IMPROVEMENTS IN STUFFING BOXES AND PACKINGS
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Anderson, of Black Braes, in the County of
Stirling, North Britain, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN STUFFING BOXES AND PACKINGS."
Scaled the 7th December 1858, and dated the 18th August 1858..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Anderson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 18th
August 1858.
I, ROBERT ANDERSON, of Black Braes, in the County of Stirling, North-
Britain, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STUFFING BOXES AND PACKINGS," to be as follows, that is to:
say:
This Invention relates principally to the arrangement and construction of
piston, valve, and pump rod stuffing boxes; but it is also applicable to certain
kinds of piston packings, and to other uses and purposes where fluid tightness-
is required between working surfaces. As applied to a piston-rod stuffing box,
the improvements consist of a quadruple or other set of brass segments, made
to fit accurately to the rod, by being embraced by two external plate springs.
The two main packing rings are in the centre of the series, being each pre-
ferably formed in four distinct pieces, both ends of each segment being cut or
shaped to such an incline as that each shall have the same bearing on the
piston rod after being worn as at first. The outer edge of each of these

page_text: segments is checked or formed with an upper overhanging flange, to partially
embrace in each case a narrower packing segment of a corresponding series, of
which the two outer, or the upper and lower packing rings are made up. The
longitudinal centre of this checked portion of each main segment is fitted with
a thin radial piece of metal, the inner end of which bears against the piston
rod, being fitted in between the two contiguous ends of each of the segments
composing the outer rings. These thin slips of metal may also be attached
on both sides of the main segments, so as to fill in the spaces left between the
contiguous ends of the neighbouring main segments. The whole of these
segments are cut at their ends with such an incline or angle as will secure an
efficient bearing surface throughout the entire term of working, and the series
are truly turned internally, so as that they shall form a complete cylinder
corresponding to the circumference of the piston rod. They are also turned
and faced to bear truly one against the other in the direction of the rod's axis;
and in adjusting them in position for use, they are set so as to "break bond "
from ring to ring, to prevent the passage of steam. The whole combination is
surrounded by one or more flat spring rings formed out of flat steel, cut with
wedged-shaped or inclined ends, so that when formed into rings their ends form
scarf joints. In this way the packing segments are kept closely pressed in
contact with the piston rod during the whole period of the wear of the parts.
The whole packing is loosely held in a deep thin ring of metal, or open-ended
cylinder, somewhat larger in bore than the diameter of the packing, so that
the latter can move slightly laterally within it. This outer ring or cylindrical
case fits into the usual gland or packing holder of the cylinder, in the bottom
of which holder there is first placed a truly turned ring of a diameter corre-
sponding with that of the open ring, and after the packing is inserted a
similar top ring is put on the piston rod, and fitted down upon the packing
and its holding case. And all these surfaces being accurately fitted, the
passage of steam is effectually prevented when the ordinary gland ring is
screwed down. :
Packing of this kind is also suitable for the inside surfaces of annular pistons,
such as are made. by Messieurs Maudslay, Sons, and Field, of Westminster,
and for other purposes. The number of the segments in each ring, as well as
the number of rings, may be varied as required.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Robert Anderson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th February 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
ANDERSON, of Black Braes, in the County of Stirling, North Britain,
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eighteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord'
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of Her
reign, did, for. Herself,. Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Robert Anderson, Her special license that I, the said Robert Anderson,
my executors, 'administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Robert
Anderson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel -
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STUFFING BOXES
AND PACKINGS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Robert
Anderson, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent..
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert Anderson, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement,
reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention relates principally to the arrangement and construction.
of piston, valve, and pump-rod stuffing boxes; but it is also applicable to
certain kinds of piston packings, and to other uses and purposes where fluid
tightness is required between working surfaces. As applied to a piston rod
stuffing box, the improvements consist of a quadruplé or other set of brass
segments made to fit accurately to the rod, by being embraced by two external
plate springs. The two main packing rings are in the centre of the series,
being each preferably formed in four distinct pieces, both ends of each segment
being cut or shaped to such an incline as that each shall have the same bearing
on the piston rod after being worn as at first. The outer edge of each of these

