Abstract: A reduced travel operating mechanism for downhole tools is provided. The reduced travel operating mechanism (57) includes a load ratio system (59) which may include compression ring (102) disposed within circumferential guide pocket (123) and a linkage system (61) disposed within mechanism pocket (125). The linkage system (61) may include first link (112), master link (114), and second link (116) coupled between compression ring (102) and connecting member (118). A loading system (63), which may include a hydraulic piston (100), acts on compression ring (102) to move compression ring (102) a first distance. Connecting member (118) moves a second distance in response to the movement of compression ring (102) a first distance. The linkage system (61) may operate such that the second distance is greater than the first distance or operate such that the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A fuel admission valve for metering gas without using a mass flow sensor. The valve uses a flow control element and nozzle, an actuator, a fuel supply pressure sensor, a fuel supply temperature sensor, a flow control element position sensor, and a flow control circuit to meter gas in sonic flow with insensitivity to the discharge pressure.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator for fluid control valves having improved actuator linkage matching the torque requirements of most rotary shaft valves. A link member is pivotally interconnected to a linear movable actuating member and to a rotatable lever. The link member enables a high actuator torque to be developed and provided during the times when the valve requires a high torque, and a low actuator torque during other times when the valve only requires a lower torque. A high-low-high actuator torque is provided matching the high-low-high torque requirements of most rotary valves.

Abstract: A valve actuator having a pivotal cam-lever driven push-pull mechanical linkage system. A power mechanism moves a cam-lever member which then moves a connecting rod to move a push-pull member to lift out or push in a conventional valve stem. This then opens or closes the valve. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes an adjustable block member to which the cam-lever is pivotally attached. This provides a separate adjustability for the ultimate maximum movement of the push-pull member and thereby also of the valve stem in order to ensure a proper closing force is imparted to the valve. Also in this embodiment, it is preferred that the push-pull member includes at least one spring washer disposed therein. This provides a desirable compressibility in the system during the imposition of the force that the push-pull member exerts on the valve stem during the opening and/or closing process.

Abstract: A liquid flow control system comprises an upstream length of conduit, a downstream length of conduit, a valve housing, a cone valve seat and a sleeve valve. The valve housing is connected between the upstream length of conduit and the downstream length of conduit. The valve housing directs a flow of liquid that exits the upstream length of conduit through the valve housing and into the downstream length of conduit. The cone valve seat is mounted stationary in the valve housing. The sleeve valve is mounted in the valve housing for movement between a closed position wherein the sleeve valve is in engagement with the cone valve seat and an opened position wherein the sleeve valve is disengaged from the cone valve seat. The downstream length of conduit is comprised of a spacer section and a reducer section downstream from the spacer section.

Abstract: A manual actuator is attached to a conventional gate valve commonly used in the drainage line of a recreational vehicle. The actuator includes a handle which turns through an arcuate slot moving a link member around the slot in such a manner as to open or close the valve. Additionally, in the alternate embodiment, the handle defines a recess adapted to receive a tire iron or other suitable tool having an edge approximately 1.27 cm across for greater leverage and the handle is also adapted to allow the use of the gate valve actuator with differently sized gate valves.

Abstract: A gate valve has a manual actuator that includes a crank having a direct pivotal connection with a slidable valve plate. The valve plate has a teardrop configuration that enables the valve plate to swing around the pivot connection as the plate slides along guide slot edge surfaces, between a closed position and an open position. Only a relatively small manual force is required to operate the valve.

Abstract: A manual actuator is attached to a conventional gate valve commonly used in the drainage line of a recreational vehicle. The actuator includes a handle which turns through an arcuate slot moving a link member around the slot in such a manner as to open or close the valve.

Abstract: A flap valve for a heating and/or air conditioning installation for a motor vehicle has a valve flap which is operated by a control device between an open position and a closed position. The control device comprises a driving lever which is coupled, through a link, to a driven lever fixed to the valve flap. The driving lever is rotated about its axis between an open position and a closed position of the driving lever, during which it passes through an intermediate position near to the closed position. The valve flap is closed when the driving lever reaches its intermediate position, so that the travel of the latter between its intermediate and closed positions is dead travel during which the valve is in the closed position of the valve and the link is in compression so as to change its effective length.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a valve mechanism with constraint guide means. Both opening and closing of any valve working according to the principle of the invention is achieved by moving a central plate with respect to one or two plates for blocking flow through the valve. The constraint guide means according to preferred embodiments of the invention consist of grooves in the plates which cooperate with middle plate. As the grooves are inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the middle plate, a movement between these plates and the middle plate will cause opening or closing of the valve.

