Abstract: A fail-close hydraulically actuated control choke includes a choke with inlet and outlet flow passages intersecting in a cylindrical flow chamber. A reverse acting trim configuration which utilizes downstream pressure to assist in closing includes a flow cage with a wear sleeve of tungsten carbide shrink fitted therein is reciprocable within the flow chamber to control flow between the inlet and outlet flow passages. The flow cage is closed at one end with a stem extending therefrom which is reciprocated by a fail-close hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a pressure responsive piston in combination with a torque operated driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is positioned within the piston and includes a traveling nut assembly to allow manual positioning of the stem and flow cage independently of the position of the piston.

Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a valve body having a fluid passage therein including a valve seat. A valve member, having a head and stem, is movable in the body between valve open and valve closed positions determined by the proximity of its head to the valve seat. The valve member is engageable in sealing relation with a portion of the valve body between the valve seat and a valve stem packing to block fluid in the passage from contacting and leaking between the valve stem and packing. This sealing relation also serves to protect a bellows, connected between the valve member and valve body, from contact with fluid in the fluid passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high purity gas delivery control assembly (100) having straight through gas flow. The bellows (118) which operates a gas flow interruption means (114) is isolated during gas flow and dead volumes are reduced to a minimum. This prevents the introduction of unwanted particles into the gas stream.

Abstract: An improved stop valve eliminates the need for O-rings and washers. The valve contains a one piece unitary stem formed of resilient compressible plastic material. The stem contains three separate seals and fits within, extends through and is moveable in a valve sleeve. Operating the handle moves the stem axially between a first axial position in which the valve is fully open and a second axial position in which the valve is fully closed. The first seal is operative to provide a seal responsive to said stem being in the first axial position, the second seal means is operative to provide a seal responsive to said stem being in the second axial position, and the third seal is operative to seal in all axial positions.

Abstract: The non-rising stem valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a bonnet member securely attached to the valve body which defines a tubular passageway. A valve stem extends through this tubular passageway and has a lower valve portion axially displaceable relative thereto and positioned between the inlet and outlet. A retaining ring is provided for securing the valve stem against inward movement relative to the bonnet member and an inwardly projecting flange on the bonnet member is provided for securing the valve stem against outward movement relative to the bonnet member. A packing assembly is removably secured to the bonnet member for sealing the valve assembly. An axially displaceable seal is provided in a cavity formed between the flange and the upper surface of the lower valve portion which is axially movable within the cavity by the lower valve portion.

Abstract: A gate valve is provided having a valve body with a fluid passage therethrough and a riser passage at right angles to the fluid passage. A valve gate is included for opening and closing the fluid passage. A valve stem is operatively connected with the valve gate for transmitting movement force to the valve gate. The valve stem includes a first wrench for receiving a drive member and an identically shaped second wrench head. The wrench heads are separated by a first zone of weakness formed to fail completely when a first predetermined torque is applied to the stem. Upon complete failure of the first zone of weakness the second wrench head would be exposed for engagement by a drive member to turn the valve stem. A second zone of weakness is formed on the valve stem below the first zone of weakness and is formed to fail when a second predetermined torque greater than the first predetermined torque is applied to the stem.

Abstract: An improved home dispenser of carbonated beverages is disclosed, together with a novel actuator valve mechanism. The valve mechanism may be shifted from the non-dispensing to the dispensing mode with minimum of applied force by reason of the interaction between sealing gaskets carried by the valve stem and complemental gasket enveloping skirts formed within the valve, the skirts being calculated to be radially outwardly deformed by pressure applied by the gaskets.

