Fluid And Non-fluid Actuators Patents (Class 251/14)
  • Patent number: 5046376
    Abstract: A manual operator which is useful when used with a valve or other type of device to provide either manual operation of the valve in one direction or to provide a stop against the movement of the valve away from one of its extreme positions. The device includes a ball nut, screw shaft and balls positioned in facing grooves in the nut and shaft so that relative rotation has very low friction. Thus rotation of one of the nut or screw shaft results in axial movement of the screw shaft so that it can move or provide a stop. Aligned adjacent exterior surfaces are provided on a rotating part of the device and one a stationary part of the device which surfaces are engaged by a locking spring which can be release from such surfaces when it is desired that the manual operator cause an axial movement of screw shaft. In one form of the invention the screw shaft rotates and the ball nut is stationery. In another form the ball nut rotates and the screw shaft is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald S. Baker
  • Patent number: 5042363
    Abstract: The invention aims at bringing about a device for remote controlling of, for example, directional valves, which likewise allows a manual direct controlling, using a hand lever, for example. The control device includes a hydraulic cylinder (37) with ports (31,32) for feeding and evacuating, respectively, of hydraulic fluid, a piston (14) arranged in the cylinder (37), as well as a piston rod (13), for accomplishing the controlling function. The piston rod (13) is arranged to be slideably supported in the piston (14), allowing a limited movement of the piston rod (13) relative to the piston (14) independent of the pressure and load conditions in the cylinder (37), the movement possibility of the piston rod (13) being limited in at least one direction by a stop (17) arranged on the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Aktiebolag AB
    Inventors: Lars P. Eriksson, Bengt-Goran Persson
  • Patent number: 5029806
    Abstract: A foot-controlled water faucet for regulating the outflow of water from a water faucet by means of air pressure comprises a compressing bladder connected with an air bladder in the water faucet by a passageway, a valve block, a ring body and a knob associated in proper order to form the water faucet. When stepping on the compressing bladder by foot the air inside is compressed and is squeezed to the air bladder in the water faucet via the passageway. The air bladder expands and pushes the platform as well as the stem in the ring body and the valve block respectively downward. The stem moves away from the opening of the valve block and water flows out. Water is stopped by releasing the compressing bladder which sucks back the air from the air bladder that is then contracts and allows the stem to move back to the original position. It can also be controlled by hand as an ordinary water faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventors: Chuang Huo-Lien, Chuang Shih-Wei, Chuang Kan-Jung
  • Patent number: 4951915
    Abstract: An electronic water flow control device, which includes a mini-scale electrical generator which changes the mechanical energy from water flow into electrical energy for storage in a battery and for further use in driving a motor, by means of the control of a control circuit, to carry a piston rod to move forward or backward through the operation of a speed reducing gear set, so as to push a ball valve away from a water inlet for the passing therethrough of water flow or permit such a ball valve to block up the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: Lin C. Piao
  • Patent number: 4949936
    Abstract: The actuator comprises an actuator body including a cavity in which there are housed two pistons movable in opposite directions and including toothed portions meshing with a toothed pignon rigid with a shaft to be coupled to the spindle of the valve element to be actuated, there being moreover provided end of stroke abutment members which can be adjusted from the outside of the body and which are engaged by the pistons in order to adjust the opening and closing srokes of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Aurelio Messina
  • Patent number: 4934403
    Abstract: An emergency valve assembly for a tank adapted to contain liquid such as for instance hazardous material, with the valve assembly including a valve head for closing the discharge port from the tank in an operative closed position of the valve head, and with a first operating unit coacting with the valve head for selectively opening the latter and a separate second operating unit coacting with the valve head for automatically closing the latter. The first operating unit has a portion adapted for accessibility from exteriorly of the tank and includes a fluid power connection to the first operating unit, for selectively supplying pressurized fluid to such operating unit; for causing opening of the valve head via such operating unit upon application of pressurized fluid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Mooney, Frank H. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4921207
    Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a gate positioned therein to reciprocate between positions opening and closing flow through the body, a pressure responsive actuator connected to move the gate stem, a manual override stem and an overriding drive connection connecting both the actuator and the manual override stem to the gate stem so that the gate stem and gate are moved by both the actuator and by the manual override stem independently of the actuator. A modified form of the invention is provided for directly connecting to an extension of an actuator stem for operating a valve manually. In another modified form, camming element and a camming extension are provided to increase the forces providing release of the paddles from within a groove on the interior of the housing so that the locking action of the paddles do not prevent proper operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald S. Baker
