Patent ID: 6318526
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A compliant rod guide and seal assembly for use in a damper comprising:an annular outer casting having an inner radius defining an inner cavity;a support ring received in said inner cavity, said support ring having an outer radius less than the inner radius of said outer casing sufficient to form a gap between said support ring and said outer casing to allow relative lateral movement between said outer casing and said support ring;a rod seal received in said support ring for slidably receiving a rod therethrough, whereby said support ring and said rod seal can move radially in said outer casing to accommodate relative lateral movement of said rod; anda seal guard mounted over an end of said support ring adjacent to said rod seal to maintain said rod seal in said support ring, wherein said seal guard is located between said seal and said outer casting, and wherein said seal guard is attached to said support ring for movement therewith.