Abstract: A metering valve for selectively regulating fluid flow between inlet and outlet passages. The metering valve includes threadedly interconnected bonnet and valve stem members received in a valve chamber with the stem being selectively movable axially relative to a valve seat. A seat insert is interposed between the bonnet member and valve seat for sealing cooperation with the valve stem. The seat insert includes an annular base portion having an aperture extending therethrough for communication with the inlet passage. Leg portions extend axially outward from the base portion at peripherally spaced apart intervals for abutting engagement with the bonnet member. The leg portions are disposed radially inward from an outer periphery of the base portion, and each leg portion has a predetermined peripheral width dimension less than the cross-sectional dimension of the outlet passage for allowing fluid flow therearound in all orientations of the insert in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A rising stem expanding gate valve including an improved metal-to-metal stem backseat seal assembly. An axially slidable seal ring is press fit onto the valve stem and is adapted to seal against a counterbored bonnet seat portion to provide a secondary metal-to-metal stem to bonnet seal. The seal ring is allowed to move a limited axial distance on the valve stem such that upon upward axial movement of the valve stem. The seal ring is repositioned in an axially downward direction about the valve stem and, consequently, is firmly sealed against the bonnet seat portion. Upon subsequent downward movement of the valve stem, the seal ring is repositioned in an axial upward direction about the valve stem such that the seal ring is in its original position about the valve by a repositioning means.

Abstract: An improved heat responsive backseat for gate valves which includes a rotating valve stem (50) carried by a bonnet assembly (14) for actuation of a gate member (40). A fusible stem ring (126) supports the valve stem at an outer portion thereof (68) within a roller bearing chamber (56) of the bonnet assembly. The valve stem (50) moves axially outward from the valve chamber (20) when the fusible stem ring (126) melts due to an external fire condition to bring a valve stem backseat portion (64) into sealing engagement with a bonnet seat portion (54). The valve stem (50) moves axially outward from the valve chamber (20) independently of roller bearings (74, 76) contained within roller bearing chamber (56) such that the roller bearings (74, 76) remain axially fixed with respect to the bonnet assembly before, during and after the shifting of the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve assembly for providing easy and rapid removal of the valve packing means while the valve is in service, closed, or out of service, which assembly includes a valve body, a bonnet connected to the body, a packing housing assembly means secured to the bonnet, a packing gland mounted on the packing means assembly, a valve stem movably secured in the valve assembly and having a closure member adapted to seat selectively in a valve closure seat in the valve body or, in the back seat condition, in a valve closure seat in the bonnet. The valve stem is threaded at its lower end adjacent the closure means for engagment with matching threads secured in the bonnet. The packing assembly means includes a stuffing box or packing cartridge that is readily detachable from the bonnet to permit removal of the packing material while the valve is in service, closed, or out of service, without damage to the stem or interior surfaces of the packing means assembly.

Abstract: The valve is particularly designed compatible for use with toxic or highly flammable fluids. It has a hard valve stem tip, such as tungsten carbide which is pushed longitudinally against the valve seat and not rotated into sealing position. The valve is provided with a backseat threaded to the valve body so that if the bonnet or packing nut is very seriously abused by the operator even to the extent of twisting or breaking, the valve will not blow out toxic or flammable fluid. Most of the parts of the valve are made of stainless steel and provisions are made for lubricating the working parts of the valve. Notches in the valve stem and packing nut provide for a safe clean break of these parts in the event they are over stressed.

Abstract: A vertically positioned valve body having a valve seat positioned coaxially in the body in a horizontal plane. A valve element positioned upstream of the seat and axially movable in the body. The cross-sectional area of the valve element is approximately one-half of the cross-sectional area of the body around the valve element. A plurality of diametrically opposed piston and cylinder assemblies raise the valve element away from the valve seat and allow the valve element to seat by gravity and fluid flow. Guide means are provided between the valve element and the body for guiding the valve element. A sealing valve and seat are positioned upstream of the valve seat about each of the assemblies for sealing off the assemblies when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A normally non-rising stem valve with a stem backseat (67,70) normally maintained in unseated position by a eutectic element (62). A spring (76) urges the backseat into seating position and is placed inwardly of a replaceable stem packing (34) so that upon melting of the eutectic (62) and positive seating of the backseat (67,70), the packing (34) can be replaced.

