Abstract: A ring seal on moved machine parts, in particular for use on a rotary slide valve, is proposed, which is formed by a pressurized annular channel (11) with a ring seal (12). In a connection flange (10), for this purpose an annular channel (11), parallel to the center axis (19), is formed with a pressure space (15) for pressurization of the ring seal (12).

Abstract: In a bi-directional valve control system, a differential, bi-directional valve seating member for operation at a seating surface wherein the seating member comprises a multi-membered disk formed of at least first and second contiguous disk elements. The first disk element is formed of flexible material which is capable of primary deformation in response to fluid flow along a flow line direction corresponding to second-to-first disk orientation. This first disk element is configured in size and shape to increase seating contact at the seating surface by flow-pressure assist principles which cause the primary deformation response. The second disk element is formed of flexible material which when combined with the first disk element is less capable of deforming than the independent deformation first disk element. This second disk element resists the primary deformation response with respect to fluid flow along the opposing flow line from first-to-second disk element orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved valve comprising a valve housing, a fluid path therethrough, a seat disposed about the fluid path, a rotatable, curved wedge disposed in the fluid path, an actuator for rotating the wedge between its closed and opened positions and a fixed member for displacing the wedge longitudinally toward the seat as it is rotated between its opened and closed positions. Preferably, the seat is biased toward the hemi-wedge. The rotatable, curved wedge has a curved sealing surface for cooperation with the seat. The wedge includes a bore through its thinner end forming a part of the fluid flow path when opened while its thicker end blocks the fluid flow path in the closed position. The sides of the wedge are curved, one side providing a convex sealing surface and the other side providing a concave thrust surface.

Abstract: A mixing valve includes a faucet body (1), a control mechanism, a support surface (9a) for a fixed valve plate (18) mounted on this support surface, a seal (16, 17) placed between the fixed plate and the support surface and a movable valve plate (19) connected to the control mechanism and appointed to shift in sliding contact with the fixed plate so as to regulate the flow rate and the mixing proportions. An attachment mechanism (31) connects the fixed plate to the support surface, the seal being compressed between them, by these parts exerting a compressive force. The compression of the seal is therefore made independent of the pressure between the fixed and the movable plates which can then be reduced to render better sliding and working of the valve plates. The attachment mechanism can be fixed or removable, and can work near the center of the fixed plate or along its border or in both positions.

Abstract: A mixing faucet for hot and cold water including a cartridge 40 which contains a fixed valve plate 32 and a movable valve plate 23, both constructed of hard ceramic material, and both constructed to control the proportion of mixing and the flow that comes out of the faucet. In this faucet, the part 25 of the cartridge that has the seat for the fixed valve plate 32 constitutes an element which is separate from the cover 16 of the cartridge. It is mounted in the cover 16 for sealed axial movement and is arranged so that sealed flow can occur from a part of the cavity of the body of the faucet that has a reduced section and in which one of the supply pipes 2 is connected. The seat 25 for the valve plate has some projections 30 which can interact in the passage apertures 32a to laterally affix the plate 32. The cartridge has an annular ring 34 which has some upper teeth 35 that engage with corresponding recesses 33 present peripherally on the work face of the fixed valve plate.

Abstract: A valve seat structure and assembly for a gate, ball, globe or plug type valve adapted to enhance the high-pressure seat sealing capabilities thereof, comprised in alternate embodiments of either a single or a cooperative set of rings having either an interior or exterior geometrically configured circumferentially recessive undercut channel to provide an overhang flex-lip structure against which the closed valve plug compressively seats in flex communicative seal on one side thereof and pressurized line fluid exerts a uniformly distributed circumferential counter flexure deflective force on the other side thereof, wherein the preferred embodiment overhang flex-lip structure is provided with a radially spaced plurality of flex-limit stop posts within the undercut channel thereof whereby valve plug compressive deflection of the flex-lip is restricted to less than that amount which would exceed the permanent distortion flex limit of a particular material from which the valve seat rings are constructed.

