Patent ID: 6357762
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: D01D,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus through which liquid or molten material flows, the apparatus comprisinga) a first component having a first surface and a first channel of diameter d1 in fluid connection with the first surface; b) a second component having a second surface, a socket hole with a diameter d2>d1 in fluid connection with the second surface, and a second channel in fluid connection with the socket hole; and c) a sealing element that fits entirely into the socket hole and that has a smooth outer surface and an axial bore, wherein the sealing element has an outer diameter d3>d1; wherein i) the sealing element is made of a material with a higher thermal expansion coefficient than that of the material of the second component forming the socket hole; and ii) when the first component and the second component are securely affixed together at their first and second surfaces, respectively, such that the first channel, the socket hole, and the second channel are all in fluid connection, and the components are heated, the sealing element expands radially against the socket hole and axially against both the socket hole and the first surface of the first component such that the fluid connection between the first channel and the second channel is sealed.