Abstract: A rotary power actuator has an oscillating input member and an intermittent rotary output member. A controllable one-way mechanism, which is drivingly connected between the oscillating input member and the rotary output member, accommodates the intermittent motion of the output member. The input member and the one-way mechanism are controlled by hydraulic fluid during power actuation. The input member is returned to a neutral central position by a mechanism system consisting of a spring and ball arrangement while the one-way is maintained in the overrun condition. The output member is connected with a rotary valve member which is stepped to selected valve positions when the actuator is powered and retains the selected valve position when the input member is returned to the neutral central position.

Abstract: A pulsing valve for routing water flow from an inlet line to outlet lines connected to water jets arranged in an array to massage an occupant of a whirlpool spa or bathtub is provided. The pulsing valve includes a water turbine driving a selector disk through a reduction gear drive. The selector disk contains openings which oppose individual outlet water lines and direct water flow to them. Rotation of the selector disk switches or cycles pressurized water flow among the individual outlet water lines, causing the massaging water jet location to move, improving the quality of the resulting massage. The speed of the cycling of the water can be changed by changing the pressure of the water delivered to the water turbine. Additionally, the water turbine can be powered by tap water instead of pressurized water and the valve can be used to cycle tap water to the individual jets instead of cycling pressurized water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel single acting, valve closing actuator that when actuated is capable of closing an attached existing plug or gate valve, one that opens and closes within one quarter turn of operation. The newly designed actuator is cylindrically quadrant shaped and utilizes an extensible air bladder to actuate an internal rigid vane, causing the attached vane shaft to rotate, thereby closing a connected existing valve. In the preferred embodiment, the air bladder is comprised of a laminate of silicone rubber bonded to an exterior coating made of Kevlar. In an alternative embodiment, two air bladders are used to provide a double acting actuator, where a remote valve reset can be accomplished. Independent stand-alone operation is provided by using a pressurized source of CO.sub.2 to inflate the air bladder and a rechargeable battery to operate the air solenoids.

Abstract: A countertorque arm assembly mounts onto a pressure cylinder valve body for cradling an actuator that operates to rotate the valve stem in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: The valve operating apparatus cycles valves between open and closed positions. The valve operating apparatus includes a trailer for use in towing behind other vehicles, for instance, behind a pickup truck. The trailer includes an engine, pump, battery, reservoir and a bidirectionally oriented motor which is suspended from a telescoping extension bar. The operation of the valve operating apparatus is substantially balanced and requires very little effort by the operator to operate. Specifically, the operator does not have to push down or lift the apparatus as it is substantially balanced.

Abstract: A directional control valve is provided for switching the mode of operation in a heat transfer system which includes a compressor, for compressing a refrigerant, with discharge and suction ports, first and second heat exchangers, and an expansion valve provided between the first and second heat exchangers. The directional control valve includes a cylindrical valve body with a high pressure port which is fluidly connected to the discharge port through a conduit, a low pressure port which is fluidly connected to the suction port through a conduit, first and second ports which are connected to the first and second heat exchangers respectively through conduits. The directional control valve further includes a first valve element which is enclosed within the valve body and is rotational between first and second rotational positions about the axis of the valve body and an arrangement for rotating the first valve element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A tamper proof fire hydrant which may only be operated by the application of pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid engages the fire hydrant and travels through a pathway in the upper portion of the fire hydrant. The pressurized fluid engages a turbinelike impeller and then the pressurized fluid pressure rotates the impeller, the impeller is connected to a worm gear and turns the worm gear which then operates to open the hydrant's water main valve. Later the flow of fluid is then reversed in order to turn the turbinelike impeller in the opposite direction thereby causing the worm gear to operate to close the hydrant's water main valve. A cylinder and piston may be used in place if the impeller and worm gear, to open and close a water main valve in response to the application of pressurized fluid to the fire hydrant from an external source.