Abstract: A valve piston (1) is axially movably arranged in a valve housing (8) having a cylindrical flow passage. A circumferential groove (2) of the piston (1) carries a sealing ring (3) for separating a high pressure side (H) from a low pressure side (L) of the valve. The sealing ring (3) has a cross-sectionally trapezoid shaped portion (4) of which the narrow side (3a) may be pressed tightly to seal against the inner valve seat surface (8') of the housing (8). At least one spring ring (7) is arranged to radially outwardly bias the sealing ring (3) for sealing against the valve seat surface (8').

Abstract: A through conduit gate valve apparatus having a valve seat assembly that is field maintainable and which prevents the occurrence of pressure lock is disclosed. Each valve seat assembly includes a retainer ring fixed in the valve body and a pressure responsive seat ring that seals with the gate member. The seat ring is responsive to fluid pressure in the valve flow passageways for maintaining and enhancing the face seal with the gate and to fluid pressure in the valve chamber for automatically venting the valve chamber to prevent occurrence of a pressure lock condition.

Abstract: A gate valve improvement including a seat-to-body seal means for reliable bi-directional sealing, a port to bypass at least one of the seat-to-body seals, and means to plug the bypass port when the operation of this seal is desired.

Abstract: A ball valve of the floating ball variety is provided. Improved sealing subassemblies each comprising a floating seat retainer and a corresponding flexible metallic seat ring provide reliable sealing engagement with both upstream and downstream surfaces of the ball. Each seat retainer moves with the floating ball to maintain annular contact therewith, and retains its corresponding seat ring in constant concentricity with the ball. The seat ring is sealed against the ball by line pressure acting directly on the seat ring on the upstream side, and by line pressure acting on the ball on the downstream side to transmit movement to the seat retainer which then causes the seat ring to perfect a seal against the ball. Each of the seat rings and seat retainers thus independently floats with respect to the valve body. The same sealing subassemblies are utilized on both the upstream and downstream sides of the valve, allowing any side of the valve to be used in any location and making the valve highly versatile.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device and a compression member therefore permit the clamping of a seal of the device without the presence of internal threads so that high purity can be maintained. The compression member comprises a first suface centrally located on one side of the member for applying a concentrated central force to the seal and a diametrically larger second surface on a second side of the compression member opposite the first side. At least a radially outer portion of the second surface is elevated with respect to a radially inner portion thereof to provide a contact surface upon which the diametrically larger force is applied.

Abstract: The ball valve, especially for a solvent-containing flow and/or an abrasive solid mixture, has a housing, a sintered ceramic valve seat, a sintered ceramic valve ball and an operating shaft for the valve ball guided through a shaft seal in the housing. The valve ball is positioned free of an elastic seal between seating surfaces of the valve seat and the valve seat has at least two sintered ceramic seat rings which are mounted in the housing and which are acted on with a pressing force by an elastic element supported in the housing. The valve ball is positioned between the seat rings which seal on the housing and are acted on with a sealing force. The seat rings have a plurality of seating surfaces which are formed like the surface of an inner core and contact tangentially on the valve ball along circumferential sealing lines.

Abstract: A sealing assembly (20) for a ball valve comprises two non compressible and relatively movable members, for example the ball (24) and seal housing (26) of a ball valve, having located therebetween a sealing element (32) which is inflatable by the introduction of hydraulic fluid.The sealing element (32) is located in a recess in member (26) so that when the hydraulic pressure is released the element (32) retracts into the recess to release the sealing engagement and facilitate the relative movement of members (24, 26). A resilient rubber ring (40) is provided to bias the seal housing (26) away from the position of sealing engagement to also facilitate movement of members (24, 26). A second sealing element (25) is also provided. Both elements are carried by the seal housing (26) which is in the form of an annular piston movable by the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A shear seal valve includes a valve body defining an interior valve chamber and a slide member axially movable in the valve chamber. Fluid passages, formed in the valve body and the slide, are selectively interconnected in accordance with the relative position of the slide member within the valve chamber, and tubular shear seals, biased tightly against the slide, avoid fluid leakage along the slide. To provide low-friction sliding movement of the slide relative to the slide body, a pair of roller bearings are supported by the valve body so as to engage the slide. By mounting the roller bearings to the valve body rather than to the slide itself, the slide can be made smaller, and greater freedom in the location of the fluid passages within the slide is obtained. To simplify construction and assembly, the roller bearings are mounted in a removable cover plate forming a part of the valve body and defining one wall of the interior valve chamber.

