Patent ID: 6387303
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for forming a viable seal comprised of initial and primary seals at an interface between two mating components defining a fluid containing cavity therebetween, each of the components having a mating face, comprising the steps of:forming a groove in the mating face of at least one of the mating components and forming an inlet port in fluid communication with the groove; providing at least one of the mating faces with a predetermined surface finish; securing the components together with the mating faces in a face-to-face contacting relationship to form a flange area at an interface between the mating faces and extending from an edge of the groove to an edge of the mating faces; providing a liquid gasket-forming material; forming the initial seal between the secured components in the flange area adjacent the edge of and along an entire length of the groove by injecting the liquid gasket-forming material at a predetermined pressure through the inlet port into the groove, to overflow the groove and fill the flange area with a flash portion of the injected liquid gasket-forming material the mating face with the predetermined surface finish having a surface roughness sufficient to permit air to escape from the groove and through the flange area to the edge of the mating faces and to permit a portion of the injected liquid gasket-forming material to flow from the groove into the flange area along the edge of the groove to form the initial seal; measuring an injection pressure of the liquid gasket-forming material as the material is being injected into the groove; stopping the injection of the liquid gasket-forming material when the injection pressure reaches a predetermined value; and forming the primary seal between the secured components by curing the injected liquid gasket material in the groove to prevent leaking of fluid in the cavity from between the secured components.