Abstract: Gas pressure actuated fill termination valves for cryogenic liquid storage tanks and storage tanks containing the same.

Abstract: A control assembly can be configured for use with a pressure regulator having a valve body defining a fluid flow path. The control assembly can include a control member, a stem, and a lever, and can be disposed within the pressure regulator to selectively control fluid flow. The control assembly can include a primary control member and a secondary control member, or a mechanical stop that can operate to restrict flow along the fluid flow path, including when the stem disconnects from the lever.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling mechanism joins an actuator to a bonnet. The quick connect coupling mechanism may utilize machined or otherwise prepared components including one or more specific features, such as slots or grooves, to facilitate a connection between the actuator and the bonnet. For example, the actuator housing may be machined or formed to include an opening to enable radial insertion of the bonnet into a slot formed circumferentially about at least a portion of the actuator housing. The opening may be secured to block radial movement of the bonnet within the housing. A rail system may also be utilized to couple the actuator housing to the bonnet. For example, pairs of grooves may be formed in the actuator housing and bonnet to facilitate insertion of rails. The rails may block both axial movement of the actuator housing and also block rotational movement.

Abstract: An interactive lighting system includes a group of one or more portable lamps designed to respond to user's spatial manipulation of a lamp to control the system. The lamps can be wirelessly linked to operate in unison, and each lamp could also include an ambient light sensor, which helps the system to optimize illumination characteristics and profile.

Abstract: A control assembly can be configured for use with a pressure regulator having a valve body defining a fluid flow path. The control assembly can include a control member, a stem, and a lever, and can be disposed within the pressure regulator to selectively control fluid flow. The control assembly can include a primary control member and a secondary control member, or a mechanical stop that can operate to restrict flow along the fluid flow path, including when the stem disconnects from the lever.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products with a plurality of deformable feeding containers, each feeding container connected to a processing chamber for processing the base mixture and including a stirrer and a thermal treatment device for the base mixture, operating in conjunction with one another to convert the base mixture into a liquid or semi-liquid product. The operative connection of each feeding container to the processing chamber to transfer the base mixture from the feeding container to the processing chamber is made by a network of withdrawing ducts through an interposed pneumatically actuated valve which can be activated and deactivated independently of the remaining valves and which includes a valve body with an inlet duct and an outlet duct, and with a shutter acting to selectively interrupt or allow the connection between the inlet duct and the outlet duct.

Abstract: A pin-fastening structure includes a first shaft portion provided in a valve shaft; a cylindrical portion into which the first shaft portion is fitted, the cylindrical portion being provided in a valve body; and a connecting pin that passes through both the first shaft portion and the cylindrical portion in a state in which the first shaft portion is fitted into the cylindrical portion and that restricts relative movement of the first shaft portion and the cylindrical portion in an axial direction. The first shaft portion has a first end surface perpendicular to the axis of the valve shaft. The cylindrical portion has second end surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the valve body. The first shaft portion and the cylindrical portion are fastened by the connecting pin in a state in which the first end surface and the second end surfaces are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for controlling high-temperature fluid includes: a valve body including a valve chamber communicating with first and second flow passages, and a valve seat provided in the valve chamber; a metal diaphragm that contacts with and separates from the valve seat; a stem that moves the metal diaphragm up and down; and an actuator that drives the stem. The first flow passage includes a first orifice having a diameter set to 50% or less of a diameter of the second flow passage. Alternatively, the second flow passage includes a second orifice having a diameter set to 50% or less of the diameter of the second flow passage. The diameter of the second flow passage is calculated by converting a cylindrical flow passage area defined between the valve seat and the metal diaphragm when separated from the valve seat into a diameter of a circular flow passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a subsurface tool, such as a flapper closure valve, that has an integrally formed body and that includes at least one of an internal void located within the body of the flapper closure plate; and an indentation extending from an exterior surface of the body of the flapper closure plate, the indentation having an opening defining a first dimension along a first direction at the exterior surface of the body, the indentation defining an indentation surface extending within the body, the indentation surface defining a second dimension along the first direction within the body, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the flapper closure plate is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An actuator, such as a pressure actuator or a vacuum actuator, has a housing and a plunger that is guided through the housing. A diaphragm is connected to the housing and to the plunger and forms a gas-tight pressure chamber with the housing. A pressure medium connector is provided on the housing and communicates with the pressure chamber to pressurize the pressure chamber. A braking element is provided on the plunger and enables a braking force can be exerted on the plunger.