Abstract: A stem-operated fire-resistant gate valve including an improved metal-to-metal stem backseat fusible ring assemblies for facilitating automatic stem backseating at pre-selected temperatures, spring enhancement of the backseating procedure, and an improved metal-to-metal gate seat.

Abstract: A normally non-rising stem valve having a valve stem (30) journaled between bearings (38, 40) is equipped with an energized drive spring (56) for positively engaging backseat seal surfaces (64, 66) upon melting of a fusible ring (52). The spring (56) is compressed axially against the retainer (46) by the cooperative action of the compression nut (58) and the tubular spacer (50), thereby normally avoiding undesirable axial thrust on the bearings (38, 40).

Abstract: A fire responsive stem retention apparatus for a non-rising stem valve including an outer hollow sleeve secured to the top of the valve bonnet around the valve stem. An inner cap is received in the outer hollow sleeve and closely fitted therewithin, and houses upper and lower stem bearings therein. The inner cap has a shoulder which provides an upper support for the upper stem bearing. Under normal environmental conditions, the inner cap is sweated to the outer sleeve with a thin layer of fusible material. The upper bearing and stem are prevented from moving upward by the shoulder on the inner cap, and an annular shoulder on the stem is prevented from engaging a backseat in the bonnet. Under fire conditions, the thin layer of fusible material melts rapidly, freeing the inner cap from the outer sleeve and permitting the stem to rise until the annular shoulder on the stem engages the backseat in the bonnet.

Abstract: A valve having a normally non-rising stem (30a,b) journaled between bearings (38a,b 40a,b) is equipped with an energized drive spring (56a,b) for positively engaging backseat seal surfaces (64a,b, 66a,b) upon melting of a fusible ring (52a,b). The spring (56a,b) is compressed axially against the retainer (46a,b) by the cooperative action of the compression nut (58a,b) and the tubular spacer (49b, 50a,b), thereby normally avoiding undesirable axial thrust on the bearings (38a,b, 40a,b).

Abstract: A stem-operated fire-resistant gate valve including an improved metal-to-metal stem backseat a eutectic ring assembly for facilitating automatic stem backseating at pre-selected temperatures, spring enhancement of the backseating procedure, and a lost motion connection between the valve stem and the valve closure element.

Abstract: A two piece ball valve assembly kit specifically for use with a hollow T or Y pipe joint. The valve includes a valve actuator assembly which can be connected by threads or a flanged connection to the inlet of the joint and which includes a spherical valve element which can be linearly reciprocated by rotating an operating handle. A disjointed seating element having a circular seating surface may be connected to the outlet of the pipe joint by a threaded or a flanged connection in axial alignment with the valve element. The valve element may be reciprocated within the joint against the seating surface to control fluid flow through the joint, with the joint serving as a valve housing. The ball valve also includes sealing members for excluding fluid from the valve housing when the valve is in the fully opened position. The valve assembly includes alternate embodiments usable with T or Y pipe joints.

Abstract: A force limiting device for an actuator rod is used on a valve actuator of the type which includes hydraulic fluid being selectively applied to and discharged from a cylinder at a first side of a piston connected to the actuator rod as high pressure gas of an accumulator mounted on the cylinder acts in opposition thereto on a second side of the piston. The piston includes an interior cylindrical bore narrowing to an opening at the first side thereof which receives the actuator rod slidably therein. The actuator rod extends from the first side of the piston through a hole in the first end of the cylinder for coupling to a valve stem outwardly of the cylinder. An enlarged piston head is secured at a first side thereof to the other end of the rod and disposed within the interior cylindrical bore for sliding, sealed contact with an interior of the bore. Atmospheric pressure communicates with the bore to act on the second side of the piston head.

