Patent ID: 6098986
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A seal for use between a pair of substantially concentric elements capable of relative movement with respect to each other, said seal comprising a sealing element having a configuration of a helix, wherein the opposed axial faces of the helix are of complementary configuration and are in close abutting relationship with each other, said sealing element being formed of a rigid resilient wear resistant material having a low coefficient of sliding friction, said sealing element being supported from one element of said concentric elements by a support member and being in close abutting relationship with the other element of said concentric elements, a clamping member for causing resilient compression of the seal against the other element, a resilient member mounted between the ends of the sealing element and tensioned to resiliently resist relative rotation between the ends of the sealing element in a direction which will cause the sealing element to expand radially.