Abstract: A fluid filled ring for a shaft sealing apparatus in a machine casing or container wall through which a rotatable shaft passes. The sealing apparatus comprises a housing fixed about its exterior surface to the machine casing. The housing defines an interior chamber in which one or more seals are positioned about the shaft. Each seal comprises a mechanical packing encircling and in contact with the shaft and an elastomeric compression ring positioned to encircle the mechanical packing.

Abstract: A shaft sealing apparatus for attachment about a rotatable shaft for preventing leakage along the shaft, has a housing with a fixed end plate and a movable gland follower for defining a stuffing box about the shaft. One or more packing assemblies are positioned axially adjacent one another in the stuffing box. Each packing assembly has a compressible packing encircling the shaft, a fluid filled elastomeric compression torus or ring encircling the compressible packing and an axially movable spacer positioned around the shaft adjacent the compressible packing and the compression ring. The spacer may be hollow with an input and exit port for circulating a coolant fluid therethrough. The spacer may also have a radial passageway which is opened to the surface of the shaft whereby lubricant can be applied to the shaft. The gland follower exerts a constant axial force on the packing assemblies.