Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing both soft-serve ice cream and frozen ice-cream-based beverages to consumers. The machine includes a power management system having a controller, a master relay for controlling power supplied to a first component, slave relays for controlling power supplied to second and third components, and a current sensor for sensing a current draw of the machine. The machine also includes a flavoring plate for providing flavoring to a dispensed ice cream product. The plate includes an orifice for extruding the product, a channel extending around the orifice, two or more ports in fluid communication with the channel, and one or more gates in communication with the channel and the orifice. Each of two or more ports is configured to introduce one of a flavoring fluid or a cleaning fluid to the channel.

Abstract: System for hydraulic valve assembly comprises a valve body having a cylindrical internal cavity and an axially moveable cylindrical spool supported therein. Hydraulic ports are defined through the valve body. The spool includes one or more radially oriented fluid control floating lands. Each floating land is configured to control one or more of fluid flow from a hydraulic port, and fluid flow to a hydraulic port. Each floating land includes a cylindrical control slide defining a hollow chamber, and an end section. The control slide is axially movable relative to the end section between a retention position and an extension position to thereby control one or more of fluid flow from the hydraulic port, and fluid flow to the hydraulic port.

Abstract: Dampers for bearing assemblies of gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a damper comprises a damper housing, a lubricant passage defined in the damper housing, and a valve positioned within the lubricant passage. The lubricant passage includes an inlet and an outlet. In one embodiment, the valve is configured to restrict a flow of lubricant from the inlet into the damper when a reference temperature is below a threshold temperature. In another embodiment, the valve is configured to increase leakage of a lubricant through the outlet when a reference temperature is below a threshold temperature. In other embodiments, the valve is passively actuated and is configured to move within the lubricant passage to control a flow of lubricant from the inlet to the outlet based on a reference temperature.

Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing module includes a pneumatic actuator for actuating reciprocating movement of a piston on a dispenser valve member. The pneumatic actuator includes a valve element and a pneumatic housing with an inlet chamber, an exhaust chamber, and a piston chamber. The valve element includes a plurality of inlet passages and a plurality of exhaust passages. The valve element rotates from a first position in which the inlet passages deliver pressurized air from the inlet chamber to the piston chamber, to a second position in which the exhaust passages exhaust pressurized air from the piston chamber to the exhaust chamber. The valve element also includes a plurality of fins configured to be driven by an electromagnetic coil to move the valve element.

Abstract: An actuator or valve for use in a well comprising: an obstructing member, such as a piston, moveable between: a first position and a second position; and a retaining member, such as a ball, moveable between: a retaining position which retains the obstructing member in the first position; and, a release position which does not retain the obstructing member in the first position and/or allows or causes the obstructing member to move to the second position; wherein the retaining member is adapted to move in use, from one of the retaining position and release position to the other of the retaining position and release position, at least in part, by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the actuator/valve. Thus at least some control of the actuation of the actuator/valve may be afforded by rotation thereof. In preferred embodiments some control is also afforded by fluid flow contacting the actuator/valve.

Abstract: A high pressure homogenizer segmentalizes material made of minute solid or the like by passing suspension liquid including the material to a small diameter orifice at high speed under high pressure. An injection valve of the high pressure homogenizer includes: a fixed member having a material introducing passage therein; and a movable member disposed rotatably, swingably, or pulsatingly opposite to the fixed member in an axial direction of the fixed member. The orifice of the injection valve is made of a fine gap in a radial direction disposed between an end face of the fixed member facing an end of the material introducing passage and an end face of the movable member disposed at an end of the movable member opposed to the fixed member. The orifice communicates with a material processing passage via a ring-shaped collision wall.

Abstract: A rotary valve is disclosed having a rotor and stator that utilizes at least one compression spring to provide contact between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) is configured to oppose the pressure forces that urge the rotors and stators apart and reduce the amount of torque necessary to turn the rotors in the valve while preventing leakage from between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) may be positioned within the valve by a spring locating features.

