IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC PACKING FOR PISTON RODS
Year: 1885

page_text: We ROBERT WHITE and NICHOLAS SWANSON HAWKS both of Victoria Docks,
in the County of Essex, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC PACKING FOR PISTON RODS" and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :—
This Invention relates to an improved form of metallic packing for piston rods
and consists principally of a solid metal sleeve or collar formed in segments which
are caused to press against the piston rod by wedges and spiral springs suitably
constructed for the purpose.
And in order that our Invention may be more fully understood we have hereto
annexed a sheet of Drawings shewing two methods of carrying the same into
practice. Similar letters of reference indicate similar parts in the different views.
Figures 1 and 2 represent sections in elevation of stuffing box and gland,
Figure 3 is a sectional plan of Figure 1 taken through the line A. B. Figures 4, 5, 6
and 7 are details of parts hereinafter described.
In Figure 1 the stuffing box A is lined with a metallic cup B formed in two or
more segments and presenting two ledges or inclines marked a.
Around the piston rod C is fitted a sleeve of solid metallic packing built up in
segments D as shewn in detail Figure 4. These segments are recessed on their
inner surfaces as shewn in Figure 5, so that in wearing away they may quickly
form a complete and perfect bearing. They are also bevilled off at top and bottom
so as to fit accurately within the cup B, the top bevil forming a nearly rectangular
groove with the ledge a. Into this groove are fitted angular segments E forming
a circular wedge flanged on the side which bears against the piston. On the
angular segments rest the spiral springs F which may be either ordinary circular
springs or of the form shewn in Figure 6. These springs are compressed by a
plate G also flanged on the underside next the piston rod, the two flanges o thus
forming a receptacle for the springs and serving to keep them from rubbing against
the piston rod. The plate G is also recessed at d for the reception of soft packing
when such is desirable.
In Figure 2 the shape of the metal lining B is somewhat different, and in the
bottom of the stuffing box is a flat ring H chanelled on the underside for the
reception of soft packing. It will be readily seen that in this stuffing box the
springs F may be placed at the bottom as well as at the top in case such an
addition should be deemed advantageous.

page_text: The segments B and D rest upon wedge shaped rings J, but in other respects
this form of packing is nearly the same as that previously described.
In Figure 7 we bave shown a method of retaining the segments D in position by
a sort of mitre joint, and this equally applicable to either the inner or outer
segments.
By forming the packing in segments, it adapts itself to any irregularity of
surface or motion of the rod as well as to unequal screwing down of the gland and
combines the two qualities of elasticity and firmness, uniform contact also being
maintained with very little friction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we would have it
understood that what we claim, is
1. The metallic packing rings composed of any number of segments, as shewn
at B and D of the drawings, and herein fully described.
2. The use of the rings E and J or segments thereof of a triangular or similar
sectional form, substantially as and for the purpose herein shewn and described.
3. The employment of spiral springs F under the gland either of the form shewn
in the drawings, or other suitable form for compressing the rings upon the packing.
4. The use of the flanges c on compression plate G and ring E for protecting the
springs and piston rod from coming in contact, substantially as herein shewn and
described.
5. The general construction and arrangement of the parts constituting our
improved packing, substantially as herein shewn and described.