  • Patent number: 4903936
    Abstract: In a throttle valve actuator, there are provided a first spline gear driven by a motor in a sliding operation, a second spline gear meshed with the first spline gear for rotating a shaft of a throttle valve device, a housing for rotatably supporting the second spline gear. An accelerator pedal is connected via an accelerator wire and the housing to second spline gear so as to rotate the shaft of the throttle valve device. The sliding operation of the first spline gear does not give any force to the accelerator pedal via the houisng and second spline gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuya Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 4898210
    Abstract: In a gas-cylinder valve adapted to be mounted onto a gas cylinder for use there are provided a gas supply valve chamber and a protection valve chamber in sequence between a gas inlet and a gas outlet within a valve box of the gas-cylinder valve. The gas supply valve chamber is provided with a gas supply valve body and the protection valve chamber is provided with a protection valve body. When the gas outlet of the gas-cylinder valve is opened to the atmosphere, the protection valve body serves to prevent ambient air, and moisture and/or dust in it from entering the gas supply valve chamber thereby avoiding damage to the valve and leakage of gas from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Neriki
    Inventor: Jiro Nitta
  • Patent number: 4869458
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a liquid from a reservoir is provided. A distribution duct that defines a channel extending from the reservoir is provided that is in fluid communication with a feeding duct that defines a channel. A valve seat is located between the distribution duct and the feeding duct. The channels defined by the distribution and feeding duct extend in the same plane at the valve seat. The valve seat is located at an acute angle with respect to that plane. A closing device, for regulating fluid flow from the distribution duct to the feeding duct is provided. The closing device includes a movable valve, movable in a direction that is at an acute angle to the flow if the fluid from the distribution duct to the feeding duct, for mating with the valve seat. A member is coupled to the valve for urging the valve toward the valve seat. Members are provided for adjusting the member for causing the closing device to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Etienne Susini, Pierrre Soubrier
  • Patent number: 4864210
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic servo-valve having a valve spool and comprising: an adjustment motor, and a control apparatus for adjusting said adjustment motor to depending on the input nominal value, wherein said adjustment motor transmits its movement directly to the valve spool of the hydraulic valve, and wherein a preferably electrically operating additional drive is provided which will be switched on in case the valve spool gets stuck so as to release the valve spool from its stuck condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventor: Jorg Dantlgraber
  • Patent number: 4844407
    Abstract: An improved override structure for a valve having an override stem having T slot on its first end for connecting to the T shape of the valve member stem, an actuator threaded onto the override stem for moving the override stem axially to cause movement of the valve member between open and closed positions, pins and slots for preventing rotary movement of said actuator, an engaging member for receiving a handwheel on the other end of the override stem for imparting rotation to the override stem within the actuator, such rotation causing axial movement of the override and valve member stems to move the valve member without movement of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald S. Baker
  • Patent number: 4836243
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for controlling the operation of a safety valve actuates automatically upon loss of control pressure. The hydraulic chamber of the actuator is sealed by static annular seals which bear against polished external surfaces of an indicator stem and a cylindrical piston, respectively. The piston is connected by a threaded coupling to the valve stem to accommodate assembly and drift alignment of the gate bore with the safety valve bore. A threaded rod is pinned to the valve stem and is received within an axial pocket of the piston. The piston is movably coupled to the threaded rod by a collar which has inside diameter threads and outside diameter threads. The valve stem static seal is retained within a smooth counterbore formed on the coupling bonnet by a packing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Kent W. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 4827963
    Abstract: The improved shaft locking apparatus includes a body with a bore therethrough and includes balls mounted in radial ports in said body so that in one position the balls partially extend into the bore and in restricting the bore lock a shaft associated with the apparatus from axial movement. A heat sensitive material is used as a part of the balls supporting means and when it is subjected to excessive heat, heat above its design limitations, its support of the balls relaxes and allows their retraction from the bore to thereby allow axial movement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald S. Baker, David R. Mefford
