Abstract: Selective retraction of a spring-biased valve seat from slidable sealing engagement with a ball valve member is effected by a threaded retraction tool inserted through a threaded retraction port normally sealed by a removable sealing screw and gasket. The tapered distal end of the tool contacts a radially outward-facing and convex camming surface of the valve seat that tapers toward the forward/sealing end of the seat. Rotation of the tool in a direction to increase insertion causes the distal end of the tool to slide along the camming surface while forcing the valve seat away from the valve ball in opposition to the resilient bias sealing force. The taper in the camming surface may be provided as a smooth generally parabolodial configuration or as discrete surface segments subtending different respective cam angles with a reference plane oriented perpendicular to the direction of the spring bias force.

Abstract: A valve for connection in a pipeline or duct for the conveyance of a fluent medium includes a valve plate which is movable laterally relative to the duct between respective open and closed positions, with resilient sealing means provided on or in association with the valve plate. The sealing means is provided on an axially movable member to engage one face of the valve plate, while the opposed sealing means is carried by a fixed end member so that the valve plate is clamped between them. Either of the sealing means may be omitted. A ram actuates the valve plate by rotation of a shaft while simultaneously rotating a control ring forming part of the control mechanism which moves the member axially to clamp and release the valve plate.

Abstract: A ball valve comprising a valve body defining inlet and outlet sections, and a ball with a calibrated through-port. The valve further comprises a stem to rotate the ball between open and closed positions, a seal to insure a fluid tight closure of the valve when the ball is in the closed position, and a mechanism for retracting the seal. This seal retracting mechanism is selectively coupled to the stem, and the mechanism eliminates all contact, when the valve is in the open position, (i) between the ball and the seal, and (ii) between the stem and the seal retracting mechanism.

Abstract: A diverter valve for use in a pneumatic conveying system includes a valve plate and a seal plate which have juxtaposed surfaces and are supported for relative movement therebetween so as to enable alignment of an input convey line port in the valve plate between alternate discharge convey line ports in the seal plate. Annular seals are supported in seal grooves circumferentially of the ports in the seal plate and are adapted for fluid pressure biasing into sealing engagement with the opposed valve plate by means of a fluid pressure control circuit. The seals are adapted to be subject to vacuum by the pressure control circuit so as to retract the seals from sealing relation with the valve plate during shifting movement of the valve plate. The seal plate and fluid pressure control circuit are further adapted to effect fluid pressure flow across the sealing surfaces of the seals during retraction thereof so as to clean the seals while in their retracted positions.

Abstract: A top entry ball valve is proposed which has a valve body formed with a valve chamber, a valve mounted in the valve chamber, a seat ring at the low-pressure side, and a seat ring assembly having another seat ring, a belleville spring and a seat ring holder at the high-pressure side. The seat ring assembly can be easily mounted into and removed out of the valve chamber by use of a clamp while comprising the belleville spring. The clamp comprises a pair of clamping pieces fastened together with a bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing in the zone of contact between the mouths of alternately charging and discharging delivery cylinders of a concrete pump and a swinging pipe that is alternately movable to alignment in front of the cylinder that is discharging at the time. It comprises an annular seal body so supported at the mouth zone of the delivery cylinder as to be slidable between a sealing position projecting into the rear end portion of the swinging pipe and a withdrawn releasing position in which it is spaced from the swinging pipe so as not to interfere with its swinging. The seal body is maintained in its withdrawn position whenever the swinging pipe is moving, thus substantially avoiding abrasion.

Abstract: A valve having a body with an inlet duct, an outlet duct and a plug rotatably disposed in the body. The plug has a port to provide for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ducts and is movable between an open position wherein the port at least partially registers with both the inlet and outlet ducts to pass fluid through the valve to a closed position wherein no part of the port registers with the ducts, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the valve. The valve has a pressurizable seal between the body and plug, when the plug is at both the open and closed positions. To actuate the seal, a closed hydraulic system is provided. A regulator piston is urged against the pressure of the hydraulic system with a preselected force to regulate the hydraulic pressure. The valve also includes a mechanism to compensate for hydraulic fluid thermal expansion.