Abstract: A control valve for a water treatment system which includes a turbine rotatably mounted within a water receiving chamber. A pair of nozzles communicate water from a water receiving chamber to the turbine in a driving relationship. The nozzles each define a passage, preferably converging slightly in cross-section and defining centerlines that converge and intersect at a region swept by the turbine. Preferably, the intersection of the centerlines occurs intermediate a circle defined by central regions of the turbine blades and a circle defined by peripheral edges of the turbine blades. At least one of the nozzles is slidably held in a slot formed in a dividing wall forming part of the control valve and is replaceable by a plug. A confronting surface defines a uniform gap between an outlet side of the nozzles and a peripheral portion of the turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety device for a cylinder valve automatic switching unit, wherein said valve is automatically closed when some abnormality such as down of an air pressure takes place. A first air-operated selector valve 8 is installed which causes air flowing out of a reservoir tank 10 to flow into a second supply line 3 when air pressure is reduced, whereby a cylinder valve automatic switching unit 1 in the opening situation is caused to make a closing motion for closing a cylinder valve in the opened situation. And, a second air-operated selector valve 9 is further installed which discharges air flowing out of a first supply line 2 to the atmosphere when the air pressure is reduced.

Abstract: An electrically actuated valve for control of a pressurized fluid, particularly a sanitary valve, comprises a rotor (15) arranged in a housing (1) between an inlet passageway (6) and an outlet passageway (7). The rotor (15) is rotatable under the action of the pressurized fluid and transports portions of the fluid from the inlet passageway (6) to the outlet passageway (7). There is an operational connection between the rotor (15) and an element (19) rotatably arranged in a chamber (21) filled with an electro-viscous liquid (22). The electro-viscous liquid (22) is arranged between two electrodes (23, 24) to which as high voltage (25) can be applied. In one embodiment of the invention the rotor (15) also forms the closure element of the valve, which is braked to a various extent by the rotatable element (19) arranged in the electro-viscous liquid. In a further embodiment rotation of the rotor will supplied to a closure member via the rotatable element, which will then be an element of a clutch, and gear means.

Abstract: A valve actuator with an arcuate piston disposed within a housing including a side wall having a partition and two end plates whereby when joined, the housing forms a first and a second compartment. An arcuate piston travels between the compartments via an opening in the partition in an oscillating manner. A removable piston assembly enables removing the arcuate piston, output shaft and lever arms supporting the piston in order to remove the output shaft or to engage a spiral spring connecting the output shaft with the housing. The spiral spring may be pretensioned by winding before inserting the piston assembly into the housing. Fluid pressure applied to either compartment urges movement of the arcuate piston into the opposite compartment.

Abstract: A valve operating machine has a reversable motor and a drive assembly for turning the stem of a valve, and a sensor for determining the torque applied to the valve stem. The amount of torque applied to the valve stem is regulated so as not to exceed the torque limits of the valve. The machine will gradually apply greater amounts of torque in opposite directions until the valve has become unfrozen. Thereafter, the valve will be rotated until the opening or closing cycle has been completed. When an increase in torque is detected, the machine will reverse to unjam a valve, and where such reversal does not result in further forward movement, the machine will terminate the cycle.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus includes a bracket fixed to the housing of an air motor and an actuator mechanism fixed to the rotary output shaft of the air motor for coupling the air motor in driving engagement with a handwheel-operated valve for remote power actuation thereof. The apparatus is freely movable into and out of coupling engagement with the valve in directions axially of the valve stem without the use of tools, a retaining bar being pivotal between a release position accommodating movement of the apparatus into coupling engagement with the valve and a retaining position preventing movement from coupling engagement.

Abstract: A control valve for a particulate material blender which permits either blending or bypassing with pressurized gas or discharging the material without pressurized gas, but prevents undesirable interconnections. A cylindrical body with four access ports spaced around the body has a rotor with connecting passages within the body. In one embodiment, the rotor interconnects either the gas entry port to the blender port alone, the gas entry port to the blender and bypass ports, or the blender port to the discharge port as it rotates into one of its three positions. A suitable rotation means, for example, two rotary actuators, are used to secure the three positions of the valve, while preventing any other rotational positions.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus includes a bracket fixed to the housing of an air motor and an actuator member fixed to the rotary output shaft of the air motor for coupling the air motor in driving engagement with a handwheel-operated valve for remote power actuation thereof. The apparatus is freely movable into and out of coupling engagement with the valve in directions axially of the valve stem without the use of tools, the actuator legs being movable into rotating engagement with the handwheel for rotation thereof simultaneously with movement of the bracket into non-rotatable engagement with the valve body for anchoring the motor housing and preventing rotation thereof with its output shaft. Two embodiments are disclosed, one for use with a valve having a solid handwheel and a yoke and the other for use with a valve having a spoked handwheel and no yoke.

