Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure resistant packing (e.g., for the packing gland of a valve stem) has a core of density 1.3-1.6 gm/cc that includes a plurality of strands, each strand including a flexible graphite tape, longitudinally corrugated and folded into at least two longitudinally extending partially superimposed layers. Preferable, each strand is overknitted with a reinforcing wire, the strands in the core are braided, and a jacket, which includes a carbide fiber, an inorganic fiber, and a phenolic fiber, is disposed about the core.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure resistant packing (e.g., for the packing gland of a valve stem) has a core of density 1.3-1.6 gm/cc that includes a plurality of strands, each strand including a flexible graphite tape, longitudinally corrugated and folded into at least two longitudinally extending partially superimposed layers. Preferable, each strand is overknitted with a reinforcing wire, the strands in the core are braided, and a jacket, which includes a carbide fiber, an inorganic fiber, and a phenolic fiber, is disposed about the core.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a door in closing relation to an open end of a chamber. The latch assembly includes two latching members, one of which is mounted adjacent the open end of the chamber and the other is mounted on the door such that it moves in a plane as the door is moved between its open and closed positions. The one member has a surface which is inclined in two directions to the aforementioned plane such that should a predetermined force be exerted upon the door in an effort to move it from its closed position without actuating the latch assembly release, the latching member mounted on the door will cam the inclined surface so as to move it in a plane which defines an angle with the aforementioned plane thereby unlatching the assembly before any damage is caused to the assembly or door.