Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for controlling the flow of exhaust comprising a hollow elongated member, desirably in the form of an exhaust pipe or component thereof, having an open end, a flap associated with the open end and a spring having two ends. The flap is pivotable between a first position to close the open end and a second position to open the open end, and is adapted to pivot toward the second position when the exhaust gas within the elongated member achieves a predetermined pressure. One end of the spring is associated with the flap and the other end of the spring is associated with the elongated member along the length of the elongated member. The spring biases the flap toward the first position. The spring desirably extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member when the flap is in the first position. The flap desirably includes a lateral edge having a hook and the one end of the spring is mounted to the hook.

Abstract: A valve spring assembly includes a valve spring plate and forms a pre-installation unit for which installation can be automated.

Abstract: A flow shut off valve for use with a pressurized fluid application and which is actuated in response to a flow rate exceeding a maximum allowable rating, the fluid application including a normally regulated and pressurized fluid supply, a length of a conduit extending from the fluid supply. The valve includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical shaped housing interposed between the fluid supply and the extending conduit, the housing having an inlet end communicating with a first coupling extending from an outlet of the fluid supply and an outlet end communicating with a second coupling extending from an inlet of the length of conduit. The housing further including an axially extending interior extending between the inlet and outlet ends.

Abstract: A smooth exhaust valve includes a main flow path having a large cross-sectional area and an auxiliary flow path having a small cross-sectional area for connecting a first port and a second port in parallel, a main valve body for opening and closing the main flow path, an auxiliary valve body for opening and closing the auxiliary flow path, a first piston for opening and closing the main valve body, a second piston for opening and closing the auxiliary valve body, a first spring device for repulsing the main valve body in a valve-closing direction, a second spring device for repulsing the auxiliary valve body in a valve-closing direction, and an adjusting rod mounted to a valve casing so as to be operated from outside to move forward and rearward and for changing a compressed amount of the second spring device by operation of forward and rearward movements of the adjusting rod to adjust a repulsing force of the second spring device.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is fixed at the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in a valve-operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The valve spring retainer comprises a hollow inverted-frustoconical portion and an outward flange at the end thereof. The lower surface of the outward flange retains the upper end of a valve spring on the lower surface. An annular projection is provided on the outward flange to restrict sideward movement of the valve spring and to increase rigidity of the retainer.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic throttle body uses a spring and an insert to generate a force tending to oppose the motion of opening a throttle. The insert locates and centers the coils of the spring and also acts during assembly to place the proper amount of torsion on the spring and the throttle body system. Once a throttle body motor or other force ceases to exert force against the spring, the spring causes the throttle to close.

Abstract: The fluid flow check valve uses a flexure plate or plates to accommodate the valve disk's axial motion required to open and close the valve. The flexure plate also limits the disk's motion in any lateral direction, so the valve disk will align properly with the valve seat and seal when it closes. The flexure plate is a flat, axial spring, made by cutting or otherwise manufacturing spiral cuts in a round, sheet metal disk. Valve qualities such as closing force, size and rigidity to lateral disk motion can be modified by varying the number and configuration of the plates, and by modifying plate characteristics. The compactness of the flexural plate design allows for a shorter valve length and cost as well as increased opportunity for flow optimization.

Abstract: A clutch arm centering device is disclosed. The device is mounted on a clutch using to operate piston valves on a crane or other heavy machine. The piston valves may be operated using a valve arm which has two operative positions and a neutral position between the two operative positions. A clutch arm of the clutch is linked to valve arm to allow the valve arm to be manipulated by a remote control coupled to the clutch. As parts of the linkage between the clutch arm and the valve arm wear, the centering device biases the clutch arm to a central position which corresponds to the neutral position of the valve arm, thereby avoiding problems of understroking and overstroking which arise in the prior art.

Abstract: A poppet-type check valve for controlling fluid flow including a valve housing having an interior and first and second ports therein communicating with the interior of said valve housing for permitting fluid flow from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and at least one valve assembly disposed within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve seat positioned in the interior of the valve housing, and a seal retainer positioned in the interior of the valve housing downstream from the valve seat and mounted on a stem. The seal retainer and the stem are axially moveable away from the valve seat in response to fluid flow in a downstream direction, axially moveable toward the valve seat in response to fluid flow in an upstream direction, and in sealing engagement against the valve seat in the absence of fluid flow.

