Ball Construction Patents (Class 251/315.16)
  • Patent number: 9863545
    Abstract: [Object] To significantly increased the convenience in suctioning dust on a mop with use of a negative pressure of an electric vacuum cleaner. [Solution] A hose coupling device 10 includes a connecting pipe 14, a branch pipe 15, a ball valve 40. The connecting pipe 14 has openings, one of the openings configured as a first inlet 31 and another one of the openings configured as an outlet 33 communicating with the one of the openings. The branch pipe 15 continues from a lateral surface of the connecting pipe 14 and has an opening configured as a second inlet 32. The ball valve 40 is arranged in a valve box 35 at which the connecting pipe 14 and the branch pipe 15 communicate such that the ball valve 40 is rotatable about a rotation axis corresponding to an axis of the branch pipe 15 while the ball valve 40 remains in contact with an inner wall of the valve box 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Keiichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 9581268
    Abstract: A valve has a valve body, a valve member, a bonnet, an anti-loosening stem and multiple fillers. The valve member is mounted inside the valve body, and has a first mounting part and a groove that is defined annually in the first mounting part. The anti-loosening stem is mounted through the valve body, and has multiple embedding elements and a second mounting part that is mounted in the first mounting part. The embedding elements are mounted radially in the anti-loosening stem and abut the groove. Thus, the anti-loosening stem is mounted firmly in the valve member. The bonnet abuts the fillers and is mounted in the valve body. Therefore, the anti-loosening stem is prevented from detaching or jetting out of the valve member and damaging the user when removing the bonnet to replace the fillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: VALUE VALVES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsiao Chen
  • Patent number: 9038988
    Abstract: A flow control valve element has a generally spherical ball. An inlet is formed in the ball. An outlet is also formed in the ball, the outlet opposing the inlet. A hollowed-out portion extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pair of opposing flats are formed in the ball, the flats each having a first flat portion formed in an external portion of the ball and an opposing second flat portion formed in the hollowed-out portion of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Akron Brass Company
    Inventors: David Beechy, Kevin Petit, Nelsimar Vandelli
  • Publication number: 20150101687
    Abstract: A valve is provided including a valve body and a valve element arranged within the valve body. The valve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and an inner surface that defines a flow channel. The valve element includes a through passage and is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position to control a flow of fluid through the flow channel. A check valve assembly is arranged within the valve element generally perpendicular to the through passage. The check valve assembly is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to an increase in pressure when the valve element is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Shubat, Donna S. Prause
  • Patent number: 8978691
    Abstract: A valve including a flow control assembly having an adaptive, floating closure member is provided. In one embodiment, a ball valve includes a floating closure member having a shoulder enclosed within a recess of the valve body. The recess is larger than the shoulder of the closure member and allows axial movement of the closure member with respect to the valve body and along a flow path through the valve. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Avdjian, Jacques Berardo
  • Patent number: 8960643
    Abstract: Ball valves and ball valve components usable to control the flow of fluids and methods for manufacturing said ball valve components. Ball valves include a ball member comprising two curved segments of like shape and size, which are integrally joined and disposed symmetrically to one another relative to the axis of rotation of the ball member. A bore extends through the joined first and the second curved segments, wherein the first end of the bore is located on the first curved segment and the second end of the bore is located on the second curved segment. Each curved segment is disposed symmetrically to one another, relative to the axis of rotation. The area of separation, between the curved segments, defines shoulders of like configuration, wherein each shoulder is located symmetrically with respect to the other relative to the ball member's axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Vincent, Charlie Partridge, Miguel Barroso, Fred Casey, Blake Smith
  • Publication number: 20140332704
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment ring for attaching an object in a flow channel. The attachment ring has a first surface for contacting 5 the object and a second surface for contacting a surface of a shoulder. An expansion member expands the attachment ring by pushing the ends away from each other when the expansion member is moved into the opening. At least one of the second surface of the attachment ring and the surface of the shoulder is inclined in order to wedge the 10 attachment ring between the surface of the shoulder and the object when the attachment ring is expanded by the expansion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Esko Yli-Koski, Pietari Luoto, Joonas Korhonen, Antti Kuitunen
  • Publication number: 20140264127
