Ball Valve Patents (Class 251/315.01)
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Patent number: 7584692Abstract: Helical spline actuators can be employed to actuate ball valves. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a remote operated vehicle shaft, an internally splined shaft, and an externally splined shaft that can be used in combination to actuate a ball valve. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a piston that is displaced axially and not rotated, an externally splined shaft, and an internally splined shaft that can be used in combination to actuate a ball valve. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a piston, a spring, a spring cap, and a joint member wherein the spring cap and joint member translate axial force from the spring to the piston. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a bearing that insulates a piston from rotational forces exerted by an externally splined shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: PetrolValves, LLCInventor: Francesco Rebecchi
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Publication number: 20090211578Abstract: Rotary metering valve (200) with a valve inlet (260), a valve outlet (270) and a rotary valve member (280) for transferring a metered dose of aerosol formulation from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the rotary valve member is provided with an inlet port (290) and an outlet port (300), both in communication with a metering conduit (310) in the rotary valve member, the rotary valve member in sequence being rotatable between at least three positions: inlet position where the inlet port is in communication with the valve inlet and aerosol formulation enters the metering conduit, metering position where both ports are closed preserving a metered volume of aerosol formulation in the metering conduit, outlet position where the outlet port is in communication with the valve outlet and the metered dose of aerosol formulation is dispensed from the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Ian Fletcher
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Publication number: 20090193885Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Jean-Michel Hache, Gilles Roux
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Publication number: 20090152487Abstract: An actuator designed to open and close valves easier. Preferably metal, a user can engage the actuator by either a rotating means or manually by hand. Thereby making it possible to engage a stuck actuator in the event of an emergency. Its unique star patterned sleeve makes it impossible easily possible. Simply by slipping and impact gun's socket over the star patterned sleeve and engaging the impact. It's designed mainly for underwater use in the ocean, where salt water corrodes and jams virtually everything it comes in contact with. Thus will help in the prevention of a major oil spill or natural gas leak.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Randy Joe Soterhou
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Publication number: 20090095931Abstract: A trunnion type ball valve having valve seats that are laterally moveable within seat recesses of the valve and establish sealing engagement with a valve ball member that is trunnion supported for rotational movement between open and closed positions. The valve seat members are self-centering for optimum sealing engagement with the spherical sealing surface of the ball member. The internal geometry of the seat assemblies are designed to permit optimum flow through the valve mechanism even under circumstances where the seat members are located in laterally off-center relation with respect to the centerline of the flow passages due to self-centering seat movement. The ball valve is readily adapted for fire-safe application via the use of heat resistant seals and metal-to-metal sealing of components to prevent or minimize leakage in the event of seal destruction or degradation by excess heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Gerald A. Stunkard
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Patent number: 7516941Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet, an actuator, and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a valve ball with a ball body and a transverse passage extending through the ball body. The valve ball is positionable between a valve open position wherein said transverse passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a valve closed position wherein the ball body blocks the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The actuation sub-assembly engages the actuator, which in turn engages the valve ball. In addition, the valve body includes a valve body wall with a planar portion. The planar portion includes a mounting surface for mounting the actuation sub-assembly to the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Eric N Combs
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Publication number: 20090065726Abstract: A high temperature ball valve seal is disclosed that achieves Class IV shutoff for operating temperatures above 550 degrees F. The ball valve seal includes a C-seal positioned between a main seal and a seal housing to prevent fluid from flowing through a secondary flowpath when the ball valve is in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Steven K. Hostetter, Lisa M. Miller
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Patent number: 7500968Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes an adaptable reservoir that is sized and shaped for conveniently and effectively being transported by a user. The reservoir includes a top portion including an intake valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. The intake valve is provided with an opening such that the male catheter can be selectively biased in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir. Such an intake valve further has a threaded screw cap directly and adjustably coupled thereto for effectively allowing a selected quantity of air to continuously flow into and out of the reservoir wherein the quantity of air is commensurate with a quantity of fluid discharging and entering the reservoir respectively. The intake valve preferably has a monolithically formed conical tip that terminates proximal to the top portion such that the male catheter can effectively be supported at a fixed relationship with the reservoir during operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Inventors: Thomas P. Nappa, Michael J. Nappa