Abstract: An actuator converts linear motion into rotational motion. The actuator includes a power piston having a longitudinal axis. The power piston is configured to move back and forth along the longitudinal axis. A slider bearing is disposed within a cross-bore opening in the power piston. The cross-bore opening has a slider bearing axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The slider bearing is configured to move back and forth within the cross-bore opening. An output shaft has a central axis orthogonal to both the longitudinal and the slider bearing axes. The output shaft includes an eccentric shaft pin inserted through a slot in the power piston and disposed within a cavity of the slider bearing. The eccentric shaft pin is offset from the central axis of the output shaft. The reciprocating movement of the power piston causes the slider bearing to move back and forth rotating the output shaft.

Abstract: Example of the present disclosure relate to a frac plug. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards a frac plug with a flapper, wherein the flapper is configured to set and unset based on a pressure differential and/or fluid flow associated with the frac plug.

Abstract: A fluid control system has a body with the inlet passage in fluid communication with a discharge passage. The position of a choke piston in the body controls flow of the fluid from the inlet passage to the discharge passage. A controller connected to the body has an actuator connected to a linkage that is connected to the choke piston. The controller positions the choke piston in the body using the actuator and the linkage to control the flow of a fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a valve. The apparatus comprises: an actuator device comprising a piston contained in a cylinder; the actuator device being actuated by a pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air; an opening/closing mechanism of a valve actuated by the actuator device; and a valve device to control and check the flow of pressurized fluid from and toward the actuator device in order to open/close the valve. The valve device is fixed to a front face of the actuator device on the side of the opening/closing mechanism of the valve.

Abstract: A piston actuator includes a transfer assembly and an actuator assembly connected to the transfer assembly. The actuator assembly has a cylinder assembly with a side wall and an end wall and defines a cavity. A piston assembly is disposed within the cavity and a screw guide assembly is secured to the end wall of the cylinder assembly such that the screw guide assembly is adjustable to limit the travel of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for rotating a valve assembly including a valve element disposed in a flow path and configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the valve element closes the flow path. A mechanical linkage is connected to the valve element where forces are transferred through the mechanical linkage to rotate the valve element to an open position.

Abstract: Example apparatus for regulator heat transfer are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a regulator including a body, a stem disposed therein, a first inlet and a first outlet. The regulator regulates a pressure of a fluid flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet. The example apparatus comprises a vortex generator disposed within the body to convey heat to a valve of the regulator. The stem controls the regulator and the vortex generator.

Abstract: Valve system with rotary stepping actuator to actuate a valve stem. An actuator drive shaft is supported for stepwise rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to impart rotation to a valve stem nut to axially move a valve stem to open and close valve flow trim. The drive shaft forms peripheral first and second slotted circular drive paths co-axially spaced from each other. The drive paths include outwardly-opening, circumferentially-spaced slots which are matched in number, size and spacing, but the slots in the first drive path are rotationally offset from the slots in the second drive path by a set fraction, for example one half of the slot spacing. Actuation assemblies provide separate forward and reverse actuation cycles to the drive shaft to incrementally rotate the drive shaft in predetermined angular increments (steps) set by the slot spacing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely and selectively controlling and altering fluid flow through tubular string disposed within a wellbore and further control fluid flow between the tubular string inner flow passage and the annular flow passage, and a method for selectively and remotely receiving and interpreting a form of command or information at a particular apparatus within the wellbore caused by the operator on earth surface through a change of a physical property of the environment. The apparatus comprising a body, a valve operable in plurality of states, an actuator, and an activator responsive to a change of a physical property of the environment caused by the operator on earth surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valves and/or fluid pumps and in particular to such valves and/or fluid pumps controlled with gating and/or control module comprising a piezoelectric linear actuator to provide gating of the valve and/or pump system.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a piping system includes a valve having an inlet and outlet arranged for connection to the piping system, and further includes a valve body, a control element disposed in a flow passage, and a shiftable valve stem operatively coupled to the control element. Valve packing is disposed about the valve stem and is secured by a retainer assembly. An adapter plate is provided and is attached to the valve body by a plurality of gland bolts, with the adapter plate and the gland bolts cooperating to secure the retainer assembly. An actuator bracket is provided and includes a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion secured to the adapter plate by a plurality of fasteners, and an actuator is secured to the second portion of the actuator bracket by a plurality of fasteners, with the actuator having a control rod operatively coupled to the valve stem.