Abstract: A protective damper for controlling the flow of fluid through a ceiling diffuser has a frame defining an opening through which the fluid flows. A barrier has a closed position which prevents the flow of fluid through the opening and an open position which allows fluid flow through the opening. The barrier is restricted to linear movement between the open and closed positions. A spring is operably coupled with a shaft and exerts a bias on the shaft tending to rotate the shaft on its longitudinal axis in one direction. An actuator is operably coupled with the shaft and rotates the shaft about its longitudinal axis in the opposite direction when the actuator is energized. An elongated rigid element is pivotally coupled with the shaft and with the barrier, respectively.

Abstract: A valve closing mechanism comprises a stand-off arm (18) adapted for attachment to the valve body, a lever arm (22) incorporating a fitting (24) for connection to the valve spindle (16), and an actuator (26) acting between the stand-off arm (18) and the lever arm (22) for effecting angular oscillatory movement of the lever arm, said fitting comprising a one-way drive transmitting arrangement whereby the spindle is rotated when the lever arm is displaced in one direction but remains stationary when the lever arm is displaced in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A ball valve operator for a ball valve mounted in a pipe and having a control handle with a first position corresponding to the valve's normal position and a second position corresponding to the valve's actuated position. The ball valve operator includes a pneumatic cylinder mountable on the pipe, for driving a piston having a proximal and distal end. An adaptor plate is provided for attachment to the control handle by fastening means with the piston being rotatably fastened to the plate. An adjustment slot in the adaptor plate movably receives the fastening means and allows the fastening means to be selectively locked in place, so that the operator may be adjusted to move the handle through approximately its full range of motion without exceeding that range.

Abstract: A valve and fitting apparatus to control flow of fluid. The apparatus includes a main line to allow fluid flow therethrough and a branch line in fluid communication with the main line to allow fluid flow through the branch line in a single direction. A plate is pivotally operable to move between an open position and a closed position at an acute angle to the flow in the branch line. A stem assembly mechanism pivots the plate between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A manual actuator is attached to a conventional gate valve commonly used in the drainage line of a recreational vehicle. The actuator includes a handle connected to a pair of links which expand to open the valve or are folded to close the valve by turning the actuator handle.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for an isolator, comprising a casing (1) having a flange (1a) to be mounted to the isolator to be driven, a lever arm assembly (2) connected at each end thereof to a respective one of a pair of identical double acting cylindrical rams (3), the other ends of the rams being respectively connected to opposite ends of the casing remote from the flange, wherein the identical rams are arranged to operate in opposite directions, the radial load exerted by one ram being equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the radial load exerted by the other ram.

Abstract: An actuating device for a pivotable regulating flap in a motor vehicle rests against a stop formed on an air passage opening when closing the latter. The actuating device has an actuating member remote from the regulating flap and a connecting rod for converting the actuating stroke of the actuating member into a pivoting movement of the regulating flap. In order to obtain a self-adjusting actuating device without the necessity for readjustment operations, the connecting rod is of two-part configuration, and an elastically compressible connecting member with a prestressing force greater than the actuating force during the closing operation is secured between the two rod parts. The actuating stroke of the actuating member is sized to be larger than the control stroke of the regulating flap for its transfer into a closed position.

Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is operative for blocking either the first inlet, the first outlet or the said second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of a rotatable element of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.

Abstract: A linkage device for a steam turbine stop valve includes a support member having a pair of transverse sections separated by a substantially vertical portion; a reciprocal stop valve stem fixed to one of the transverse sections, the stop valve stem extending substantially parallel to but laterally offset from the vertical portion; an actuator rod arranged in substantial axial alignment with the stop valve stem along a force line, one end of the actuator rod extending through a hole in the other of the transverse sections; and a multi link assembly extending between the stop valve stem and the actuator rod, including a first link pivotally secured at a first end to the one transverse section, and a second link pivotally secured at a first end to the actuator rod. Second ends of the first and second links are pivotally secured to each other by a pivot pin. A trip cylinder is utilized to move the pivot pin through the force line, causing the multi link assembly to collapse, thus permitting closure of the valve.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: An hopper gate valve having a valve body for connection to a hopper car with a generally elongated discharge opening is provided. A valve member is adapted to engageable and disengage the elongated discharge opening by using a control apparatus which controllably and pivotally effects the displacement of the valve member with respect to the elongated discharge opening.