Abstract: The device comprises a body (1) provided with two coaxial circular openings (3, 4) for connecting two sections of pipe, wherein each opening has an oblique seat (5, 6) receiving a wedge formed of two counter-seats (9, 10), a spherical ball (11) and a cage (12) in which the ball carries elastic means (23) which exert a pressure from said wedge on its seats (5, 6), and a rod (26) enabling said wedge to be unwedged, said ball being provided with a rotation shaft (13) and springs (18) enabling the counter-seats to be detached from the ball in the unwedged position of the wedge.

Abstract: A gate valve is disclosed having a secondary seal, wherein the gate forms a metal to metal seal with the seat and wherein a resilient seal is moved toward the gate in a closed position to form a secondary fluid-tight seal with the gate. A device for deenergizing the secondary seal is provided in order to prevent wear of the secondary seal upon opening of the gate and also to reduce the gate drag caused by the energized secondary seal. Also disclosed is a pressure relief mechanism for the secondary seal adapted to prevent damage to the seal and a mechanism for evenly applying opposing secondary seals.

Abstract: A seal device for a gate valve is disclosed, in which annular members facing the front and rear surfaces of a gate valve member having a through hole are coupled to a valve cage by inner and outer bellows, each of the annular members has an annular recess formed on the side facing the gate valve member and closed by an annular mirror surface finished thin plate secured by welding to an opening thereof, the individual bellows are elongated by fluid under pressure supplied into annular spaces defined by the inner and outer bellows, and the annular mirror surface finished thin plates are strongly urged against the gate valve member by the pressure of the fluid forced from the annular spaces into the annular recesses. Edge portions of the annular mirror surface finished thin plates are to be very firmly mounted to the annular members, and the mechanical strength of the thin plates is to be increased.

Abstract: A fluid tap includes a first cylinder having a first axial hole adapted to be communicating with a fluid source and a first radial through hole in communication with the first axial hole for discharging therefrom the fluid coming from the fluid source and a second cylinder having a second axial hole for rotatably, securely and sealingly receiving therein the first cylinder and a second radial through hole capable of in alignment with the first radial through hole so that the wall defining the second axial hole will prevent the first radial through hole from discharging therefrom the fluid when the first and second cylinders are in a first relative position that the first and second through holes are incapable of communicating with each other and the second radial through hole will discharge therefrom the fluid when the first and second cylinders are in a second relative position that the first and second radial through holes are in communication.

Abstract: The invention is a flow and pressure-sealing valve for use with abrasive solids. The valve embodies special features which provide for long, reliable operating lifetimes in solids-handling service. The valve includes upper and lower transversely slidable gates, contained in separate chambers. The upper gate provides a solids-flow control function, whereas the lower gate provides a pressure-sealing function. The lower gate is supported by means for (a) lifting that gate into sealing engagement with its seat when the gate is in its open and closed positions and (b) lowering the gate out of contact with its seat to permit abrasion-free transit of the gate between its open and closed positions. When closed, the upper gate isolates the lower gate from the solids. Because of this shielding action, the sealing surface of the lower gate is not exposed to solids during transit or when it is being lifted or lowered.

Abstract: A valve of special usefulness in handling solids-containing or solids-producing fluids comprises a floating valve seat comprised of inner and outer rings, the outer ring being fixed within the valve body and the inner ring being urged directly from the outer ring by one or more springs against a gate element controlling the flow of fluids through the valve. The springs are housed within chambers provided by aligned cavities in the inner and outer rings while similarly aligned notches house a bellows or accordian shaped flexible metal seal. The flexible metal seal is in contact with the fluid but prevents entry of fluid between the rings to the spring; thus, the action of the inner and outer rings is not impeded by solids depositing from the fluid.

Abstract: A sealing assembly comprises three non-compressible and relatively movable members, the first and second members having a first elastomeric sealing element located between them, the second and third members having a second elastomeric element located between them to urge the second member away from the third member and towards the first member. Spaces are provided between the second and third members and are occupied by an elastomeric spring biassed to urge the second member away from the first member and a metallic spring biassed to urge the second member towards the first member. The force exerted by the elastomeric spring is greater than and opposite to that exerted by the metallic spring.The sealing assembly is fire safe and particularly suitable for use in a ball valve.