Abstract: A check valve apparatus, usable in a double check valve backflow preventer apparatus, comprising a valve seat, a clapper pivotally coupled to the valve seat, a seal positioned to sealingly engage the clapper and valve seat when the clapper is closed against the seat, and a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism includes a first linkage element pivotally associated with the valve seat at a first pivot point located upstream from the seal, a second linkage element which is pivotally coupled to the first linkage element at a second pivot point, and which is pivotally associated with the clapper at a third pivot point, and a bias element associated with at least one of the linkage elements and configured to exert a closure force on the clapper.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid actuator comprising a piston slidably disposed within a cylinder. In the event of a pressure loss, the piston is urged to a fail-safe position by a plurality of externally mounted constant force spring mechanisms. In one embodiment the mechanisms are located at one end of the cylinder with a telescoping cover for protecting them from exposure and damage. In another embodiment the mechanisms are located at the side of the cylinder whereby the overall length of the actuator is significantly shortened. The fail-safe force applied to the piston by the spring mechanisms is externally adjustable, and they are readily accessible fur replacement or repair.

Abstract: A uniformly preset spring force pre-load among a number of identical solenoid actuated valve assemblies (28) by uniquely adjusting the spring pocket length (L) of each respective plunger (12) to accommodate a respective spring (20) which is uniquely mated thereto. This adjustment is accomplished using a two-component plunger (12) consisting of a plunger body (14) having a central bore (22) and a rod (18) slidably located within the central bore. The rod (18) is press-fit into the central bore (22), and the spring pocket includes a portion of the central bore unoccupied by the rod. By pressing the rod (18) a selected distance into the central bore (22), a precisely set spring pocket is obtained which is uniquely correct for a selected spring (20), in that the selected spring is compressed to a precisely preset spring force pre-load.

Abstract: A check valve is provided with first and second housing components that are telescoped together to define a valve housing having an inlet, an outlet and a valve chamber therebetween. The valving element is disposed in the valve chamber for movement between a first position where the valving element seals the inlet to the valve chamber and a second position where the valving element permits flow from the inlet, through the valve chamber and to the outlet. A disk spring has a central support secured to the valving element and an outer support secured between the first and second components of the housing. The disk spring is disposed to bias the valving element into a closed position. However, sufficient gas forces in the inlet will overcome the forces of the spring and open the valve. The spring is asymmetrical to prevent noise attributable to fluttering of the valving element and to achieve a more rapid opening response.

Abstract: In a device for operating a gas exchange valve with a hydraulic play compensating element of an internal combustion engine, which device includes an electromagnetic actuator having spaced valve opening and valve closing magnets between which an armature is movably supported for operating the gas exchange valve and wherein the valve is biased in a valve closing direction by a valve closing spring and in a valve opening direction by a valve opening spring which together form a valve oscillation structure having an equilibrium position in which the armature which is operatively connected to the valve is essentially disposed centrally between the magnets, the opening spring has a steeper spring force characteristic line and a lower pre-stress value than the closing spring.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a valve spring retainer to a valve stem has a clamping sleeve, which acts radially on the valve stem and which blocks the valve spring retainer axially against the force of a valve spring on the valve stem, with the valve spring retainer being held displaceably on the valve stem. In order to provide a fastening device between a valve spring retainer and a valve stem of an internal combustion engine that is functionally dependable over a long operating period and is easy to assemble and disassemble, it is provided that the valve stem has, at least in the region of the clamping sleeve, a continuous cylindrical circumferential surface and that the clamping sleeve consists of a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve, including a valve member which can control the opening and closing of a fuel outlet opening, an actuating mechanism which can move the valve member, and a compensation device which can exert compensation forces on the valve member that counteract an opening stroke of the valve member, wherein the compensation device has a piston which is supported so that it can move in an associated cylinder, wherein at one end, the piston defines a hydraulic chamber in the cylinder, which is acted on with a reference pressure, and in a starting position, the piston is supported at the other end against a stop that is stationary in relation to the cylinder, and via a force transmission mechanism, the valve member can drive the piston out of its starting position away from the stop. In this manner valve operation should be improved with regard to its controllability.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine includes a magnetic coil, an armature loadable by the magnetic coil against a resetting spring in the lifting direction, and a valve needle connected to a valve closing member. The armature is movable between a first stop connected to the valve needle and limiting the movement of the armature in the lifting direction and a second stop connected to the valve needle and limiting the movement of the armature against the lifting direction. A damping spring, which may be a cup spring, is provided between the second stop and the armature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a throttle return spring assembly for use in an electronic throttle unit having a throat and a valve rotatably fixed within the throat to close and open the throat. The throttle return spring assembly includes a shaft extending along a rotation axis and connected to the valve for opening and closing the throat of the throttle. A return spring has a first leg connected to the shaft and a second leg extending axially into an opening of a guide. The guide allows rotation of the return spring about the rotation axis and restricts lateral translation of the return spring. The guide has an arcuate inner radial wall defining a catch projecting radially inward. The return spring is wound by rotating the second leg to follow the arcuate surface and engage the catch. A special winding tool having a radial slot which engages the second leg can be piloted about the end of the shaft to wind the return spring.

