Patent ID: 6325390
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
The combination of a vacuum flange O-ring centering ring for holding a single elastomeric O-ring in position and a pair of vacuum sealing flanges having counterbores in which the centering ring is mounted, said centering ring comprising:an annular body defining a circumferential outer surface, a cylindrical inner surface and a pair of spaced apart annular surfaces which extend between said circumferential outer surface and said inner cylindrical surface, andan annular flange having a peripheral groove, said flange disposed on said outer circumferential surface midway between the pair of spaced apart annular surfaces and extending outwardly therefrom, an elastomeric O-ring being positioned in said peripheral groove wherein said outer circumferential surface includes two beveled surface portions, each of which extends between said annular flange and one of said annular surfaces, said beveled surface portions being inserted in respective counterbores in said vacuum sealing flanges, wherein each counterbore is defined by a cylindrical counterbore surface and an annular counterbore surface perpendicular thereto, and each beveled surface portion contacts and is enclosed by said cylindrical counterbore surface.