Abstract: A slide gate valve assembly is provided wherein resilient means exert positive pressure to force a solid slide gate against the periphery of an aperture to establish a tight seal for retaining dry bulk particulate material in a container. Cam means are provided in the assembly to release the positive pressure on the side gate which may thereupon be removed from the aperture to dump the contents from the container.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve has hydraulically actuated seals for sealing between a valve body and a rotatable valve plug. The valve plug is rotated to open or close the valve. A valve handle for turning the plug can be rotatably uncoupled from the valve plug when the valve is closed and turned relative to the plug toward an overtravel position to actuate a hydraulic piston to pressurize the seals. A second piston regulates pressure to the seals and prevents overpressurization.

Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus comprising a main frame adapted for connection to a conduit in a position generally in registry with the conduit, a movable blade slidably mounted in the frame, means for moving the blade back and forth between an open position in which the blade is outside the conduit and a closed position in which the blade blocks the conduit, a slot-like port through which the blade slides when it is moved between its open and closed positions, and an inflatable sealing ring that is operable, when inflated, to press against the face of the blade at the blade's periphery when the blade is in the closed position, thereby creating a seal between the blade and the frame, is improved by having the main frame define a channel which holds the edges of the blade when in the closed position, and having the inflatable ring being carried by a second frame, smaller than the main frame, which slidably fits in the channel of the main frane and which can be withdrawn from the main frame through the blade port

Abstract: An automatic sliding gate valve for connection to the ingress or egress opening of a vibrating dryer or other structure operable under either vacuum or pressure, the gate valve having a flat slide plate slidably movable by fluid powered cylinders and dampened, held rigid in its guides and held against pressure or vacuum by pneumatic seal members.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fluids containing abrasive particles including thermally-actuated means for ensuring a tight seal between the movable valve element and the valve body in both the open and closed positions. The thermally-actuated means is deactivated when repositioning the movable valve element and reactivated to provide a tight seal when the movable valve element is in position.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fluids containing abrasive particles including thermally-actuated means for ensuring a tight seal between the movable valve element and the valve body in both the open and closed positions. The thermally-actuated means is deactivated when repositioning the movable valve element and reactivated to provide a tight seal when the movable valve element is in position.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement specifically for shut off devices is disclosed. A shut off device has two annular metallic sealing members of which one is a rigid body and the other is a thin-walled elastically deformable body. One of the sealing members features a considerable large hardness. The other sealing member comprises a coating of a soft metal, filling all irregularities of the surface thereof. Upon closing of the shut off device the surfaces of the two sealing members rub against each other, whereby the coating of soft metal is rubbed off until portions thereof remain in the recesses of the metal forming the substrate of this sealing member. This assures an excellent sealing of the shut off device.

Abstract: A ball valve mechanism is provided having an internal movable valve seat element that is positioned for linear movement with respect to a valve ball that is positioned for rotation within the valve body. A mechanism for inducing linear movement to the movable seat element is provided which has the capability of retracting the seat member to allow relatively free rotation of the valve ball element or to force the seat member into sealing engagement with the valve ball with force of sufficient magnitude to induce sealing engagement between the valve ball and a pair of opposed seat surfaces within the valve mechanism. The valve body structure is constructed to facilitate actuation of the linearly movable seat member by an actuator ring that is supported by bearings within an annular groove defined by the valve body structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to guillotine dampers, particularly to those which are used to isolate a section of ductwork without the entire system requiring to be made inoperative. Known dampers of this kind suffer from the disadvantage that a satisfactory seal is difficult to establish around the periphery of the damper blade with the result that it can be hazardous in the isolated section if the remainder of the ductwork system is carrying toxic or otherwise dangerous fluids. According to the present invention, an auxiliary seal is provided in the form of first and second sealing surfaces extending around the periphery of the plane of movement of the blade, which are urged towards each other and into sealing engagement with the blade when in its closed position by means of a frame. The frame is continuously urged to the sealing position by means of devices. Cams act on the frame and are rotatable to selectively overcome the bias of the devices and withdraw the frame to release the damper blade for opening.

