US 9,038,254 B1 · Unloading apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for unloading a stuffing box is formed from a resiliently deformable material. It features a base and a plurality of elongate finger elements. The finger elements are supported about the periphery of the base, and define outer boundaries of a hollow interior region. Each finger element supports an externally projecting lip. In the relaxed position of the apparatus, the lips project outside the cross-sectional profile of the base. In a compressed configuration, the lips are fully contained within the base's cross-sectional profile. When the apparatus is inserted into a stuffing box loaded with coaxially aligned annular packing elements, it assumes a compressed configuration until the lips clear the lowermost packing element to be removed. The apparatus then assumes a relaxed position with the lips engaging the underside of the lowermost packing element. The apparatus and the engaged packing elements are then withdrawn from the stuffing box.

Claims17

Dependent claims

An apparatus for unloading a stuffing box, the apparatus having a first end and an opposed second end, comprising:

a cylindrical base situated at or adjacent the first end of the apparatus and having a periphery;
and
a plurality of elongate finger elements supported by the base and disposed about the periphery of the base, each finger element characterized by a curved outer surface having the same axis and radius as the base and supporting an externally projecting lip that tapers toward and includes the second end, the finger elements defining outer boundaries of a hollow interior region.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Unloading apparatus

Life of this patent

Unloading apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17