page_text: segments is checked or formed with an upper overhanging flange to partially
embrace in each case a narrower packing segment of a corresponding series,
of which the two outer or the upper and lower packing rings are made up.
The longitudinal centre of this checked portion of each main segment is fitted
with a thin radial piece of metal, the inner end of which bears against the
piston rod, being fitted in between the two contiguous ends of each of the
segments composing the outer rings. These thin slips of metal may also be
attached on both sides of the main segments, so as to fill in the spaces left
between the contiguous ends of the neighbouring main segments. The whole
of these segments are cut at their ends with such an incline or angle as will
secure an efficient bearing surface throughout the entire term of working;
and the series are truly turned internally so as that they shall form a complete
cylinder corresponding to the circumference of the piston rod. They are also
turned and faced to bear truly one against the other in the direction of the
rod's axis, and in adjusting them in position for use they are set so as to
"break bond" from ring to ring, to prevent the passage of steam. The whole
combination is surrounded by one or more flat spring rings formed out of flat
steel, cut with wedge-shaped or inclined ends, so that when formed into rings
their ends form scarf joints. In this way the packing segments are kept
closely pressed in contact with the piston rod during the whole period of the
wear of the parts. The whole packing is loosely held in a deep thin ring of
metal, or open ended cylinder, somewhat larger in bore than the diameter of
the packing, so that the latter can move slightly laterally within it. This outer
ring or cylindrical case fits into the usual gland or packing holder of the
cylinder, in the bottom of which holder there is first placed a truly turned
ring, of a diameter corresponding with that of the open ring; and after the
packing is inserted a similar top ring is put on the piston rod, and fitted down
upon the packing and its holding case; and all these surfaces being accurately
fitted, the passage of steam is effectually prevented, when the ordinary gland
ring is screwed down.
Packing of this kind is also suitable for the inside surfaces of annular
pistons, such as are made by Messieurs Maudslay, Sons, and Field, of
Westminster, and for other purposes. The number of the segments in each
ring, as well as the number of rings, may be varied as required.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the several Figures upon the explanatory Sheet of
Drawings which I have hereunto appended for the purpose of showing certain
modifications under which my improvements may be judiciously carried out
in practice.

page_text: Figure 1 on my Sheet of Drawings is a partially sectional elevation of the
upper portion of a steam cylinder, showing my improved metallic packing
applied thereto; Figure 2 is a transverse section of the arrangement;
Figure 3 is a vertical section, taken through the centre of the metallic
packing; and Figure 4 is an elevation of the spring within which the
segments that form the packing are arranged; Figures 5 to 8 are edge views
of the several parts of the metallic packing; Figure 9 is a partially sectional
elevation of a portion of a steam cylinder and piston rod, the stuffing box of
the cylinder having another modification of my improved metallic packing
fitted therein; Figure 10 is a plan of the under side of the gland ring, and
showing the metallic packing and piston rod in transverse section; Figure 11.
is an elevation of one of the springs which compress the segmental portions of
the packing together; and Figures 12 to 15 are edge views of the several
parts of the packing.
In the modification shown in Figures 1 to 8 on the accompanying Drawing,
the improvements are shown as applied to a cylinder constructed in the
ordinary manner; but in the arrangement delineated in Figures 9 and 10,
the cylinder cover and gland ring is, by a trifling modification, specially
adapted for the reception of the metallic packing.
In the partially sectional elevation Figure 1, the cylinder A, with its
cover B, are of the ordinary kind; in the centre of the cover is the cylindrical
stuffing box, in which is fitted or arranged the improved metallic packing
which encloses or surrounds the piston rod C in a steam-tight manner, but
without interfering with its motion, as the piston D is impelled by the action
of the steam. In arranging the metallic packing within the stufling box in
the cover B, a ring of metal E is first placed on the bottom of the box; this
ring is turned truly cylindrical, and its central aperture corresponds to the
diameter of the piston rod. A deep plain ring F of thin metal is turned to fit
easily to the interior of the stufling box; this ring is made sufficiently deep to
extend fully up to or slightly above the packing, and it rests loosely upon the
ring E. Inside the ring F is placed loosely a cylindrical spring G, formed of
à piece of flat steel; this circular spring is shown separately in Figure 4 on
my Drawing; it is divided into two, being cut in a spiral direction in a line
extending from the upper edge, and in a downward direction round the
cylinder to the lower edge. Within the spring G are arranged three
segmentally-shaped pieces of brass II; these segmental pieces are made so
that the inner or concave part of each encloses or embraces a third portion of
the diameter of the piston rod C. The sides of these segmentally-shaped
pieces I are made parallel to each other, or nearly so, in order thus, as the'