  • Patent number: 4819682
    Abstract: A push-button operated valve having an optional metering control for regulating the open state of the valve includes optional pneumatic actuation in response to a source of either pressure or vacuum while retaining the metering capability. A plurality of diaphragms, responsive to either mechanically induced or pneumatically induced forces, relocate a magnet for magnetically opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough and for controlling closure of the valve in response to the presence of the metering control, which metering control has an adjustable response period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Karel C. Van Marcke
  • Patent number: 4815693
    Abstract: A valve has a housing to which a 360 degree notch plate is integrally connected. A valve member mounted within the housing control fluid flows and rotates though substantially 90 degrees between maximally open and closed positions. A valve stem extends upwardly from the valve and through an opening formed in the notch plate. A handle is releasably secured to the valve stem immediately above the notch plate and has a spring-biased pivoting arm which cooperates with the notches to permit the angular position of the handle and consequently the valve member to be incrementally adjusted and locked. The upper surface of the notch plate has four distinct quadrants, and a number of holes formed at predetermined locations, a different pair of holes being associated with and positioned to either side of each quadrant. The valve stem is shaped to receive the handle in only predetermined angular orientations relative to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Lunkenheimer Tubecraft Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce James, Leslie Calder
  • Patent number: 4815692
    Abstract: The tap for a cylinder of gas under pressure is of the type comprising a body adapted to be fixed on a cylinder head (9) with a gas flow passage (10-13) provided with a valve (12) having a rod (14) slidable through a sealing bellows (17) and connected to a rod (21) of a pneumatic control piston (24) with provision of an opposing spring (28) for biasing the piston to a position for closing the valve (12). Manual means (31-32-33) are provided for axially shifting the piston (24) with an abutment in a position for closing the valve (12). The tap is particularly adapted to the transfer of gases having degrees of toxicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventors: Gerard Loiseau, Maurice Molozay
  • Patent number: 4816083
    Abstract: A multi-function electromagnetic valve assembly is provided which combines a number of housing combinations of electromagnetic valves into a single housing or connects the valves such that the valve inlets and/or exits are separate and/or merged to form a variety of combinations. Each of the electromagnetic valves in the assembly may have a manual operation unit and a one-way valve piston incorporated to have functions, such as manual operation in addition to automatic operation, one-way function and adjustable opening height of the valve. The use of a lot of manual valves and one-way valves can be avoided by using the present valve assembly. For the pilot type electromagnetic valve, a throttling mechanism can also be incorporated in the assembly and thus, the electromagnetic valves can compensate for wear of the valve, can adjust operating time, can operate with different media having different viscosity and can be isolated from other valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Wen Bangyan
  • Patent number: 4809733
    Abstract: A fail-safe gate valve assembly having a power actuator and a spring actuator disposed on opposite sides of a flowline. The assembly includes a valve body, a valve chamber including a gate movable between open and closed positions for controlling fluids through the flowline, a first housing containing the power actuator disposed on one side of the valve body and a second housing containing the spring actuator disposed on the opposite side of the valve body. The power actuator urges the gate from one to another of the positions. The spring actuator urges the gate from the other to the one of the positions in event a power loss occurs to the power actuator. The spring actuator may include an override thereby allowing the override to be used to open and close the gate valve without compressing the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: National-Oilwell
    Inventor: Herman H. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4799644
    Abstract: The invention concerns an actuator for the operation of on-off valves. Said actuator includes a supporting body (1) in which there is transversally disposed at least one pneumatic cylinder (8, 9) which is capable of activating in two directions, a rack (7) which in turn is engaged with a cogged wheel (31; 50; 100) co-axial with the central shaft (15, 66, 104) of said actuator and able to transmit its own rotation through a pair of free wheels (27, 28; 61, 62; 109, 110) which rigidly and alternatively engage themselves in discordant directions with a ring (33, 34; 62, 63; 108) integral with the central shaft of the actuator, and pneumatic pistons for achieving the relative axial movement between the cogged wheel and the shaft of the actuator. Depending on the mutual distance between the free wheels, and in the absence of the pneumatic signal, the actuator has its central shaft blocked or manually maneuvereable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: G.T.I. du Gaianigo Umberto & Co. Snc