Abstract: Hydraulic system for actuating the hydraulic actuators of a working machine, the hydraulic system has a delivery, a discharge, a drainage line, a signal line, a main slide valve which actuates a corresponding hydraulic actuator, a safety slide valve integral with the main slide valve and adapted for opening or closing the drainage line itself, and a pressure compensator presenting a frontal chamber connectable by way of the main slide valve to the delivery and a rear chamber connected to the signal line; the drainage line connecting a node of the signal line to the discharge.

Abstract: A crank for a valve linkage system includes a pin sleeve having a bore for receiving a connecting pin to connect the crank to a link; a shaft sleeve having a bore for receiving a shaft; an arm between the pin bore and shaft sleeve; and a first stiffening rib extending from the shaft sleeve toward the pin bore.

Abstract: Actuator stem guide apparatus for use with fluid valve actuators are described. An example actuator stem guide apparatus includes a base having an opening to allow an actuator stem of the fluid valve actuator to tilt or lean within the base to enable a lever of the fluid valve actuator to rotate and a guide receiving area adjacent the opening of the base. A guide is coupled to the guide receiving area and the guide has a bearing surface to slidably engage the actuator stem to limit lateral movement of a diaphragm assembly relative to a longitudinal axis of the opening to prevent the diaphragm assembly from engaging an inner surface of an actuator housing as the actuator stem moves between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes an enclosure for supporting the ball valve during actuation. In one embodiment, the enclosure can be a split enclosure, and can have trunnion support apertures for engaging trunnions on the ball valve. In one embodiment, a pair of link arms are used to transfer force from a pair of actuation members to the ball valve. The link arms can be located in a recess on the actuation members, such the actuation members and the face of the trunnions define a cavity to enclose and protect the link arms.

Abstract: A fluid flow valve is disclosed which includes a fluid flow assembly, a piston diaphragm assembly, and a reset plunger pin assembly. These three assemblies are configured to engage one another such that, when used in conjunction with a pressurized water source, they will split the pressurized water source into two portions, the one portion defining a main fluid flow pathway through the valve and, a much smaller proportion, defining a metered fluid flow pathway through the valve. The piston diaphragm assembly has a diaphragm or other equivalent structure for defining a metered fluid flow chamber, which metered fluid flow chamber is fluidly engaged to a pressurized water source through a metering channel in a piston. A reset plunger meter pin assembly engages the metered fluid flow or piston chamber of the piston diaphragm assembly and can initiate a timed flow of water or other fluid into the metered fluid flow chamber, which timed flow controls the flow of fluid or water flowing through the fill valve.

Abstract: A drainage device for placement on a housing includes an external plug component and a liquid expandable component. The external plug component has a first cap section and a second attachment section. The first cap section is positionable over an exterior side of a housing wall. The first attachment section is adapted to attach the drainage device to an opening in the housing wall. The liquid expandable component contacts the external plug component and is adapted to contact a structure within the housing when the drainage device is placed on the housing. Characteristically, the liquid expandable component has a higher volume when contacted with liquid than when dry. The liquid expandable component pushes the internal plug component away from the structure within the housing when the liquid expandable component transitions from a non-liquid-containing state to a liquid containing state thereby providing a path for liquid to escape.

Abstract: A parallel movement mechanism including guide grooves and guide rollers and a vertical movement mechanism including cam grooves and cam rollers are interposed between a drive rod and a valve shaft of an air cylinder, and a valve seal of a valve plate is moved vertically toward and away from a valve seat surface to open and close the opening by moving the valve shaft in parallel to the valve seat surface by the parallel movement mechanism and moving the same vertically with respect to the valve seat surface by the vertical movement mechanism.

Abstract: Actuator for operating a valve, including: a drive component; a drive shaft, which is connectable with the valve; and a torque lock, which is connectable with the drive shaft The torque lock includes at least one essentially rotationally symmetric spring element arranged in a ring-shaped housing, and is so constructed that a torque introduced via the drive component causes the drive shaft to rotate, and a torque introduced via the valve blocks rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A fluid-operated actuating drive (1) on a valve, in particular a shut-off, safety or regulating valve, comprising a base unit (2) having control valves, two linear actuators (6, 7) which are located opposite of each other and can be actuated fluidically, and a mechanical converter (5) which is arranged between the two linear actuators and couples the gates thereof to each other, wherein the outlet of the converter is coupled to the inlet of the valve. To this end, the actuating drive is composed in a modular manner of individual components joined to form a functional unit in the form of the base unit, the two linear actuators and the mechanical converter.