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Patent number: 7478800Abstract: A valve for sealing a carburetor inlet of a first diameter, includes a valve element having a curved surface for sealing the inlet opening, and a through hole of substantially the first diameter extending through the valve element, and a translation mechanism for rotating the valve element between a first position wherein the curved surface completely seals the opening and a second position wherein the through hole aligns with the inlet allowing a free flow into the carburetor.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Central Coast Patent Agency, Inc.Inventors: Duncan Adam Keller, Arthur Langlie
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Publication number: 20090008590Abstract: A ball valve includes a tubular element having an annular flange extended in the middle portion, and having a valve chamber formed in one end to receive two gaskets and a ball valve member, and having a barrel. A shank is rotatably received in the barrel and coupled to the ball valve member, to rotate the ball valve member relative to the tubular element. A duct includes a peripheral swelling extended from one end and engaged into the valve chamber of the tubular element, and secured to the tubular element with a welding member, for allowing the ball valve member and the gaskets to be easily assembled into the tubular element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Shyh-Chyuan Wang
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Publication number: 20090001309Abstract: The invention application relates to a valve for pipelines of fire fighting systems, with a supply line (32) for extinguishing fluid loaded by excess pressure, with a drain line (34) for the extinguishing fluid, with locking means (36, 46) arranged between the supply line (32) and the drain line (34), and with an actuating means (38) operating the locking means (36, 46) for setting the locking means (36, 46) in an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the rest state, the locking means (36, 46) are in the closed position and wherein, in the case of a fire, the actuating means (38) adjust the locking means (36, 46) from the closed position into the open position in such a way that extinguishing fluid flows from the supply line (32) into the drain line (34).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: FOGTEC BRANDSCHUTZ GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Dirk Sprakel, Rudiger Kopp
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Patent number: 7460013Abstract: A remotely-actuated residential water supply cut-off system is disclosed. A remotely-actuated cut-off valve interposed in a residential water line downstream of a pressure-reducing valve. An electronic actuator is mounted on the cut-off valve and is remotely actuated to drive a DC motor in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to open or close the cut-off valve in response to a received signal. The electronic actuator includes a transceiver, a microcontroller and a motor. The microcontroller drives the motor to open or close the valve in response to a wireless signal received by the transceiver. A handheld transceiver unit sends a signal to the actuator to open or close the cut-off valve, or operate in automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventors: Charles Agnew Osborne, Barbara W. Poole, Donavan E. Wade, Clarence E. Williams
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Publication number: 20080258092Abstract: A valve assembly is provided having two valve sections, each having a tubular passageway portion and when joined together, defining a ball cavity in communication with the tubular passageways. One of the body sections is provided with an inlet/outlet in communication with the ball cavity as well as a spindle flange. An elongate spindle extends through the spindle flange projecting into the ball cavity region to rotate a spherical ball element between an open and a bypass position. The ball valve has a primary elongate passage which interconnects the two tubular passage portions in the valve body sections when the ball valve is in the open position. When the ball valve is rotated to the bypass position, the tubular passage portion of one of the ball body sections is sealed closed while the other tubular passage portion communicates with an internal bypass port within the ball valve which in turn, communicates with the auxiliary inlet/outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Giulio Pettinaroli, Sergio Anchisi
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Patent number: 7438275Abstract: A ball valve (10), in particular for controlling the amount of medium supplied to a heating or cooling system, is adapted such that the characteristic of the valve may be determined so that it may be adapted to its use in the heating or cooling system. The ball valve consists of a housing having a ball valve body (4) which is rotatable in two cups (3, 5) of a corresponding ball shape. An insert (7) is arranged at the discharge side of the housing, said insert having a concave ball face which corresponds to that of the ball valve, and which is provided with a slot or recess (10) which, together with the through bore of the ball, defines the outlet opening of the valve. A desired characteristic of the valve may be provided by imparting a suitable shape to the slot (10). The insert is fixed in a holder (6) in the valve housing by means of axially extending teeth (13) in the face of the housing which receives the insert.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Frese A/SInventor: Ole Jørgensen