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump having two, opposed pumping cavities. A center section assembly between the pumping cavities includes a cylinder and a power amplifier piston. The power amplifier piston as well as the diaphragms are coupled with a common control shaft. A valve assembly is arranged with a manifold to receive pressurized air and distribute that air in alternating fashion to the sides of the power amplifier piston as well as to each of the diaphragms. By directing pressure to a side of the power amplifier piston facing the same direction as the diaphragm receiving pressure, an amplified pressure on a pump chamber is experienced. With the power amplifier piston being approximately twice as large as the diaphragm assembly, an amplification of three times the pressure on the pump chamber is experienced. Both pump chambers are able to operate to pump material.

Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough with a removable cover for accessing an interior of the valve housing. A valve assembly is positioned within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a valve seat in fluid communication with the port and a clapper mounted in the valve housing on a pivotally-mounted rocker arm and moveable between an open position responsive to fluid flow in a flow direction and a closed position sealed against the valve seat responsive to fluid flow in an opposite, backflow direction. A spring is captured in the valve housing by the removable cover without attachment to either the cover or valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position sealed against the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A fluid metering device that employs a sealing element for delivering a metered dose of a pressurized fluid. The sealing element includes a metal bellows sealing element or metal bellows that attaches to a valve needle and a housing. The metal bellows includes a number of corrugated elements for sealingly guiding said valve needle as the valve needle moves to deliver the metered dose of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: An air driven diaphragm pump having two, opposed pumping cavities. A center section assembly between the pumping cavities includes a cylinder and a power amplifier piston. The power amplifier piston as well as the diaphragms are coupled with a common control shaft. A valve assembly is arranged with a manifold to receive pressurized air and distribute that air in alternating fashion to the sides of the power amplifier piston as well as to each of the diaphragms. By directing pressure to a side of the power amplifier piston facing the same direction as the diaphragm receiving pressure, an amplified pressure on a pump chamber is experienced. With the power amplifier piston being approximately twice as large as the diaphragm assembly, an amplification of three times the pressure on the pump chamber is experienced. Both pump chambers are able to operate to pump material.

Abstract: A valve collet concentrically mounted onto a circumferential groove of a valve of a desmodromic valve system for retaining a shim concentrically mounted on the valve of the desmodromic valve system, the shim having an inside surface of a given shape. The valve collet comprises an inner surface having an interlocking portion in the shape of the circumferential groove, the interlocking portion being interlocked with the circumferential groove. The valve collet further comprises an outer surface protruding away from the interlocking portion, the outer surface having a retaining portion matching the shape of the inside surface of the shim and cooperating with the same so as to have an increased contact area with the inside surface and thereby to improve retaining of the shim. Preferably, the inner surface of the valve collet comprises a securing portion extending longitudinally along the valve so as to secure mounting of the valve collet on the valve.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface of the outer flange is radially and inclined towards the valve spring to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A valve element with a disk-shaped leaf spring carrying a movable core in a solenoid valve to open/close a valve seat. The leaf spring includes an outer peripheral ring section, a hub section having a central hole and a plurality of radially arranged arm sections connected between the ring; section and hub section. A seal of elastic material extends along the outer peripheral, ring section of the leaf spring. The movable core has a cylindrical section and an end wall section having a through central hole. The cylindrical section has a stepped section on its outer periphery adapted to be held in contact with the leaf spring. A valve seal is formed on the end wall section through vulcanization and molding, and has a main body section on the outer surface of the end wall section, a small diameter section in said through hole and a holder section connected to the main body section by the small diameter section and inner surface of the end wall section.

