Patent ID: 6568684
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A method of forming a seal assembly around a shaft, said seal assembly having a first support member, a first seal member having a first seal face, a second seal member having a second seal face, and a second support member, said method comprising:(a) positioning said first support member, said first seal member, said second seal member, and said second support member in a fixture such that said first seal member and said second seal member are interposed said first support member and said second support member; (b) positioning a first ram in contact with said first support member; (c) moving said first support member a distance D1 relative to said second support member so as to cause said first seal member to be urged against said second seal member such that a load is produced between said first seal face and said second seal face; (d) locating (i) a second ram in contact with said first support member and (ii) a third ram in contact with said second support member; (e) fixing the relative position between said second ram and said third ram such that an end of said second ram is spaced apart from an end of said third ram by a distance D2 which is substantially equal to said distance D1; (f) positioning said first support member, said first seal member, said second seal member, and said second support member relative to said shaft so that (i) said first support member, said first seal member, said second seal member, and said second support member are disposed around said shaft and (ii) said first seal member and said second seal member are interposed said first support member and said second support member; (g) placing said fixed second and third rams relative to said shaft, said first support member, and said second support member so that (i) said second ram is in an opposing relationship with a wall segment of said first support member and (ii) said third ram is in an opposing relationship with a wall segment of said second support member; and (h) advancing said fixed second and third rams along a longitudinal axis of said shaft so that (i) said third ram contacts said wall segment of said second support member, (ii) said second ram contacts said wall segment of said first support member, and (iii) said second ram moves said first support member relative to said second support member a distance D3, wherein said distance D3 is substantially equal to said distance D1 and said distance D2.