    Abstract: A passage forming portion has a first opening of a first passage. A valve element has a second passage of a second opening and a slidable surface slidable relative to an opening periphery of the first opening. The valve element rotates to increase an overlap region, in which the first opening overlaps with the second opening, to communicate the first passage with the second passage to increase a flow quantity of fluid between the first passage and the second passage. A flow quantity retention unit is equipped in the valve element to retain the flow quantity constantly regardless of a rotation angle in a range from an angle, at which the slidable surface starts to open the first opening, to a predetermined rotation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20140231690
    Abstract: Ball valves and ball valve components usable to control the flow of fluids and methods for manufacturing said ball valve components. Ball valves include a ball member comprising two curved segments of like shape and size, which are integrally joined and disposed symmetrically to one another relative to the axis of rotation of the ball member. A bore extends through the joined first and the second curved segments, wherein the first end of the bore is located on the first curved segment and the second end of the bore is located on the second curved segment. Each curved segment is disposed symmetrically to one another, relative to the axis of rotation. The area of separation, between the curved segments, defines shoulders of like configuration, wherein each shoulder is located symmetrically with respect to the other relative to the ball member's axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Chromatic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Vincent, Charlie Partridge, Miguel Barroso, Fred Casey, Blake Smith
  • Publication number: 20140209828
    Abstract: A flow characterizing device (30) for a valve comprises: a body (31) in form of a disc with a centerline, the body (31) having an inner surface (33) corresponding to the outer surface of the valve member when the flow characterizing device (30) is installed in the flow path of the valve; and an outer surface (37), the inner and outer surfaces (33, 37) of the flow characterizing device (30) disposed in a spaced relationship along the centerline of the flow characterizing device (30). The body (31) of the flow characterizing device (30) further comprises a flow characterizing channel (49) therein extending between the inner surface (33) and the outer surface (37) of the flow characterizing device (30), thereby providing fluid communication between the inner and outer surfaces (33, 37) of the flow characterizing device (30), and defining an opening (32) in the inner surface (33) of the flow characterizing device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BELIMO HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Ryan WHITMORE, Daryl KAUFMAN, Richard LEDELLAYTNER, Chris DEBARBER
  • Publication number: 20140097371
    Abstract: Improved ball valve or pig valves with stems having higher stress yields are disclosed. Additionally, a method of changing using the same stem in a ball valve or pig valve in a low pressure application or a high pressure application is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of ensuring a correct stem is matched to a correct ball of a ball or pig valve is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Array Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ly-Trong Van Huynh
  • Publication number: 20140054483
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include ball valves having integrated seats. The integrated seats are included in a ball body assembly of a valve body. The ball body assembly may rotate with respect to the valve body to open or close the valve. The integrated seats may contact walls of a bore to sealingly close the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Christophe Avdjian
  • Patent number: 8628058
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for plumbing applications for shutting off a duct through which a fluid can flow, includes at least two connection fittings forming a housing, which define a flow path when assembled; and a shut-off body rotatably disposed in the housing, which includes at least two shut-off sections. The shut-off body is movable between a closed position, in which at least one of the shut-off sections of the shut-off body blocks the flow path, and an open position, in which both shut-off sections open the flow path. In order to reduce manufacturing complexity, the shut-off body is formed from a formed sheet metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Viega GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Hartung
  • Publication number: 20130313457
    Abstract: A valve including a flow control assembly having an adaptive, floating closure member is provided. In one embodiment, a ball valve includes a floating closure member having a shoulder enclosed within a recess of the valve body. The recess is larger than the shoulder of the closure member and allows axial movement of the closure member with respect to the valve body and along a flow path through the valve. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christophe Avdjian, Jacques Berardo
  • Publication number: 20130200286
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved ball valve with trunnions connected to impact turn wheels. The trunnions are affixed to the ball of the ball valve mechanism. The improved ball valve impact turn wheels will generate increased torque which will allow improved operation of a ball valve in high pressure applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Duane M. Eagen
  • Patent number: 8496228
