US Patent 12007028 Bulk unloader follower seal

A pump follower for use in a container storing a material includes a body configured to be inserted into the container, the body having a material contacting surface configured to contact the material in the container and a peripheral surface substantially perpendicular to the material contacting surface. A groove is defined on the peripheral surface of the body and a sealing element is disposed in the groove and configured to slidably contact the container. The sealing element has a channel defined within, where the sealing element is configured to be compressed when the pump follower is inserted into the container, such that the channel decreases in size. A sealing element for use with a pump follower is also disclosed. The sealing element has a body has an outer surface, a first side, and a second side, and a channel defined within the sealing element body.