Abstract: The slide or gate valve (10) suitable in particular as pressure valve comprises a valve housing (12) in which a relatively wide and preferably double-walled closure body (14) is displaceable. The sealing of the closure body (14) within the valve housing (12) in the closed state is via a pressure-activatable seal (66). Downstream of the closure body (14) a tubular member (30) of increased diameter is disposed which serves as expansion member. The features of the very wide closure body, the pressure-activatable seal and the expansion member (30) make it possible to actuate the valve when pressure is in the conduits through which a gaseous or liquid medium charged with a high proportion of solid is conveyed.

Abstract: A mixing valve for a faucet includes a faucet body with a chamber that receives a cartridge and a bore that receives a piston. The piston has passageways therethrough in communication with inlets of the body and also in communication to entrances in the cartridge. The piston has a passage leading to a chamber that is interposed between the piston and the body that is responsive to hydraulic pressure from one of the inlets to create a bias that presses against the cartridge and transfers compressive force to a moving valve plate and a fixed valve plate that are within the cartridge. Furthermore, a supplemental spring is interposed within the hydraulic chamber to give mechanical upward bias of the piston against the cartridge.

Abstract: The ball valve comprises a body (1) provided with two coaxial pipe stubs (4, 5) wherein a ball means (2) rotatable by means of a rotating shaft device floats. In the closed position, the downstream face of the spherical circumference (12) of said ball means mates with a complementary sphere-bent annular body sealing surface (11), a pressure difference building up between the upstream and the downstream sides of said ball means. Said ball means and said sealing surface form a primary sealing system (11, 12) concentric with the pipe stub axis (10). The sealing function of said primary sealing system is reliably achieved by means of a block and bleed system, the annular body sealing surface (11) being split by an annular groove (13) in the wall of said body concentric with said pipe stub axis (10) connected with the control line (14) of a bleed system (14, 15) penetrating said body wall.

Abstract: A valve consisting of a housing (1) provided with a flow-through passage (4), of a closing member (2) having the shape of a rotational body or part of a rotational body and provided with an aperture (6), and turnably disposed in said flow-through passage, and of a sealing member (3) disposed between the closing member and the housing. Between the sealing member (3) and the housing (1) has been arranged an intermediate space (8) in which when the valve is in closed position prevails a pressure urging the sealing member against the closing member (2). From said intermediate space (8) leads a passage (12) to a point close to that portion of the sealing member (3) adjacent to which an aperture communicating with the flow passage is first established when the valve is being opened.

Abstract: The gate valve includes a body having a valve member or gate chamber, passages communicating through the body into the chamber, a recess in the body surrounding the opening of each passage into the chamber, a bushing positioned in each of the recesses, a gate positioned within the chamber, means for moving the gate within the chamber between positions communicating flow between the passages and closing flow between the passages, inner and outer unidirectional seals positioned between the surface of each of the recesses facing the gate and the opposing surface of the bushing in the recess, each of the seals include a U-shaped lip sealing element and a U-shaped spring positioned within the lip sealing element and urging the legs of the element apart into sealing engagement between the bushing and the body, the inner seal, which is positioned closest to the passage has the open end of its sealing element facing the passage and the outer seal, which is farther from the passage than the inner seal, has the open en

Abstract: A mixing valve for a faucet includes a faucet body with a chamber that receives a cartridge. The cartridge has an axially movable bottom section which seats a fixed plate. A movable plate is housed in the cartridge above the fixed plate and is connected to a controlling handle to cooperate with the fixed plate so as to regulate water flow in the mixing proportions. The bottom of the cartridge can axially move and is provided with two seals one operated between the cartridge and the faucet body and the other between the cartridge bottom and fixed plate. The total working area within the seal between the cartridge and faucet is larger than the total working area within the seal between the cartridge and fixed plate so that hydraulic pressure working within these areas finds the hydraulic force which biases the cartridge bottom upward to compress it against the fixed plate and the fixed plate against the movable plate.