Abstract: A ball valve having a reduced sized is provided, that includes a first shaft that extends into a housing accommodating a valve body along a rotational axis of the valve body and is connected to the valve body; and a second shaft that extends into the housing to be oppositely located to the first shaft and is rotatable about an axis line, and has a pressing part that projects radially outwardly from at least a part of the outer circumference of the second shaft. The ball valve is capable of instantly and securely opening and closing communication passages, and changing the direction of fluid flow, while being capable of minimizing the wearing of a seat member for shutting off the communication passages, by having a valve body rotatable while being kept out of contact or substantial contact with the seat member.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing vessel provided with a stage holding thereon a substrate to be processed and evacuated at an evacuation port, and a source gas supplying system that supplies plural source gases to the processing vessel separately in the form of a laminar flow, wherein the evacuation port has a slit-form shape extending in a direction generally intersecting perpendicularly to a direction of the laminar flow, the evacuation port is engaged with a valve having a valve body formed with a slit-form opening corresponding to the slit-form shape of the evacuation port, the slit-form opening being provided so as to cause a displacement with respect to the evacuation port in a direction generally intersecting perpendicularly to an extending direction of the evacuation port, the valve changing a degree of valve opening thereof via displacement of said slit-form opening.

Abstract: Valve and valve lift system suitable for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer, and oxidizer including the switching valve. The valve of the present invention exhibits excellent sealing characteristics and minimizes wear. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is sealed with pressurized air during its stationary modes, and unsealed during movement to reduce valve wear.

Abstract: A mud saver valve is described that features an outer housing that retains upper and lower valve pistons therewithin. The pistons coordinate to provide a check valve so that fluid, such as drilling mud, is permitted to flow in one direction while under pump pressure and works as a relief valve in the event of excessive wellbore pressure when the pump is turned off. Both pistons are provided with apertured plates that selectively define fluid passages through the valve. In the described embodiment, the valve also includes a frangible vent cap that is self-securing and easily replaceable. The cap permits venting of excessive downhole pressures.

Abstract: In the stem set configuration for a double block and bleed plug valve, the improvement provides an operator which can be significantly shorter and more compact than conventional operators for such valves. The invention makes use of a novel nesting of the threading section whereby a conventional female thread is replaced by a nested male thread surrounded by the translation section. The translation section, in turn, houses the indication section inboard of the nested male threads thereby compacting three functions into one location. This design lends itself nicely to investment casting technology obviating conventional machine shop practices. The invention also combines by use of a long plug stem pin, the plug connection and L slot functions into one location. The input function still remains separate, however, combining ultimately all functions in only three discrete locations and what appears at this time to be the ultimate compacted or nested arrangement.

Abstract: A valve of a vacuum apparatus with a valve seat body having left and right communicating openings opposed to the two vacuum chambers, respectively, a valve body movable in the axial direction of the valve seat body and rotatable around the center axis thereof, and a driving section for moving the valve body in the axial direction of the valve seat body and for rotating it around the center axis thereof, the valve being so disposed between the left and right vacuum chambers that the driving section of the valve is projected outwardly in the horizontal (lateral) direction.

Abstract: An air distribution device comprises a casing (10) provided with a cylindrical wall (12) having at least one air passage opening (14, 16), a shutter (20) mounted so as to pivot with respect to an axis of rotation (X—X) and having a generally cylindrical obturation wall, which is mounted so as to movable with respect to a body of the shutter, consisting of two plates, in a direction substantially radial with respect to the axis of rotation (X—X) of the shutter by virtue of movement means (46, 48) synchronised with the rotation of the shutter, which makes it possible to move the obturation wall (24) away from the wall (12) when the shutter is in an open position (P1, P2) and bring the obturation wall (24) closer to the wall (12) of the casing when the shutter is in a closed position.

Abstract: A dump gate assembly as for a feed mixer housing including first and second hinged gates swingable between upper closed condition and lower open condition, each gate having a cam track preferably in the form of a configurated gate stiffener cooperable with a cam follower on an actuator. The cam tracks have a portion causing greater force to be applied to the gates during the final movement of the gates to the closed condition. The actuators for the two respective gates are at opposite ends of the gates and are interconnected to cause timed gate closing. A special seal element causes a second seal between the closed gates.

Abstract: A ball-valve member, which in its valve-closed condition must have circumferentially continuous sealed contact with its seat, is mounted for rotation about an axis which is eccentrically gyrated in the course of limited rotation of an actuating element that is journalled in the valve body. The eccentric throw is selected to be such in relation to the full course of actuating-element rotation that, beginning with a fully-closed condition of the valve, an initial fraction of the course of actuating-element rotation is devoted to achieving the eccentric throw (without rotating the ball), whereby to displace the ball-rotation axis in the axial direction away from seat engagement; the ball surface is thus displaced into axially offset clearance with respect to the seat, before devoting the remaining fraction of actuating-element rotation to the task of rotating the ball to its valve-open position.