Abstract: A valve gear controls a gas exchange in an internal-combustion engine with a valve spring which holds a valve in its required position at all times and is clamped between a valve head and a valve-spring support. The valve spring support is adjustable in the direction of the valve axis. The adjustable valve-spring support includes two nested setting rings (2, 3) which are rotatable in opposite directions.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer (30) for operatively retaining a return spring (28) on a stem (20) of a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine. The retainer (30) includes a retainer flange (50) extending annularly about and radially from a hole (52) on a central axis A to an outer periphery for engaging the top of a spring (28). A ring (56) is disposed below the flange (50) and extends about the axis A for surrounding the valve stem (20). An inner portion (58) extends cylindrically about the axis A and axially between the ring (56) and the flange (50). A plurality of slots (61) extend radially from the hole (52) to the periphery and divide the flange (50) and the inner portion (58) into sectors (S) leaving the ring (56) to interconnect the sectors (S). The retainer (30) is characterized by the slots (61) being formed to extend radially at a wide width x and with each of the sectors (S) including a limit projection (63) at the periphery to define a narrow width (Y).

Abstract: The electromagnetic valve has a valve body capable to open and close a fluid communication path, first and second springs opposing to each other and biasing the valve body. Biasing forces of the first and second spring toward the valve body are balanced with each other so as to have valve body open the communication path. When a coil is energized, a moving member is driven so as to have the valve body move against the biasing force of the first spring during a first moving stroke so that an elastic energy may be stored in the first spring. When the coil is de-energized, the valve body is moved back by the first spring not only during the first moving stroke but also during a second moving stroke to absorb the elastic energy stored in the first spring by the second spring. There is an enough space where the moving member may move back during the second moving stroke so as not to hit any part.

Abstract: A throttle shaft assembly includes throttle shaft with a cam and shaft portion the shaft portion configured to be inserted in the throttle body, a throttle return spring that is coiled around the throttle shaft with two ends one end engaged to the cam portion and the other end engaged to a spring support on the throttle body, and a throttle spring cover that substantially surrounds the throttle return spring and is slideably mounted on the throttle shaft. The throttle return spring can be preloaded and restrained at both ends on the throttle shaft assembly thus preventing the preload from being released as the throttle shaft assembly is inserted into the throttle body. One end of the spring can be released to engage a portion of the throttle body thus reducing a portion of the preload. The cover had several flexible fingers that engage a groove in the throttle shaft and prevent the cover from sliding off thus exposing the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a check valve with a tubular valve housing in which a valve ball is received. To make a large flow cross section available and to prevent closure by the valve ball when the check valve is fully open, a perforated disk is press-fitted between longitudinally extending guide ribs of the valve housing and a circumferential wall of the valve housing there is an interstice as an outflow opening, which is not closed even the valve ball contacts the perforated disk. The valve housing is made by stamping, in which the guide ribs and a valve seat are made in one operation and are thereby aligned exactly with one another. In this way, a small radial play of the valve ball can be realized.

Abstract: A valve element comprises a leaf spring carrying a movable core fitted thereto and is adapted to be mounted into a solenoid valve in order to open and close the valve seat of the solenoid valve. The leaf spring includes an outer peripheral ring section, a hub section having a central hole and one or more than one connection holes and a plurality of radial arm sections for connecting said outer peripheral ring section and said hub section. An outer peripheral seal is made of an elastic material such as rubber and arranged along the outer peripheral ring section of the leaf spring. A valve disk to be fitted to one of the opposite surfaces of said hub section of said leaf spring is provided with a valve seal also made of an elastic material such as rubber that is to be held in contact with the valve seat. A movable core having a flange section is arranged on the other surface of said hub section with the flange section held in contact with the hub section.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly (110) having a biasing flapper closure assembly (102) is disclosed. The flapper valve assembly (110) comprises tubular valve housing (94) having a hinge (100) and a longitudinal hole (104). A valve seat (92) is mounted within the housing (94) having a flow passage therethrough. A flapper closure plate (86) is rotatably disposed within the housing (94) about the hinge (100). The flapper closure plate (86) is rotatable between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The flapper closure plate (86) has a notch (132) on the side opposite its sealing surface (114) that is spaced a distance (136) from the hinge (100).

