An Improvement in Metallic Packing for Stuffing Boxes of Steam Engines and Pumps.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Sept., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 6th June, 1893-Accepted, 12th Aug., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement in Metallic Packing for Stuffing Boxes of Steam
Engines and Pumps.
JAMES ALLAN of Bowes Street Waterloo Blyth Northumberland Marine
Engineer and CHARLES BENJAMIN CROWE, Bothal Morpeth Northumberland
Clerk in Holy Orders do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
:-
Three or more semi annular rings of anti-friction metal by preference, or may
be brass or wood whose section forms a right angle triangle, are encircled with a
spiral spring whose section also forms a right angle triangle, thus when the spring
& metallic rings are put together in the stuffing box they form a square section &
the spring keeps the metallic rings against the rod and by reason of its elasticity
will follow the rod and keep it steam tight in case the rod does not run true in the
stuffing box.
JAMES ALLAN.
CHARLES BENJAMIN CROWE.
.:
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement in Metallic Packing for Stuffing Boxes of Steam
Engines and Pumps.
JAMES ALLAN Bowes Street Waterloo Blyth Northumberland Engineer
CHARLES BENJAMIN CROWE Bothal Morpeth Northumberland Clerk in Holy
Orders do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :--
This form of packing consists of two or more semi-annular rings of anti-friction
metal by preference, or they may be of brass or wood whose section forms a right
angle triangle. These rings are encircled with spiral springs whose sections also
form a right angle triangle; or the springs may be of the ordinary circular form
in tension.
We are aware that springs & metallic rings have previously been used for
packing piston & other rods but they have been of such a form as to be practically
useless on rods that were worn uneven or where the vibration was excessive.
This form of packing will work perfectly on any kind of worn or tapered rod.
In this design the tension is applied by screwing up the gland. When the gland
is screwed up the anti friction rings expand the openings and thus apply the tension
sufficient to keep the metallic rings steam tight against the rod. At the same time
it prevents too much pressure being applied because when the limit of tension is
attained the rings come together & no more pressure can be applied.
In this form of packing the anti friction rings are cast with a flexible metal core
in the centre. The core is formed of copper by preference but any other flexible
metal such as brass, steel or iron may be used. The anti-friction rings are cut
into, (but not through the core) in several places (according to the diameter of the
rod) and this permits the spring rings to open & close the anti friction rings
perfectly to any varying diameter of rod.
The anti friction metallic rings have a piece recessed out of each ring to which
is fitted another metallic ring so as to effectually cover the joints in each ring.
The stuffing box is kept tight by a metallic ring which is larger than the diameter

page_text: of the rod to allow it free play but is a tight fit for the diameter of the stuffing
box. A turn of soft packing goes next the gland to retain the lubricating
material.
In order that this our forma of packing may be better understood we append the
following drawings Figures, 1. 2. 3. 4.
Figure 1 shows a complete set of packing in the stuffing box with the tension
applied.
A is the metallic ring for keeping the stuffing box tight.
B "
C
"
"
"
وو
"
وو
covering joints in metallic rings.
flexible core in anti friction metallic rings.
D & E are spring rings in tension.
F is another anti friction metallic ring.
G is the ring for covering joints of metallic rings.
Figure 2 shows plan of anti-friction metallic ring cut into but not through
metallic core.
Figure 3 shows a set of packing with circular instead of triangular shaped
springs.
Figure 4 shows plan of ring cut into but not through metallic core.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is novel
1. In the use of a core of copper wire or some other flexible metal cast in the
centre of each anti friction metallic ring.
2. In fitting the varying diameters of rods on which it is fitted and
3. In the application of triangular or round springs around metallic rings as
described in this application and in the drawings herewith sent.
Dated this 5th day of June 1893.
JAMES ALLAN.
CHARLES BENJAMIN CROWE.