Abstract: A sliding stem valve for controlling fluid flow in a valve body having a seat, a bonnet, a valve stem and plug slidably mounted in the bonnet for engaging the seat during valve shut-off, and a diaphragm forming a stem seal for preventing the undesired leakage of fluid into the atmosphere. The diaphragm is formed of elastomeric material with bead edges at opposite ends. The top diaphragm bead edge is sealed with a retainer to the bonnet. The bottom diaphragm bead seal is sealed to the valve stem while enabling the valve stem to rotate with respect to the bottom diaphragm bead edge. A sized retainer, bushing and retainer ring mount the bottom diaphragm bead edge to the valve stem and permit slidable motion of the bead edge with the valve stem while enabling the valve stem to rotate with respect to the bead edge and still maintain a viable diaphragm seal.

Abstract: A control element for a fluid valve includes a main body having a rounded outer surface on a first side, an inner base surface and first and second opposed inner side surfaces adjacent the inner base surface on a second side. First and second ears are joined to the main body at spaced locations and extend away from the main body on the second side thereof. The ears include opposed inner surfaces adjacent the inner side surfaces of the main body. The inner surfaces together form opposed passage surfaces which diverge from one another at first and second ends to improve flow efficiency.

Abstract: A process control terminal may be used in a computer network consisting of a process control network of process controllers and an application network of host computers. The process control terminal allows a process control operator access to both process control functions and application programs being executed by a host computer. The process control terminal includes an Ethernet controller and it emulates a standard DEC terminal in order to facilitate its use in preexisting computer systems. The process control terminal displays information relating to process control functions in a first portion of its associated CRT screen and information relating to applications programs in a second portion of the CRT screen, the second portion being exclusive of the first portion so that process control information is not overwritten by applications information.

Abstract: A separable flange retainment system includes a first boss on the flange and a mating second boss on a valve body. The boss on the valve body has a threaded aperture for reception of a suitable fastener. A generally U shaped retainer device having an orifice in its bight portion straddles the bosses and is secured in position by the fastener. The retainer device precludes lateral and rotational movement between the flange and the body.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a bonnet that is captivated in a valve body stem mount by means of a threaded bonnet nut. A pair of opposed pry holes are formed in the bonnet at a point above the top of the fully seated bonnet nut. Loosening of the bonnet nut enables a bonnet that is stuck in the body stem mount to be pried loose with a pry bar inserted in one or both of the pry holes and levered against the top of the bonnet nut. The bonnet holes also provide a visual indication of movement of the bonnet and whether there is pressure in the valve body.

Abstract: An alignment tool for use with a pipeline mounting flange having a raised face flange to self center two opposing raised face flanges during a fluid pipeline mounting operation. A plate-like ring with outwardly diverging spring fingers with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer dimaeter of the raised face flanges is mounted on the pipeline mounting flanges so the fingers are adjacent the raised face flanges. Tightening the flanges throughbolts moves the flanges together while the spring fingers engage the riased face flanges and maintain the raised face flanges in self centering alignment. A flange seal gasket is captured within the plate-like ring.

Abstract: A force sensing and transmitting mechanism for a vortex flowmeter which includes a force sensing beam at one end, a force transmitting beam at the other end, and a thin plate joining the two together. The force sensing beam is disposed in the passageway flow path adjacent a vortex generator. The force transmitting beam projects outside of the passageway. The adjoining plate includes a central portion fixed to the sensor beam and the transmitting beam and with outer plate edges fixed to the housing to provide a first pivot point. A second pivot point is provided at the opposite end of the force transmitting beam and transducer means are mounted at the second pivot point to detect rotational deflection of the force transmitting beam corresponding to vortex induced pressure differentials. The second pivot point includes a rocker member rigidly attached to the force transmitting beam and having a V-shaped groove in engaging contact mating with V-shaped projections fixed to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for diagnostically testing and determining the operating condition of a pneumatically operated valve. A diagnostic controller is connected to a valve actuator assembly so that diaphragm pressure and valve plug movement among other inputs can be sensed while the valve actuator assembly is stroked through a test operation cycle. The sensor output signals are then used in selected graphical plots to provide information which can be analyzed to indicate the condition of the valve in such areas as spring adjustment, stroking time, valve travel, stem friction, seat load, and positioner and transducer calibration.

Abstract: A four-mode pneumatic relay includes a relay body defining four chambers, each coupled to a port. Two of the chambers are formed by a diaphragm assembly consisting of a rolling diaphragm coupled to an input post that drives a movable orifice shaft and a pair of diaphragms of different effective areas coupled to said movable orifice shaft. A movable plug assembly includes valve plugs for interconnecting the first chamber with the second chamber and the second chamber with the third chamber via a valve seat and an orifice and recess in the movable orifice shaft. A pair of mechanical switches couple different ones of said ports for providing multi-mode operation. One switch supplies input pressure to either the first port or the third port and another switch couples the second and fourth ports together to vents the fourth port.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for precisely controlling the movement of a magnetostrictive transducer including an elongated magnetostrictive rod, means for inducing a magnetic field in the rod and supplying drive current for moving the rod in response to the drive current. A temperature compensated strain sensor configuration on the rod detects the amount of rod movement in response to the drive current and provides an output signal proportionate thereto. Feedback control means coupled between the strain sensor and the current driver respond to the strain sensor output signal and vary the drive current until the strain sensor output signal matches the voltage reference set point developing the drive current.