page_text: inner or concave surfaces wear away, the pieces still fit closely to the periphery
of the piston rod. The main portion or central part of the packing consists
of other segmental pieces of brass arranged in two rows or tiers I and J.
These portions of the packing correspond in figure to the parts II, excepting
that at the periphery of each a raised edge or vertical flange is there formed,
as shown in Figure 2 and 3 of my Drawing. Each of the segmental pieces
I and J has inserted at its centre, and in a longitudinal direction, two small
pieces of metal or feathers K; which extend inwards from the periphery of the
segment to the surface of the concave part. The arrangement of these radial
feathers K, as well as the configuration of the segmental pieces FI, I, and J,
are shown in the detail views Figures 5 to 8 on my Drawing. Figure 5 being
an elevation of one of the parts I or J, looking upon the concave surface;
Figure 6 is a plan corresponding to Figure 5, whilst Figure 7 is an elevation
of one of the inner segmental parts H, and Figure 8 is a plan of the same.
The three segmental pieces I, which form the lower series of the main portion
of the packing, are arranged equidistantly around the piston rod, and in such
manner that the inner surfaces of the lower feathers Kare interposed between
the contiguous vertical edges of the segmental pieces I, which are made to
fit within the downwardly projecting rim of the segmental parts I. Upon the
series of segments I are disposed the second tier of corresponding parts J;
these are arranged so as to "break bond" with the lower tier, as is more
particularly shown in the vertical section, Figure 3, on the accompanying
Drawing. As thus arranged, the two tiers of segments are held together and
kept in position by the upper feathers K, which enter corresponding notches
cut in the contiguous segment. Within the upwardly projecting rim of the
segmental pieces J, three of the smaller segmental pieces L are arranged; these
correspond in all respects to the lowest series II, and like them are arranged
with the radial feathers of the upper pieces J, interposed between their con-
tiguous vertical edges. A ring M corresponding in diameter to the ring E is
passed over the piston rod C, and rests upon the ring F; the gland N is then
screwed down in the ordinary manner by means of the screws O. The
arrangement of the rings E, F, and M, admit of the gland N being screwed
down tightly without interfering with the lateral action of the metallic packing,
or exerting an undue pressure upon it in a vertical direction.
Where new cylinders are constructed to which my improved metallic
packing is applied, I prefer the arrangement shown in Figures 9 to 15 on the
accompanying Drawing. In this modification the stuffing box is a simple
cylindrical recess made in the cover A, and similar to that shown in Figure 1,
excepting that a groove or ring B is countersunk in the metal of the cover.

page_text: This groove receives a corresponding shoulder or cylindrical projecting part,
which is turned upon the under face of the gland C. By this means the
gland C may be screwed down tightly by the screws D, without pressing upon.
the arrangement of the metallic packing within the stuffing box. The lowest
series of segmentally-shaped packing pieces E are placed upon the bottom
face of the stuffing box; these are partially enclosed by the downwardly pro-
jecting rims of the lower tier of the main or central segments F. The two
series of segmental pieces F and G are formed similar in shape to those
herein-before described, and marked I and J, in Figures 1 to 3, and 5 and 6.
The segmental pieces F are in like manner fitted with radial feathers, or
inwardly projecting pieces of thin brass H. The upper series of segmental
pieces G are superimposed on the lower ones, with their external rims or
vertical flanges extending upwards, so as to partially enclose the upper series
of segments I, which correspond to the lowest tier E.
In Figures 12 and 13 on my Drawing, one of the main or central segmental
pieces is shown in elevation and plan; and in Figures 14 and 15 corresponding
views are given of one of the smaller segmental pieces. In this modification
of my Invention the several segmental pieces are compressed inwardly by a
series of helical springs J, which are formed of steel wire. One of these
springs is shown in elevation in Figure 11 on the accompanying Drawing; it
consists simply of two or more turns of steel wire. Several of these coils are
sprung or otherwise passed over the periphery of the packing, so as to
The concave
compress its several parts closely around the piston rod.
surfaces of the segmental pieces being made in the first instance to fit
accurately to the piston rod, the compression of the springs, both in this
modification and that herein-before described, keeps the segments close up
to their work, and effectually prevents the escape of steam. At the same
time, from the particular configuration given to the segmental part of the
packing, the wearing away of the concave surfaces does not affect the fitting
of the parts to each other and the periphery of the piston rod, so that the
parts always keep steam-tight irrespective of the amount of wear.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I may observe in conclusion that I do not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of my Invention; but what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-

page_text: First, the general arrangement and construction of stuffing boxes and
metallic packings for the same, as herein-before described and shown in the
accompanying Drawings.
Second, the system or mode of arranging and constructing metallic packings
in which a series of segmentally-shaped pieces of metal or sections of packing
rings are arranged in tiers, in the manner berein-before described and shown
in the accompanying Drawings.
Third, the system or mode of constructing or forming the segmental pieces
which form my improved metallic packings, with parallel or nearly parallel
sides, so that as the concave surfaces of the several pieces wear away, the
packing remains steam-tight,. as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Anderson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of February, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-nine.
ROBERT ANDERSON. (L.S.)