Patent ID: 8317201

Claim:
A machine arranged to operate in explosive environments, comprising a rotatable shaft ( 16 ) extending through a stationary part ( 10 ) arranged between an interior side ( 12 ) and an exterior side ( 14 ) of said machine, a gland ( 20 ) which is mounted in said stationary part ( 10 ) and which is provided with a through hole in order to accommodate said rotatable shaft ( 16 ) such that a first flame path is provided between the rotatable shaft ( 16 ) and the gland ( 20 ), wherein the machine comprises dampening means ( 42 ) arranged between and separating the gland ( 20 ) and the stationary part ( 10 ) in the axial and radial directions such that a second flame path ( 50 , 56 ) is provided between the gland ( 20 ) and the stationary part ( 10 ), the dampening means ( 42 ) maintaining the existence of the second flame path ( 50 , 56 ), and the dampening means comprising an annular part ( 44 ) having discrete enlarged portions ( 46 ) arranged to contact the gland and stationary part, and permitting axial and radial movement of the gland ( 20 ) in relation to the stationary part ( 10 ) upon rotation of the rotatable shaft ( 16 ), said first and second flame paths extending from the interior side ( 12 ) to the exterior side ( 14 ).