Abstract: A unitized check valve assembly comprises: a valve body having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inlet and an outlet, a valve disk engaging said body at said outlet, a valve retainer engaging the body and surrounding the valve disk and the outlet; a first biasing member in compression between the body and the valve retainer; and a second biasing member in compression between the body and the valve disk. The flow passage between the valve seat and the valve is continuous around the circumference of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the valve body and the valve disk each have a mating surface, the mating surfaces define an interface therebetween, and the interface comprises a portion of a spherical surface.

Abstract: A valve element comprising a leaf spring carrying a moveable core to open and close a valve seat in a solenoid valve. The leaf spring includes an outer peripheral ring section, a hub section with a central hole, connection holes, and a plurality of radial arm sections. An outer peripheral seal is arranged along the outer peripheral ring section. A valve disk is fitted to the hub section with a valve seal to contact the valve seat. A movable core with a flange section is on the outer surface of the hub section. A holder ring is connected to the valve disk through the connection holes which secures the movable core to the leaf spring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has an armature assembly including a pair of spaced plate springs to locate the magnetic core radially. The springs are formed from concentric rings interconnected by radial bridges so that flexure of the spring does not cause radial displacement. A single coil or double coil may be used and each coil is supported on a pair of bobbins. One bobbin overlies the core and the other has a recess to receive part of the core to maintain a uniform air gap between the core and bobbin.

Abstract: A valve for regulating a flow of gas, has a valve body with an inlet for the gas to be regulated, an outlet for a regulated flow of a gas, a valve seat with a valve opening, a moving closure part having a tensioned membrane mounted inside the valve body and a plunger, which is movable by a plunger actuator, whose end acts on the membrane, causing the closure part to close and open the valve opening and regulate the flow of gas through same. The flow of gas can be simply and inexpensively regulated, with great accuracy and repeatability and which forms a hermetic seal when the valve is in the closed position, a rigid, flat plate is be arranged opposite the valve seat the plate having a surface area which is at least equal to the surface area of the valve seat.

Abstract: The valve control mechanism is suitable for use in a valve train which transmits lifts from a cam (11) located on a camshaft (10) of an internal combustion engine to a cylinder head valve (217) of the internal combustion engine and which has a first abutment member (212) in abutment with the cam (11) and a second abutment member (215) in abutment with the top of the stem of the cylinder head valve (217). The valve control mechanism comprises a first tappet member (212) slidable in a bore in the engine, a second tappet member (213) moveable relative to the first tappet member (212) and locking means (220, 221, 222, 223) capable of locking the first (212) and the second (213) tappet members to move together. When the locking means (220, 221, 222, 223) locks the first (212) and second (213) tappet members to move together, the valve control mechanism transmits all of the lift of the cam (11) to the cylinder head valve (217).

Abstract: A solenoid valve incorporates a housing having an electric coil and a magnetic core built therein; a valve seat formed in the inside of the housing; a moving iron core adapted to be actuated by the electric coil and the magnetic core and having a valve member for opening/closing the valve seat; and a leaf spring fixed in the inside of the housing and adapted to warp at all times when the moving iron core acts. A flanged portion extends from the moving iron core in a direction perpendicular to the acting direction of the moving iron core and outward of the same. The flanged portion is provided with one face for causing the leaf spring to abut against the face of the moving iron core in the acting direction when the electric coil is energized.

Abstract: An improved displacement control valve incorporated in a variable displacement compressor. The control valve is installed in an accommodating hole formed in a rear housing of the compressor. A cap is attached to a housing body of the control valve. A pressure sensing chamber is defined between the cap and the housing body. A pressure sensing member, or bellows, is located in the pressure sensing chamber. The bellows moves a valve body in accordance with pressure introduced into the pressure sensing chamber. A tubular protector, which is made of an elastic material, is attached to the cap. The control valve is installed in the rear housing by inserting the valve, cap first, into the accommodating hole. During this installation, the protector prevents the cap from directly contacting the housing or inner wall of the accommodating hole. The cap is therefore not deformed. The performance of the control valve is therefore improved.

Abstract: A resilient disc check valve with a spring return mechanism is provided. The spring return mechanism is contained entirely within the valve body. The spring return mechanism is in the form of a leaf spring or similar structure which engages a back side of the disc and does not require any attachment to the disc by way of fasteners or other mechanisms.

