Importance

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Abstract

A split ring seal assembly including a split ring seal having a first and a second free end and a connecting member in the shape of a ring segment having first and second ends. The split ring seal and the connecting element have mating E-shaped transverse cross sections such that the connecting element fits within the split ring seal. The E-shaped cross section includes a middle arm portion formed by a curved loop and two outer arms formed by sinuous flanges. The first end of the connecting member is fixedly attached to the first end of the split ring seal. The second end of the connecting member is slidably received within the second end of the split ring seal. This enables the split ring assembly to expand and contract relative to its housing groove as it is exposed to varying temperatures and pressures and to compensate for the accumulation of tolerances in the members forming the joint. The connecting element has a thickness less than the thickness of the split ring seal. The first end of the connecting element is attached to the first end of the split ring seal at points along their transverse cross sections which are not highly stressed. In some embodiments, this may be at the free end of one of the outer arms of the 'E'. In other embodiments, the outer flanges of the 'E' may be comprised of a concave curved portion and a continuously formed convex curved portion. A line of reversed curvature is formed between the concave and convex portions. In these embodiments, the points of connection may be located on one of the lines of reverse curvature.

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First Claim