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Publication number: 20080237522Abstract: A selector valve (102) having at least first and second ports (108 and 110) is provided. The selector valve includes a closure element (120) selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the first port (108), and a second position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the second port (110). The selector valve (102) further includes a cam assembly that is configured to bias the closure element (120) into at least the first or second position in a manner such that the closure element (120) does not come into substantial contact with the first or second port (108 or 110) when being moved into the first or second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: GT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventor: John M. Morris
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Publication number: 20080179560Abstract: There is provided a seat assembly for use in a downhole oil pump ball valve. The assembly includes a seat, a seat rest, and a ball. The seat is used for seating the ball of the ball valve. The seat has an outer wall and a top surface and a curved shoulder surface between the outer wall and the top surface. The seat rest receives the seat, and the seat rest has a curved corner surface so that when the seat is assembled with the seat rest the seat and seat rest are in substantial contact at all points of the curved shoulder surface and the curved corner surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: MICHAEL FORD
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Publication number: 20080157018Abstract: Disclosed is a valve/seal assembly that is adapted for use in a variety of applications, such as for example, medical, consumer beverage, pharmaceutical containers, automobile, household appliance and marine. The disclosed valve includes, inter alia, a valve housing having an upper body portion and a lower body portion and a generally spherical valve member. The upper and lower body portions of the housing define an internal chamber for accommodating the valve member and a central axis for the valve. The generally spherical valve member is seated within the internal chamber of the valve housing and has an axial bore extending therethrough. The valve member is mounted for movement between an open position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is axially aligned with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing, and a closed position; wherein the axial bore of the valve member is out of alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Michael Ross Kessell, Paul Neville Adams, Steven Lyle Weir, Henry Bolanos
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Publication number: 20080128648Abstract: A ball valve having reduced torque requirements for rotation is presented. Torque reduction is realized by providing a shaped sealing back member to provide a back force behind essentially the entire sealing surface of the downstream seal. Torque reduction is also realized by providing a dynamic sealing configuration that varies the sealing force over the valve's operating pressure conditions. An initial bias sealing force is applied by a spring member which also provides a low uniform as-assembled valve torque. As fluid pressure increases, the sealing pressure also increases as an o-ring is forced along a ramped surface of the seal. As inlet pressure decreases, the o-ring is allowed to back down the ramped surface to reduce the sealing force against the valve member. This sealing configuration allows for reverse flow or improper installation of the ball valve, and bottoms out to maintain a sealing force at higher back pressure conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: INVENSYS BUILDING SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Kurt R. Thomas, Eugene R. Jornod
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Publication number: 20080105845Abstract: A ball valve design with two sets of curved, smooth surfaces on the quarter-turn ball member to provide tight sealing in the fully closed position and protect the seat rings in the fully open position, with wiping action during opening and closing, thus avoiding particulate buildup. Compared to traditional ball valves, substantial, non-essential surface areas of the ball member are eliminated, which minimizes contact with the seat rings, thus reducing wear as well as operating torques as a direct result of reduced friction. The eliminated volume around the ball member creates an envelope for carrying particulate to be freely discharged into the downstream side when the valve is cycled from the closed to the open position. The cavity created around the raised spherical surfaces on the quarter-turn ball member also provides an envelope for modulating flow for control applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: YEARY & ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventor: Arthur R. Yeary
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Publication number: 20080105306Abstract: A filtration device, which can be installed at a relatively low place below the full water level of a storage tank, is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: TOTETU MFG. CO., LTD.Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
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Publication number: 20080099712Abstract: Valves such as ball valves may be configured so that they may be field serviced without removing the entire valve from a piping system. In some cases, the ball valves may be configured to be fluid tight while exhibiting low friction thus allowing a relatively low turning force. Such valves may include a valve body and a valve assembly disposed within the valve body. The valve assembly may include a ball valve disposed within a replaceable cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Donald A. DeYoe
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Patent number: 7350765Abstract: Valve assemblies and methods of designing valve assemblies having a valve ball, an upper seat, and a lower seat. When fluid pressure is applied to the valve ball, the valve ball will float in the axial direction between an upper position, a neutral position, and a lower position in response to fluid pressure. The valve assembly may be made suitable for internal blowout preventers.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Hydril Company LPInventors: John R. Leblanc, Jimmy Fultz, Ryan Gustafson