Abstract: A rotary feed system for a machine tool capable of feeding, for example, an off-center or a centrally-supplied tool with a coolant, has at the downstream end of a shaft delivering a fluid medium, a rotary distributing valve which is actuated by a fluid, e.g. compressed air applied to one or two vanes of the rotary piston within a generally annular or segmental working compartment.

Abstract: A power steering device using a generally triangular valve member selectively pivoted by the pressurization of two chambers on either side of such valve member.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven hydrostatic actuator and a pneumatically driven recirculating hydraulic actuator are provided. Each of these actuators consists of a hydraulic pump fluidly coupled to an actuator. The pump is driven by a low inertia pneumatic motor that extracts pressure energy from pressurized gas and converts it to rotary motion. The pneumatic motor is preferably made from stainless steel A286 so that it can operate using pressurized hydrogen gas. The components of both actuators are in a closely coupled relationship so that they can be arranged in a compact unitary package.

Abstract: An oscillatory rotary actuator is provided for controlling an adjustable valve. The actuator comprises a freely rotating, cylindrical housing with concentric inner and outer walls about its center. The housing has at least one depending vane, which functions as a rotary piston, that is radially disposed between the inner and outer walls. The rotary actuator further comprises an annular chamber casing which has two concentric walls that are designed to mate between the inner and outer walls of the housing member to receive the depending vane(s) between the concentric walls of the chamber casing. At least one radially extending chamber wall is interposed and attached to the concentric walls of the chamber casing. When the housing member is fitted over or receives the annular chamber casing, the housing, chamber casing and chamber wall collectively form at least one rotary chamber for the arcuate movement of the depending vane, or rotary piston, therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid treatment apparatus that includes a resin tank containing an ion exchange media. A control valve controls the regeneration cycle and includes a regeneration control turbine operatively connected to a regeneration control disk forming part of a servo system. During regeneration, a meter flow of fluid emitted by a regeneration control nozzle produces rotation in the turbine to effect a regeneration sequence. Regeneration is initiated by a regeneration initiating nozzle which emits a stream of fluid at the turbine for a predetermined time interval in order to initiate a regeneration cycle. A control system includes a sensor for monitoring the fluid quality level of the source fluid or the treated fluid and initiates regeneration. When the control system is used with the disclosed control valve, the control system communicates presssurized fluid to the regeneration initiating nozzle upon sensing a predetermined quality level.

Abstract: A straight line disc valve for high pressure fluids is provided having a valve housing with an internal cylindrical chamber. A cylindrical rotor is aligned within the chamber with each end of the rotor being pivotable on a stationary disc within the housing. A passageway through the discs and rotor is alternately opened and closed by rotating the rotor. The rotor is actuated by hydraulic fluid acting on vanes radiating from the circumference of the rotor. Alternatively, the rotor is actuated by a gear positioned on the circumference of the rotor and rotatable within the housing. The first gear is driven by a second gear in communication with an outside power source.

Abstract: A fail-safe electric actuator, for use with a control mechanism such as a valve, is disclosed. The actuator device eliminates the possibility of the control mechanism being locked in operative position by the interruption of electric power, by automatically and mechanically returning the control mechanism to its inopertive position as soon as current is cut off. This is accomplished by the release of a torsion spring, wound previously by the rotation of a fluid-driven vaned torque actuator in turning both the control-mechanism and the electric fail-safe actuator into operative position.

Abstract: A flow control assembly designed to regulate flow of water from a showerhead through a foot operated and fluid actuated valve assembly. The valve assembly is disposed upstream of a flow of water issuing from the showerhead and a variable volume chamber is mounted on the floor or base of a conventional receptacle such as a bathtub. Foot pressure applied to the variable volume chamber controls the flow of actuating fluid into and out of driving contact with the valve assembly thereby positioning the latter between a valve open and a valve closed position.

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: Valve bodies that are generally cylindrical and are open at top and bottom are combined with flow diverters which may be combined top to bottom to permit stacking of a combination of valves for actuation together without need for separator walls between valves. These elements, together with special adapters and end plates, permit economical manufacture of a series of manually or hydraulically actuated single and multiple function valves. These and other valve body and valve element forms and flow elbows are rendered more useful by the inclusion of seal retaining elements and flow turners.

