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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

O-ring sealing arrangements for ultra-high vacuum systems

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5825336
An all metal reusable o-ring sealing arrangement is disclosed for sealing two concentric tubes in an ultra-high vacuum system. An o-ring of a heat recoverable alloy such as nitinol is concentrically positioned between protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes. The o-ring is installed between the tubes while in a stressed martensitic state and is made to undergo a thermally induced transformation to an austenitic state. During the transformation the o-ring expands outwardly and contracts inwardly toward a previously sized austenitic configuration, thereby sealing against the protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes.
Assignee:
Department of Energy
Patent Number(s):
US 4281841
OSTI ID:
5825336
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English