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising a first flange, second flange, ball, inner magnetic cartridge, outer magnetic cartridge, and planetary gear assembly. The inner magnetic cartridge is situated inside of the outer magnetic cartridge, and the inner and outer magnetic cartridges actuate the valve. The planetary gear assembly is situated between the inner magnetic cartridge and the ball. The planetary gear assembly comprises one or more planetary gear phases, each planetary gear phase comprising a step-down gear. Each planetary gear phase comprises one or more planetary gears that engage with the inner teeth of the outer ring of the planetary gear assembly and with a step-down gear. The invention further comprises a pressure equalization system comprising inner and outer equalization tubes, a piston situated between the inner and outer equalization tubes, and either a piston spring or spring washer stack that biases the piston in the direction of the clean oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Patent number: 8490946
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising a first flange, second flange, ball, inner magnetic cartridge, outer magnetic cartridge, and planetary gear assembly. The inner magnetic cartridge is situated inside of the outer magnetic cartridge, and the inner and outer magnetic cartridges actuate the valve. The planetary gear assembly is situated between the inner magnetic cartridge and the ball. The planetary gear assembly comprises one or more planetary gear phases, each planetary gear phase comprising a step-down gear. Each planetary gear phase comprises one or more planetary gears that engage with the inner teeth of the outer ring of the planetary gear assembly and with a step-down gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Publication number: 20130153805
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a flow control valve having a secondary flow metering feature includes a rotating component which provides a primary flow control function. The rotating component rotates about an axis, and can be used to open or close the valve, typically with a 90 degree rotation of the rotating component by a handle or actuator. The valve includes a secondary flow metering function, by selectively varying the cross-sectional flow passage area through the rotating component. The rotating element may be a spherical ball, a non-spherical ball, or other component configuration which rotates about an axis, such as a conical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Peter J. Stulik, Brent A. Stulik
  • Patent number: 8424567
    Abstract: A valve operable to control flow between two adjacent pipe sections and having a system for relieving pressure from an enclosed cavity within the valve. The valve includes a first pressure port, a second pressure port, and a seal. When the valve is closed, the first pressure port is in fluid communication with one pipe section and the second pressure port in fluid communication with the enclosed cavity. The seal isolates the second pressure port from the first pressure port when fluid pressure within the enclosed cavity is less than a pre-selected valve and is displaceable to enable fluid communication between the second pressure port and the first pressure port when fluid pressure in the enclosed cavity is equal to or greater than the pre-selected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Caprera
  • Patent number: 8403293
    Abstract: A ball valve (10) for sealing a conduit (12) is described. The ball valve includes a housing having a throughbore and a valve seat. An apertured ball element (18) is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (38) between a throughbore open and a throughbore closed position. The apertured ball element (18) has a first portion (20) and a second portion (22) coupled together which are rotatable and moveable relative to each other. The first portion has a sealing surface for engaging with the valve seat. In use, in the throughbore closed position, the second portion is moveable relative to the first portion to axially displace the first portion from the axis of rotation towards the valve seat such that the sealing surface on the first portion of the apertured ball forms a seal with valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Limited
    Inventors: Gavin David Cowie, Jeffrey Charles Edwards
  • Patent number: 8398055
    Abstract: A ball segment valve for controlling fluid flow in a piping, includes a valve housing with a valve seat disposed therein, a tubular bearing body fitted to an upper axial opening of the valve housing, a rotating spindle inserted through the bearing body into the valve housing, a tightening sleeve unit sleeved on the spindle to ensure full engagement of the spindle with the bearing body, a journal member inserted through a lower axial opening into the valve housing, and a valve body having upper and lower lugs coaxially fitted to the spindle and the journal member, and a spherical segment having a convex outer spherical surface and rotated with the spindle between a fully closed position, where the spherical surface is in sealing contact with the valve seat, and a fully opened position to permit a full fluid communication of the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: J-Flow Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Chih-Chien Yin
  • Patent number: 8375977
    Abstract: A ball valve with single access port includes a ball valve body; a ball disposed inside the ball valve body, the ball having an open inside portion creating a primary passage, an operating position of the ball determining the flow of fluid and pressurized cleaning agent through the valve; a secondary passage configured to allow the flow of the pressurized cleaning agent into the open inside portion of the ball and an access port allowing an external source of the pressurized cleaning agent to be coupled to the ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: A.S. Jones & Company Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20130037738
