Apparatus for providing a low permeable interface in a hermetically sealed
housing. The housing includes a substantially planar housing member with
an aperture extending therethrough. An electrical feedthrough assembly
extends adjacent the aperture to provide one or more electrical signal
transmission paths. An elastic ring couples a peripheral edge of the
electrical feedthrough assembly to the housing member to form a low
permeable interface therebetween. The ring preferably operates to
compensate for the differential between the coefficients of thermal
expansion of the feedthrough assembly and the housing member. The ring is
preferably provided with an elongated cross-sectional shape with a
segment that extends in a direction non-parallel to a longitudinal axis
of the feedthrough assembly, thereby enhancing the spring characteristics
of the ring. The housing is preferably characterized as a housing of a
data storage device, and retains an inert gas atmosphere, such as at
least 95% (w/w) helium.