Importance

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Abstract

A method of sealing a bore, such as the threaded bore of a fastener, wherein the sealing element is preferably formed in place. The preferred sealing element is formed of a heat softenable plastically deformable material, such as a thermo-plastic resin, which is heated and deformed radially in the bore into a mechanical interlock with the bore inside the surface, such as thread. In the preferred method, a plunger or ram is driven into the sealing element which is supported on a die element in the bore. In the most preferred method, the ram simultaneously heats and deforms the sealing element, sealing the bore opening. The preferred female fastener element includes a generally tubular body portion having an axial bore which may be threaded adjacent one end. The sealing element seals the opening to the bore and the opposite end may be sealed with a disk spaced from the threads and forming a chamber. The chamber receives the sealing element upon receipt of a male threaded element, such as a bolt, in the female fastener bore. The sealed fastener may then be installed in a structural element, such as a bracket, which may then be coated or encapsulated without contamination of the bore or threads.

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First Claim