Abstract: A sprayer comprising a housing (10) having an internal aperture in which a spool (12) is mounted for translational movement is disclosed. The spool has a nozzle (32) mounted to it. A cavity (30), formed in the spool, is configured to provide a passageway for directing fluid from an inlet (20) in the housing to the nozzle when the sprayer is in a spraying position. The cavity also provides a fluid passageway from the fluid inlet to a fluid outlet (21), which is also formed in the housing. The latter fluid passageway permits a reverse fluid flow through the nozzle. The direction of the reverse fluid flow is opposite to spraying flow direction. Thus, the reverse fluid flow cleans the nozzle by removing matter that clogs the nozzle. A pneumatically actuated, double-acting piston and cylinder assembly is used to move the spool between the spraying position and the cleaning position.

Abstract: A hot-blast valve for use between a regenerative heating stove on and a blast furnace downstream therefrom in the direction of flow from the stove to the furnace according to the invention has a valve housing made of metal plate and having a lateral gate pocket. Annular upstream and downstream seats define a flow passage and the upstream seat is made of metal and the downstream seat of solid refractory material. A gate is displaceable between the seats between a closed position engaging same and blocking the passage and an open position clear of same in the pocket with the passage open. A coolant is circulated through the upstream seat only.

Abstract: A valve system for gas or liquid, comprising a hydraulic power transmission (19) where the pressure of hydraulic fluid is controlled by fluid pressure actuated members (15) and the changes of the fluid pressure actuate operative members (5, 7, 10) of the valve system, where the fluid pressure actuated members and the operative members comprise a tubular expandable bellows (10, 14, 25) with one gable (21) closed and the other (22) connected via tubes (11, 23) or similar to other expandable bellows (10, 14, 25) in the valve system and the thus arisen closed space in filled with hydraulic fluid (24), and that the expandable bellows (10) in the operative member stand in connection with a valve body (5) in a valve tube (1) and that the fluid pressure actuated members (15) is placed outside the valve tube (1). The valve body (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the valve tube (1) and in close contact with a seat (3) when the valve system is closed.

Abstract: A blowout protector for use between sections of well tubing at a well head comprises a flat rectangular housing having top and bottom plates with aligned openings connected to the respective tubing sections, the housing defining an internal chamber. A closure plate is movable piston-wise within the chamber between respective terminal positions at opposite ends of the chamber. The closure plate has an opening therein which aligns with the respective openings in the top and bottom plates when the closure plate is in one terminal position in order to allow well fluid to flow through the protector. In the other terminal position the closure plate forms a barrier to fluid flow through the housing. Fluid pressure inlet and exhaust ports are provided at opposite ends of the housing for moving the closure plate between its respective positions.

Abstract: A gate valve 10 of slab gate variety with "floating" seats having means for protecting the seat ring seals and seat pockets in severe operating conditions. Each seat ring (40,41) is provided in its rear face (43,44) with an annular groove (49) coaxial with the ring axis and of a diameter to be located closely adjacent the flow passage (16,17) through the valve and accommodating an O-ring seal (49,50) therein. A second annular groove (51) is formed in the outer cylindrical surface (40a, 41a) of the ring near the front face (43,44) of the ring and accommodates an O-ring seal therein. The two O-ring seals (49,52) and (50,51) by their location establish a "trapped" volume chamber (55) behind the seat ring and seat pocket (32,33) which protects and isolates the seat pocket from corrosive ladings and solids deposition.

Abstract: A gate valve, seat, and face seal therefor, the valve including a valve body defining a longitudinal flowway and a valve element mounted in the valve body and movable transverse to the flowway between open and closed positions. The valve seat mounted in the valve body includes a seat body having an axially facing annular contact face for opposition to the valve element and an annular groove extending axially thereinto, the annular groove in turn having inner and outer side walls. The face seal comprises an annular elastomeric seal body having a base portion disposed in the annular groove and a sealing portion which, in a relaxed condition, projects axially outwardly from the annular groove. The seal body further has an annular auxiliary sealing formation extending about its outer diameter and sealing engaging the outer side wall of the annular groove.