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Patent number: 7328680Abstract: A cylinder head assembly includes a spherical valve for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder defining a combustion chamber and housing a piston reciprocally movable therein throughout successive intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes for facilitating the flow of engine gasses between a manifold and the combustion chamber. The cylinder head assembly comprises a cylinder head defining therein a spherical valve race in gaseous communication with the combustion chamber. A spherical valve is disposed in the spherical valve race and has a spherical body defining a central axis of rotation and further defining a passageway therethrough. The passageway has a first opening substantially coaxial with the central axis for gaseous communication with a manifold and has a second opening substantially transverse from the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventor: Gary Diamond
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Publication number: 20070289631Abstract: An improved outlet valve assembly (12) is provided which is especially adapted for use with an intermediate bulk container (10) having bottom wall drain outlet (20) and support legs (22). The assembly (12) has serially interconnected valves (28,30), namely an emergency ball valve (28) and a manually operable valve (30), with endmost elbow coupler (26) and outlet (32). Tle assembly (12) is of compact design and is dimensioned to permit attachment to container (10) with the entirety of assembly (12) elevated above the bottom of support legs (22). The emergency ball (28) valve includes as spring-loaded operator (58) equipped with a temperature responsive fusible link (86). In the event of a fire adjacent container (10), the link (86) severs, allowing operator (58) to quickly close valve (28).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.Inventors: Scott Higgins, Clark Holden
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Patent number: 7287544Abstract: A triple-valve internal blow out preventer having unitary construction is provided, each valve including a tubular assembly having a central passageway with upper and lower seats mounted therein. A ball is rotatably received between the upper and lower seats and includes an external surface and a central opening, wherein the central opening may include an undercut. A protective coating may also be applied to both the external surface and the undercut of the ball to increase the durability of each of the valves.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Padmasiri Daya Seneviratne, Lawrence Wells, David B. Mason
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Patent number: 7249751Abstract: A valve 100 comprising a one piece valve body 112 having an axial fluid bore 124 therethrough and a fluid control element 110 rotatable between open and closed positions. The body 112 includes an integral bracket 128 which provides an open access area between the bracket 128 and the main body 112 of the valve 100. A valve stem 130 is disposed within a stem bore 135, and 137 extending from the valve body 112 to the bracket 128, and engaging the flow control element 110. A contiguous single piece gland flange 142 secures packing 134 disposed between a valve body bore 137 and the stem 130. The stem 130 includes an enlarged shoulder 152 which engages a contiguous single piece shear bushing 148 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the stem bore 130, thereby preventing removal and/or blowout of the stem 130 without prior removal of the shear bushing 148.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Mogas Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian R. Hall, John B. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7182095Abstract: A valve, particularly a vapor valve, is disclosed and includes a housing into which an intake connecting piece, an outlet connecting piece, and a pressure relief outlet discharge, having a spherical closing part, mounted so it is rotationally movable by a lever. The outlet connecting piece is connected to the pressure relief outlet in the closed position (closed setting). An air supply inlet discharges into the housing and the spherical closing part may be rotated by more than 90° and is implemented so that after the closing motion around 90°, the closing part may be rotated further in the closing direction with the valve closed until the outlet connecting piece is connected to the air supply inlet with the pressure relief outlet closed again (purge setting).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: Karl Weinhold
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Patent number: 7178782Abstract: A valve uniquely integrates ball valve and throttling valve principals, thus affording quieter stop-and-start operation. A ball held by two seat rings is rotatable ninety degrees and has a diametric bore adjustable between fully closed (0°) and fully open (90°) positions. Oppositely disposed, relative to both the ball and the valve's longitudinal axis, are two plate assemblies each describing a tortuous fluid path. Each ring has conduits communicating with an assembly's tortuous path and communicable with the bore so that, sequentially during the ball's 0° to 90° rotation: the ball seals off the conduits, no fluid passing through the valve; all fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits; some fluid passing through the valve flows through the plate assemblies and conduits, some fluid passing through the valve flowing freely; the ball seals off the conduits, all fluid passing through the valve flowing freely.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Matthew E. York
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Patent number: 7163189Abstract: A tapping valve of plastics material for transport and storage containers for liquids, which is constructed as a flap valve or ball valve, includes a valve housing with an inlet connection connectable to an outlet connection of the liquid container and an outlet connection, wherein the outlet connection of the valve body is welded to the male part of a Kamlok coupling for connecting a discharge hose. The valve housing is of a polyethylene of high density and the male part of the Kamlok coupling is of a glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene of high density.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Protechna S.A.Inventor: Udo Schütz