    Inventor: Umberto Gaianigo
  • Patent number: 4736671
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control device is described effective to actuate an external device when the differential-pressure between a high-pressure fluid source and a lower pressure fluid source rises to a predetermined magnitude. The control device comprises a housing having a partition wall therein dividing its interior into two compartments communicating with each other through an opening in the partition wall. A differential-pressure sensing member is disposed in one of the compartments and is movable therein in response to the sensed differential-pressure. A stem is fixed to the differential-pressure sensing member so as to be moved therewith and carries a valve member at one end for moving it with respect to the valve opening to control the flow of the fluid therethrough and thereby to actuate the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Mordeki Drori
  • Patent number: 4714233
    Abstract: An adapter bracket that can be attached to the exterior of a conventional gate valve and valve actuator converting the valve to a fire safety valve. The bracket can be clamped to the exterior of the valve/actuator housing without modification to the existing structure. The bracket includes an adapter plate with an externally threaded cylindrical extension. A hole through the adapter plate is coaxial with the aperture through the cylindrical extension to non-engagingly permit the valve actuator rod to pass therethrough. The threaded extension receives a standard lock-open cap to hold the valve in the open position to avoid severing of the cable in wireline operations due to a power outage, for example. The cap includes a portion made of fusible material which, in the event of fire, will melt permitting the valve to close under operation of a biasing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Danny R. Oates
  • Patent number: 4709619
    Abstract: Proportional magnet having a housing in which an armature bar is mounted which is movable under the influence of an armature winding arranged in the housing, wherein a hydraulic unit serving to operate the armature bar is additionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Bartholomaus, Karlheinz Widmann
  • Patent number: 4706929
    Abstract: A gas cylinder valve with an inner valve stem biased toward a valve open position by a helical compression spring is pneumatically operated by an actuator having a piston biased by a stack of disc springs against an outer valve stem, separated from the inner valve stem by a diaphragm gas seal, to urge the inner valve stem to a valve closed position. While the force exerted on the inner valve stem by the disc springs exceeds that applied by the helical spring so that the valve is normally biased closed, pneumatic pressure applied to the piston moves the piston away from the outer valve member so that the helical spring moves the inner valve stem to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Stanley G. Flagg & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Kalaskie, David E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4696452
    Abstract: A trip throttle valve with a manual exerciser and combination of a hydraulic piston and a biasing force bearing sleeve is provided in place of a piston. The piston is not directly connected to a valve stem and the sleeve is threadably engaged with the valve stem so as to cause relative axial movement between the sleeve and the valve stem when the stem is rotated through the manual exerciser. The hydraulic portion of the valve is provided with a by-pass passage so that the piston is made axially movable toward the sleeve under the pressure which occurs when the by-pass passage for the hydraulic liquid is blocked but the piston is arrested at a certain axial position where the by-pass passage is still blocked and the axial movement of the sleeve is restricted against the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Teiji Miyagawa, Yoshio Iwamura, Masao Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 4691893
    Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a fail safe gate valve and actuator having means for yieldably urging the gate from one position to which it is moved under one or more controlled conditions to its other position upon failure of one such condition, means including a handwheel mounted on the actuator for moving the gate to its one position, and means automatically responsive to a control signal for rendering the handwheel inoperative to move the gate to its one position upon reestablishment of said one controlled condition. In certain embodiments, the control signal is automatically responsive to the reestablishment of said one controlled condition; and, in another embodiment, it is automatically responsive to the failure of said one controlled condition. The controlled conditions are disclosed as being one or both of a predetermined fluid pressure condition, and or a predetermined environmental temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: AVA International Corporation
    Inventors: Neil H. Akkerman, Gonzalo Vazquez
  • Patent number: 4681167