Abstract: A gate valve which includes a body defining a cylindrical bore opening at one side of the body, and defining also a fluid flow passageway extending through the body and intersecting the cylindrical bore at a right angle. A pair of seat ring adaptors extend into the body via the opposite end portions of the fluid flow passageway, and each carries an annular pipe flange at its outer end and spaced from the body, and an annular bolting flange adjacent the body to facilitate bolting the adaptor to the body. Each adaptor carries within a counter-bore formed in its inner end inside the body, an annular seat ring. A gate is mounted for reciprocating movement within the cylindrical bore of the body and between the seat rings. A stem threadedly engages the gate and projects upwardly through an opening formed in a bonnet bolted to the body. An operating handle is secured to the opposite end of the stem from the end threadedly engaged with the gate.

Abstract: A gate valve including a valve body having a first bore therethrough for accommodating a reciprocating gate, and further having a second cylindrical bore extending normal to the first bore for fluid flow through the valve. A pair of opposed counterbores are formed in the body adjacent, and on opposite sides of, the first bore and in concentric, axial alignment with the second bore. Annular upstream and downstream seats are seated in the counterbores. A wave spring resting on a shoulder in the body at the bottom of one of the counterbores biases the upstream seat against the gate and maintains sealing when the valve is open.A bonnet is slidably extended through an opening in the valve body, and is forced by fluid pressure into sealing engagement with the body.

Abstract: A reciprocating gate valve having an adjustable low stress stem connection structure (70) for connecting an operating stem (42) to a gate member (24). The connection structure includes a stem extension (78) formed on the bottom end of the operating stem (42) threadably receiving a collar (84) having an axial bore (86) coaxial with the stem (42) and extending therethrough receiving a gate extension (72) formed on the top end of the gate member (24). The collar (84) has a slot (96) extending generally perpendicular to the axial bore (86) in the direction of fluid flow through the valve. An adjusting nut (106) fits into the slot (96) and threadably engages the gate extension (72). The slot (96) permits movement of the nut (106) and gate member (24) relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem (42) in a direction generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow through to the gate valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly for packing removal includes a valve body having a bonnet and yoke attached to the body and a chamber extending longitudinally through the bonnet. A stem secured in the yoke extends through the bonnet chamber. Valve packing means are enclosed in the bonnet around the stem and secured by a packing gland connected to the top of the bonnet. An annular drive bushing is mounted in the bonnet chamber around the stem below the bottom of the packing means. In actuation of the drive bushing, mechanical or fluid drive means engage the bottom of the drive bushing, with the packing gland removed from the bonnet, to displace the drive bushing upwardly through the bonnet chamber for removal of the packing means therefrom.

Abstract: A gate valve including the usual resilient seal around the stem also includes a single metal seal which provides a fluid-tight metal-to-metal seal around the stem when the valve is either in a fully opened or a fully closed position. In a fully closed valve position the resilient seal around the valve stem can be replaced without interfering with the operation of the valve. The metal seal can be used to provide and maintain a fluid-tight seal between the stem, the valve body and the valve bonnet when extreme conditions of temperature, pressure and/or fluid contact where the resilient seal might fail.

Abstract: A valve device comprises a valve body having an inflow passage and an outflow passage, a valve seat fixed to the valve body at a position between the passages, a valve element for seating against and separating from the valve seat, a valve stem movable together with the valve element toward and away from the valve seat, a stem holding member secured at a portion thereof to the valve body in the body interior and holding the valve stem at a screw engagement part therewith where a surface at an extremity of the portion of the stem holding member is in abutting contact with a surface of the main body thereby to form a first metal-contact seal, a bonnet which is detachably fixed to the valve body with a sealing member interposed therebetween, and through which the valve stem is rotatably fitted, where the bonnet covers the remainder portion of the stem holding member, and a mechanism for forming a second metal-contact seal at a stem holding part of the stem holding member when the valve is in the fully opened sta

