGS. 7 , 37 , and 39 . For example, the present seal bearing system 240 includes a cylinder 106 with a retaining wall 118 and an open or insertion end 120 for mounting various seal bearing components, similar to the cylinders of FIGS. 7 and 37 . Externally, the cylinder can be tailored and shaped with shoulders, flanges, etc. to mate with a particular equipment housing 110, which can be any number of devices, such as a pump, mixer, valve, blower, etc., with a shaft 108 movable within the housing 110. In an alternative embodiment, the cylinder 106 can be a split cylinder, similar to the cylinders of FIGS. 8 and 35 .

[0248] 39, the retaining disc 190 at the open assembly end of the cylinder 106 has been omitted, although it could also be included. Instead, a bearing assembly 244 is provided adjacent the second sealing washer 172b. An interference fit between the outer ring of the bearing assembly and the bore of the cylinder 106 retains the various seal components, including the second sealing washer 172b, within the bore. The same or different service grease as used in the common cavity 134 can be used with the bearing assembly 244 to provide lubrication to the rolling elements 252.

[0249] In one example, the first locking ring 146 of the first seal assembly 102 and the second locking ring 146 of the second seal assembly 104 can be positioned along a split line 322, as described above with reference to the seal system of FIG. 35 and elsewhere. If the cylinder 106 has a split line, the split line 322 can be aligned with at least a portion of the split line.

[0250] Referring now to FIG. 42 , a seal system 100 is shown, including two seal assemblies 102, 104 mounted with their free ends facing each other. As shown, the first seal element 126 of the first seal assembly 102 can incorporate an expulsion portion 166. Optionally, the second seal element of the second seal assembly can also include an expulsion portion. The seal system 100 of this embodiment includes a cylinder 106 and can be configured as a prepackaged seal system, which can then be installed into the gland of a housing 110, such as a pump, valve, compressor, bearing box, or the like. Therefore, the exterior of the cylinder 106 can be tailored to the environment in which the prepackaged seal system is configured to operate, including lengthening the bore to accommodate a bearing assembly. When used with a bearing assembly, the retaining disk can be omitted.

[0251] The present seal system 100 is similar to the seal systems of other embodiments shown and described herein, including the seal systems of Figures 34 and 40. For example, the present seal system, like that of Figure 40, includes a second sealing washer 172b at the open assembly end and third and fourth seal flanges 172c and 172d adjacent the first and second canted coil springs, respectively.

[0252] Additionally, in this embodiment, the lock ring 146 is a combination lock ring 146a. That is, the combination lock ring 146a has a single lock flange 152 for locking into the interior of a cylinder or housing, but has two distinct decks 150, each deck 150 including a notch for mechanically engaging the respective outer flange 130 of the respective seal element. The two decks 150 are disposed on either side of the lock flange 152. The combination lock ring 146a also has a single inner flange extension 158. The lock flange 152 and the inner flange extension 158 are aligned along approximately the same axial position, and the two decks are disposed on either side of this aligned structure. The length of the single inner flange extension 158 can be selected to adjust the spring cavity openings 160 of both the first and second seal assemblies as needed, limiting leakage of the two energizers 136 from their respective spring cavity openings during use. A retaining disc 190 is disposed in the open assembly end of the bore to retain the second sealing flange 172b within the bore.

[0253] Because the combination lock ring 146a has only one inner flange extension 158, both the third seal flange 172c and the fourth seal flange 172d contact the same inner flange extension 158. The third sealing washer 172c contacts both the deck and the inner flange extension 158 and seals against the shaft 108, allowing the first spring cavity 134a to be separated from the second spring cavity 134b, as described above with reference to FIG. 39. The third cavity 134c is between the first and second spring cavities. Service grease can be included in the first and second spring cavities, the third cavity, or all three cavities.

[0254] In this embodiment, the retaining wall 118 has a generally wedge-shaped body 298 along its side cross section, similar to the seal system of FIG. 34. The retaining wall 118 has a support surface 288 generally perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 108, which supports a length of an L-shaped sealing washer 304, which can be considered a first sealing washer, also similar to the L-shaped stepped washer of FIG. 28. The length of sealing washer 304 then contacts the outer surface 264 of the central channel portion of the seal element 126.

[0255] The lower end of the retaining wall 118 near the central opening includes an inner periphery 302. In one example, a shorter length 312 of an L-shaped sealing washer 304 is positioned on the inner periphery 302 and contacts and seals the shaft. The stepped sealing washer 304 can be assembled to the retaining wall 118 prior to assembling the various components to the cylinder 106 via the assembly end of the cylinder.

[0256] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of using the seal assemblies, seal systems, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing assemblies shown and described.

[0257] A further aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing or making the seal assemblies, seal systems, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing assemblies shown and described.