Abstract: Configurations of piston actuators having seal retainers doubly acting as pressure chambers are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of installing pressure chambers in piston actuators.

Abstract: An actuator for a rotary function element, having a housing with at least one pressure means supply and being closed at both sides by a cover, in which housing a piston is guided to reciprocate in a sealing manner, the piston containing diametrically opposed, convolution-like connecting links for a transverse axis of an actuator shaft rotatably mounted in one cover, and having two guide rods firmly anchored in the housing only at one end and engaging into guides in the piston, with the one guide rod anchored in one cover, whereas the other guide rod is anchored in the other cover, and the two guides end blind in the piston in opposite directions.

Abstract: A power-assisted mechanism having a simple structure which can perform a power-assisted operation can be achieved in a power-assisted on/off valve including a valve stem which opens and closes a flow passage, an operational member which is positioned on an axis of the valve stem and is relatively movable with respect to the valve stem, and a power-assisted mechanism which reduces the speed and power-assists the movement of the operational member, and transfers the movement of the operational member to the stem valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body including a longitudinal axis and a radially inner internal flow passage extending axially between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a disk selectively positionable to modulate a flow of working fluid through the flow passage, and a radially outer external surface. The valve assembly further includes a first actuator positioned radially outboard of the external surface, a second actuator positioned radially outboard of the external surface, and a first linkage including a first actuator end configured to couple to the first actuator, a second actuator end configured to couple to the second actuator, and a rod end configured to couple to the disk, wherein an actuating force applied from each actuator to each respective actuator end is combined through the first linkage to the rod end.

Abstract: Methods for controlling flow are described herein that include a valve assembly provided and operated to control the flow from a first conduit to a second conduit. The valve assembly includes an actuator housing enclosing an actuator piston and defining a counter-biasing chamber and a first control chamber on the same side of the actuator piston, and a first pressure control port in fluid communication with the first control chamber. A valve is connected to the actuator piston and a bore passes through both the actuator piston and the valve thereby placing a face of the valve in fluid communication with the counter-biasing chamber. The actuator piston includes a first substrate area that defines a portion of the counter-biasing chamber and a second substrate area that defines a portion of the first control chamber where the surface area of the first substrate area is less than the surface area of the valve face.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve apparatuses with a low profile and without a top shaft are disclosed. Additionally, hydraulic valve apparatuses with indicator markers and side windows are disclosed.

Abstract: A barrier valve has an equalizing feature for the ball or plug when in the closed position before it is opened. A hydraulic open and a close line are connected to a housing so that they can move a piston in opposed directions. The piston ends are sealed and the exterior of the piston is tapered to push one or more bypass valves open to connect tubing pressure across the ball when ramped off its seat. Pressure on the main hydraulic line to close the ball reverses the piston movement and allows a spring bias to close the bypass valve or valves. The equalizing system can be integrated into the barrier valve housing or can be separate as a retrofit.

Abstract: A selector valve operating mechanism is provided with operating pistons which are hydraulic pistons connected through an operation link to a spool of a PTO selector valve, an solenoid valve for hydraulically controlling reciprocation of the operating pistons, and a controller which is a control device for transmitting an operation signal to the solenoid valve. Control of operation of the solenoid valve moves the spool through the operating pistons and the operation link to switch the PTO selector valve.

Abstract: A valve actuator includes an actuator housing, a piston, a linkage assembly, a magnet, and a Hall sensor. The actuator housing is adapted to receive pressurized fluid. The piston is movably mounted within actuator housing, and is configured to translate in a first direction and a second direction. The linkage assembly is rotationally coupled to the piston and is adapted to couple to a valve element. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the valve element in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to piston movement in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The magnet is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, and the Hall sensor is mounted on the actuator housing and is responsive to movement of the magnet to supply a position signal.