Abstract: A ball-valve member, which in its valve-closed condition must have circumferentially continuous sealed contact with its seat, is mounted for rotation about an axis which is eccentrically displaced in the course of limited rotation of an actuating element that is journalled in the valve body. The eccentric throw is selected to be such in relation to the full course of actuating-element rotation that, beginning with a fully-closed condition of the valve, an initial fraction of the course of actuating-element rotation is devoted to achieving the eccentric throw (without rotating the ball), whereby to displace the ball-rotation axis in the axial direction away from seat engagement; the ball surface is thus displaced into axially offset clearance with respect to the seat, before devoting the remaining fraction of actuating-element rotation to the task of rotating the ball to its valve-open position.

Abstract: A butterfly valve (30) in which an actuator (38) is secured to the plate (36). The actuator (38) is carried with the plate (36) when the latter moves. The plate (36) may be revolvable and translatable relative to the shaft (42). The actuator (38) may be used to open and adjust a pilot valve (94) secured to and carried with the plate (36), and to revolve or translate the plate (36) relative to the shaft (42) in order to vary hydrodynamic torque exerted on the plate (36).

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

Abstract: The application describes a valve device which can be used to open and shut a laterally arranged inlet in an inclined wall of a mixer granulator and which can be used in an automatic operation. The valve device comprises a main body (1) and a piston (2), the piston being movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The piston (2) comprises a face (3) at its forward end which is inclined to the direction of movement and the device comprises means (24,19) to rotate the piston as it advances and retracts. Thus, the face of the piston can open and close an opening in a wall which extends in a direction at an angle to the said direction of movement of the piston.

Abstract: A slide valve is described that has the capability to open rapidly at a rnably controlled speed. The valve has two concentric tubes with each tube having a plurality of slots. In the valve closed position the slots are misaligned both axially and circumferentially. In the valve open position the slots in the inner cylinder coincide with respective outer slot openings. On moving from the closed to open position the inner tube is connected to a bracket that rides in an outer tube cammed slot. The bracket and inner tube to which it is connected are driven first longitudinally in the axial direction and then rotated on its axis while being driven further in the axial direction.

Abstract: A butterfly valve (30) is described in which the plate member (32) is in facing relationship with a hollow shaft (34) and is moved by pistons (50, 52) disposed in the shaft. The pistons (50, 52) are mechanically coupled to the plate member (32) by cam followers (58, 60) which ride along cams (40, 42, 46, 48) formed in the shaft (34) and plate member. The plate member (32) is capable of both revolutionary and translation movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (34) toward the end of minimizing the externally supplied energy required to operate the valve (30). The pistons (50, 52) collectively have a center of mass that coincides with the center of the duct (68) toward the end of minimizing vibrational effects.

Abstract: A improved silo is provided having a pair of pivoting receiver gates overlying a pair of receiver openings and a pair of pivoting discharge gates overlying a pair of discharge openings. A deformable seal is secured to the silo between the receiver openings and the receiver gates and between the discharge openings and the discharge gates. The gates are vertically adjusted by an eccentric assembly to compress the respective deformable seal for forming an air tight barrier between the respective openings and the gate.

Abstract: A dust trap comprising a pair of coaxially mounted dust valves. Each valve has a valve seat and flapper plate and actuator shaft which coacts with the flapper plate to cause it to initially slide and then pivot as the valve opens.

Abstract: An improved pivot assembly operable on an air flow controlling disk, initially to move the disk from a closed position over a damper opening to an intermediate open position away from the opening and subsequently to pivot the disk to a fully open position normal to the opening. The assembly includes stationary support plates and carriage plates carrying the disk. The carriage plates are coupled to the support plates by a system including one axle member received in a bore in the carriage plates for movement with the carriage plates dictated by contact of the axle member with camming slots in the support plates. A piston rod to move the carriage plates relative to the support plates is coupled to the axle member.

Abstract: A gate valve for sealing an opening in the wall of a vacuum processing chamber is disclosed. The valve includes a gate having a pair of wheels mounted on opposite ends of the gate and a curved track aligned and shaped to guide the wheels through an angle so that the plane of the gate is rotated out of the path of substrates as the gate moves between its sealing and open positions. The curvature of the track should be sufficient to rotate the gate through an angle of at least 60.degree., and preferably 75.degree. to 105.degree., in order to minimize the dimension of the chamber normal to the direction of substrate travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary switching device having a conical chamber permitting modification of the supply to the apparatus to which it is allocated, by reversing the fluids or the directions of circulation of the fluids in the ducts.