[0258] Various seal assemblies, gaskets or washers, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing systems are interchangeable as long as the components are not mechanically or operationally incompatible. For example, the cylinder of FIG. 7 can be replaced with the split cylinder of FIG. 8, and the washer of FIG. 7 can be replaced with the washer with a memory lip of FIG. 1A. As an additional example, the single sealing washer with a memory lip of FIG. 28 can be modified to use two back-to-back washers, as shown in FIG. 23. Or, where only a single sealing washer is shown, a stack washer assembly with two or more sealing washers can be used. In yet another example, where a sealing element is shown with an integrated displacement, a separate sealing element with an integral displacement can be used. Thus, the various embodiments described herein are intended to be interchangeable where interchangeable.

[0259] As another example, various cylinders or cans have exterior contours that can vary in size and shape to suit different operating environments requiring the seal assembly or combined seal and bearing assembly of the present disclosure. Thus, various steps, shoulders, and parting lines can be incorporated to suit the environment in which a particular cylinder or can will be used. For example, one application may use a single shoulder on the outside of the cylinder, while another application may use multiple shoulders or steps on the same cylinder.

[0260] Exemplary claims that are considered within the scope of the present invention are set forth below: While some dependent claims refer to specific independent claims, it should be noted that this list is merely exemplary, and dependent claims may be claimed in different combinations, including with other dependent claims and other independent claims.

[0261] While limited embodiments of the seal assemblies, gaskets, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing systems, and components thereof, have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore understood that the seal assemblies, gaskets, prepackaged seal systems, and prepackaged seal and bearing systems, and components thereof, constructed according to the principles of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods, can be embodied in ways other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined by the following exemplary claims.

[0262] Illustrative Embodiments The following are numbered exemplary embodiments of apparatus, devices, systems, and methods related to a sealing system for sealing a shaft. Examples 1-238 or other examples disclosed herein may be combined in whole or in part. The elements of the examples disclosed herein are not limiting.

[0263] Example 1. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a first seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer, wherein the seal element includes a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring; a second seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer, wherein the seal element includes a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring; and at least one washer including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening, and a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening; wherein the first seal assembly, the second seal assembly, and the at least one washer are disposed within the bore of the cylinder prior to attachment to the shaft, and the at least one washer is disposed between the first seal assembly and the second seal assembly.

[0264] Example 2. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bore has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.

[0265] Example 3. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the cylinder includes a first cylinder section connected to a second cylinder section along a splitline.

[0266] Example 4. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing assembly including an outer ring, an inner ring, and a cage that holds a plurality of rolling elements, wherein the outer ring is engaged with the bore of the cylinder with an interference fit.

[0267] Example 5. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bore has a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter.

[0268] Example 6. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the cylinder has a first cylinder section attached to a second cylinder section along a split line.

[0269] Example 7. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly is a first bearing assembly and further comprises a second bearing assembly spaced apart from the first bearing assembly, the second bearing assembly fixed to a housing, and the housing contacting the cylinder.

[0270] Example 8. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second washer, the second washer being positioned back-to-back with the at least one washer.

[0271] Example 9. A sealing system comprising: a locking ring including a locking flange and an inner flange extension aligned along an axial position, a first deck having a notch on a first side of the inner flange, and a second deck having a notch on a second side of the inner flange; a first sealing element having inner and outer flanges that mechanically engage the notches on the first deck and a first energizer that urges the inner flange of the first sealing element against an inner surface of the first deck; and a second sealing element having inner and outer flanges that mechanically engage the notch on the second deck and a second energizer that urges the inner flange of the second sealing element against an inner surface of the second deck.

[0272] Example 10. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a washer in contact with the first sealing element or the second sealing element.

[0273] Example 11. A sealing system including a cylinder having a bore, a first seal assembly having a first energizer biasing a first inner flange of a first seal element, a second seal assembly having a second energizer biasing a second inner flange of a second seal element, and at least two washers made of a non-metallic material disposed within the bore, one of the two washers incorporating at least one memory lip.

[0274] Example 12. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing disposed within the bore, the bearing including a plurality of rolling elements.

[0275] Example 13. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a service grease disposed within the first spring cavity of the first seal assembly, a service grease disposed within the second spring cavity of the second seal assembly, or a service grease disposed within both the first spring cavity and the second spring cavity.

[0276] Example 14. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the at least two washers include a first washer and a second washer, and the first washer is disposed between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

[0277] Example 15. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a third washer.

[0278] Example 16. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second washer contacts the first sealing element and the third washer contacts the second sealing element.

[0279] Example 17. A method of assembling a seal system, comprising: disposing a first seal assembly within a bore of a cylinder (the first seal assembly including a first energizer that biases a first inner flange of a first seal element); disposing a second seal assembly within the bore of the cylinder having a second energizer that biases a second inner flange of a second seal element; and disposing at least two washers made of a non-metallic material within the bore of the cylinder (at least one memory lip is incorporated into one of the two washers).

