Abstract: An improved power actuated valve, particularly a ball valve, which can be manually opened or closed quickly, in the event of failure of power operation, by manual turning force applied directly to the control stem of the valve without the necessity to overcome any drag or negative torque imposed by the power operating mechanism and speed reducing transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternative pipe coupling apparatus, to conventional tapered screw threads usually used to join ends of pipe sections to fixtures. The invention utilizes a bayonet style interlocking arrangement having a male element and a female element which join together and are opposingly biased against one another by a spring-like retaining ring to ensure an appropriate rigid and leak-proof connection between two elements.

Abstract: A barstock body fluid control valve comprising a barstock body of preselected material having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a preselected cross section defining the outer walls; a through machined main flow port located eccentrically on the inlet and the outlet ends wherein the main flow port eccentric location increases the available barstock thickness at one outer wall location and decreases barstock thickness in the opposite wall.

Abstract: A double-acting, piston driven actuator for providing a double action rotary powered output, having a stepped bore housing a double acting piston having a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end therein; a three way valve selectively to supply pressurized fluid to the larger end the pressurized fluid continuously supplying the pressurized fluid to the smaller diameter portion of the bore. An optional safety mechanism having a spring biased second piston for biasing the double acting piston to a safe position upon failure of the pressurized fluid delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: A connection for joining an actuator to a valve comprising providing at least two flanged pins each in the body of the valve, providing at least two mating holes in a body of the actuator, the mating holes being aligned with the pins, providing a tapped hole transverse to each of the mating holes, the valve body being joined to the actuator such that the pins mate slidably with the holes, with set screws in the tapped holes engaging the flanged pins to axially tension the pins to draw the valve body into physical contact with the actuator.

Abstract: An improved control valve to control very low rates of flow having a valve body housing a throttle mechanism. The throttle mechanism comprising a bore and throttle plunger, having a helical exterior groove, sized with an annular passage therebetween. The size of the cylindrical passage is selected and held within limits so that media of a chosen viscosity maintains fully developed laminar conditions as it enters and exits the valve, by keeping the Reynolds Number under 4000. The flow rate is controlled by varying the distance that the throttle plunger extends into the bore. Because the valve operates under constant laminar conditions this varying distance yields linear results between the length of engagement of the throttle plunger in the bore and the flow rate resulting in an increased accuracy control valve.

Abstract: An improved latch mechanism for a fluid flow control valve. The latch mechanism having a latch body, a spring, a plunger and a thumb release lever for disengagement of the plunger. The latch mechanism is attached to a valve handle which controls the fluid flow rate through the valve. Provided with the latch, the handle and thereby the valve can be locked into either a closed or open position at the limits of the valves' necessary rotation thereby preventing inadvertent opening or closing of the valve. The thumb release lever disengages the plunger with detent notches provided in the valve body allowing safe and efficient single handed operation of the handle and latch mechanism even under adverse environmental conditions when operator dexterity is impaired by gloves.

Abstract: An indexable latching handle assembly for quarter-turn rotary valves which permits the arc of operation to be oriented as necessary to avoid surrounding obstacles and enhance ease of operation. This handle assembly has a latching device capable of latching the valve in the closed position or in the open position and is readily disengaged without regard to the orientation of the handle on the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve stem locking assembly for releasably locking a threaded fastener relative to a valve stem of a quarter-turn valve such as a ball valve. The assembly includes a handle defining an opening shaped to engage a corresponding shape of the valve stem to preclude relative rotation therebetween while allowing relative motion therebetween along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem. A standard nut engages the handle and is threaded onto the valve stem for movement relative to the valve stem along the axis. A spring biases the nut and the handle into relative rotation resisting engagement with each other. A camming mechanism, defined by the handle and the chamfer of the nut, is biased by the spring to prevent relative rotation therebetween until a desired torque about the axis is applied to the nut relative to the handle.

Abstract: A valve handle latching assembly having a selectable latching slider which engages a detent on a fluid control device such as a ball valve. During assembly, a particular slider is selected for inclusion in the final assembly resulting in a valve tailored for its intended purpose. Depending upon which latching slider is selected, the valve handle latching assembly latches in the open and/or closed position(s) thereby preventing inadvertent rotation. The latching handle assembly may be manually disengaged to permit rotation of the handle in the opposite rotational direction.