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for periodically and automatically introducing fluid into a producing well through a tubing drain valve in the production tubing. The apparatus and method of the present invention employ a tubing drain valve actuated to its open position by pressurizing the interior of the production string. The system further includes apparatus for introducing a fluid, e.g., a paraffin solvent or formation treating chemical, into the production tubing and into the formation through the opened tubing drain valve. After completion of this operation, the tubing drain valve is closed and production resumed by a mechanical actuator, preferably an actuator carried by the sucker rods for operating the downhole pump. A control device, including optional monitoring devices, provides a system for introducing such fluids at periodic intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Soderberg Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 4679764
    Abstract: A valve actuator control system, although suitable for many control functions, is especially adapted for remote control of plug-type valves utilizes a unique configuration providing a unitary explosion-proof container to house all electrical components and also providing a manifold assembly that is adapted for either a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator motor with relatively minor modification. The manifold assembly is designed to accept all utilized control valves, relief valves, check valves, flow control devices, and manually operable override controls thereby simplifying installation and maintenance and reducing attendent costs. Three independent solenoid valves, responsive to mechanical feedback provided through the plug-valve's operating stem and integrated into the manifold within the explosion-proof container, provide for actuator motor control including a novel dual speed capability for enhancing plug-valve performance while precluding costly premature wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Johnston Pump/General Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon M. Smith, Fred G. Chase, Sr., Gerard E. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 4655252
    Abstract: Valve bodies that are generally cylindrical and are open at top and bottom are combined with flow diverters which may be combined top to bottom to permit stacking of a combination of valves for actuation together without need for separator walls between valves. These elements, together with special adapters and end plates, permit economical manufacture of a series of manually or hydraulically actuated single and multiple function valves. These and other valve body and valve element forms and flow elbows are rendered more useful by the inclusion of seal retaining elements and flow turners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Mark U. Krumhansl
  • Patent number: 4651969
    Abstract: A valve actuator for a subsea oil well installation includes a rotatable adjusting member (53) for engagement with the valve spindle, and a linear fluid actuator (17) coaxial with the adjusting member and operable by fluid pressure pulses to index the adjusting member around selectively in either direction. A mechanical movement converts linear motion of the actuator to rotary motion of the adjusting member. A fluid operated clutch selectively connects the fluid actuator to the adjusting member. A shaft (65) projects from the rear end of the actuator casing to permit manual adjustment as well. Position sensors (120) emit signals indicative of the valve position, and a pointer (123) at the rear of the casing provides a visual indication of the valve condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Telektron Limited
    Inventor: Dennis S. Dowdall
  • Patent number: 4650151
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated actuator for a sliding gate valve designed for use in a subsea environment. The actuator includes a manual override system that functions independently of the actuator's hydraulic piston and return spring, an externally accessible valve gate drift adjustment, an externally adjustable upstop for the actuator stem, a stem thread assembly that can be manufactured from a material different from the actuator stem to prevent or reduce the possibility of thread galling, a hydraulic control pressure porting system integral with the hydraulic cylinder to minimize space requirements, and a facility for accommodating an optional external electrical stem position indicator package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: John N. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 4647003
    Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bruno Hilpert, Bruno Hunziker
  • Patent number: 4645007
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tubing drain valve suitable for use in a borehole and a method for operating the disclosed valve. This device is particularly useful in a production pipe string where it provides a convenient apparatus and method for draining production fluid from the string in order to facilitate a variety of activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tubing drain valve actuated to its open position by a force developed across the working surfaces of a movable piston by the pressure in the interior of the production string and actuated to its closed position by a mechanical device. Preferably, the tubing drain valve of the present invention further comprises structure to bias the valve to its closed position and structure to bias the valve in its open position. The valve of the present invention is actuated by overcoming the appropriate biassing forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Soderberg Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 4643219