[0280] Example 18. A method of assembling the sealing system, device, or apparatus of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising adding service grease to the first spring cavity of the first seal assembly, adding service grease to the second spring cavity of the second seal assembly, or adding service grease to both the first spring cavity and the second spring cavity.

[0281] Example 19. A method of assembling a seal system, device, or apparatus of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first seal assembly includes a first seal element mechanically coupled to a first locking ring.

[0282] Example 20. A method of assembling the sealing system, device, or apparatus of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising positioning a first sealing element of a first seal assembly and a second sealing element of a second seal assembly opposite each other.

[0283] Example 21. A method of assembling a sealing system, device, or apparatus of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of two washers is disposed between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

[0284] Example 22. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer contacting the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter; the shaft protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element, the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element being smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, each forming an interference fit with the shaft.

[0285] Example 23. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer is a first washer and further includes a second washer spaced apart from the first washer, the second washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening, and the shaft protrudes through the opening in the second washer.

[0286] Example 24. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a retaining disk having a surface that presses against the second washer.

[0287] Example 25. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the flange portion of the lock includes an end projection that presses against the inner surface of the housing cylinder.

[0288] Example 26. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc and flange portion are integrally formed.

[0289] Example 27. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second washer includes a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening.

[0290] Example 28. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0291] Example 29. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

[0292] Example 30. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0293] Example 31. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first washer is made from an elastomeric material or a thermoplastic material.

[0294] Example 32. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the shaft is part of a motor or pump.

[0295] Example 33. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring having a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, protruding through the opening and the inner diameter; and a retaining disk spaced from the washer to retain the washer and seal element within the bore of the housing cylinder.

[0296] Example 34. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the sealing element are smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft and form a respective interference fit with the shaft.

[0297] Example 35. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc and flange portion of the locking ring are integrally formed.

[0298] Example 36. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer is a first washer and further includes a second washer spaced apart from the first washer, the second washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening, and the shaft protrudes through the opening in the second washer.

[0299] Example 37. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc includes a surface that presses against the second washer.

[0300] Example 38. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second washer includes a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening.

[0301] Example 39. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0302] Example 40. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

[0303] Example 41. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0304] Example 42. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first washer is made from an elastomeric material or a thermoplastic material.

[0305] Example 43. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the shaft is part of a motor or pump.

[0306] Example 44. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer spaced from the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, protruding through the opening and the inner diameter; a retaining disk for retaining the seal assembly and washer within the bore of the housing cylinder; and grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0307] Example 45. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the sealing element are smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft and form a respective interference fit with the shaft.

[0308] Example 46. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0309] Example 47. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising an exclusion at an end of the central channel section, the exclusion positioned adjacent to the annular recess.

[0310] Example 48. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the displacement portion has a fin-like cross section having an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0311] Example 49. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer includes a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening.

[0312] Example 50. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

[0313] Example 51. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and a canted coil spring, the seal element including a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer spaced from the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, and protruding through the opening and the inner diameter; a retaining disk for retaining the seal assembly and washer within the bore of the housing cylinder; grease disposed within the spring cavity; and a displacement portion disposed adjacent to the annular recess at an end of the central channel section, the displacement portion having a fin-shaped cross-section with an inner diameter dimensioned to be smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0314] Example 52. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element; the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element are smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, forming an interference fit with the shaft, respectively; the central channel section having a first thickness section and a second thickness section, the second thickness section displacing the energizer away from the outer surface of the central channel section.

[0315] Example 53. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring.

[0316] Example 54. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second sealing washer in contact with the lock ring, wherein a retaining disc is attached to the cylinder and retains the second sealing washer within the bore of the cylinder.

[0317] Example 55. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element has a displacement portion and an annular recess at an end of the inner flange and an end of the central channel section.

[0318] Example 56. A sealing washer including an elastomeric body having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining a central opening, the elastomeric body having a thickness defined by a first surface and an opposite second surface, a protrusion extending toward the first surface and extending away from the second surface to define a pocket.

[0319] Example 57. The sealing washer, device, apparatus, system, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the protrusion defines a memory lip.

[0320] Example 58. The sealing washer, device, apparatus, system, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the central opening is formed by cutting or punching the elastomeric body at a central location in the elastomeric body.

[0321] Example 59. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element; the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element are smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, each forming an interference fit with the shaft; and a seal lip projection extending from the inner flange to space the inner flange from the shaft.

[0322] Example 60. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a recess formed in the interior surface of the central channel section.

[0323] Example 61. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter and protruding through an opening in the inner diameter of the seal element; the opening in the inner diameter of the seal element being smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft to form an interference fit with the shaft; and a plurality of spaced rings disposed in the opening in the locking ring.

[0324] Example 62. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the locking ring has a rear portion and the plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rear portion.

[0325] Example 63. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a washer in contact with the sealing element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening.

