Patent ID: 7661680
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: F16J,H04R

Abstract:
1. A ferrofluid based magnetic seal, comprising: at least one gasket, the at least one gasket retaining a core comprising a ferrofluid; a first component, at least a portion of the first component being in sealed engagement with at least a portion of the at least one gasket; a second component, wherein the second component has at least one magnet affixed thereto, the at least one magnet having a cavity, the cavity being in open communication with the exterior of the at least one magnet through a gap smaller than the width of the cavity; wherein at least a portion of the at least one gasket has a width larger than the width of the gap; and wherein the seal is formed as a result of the magnetic attraction between the ferrofluid and the at least one magnet causing the at least one gasket to be drawn toward a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnet and further causing at least a portion of the at least one gasket to be drawn into the cavity of the at least one magnet through the gap in the at least one magnet.