    Abstract: A valve for regulating the passage of a fluid through pipes, in particular pipes having a large diameter, has a valve housing and a valve unit. The valve unit includes a spindle movable in vertical direction in the housing and is connected to a valve disk which reciprocates in a flow cylinder having a perforated casing. The spindle is further connected to a lifting cylinder which provides the movement of the spindle and the valve disk between a shutoff position and an open position. The valve unit of the valve is insertable into the housing and removable therefrom in its entirety without necessitating a dismantling of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Bopp & Reuther
    Inventors: Manfred Schmitt, Herbert Illius
  • Patent number: 4637423
    Abstract: A pneumatic gas cylinder valve actuator that clamps to the threads on gas cylinder normally used for threading on a protective cap and is so designed that air pressure up to 100 psi admitted to the internal piston chamber in the valve actuator opens the gas cylinder valve while compressing the springs under the pistons in the internal piston chambers so that when air pressure is cut off the springs return the gas cylinder valve to the closed position; a torque indicator on top of the valve actuator shows proper positioning of the valve actuator clamp to adjust the closing torque exerted by the springs under the pistons to about 70 inch pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: David K. Gray
  • Patent number: 4627468
    Abstract: A manual override handle assembly for the operation of a hydraulic control valve of the type having a movable spool includes a housing forming a hollow chamber in which a spool extension is slidably mounted. A handle assembly extends outwardly from the housing and is mounted for pivotal movement within the chamber. The handle is movable to an inoperable position wherein the handle is disassociated from the spool extension so that movement of the spool extension will not result in movement of the handle. The handle is further movable to an operable position wherein the handle engages the spool extension so that movement of the handle results in movement of the spool extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Husco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raud A. Wilke, Michael Paik
  • Patent number: 4620328
    Abstract: A wall-mounted lavatory system is disclosed having two remote actuating units on the front surface of a lavatory sink connected to two self-closing flush valve mechanisms located behind the wall so that the flush valves are not accessible to the user of the lavatory sink. The lavatory system can employ either mechanical actuating means or hydraulic actuating means. Whichever actuating means are employed, the same basic flush valve can be used. The flush valve includes a piston assembly that normally closes upon a main valve seat, the piston assembly including a relief valve assembly normally closing upon a relief valve seat, the relief valve assembly having a bell-shaped relief valve head which threadedly engages a stem, the length of the stem depending from the relief valve head being adjustable by the extent to which the stem is screwed into the relief valve head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Frederic Lissau
  • Patent number: 4619434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat sensitive jack for overriding a valve including a valve body and a gate valve member connected to a valve stem which is operated by a linear actuator having an actuator body and an actuator stem connected to the valve stem extending outwardly of the actuator body, wherein the actuator stem is movable between an open and a closed position, and wherein no hazardous projectiles are formed when the stem moves to the closed position. The jack includes a cap connectable to the body and a nut axially movably disposed in the cap for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the distance between the first and second positions is at least as great as the distance between the open and closed positions of the valve. A fusible element is provided to normally maintain the nut in the first position, but which upon being exposed to excessive temperature will allow the nut to move to the second position within the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Axelson, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Snyder, Billy R. Bruton
  • Patent number: 4617992
    Abstract: An operating system and choke valve actuator mechanism for a plunger lift gas and oil well having a casing and a tubing string. The actuator mechanism has a manual "low stage" setting for the choke valve so that low velocity gas will flow from the tubing string. The system has a control unit responsive to a pressure differential between casing gas (high) and tubing string gas (low) to move the actuator mechanism to a "high stage" setting for the choke valve so that high velocity gas and oil will flow for the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas E. Abel
  • Patent number: 4616803
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved override and an interrelated valve system. A main valve has an actuator, the actuator in turn having a control for communicating a control signal to the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to place the main valve in its open or closed position. The override is associated with the main valve and selectively shiftable between an engaged mode in which the override is operatively connected with the main valve for moving the main valve between its open and closed positions, and a disengaged mode in which the operative connection between the override and the main valve is interrupted, whereby the main valve may move independently of the override. A shut-off functionally interconnects the override and the actuator control and is operative, upon shifting of the override to its engaged mode, to block the control signal from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Keystone International, Inc.
