Abstract: The three-way valve allows fluid flow to be selectively directed to a run outlet, a bypass outlet or both at the same time. The three-way valve includes a flow diffuser with a primary valve seat positioned opposite a bypass valve seat. Choke points and flow restrictions, strategically positioned in the flow diffuser create a substantially flat velocity profile downstream of the bypass outlet. Larger versions of this three-way valve may be used in Vertical Takeoff and Landing (“VTOL”) aircraft. Other versions may be used in ships and other watercraft.

Abstract: The three-way valve allows fluid flow to be selectively directed to a run outlet, a bypass outlet or both at the same time. The three-way valve includes a flow diffuser with a primary valve seat positioned opposite a bypass valve seat. Choke points and flow restrictions, strategically positioned in the flow diffuser create a substantially flat velocity profile downstream of the bypass outlet. Larger versions of this three-way valve may be used in Vertical Takeoff and Landing (“VTOL”) aircraft. Other versions may be used in ships and other watercraft.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow or valve in a piping system, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as noise, vibration, and/or erosion. Turbulence also creates a pressure drop which is undesirable. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and pressure drops as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow of the present invention included an elongate tapered discharge nozzle. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters.

Abstract: The diaphragm regulator controls fluid pressure in downstream piping. The regulator may also be used as an on/off valve, although this is not its primary application. A central circular housing in the body of the regulator receives a removable flow diffuser to reduce turbulence when fluid is flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port of the regulator. The flow diffuser has a flat circular base with an inlet zone in the center and a plurality of vanes extending from the inlet zone to the outer circumference of the base. These vanes are spaced apart and define a plurality of flow passageways permitting fluid to flow from the inlet port, through the inlet zone, through the passageways, through the transition zone and exit the outlet port. Each vane has a flat upper surface parallel with the base and an inclined surface sloping downward from the flat upper surface to the inlet zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forths a pipeline insertion mechanism. It cooperates with the pipeline having a tee, blocking valve and stuffing box. An elongate insertion rod is extended from the exterior through the stuffing box, blocking valve and tee so that a measuring instrument is positioned at a centerline location in the pipeline. This rod connects to a transverse yoke having two ends which connects at the remote ends to piston rods. Two piston rods cooperative with two hydraulically cylinders are positioned adjacent to the blocking valve and stuffing block to reduce height of the equipment. The insertion rod is moved axially to insert or retract the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A set of tubes, having inlets and outlets, is placed on the downstream side of a modulating flow regulator or valve, or plug, or other member in a gas flow line. The inlets collect all of the gas flow from the gas flow line into the tubes. The tubes bend gently and redirect the gas flow so that turbulence is significantly reduced in the tubes and the resulting flow is generally laminar. The tubes are grouped as a bundle downstream and positioned such that the tubes are generally parallel to each other in the proximity of the outlets so that downstream flow is significantly less noisy and turbulent, resulting in a generally laminar gas flow.

Abstract: A flow diffuser is shown for use with a flow control valve which produces laminar flow patterns in the fluid upon exiting the control valve. The flow diffuser is formed from a cylindrical body and is situated inside a flow control valve. Fluid enters the flow diffuser after passing the poppet. The inlet opening for the flow diffuser is on the axis of the body. The flow is then radially diverted through a plurality of outlet passages. The outlet passages converge to return the flow to a single stream. The walls of the outlet passage are defined by vanes within the body of the flow diffuser. Upon exiting the flow diffuser the fluid enters a transition zone until reaching the outlet port of the flow control valve. The flow diffuser eliminates turbulence, thereby reducing energy loss in the flow, wear on the valve, and noise.

Abstract: A set of tubes, having inlets and outlets, is placed on the downstream side of a modulating flow regulator or valve in a gas flow line. The inlet tubes collect all the gas flow in the tubes. The tubes bend gently and redirect the gas flow so that gas turbulence is reduced. The tubes are grouped as a bundle downstream and position the set of tube outlets so that downstream flow is less noisy and less turbulent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing water in the pipeline is set forth. The pipeline water collects in the bottom and flow along the pipeline. The present disclosure sets forth a set of N tubes which have relatively small inlet and outlet openings. The several tubes joined at the inlet end, typically by tacked welding thereby defining an inlet end to gather up all of the flowing water in the pipeline which is then directed along the tubes. The outlet ends of the tubes terminate at elevated locations in the pipeline so that water droplets are entrained at selected heights in the pipeline. In one form upstream and downstream transverse members support the tubes.A fluid flow diffuser for installation in a pipeline in advance of a fluid sampling device is set forth.

