Patent ID: 6615639
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: F16J,Y10S

Abstract:
A seal for preventing passage of a fluid from between two members, said seal comprising:sealing means for engaged contact with both members, so as to prevent passage of fluid between either of the members and the sealing means, said sealing means more readily deteriorated than one of the members, the sealing means being adapted to retain a fluid tight seal with the members as long as the sealing means has not deteriorated beyond a specified degree, and a conductor for placement about said one member, said conductor being adapted to conduct electricity; a dielectric polymer film electrically isolating the sealing means and the conductor from either of the two members, the two members and seal being stationary with regard to each other in fluid tight sealing contact; and wherein the conductor is positionally associated to the sealing means, such that deterioration of the sealing means beyond said specified degree corresponds with electrical discontinuity of the conductor, such that the electrical discontinuity through the conductor indicates a requirement for seal replacement.