[0326] Example 64. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer (the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter); a first sealing washer disposed between the retaining wall and the seal assembly (the first sealing washer includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening); a second sealing washer disposed between the retaining disc and the seal assembly, the second sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; and a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, protruding through the opening in the first sealing washer, the opening in the second sealing washer, and the opening in the inner flange.

[0327] Example 65. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0328] Example 66. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a memory lip extending away from the spring cavity.

[0329] Example 67. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has a memory lip extending toward the spring cavity.

[0330] Example 68. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer contacts the retaining wall and the sealing element.

[0331] Example 69. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer contacts the lock ring and the retaining disc.

[0332] Example 70. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc is attached to the bore of the cylinder with an interference fit.

[0333] Example 71. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element has an exclusion portion and an annular recess.

[0334] Example 72. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a third washer in contact with the first washer or the second washer.

[0335] Example 73. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the inner flange has a free end and the outer flange has a free end, the two free ends facing the retaining wall.

[0336] Example 74. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the inner flange has a free end and the outer flange has a free end, the two free ends facing the retaining disk.

[0337] Example 75. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer (the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter); a wedge sealing washer disposed between the retaining wall and the seal assembly, the wedge sealing washer having a surface perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and a tapered surface that is angled relative to the axis of the shaft when attached to the shaft, the wedge sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery that define an opening; and a sealing washer disposed between the retaining disc and the seal assembly (a second sealing washer includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery that define an opening).

[0338] Example 76. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, the shaft protruding through the opening in the wedge sealing washer, the opening in the sealing washer, and the opening in the inner flange.

[0339] Example 77. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining wall includes a surface extending from the cylindrical portion of the cylinder and angled relative to the axis of the shaft when attached to the shaft.

[0340] Example 78. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a notch on the wedge sealing washer.

[0341] Example 79. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the wedge sealing washer is positioned adjacent to the inner retaining disc, and the inner retaining disc is in contact with the sealing element.

[0342] Example 80. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing washer has a memory lip, and the memory lip faces toward the energizer.

[0343] Example 81. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed in the bore adjacent the retaining wall, the seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer (the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring); a second seal assembly disposed in the bore adjacent the insertion end and spaced from the retaining wall, the second seal including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer, wherein the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the locking ring; a first sealing washer including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening, and a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening located between the retaining wall and the first seal assembly; and a second sealing washer including an outer periphery, an inner periphery defining an opening, and a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening located between the retaining wall and the second seal assembly.

[0344] Example 82. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the locking ring of the first seal assembly contacts the locking ring of the second seal assembly.

[0345] Example 83. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer of the first seal assembly is a first canted coil spring and the energizer of the second seal assembly is a second canted coil spring.

[0346] Example 84. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the first sealing washer and the memory lip of the second sealing washer are different.

[0347] Example 85. A sealing system comprising: a combination lock ring including a body having a single locking flange, a first deck, and a second deck, the first deck and second deck extending from the single locking flange, and an inner flange extension extending from the body and defining a central opening located between opposite ends of the body; a first seal element coupled to the first deck and together defining a first spring cavity in which a first canted coil spring is disposed; a second seal element coupled to the second deck and together defining a second spring cavity in which a second canted coil spring is disposed; and a sealing washer in contact with the inner flange extension.

[0348] Example 86. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing washer is in the first spring cavity.

[0349] Example 87. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing washer is in the second spring cavity.

[0350] Example 88. A seal system, comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a first retaining end having a first retaining wall at a first end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a first seal assembly disposed within the bore adjacent the first retaining wall, the first seal assembly including a first seal element, a first locking ring, and a first energizer (the first seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the first locking ring); a cylinder having a first retaining wall disposed within the bore and having a first retaining wall; a first seal assembly disposed within the bore and having a first retaining wall; a first seal element ... a second seal assembly positioned away from the wall, the second seal assembly including a second seal element, a second locking ring, and a second energizer (the second seal element including a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, a portion of the spring cavity being formed by the second locking ring); a first sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the first retaining wall and the first seal assembly; and the first locking ring and the second locking ring are positioned adjacent to each other with no intervening structure therebetween.

[0351] Example 89. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second retaining wall disposed at a second end of the bore.

[0352] Example 90. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein a cylinder having a body is provided with a dividing line dividing the cylinder into a first cylinder section and a second cylinder section.

[0353] Example 91. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the parting line between the first locking ring and the second locking ring is aligned with the parting line.

[0354] Example 92. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first cylinder section has a protrusion or an opening, and the second cylinder section has the other of the protrusion or the opening, and the protrusion protrudes into the opening.

[0355] Example 93. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the second sealing element and the second retaining wall.

[0356] Example 94. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening on the inner periphery.

[0357] Example 95. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein both the outer periphery of the first sealing washer and the outer periphery of the second sealing washer contact the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0358] Example 96. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bore has a generally constant inner diameter from the first end to the second opposite end.

[0359] Example 97. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is disposed within a cavity partially defined by the locking ring and the inner flange, and the energizer biases against both the inner flange and the locking ring.