Abstract: A choke valve with a power system operated via a single hydraulic line. The sleeve of the choke valve is operated by a carrier mounted through an eccentric pin and guide track arrangement to open and close the valve with the rotation of a valve drive shaft. A power shaft is driven by a clutch plate, ratchet connected to a drive clutch plate, in turn, operated by the shaft of an hydraulic actuator. The valve actuator creates an incremental step sensing of its full sixteenth turn movement by closing a fluid exhaust port and causing back pressure in the hydraulic line to occur. The actuator is reset by a pre-loaded torsion bar. Reset of the actuator also ratchet resets the drive clutch plate.

Abstract: A wet jigging mechanism for handling coal or other minerals including a mineral containing tank, a pulsed air chamber opening downwardly into the tank, a compressed air source with a conduit and a vent conduit with valves in the conduit, the valves including pivotal butterfly valves on a shaft with a swing flap operator operated by the compressed air to move the butterfly valve and the swing wing engaging a variable positioned rubber stop damper at the open position of the butterfly valve, and a rubber seat for the butterfly valve in closed position acting as a damper.

Abstract: A gas-operated valve actuator having a gas operated motor, a mechanism for disengaging the valve's manual operation apparatus, and a device for quickly shutting off the actuator when the valve's drive shaft reaches its travel limit.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of a valve actuator, a vane type fail safe actuator is disclosed. The actuator comprises a housing enclosing a vane which is integral with a shaft extending through the housing to a rotary operable valve. Fail safe operation is provided by a spring return mechanism connected to the housing. Compressed air is utilized to operate the actuator and the spring return mechanism which assures complete valve closure when the air supply fails or is reduced below a predetermined minimum setting.

Abstract: A rotary valve apparatus having particular utility to the valving of high solids content fluids such as slurries and the like provides a normally fixed, generally flat circular disk defining a valve body and providing a plurality of radially spaced flow openings and an open center. A generally flat valving member is mounted in face-to-face engagement with the disk and is movable with respect to the disk between open and closed positions. The valving member provides a hub with a shaft opening therethrough and a plurality of radially projecting valving members which align with and cover the flow openings in the closed position. A common shaft penetrates the open center and the shaft opening and affixes at one thereof to the valving member for rotation therewith. The common shaft is generally coincident with the central axis of the valve body and is entirely disposed within the fluid flow stream being valved.

Abstract: A blowout preventer having a body with a bore and opposing guideways intersecting the bore, a ram in each of the guideways, a cap closing the outer end of each of the guideways, an operating stem connecting to each of said rams, extending through its cap in threaded engagement and having means for engagement by a handle, such as flats on its outer end, a pair of hydraulic motors each having a housing and a rotating shaft, means for securing said motor housings to the body surrounding said guideways, means for connecting said drive shafts with the operating stems to rotate said stems, and means supplying hydraulic fluid to said motors for selective rotation of said shafts and said stems in preselected directions.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated drive for providing for the closing unit of an injection moulding machine a to and fro traversing motion of a movable part of the unit with little force and a clamping of the closed unit with a greater force. The device has at least two double acting piston and cylinder devices which act in parallel and the pistons of which each have at each side a piston rod which passes through a seal in the responsive adjacent cylinder end. The piston rod on one side of at least one piston is thicker than that on its other side and the piston rod on one side, which corresponds to the same working side as one side of the one piston, of the or each other piston is thinner than that on its other side. Traverse in one direction is provided by applying fluid pressure to both sides of the one piston, and in the other direction by providing fluid pressure to both sides of the other piston. Clamping pressure is provided by applying fluid pressure to one side only of each of the pistons.

Abstract: Fluid-driven torsional operators for turning rotary valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves and the like and for turning similar devices which swing about a pivot axis, said torsional operators including an inflatable fluid-driven torsional actuator having an axially elongated, flexible, hollow, thin-walled elastic shell defining a fluid chamber with a plurality of inextensible flexible strands bonded to this thin-walled shell. These strands extend between the shell ends and are anchored to axially opposed coupling members which are fixed to and in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the opposite ends of the shell.

Abstract: A valve in which a valve member is mounted for rotary valving motion within a valve casing and an actuator in which at least one pair of expansible bellows engaging opposite sides of a vane and acting in opposition one to the other give rise to rotary motion. The bellows preferably are free from any direct fixation to the vane or the like, and have a particular configuration as described.