    Abstract: A ball valve which can suppress the increasing of processing labor time and reliably prevent simultaneous rotation of a ball seat and a ball when the ball is rotated by handle manipulation is provided. The valve body 2 is formed of a hard material such as stainless steel, the ball seat is formed of a relatively soft material such as a fluorine resin, and a protrusion 18 is formed on a ball seat support surface 13 of the valve body 2 made of a hard material so as to bite into the ball seat 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Masashi Matsuoka, Yosinori Shimomura, Kunihiko Daido, Hirokatsu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20130015384
    Abstract: Embodiments and methods are disclosed herein that relate to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a passage formed therethrough, and a valve ball having a through hole and disposed in the housing, in which the valve ball is rotatable between an open position that has the through hole aligned with the passage and a closed position that has the through hole misaligned with the passage. The valve assembly further includes a first seat having a first sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the valve ball, and a second seat having a second sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the first seat such that the first sealing surface of the first seat is disposed adjacent to the second sealing surface of the second seat. At least one of the first sealing surface of the first seat and the second sealing surface of the second seat comprises an arcuate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Virgo Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin E. Beasley
  • Publication number: 20130001455
    Abstract: A ball valve with offset straight through flow is provided. The ball valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an internal cavity. A non-spherical ball valve member is positioned within the internal cavity. The valve member is mechanically coupled to a valve stem extending from the internal cavity to an exterior of the housing such that rotation of the valve stem results in a like rotation of the valve member. The ball valve has a fully closed position wherein fluid flow therethrough is prevented. The ball valve member also has a fully opened position where fluid flow therethrough is allowed. The ball valve can transition from the fully closed position to the frilly opened position and vice versa with a rotation of the valve member of less than or equal to about forty-five degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120319023
    Abstract: A dome valve selectively dispenses a silicon product from a chamber of a vessel. The dome valve comprises a valve body defining a pass-through channel in communication with the chamber of the vessel to allow the silicon product to exit the vessel. The dome valve also comprising a valve seat defining an opening through which the silicon product enters the pass-through channel. The dome valve further comprising a domed body having a semi-hemispherical configuration. The domed body has a sealing surface. The domed body is rotatable between a closed position and an open position for allowing the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: P. Christian Naberhaus
  • Patent number: 8316953
    Abstract: A well tubing valve including a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member is a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the at least one aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. The valve also includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide a metal seal that is biased to seal against the part spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Reid, Irvine C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8308132
    Abstract: An improved hemi-wedge type valve is disclosed that has upstream and downstream sealing surfaces that cooperate with opposed surfaces on the hemi-wedge valve member. This results in improved sealing and less leakage, at both high and low pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Chromatic Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Partridge
  • Publication number: 20120260991
    Abstract: A ball within a ball valve comprises a ball, an interior fluid passage extending through the ball, a first flow passage disposed in the ball that allows fluid communication between an exterior fluid and the interior fluid passage, a second flow passage disposed in the ball that extends through a wall of the ball to the interior fluid passage, where the first flow passage and the second flow passage are on opposite hemispheres of the ball, and a flow through device. The flow through device comprises a plug disposed in the second flow passage and configured to sealingly engage the ball, and a shear device configured to engage the plug and retain the plug in the second flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Derek Walter INGLIS, Katherine Ann DAVIES
  • Patent number: 8262061
    Abstract: A ball valve having a cam element, and a ball having a left arm and a right arm with a slot between each arm. A terminal portion of each arm is positioned adjacent the cam element. The cam element is shaped so that, when the ball is rotated from the open condition to the closed condition, the cam element forces the arms through three distances of separation. A first distance, when the ball has undergone no rotation from the fully open condition. A second distance, when the ball has undergone some rotation from the fully open condition towards the closed condition but has not reached the closed condition. A third distance in which the ball has undergone rotation to the closed condition. The third distance is greater than the first distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Robert W. King