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Patent number: 7147204Abstract: A remote controlled system for shutting off a water supply and testing for leaks, having within a sealed housing a motorized ball valve device with an electronic controller, antenna, power supply, battery-charging device and an evacuation/injection port. The controller receives signals through the antenna from a wireless remote control device, when either of two buttons on the remote control device is pressed the controller receives the wireless RF signal and activates the motorized ball valve device which either stops or starts the water flow through the water line. The battery-charging device is connected to a source of alternating current by a power plug. If the system is installed below-ground an external battery charging device that operates by solar means is connected using matching quick connectors and positioned on the outside of the sealed housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventors: Lyndol Wade Hollingsworth, Edward Meltzer
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Patent number: 7121295Abstract: An internal blow out preventer is provided that includes a ball valve including a tubular assembly having a central passageway with upper and lower seats mounted therein. A ball is rotatably received between the upper and lower seats and includes an external surface and a central opening, wherein the central opening includes an undercut. A protective coating is applied to both the external surface and the undercut of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.Inventors: Padmasiri Daya Seneviratne, Lawrence Wells, David B. Mason
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Patent number: 7108243Abstract: A ball valve includes a housing, a valve member, and a grip. The housing has a valve chamber in the center portion for containing a valve portion of the valve member consisting of the valve portion and a shaft portion extending up from the valve portion and out of the housing to combine with the grip able to rotate the valve member to open or close a passageway formed by the cavity of the valve portion, an inlet portion and an outlet portion at two sides of the housing. An anti-leak gasket is fixed around the lower end of the shaft for preventing liquid in the valve assembly from leaking out. Further, a soft auxiliary gasket is fixed around the shaft portion under the anti-leak gasket for lessening friction between the shaft portion and the shaft hole of the housing to permit the ball valve manually handled to open or close smoothly.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Chi-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 7093819Abstract: A valve 100 comprising a one piece valve body 112 having an axial fluid bore 124 and a rotatable fluid control element 110. The body 112 includes an integral bracket 128 which provides an open access area between the bracket 128 and the main body 112 of the valve 100. A valve stem 130 is disposed within a stem bore 135, and 137 extending from the valve body 112 to the bracket 128, and engaging the flow control element 110. A contiguous single piece gland flange 142 secures packing 134 disposed between a valve body bore 137 and the stem 130. The stem 130 includes an enlarged shoulder 152 which engages a contiguous single piece shear bushing 148 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the stem bore 130, thereby preventing removal and/or blowout of the stem 130 without prior removal of the shear bushing 148.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Mogas Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian R. Hall, John B. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7080822Abstract: A two piece side split ball valve with internal corrosion resistant plastic lining (4, 5), with an integral actuator mounting flange (30) for easier, cheaper & direct mounting of any standard actuator, with a single piece ball-stem (3, 7) for accurate control of the rotation & positioning of the ball (3), with energized seat rings (8, 9) for bubble tight shut-off and with means (14, 15) to prevent cold flow of lining sealing faces (16, 17) of the two body halves (1, 2) having metal to metal contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Plastrulon Processors LimitedInventor: Manish Tulaskar
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Patent number: 7044436Abstract: A ball valve for fluids comprises a body (11) provided with an inlet and an outlet (12, 13) and with an inner chamber (14) in which a ball element (15) having a main communication passageway (17) passing through the ball element itself is rotatably received. The ball element is rotatable between an angular position at which the valve is completely closed, said passageway being disposed substantially transverse to the inlet and outlet, and an angular position at which the valve is completely open, said main passageway being aligned with the valve inlet and outlet to create a communication therebetween. The ball element (15) comprises a secondary communication passageway (19) of a reduced section disposed laterally of said main communication passageway. The secondary passageway is designed to bring the valve inlet and outlet into communication with each other when said ball element is in a range of intermediate angular positions between said completely open and completely closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Pibiviesse S.p.A.Inventors: Antonio Corbetta, Antonello Vago
