Patent ID: 8371755

Claim:
A sleeve bearing device for supporting a worm gear journal disposed within a casing of a valve actuator, said device comprising: a ring shaped portion having an inboard end and an outboard end; said outboard end of said ring shaped portion defining a radially outwardly extending flange which cooperates with the casing for inhibiting axial movement of said ring shaped portion relative to the casing; said ring shaped portion being of cylindrical configuration, said ring shaped portion defining an inner and an outer surface; said inner surface of said ring shaped portion bearingly supporting the worm gear journal; said outer surface cooperating with the casing which defines an annular groove; said groove being disposed coaxially relative to said ring shaped portion, said annular groove being located adjacent to said outer surface of said ring shaped portion and between said inboard and said outboard ends of said ring shaped portion; and a sealing ring disposed within said annular groove, said sealing ring sealing said outer surface of said ring shaped portion relative to the casing.