  • Publication number: 20120168661
    Abstract: A ball segment valve for controlling fluid flow in a piping, includes a valve housing with a valve seat disposed therein, a tubular bearing body fitted to an upper axial opening of the valve housing, a rotating spindle inserted through the bearing body into the valve housing, a tightening sleeve unit sleeved on the spindle to ensure full engagement of the spindle with the bearing body, a journal member inserted through a lower axial opening into the valve housing, and a valve body having upper and lower lugs coaxially fitted to the spindle and the journal member, and a spherical segment having a convex outer spherical surface and rotated with the spindle between a fully closed position, where the spherical surface is in sealing contact with the valve seat, and a fully opened position to permit a full fluid communication of the valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: J-Flow Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Chih-Chien Yin
  • Publication number: 20120112110
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a valve seal for a ball valve includes a ball configured to mate with a tail piece, an annular seat ring to facilitate the mating of the ball with the tail piece, the seat ring having an angled wall having a first groove for accommodating a first seal and a second groove for accommodating a second seal, the first seal having a different Young's modulus from the second seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SPX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Lewandowski, Glenn McClatchey, Phillip Treichel
  • Patent number: 8166994
    Abstract: A ball (1) for valves is described, comprising a substantially ball-shaped body (2), a hole (4, 5) bored in the body (2) for fluid flow passage between the entry and exit of the valve, and a slot (10) cut into the body (2) to house a pin for ball (1) rotation. The ball (1) is produced in a single element, and the hole (4, 5) terminates in a wall (6) in which a specifically shaped opening (12) is cut to regulate the amount of fluid flow between the entry and exit of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Vir Valvoindustria Ing. Rizzio—S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Braga
  • Patent number: 8156801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Jean-Michel Hache, Gilles Roux
  • Patent number: 8132786
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising: a right flange; left flange; ball with an axis pin and two travel pins; ball seal on either side of the ball; guide sleeve with inner walls comprising two channels; cartridge guide holder; inner magnetic cartridge; and outer magnetic cartridge. The ball is situated inside of the guide sleeve, and a travel pin is located in each of the two channels. The guide sleeve is situated inside of the cartridge guide holder, which is located adjacent to and outside of the inner magnetic cartridge and secured to the inner magnetic cartridge such that when the inner magnetic cartridge rotates, the cartridge guide holder also rotates. The cartridge guide holder is secured to the guide sleeve such that when the cartridge guide holder rotates, the travel pins move within the channels in the inner walls of the guide sleeve, thereby causing the ball to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Patent number: 8066075
    Abstract: A completion suspension valve system is described which allows a well to be suspended and desuspended remotely without a dual bore riser to the surface. This is achieved by incorporating a remotely actuatable valve into the production bore of a tubing hanger. The valve is hydraulically operable and may be controlled via the tubing hanger running tool or via the xmas tree. The valve can be closed and tested after the tubing hanger has been installed, thereby isolating the well. The dual bore riser and running tool are retrievable and the MODU type vessel is then free to continue drilling and completion operations elsewhere. The xmas tree can therefore be deployed from a workclass supply boat instead of a MODU type vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Limited
    Inventors: Gavin David Cowie, Jeffrey Charles Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110278487
    Abstract: A ball valve having a cam element, and a ball having a left arm and a right arm with a slot between each arm. A terminal portion of each arm is positioned adjacent the cam element. The cam element is shaped so that, when the ball is rotated from the open condition to the closed condition, the cam element forces the arms through three distances of separation. A first distance, when the ball has undergone no rotation from the fully open condition. A second distance, when the ball has undergone some rotation from the fully open condition towards the closed condition but has not reached the closed condition. A third distance in which the ball has undergone rotation to the closed condition. The third distance is greater than the first distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. King
  • Publication number: 20110266484
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exist between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exist between the seal carrier and the valve body. A bellows seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary leak path, and an auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the secondary leak path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Dalluge, Lonnie O. Davies, JR.
