AbstractsEngineering

"Wherever gaskets are used in conjunction with any type of mechanism operated by compressed air, of course, it is essential that the gaskets be air tight. Whereas it is possible to use rubberized fabric for this purpose with a degree of satisfaction, treated leather has certain advantages which make its use preferable. Leather is readily available and can be cut and molded into various shapes with less difficulty than is encountered in fabricating similar designs from reinforced rubber. Then, too, leather withstands wear much better than rubberized fabric. The problem then arises to treat leather to make it airtight, for leather as we ordinarily know it is a very porous material. The treatment must also water proof the leather since it lasts much longer if it is not affected by water. Gaskets in certain types of mechanisms, such as railway car airbrakes, are subject to temperatures ranging from 120ºF. down to -30ºF. and sometimes lower. The ideal leather treatment must be such that it will not cause the gaskets to become stiff at cold temperatures nor melt and be forced out in hot weather" – Reasons for Investigating this Field, pages 1-2.