Abstract: An assembly of pipes and flow control means (e.g., valves) carried by a supporting frame (e.g., a skid) and forming a modular unit for field assembly of flow distributing or diverting systems of the type used in the petroleum industry in connection with tank farms. The piping of each assembly unit has ends for coupling with associated piping and like associated assembly units, with the ends disposed in vertical planes that are coincident with the corresponding sides of the frame, thereby facilitating field assembly of the units to form a desired overall system.

Abstract: A fluid control valve of the short gate type having means for maintaining a minimum spacing between the seat rings when the gate is moved to open position. The means makes use of two spreader members that can be readily installed as the valve is assembled.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus making use of sealing means formed in two parts, one being carried by the body and the other by an operating rod or strut which reciprocates between operating positions. One of the parts is a sealing assembly which carries resilient sealing means, and the other part provides a cylindrical surface with which the sealing assembly cooperates. The sealing assembly is characterized by the use of one and preferably two cup-shaped sealing members of resilient material which are assembled and restrained by means which prevents fluid differential pressures or fluid flow from disrupting or distorting the sealing members from normal operating configurations. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly is in the form of a plunger which is movable into and out of a cylindrical sleeve carried by the body.

Abstract: Undirectional meter prover apparatus for checking and calibrating liquid flow meters. An interchange for transferring a sphere from the outlet to the inlet end of a metering pipe is provided with a shuttle assembly having backflow preventing means which seals the interchange body against backflow for certain operating conditions, particularly when the shuttle assembly is at or near sphere receiving position. Preferably guide means is provided which is engaged by the backflow preventing means.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus of the type having more than two flow passages in the body and having means within the body including a plurality of sealing assemblies which are positioned to control or divert fluid flow in a desired manner. The apparatus is featured by use of means which connects and guides certain of the sealing assemblies and which provides a fluid passage extending longitudinally through the body. Also systems making use of such apparatus, particularly metering systems. Such systems make use of the flow control apparatus in such a manner as to reduce vertical space requirements and simplify manifolding.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve having a seat ring which provides a seal between the body and the movable valve member and which is provided with a sediment guard made of resilient material which prevents accumulation of sediment in the body recess within which the seat ring is accommodated. Preferably the guard is a tube made of resilient material (e.g., synthetic rubber). Also improved seat ring spreader means that can be readily installed as the valve is assembled.

Abstract: Apparatus having cup-shaped sealing members of resilient material carried by a plunger with their rim portions faced toward each other. The rims are successively contracted when the plunger assembly is moved into an associated cylindrical sleeve, with exterior areas of the rims in sealing contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the sleeve. There is a closed space between the sealing members in which liquid is trapped under pressure as the plunger is moved into the sleeve.

Abstract: A gate valve having a body made in two parts, namely a main part having flow passages and at least one body extension that accommodates movement of the gate between open and closed positions. The extension is generally rectangular as viewed from one end of the valve, and has outwardly bulged end walls as viewed from one side of the valve. The end walls are concave as viewed from the inside of the body. Also a method of manufacturing such a valve involving fabrication of a box-like structure with welding applied in particular manner, after which hydraulic pressure is applied internally to pressure form the end walls of the structure to the desired configuration.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus comprising a hollow body having openings or flow passages adapted to be connected to associated piping and a cylindrical closure which is reciprocated to form a seal or permit fluid flow. The sealing means consists of an annular assembly carried between two sections of the body having oppositely faced sealing members of resilient material.