  • Patent number: 8047228
    Abstract: This invention relates to a valve assembly comprising (a) a valve body defining a valve chamber, an inlet port and a discharge port, wherein the inlet port and discharge port communicate with the valve chamber; and (b) a valve member in the valve chamber, the valve member comprising a passage having (1) a first opening and (2) a second opening housing a filter having an inlet surface proximate to the inlet port and a discharge surface proximate to the discharge port, wherein the passage communicates with the inlet port and discharge port, and wherein the valve member is moveable to alternately juxtapose the inlet port and either the filter inlet surface or the filter discharge surface. The invention further relates to a particulate material metering and/or feed system comprising the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gail Depierri, Ronald Francis Mire, John Louis Meng
  • Publication number: 20110260090
    Abstract: A ball valve with single access port includes a ball valve body; a ball disposed inside the ball valve body, the ball having an open inside portion creating a primary passage, an operating position of the ball determining the flow of fluid and pressurized cleaning agent through the valve; a secondary passage configured to allow the flow of the pressurized cleaning agent into the open inside portion of the ball and an access port allowing an external source of the pressurized cleaning agent to be coupled to the ball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Scott Jones
  • Publication number: 20110198527
    Abstract: A ball valve (10) for sealing a conduit (12) is described. The ball valve includes a housing having a throughbore and a valve seat. An apertured ball element (18) is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (38) between a throughbore open and a throughbore closed position. The apertured ball element (18) has a first portion (20) and a second portion (22) coupled together which are rotatable and moveable relative to each other. The first portion has a sealing surface for engaging with the valve seat. In use, in the throughbore closed position, the second portion is moveable relative to the first portion to axially displace the first portion from the axis of rotation towards the valve seat such that the sealing surface on the first portion of the apertured ball forms a seal with valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Gavin David Cowie, Jeffrey Charles Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110180739
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising: a right flange; left flange; ball with an axis pin and two travel pins; ball seal on either side of the ball; guide sleeve with inner walls comprising two channels; cartridge guide holder; inner magnetic cartridge; and outer magnetic cartridge. The ball is situated inside of the guide sleeve, and a travel pin is located in each of the two channels. The guide sleeve is situated inside of the cartridge guide holder, which is located adjacent to and outside of the inner magnetic cartridge and secured to the inner magnetic cartridge such that when the inner magnetic cartridge rotates, the cartridge guide holder also rotates. The cartridge guide holder is secured to the guide sleeve such that when the cartridge guide holder rotates, the travel pins move within the channels in the inner walls of the guide sleeve, thereby causing the ball to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Patent number: 7971855
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising two flanges and a ball with a channel, two axis pins and two travel pins. One end of each axis and travel pin is fixedly attached to the ball, and the other end of each axis pin is lodged into a notch in the first or second flange such that the axis pin is allowed to rotate in the notch. The guide sleeve comprises two channels, and one end of each travel pin is situated within one of the two channels in the guide sleeve. An outer magnetic cartridge causes the inner magnetic cartridge and guide sleeve to rotate, and when the guide sleeve rotates, the travel pins move up and down within the channels in the guide sleeve. The movement of the travel pins within the channels in the guide sleeve causes the ball to rotate, thereby opening and closing the ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall
  • Publication number: 20110140025
    Abstract: Embodiments and methods are disclosed herein that relate to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a passage formed therethrough, and a valve ball having a through hole and disposed in the housing, in which the valve ball is rotatable between an open position that has the through hole aligned with the passage and a closed position that has the through hole misaligned with the passage. The valve assembly further includes a seat having a first tapered surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the valve ball, wherein the seat is biased towards the valve ball, and a seat holder having a second tapered surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the seat such that the first tapered surface of the seat is disposed adjacent to the second tapered surface of the seat holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: VIRGO ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventor: Marvin E. Beasley