Abstract: A valve actuator control system, although suitable for many control functions, is especially adapted for remote control of plug-type valves utilizes a unique configuration providing a unitary explosion-proof container to house all electrical components and also providing a manifold assembly that is adapted for either a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator motor with relatively minor modification. The manifold assembly is designed to accept all utilized control valves, relief valves, check valves, flow control devices, and manually operable override controls thereby simplifying installation and maintenance and reducing attendant costs. Three independent solenoid valves, responsive to mechanical feedback provided through the plug-valve's operating stem and integrated into the manifold within the explosion-proof container, provide for actuator motor control including a novel dual speed capability for enhancing plug-valve performance while precluding costly premature wear.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a disk shaped shut-off flap located in the passage of a main body. The shut-off flap is mounted such to a rocking shaft that the flap can be lifted off its seat during one phase of movement of the rocking shaft and may be rotated into an open position during a further phase of movement of the rocking shaft. The operating means comprises a linear drive in the shape of a control rod including a control groove. A follower and driving means engages the control groove and the shut-off flap. Accordingly the shut-off flap is guided for above lift off and rotating movements. This linear drive allows an impeccable sealing between the inner space of the shut-off apparatus and the environment.

Abstract: An improved cam sleeve operator for use primarily with valves of the plug type in which a tapered plug is raised to unseat associated slips and then rotated to a valve open position during opening of the valve and is rotated to a valve close position and lowered to seat the associated slips for closing the valve. The operator comprises a cylindrical housing having an inverted L-shape configuration, a cam sleeve which controls the position of the valve trunnion in response to the prime mover, and a pin connecting the valve trunnion to the operator for effecting sequential vertical and rotational motion of the valve trunnion in response to unitary continuous motion of the prime mover.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body having a tapered conical bore and an opposed inlet and outlet openings. A tapered cage abuts the conical bore. The cage is designed for easy replacement. A stopper is arranged within the cage. The stopper has a control vane extending radially outward from the stopper axis. Conical plugs are fixed at each axial end of the control vane. Biasing means urge the stopper toward the small end of the conical bore. A cam surface and cam follower lift the stopper axially away from the small end of the conical bore when it is rotated away from a closed position.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a disk shaped shut-off flap located in the passage of a main body. The shut-off flap is mounted such to a rocking shaft that the flap can be lifted off its seat during one phase of movement of the rocking shaft and may be rotated into an open position during a further phase of movement of the rocking shaft. The operating means comprises a linear drive in the shape of a control rod including a control groove. A follower and driving means engages the control groove and the shut-off flap. Accordingly the shut-off flap is guided for above lift off and rotating movements. This linear drive allows an impeccable sealing between the inner space of the shut-off apparatus and the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to direct acting rotary actuator cylinders wherein the linear motion of the piston is directly converted to angular motion by a means completely enclosed within the cylinder, which means comprises a slidable partitioning body engaging the circular cylindrical cavity in the cylinder in an air-tight sliding relationship and a circular cylindrical rod coaxially and rotatably disposed in said circular cylindrical cavity having a mid-section with a noncircular cross section of a diametrical dimension greater than the diameter of said circular cylindrical rod.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for valves particularly of the plug valve type wherein a plug member is movable between operative positions by both linear and rotary movement. The valve actuating mechanism incorporates means for imparting linear movement to a valve stem and separate means for accomplishing 90.degree. rotary movement to the valve stem during such linear movement. Rotary movement of the valve stem is accomplished by pivotal linkage means that is interconnected both with the valve stem and valve body structure by means of omni-directional pivots.

Abstract: A valve actuator mechanism for a lift-turn type valve having a valve element that is operated by first linear unseating movement, rotational repositioning movement and linear reseating movement. First and second actuator stems are supported by an actuator housing for both linear and rotational movement.

Abstract: A rotary lift-turn type plug valve mechanism includes a valve body and bonnet structure defining a tapered valve chamber that receives a tapered plug member which is operated by linear and rotary components of movement to achieve valve operation. Externally adjustable plug positioning means is provided by the valve mechanism to enable the position of the plug element to be adjusted relative to the inlet and outlet flow passages defined by the valve body. Plug dampening means is also provided for applying a dampening force to the plug element to prevent slamming of the plug upon reaching the end of a rotational component of movement. A valve actuator is also provided that operatively engages the valve stem of the plug and is capable of imparting both linear and rotary components of movement to the valve stem for unseating, rotating and reseating the valve element within the valve chamber.