Abstract: A fluid valve system (10) is provided to control fluid flow passing from a conduit passage (12). The valve system (10) includes a movable closure (20) which is reversibly displaceable in a transverse direction (22) passing in a direction substantially normal to the fluid flow passing in a longitudinal direction (14). The movable closure (20) is insertable within the conduit passage (12) in order to block or cut off the fluid flow passing through aligned conduits (16 and 18). The valve system (10) includes a pair of resilient sealing mechanisms (34) which provide for substantially planar second sealing base members (46) for resiliently contacting opposing surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20). Additionally, there is provided a biasing mechanism (56) for resiliently biasing the second sealing base members (46) into contiguous contact with surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20) over an extended area.

Abstract: A mixer valve comprising a valve body, control means, a changeable cartridge inserted into the body of the valve, a fixed hard material plaque mounted in the cartridge, and a movable plaque housed in the cartridge, connected to the control means and intended to cooperate with the fixed plaque to carry out the regulation of the flow rate and the mixing ratio, and wherein the changeable cartridge is contained in the body of the valve with an axial clearance; the cartridge carries peripherally, near its inner end, a gasket intended to radially seal in a corresponding bore of the valve body; there is provided a sealing union acting between the cartridge and one of the water inlet pipes; the other water inlet pipe communicates with the bottom portion of the valve body; the remaining portion of the body cavity comunicates with a delivery union; and there may be provided a resilient member acting between the valve body and the cartridge to permanently apply a preloading force onto the plaques.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly comprising: a body providing a socket and flow ports communicating therewith; and a core unit comprising a core assembly adapted to be releasably inserted into said socket, the core assembly having a through passage arranged to communicate with said flow ports, and a rotatable ball member within the core assembly, said member having a through passage such that rotation moves it into and out of communication with the passage in the core assembly.

Abstract: A ball valve having an improved relationship between the ball and associated seat rings and an improved seat ring design. The ball is mounted for selective rotation and limited axial movement in a valve body passageway. Seat rings disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ball about valve inlet and outlet openings each include a ball engaging surface having an arcuate contour. At a relaxed preassembly reference position, the radius of curvature of the ball engaging surface is greater than the radius of curvature of the ball. Frusto-conical disc springs interposed between each seat ring and an associated valve body shoulder additionally urge the seat rings into engagement with the ball. A reinforcing ring disposed at the forward end of each seat ring acts as a rigid bearing surface.

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: A tube separator (1) is provided comprising a housing (2) with inlet connection (13) and outlet connection (14) and a member (37) being disposed within the housing (2) and slidable between a first and a second end position. The member (37) comprises a channel (49) extending from an entrance opening (55) to an exit opening (56) and an area (40') on which the pressure in the inlet connection may act upon. Furthermore, a spring (46) acts upon the member (37) in a direction opposite to the action of the inlet pressure. The channel (49) forms a connection between the inlet connection (13) and the outlet connection (14) in the first end position of the member (37), and the member (37) separates the inlet connection (13) from the outlet connection (14) in the second end position of the member (37). The entrance opening (55) and the exit opening (56) each comprise a straight secant, and their respective secants being parallel to each other.

Abstract: A valve assembly for powdery granules comprises a valve housing having upper and lower walls formed with upper and lower openings, a valve member having a hollow cylindrical valve body rotatably supported within the valve housing, and a drive mechanism for turning the valve member through an angular range of about 90.degree. so as to hold the valve member upright in the vertical direction. The valve housing has, at the peripheral edge of its upper opening, a tapered surface which is enlarged downwards, and a circular groove is formed behind the tapered surface. Arranged in the circular groove is an elastic hollow seal ring, part of which is permitted to protrude into the interior of the valve housing through a circular slit formed in the tapered surface.

Abstract: A ball valve has a movable upstream valve seat with a metal lip engageable with the valve ball under pressure generated by a bellows section or metal membrane connected between the movable valve seat and the housing. The force of fluid pressure against this moveable valve seat is relieved by operation of a bypass valve connecting opposite sides of this seat. The ball can also have a deformable metal lip.

