In fig. 50 is shown a gland and stuffing-box for the piston rod of a vertical engine. A B is the piston rod, C D a portion of the cylinder cover, and E F the stuffing-box. Fitting into the bottom of the stuffing-box is a brass bush H. The space K around the rod A B is filled with packing, of which there is a variety of kinds, the simplest being greased hempen rope. The packing is compressed by screwing down the cast-iron gland L M, which is lined with a brass bush N. In this case the gland is screwed down by means of three stud-bolts P, which are screwed into a flange cast on the stuffing-box. Surrounding the rod on the top of the gland there is a recess R for holding the lubricant.

The object of the gland and stuffing-box is to allow the piston rod to move backwards and forwards freely without any leakage of steam.

Fig. 51 shows a gland and stuffing-box for a horizontal rod. The essential difference between this example and the last is in the mode of lubrication. The gland flange has cast within it an oil-box which is covered by a lid; this lid is kept shut or open by the action of a small spring as shown. A piece of cotton wick (not shown in the figure) has one end trailing in the oil in the oil-box, while the other is carried over and passed down the hole A B. The wick acts as a siphon, and drops the oil gradually on to the rod. In this example only two bolts are used for screwing in the gland; and the flanges of the gland and stuffing-box are not circular, but oval-shaped.

In the case of small rods the gland is made entirely of brass, and no liner is then necessary. Fig. 52 shows a form of gland and stuffing-box sometimes used for small rods. The stuffing-box is screwed externally, and carries a nut A B which moves the gland.

A more elaborate form of gland and stuffing-box is shown in fig. 53. This is for a large marine engine with inverted cylinders, such as is used on board large ocean steamers. The stuffing-box is cast separate from the cylinder cover to which it is afterwards bolted. The lubricant is first introduced to the oil-boxes marked A, from which it passes to the recess B, where it comes in contact with the piston rod. To prevent the lubricant from being wasted by running down the rod, the main gland is provided with a shallow gland and stuffing-box which is filled with soft cotton packing, which soaks up the lubricant.

The main gland is screwed up by means of six bolts, and to prevent the gland from locking itself in the stuffing-box, it is necessary that the nuts should be turned together. This is done in a simple and ingenious manner. One-half of each nut is provided with teeth, and these gear with a toothed wheel which has a rim only; this rim is held up by a ring C. When one nut is turned, all the rest follow in the same direction.

Dimensions of Stuffing-boxes and Glands.

The proportions of glands and stuffing-boxes vary considerably but the above table represents average practice.