摘要 |
A method and apparatus for installing seals in an interference fit with a comating sealing surface by initially stretching the seal installed in a groove to reduce its cross-sectional thickness perpendicular to a comating sealing surface. The stretched seal is mated with a comating surface and then relaxed, permitting the seal to return to an unstretched position and to passively assume a preloaded position against the comating sealing surface. The seal may be repeatedly disengaged and reengaged by selectably restretching the seal and then selectably releasing it upon completion of repositioning.
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