Abstract: A pipe valve assembly including a housing defining a flow aperture, a valve member for opening and closing the flow aperture, a spring biased valve seat ring for pressing the valve member to seal the aperture, a spring assembly urging the valve seat ring away from its sealing position and a fluid pressure chamber on one side of the spring assembly for receiving fluid pressure to actuate the valve seat ring into its sealing position. The spring assembly in formed with a smaller diameter annular spring member and a larger diameter annular spring member arranged coaxially relative to each other and relative to the valve seat ring with the valve seat ring being attached with an outer edge of the smaller diameter spring member and the inner edge of the larger diameter spring member. The spring assembly is supported in the housing at an inner edge of the smaller diameter spring member and at an outer edge of the larger diameter spring member.

Abstract: An improved mounting and sealing assembly is provided for a rotating ball valve required to open under increased differential pressures and close against high flow rates. The valve assembly includes a trunnion-mounted ball and two pressure biased sealing assemblies. The primary seal constitutes an elastomeric seal element which is axially shiftable into engagement with the ball, and the secondary seal comprises a metallic element which is also axially shiftable relative to the ball. To open the valve, the seals are moved in sequence axially away from the ball and the hydraulic seal is fully broken before the ball is rotated. In closing, the ball is rotated to its closed position and the seals then moved axially in sequence into contact with the ball.

Abstract: A guillotine damper for a duct is provided with a thrust frame upstream of the path of a blade that is movable into and out of an operative position in sealing engagement with a seat downstream of the blade path when the flow path is not obstructed by the blade and in sealing engagement with and seating the blade against the seat when the blade is positioned to block the duct. Devices are provided with each utilizing resilient components to thrust the frame into its sealing positions and a hydraulic component to retract the frame when the blade is to be moved into or out of its duct blocking position. Each device exerts the force of either component to the frame through a series of mechanical elements spaced a substantial distance apart along the sides of the frames and connected thereto.

Abstract: A valve housing is adapted to be built into a pipeline, and a valve plate is movable into a valve-closing position in the housing. A displaceable sealing member provides a seal between the valve plate and the housing. At least one spring tends to displace the member into sealing position, and at least one pressure-medium actuated bellows is arranged, upon receiving the pressure medium, to displace the member away from sealing position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for valves and the like comprises a housing with a port situated therein which is to be opened and closed. Associated with the port is a seat and a valve plate for closing the port. A rotatable shaft drive mechanism for the valve plate includes a shaft which rotates in one direction to effect movement of the valve plate from its open position to its closed position followed by a pressing movement over the valve plate against the seat and rotates in the other direction to effect movement of the valve plate in the opposite direction. The rotatable shaft drive mechanism includes an intermittent drive for the transformation of the rotatory movement of the shaft to the desired movement of the valve plate.

Abstract: A rotary flow regulating valve in which a cylindrical expansible bellows mounted in the valve body and encircling a conduit therethrough moves a circular seal means between engagement with a spherical sealing surface of a valve member and a position withdrawn from the sealing surface. The valve body and valve member cooperate in defining a circumferential flow path between the sealing surface and the valve body and a diametrical flow path through the valve member. With the bellows vented to withdraw the seal means from the sealing surface, the valve member is rotated to regulate fluid flow through the valve while dividing fluid flow between the circumferential and diametrical flow paths and continue fluid flow over the sealing surface to thereby distribute wear and maintain sealing efficiency.

Abstract: A device, such as a damper or valve, for use in closing a conduit against the flow of liquid has a chamber surrounding and opening into the conduit. A blade at one side of the conduit is movable through the chamber from a first position within a bonnet into a conduit-blocking position. Means carried by the chamber side walls surround the conduit and are between the conduit and the blade when in its first position and are operable then to coact to seal the chamber against leakage into it and to seal the blade when in its second position. At least one seal is of a type brought by fluid under pressure from a position out of the path of the blade into its sealing positions and is carried by the side wall enabling the seal to engage the blade face exposed to the fluid flow. Means are provided to deliver fluid pressure to the pressure operated seal when the blade is in either position and to relieve the pressure therein when the blade is to be moved.