Abstract: A rotatable driver comprising a Geneva type wheel is operated by a turning knob associated with climate designations on a mounting dashboard panel. The driver has drive pins that engage slots in tangential movement in driven links connected to push-pull cables. These cables in turn are connected to control doors in air ducts in vehicle climate control systems. The driver includes a wall segment selectively engageable with the driven links to serve as a stop such that upon driving movement of one of the driven links the other driven link is held stationary. One of the driven links has a cam edge that actuates an electric switch for an air conditioning unit on the vehicle in selected positions of the driven link. A directional air flow lever has an axis of rotation in alignment with the axis of rotation of the rotatable driver and operative between the turning knob and the mounting panel.

Abstract: A valve actuator for opening and closing the shut-off valves on fire trucks. The actuator includes a push rod in communication with an actuator nut and a screw rod. A turn handle fastened to the screw rod allows for delayed opening and closing of the shut-off valves to prevent water shock. The valve actuator also includes magnetic sensors to provide a visual indication of the position of the valve to the operator.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for operating multiple air flow control valves from a single actuator. The mechanism includes a yoke mounted to move with the drive shaft of the actuator and having a leg facing in the direction of each valve. The leg is resolvably connected, preferably by a link pivotably connected at each end, to a lever connected at its other end to a control shaft for the valve.

Abstract: A wind instrument is equipped with rotary valve units or keys for changing the length of vibrative air column, and a link mechanism transmits a lever action to the rotary valve unit or the key, wherein a joint incorporated in the link mechanism comprises a shaft member having an external thread and coupled with the manipulating lever, an adjustable screw member with an internal thread, a tubular member actuating the rotary valve unit or the key and retained by the adjustable screw meshed with the external thread, and an elastic member inserted between a bottom surface of the tublar member and a leading end of the external thread portion so that gaps on both sides of the tubular member are adjustable, thereby allowing the tubular member to smoothly rotate.

Abstract: Device for closing off large pipelines, particularly hot gas pipelines, having at least one pivoted flap, the flap shaft of which is mounted for turning by a drive on a frame. The flap shaft is rotated by a double-armed swing lever connected to the flap shaft. The swing lever has two arms upon which actuating elements pivotally act. The swing lever is connected to the flap shaft through at least one intermediate element so that the swing lever is movable in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of the flap shaft.

Abstract: An air flow control valve assembly for selectively directing air flow through the air chambers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) module. The assembly includes a support arm rotatably secured at one end to a flat plane valve and defining a first rotation axis therewith, and a second end rotatably secured to the housing of the module and defining a second rotation axis which is parallel and spaced from the first axis. The valve is actuated to move through an arcuate path about the second axis to selectively position the valve in sealing contact with first and second ports for controlling air temperature in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is a modified ball valve that either blocks the first outlet or the second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of the ball portion of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.

Abstract: Provided is a damper for controlling air flow through an air duct. The damper includes a mounting fame secured to the interior of the duct which has a circular opening for air flow therethrough when the damper is open. A circular damper plate is provided which is dimensioned to block the circular opening in the closed position while in the fully open position the plate is rotated approximately 90 degrees where it is parallel to the flow direction through the duct. The movement of the damper plate is controlled by an actuator mechanism having a pair of spaced guide plates each of which is provided with two diverging arcuate guide slots. Corresponding guide slots in the two plates are aligned at the same vertical height. A movable support bracket is disposed between the two plates and supports two guide pins which extend horizontally through the aligned slots.

Abstract: A gate valve having a pair of aligned flow passages with a common central axis, with a pair of seat mounts and respective seats facing each other, and forming the walls of a groove with a bottom, their sealing planes tapering toward one another. A riser rises above these seats, with a cap. An actuator rod slides through the cap and mounts and moves an unperforated gate to control flow through the seats. A releasable latch can join the cap and the gate to hold it in its most open position until overcome. A deformable nub is carried by the gate to act as a drag when the gate is moved.