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Patent number: 6994309Abstract: An apparatus for the remote measurement, control, and supervision, via a wired or wireless network connection, of the flow of gas, allowing fully opening or closing a valve in case of an emergency or for administrative purposes. The apparatus also provides for flow pressure, barometric pressure, and a temperature compensated gas flow meter. The apparatus obtains the number of revolutions of a rotor which delivers a fixed amount of gas per revolution and compensates for gas bypassing the rotor. The apparatus is self-powered by the energy produced by an electric generator coupled to the flow measurement rotor. The surplus energy not used by the electronic components in measuring and reporting is stored for the operation of the rotary control valve. The apparatus is housed in a planar base plate that allows servicing from one side of the system. The apparatus uses an energy storage management system for the controlled charging and use of the apparatus in an intrinsically safe manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Inventor: Rafael Fernández-Sein
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Patent number: 6988708Abstract: A ball has a valve body defining an inner cavity and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a control ball element rotatably mounted in the inner cavity, and having a segment defining a ball face, and a flexible valve seat positioned in the valve body. The seat comprises a base portion, a cantilevered portion with a sealing face disposed toward the ball face, and a connecting portion between the base portion and the cantilevered portion that is lesser in width than are the base portion and the cantilevered portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventor: Brian J. Caprera
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Patent number: 6986499Abstract: A valve, actuator and control system that allows minimizing the size of the actuator and operation of the control system in a manual mode that automatically prevents accidental operation by pipeline pressure is disclosed. The actuator uses gas pressure from the pipeline to power the actuator. In the event gas pressure is unavailable, a pair of manual hand pumps are incorporated to allow operation of the actuator and valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventors: Albert S. Davis, John M. Saldivar, David R. Mefford, Frank J. Arriens, Daryl L. Ard
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Patent number: 6910673Abstract: A valve with a calibrated flow orifice insert for use in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (“HVAC”) applications so as to provide metered flow through the valve. The insert is used as a flow control device and is inserted into a conventional threaded ball valve. The insert has a cylindrical axial bore that is sized to provide a maximum valve flow coefficient. Peripheral threads on the insert mate with interior threads on the inlet of the valve body. A pair of bores on the face of the insert permit threaded insertion into the valve. The axial orifice bore through the insert is sized using experimentally-determined formulas related to the Reynolds numbers for the orifice and for the piping upstream of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Valve Teck, Inc.Inventors: James W. Green, Gino James Rouss
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Patent number: 6899128Abstract: A half ball valve includes a body including cavity having an assembly opening, a stem opening formed at a side of the body opposite to the assembly opening to connect the cavity and the outside, and a first connection hole inclined with respect to an axis of the stem opening. A ball is accommodated in the cavity of the body through the assembly opening to be capable of rotating to switch between an open position at which the first connection hole is open and a close position at which the first connection hole is blocked. A passage is formed in the ball inclined with respect to an axis of the stem opening and is connected to the first connection hole at the open position. A stem connects a control lever outside the body and the ball along the stem opening. A body cap having a second connection hole connected to the passage of the ball is coupled to the body to cover the cavity at the assembly opening side. A packing is interposed between an outer surface of the ball and an inner wall of the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Seung-Jun Oh
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Publication number: 20040256590Abstract: A ball valve (1) has a housing (H) in which is mounted for rotation about an axis of operation (A), a valve member which is a ball (2), the ball (2) having a passage (P) through which fluid flows from an inlet (I) of the housing (H) to an outlet (O) of the housing (H), and the ball (2) has at one end of the passage (P) a metering opening (4) for the fluid, the ball (2) being rotatable about the axis of operation (A) between a first closed position in which the opening (4) is concealed by an adjacent housing wall and fluid flow through the passage (P) is prevented, and a fully open position in which the opening (4) is aligned with one of the inlet (I) and outlet (O) of the housing (H) to permit of maximum fluid flow through the passage (P), and characterised in that the opening (4) in the ball (2) at the one end of the passage (P) is provided by removing material by high pressure fluid jetting.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Giulio Pettinaroli
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Publication number: 20040155218Abstract: A ball valve includes a tubular element having an annular flange extended in the middle portion, and having a valve chamber formed in one end to receive two gaskets and a ball valve member, and having a barrel. A shank is rotatably received in the barrel and coupled to the ball valve member, to rotate the ball valve member relative to the tubular element. A duct includes a peripheral swelling extended from one end and engaged into the valve chamber of the tubular element, and secured to the tubular element with a welding member, for allowing the ball valve member and the gaskets to be easily assembled into the tubular element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Shyh Chyuan Wang