Abstract: A method of removing from a valve, a backseat and packing means, without the necessity of first removing the packing means from the body of the valve so as to provide access for removal of the backseat, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a member and with the same cooperatively engaging the backseat for purpose of removing the same from the valve; (b) manipulating the member so as to release the backseat from its secured position within the body of the valve; and (c) further manipulating the member to withdraw the backseat and the packing means from the valve body. There is provided an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic valve in which the electromagnet is housed in a chamber which is not infiltrated by the pressure medium to be controlled, and in which a rod coupling is effective between the armature of the electromagnet and the closure body of the valve inserted between a pressure source and a pressure consumer, and in which a sealing apparatus is provided which seals the entryway of the rod coupling into the region infiltrated by pressure medium. Furthermore, the consumer through the operation of a slider valve is connectable firstly to a low-pressure chamber, secondly to a position to break flow and thirdly to a high-pressure chamber. In addition, the slider valve is controllable into two different energized positions through the use of plural spring elements and the electromagnet can be subjected to varying electrical output to attain an intermediate or final position.

Abstract: In a gate valve, which has a backseat which is made up only when the normally non-rising operator stem is permitted to rise a short distance, and in order that a smaller-diameter stem may be used than one which is of sufficient area where it passes through the stem packing to cause the internal pressure within the valve cavity to generate sufficient force to overcome the frictional forces resisting stem movement developed by the internal pressure between the gate plates and the seats, so that the stem may rise when it is supposed to, to make the backseat, a system of clearances is provided between the stem nut and the gate plates. A different stop arrangement is shown for limiting rising of the gate, for defining the fully open position of the gate.

Abstract: A locking fluid valve assembly including a housing adapted for connection to a fluid reservoir such as an automobile crankcase, a valve piston member for sealing and unsealing a drain passage through the housing and a piston closure member which is held under tension against the outside wall of the housing when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A single valve element disc and seat gate valve has an in-line flow passage therethrough. The valve seat plane is inclined approximately 5.degree. from the valve stem. First and second cam surfaces are positioned outside the flow passage, and are inclined approximately 30.degree. from the stem axis so that the cam surfaces and the valve seat plane define a wedge for receiving the valve disc and a hanger supporting the disc.The valve seat is a frustoconical surface. The valve disc is fixed to the hanger by means for urging the valve disc against the seat at the center thereof in a manner to ensure an effective seal therebetween. The gate valve includes a back seal for permitting the stem seal to be removed and replaced while the valve remains in service.

Abstract: An improved stuffing box can effect an auxilliary static seal with a moveable shaft to allow replacement of packing elements. The stuffing box includes a sealing ring concentrically disposed around the shaft and means for mounting the sealing ring radially spaced apart from the shaft to permit lubricating fluid to flow between the sealing ring and the shaft during movement of the shaft. The stuffing box also includes a seal container axially moveable along the shaft for pressing the sealing ring radially against the shaft to form the static seal.

Abstract: The bearing assembly of a normally non-rising stem gate valve is provided with an annulus of fusible material. Upon subjection to a preselected temperature level, the fusible body melts out of the way, permitting the stem to raise slightly, making up a metal-to-metal seal between the valve stem and bonnet. This forms another line of defense against consequences from loss of the sealing normally provided by the valve stem packing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic valve in which the electromagnet is housed in a chamber which is not infiltrated by the pressure medium to be controlled, and in which a rod coupling is effective between the armature of the electromagnet and the closure body of the valve inserted between a pressure source and a pressure consumer, and in which a sealing apparatus is provided which seals the entryway of the rod coupling into the region infiltrated by pressure medium.

Abstract: A valve having a valve stem extending through a bonnet with packing therebetween and a back seat and back seat valve member cooperable to isolate the packing from pressure within the valve body wherein an auxiliary piston is provided to positively hold the back seat valve member on the back seat under the influence of pressure other than the pressure within the valve body. The back seat valve may be actuated by auxiliary pressure while changing the bonnet packing and may also serve to positively close the valve in the case of a malfunction of the usual closing mechanism.

