Improvements in the Packing Used for Stuffing-boxes for Piston-rods and similar Appliances.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 16th July, 1890-Accepted, 16th Aug., 1890
COMT EIN
.גP
ICATION.
Improvements in the Packing Used for Stuffing-boxes for Piston-rods
and similar Appliances.
I, ALFRED DIEUDONNÉ ESTIENNE, of 79, Rue De l'Olivier, Marseilles; France,
Chief Engineer of The Company Des Messageries Maritimes 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:-
:-
My invention has for its object a simpler and more efficacious method of packing,
applicable to all stuffing. boxes or analogous devices and especially to the stuffing
boxes of piston rods.
The system consists in applying as packing, particles of metal which are preferably
spherical, such as shot but which may equivalently be oval, or elliptical.
Their shape must be such that they can roll readily one upon the other to equalize
the pressure in all parts of the stuffing box.
These metallic particles may be made in all metals, or suitable alloys, but lead and
anti-friction metallic compositions may be employed with great advantage.
The dimensions of the particles may vary according to the particular conditions of
each case, in size etc.
The advantages that my invention comprises are as follows:-
1st. The metallic particles, congregated in the stuffing box, effectually prevent the
passage of the steam.
2nd. The spherical, oval, or elliptical shape reduces the friction to a minimum, since
this is produced only upon minute points in place of on large surfaces, as is usually
the case where the ordinary packing is employed.
3rd. The small shot, or particle packing permits the piston rod, or other object that
they surround, to move laterally (when this is necessary) by irregularity in the move-
ment of the rod.
4th. The fat or lubricants which are used with this packing, distribute themselves
throughout the mass of small shot or particles, and thus constitute a lubricating
box.
5th. The pressure of the packing is uniformly transmitted over the surface of the
piston rod which it surrounds.
6tb. My packing may be applied with success where the piston or other rod is
badly or untruly turned, or has become deformed with wear.
The stuffing box is closed at the bottom with the usual metal or brass collar.
In order that my invention may be the better understood, I now proceed to describe
the same in relation to the drawing hereunto annexed, reference being had to the
letters marked thereon.
The drawing represents a section through the stuffing box of an ordinary
cylinder.
a is the piston rod.
b is the stuffing box.
c is the packing of metallic particles, represented as small shot.
d is the ring of hemp, cotton or other equivalent material placed above the sunall
shot or metallic particles to prevent the issue of the water of condensation.
e is the usual gland, pressed down by bolts in an ordinary manner.
In order to facilitate the application of the small shot, or particles to the stuffing
box, the metal shot or particles may be inclosed in a tube or tubes or bags of cotton
or other suitable watarial

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-.
An improved packing for stuffing boxes of piston or other rods, consisting of
metallic particles, or small shot of spherical, oval, or elliptical shape, applied in the
ordinary stuffing box and compressed by a gland as is usual substantially as herein.
described and illustrated. *
Dated this 16th day of July 1890.
FELL & WILDING,
1, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., Agents for the Applicant.