  • Publication number: 20110073793
    Abstract: A hemi-wedge control valve is disclosed that includes an opening in the hemi-wedge valve member. The opening is provided with a notch in its leading edge to allow for controlled flow as the valve is initially opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GILMORE VALVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Stanley C. Allen
  • Publication number: 20110017932
    Abstract: A manufacture method of monoblock ball valve is based on overmoulding techniques and integral assembly of plastic components inside the injection moulds, in a sequential manufacturing process, wherein the component which is injected in the first stage of the process will be sequentially introduced in moulds which will in turn inject other components, thus resulting in the end in a single body that ensures the functional features of a piece obtained by several components' assembly. The hydraulic ball valve according to the invention comprises at least the following components: a ball filling element or valve filling core with a valve control stem,—a ball that involves the ball filling element; a sleeve-type sealing element, which covers the entire ball and the whole interior part of the valve body, and a valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Arnaldo Domingues Matos
  • Patent number: 7836909
    Abstract: A rotatable wedge valve mechanism has a valve body or valve cartridge defining a valve chamber and flow ports in fluid communication with the valve chamber. A valve seat is located within the valve chamber in registry with one of the flow ports. A non-rotatable core member having a convex external surface portion is supported within said valve chamber. A wedge member is mounted for rotation within the valve chamber and has a range of rotary motion between open and closed positions of said valve and a non-uniform wall thickness throughout said range of rotary motion. An actuator upon rotary movement achieves opening and closing rotation of said wedge member. A method is provided for machining concave and convex wedge member surfaces from selected center-points to achieve relative thicknesses of wall sections of the wedge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hemiwedge Valve Corporation
    Inventor: Kris L. Church
  • Patent number: 7828012
    Abstract: A valve body defines a fluid passage and a valve sealing body is positioned there. The valve sealing body is operable between open and closed positions which allow for fluid-flow and non-flow, respectively. The valve stem has a free end and an engagement end where the engagement end engages the valve sealing body so that rotation of the valve stem operates the valve sealing body between the open and closed positions. A measurement passage is defined through the valve stem from the free end to the engagement end. The measurement passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage when the valve sealing body is in the open position, and at least one sealing member is positioned within the measurement passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Hegberg, Amjed Shafique, Prasert Buranatum, Chalard Bunluaphob
  • Publication number: 20100230624
    Abstract: A ball valve with fluid communicating ports, namely a first port and subsequent port or ports has a valve body having faces, one of the faces namely the mounting face is generally flat, a bore on the said mounting face defines the location of said first port. A number of mounting holes are provided near the edges of the valve body, the axes of said mounting holes are generally perpendicular to said mounting face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Cesar Tejamo
  • Publication number: 20100140521
    Abstract: A stemless ball valve comprising two flanges and a ball with a channel, two axis pins and two travel pins. One end of each axis and travel pin is fixedly attached to the ball, and the other end of each axis pin is lodged into a notch in the first or second flange such that the axis pin is allowed to rotate in the notch. The guide sleeve comprises two channels, and one end of each travel pin is situated within one of the two channels in the guide sleeve. An outer magnetic cartridge causes the inner magnetic cartridge and guide sleeve to rotate, and when the guide sleeve rotates, the travel pins move up and down within the channels in the guide sleeve. The movement of the travel pins within the channels in the guide sleeve causes the ball to rotate, thereby opening and closing the ball valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burgess, David Yakos, Bryan Walthall