Early uses of round, resilient rings for dynamic applications were in long grooves or as seals in between sliding telescopic tubes or on pistons where the rings were not confined, allowing them to slide back and forth. These were not effective. Large cross-section India rubber rings were used as gaskets in counter-bores for water-works piping in the mid-19th Century. Thomas A. Edison's 1882 light bulb Patent shows a round rubber ring at the neck of the glass bulb to keep the mercury in and the air out.

Today's dynamic O-Ring in a short rectangular groove was the result of experimental work in the early 1930's by Mr. Niels A Christensen whose patent was granted in 1939. In the early 1940's, it became the standard seal for U.S. Air Force hydraulic systems. This established the basic sizes and design in-formation. In the 1950's. came acceptance for industrial hydraulics, farm equipment, passenger car accessories, plumbing, appliances, pumps, valves, and many other devices.

Today, billions of O-Rings are sealing every conceivable apparatus all over the world. in the air, on land, sea, and in outer space.

 The O-Ring is the most widely adapted seal in history because of its simplicity, low cost, ease of installation, and small space requirements without supporting structures. It is suitable for dynamic or static seals within the temperature limits of elastomeric materials. Successful use depends upon proper groove dimensions and selection of the right Compound, or from one's prior experience with similar applications.