Sealed universal movement of a shaft extending between environments

摘要

Apparatus includes a mounting member having a bore which closely receives the shaft and a counterbore in which two elastic O-rings separated by an annular element are received. A first compression member threadably engages the mounting member to apply axial pressure to the O-rings, which are radially compressed against the shaft by bevelled annular surfaces which capture the O-rings. This provides an environmental seal effective for a vacuum while still permitting axial and rotational movement of the shaft. Apparatus further includes a ball member fixed to the mounting member and received against an O-ring in a socket member. A second compression member threadably engaging the socket member to urge the ball member against the seal to provide additional sealing while permitting pivotal movement of the shaft.