Abstract: A fire safe valve having a valve body with a flow passage therethrough and a valve chamber intersecting the flow passage a valve closure member having a stem and being slidable in the valve chamber to open or close flow through the flow passage, a shoulder on the stem, a bonnet connected to the body, said bonnet having a bore through which the stem extends, a seat surrounding the stem and adapted to be engaged by the stem shoulder on backseating, means sealing between the stem and the bonnet bore outward of said seat, an actuator connected to move said stem and said valve closure member, a sleeve surrounding a portion of the stem, fusible material supporting the sleeve in a normal stop position to limit the outward movement of the stem to prevent backseating, melting of the fusible material allowing the sleeve and stem to move so that the stem backseats, and means associated with said sleeve to control the actuator whereby on movement of the sleeve the valve closure member is moved to closed position.

Abstract: A valve comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet and a chamber in between, a reciprocating gate mounted in a gate seat disposed within the chamber for opening and closing the valve, an upper bonnet for closing the chamber at one end and a lower bonnet for closing the chamber at the other end, the gate being disposed between upper and lower stems which extend into the upper and lower bonnets respectively. Metal-to-metal seals are provided at all junctures between the above members in the lower gate position with back-up seals at the junctures of all moving members.A double edged seal ring integral with the upper stem self-contained within the upper bonnet provides a metal-to-metal seal with the upper bonnet in the upper and lower gate positions of the valve.A metal gasket arrangement is provided between the upper bonnet and valve body whereby the assemblage of all points of contact between the gasket and body form an annular ring.

Abstract: A pressure energized packing arrangement (50, 74) for sealing the stem (64) and bonnet (66) of a high pressure gate valve. A stack of packing rings (90) is compressed against the valve stem and bonnet by retainer rings (92, 94) which are urged together by fluid pressure in the valve body. Extrusion of the packing rings (90) is prevented by metal chamfer rings (102, 108, 114, 120) which are cammed by the retainer rings (92, 94 ) against the valve stem (64) and bonnet (66). The packing assembly is held together by pins (124) against which metal gaskets (132) are cammed by the retainer rings (92, 94) to prevent extrusion of the packing rings (90) along the pins.

Abstract: A valve operator that is provided with a back seat which comes into use when the normally non-rising stem operator and its bearing-enclosing bonnet gland are raised, e.g. so that stem packing can be replaced, is further provided with another way to actuate the back seat, one which will come into play should the valve be subjected to heat of sufficient intensity as to call the integrity of the stem packing or other critical parts into question. The further activation mode depends on the melting of fusible material which permits the operator and its bearings to rise relative to the bonnet.

Abstract: A pressure balanced gate valve mechanism wherein a closed loop fluid interchange system interconnects the valve actuator stem area of the valve mechanism with the pressure balancing stem area and functions to accomodate volumetric changes to prevent the development of a hydraulic lock that might otherwise prevent or retard opening and closing movement of the valve mechanism. Internal back-face seating arrangements with combination metal-to-metal and elastomeric sealing elements establish seals between the valve stem and bonnet at one gate position and between the pressure balancing stem and valve body structure at the opposite gate position. An externally threaded portion of the valve bonnet is receivable within internally threaded receiver openings of a plurality of different actuator systems, including manual, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic actuator systems. The actuator systems are field interchangeable with the valve in service and under pressure.

Abstract: A stem operated valve having a body and a bonnet secured to the body, a valve member movably positioned within the body, and a stem secured to the valve member and extending into the bonnet, a seat on the bonnet surrounding the stem, a shoulder on the stem adapted to engage the seat, a stem packing positioned outward of the stem shoulder and bonnet seat, a fusible material at the outer end of the bonnet and stem supporting the stem with its shoulder spaced from the bonnet seat during normal operations and holes in the bonnet through which the fusible material exits when the valve is exposed to fire whereby the stem shoulder engages the bonnet seat to seal around the stem.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drag chain conveyor with bulk material discharge openings that can be closed in a gas-tight fashion, with a slide plate, along with a slide box that is closed to the outside, and an actuation mechanism for opening and closing the slide plate, preferably via sidewardly arranged guides, and with a seal between the slide plate and the discharge opening.