Abstract: A check valve assembly mounted for engagement with a valve seat includes a flapper valve and a lever arm. The flapper valve includes a bracket pivotably mounted along a first hemisphere of the valve seat, a valve plate mounted to the bracket along a region generally spaced from a periphery of the valve plate, and a mounting assembly adjustably joining the valve plate to the bracket. The flapper valve has a closed position with the valve plate in sealing engagement with the valve seat about the periphery of the valve plate. The lever arm is pivotably mounted to the valve seat along a second hemisphere of the valve seat opposite the first hemisphere. The lever arm includes a lever surface disposed for moving contact with an engagement surface of the bracket and a biasing means for biasing the lever surface toward contact with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A piston is reciprocable in a cylinder of a valve body. A spring in the cylinder has one end bearing against the piston. An abutment holds a retainer in bearing engagement with the opposite end of the spring to hold the spring under compression. The valve body has a slot through which the retainer may be introduced transversely into the cylinder when the spring is further compressed. The retainer has a locking tab. The valve body has an axial notch extending from the slot in a direction away from the spring to clear the tab when the spring is further compressed by a tool and the retainer is introduced. When the tool is withdrawn and the retainer is forced back against the abutment by the spring, the tab extends beyond the notch to be overlain and trapped or blocked by a portion of the valve body to prevent the retainer from falling out of the cylinder through the slot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a diaphragm actuator valve with a keeper element for controlling the number of active coils in the actuator spring, thus controlling the spring tension. The apparatus is a diaphragm operated process flow valve, the valve comprising a valve body and an actuator. The valve body is made up of a valve stem, a valve plug, and the valve seat. The actuator is made up of a diaphragm element operatively associated with a valve stem, which in turn engages the valve plug and seat. An actuator spring having a plurality of spring coils is used to apply pressure against the diaphragm and valve plug. The actuator spring has a terminal coil adjacent to the diaphragm, and the diaphragm acts upon the valve stem against or with the pressure of the spring depending on how the spring is configured. A housing with an internal profile surrounds the spring.

Abstract: A drain valve providing a drain sleeve having a first end, a second end and a flow-chamber therebetween. The first end includes a first diameter being smaller than a second diameter of the second end. The first diameter and the second diameter cooperate to define an annular shoulder therebetween. The first end is threadingly received by an air conditioner outlet and the drain sleeve has at least one drain hole therethrough near the shoulder for draining condensation from the air conditioner outlet. An outer cap is provided having an outer wall and an annular side wall projecting perpendicularly from an outer periphery of the end wall. The side wall is the outer cap is threadingly engageable with the drain sleeve second end. A sealing assembly is fixedly connected at a first end thereof to the end cap end wall and includes a second end thereof projecting inwardly from the end cap end wall towards the shoulder.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid flow regulator that can be adjusted for operating at two different operating pressures includes a casing having a chamber therein, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the chamber, and a valve for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet. A flexible diaphragm in the casing is connected to the valve for operating the valve in response to pressure changes in the chamber. The fluid flow regulator further includes a spring, a removable hollow cap aligned with the spring, and a link adapted to fit in the cap. The link, when installed in the cap, engages the spring to cause the spring to apply a biasing force against the diaphragm that is higher than when the link is not in the cap. According to the method of this invention, the adjustable fluid flow regulator is adjusted for use at two different operating pressures by installing or removing the link from the hollow, removable cap.

Abstract: The transient response of a tied diaphragm gas pressure regulator is improved by reducing breakaway friction of a regulator valve with respect to its cooperating valve seat. This is preferably achieved by reducing the lateral load of the valve against the valve seat while the regulator is in a functional mode. In a disclosed embodiment an asymmetrical compression spring applies a force asymmetrically with respect to the axis of the valve. A tool permits adjusting the asymmetry of this force for counterbalancing existing lateral forces on the valve. As a result, overshoot of the gas pressure of the regulator with respect to a set outlet pressure at the onset of flow through the regulator can be substantially reduced or eliminated. The time necessary for providing a stable outlet pressure with the regulator after the onset of flow can also be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly includes a valve element mounted for movement along a valve axis between a sealing position and a relief position. A spring arm engaged with the valve element urges the valve element toward the sealing position. The spring arm has a free end engaged upon a cam surface. Movement of the valve element between the sealing and relief positions causes movement of the free end of the spring arm along the cam surface. Movement of the valve element toward the relief position causes movement of the free end of the spring arm along the cam surface increasing spacing of the free end of the spring arm from the valve axis and increasing spring force of the free end of the spring arm upon the cam surface. This maintains a substantially constant, predetermined spring force component urging the valve element toward the sealed position.