| 20110253667 | Expansion Seal, Especially for Gases - A flange connection for connecting e.g. two sections of a tube or pipe comprises two flanges and a sealing ring inserted into an annular sealing space defined by radial faces and axially extending peripheral walls between the flanges. The sealing ring has an annular main body and an outer periphery with a cross-sectional shape that has legs extending outwardly from the main body. These legs, in a condition prior to application of sealing pressure, are inclined away from each other and have rounded outer ends that abut both the radial faces and the peripheral walls defining the annular sealing space. The legs, in a condition where the flanges are forced against each other, are axially compressed and upset at least in a radial direction by plastic flow of material on the outer ends in sealing engagement with the axially extending peripheral walls. Preferably, the sealing ring is formed with an annular shoulder that extends radially outwardly from an outer peripheral area of the main body and that is centrally located between the legs. | 10-20-2011 |
