Abstract A metallic seal for maintaining a seal between mating parts of a control valve, or the like, notwithstanding substantial thermal expansion, contraction or shock conditions. The seal is characterized by an annular body of stiff, resilient metal formed to have a generally U- or V-shaped cross section. The upper and lower disk-like portions of the seal are joined by an integrallyformed hinge provided along the inside or outside diameter of the annular body, depending upon whether the seal is designed to receive high pressure internally or externally. The hinge portion of the annular body is thin in comparison to the upper and lower disk-like portions so that the deflection of the hinge portion occurs substantially within the plastic region (i.e. as a result of stresses above the yield strength thereof), while the deflection of the disk-like portions occurs within the elastic region (i.e. stresses below the yield strength thereof). In this manner the metal seal exhibits the combination of substantial load-carrying and elastic deflection characteristics similar to that of a spring element.
A one-piece self-supporting metal seal adapted for use in high temperature and pressure applications, comprising a unitary annular body of stiff, resilient metal having upper and lower disc-like portions joined by an integral hinge portion, the ratio of the thickness of the hinge portion to that of either of the disc-like portions being less than one such that said hinge portion is capable of substantial plastic deflection and said disc-like portions are capable of elastic deflection.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A one-piece self-supporting metal seal adapted for use in high temperature and pressure applications, comprising a unitary annular body of stiff, resilient metal having upper and lower disc-like portions joined by an integral hinge portion, the ratio of the thickness of the hinge portion to that of either of the disc-like portions being less than one such that said hinge portion is capable of substantial plastic deflection and said disc-like portions are capable of elastic deflection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
A one-piece self-supporting metal seal adapted for use in high temperature and pressure applications, comprising a unitary annular body of stiff, resilient metal having upper and lower disc-like portions joined by an integral hinge portion, the ratio of the thickness of the hinge portion to that of either of the disc-like portions being less than one such that said hinge portion is capable of substantial plastic deflection and said disc-like portions are capable of elastic deflection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
A one-piece self-supporting metal seal adapted for use in high temperature and pressure applications, comprising a unitary annular body of stiff, resilient metal having upper and lower disc-like portions joined by an integral hinge portion, the ratio of the thickness of the hinge portion to that of either of the disc-like portions being less than one such that said hinge portion is capable of substantial plastic deflection and said disc-like portions are capable of elastic deflection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The metal seal as defined in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the upper and lower disk-like portions are substantially the same.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The metal seal as defined in claim 1, wherein the hinge portion is arranged to couple the upper and lower disk-like portions along the inner diameter of said annular body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The metal seal as defined in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the hinge portion to that of either of the disk-like portions is about 1 to 8.