Abstract: A braided packing comprises a plurality of outer core strands, braided together with a plurality of braid strands, the outer core strands extending helically along said packing and forming with the braid strands a braid having a normal twist extending helically in one direction, the braid strands extending over the core strands in a continuous helical pattern at an angle to the outer core strands and the normal helical twist of the braid, and a plurality of warp strands in rows between said braid strands extending helically in a direction opposite said braid strands. Apparatus for making the braided packing comprises a rotatable condenser adapted to grip the braid at the point to which the braid strands extend for braiding together and means for rotating the condenser. The method of braiding comprises rotating the braid at the point at which the braid strands come together.

Abstract: A braided packing comprises a plurality of outer core strands, braided together with a plurality of braid strands, the outer core strands extending helically along said packing and forming with the braid strands a braid having a normal twist extending helically in one direction, the braid strands extending over the core strands in a continuous helical pattern at an angle to the outer core strands and the normal helical twist of the braid, and a plurality of warp strands in rows between said braid strands extending helically in a direction opposite said braid strands. Apparatus for making the braided packing comprises a rotatable condenser adapted to grip the braid at the point to which the braid strands extend for braiding together and means for rotating the condenser. The method of braiding comprises rotating the braid at the point at which the braid strands come together.

Abstract: An elastomeric sealing ring having a V-shaped configuration, the wall connecting the legs of the V lying in the plane of the ring, is provided with diameter indicia formed in the wall, the indicia equidistantly circumferentially spaced along an arc segment of the wall and the distance between indicia corresponding to a predetermined portion of the ring inner diameter.

Abstract: A braided packing comprises a plurality of braid strands braided about a plurality of core strands, the braid strands extending and forming on the packing surface a pattern extending helically in one direction and forming with said core strands an elongated braid having a normal twist extending helically in the opposite direction.