Abstract: A ball valve designed for high pressure shut-off at fluid pressures approaching the ultimate compressive stress of plastic annular seat rings which are employed. The ball member is trunnion mounted in order to carry the total force of the shut-off pressure and the seat rings are disposed in seat ring carriers. Each seat ring includes a spherical ball engaging surface having a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the ball. Each carrier is continuously urged toward the ball by a plurality of disc springs in order that the seat ring engaging surfaces will be in continuous sealing engagement with the ball surface. The seat ring engaging surfaces are configured so that at least the areas thereof located adjacent the outer diameters will be first to sealingly engage the ball.

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 conduit closure apparatus, e.g.

Abstract: This new plug type faucet valve assembly of the present invention particularly adapted for use in plumbing fixtures, for dispensing and, or mixing hot or cold water into lavatory sinks, vessel and the like, herein being disclosed. The preferred embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical body, having a vertical inlet port eccentrically placed from the bottom extending upward into a central cavity, and a horizontal discharge port through the side wall, wherein said ports are being interconnected at a right angle, by two intersecting blind bores in a cylindrical plug rotatably disposed therein to form a passageway through the faucet valve. Said plug comprise seals circumferentially disposed in respective grooves thereon, and having a trust bearing plate sealably co-acting with the inlet port seal at the bottom of said cavity, to protectively separate the planar surfaces of said plug and said cavity, forming a leak-proof connection therebetween.

Abstract: A valve seat for use in a ball valve has a shoulder portion, an elastic lip portion, a circumferential non-contact surface, at least one recess and an intersecting portion. The shoulder portion has an engaging surface on its rear surface which contacts the contact surface of the valve casing perpendicular to the flow passage. The non-contact surface is formed on the rear face of the valve seat between the engaging surface and the lip portion and stepped away from the contact surface. The recess is formed in the shape of a groove in the non-contact surface and has its bottom flush with the rear surface of the lip portion stepped away from the contact surface in such a manner that the lip portion is not thinned so as to ensure sufficient strength of the lip portion. The intersecting portion is disposed between the engaging surface and the non-contact surface.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a valve body having an axial inlet port and a lateral outlet port, with an enlarged bore extending between such ports. A valve bonnet attached to the valve body slidably guides a poppet for movement between closed and open positions for closing and opening the inlet port. A seal ring positioned in the bore adjacent the inlet port sealingly surrounds the poppet in its closed position. The seal ring is axially compressed between a retainer ring and a backup surface, and a ring nut threaded in the bore compressively engages the retainer ring. The ring nut is located entirely on the inlet port side of the outlet port so it does not inhibit flow to the outlet port when the poppet is open. A poppet guide bore in the bonnet extends inwardly from a bonnet end surface, and a pair of concentric recesses of different diameters also extend into the bonnet from the end surface.

Abstract: A fluid valve capable of operation in high pressure, bidirectional flowpaths includes a chamber having a circular port in which an axially and radially movable seat ring is engaged by an eccentrically movable valve plug having a spherically convex sealing surface. The plug is mounted to a valve shaft supported in the body for rotation about an axis transverse to, but offset from, the centerline of the port. The seat ring, body and a retainer ring include among them a pair of annular channels for retaining a pair of seals adapted for improving their sealing action with pressure.

Abstract: A gate valve mechanism is provided which is especially designed for use as a hot tap valve. The valve incorporates a fabricated valve body having internal seat rings with circular elastomer sealing elements disposed within circular sealed grooves formed therein. A slab gate member is movable between the seat members between open and closed positions and is positionable radially outwardly of the seal grooves to permit replacement of the elastomer seal members. The valve body structure is of minimal thickness to permit access to the seal members through the flow ports of the valve in order to permit seal replacement. The valve also incorporates an internal rotatable threaded drive stem which receives a drive nut interconnected with the gate to thus permit opening and closing movement of the gate member by simply rotating the valve stem.