Abstract: A flow distribution method and apparatus is set forth for reducing noise and vibration immediately downstream of a noise creating device such as a partially open or closed valve element. Partially open valve elements typically create a quarter moon distribution of highly turbulent flow. The present apparatus contemplates positioning of the inlet ends of a plurality of tubes immediately downstream within the flow region of the quarter moon area to gather the turbulent flow into a plurality of small tubes. The tubes are routed along a pipe section to different areas or points in the cross sectional area to discharge the flow. The several tubes collectively smooth the fluid flow through the structure. A method is also set forth. In one alternate embodiment, the downstream end of the pipe section is larger than the inlet end, and in another version, the individual tubes are provided with enlarged outlet ends.

Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.

Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.

Abstract: In a flow regulator which is operated by axially compressing the two ends of a resilient cylindrical plug causing the plug to swell and expand outwardly to interrupt flow of natural gas and the like, a stress ring is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the stress ring is formed of between eight and 36, preferably being about 24, individual wedge shaped segments having equal angles of inclusion and each segment has a surrounding angled tab segment, the tabs collectively encircling the resilient plug. The tabs form a ring which confines the plug so that radial expansion outwardly and contraction inwardly is accomplished while reducing stress concentration. Moreover, the several segments are all joined to the resilient plug by suitable fastening means such as pins inserted through the segments and into the resilient plug.

Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.

Abstract: For use in inspecting the interior pipelines and other machinery subjected to risk of explosive gasses, an improved explosive proof apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a periscope assembly having an optical system and lamp sealed therein for viewing a specified area subject to illumination by the lamp. Moreover, a separate battery pack is included. A flow of nitrogen gas is delivered to the battery pack and periscope to surround the electrical components to thereby prevent explosion.

Abstract: The automatic insertion device will insert or withdraw a piston rod into a pressurized fluid pipeline. In one embodiment, the piston rod will allow intrumentation on the exterior of the pipeline to directly sense the pressure of the fluid inside of the pipeline. In an alternate embodiment, the piston rod may be used to remove liquids from the pressurized pipeline. In the preferred embodiment, a cap is put on the end of the piston rod to isolate it from the pressure inside of the pipeline. The automatic insertion device can then be equipped with a turbine meter, a temperature sensor, or doppler measuring equipment. In another embodiment, a pitot probe can be placed on the end of the pipeline for measurement of differential pressure which, with additional instrumentation, can be used to measure flow through the pipeline. In another embodiment, the automatic insertion device can be combined with a pump to remove samples of the fluid within the pipeline.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus having a pressure balanced check valve is set forth in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. The sampling system includes an elongate probe which is driven by a diaphragm motor. The probe extends through a fixed housing and terminates at a sample collection head. The probe is provided with a lengthwise passage in it. Sample is collected from a pumping apparatus comprising a reciprocating anvil and a fixed hammer. These two unyielding members are reciprocated toward one another. They capture, therebetween, a resilient plug having a dished area which collapses on pressure. This forces sample from the dished area. It flows into a passage, into the probe, through a check valve. The check valve is pressure balanced so that the force required to overcome it is not dependent on line pressure, sample collection container back pressure and the like. Dead volume is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Abstract: A vanishing chamber type positive displacement pump is disclosed which is applicable for use as a fluid sampling device for sampling liquid or gaseous materials from pipelines or other pressurized vessels or for pumping small measured quantities of fluid from a source such as for chemical or other fluid injection. The pump mechanism incorporates a support body structure that is adapted for connection to an isolation valve such as for pipeline or pressurized vessel sampling or is adapted for direct connection to the wall structure of a vessel if desired. An elongated probe is movable connected in sealed relation to the support body structure and is capable of being inserted into the pipeline or other vessel being sampled. The elongated probe is provided with a housing at the free extremity thereof within which is located a positive displacement pump having an inlet defined by the housing which is located at the free extremity of the housing.