[0360] Example 98. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the cavity is defined only by the sealing element, and the energizer biases against both the inner flange and the outer flange of the sealing element, biasing the two away from each other.

[0361] Example 99. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including multiple interconnected coils canted in generally the same direction.

[0362] Example 98. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the locking ring comprises a deck, and the canted coil spring biases against the deck and the inner flange.

[0363] Example 100. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing element has an elimination portion and an annular recess at an end of the inner flange and an end of the central channel section, and the second sealing element has an elimination portion and an annular recess at an end of the inner flange and an end of the central channel section.

[0364] Example 101. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing element has a free end and the second sealing element has a free end, the two free ends facing each other.

[0365] Example 102. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first locking ring and the second locking ring each have an inner flange extension, defining two inner flange extensions.

[0366] Example 103. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the lengths of the two inner flange extensions are substantially equal.

[0367] Example 104. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first locking ring compresses the outer flange of the first seal element against the inner surface of the bore.

[0368] Example 105. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the cylinder includes an outer surface with at least one shoulder for abutting a gland housing of the device or assembly.

[0369] Example 106. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder.

[0370] Example 107. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening on the inner periphery.

[0371] Example 108. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second locking ring compresses the outer flange of the second seal element against the inner surface of the bore.

[0372] Example 109. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second locking ring compresses the outer flange of the second seal element against the inner surface of the bore.

[0373] Example 110. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the cylinder has an outer surface with at least one shoulder disposed between opposite ends of the cylinder for abutting a gland housing of the apparatus or assembly.

[0374] Example 111. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the inner opening of the inner periphery, and the second sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening of the inner periphery.

[0375] Example 112. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the first sealing washer is an extended memory lip and the memory lip of the second sealing washer is a shortened memory lip.

[0376] Example 113. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bore has at least two different inner diameters, including a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter.

[0377] Example 114. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second locking ring presses the outer flange of the second sealing element against the second inner diameter of the bore.

[0378] Example 115. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first locking ring presses the outer flange of the first sealing element against the first inner diameter of the bore.

[0379] Example 116. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second sealing washer in contact with the second sealing element, and a third sealing washer in contact with the second sealing washer.

[0380] Example 117. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing washer has an outer periphery and an opening having an inner periphery, the outer periphery contacting the bore and the inner periphery contacting the shaft.

[0381] Example 118. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of the first sealing washer, the second sealing washer, and the third sealing washer is a standard sealing washer type without a memory lip.

[0382] Example 119. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a retaining disk having an outer periphery that fits within the bore of the cylinder and an inner periphery that is spaced from the shaft.

[0383] Example 120. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc contacts the third sealing washer.

[0384] Example 121. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder.

[0385] Example 122. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer and the third sealing washer both contact the second inner diameter of the bore.

[0386] Example 123. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer contacts the second sealing element and contacts the second inner diameter of the bore.

[0387] Example 124. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a thickness defined between the first surface and the second surface, and the second sealing washer has a thickness defined between the first surface and the second surface, and the thickness of the second sealing washer is greater than the thickness of the first sealing washer.

[0388] Example 125. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing assembly disposed within the bore.

[0389] Example 126. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly contacts the second sealing washer.

[0390] Example 127. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly is a ball bearing assembly.

[0391] Example 128. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has a first thickness and a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

[0392] Example 129. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly contacts the second thickness but does not contact the first thickness.

[0393] Example 130. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising an equipment housing attached to the cylinder.

[0394] Example 131. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly is a first bearing assembly and further includes a second bearing assembly spaced apart from the first bearing assembly.

[0395] Example 132. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second bearing assembly is disposed within the equipment housing.

[0396] Example 133. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the space between the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly defines an apparatus chamber.

[0397] Example 134. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the diameter of the outer ring of the first bearing assembly is greater than the diameter of the outer ring of the second bearing assembly.

[0398] Example 135. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the outer ring of the first bearing assembly has a diameter and the outer ring of the second bearing assembly has a diameter, and the two diameters are substantially equal.

[0399] Example 136. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the equipment housing is pressed against a shoulder of the cylinder.

[0400] Example 137. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a second sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening for contacting the second sealing element.

[0401] Example 138. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer is disposed between the second sealing element and the retaining disc.

[0402] Example 139. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc forms an interference fit with the bore of the cylinder.

[0403] Example 140. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first locking ring has a deck and a first inner flange extension, and a third sealing washer is disposed between the first inner flange extension and the first energizer, the third sealing washer having an opening and an inner periphery.

[0404] Example 141. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second locking ring has a deck and a second inner flange extension, and a fourth sealing washer is disposed between the second inner flange extension and the second energizer, the fourth sealing washer having an opening and an inner periphery.

[0405] Example 142. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has an outer diameter and the third sealing washer has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the first sealing washer is greater than the outer diameter of the third sealing washer.

[0406] Example 143. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has an outer diameter and the fourth sealing washer has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the second sealing washer is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth sealing washer.