Abstract: A throttle body for an internal combustion engine, comprising a suction passage for supplying a suction air to the internal combustion engine; a throttle valve provided in the suction passage and fixed to a rotatable throttle valve shaft so as to adjust a quantity of the suction air; an interconnecting lever rotatably mounted to an interconnecting shaft and adapted to be rotated by pulling an accelerator cable; a throttle valve operating lever mechanically connected to the interconnecting lever and fixed to the throttle valve shaft, the throttle valve operating lever being rotated in predetermined relational association with rotation of the interconnecting lever to open and close the throtle valve; and a tension spring for normally biasing the throttle valve in a valve closing direction, the tension spring having one end or pivotal point fixed to a part fixed to the throttle body and the other end or operation point fixed to the throttle valve operating lever; wherein the pivotal point and the operation point

Abstract: A throttle lever assembly for an internal combustion engine including a reliable substantially failure-proof dual acting--double breakover throttle lever is provided to maintain control over engine throttling in the event of certain types of failure of the vehicle throttle control or related structures. The throttle lever assembly is operatively positioned between an operator-actuated throttle control and the engine fuel supply system. A throttle link lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the throttle lever is actuated by the throttle control to cause the throttle lever to rotate a throttle shaft between preset full throttle and idle positions. The throttle lever and the link lever include integrally formed tabs which hold a coiled torsion spring positioned to resist breakover, thereby normally maintaining the assembly in an axially aligned operating position.

Abstract: A high speed water dumping valve apparatus usable attached with respect to a water reservoir which includes a housing with a flow chamber and water inlet and outlet defined therein. A door with a gasket means is adapted to extend over the water inlet for selective sealing thereof. A door control member including a horizontally extending crankshaft and a crank yoke fixedly secured thereto is included. A drive bar is connected between the crank yoke and the door for controlling movement of the door between the opened and closed positions. The drive bar preferably is formed of two bar sections at an oblique angle with respect to one another such as to extend around the crankshaft to facilitate over-center locking of the door in place selectively. A handle is secured with respect to the crankshaft to be rotatable therewith to urge movement between opened and closed positions as desired.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve lid assembly which can be fitted in sealing relation on a valve seat, an over-center device can serve to force the lid on to the seat; a drive shaft connected to the lid assembly and drive means for rotating the shaft to open and close the valve seat, the over-center device serving to oppose rotation of the shaft up to a critical position whereupon the device assists in rotation of the shaft to open the valve seat.

Abstract: Throttle cable control assemblies for carburetors for adjustably mounting the throttle (accelerator) cable on the carburetor. A bracket body is mounted on the carburetor and includes a projecting arm having a post. A clamp assembly frictionally engages the post and throttle cable. The clamp assembly is capable of being pivoted on and movable along the post for adjustment.

Abstract: A metering valve comprised of two rotary registers are each provided with cutouts which are symmetrical in relation to the axis of the central opening defined by the movement of the registers. In accordance with the present invention, a mechanism for operating the registers synchronously and in opposite directions is composed of levers and connecting rods acting on the axis of suspension and rotation of the registers through the action of, for example, hydraulic jacks. In order to avoid the offsetting of the flow because of the difference between the radii of curvature of the registers, the entire mechanism is adapted to pivot as a whole about the pivot axis of the registers.

Abstract: An opposed blade balanced damper includes three sector-shaped damper blades individually mounted to a frame for pivotal movement around a pair of pivot tabs integrally formed on each damper blade. A user-actuable control assembly simultaneously controls the relative rotational position of each damper blade so as to selectively regulate airflow through a duct. The damper blades and control assembly function to direct airflow toward the center of the duct and thereby maintain symmetrical airflow through the duct. This is achieved by rotating the damper blades so that the inner ends of the damper blades move downstream, and the outer ends of the damper blades move upstream, as the damper blades are rotated from a closed to an open position.

Abstract: A metering valve comprised of two rotary registers are each provided with cutouts which are symmetrical in relation to the axis of the central opening defined by the movement of the registers. In accordance with the present invention, a mechanism for operating the registers synchronously and in opposite directions is composed of levers and connecting rods acting on the axis of suspension and rotation of the registers through the action of, for example, hydraulic jacks. In order to avoid the offsetting of the flow because of the difference between the radii of curvature of the registers, one of the connecting rods acting on the axis of the registers is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A linkage apparatus comprised of two interconnected levers extending between a valve actuator for a rotatable valve and a rotatable operating shaft of the valve. The relative position of the interconnection between the levers is presettably adjustable so as to enable varied operation in the rotational displacement of the operating shaft. Effecting the adjustment is independent of the actuator operation.