Abstract: A ball valve is turned relative to its seat by means of three concentric sleeves mounted within a housing bore. Pins carried by the middle piston sleeve extend outward into slots in an outer carrier sleeve and inward into cam grooves in the outer wall of an inner drive sleeve. Axial movement of the middle sleeve under hydraulic pressure causes turning movement of the inner sleeve which then drives through bevel gears to turn the ball valve. The parts are constructed so that hydraulic forces within the housing acting to hold the ball valve in closed position against its seat are substantially balanced by forces in the opposite direction acting against the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A sequenced drive for rotary valves which provides the benefits of applying rotary and linear motions to the movable sealing element of the valve. The sequenced drive provides a close approximation of linear motion while engaging or disengaging the movable element with the seat minimizing wear and damage due to scrubbing action. The rotary motion of the drive swings the movable element out of the flowpath thus eliminating obstruction to flow through the valve.

Abstract: A rotary lift-turn type plug valve mechanism includes a valve body and bonnet structure defining a tapered valve chamber that receives a tapered plug member which is operated by linear and rotary components of movement to achieve valve operation. Externally adjustable plug positioning means is provided by the valve mechanism to enable the position of the plug element to be adjusted relative to the inlet and outlet flow passages defined by the valve body. Plug dampening means is also provided for applying a dampening force to the plug element to prevent slamming of the plug upon reaching the end of a rotational component of movement. A valve actuator is also provided that operatively engages the valve stem of the plug and is capable of imparting both linear and rotary components of movement to the valve stem for unseating, rotating and reseating the valve element within the valve chamber.

Abstract: A disc-type valve is disclosed which provides a design by which the valve disc can be positively and uniformly lifted laterally off the valve seat so as to prevent abrasion of the sealing surface and/or the valve seat which might otherwise be caused by transverse movement of the valve disc in relation to the valve seat. The opening and closing movement of the valve seat is controlled by and operable in direct relation to a pivotable operating member extending through the valve body.

Abstract: A valve adapted for installation at the lower end of a drilling kelly for closing the bore of the kelly when adding a section of drill pipe so that the mud content of the kelly is not discharged onto the derrick floor; the valve also being adapted with minimum change in parts, to be inverted and installed at the upper end of the kelly to serve as a safety valve, providing blow out protection.

Abstract: A valve actuation system is provided for a valve of the type wherein at least two separate movements are utilized to achieve either opening or closing thereof. The actuation system includes a pair of hydraulic or pneumatic actuator units for automatically performing these two separate operations. An electrically energizable control valve is associated with each of these actuators for controlling the flow of a pressurized control medium therethrough to achieve actuation in the proper sequence for attaining the desired valve movement. A control circuit preferably comprises a plurality of switches responsive to the positions of these two valve actuators as well as the position, (viz., "valve open" or "valve close") of an operator accessible main control lever or switch. These switches deliver electrical power to energize the fluid flow control valves so as to automatically perform the correct sequence of actuator operations to open or close the valve, as desired.

Abstract: A lift-turn valve and actuator mechanism incorporating a valve plug and slip assembly that is movable with both axial and rotatable components of movement during opening and closing. Rotational movement is accomplished during lifting by cooperative relationship between opposed cam grooves defined in valve stem means and a pair of opposed rotatable cam follower elements that are supported by an actuator housing. The actuator housing is a fabricated structure incorporating threaded structure for receiving replaceable cam follower bearing mechanisms. The cam follower elements cooperate with the opposed cam grooves to provide efficient balanced force transfer through the valve actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder is provided with pistons to provide both rotary and a linear motions; utilization of a built in check valve traps fluid pressure to sustain piston in a desired operating position.

Abstract: Valve actuator for causing both rotation of a valve member and linear movement of said valve member.

Abstract: A valve with a pair of valve plates includes a valve-plate actuating mechanism operably connected between the valve plates and a valve shaft for transforming the movement of the valve shaft to the movement of the valve plates such that the latter are pivotably movable about the axis of the valve shaft and displaceable along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the valve shaft.

Abstract: A cylindrical flow tube of tapered cross section bears a spherical valve poppet on one side and is mounted within the valve casing for rotation between an axially in-line position relative to an annular valve seat and a position at right angles thereto, the flow tube acting to spring bias the valve poppet against the valve seat. Translation and rotation plates are sequentially clutch driven by an interposed drive plate and carry individual pinions for driving racks associated with concentric rotation and translation shafts for pivoting the flow tube and the spherical poppet and seating the poppet in sequence during valve closing. The sequence control mechanism is hermetically sealed from the translation and rotation shafts.