    Inventor: Petrus J. R. Schils
  • Patent number: 4576358
    Abstract: An improved remotely operable safety valve which is adapted for use between the swivel and the kelly is disclosed. An annular hydraulic piston moves the valve to the open and closed position whether or not the drill string is rotating, and in the event of hydraulic failure, the valve may be operated manually. Centering spring means are provided to reduce wear on the operable elements when the valve is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: James D. Mott, Danny K. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4573661
    Abstract: A multiple schedule valve including a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect thereto. A lever in the form of a bell crank is connected to the valve member and is movable on a pivot. A first actuator is connected to the lever to pivot the same to thereby move the valve member relative to the seat. A second actuator is connected to the pivot and is operable to shift the pivot axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David N. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4573489
    Abstract: A dump valve for dumping liquid from the bottom of a tank comprising an elongated valve body insertable into the lower end of the tank so that the valve body extends deeply into the tank, the innermost portion of the valve body having an inner port communicating with the interior of the tank, the valve body having a portion extending exterior of the tank when the body is inserted into the tank, the valve body having a central axial bore extending therethrough and communicating with the inner port for directing liquid away from the tank, a drain passage connected to the exterior portion of the valve body and communicating with the axial bore for draining liquid from the tank, a pair of head plates connected to the exterior portion of the valve body, the head plates being connected to each other and forming a diaphragm chamber therebetween, a diaphragm held in sealed clamping engagement between the head plates and dividing the chamber into two separate compartments sealed from each other, an elongated valve ste
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Murphy Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis M. Carlton, Bob L. O'Mary, Teddy H. Cruse
  • Patent number: 4569503
    Abstract: An actuator for moving the stem (9) of a gate valve or the like is provided with hydraulic means (15,17) for driving the stem (9) axially inward and a volute spring (7) for returning the stem axially outward upon loss or other removal of the control hydraulic pressure. A ball screw (49) and ball nut (54) assembly rotatable by a disengageable drive shaft (63) is operable to manually drive the stem (9) inward during periods of insufficient control pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Gray Tool Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Karr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4557527
    Abstract: An electro-pneumatic brake system with a pressure control valve switched ahead of the brake cylinders is proposed, which connects the brake cylinders either with outside air or with a storage tank. The pressure control valve is directly operable by an electro-magnet or, in the case of its loss, by an operating piston and is formed as a double-seat valve with large flow-through diameters. It can be combined with stop valves in order to make possible a multichannel pressure control. The compressed brake system is intended for use in motor vehicles, especially in utility vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Stumpe
  • Patent number: 4527769
    Abstract: A fail-safe actuator of the type which permits cycling of a control member during normal operation without encumbrance from a return mechanism includes a link having a slot. A pin secured to a crankshaft coupled to the controlled member is slidably disposed within the slot. The slot permits rotation of the crankshaft within a range defined by the slot length. Upon system failure, a fluid pressure is moved to a predetermined position by a biasing spring to force the crankshaft to a fail-safe position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Xomox Corporation
    Inventors: Clarence H. Stogner, David J. Koerner
  • Patent number: 4493336
    Abstract: A hydraulic choking device for use in controlling fluid flow from an oil or gas well comprising choke body assembly and a choke actuator assembly having a choke actuator assembly with improved sealing means and choke plug construction, as well as a unique choke actuator drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Wesley E. Renfro
  • Patent number: 4491296
    Abstract: The operation of a gas burner, such as a Bunsen burner, is controlled by a remote control device including a diaphragm drive which responds to a fluid under pressure for operating the actuator of the burner whereby the gas supply is switched on or off. The diaphragm seals off a pressure chamber from a fuel gas supply chamber and is deformable by the pressure in the pressure chamber. Such deformation is transmitted to the burner actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Hermann T. Frank
  • Patent number: 4480811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail-safe actuator of the type in which a piston riding in a cylinder is urged toward a port end of the cylinder by an energy storage spring. The piston is prevented from moving toward the port end so long as liquid remains entraped between the piston and port end, movement of the piston toward the port end resulting in shifting of a cable and consequent rotation of a quadrant about which the cable is arrayed to rotate a shaft. A rolling seal diaphragm is interposed between the piston and cylinder whereby leakage is prevented over protracted use periods, and the piston is isolated from liquid between the port and piston. Optionally, an annulus disposed between the piston and cylinder bears against the roll seal portion of the diaphragm preventing extrusion or permanent distortion of the diaphragm under high pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventors: Lorin P. Card, Otto W. Borsting
  • Patent number: 4476678
    Abstract: The control mechanism is for pneumatic apparatus of the kind comprising a piston-and-cylinder motor coupled between two relatively-movable parts (such as door-leaves) for driving them, when energized, to a predetermined relative position. A pilot valve is actuated when required to switch the apparatus to an emergency mode by isolating the motor from its power source and discharging it into an emergency reservoir having a volume large compared with the maximum volume of gas in the motor. While the pilot valve is actuated, the relatively-movable parts are urged towards their predetermined relative positions by a force small compared with the normal operating force. The pilot valve may be arranged to operate operation of an emergency release bolt, on obstruction detected by a detector valve (in which case a timing reservoir provides time delay before full power is restored), on power failure, or as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: PLC Peters Limited
    Inventor: John L. Hall