Abstract: A flow control device is capable of performing accurate flow control over a wide pressure range. The flow control device includes: a housing; a diaphragm splitting the housing into a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced and a fluid chamber side through which fluid passes, and being activated by the differential pressure generated between the gas chamber side and the fluid chamber side; and a valve body which operates in integration with the diaphragm to regulate the flow of the fluid introduced to the fluid chamber side. The diaphragm includes: a base part provided in a substantially central part of the diaphragm; and a thin film part provided on the outer rim of the base part. An opposing surface which is provided on the fluid chamber side to oppose the diaphragm includes a retaining form which retains the shape of the thin film part deformed by the differential pressure.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a gate and a drive train. The drive train includes a gate rod for linearly moving the gate, a translator operatively coupled to the gate rod for moving the gate rod linearly in response to rotational motion, and a coupling device connected to the translator for providing rotational motion. The gate valve also includes a fluid cylinder cooperatively coupled to the drive train for providing an assisting force to move the gate rod linearly and a rotary valve cooperatively connected to the coupling device and in a fluid flow path between the cylinder and a fluid pressure source. Torque applied to the coupling device moves the rotary valve to an open position to supply fluid pressure to the fluid cylinder.

Abstract: An adjustable valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a mounting portion and an adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable member threadably engaged with the mounting portion, the adjustable member adapted to change its position relative to the mounting portion when rotated and a clevis coupled to the adjustable member, wherein the position of the clevis relative to the mounting portion is adjustable by rotation of the adjustable member.

Abstract: A non-collinear valve actuator includes a primary actuating system and a return spring system with each applying forces to a linkage system in order to regulate the flow of a quarter-turn valve. The primary actuating system and return spring system are positioned non-collinearly, which simply means the primary actuating system and return spring system are not in line with each other. By positioning the primary actuating system and return spring system in this manner, the primary actuating system can undergo a larger stroke while the return spring system experiences significantly less displacement. This allows the length of the return spring to be reduced due to the minimization of displacement thereby reducing the weight of the return spring system. By allowing the primary actuating system to undergo longer strokes, the weight of the primary actuating system may also be reduced. Accordingly, the weight of the non-collinear valve actuator is reduced.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, which includes a dispenser body adapted to dispense the heated liquid, a solenoid valve, and a pneumatic section including a housing coupled between the solenoid valve and dispenser body. The pneumatic housing is formed from a thermally insulating material which may include a thermoplastic polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a fluoroplastic polymer to reduce heat transfer from the dispenser body through the pneumatic housing thereby thermally insulating the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a balanced port housing disposed within the valve for flow conditioning to convert turbulent flow within the valve to laminar flow when the fluid reaches the sensing point of a Pitot tube disposed within the outlet of the valve. The balancing port housing includes an opening through a sidewall and disposed between a valve port of the valve and the outlet. The opening may include a partial obstruction, such as baffles or a mesh screen over which the fluid flows to convert the turbulent flow to laminar flow. The regulator may further include balanced trim having a balancing diaphragm in fluid communication with the upstream pressure to apply a force to a valve disc of the valve in the opposite direction of the force applied to the valve disc by the upstream pressure so that the upstream pressure does not affect the regulator's control of the downstream pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a device such as a self-closing internal valve is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing assembly having an internal chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an actuator stem extending from the housing assembly. The actuator stem is moveable in response to the addition or removal of a fluid into or out of the internal chamber. To control the flow rate of a fluid into and out of the internal chamber, the apparatus includes a fluid control valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing assembly, wherein the fluid control valve is adapted to restrict the rate of fluid flow into the internal chamber of the housing assembly.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a cartridge disposed within the valve to advantageously direct, or “boost,” fluid downstream and away from the actuator under normal operating conditions, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the regulator. The cartridge includes a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. During normal operation, the first portion receives a valve disc of the actuator within generally tight tolerances such that the valve disc and the cartridge restrict fluid communication between the valve and the actuator. This directs or “boosts” the gas toward the outlet of the valve. Additionally, during a relief operation, the second portion of the cartridge receives the valve disc to allow the free flow of gas to the actuator.

Abstract: Dispensers with replaceable actuators and related methods. A representative dispenser includes a sealed fluid chamber with a fluid inlet and a valve seat, a valve member configured to be reciprocally moveable relative to the valve seat, and an actuator interface. The dispenser includes first and second actuators configured to be coupled with the actuator interface for reciprocally moving the valve member. The first actuator is configured to operate by a different motive force than the second actuator. The first actuator can be removed and replaced with the second actuator. The methods involve the ability to replace the first actuator with a second actuator.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas turbine engine fluid flow may include the steps of providing a flow tube having an open valve, a first bend and a second bend, flowing fluid through the flow tube, actuating a piston so that the piston moves in the axial direction, and closing the valve due to the axial movement of the piston.