Abstract

A sealing assembly for relatively movable, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, members with a plurality of surfaces defining an annular space having a longitudinal axis, at temperatures up to about 1000° F., comprises first and second annular rings of a hard, material having low frictional properties. Each of the annular rings has a radially extending wall and an axially extending wall defining an annular seal gland when fitted together and has external surfaces facing longitudinally outward relative to the longitudinal axis and external surfaces facing outward and inward radially of the longitudinal axis adapted to fit the surfaces of the annular space and of the relatively movable members. The annular rings have surfaces facing inwardly toward each other when assembled shaped to form an annular cavity. An annular elastic metal spring is positioned in the annular cavity between and at least partially surrounded on all sides by the annular rings and spaced from the surfaces of the annular space and the relatively movable members biasing the annular rings apart in directions both radially and longitudinally of the longitudinal axis when installed with the annular members under compression toward each other.