[0407] Example 144. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening.

[0408] Example 145. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of the third sealing washer and the fourth sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion.

[0409] Example 146. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening.

[0410] Example 147. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the first sealing washer and the memory lip of the second sealing washer face in opposite directions from each other.

[0411] Example 148. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the free end of the inner sealing flange of the first sealing washer and the free end of the inner sealing flange of the second sealing washer face each other.

[0412] Example 149. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the fourth sealing flange is a straight sealing flange without a memory lip.

[0413] Example 150. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing flange has a first thickness section and a second thickness section that is thinner than the first thickness section.

[0414] Example 151. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a bearing assembly disposed within the bore.

[0415] Example 152. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly contacts the first thickness section.

[0416] Example 153. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bearing assembly is a ball bearing assembly.

[0417] Example 154. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first locking ring has a deck and a first inner flange extension, and a third sealing washer is disposed between the first inner flange extension and the first energizer, the third sealing washer having an opening and an inner periphery.

[0418] Example 155. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second locking ring has a deck and a second inner flange extension, and a fourth sealing washer is disposed between the second inner flange extension and the second energizer, the fourth sealing washer having an opening and an inner periphery.

[0419] Example 156. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has an outer diameter and the third sealing washer has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the first sealing washer is greater than the outer diameter of the third sealing washer.

[0420] Example 157. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has an outer diameter and the fourth sealing washer has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the second sealing washer is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth sealing washer.

[0421] Example 158. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the third sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion at the opening.

[0422] Example 159. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the fourth sealing washer has a memory lip with a curved portion.

[0423] Example 160. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the third sealing washer and the memory of the fourth sealing washer face away from each other.

[0424] Example 161. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of the first sealing element and the second sealing element has an exclusion portion at an end of the central channel section, the exclusion portion being disposed adjacent to the annular recess.

[0425] Example 162. A sealing system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a first retaining wall at a first end of the bore, and a receiving end at a second end of the bore; a combination locking ring disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the combination locking ring including a body having a single locking flange in contact with the inner surface of the bore, a first deck, and a second deck, the first and second decks extending from the single locking flange, and an inner flange extension extending from the body and defining a central opening located between the two ends of the body; an inner flange coupled to the first deck and an outer flange; a first seal element positioned between the retaining wall and the first seal assembly and having a central channel section that together define a first spring cavity in which a first canted coil spring is disposed; a second seal element positioned between an inner flange and an outer flange coupled to the second deck and having a central channel section that together define a second spring cavity in which a second canted coil spring is disposed; a first sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery that define an opening located between the retaining wall and the first seal assembly; and a second sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery that define an opening that contacts the second seal element.

[0426] Example 163. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a third sealing washer having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the inner flange extension and the first canted coil spring.

[0427] Example 164. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a fourth sealing washer having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the inner flange extension and the second canted coil spring.

[0428] Example 165. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a retaining disk having an outer periphery that fits onto the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0429] Example 166. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of the first sealing washer, the second sealing washer, the third sealing washer, and the fourth sealing washer has a memory lip at the opening.

[0430] Example 167. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein each of the first sealing washer, the second sealing washer, and the third sealing washer is provided with a memory lip.

[0431] Example 168. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the first sealing washer and the memory lip of the second sealing washer face in opposite directions from each other.

[0432] Example 169. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the third sealing washer faces the first sealing element.

[0433] Example 170. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the fourth sealing washer is a standard sealing washer type without a memory lip.

[0434] Example 171. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining wall has a generally wedge-shaped body along a cross section.

[0435] Example 172. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has an L-shaped cross section.

[0436] Example 173. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining wall has a support surface that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0437] Example 174. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer contacts the support surface.

[0438] Example 175. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining wall has an inner periphery and a portion of the first sealing washer contacts the inner periphery of the retaining wall.

[0439] Example 176. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a third sealing washer having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the inner flange extension and the first canted coil spring.

[0440] Example 177. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a fourth sealing washer having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening located between the inner flange extension and the second canted coil spring.

[0441] Example 178. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a retaining disk having an outer periphery that fits against the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0442] Example 179. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein at least one of the second sealing washer, the third sealing washer, and the fourth sealing washer has a memory lip at the opening.

[0443] Example 180. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer and the third sealing washer each have a memory lip.

[0444] Example 181. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip of the second sealing washer and the memory lip of the third sealing washer face in opposite directions from each other.

[0445] Example 182. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the fourth sealing washer is a standard sealing washer type without a memory lip.

[0446] Example 183. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including an equipment housing in contact with a shoulder located on the exterior of the cylinder.

[0447] Example 184. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the canted coil spring is comprised of multiple interconnected coils canted in generally the same direction and contacts and biases against both the deck of the lock ring and the inner flange of the seal element.

