US3624342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making a flexural diaphragm seal
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp
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Filing: 1967-11-20
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Granted: 1971-11-30
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Expires: 1987-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A device, such as a rocket engine fuel injector, having two coaxial parts joined by an intervening annular flexure which provides a fluid seal between the parts and/or supports the parts for relative axial movement is fabricated by positioning an annular flexible diaphragm with radially inner and outer flanges between a pair of coaxial members having confronting annular axially presented surfaces seating against opposite sides of the flanges, joining the contacting flanges and surfaces, and severing each member into two totally separate radially inner and outer portions along annular parting lines located between the joined inner and outer flanges and surfaces to provide a finished device wherein the severed portions of the members and the diaphragm constitute the parts and flexure of the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert J Hoffman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:29
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02K; F02K9/00; F02K9/42; F02K9/44; F02K9/52; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49877
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
The method of fabricating a device having two coaxial relatively axially movable parts joined by an intervening annular flexure which comprises the steps of: positioning an annular flexible diaphragm having radially inner and outer annular flanges between two coaxial members having concentric annular radially inner and outer axially presented surfaces of substantially the same diameters as said flanges with said member surfaces contacting opposite sides of said diaphragm flanges; joining said diaphragm flanges to their respective contacting member surfaces; and severing each member into two totally separate portions along an annular parting line between the joined flanges and surfaces to provide a finished device wherein the severed portions of said members and said diaphragm constitute said parts and flexure of the device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
The method of fabricating a device having two coaxial relatively axially movable parts joined by an intervening annular flexure which comprises the steps of: positioning an annular flexible diaphragm having radially inner and outer annular flanges between two coaxial members having concentric annular radially inner and outer axially presented surfaces of substantially the same diameters as said flanges with said member surfaces contacting opposite sides of said diaphragm flanges; joining said diaphragm flanges to their respective contacting member surfaces; and severing each member into two totally separate portions along an annular parting line between the joined flanges and surfaces to provide a finished device wherein the severed portions of said members and said diaphragm constitute said parts and flexure of the device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said joining step comprises fusing the contacting diaphragm flanges and member surfaces; and said method comprises the additional step of applying an axial clamping force to said members to firmly clamp said diaphragm flanges between said member surfaces during said joining and severing steps and then removing said clamping force.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein: said joining step comprises welding said diaphragm flanges and member surfaces to one another.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 3 wherein: said welding step comprises electron beam welding said flanges and surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said members have annular cross sections concentric with their surfaces and concentric slidably interfitting portions for retaining said members in coaxial relation during said joining and severing steps; and said method comprises the further step of removing one of said interfitting portions following said severing step, whereby said parts of the finished device are supported for relative axial movement solely by said diaphragm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3 wherein: said diaphragm comprises a semitoroidal diaphragm having a generally semitoroidal wall portion between and joining said flanges.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3 wherein: said diaphragm is impervious to fluid to provide a fluid seal between said members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-29 | 1975-05-31 | 1975-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-29 | 1979-05-31 | 1979-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-29 | 1983-05-31 | 1983-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |