Patent ID: 7431307
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
1. A seal for separating a first and second environment, comprising: a base; and an annular rib extending from the base, the annular rib including a contact surface having a plurality of grooves and at least one flange, the plurality of grooves comprising at least one angularly cut radial undercut groove, the contact surface having a plurality of slits, each groove defined by a first wall and a second wall adjacent to and spaced apart from the first wall, at least one groove of the plurality of grooves having a wall joining the first wall and the second wall such that at least a portion of the at least one groove is U-shaped, each slit defined by a third wall and a fourth wall adjacent to and in contact with each other, and the at least one flange formed between two grooves, the flange including a tip positioned radially outwardly from a remainder of the flange, and the annular rib configured to flex and pressure energize in the presence of a pressure differential between the first and second environments.