[0448] Example 185. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the canted coil spring is comprised of a plurality of interconnected coils canted in generally the same direction and contacts and biases both the outer flange and the inner flange of the sealing element against both the inner flange and the outer flange.

[0449] Example 186. A method of implementing the sealing system, apparatus, and device of Examples 1-238, or any of the other embodiments described herein, comprising disposing the sealing system, apparatus, or device in a seal compartment of an equipment housing, such as a pump housing, to seal a shaft of the pump.

[0450] Example 187. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bore of the cylinder is a stepped bore, and the two decks of the two locking rings have different thicknesses, the second deck of the second locking ring being thicker than the deck of the first locking ring, and forcing the outer sealing flange of the second sealing element against a larger bore diameter portion of the bore.

[0451] Example 188. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing washer can have an outer periphery with an outer diameter that presses against the bore of the cylinder, an outer diameter that simply contacts the bore, or an outer diameter that is spaced apart from the bore.

[0452] Example 189. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein each sealing washer has an outer periphery with an outer diameter that presses against the bore of the cylinder, that simply contacts the bore, or that is spaced from the bore, and is sized and shaped to seal against the shaft at its inner periphery.

[0453] Example 190. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein two stacked seal assemblies share a common open cavity and the service grease is disposed within the common open cavity.

[0454] Example 191. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein a first seal assembly including a first seal element having a free end and a second seal assembly including a second seal element having a free end are mounted within a bore of a cylinder, and the free ends of the first seal element and the second seal element face toward each other, face away from each other, or face in the same direction.

[0455] Example 192. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein two locking rings are positioned adjacent to each other at a split line.

[0456] Example 193. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein there is no intervening structure between the two locking rings of the purling line.

[0457] Example 194. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein a gap washer is disposed between two locking rings of the pearling line, the gap washer being sized and shaped with a central opening that does not seal against the shaft.

[0458] Example 195. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a locking ring, and an energizer (the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section in which the energizer is disposed, the inner flange defining an inner diameter, and the locking ring presses against the bore and mechanically engages the outer flange); a washer in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including outer and inner peripheries defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter; the shaft protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element, the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element being smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, each forming an interference fit with the shaft.

[0459] Example 196. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer contacts the retaining wall along a surface of the washer from the outer periphery of the washer to a location proximate a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening.

[0460] Example 197. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer contacts the central channel section of the sealing element near the radially outermost end of the central channel section.

[0461] Example 198. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer is spaced from the central section at a point proximate a displacement disposed on the central channel section, and the inner diameter of the displacement is sized smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0462] Example 199. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the outer flange of the sealing element presses against the bore of the housing cylinder.

[0463] Example 200. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising an exclusion portion at an end of the central channel section having an inner diameter dimensioned to be smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0464] Example 201. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0465] Example 202. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

[0466] Example 203. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0467] Example 204. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer is made from an elastomeric material or a thermoplastic material.

[0468] Example 205. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the locking ring has a body with an inner surface, and a plurality of interconnected coils bias against the inner surface and the inner flange.

[0469] Example 206. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring pressed against the bore of the housing cylinder, and a canted coil spring, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter, and the canted coil spring disposed within the spring cavity; a washer disposed within the bore and in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, the shaft protruding through the opening in the washer and through the inner diameter of the seal element; a displacement portion disposed adjacent to the annular recess at an end of the central channel section, the displacement portion having an inner diameter dimensioned to be smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft; wherein the washer is formed separately from the seal element.

[0470] Example 207. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the outer flange is pressed against the housing cylinder bore by a locking ring.

[0471] Example 208. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein both the inner flange and the outer flange face away from the retaining wall.

[0472] Example 209. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein a retaining disk including a surface is disposed at the insertion end and spaced apart from the retaining wall.

[0473] Example 210. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer includes a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening of the washer.

[0474] Example 211. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0475] Example 212. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias against the inner flange and the lock ring.

[0476] Example 213. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0477] Example 214. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer is made from an elastomeric material or a thermoplastic material.

[0478] Example 215. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the shaft is part of a motor or pump.

[0479] Example 216. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element and a spring cavity formed by an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central channel section, the spring cavity having an energizer disposed therein, the inner flange defining an inner diameter, the inner and outer flanges facing the retaining wall; a washer in contact with the central channel section and spaced from the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, the shaft disposed within the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element; and a retaining disk biased against the bore of the housing cylinder and in contact with the washer to retain the seal assembly and washer within the bore of the housing cylinder.

[0480] Example 217. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc is a first flange portion of the locking ring, the first flange portion extending from a second flange portion, and the second flange portion mechanically engaged to an outer flange of the sealing element.

[0481] Example 218. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a service grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0482] Example 219. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element and locking ring are mechanically engaged at an outer flange.

[0483] Example 220. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second flange portion includes an end projection that presses against the bore.

[0484] Example 221. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the washer includes a memory lip at the opening having a portion curved away from the retaining wall.