Abstract: An air control damper is provided with an actuator coupled to a shaft for operating the blades of the damper. The actuator includes an electric drive motor that turns the shaft by way of a lever that is coupled to the shaft. The lever has a pulley at an outer end and a cable extends from the drive motor around the pulley and back to a fixed point adjacent the motor. When the motor is operated, the cable is wound around the motor drive shaft, pulling the lever towards the motor and turning the shaft. The arrangement provides a mechanical advantage in transmitting the motor output force to the blade actuating shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle of the type having a manual transmission is disclosed herein. The manual transmission includes a clutch, a clutch pedal and a linkage assembly interconnecting the clutch with the pedal and requires that the driver of the vehicle depress the clutch pedal in order to disengage the clutch. There is also disclosed herein an arrangement for assisting the driver in disengaging the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed. This arrangement includes a power assist device, a source of power for driving the device, and a valve assembly including a valve and mounting components interconnecting the valve with the transmission's linkage assembly such that the manual depression of the pedal by the driver automatically acts on the valve to cause the latter to connect the power assist device to its source of power in order to drive the device and therefore aid the driver in disengaging the clutch.

Abstract: A filler sterilization system including an inlet valve, a main valve, an outlet valve, a linkage system therebetween and a cam and follower arrangement for actuating the linkage system to move the three valves into three operating positions. The three positions are the normally closed and open positions for dispensing a liquid product into a carton, and a third position for steam sterilization of the filler system. The outlet valve in the latter position is such that a predetermined back pressure is maintained during the sterilization operation.

Abstract: A valve actuator for controlling and sensing the rotational position of a valve member includes a positional indicator for sensing the angular position of an actuator shaft, the positional indicator shaft being inductively coupled to a positional indicator circuit. A rotor/stator assembly is provided with a stator such that rotational positions may be sensed as the positional indicator shaft turns through angles which exceed 90.degree..

Abstract: A rapid acting gas valve for inflated structures employs a slider-crank drive mechanism driven by a pawl and ratchet motor to produce a high closing force in the valve while opening and closing the valve in a partial revolution of the ratchet motor shaft.

Abstract: A butterfly valve provided within a disconnect of a fluid flow line, such as in a fuel dispensing system, incorporating a pair of decoupling members, at least one or a pair of butterfly valves mounted within and in proximity with location for disconnection of the conduit, the butterfly valve incorporating a valve disk held by a retainer and which is spring biased for snapping into closure against its valve seat, when disconnection occurs, to prevent the further flow of fuel from the conduit, or in the instance where a pair of the butterfly valves of this design, are incorporated proximate each of the disconnect members, upon severance of the conduit or hose at this location, effecting an immediate closure of both butterfly valves, preventing the discharge of any further fluid from the remaining separated parts of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A single-lever sanitary water valve is provided with a fixed cylinder which has at least one water inlet aperture and serves to receive a rotatable and/or slidable piston, by means of which the inlet aperture can be wholly or partly closed and can be linked to the outlet aperture, the slidable and/or rotatable piston being controlled by means of a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rotatable cap mounted on the valve body to which is coupled the piston and the adjusting lever via at least two linkage members so that first, second and third pivot bearings are formed at their respective points of connections whereby lateral forces acting on the piston are substantially eliminated when the adjusting lever is shifted between its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: The ground hydrant of the present invention includes an outlet nozzle above ground and a drain water collection cylinder located below the frost line of the ground. When the hydrant is shut off, the residual water in the nozzle drains into the ground water cylinder and is stored there below the frost line. The next time that the hydrant is turned on, the piston within the cylinder forces the stored water in the cylinder outwardly through a drain line where it is expelled above the ground. The force for moving the piston within the cylinder is provided by water pressure which is diverted from the water source to move the piston and force the stored drain water out of the cylinder and onto the ground. When the hydrant is turned off a second time, the residual water within the hydrant drains again into the cylinder where it is stored until the next time the hydrant is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention is for a freezeless ground hydrant having a nozzle above ground and having a main valve adapted to be connected to an underground source of water pressure at a point located below the frost line in the soil. Also underground is a drain water storage system including a storage cylinder. When the hydrant is turned off, the residual water in the nozzle drains into the cylinder and is retained there until the hydrant is turned on again. When the hydrant is turned on, a mechanical linkage connected to the hydrant handle causes the cylinder to expel the drain water therein through a drain line which extends upwardly above the ground.