# US 9,038,254 B1 · Unloading apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,038,254 B1 - Document ID: US9038254B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 13/645,775 - Filed: 2012-10-05 - Granted: 2015-05-26 - Earliest claimed: 2012-10-05 - Applicants: Benjamin K. Villines - Inventors: Benjamin K. Villines - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9038254B1 ## CPC - F16J 15/189: {Means for facilitating the removal of the packing} - B25B 27/0007: {Tools for fixing internally screw-threaded tubular fasteners} - B25B 27/06: inserting or withdrawing sleeves or bearing races - B25B 27/062: {using screws} - Y10T 29/53843: Tube, sleeve, or ferrule inserting or removing - F16J: PISTONS {(specially adapted for dampers F16F9/32)}; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## 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 The apparatus and the engaged packing elements are then withdrawn from the stuffing box. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 characterized as having a relaxed configuration in which the lips project outside the cross-sectional profile of the base. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 characterized as having a compressed configuration in which the lips are fully contained within the cross-sectional profile of the base. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3 characterized as having a relaxed configuration in which the lips project outside the cross-sectional profile of the base. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which an elongate slot is formed between each adjacent pair of finger elements. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which the finger elements and lips are formed from a resiliently deformable material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 in which the external shape of each finger element conforms to the external shape of that portion of the base that is offset axially from that finger element. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) An assembly comprising: the apparatus of claim 1; and a stuffing box within which the apparatus has been received. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a pump, of which the stuffing box is a component. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a least one packing element installed within the stuffing box, the packing element having a central opening through which the apparatus has been received. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The assembly of claim 10 in which the lips of the apparatus engage the underside of the packing element. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The assembly of claim 10 in which the external dimensions of the base closely but clearingly match those of the central opening of the packing element. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 having four of the said finger elements. ### Claim 14 An assembly comprising: a pump having a stuffing box; and an apparatus for unloading a stuffing box, the apparatus having a first end and an opposed second end, comprising: a 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 supporting an externally projecting lip at or adjacent the second end, the finger elements defining outer boundaries of a hollow interior region; in which the apparatus for unloading a stuffing box has been received within the stuffing box. ### Claim 15 An assembly comprising: a stuffing box; and an apparatus for unloading a stuffing box, the apparatus having a first end and an opposed second end, comprising: a 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 supporting an externally projecting lip at or adjacent the second end, the finger elements defining outer boundaries of a hollow interior region; in which the apparatus for unloading a stuffing box has been received within the stuffing box, and in which at least one packing element has been installed within the stuffing box, the packing element having a central opening through which the apparatus has been received. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The assembly of claim 15 in which the lips of the apparatus engage the underside of the packing element. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The assembly of claim 15 in which the external dimensions of the base closely but clearingly match those of the central opening of the packing element.