Patent ID: 7059609
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: F16J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A multilayer metal gasket installable between opposing members having at least one fluid passage communicating therebetween which is to be sealed against leakage, said gasket comprising: outer active layers fabricated of elastic metal plate material of predetermined material thickness and having at least one set of aligned apertures therein for surrounding the fluid passage, said active layers having at least one set of sealing bead formations surrounding said aligned apertures and including laterally opposed outer sealing surfaces of the outer active layers engageable with opposing surfaces of the members about the fluid passage, said sealing beads being elastically deformable under a predetermined compressive load exerted by the members for supporting said sealing surfaces of said active layers into sealing engagement with the members about its passage, said sealing beads having a predetermined maximum compressive load capacity beyond which said beads are subject to overcompression and permanent plastic deformation; an intermediate metallic layer having a base portion of predetermined thickness disposed between said active layers in contacting relation therewith and defining a precompressed spacing between said sealing surfaces of said active layers; and said intermediate layer including a stopper portion disposed radially inwardly of said apertures in said active layers defining an opening for alignment with the passage of the members and laterally opposed sealing surfaces surrounding said opening and unobstructed by said active layers, said stopper portion being cold formed to a thickness greater than the combined material thicknesses of said active and said base portion of said intermediate layer but less than said pre-compressed spacing of said sealing surfaces of said active layers and having an imparted cold-formed compressive strength exceeding said maximum compressive load capacity of said sealing beads of said active layers rendering said stopper portion incompressible during installation and operation of said gasket and thereby enabling said compressive elastic deformation of said sealing beads to achieve the desired sealing of the passage while precluding overcompression and possible damage of said beads.