Abstract: A valve connects the duct leading from a process pipe to a flow transmitter, pressure gauge or sampling analyzer. The valve stem of the valve is hollow and aligned with the duct through the connection to process fluid. A cleaning rod is telescoped within the hollow stem so that it may be forced through the duct to clean debris from the duct. Also the valve handle has capstan holes therein for mechanical advantage. Furthermore, a bonnet valve seat is used so that the bonnet packing may be removed while the equipment is pressurized.

Abstract: A valve comprising a hollow cylindrical body with a valve opening at one end and a valve seat around the valve opening. A valve member is movable towards and away from the valve seat on a spindle which passes through a spindle opening opposite the valve opening. A handle is provided on the outer end of the valve spindle and has a screw-threaded counterbore which is engageable with a screw-threaded spigot on the outside of the valve around the spindle opening to hold the valve member in the closed position. In this position the end face of the valve member is flush with the outside of the valve around the valve opening. The upper side of the valve member has a screw-threaded counterbore engageable with a screw-threaded spigot on the inside of the valve around the spindle opening to hold the valve in the open state and form a seal around the spindle.

Abstract: A non-rising valve stem is provided with a shoulder that, in normal opening and closing of the valve, remains free of a complementary seat formed inside the valve bonnet. Should the valve stem packing in the bonnet begin to leak while the valve is open and under pressure, the bonnet packing gland may be backed out a few turns to effect a seal between the shoulder and seat. Then a disassembly, packing change, reassembly and testing may be effected.

Abstract: A coupling is mounted between a valve stem of a valve and a rod of a valve actuator. A first fitting of the coupling is mounted on an end of the rod and a second fitting is mounted on an adjacent end of the stem. The first fitting includes an opening therein which loosely entraps an expanded portion of the second fitting. The first and second fittings respectively have aligned surfaces which are generally perpendicular to the rod and stem. The surfaces make contact during movement of the rod toward the valve for closure of the valve. A resiliently deflectable spring is disposed between the first and second fittings to limit the amount of force transmitted to the valve through the stem when the rod is in a position for backseating the valve.

Abstract: A method of limiting backseat loading on a valve stem moved between a lower closed position and an upper open position engaging the backseat by an actuator having an upper stop position wherein the method includes the steps of setting a variable force transmitting coupling to a predetermined loading between a bearing surface and a gauging surface thereon, connecting the coupling to the valve stem in the lower closed position, lowering the actuator from the upper stop position, connecting the coupling to the actuator, raising the actuator to the upper stop with the backseat being below the upper open position, and increasingly connecting the coupling to the valve stem and the actuator until the backseat is engaged and the predetermined loading exceeded as ascertained by separation of the gauging surface from the bearing surface.

Abstract: An improved air bleed or full air discharge control valve assembly for a sphygmomanometer cuff in which a stem of the valve extends through and, in idle condition of the valve, sealingly engages the central opening of a resilient O-ring and is manipulated to release air either by being manually tilted about its inner end against a restoring force to temporarily enlarge the opening and thus provide a transient gap between the opening and the valve stem for accurately controlled bleed of air from the cuff during blood pressure measurements as long as the stem is tilted, or by being shifted axially to assume and maintain a position in which it permits rapid total air egress from the cuff through a central axial bore in the stem and at least one transverse opening from the bore to the outer surface of the stem.

Abstract: A valve comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet and a chamber in between, a reciprocating gate mounted in a gate seat disposed within the chamber for opening and closing the valve, an upper bonnet for closing the chamber at one end and a lower bonnet for closing the chamber at the other end, the gate being disposed between upper and lower stems which extend into the upper and lower bonnets respectively. Metal-to-metal seals are provided at all junctures between the above members in the lower gate position with back-up seals at the junctures of all moving members.A double edged seal ring integral with the upper stem self-contained within the upper bonnet provides a metal-to-metal seal with the upper bonnet in the upper and lower gate positions of the valve.A metal gasket arrangement is provided between the upper bonnet and valve body whereby the assemblage of all points of contact between the gasket and body form an annular ring.