Abstract: A ball valve for a ball valve assembly having a housing with a housing sealing surface configured to selectively seal against the ball valve. The ball valve includes an outer sealing surface configured to selectively seal against the housing sealing surface, and a recessed surface set inward of the outer sealing surface and defining a reservoir within the outer sealing surface. As the ball valve rotates between open and closed positions, the reservoir establishes a gap between the recessed surface and the housing sealing surface that enables debris to pass therethrough and facilitate preventing debris accumulation between the ball valve and the housing sealing surface.

Abstract: A novel economical method for determining the residual stress levels in machined, mechanically or thermally processed components and for determining whether the stress is tensile or compressive. Also provided is a system including components for accomplishing the method of the present invention. Also provided is a method of modeling of a component residual stress from production of raw billet through to a finished component.

Abstract: A novel economical method for determining the residual stress levels in machined, mechanically or thermally processed components and for determining whether the stress is tensile or compressive. Also provided is a system including components for accomplishing the method of the present invention. Also provided is a method of modeling of a component residual stress from production of raw billet through to a finished component.

Abstract: The solid metal to be melted is placed on a support, within an induction coil which is adapted to provide a greater electromagnetic force towards the lower portion of the quantity of metal. When energy is provided to the coil, the metal melts from the top downward, but the concentration of electromagnetic force towards the bottom of the metal causes the liquid metal to retain a cylindrical shape. When most of the metal is melted, the liquid metal passes through an opening in the support. In a preferred embodiment, the coil is movable relative to the quantity of metal, and at the beginning of the melting process only the top portion of the quantity of metal is disposed within the coil. As the quantity of metal melts, the coil is moved downward. The method may also be used for removing impurities from the quantity of metal.

Abstract: The solid metal to be melted is placed within an induction coil which is adapted to provide a greater electomagnetic force towards the lower portion of the quantity of metal. The solid metal rests on a support, having an opening therethrough, which is kept at a low temperature relative to the metal as it melts. When energy is provided to the coil, the metal melts from the top downward, but the concentration of electromagnetic force towards the bottom of the metal causes the liquid metal to retain a cylindrical shape. When most of the metal is melted, the liquid metal passes through the opening in the support into a casting mold.