Abstract: A ball-type valve comprises a rotary valve member in a housing or valve body whose ducts communicating with the passage in the valve member are provided with respective sealing devices. These sealing devices comprise elastomeric formable rings received in blind recesses around the respective ducts and communicating therewith by orifices opening behind each deformable ring so that the fluid pressure in the respective duct under pressure will urge the deformable ring against the annular gasket and press the gasket against the rotary valve member.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously conveying decorated container members having wet ink images on the outer periphery thereof between a first continuously moving rotatable mandrel wheel type container carrying apparatus of a high speed container decorator or coater machine and a high speed second continuously linearly moving pin chain container carrying apparatus comprising: a continuously rotatable disk type conveyor rotatably movable in a predetermined endless path between the first and second continuously moving container carrying apparatus including a first path portion located in juxtaposition to the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus for receiving decorated container members therefrom and a second path portion located in juxtaposition to the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus delivering decorated container members thereto; a plurality of individual cirumferentially spaced vacuum cups fixedly peripherally mounted in equally spaced relationship on and extending laterally o

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 valve system is disclosed in which sleeves providing an unbalanced area are arranged so that the unbalanced area is exposed to the zone of higher pressure and produces a sealing force between the sealing face of the sleeves and a mating valving surface, which force is a direct function of the difference in the pressure across the seal. Adapter rings are positioned behind each seal and a spring provides an initial light bias on the sleeve to urge it into mating engagement with the valving surface. The adapter ring and sleeve structure is arranged so that all of the sleeves, including those sleeves having an external unbalanced area, may be assembled in the valve body from the end of the sleeve receiving passage remote from the valving surface. The adapter rings also make it possible to use standard length sleeves in combination with relatively low cost adapter rings having lengths selected to provide a total sleeve adapter ring length which matches the length of the passages in the valve body.

Abstract: To provide for extremely short valve operating time periods, in the order of up to 10.sup.-5 seconds, for example, a valve element (3, 33, 53, 63, 73, 93) is slidable within a bore (2, 52), movable by a spring (10, 60) or by applied hydraulic pressure (P), and restrained from movement by an electrical positioning element (14, 44, 45, 94) which has a positioning movement transverse to the movement of the valve element, and which clamps the valve element in the bore, or an extending flap or strip (34) against a counter element, which may be another positioning element (45). Preferably, and for fast operation, the positioning element (14) is a stack or column (15) of piezoelectric disks (16) which, when energized, push a stem or bolt element (13) in clamping direction towards the valve stem; alternatively, (FIG. 6), the positioning element (94) can be a solenoid coil pushing the armature (93) thereof into clamping direction towards the valve stem.

Abstract: An expanding gate valve with a valve seat structure which comprises a pair of "floating" seat rings (60) loosely received in annular seat pockets (52) surrounding the flow passage through the valve and each having an axial dimension which exceeds the depth of the seat pocket. The front face (61) of each seat ring is disposed adjacent the gate assembly (24, 26) and is provided with an annular groove (63) and an annular resilient sealing element (64) therein adapted to form a ring of sealing contact area about the flow passage (14) when the gate assembly is expanded thereagainst. The rear face (66) of the seat ring (60) is provided with an annular groove (63') and a second annular resilient sealing element (64'). The two annular sealing elements are coaxial and the inner diameter of the front sealing element (64) exceeds that of the rear sealing element (64') so that the front sealing element is a greater radial distance from the flow passage (14) than is the rear sealing element.

Abstract: A valve assembly of a trunnion type valve such as a ball valve in which a valve seat retainer having a valve seat at its one end is slidably received in a valve casing and a biasing means is provided between the other end of the valve seat retainer and an annular shoulder of the valve casing opposing the former. The biasing means is comprised of a ring and a plurality of spring elements which are kept in a circular arrangement by the connecting ring and each have a substantially U-shaped profile for biasing the two end surfaces of the valve casing and the valve seat retainer. Since the biasing means is simple and can be readily adapted to valves of different sizes, it offers a great advantage in use. Furthermore, the manufacture of the biasing means is simple and causes almost no material loss in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A ball valve designed for high pressure shut-off at fluid pressures approaching the ultimate compressive stress of plastic annular seat rings which are employed. The ball member is trunnion mounted in order to carry the total force of the shut-off pressure and the seat rings are disposed in seat ring carriers. Each seat ring includes a spherical ball engaging surface having a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the ball. Each carrier is continuously urged toward the ball by a plurality of disc springs in order that the seat ring engaging surfaces will be in continuous sealing engagement with the ball surface. The seat ring engaging surfaces are configured so that at least the areas thereof located adjacent the outer diameters will be first to sealingly engage the ball.