[0485] Example 222. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

[0486] Example 223. A seal system, comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring pressed against the bore of the housing cylinder, and a canted coil spring, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter, and the canted coil spring biased against the lock ring and the inner flange. a washer disposed in the bore between the sealing element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and a memory lip having an opening at an inner periphery; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, the shaft being disposed within the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the sealing element; and a displacement portion disposed adjacent to the annular recess at an end of the central channel section, the displacement portion having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft; wherein the washer is formed separately from the sealing element, the memory lip faces away from the displacement portion, and the inner and outer flanges of the sealing element face away from the retaining wall.

[0487] Example 224. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the memory lip faces away from the displacement portion.

[0488] Example 225. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer, the seal element including an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter; a washer in contact with the seal element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter; the shaft protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element, the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the seal element being smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, each forming an interference fit with the shaft; and a seal lip projection extending from the inner flange and spacing the inner flange from the shaft.

[0489] Example 226. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a recess formed in the interior surface of the central channel section.

[0490] Example 227. A seal system comprising: a cylinder having a body, an inner surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of the bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of the bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring including a flange portion, and an energizer (the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section, the inner flange defining an inner diameter); a first sealing washer disposed between the retaining wall and the seal assembly, the first sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a second sealing washer disposed between the retaining wall and the seal assembly, the second sealing washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; and a shaft having a length and an outer diameter, the shaft protruding through the opening in the first sealing washer, the opening in the second sealing washer, and the opening in the inner flange.

[0491] Example 228. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

[0492] Example 229. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer has a memory lip extending away from the spring cavity.

[0493] Example 230. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer has a memory lip extending toward the spring cavity.

[0494] Example 231. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first sealing washer contacts the retaining wall and the sealing element.

[0495] Example 232. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second sealing washer contacts the lock ring and the retaining disc.

[0496] Example 233. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining disc is attached to the bore of the cylinder with an interference fit.

[0497] Example 234. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing element has an exclusion portion and an annular recess.

[0498] Example 235. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a third washer in contact with the first washer or the second washer.

[0499] Example 236. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the inner flange has a free end and the outer flange has a free end, the two free ends facing the retaining wall.

[0500] Example 237. The sealing system, device, apparatus, and method of any of Examples 1-238 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the inner flange has a free end and the outer flange has a free end, the two free ends facing the retaining disk.

[0501] Example 238. A method of assembling a prepackaged seal system, the method comprising: disposing a first seal assembly within a bore of a cylinder (the first seal assembly including a first energizer that biases a first inner flange of a first seal element); disposing a second seal assembly within the bore of the cylinder having a second energizer that biases a second inner flange of a second seal element; and disposing at least two washers made of a non-metallic material within the bore of the cylinder (at least one memory lip is incorporated into one of the two washers).

Claims

1. 1. A seal system comprising: a housing cylinder having a body, an interior surface defining a bore, a retaining end having a retaining wall at one end of said bore, and an insertion end at an opposite end of said bore; a seal assembly disposed within the bore of the housing cylinder, the seal assembly including a seal element, a lock ring, and an energizer; wherein the seal element includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a spring cavity formed by a central channel section in which the energizer is disposed, the inner flange defining an inner diameter, and the lock ring being pressed against the bore and mechanically engaged with the outer flange; a washer in contact with the sealing element and the retaining wall, the washer including an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening; a shaft having a length and an outer diameter; Including, the outer flange is pressed against the bore of the housing cylinder by the lock ring; the shaft protruding through the opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the sealing element; The opening in the washer and the inner diameter of the sealing element are smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft and each form an interference fit with the shaft.

2. The sealing system of claim 1 , wherein the washer contacts the retaining wall along a surface of the washer from the outer periphery of the washer to a location near a memory lip having a curved portion at the opening.

3. The seal system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the washer contacts the central channel section of the seal element near a radially outermost end of the central channel section.

4. 3. The sealing system of claim 1, wherein the washer is spaced from the central section at a point adjacent a displacement located on the central channel section, the displacement having an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft.

5. The seal system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer flange of the seal element presses against the bore of the housing cylinder.

6. The sealing system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a displacement portion at an end of the central channel section, the displacement portion having an inner diameter dimension smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

7. 3. The seal system of claim 1, wherein the energizer is a canted coil spring including a plurality of interconnected coils that bias the inner flange away from the outer flange.

8. The seal system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal element and the lock ring are mechanically engaged at the outer flange.

9. The sealing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the washer is made from an elastomeric or thermoplastic material.

10. The seal system of claim 7 , wherein the locking ring has a body having an inner surface, and the plurality of interconnected coils bias against the inner surface and the inner flange.

11. The sealing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner flange and the outer flange both face away from the retaining wall.

12. The sealing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a retaining disk including a surface is disposed at the insertion end and spaced from the retaining wall.

13. The seal system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising grease disposed within the spring cavity.

14. The seal system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft is part of a motor or a pump.

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