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Publication number: 20040129913Abstract: A valve assembly, including a quarter turn ball valve, an insert carried by the valve housing, and a flange, rotatably carried on the insert. The flange is used to secure the valve assembly in a fluid system and the assembly and disassembly of the valve assembly is facilitated by the adjustable position of the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: William D. Leonard, Chalard Bunluaphob, Prasert Buranatum, Daniel E. Schaffer, Lisa E. Hathy-Riles
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Publication number: 20040129914Abstract: A ball valve has a wall, and a through hole with two open ends. The wall becomes gradually smaller in thickness from a midsegment of the ball toward the two open ends of the through hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: LEADER TEK PRECISION INC.Inventor: Dean Shai
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Patent number: 6702258Abstract: A ball valve assembly having a single valve body having a female inlet opening which can be coupled to a selected one of a range of commercially available conduit sizes and materials. A series of adapter fittings are used, each corresponding to a different conduit size. The adapter ring is seated against the valve inlet opening. A compression ring mounted on the conduit is inserted in the valve opening to abut the adapter ring. A compression nut is mounted on the valve body to compress the compression ring to frictionally engage the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: F. Pettinaroli, S.p.A.Inventor: Giulio Pettinaroli
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Patent number: 6698712Abstract: The ball valve assembly 10 includes a valve body 12, a ball 14, a seat ring 30, a support ring 40, and an actuator sleeve 50 surrounding the ball and axially moveable within the valve body for rotating the ball between the open position and the closed position. A plurality of seals seal with the seat ring, the actuator sleeve, the support ring, and the valve body. The actuator sleeve 50 maintains fluid pressure within the valve body. The ball, support ring and seat ring are each formed from a selective material to enhance life of the ball valve assembly. A pair of pins 80, 82 each extend in a slot within the ball and holes in the sleeve, and preferably the pair of pins and the ball rotate with respect to the sleeve as the sleeve moves axially within the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Larry E. Reimert, Jason C. McCanna, Xhemal Kaculi
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Patent number: 6695285Abstract: A ball valve (10) includes a body (A) having a passageway (12) extending therethrough with a ball member (B) disposed in the passageway and mounted for selective rotation between valve open and valve closed positions to control fluid flow through the valve. A pair of flange grooves are provided in the body on opposite sides of the ball. each flange groove extending radially from the passageway. A pair of seat rings (16) are disposed in the passageway on opposite sides of the ball. Each seat ring has a first sealing surface (24) in contact with an outer surface of the ball and a radially extending annular flange or tab (30) received in an associated one of the flange grooves (34). The seat design further includes a pair of annular flange seals (18, 20) each disposed in a respective one of the flange grooves.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Bruce A. Hotton, Cal R. Brown, George A. Carlson, Joseph K. Iveljic, Jared S. Timko, Kevin J. Mracek
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Publication number: 20030205688Abstract: The ball valve assembly 10 includes a valve body 12, a ball 14, a seat ring 30, a support ring 40, and an actuator sleeve 50 surrounding the ball and axially moveable within the valve body for rotating the ball between the open position and the closed position. A plurality of seals seal with the seat ring, the actuator sleeve, the support ring, and the valve body. The actuator sleeve 50 maintains fluid pressure within the valve body. The ball, support ring and seat ring are each formed from a selective material to enhance life of the ball valve assembly. A pair of pins 80, 82 each extend in a slot within the ball and holes in the sleeve, and preferably the pair of pins and the ball rotate with respect to the sleeve as the sleeve moves axially within the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Larry E. Reimert, Jason C. McCanna, Xhemal Kaculi
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Publication number: 20030193036Abstract: A top-entry ball valve assembly that includes top and bottom camming plates which are coupled to top and bottom shoulders of the ball valve member. The camming plates include a first pair of opposing camming corner-surfaces to displace the spring-biased valve seat from the perimeter of the ball valve member when it is rotated between open and closed positions. The plates further include a second pair of opposing camming corner-surfaces to fully retract the spring-biased valve seat when being serviced so that the retraction tool can be inserted to hold the seats in place with little or no damage to the forward end of the seats.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Jeff Mike
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Patent number: 6629683Abstract: A draining-preventing device of a pneumatic-and-electromotive driving valve is disclosed. A driving shaft is installed at a center of a receiving tube of a joint and a lower end of the joint is buckled with a ball valve. The driving shaft and the ball valve rotates synchronously with the pneumatic-and-electromotive driving valve. A tightening sleeve is locked between the receiving tube and the driving shaft. A top surface of the tightening sleeve has an adjusting nut and the adjusting nut has a plurality of adjusting holes. When the draining-preventing washer becomes hard or deforms, so that that the force of the tightening sleeve is insufficient, and therefore, a gap is formed between the tightening sleeve and the joint. Thus water can be stop completely. Furthermore, by a supporting frame, a tray is supported at two sides and other portion is hollowed. If water drains out, it can be known immediately.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Zi-Ren Wang