A method and apparatus for reducing the wear within a mechanical apparatus having first and second adjacent, sealable surfaces which move relative to each other and having a seal between them.

A sealing ring (10) includes an outer sealing region (11) with a sealing edge (18) which rests in the installed state against the surface region to be sealed, and a holder region (12) which is situated within the sealing region (11). To prevent or render the pulling out of the sealing ring (10) from the corresponding groove-shaped recess (13) more difficult, the groove-shaped recess (13) includes at least one offset holding shoulder (16), and the holding region of the sealing ring (10) includes at least one corresponding holding edge (17), which in the installed state of the sealing ring (10) holds the sealing ring shape-lockingly like a barb.

A device for securing a sealing member in a predetermined position. The device comprises a positioning element of a predetermined size and shape having a first surface and a second surface, and a retaining element of a predetermined size and shape disposed on at least one of the first surface and second surface of the positioning element.

A seal having a body and several bands extending away from the body. The bands extend around an axial portion of the body. In some embodiments, the bands project from and are formed integral with the body. For example, the bands can be rings. Two bands can be located on the outside of the body and two additional bands can be located on the inside of the body to provide redundant sealing components between separated fluids. A vent aperture can be positioned between the two bands on each side of the body. The two inner bands can be offset from the two outer bands. The seal can be used in a surgical cutting device, among other things.