Abstract: The valve assembly tools include a longitudinally expandable member insertable between the seats in a ball valve to forcefully displace the seats into a retracted position in the seat pockets. Seat securing devices are temporarily mounted in the valve body through seat lubrication apertures so they can temporarily engage each of the seat assemblies to secure them in the retracted position. When assembling a valve the seats are displaced to the retracted position by using the longitudinally expandable member and they are temporarily retained in this position by the seat securing devices so the expandable member can be removed. Next the ball valve member is positioned between the seats and then the seat securing devices are released to allow the seats to move into contact with the ball valve member. The seat securing devices are then removed from the valve body and assembly of the valve is continued.

Abstract: A valve having a body with a valve seat and valve element and actuating means for moving the valve element toward and away from the valve seat with stop means in the body for stopping the movement of the valve element when the element is positioned against the valve seat. Fluid-actuated seal means are provided for sealing between the valve seat and the valve element and fluid-actuation means including a piston and cylinder which are in fluid communication with the seal means for actuation of the seal means. The fluid-actuation means are connected to the valve-actuating means whereby the seal means are pressurized and relieved by movement of the valve-actuating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and useful adjustable packing assembly for a flat, slide-valve control member which comprises: a rectangular housing which supports a plurality of packing members in abutting contact with the flat control member; a plurality of stationary wedge members having a flat surface for abutment with the packing members and further having a surface including a plurality of interconnected, tapered steps; and at least one movable wedge member which includes a surface of a shape similar to and abutting the stepped surface of the stationary wedges, whereby movement of the movable wedges forces the stationary wedges to compress the packing members against the control member.

Abstract: A metallic seat assembly for a gate valve includes an annular seat pocket around the flow passageways to the valve chamber with a metallic annular seat support member rigidly mounted in the seat pocket and a metallic annular seat member movably mounted inside the seat support member and connected thereto by a resilient and flexible annular metallic member. The resilient annular member is secured continuously around its inner and outer perimeters to the seat support member and the seat member respectively and it functions as a spring to bias the seat member toward the gate and as a seal between the seat member and the supporting member. The resilient and flexible member permits axial movement of the seat member relative to the seat support member and also compensates for thermal expansion and contraction of the seat member and the seat support member relative to each other. The metallic seat member has an integral metallic sealing lip extending from an annular groove around the sealing face of the seat member.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve comprised of a valve body having a replaceable liner and valve plug disposed therein. The liner is formed of a pair of axially split complementary liner members, including an upstream liner member and a downstream liner member, having at least one radially elastically deformable retaining member disposed around the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A ball valve with an actuator wherein a seal assembly with a combination O-ring swivel and seal for producing a tight seal is hidden in a pocket isolated from the flow of fluid through the valve by an inlet reentrant flange and the valve body. The swivel and other parts of the seal assembly including but not limited to the seal thereof, because the O-ring swivel makes the seal assembly mount tenuous and subject to chattering and vibration, can be damaged. This is true because the seal assembly seal receives large and rapid impact loads. The chattering and vibration also thereby produce serious damage to and wear on the seal assembly seal. A great deal of chattering and vibration is usually caused by exposing the seal assembly to the fluid passing through the valve. In the ball valve disclosed herein this is prevented by mounting the seal assembly in the isolated pocket. The valve disclosed herein also has other features.

Abstract: A ball valve with an actuator wherein a seal assembly with a combination O-ring swivel and seal for producing a tight seal is hidden in a pocket isolated from the flow of fluid through the valve by an inlet reentrant flange and the valve body. The swivel and other parts of the seal assembly including but not limited to the seal thereof, because the O-ring swivel makes the seal assembly mount tenuous and subject to chattering and vibration, can be damaged. This is true because the seal assembly seal receives large and rapid impact loads. The chattering and vibration also thereby produce serious damage to and wear on the seal assembly seal. A great deal of chattering and vibration is usually caused by exposing the seal assembly to the fluid passing through the valve. In the ball valve disclosed herein this is prevented by mounting the seal assembly in the isolated pocket. The valve disclosed herein also has other features.

Abstract: A trunnion mounted ball valve with cam plates mounted on the stem axis. Cam followers on the seat rings engage in cam slots in the plates to move the seats positively into firm engagement with the ball at the open and closed positions thereof and retract them free of the ball as it is moved between those positions. The seats slide axially in slide rings which are threaded into the body around the flow passage. The valve ball, seat rings, and slide rings may be removed as a unit through the valve top opening.