Model of Piston with Elastic Packing

Model of Piston with Elastic Packing, patented by B. Goodfellow, 1838.

This packing was patented in 1838 by Mr. Goodfellow, with the intention of providing a better steam-tight seal around a piston working within an engine cylinder. The two packing rings are bored conically internally, to correspond with an internal spring ring which has conical surfaces. The spring ring is turned somewhat eccentric, and is cut through, and, to give greater uniformity of action throughout its circumference, several deep radial notches are cut in its periphery.