Abstract: A metallic gas pressure regulator includes a spring casing and a lower casing, sandwiching a diaphragm. The lower casing has axially aligned inlet and outlet ports. A one piece plastic cam stem and relief seat is mounted for movement with the diaphragm and includes a cam surface engaging a movable plastic disk holder. The disk holder is movable within a plastic orifice tube that supports a plastic valve seat. The orifice tube has a removable plastic boost end cap for providing a boost action to the diaphragm. A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated within the upper portion of the diaphragm. A metal disk is affixed in the inlet and includes a flow restricting hole and a flow diverter for directing flow toward the pressure relief mechanism in the event of destruction of the plastic orifice tube.

Abstract: A self-operated droop compensated regulator includes a spring casing and a lower casing, sandwiching a diaphragm. The lower casing has inlet and outlet ports. A one piece cam stem and relief seat is mounted for movement with the diaphragm and includes a first cam surface for directly engaging a movable disk holder. The disk holder is movable in a straight line within an orifice tube that supports the valve seat. The cam surface moves the disk holder at a nonlinear rate with respect to the diaphragm. A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated within the upper portion of the diaphragm. A bias spring acts, between a second similar cam surface on the opposite side of the stem and the disk holder, to maintain the first cam surface in contact with the disk holder. The orifice tube has a removable boost end cap for providing a boost action to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pipeline pressure control system for minimizing pressure surges within a pipeline includes a suction pressure controller connected to a suction pressure transmitter for sensing the pipeline pressure upstream of a valve and a discharge pressure controller connected to a discharge pressure transmitter for sensing the pipeline pressure downstream of the valve. If either the suction pressure controller or the discharge pressure controller senses a pressure that varies more than a predetermined amount from a predetermined target pressure, the valve will automatically be moved to a predetermined position in order to counteract pressure surges.

Abstract: A regulator valve includes a spring casing and a lower casing sandwiching a diaphragm. A cylindrical orifice tube defines an inlet and terminates short of an in-line outlet port. A one piece cam stem and relief seat is mounted for movement with the diaphragm and includes cam surfaces for directly engaging a movable disk holder. The disk holder moves in a straight line in the orifice tube and the cam surfaces move the holder at a non linear rate with respect to the diaphragm. The distal portion of the orifice tube houses a boost mechanism. A movable piston in the inlet side of the orifice tube has two pairs of spirally converging grooves on its inner surface for supporting a pair of flat gates that are rotated relative to each other to vary flow area when the piston moves responsive to differences between the inlet pressure and the pressure on the underside of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use in elevated pressure and temperature conditions. Composition material wiper rings are provided in the packing bore between the packing follower and the packing box ring. The composition wiper rings have an inner diameter substantially the same as the valve stem diameter to inhibit the extrusion of packing material during sliding valve operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing differential pressures is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an inner chamber filled with an incompressible working fluid. First and second diaphragms are provided in said housing for interacting with the fluids being measured. A flex-tube is provided in the housing and is coupled to one of the diaphragms for sensing the differential pressure. One end of the flex-tube is securely mounted to the housing and the other end is coupled to the diaphragm. A quartz sensor is positioned on the core for sensing strain applied to the flex-tube by the differential pressure exerted on the diaphragm.

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

Abstract: A fluid control valve with a rotatable shaft and a ball valve mounted within a flow bore. The ball has one or more V-shaped grooves for controlling fluid flow. In the closed position the ball and walls of the flow bore are in a continuous line sealing contact. The valve may be mounted and opened to enable complete drainage of fluid in the connecting pipeline which is an advantage in sanitary applications. The ball and shaft are part of a removable bonnet assembly with the ball inserted into the flow bore through an aperture in the valve body. A one-piece seal in the aperture provides a static seal between the valve body and bonnet and a dynamic shaft seal.

Abstract: A self-operated droop compensated regulator includes a spring casing and a lower casing, sandwiching a diaphragm. The lower casing has axially aligned inlet and outlet ports. A one piece cam stem and relief seat is mounted for movement with the diaphragm and includes a first cam surface for directly engaging a movable disk holder. The disk holder is movable in a straight line within an orifice tube that supports the valve seat. The cam surface moves the disk holder at a nonlinear rate with respect to the diaphragm. The orifice tube has an extension for providing a boost action to the diaphragm. A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated within the upper portion of the diaphragm. A bias spring acts, between a second similar cam surface on the opposite side of the stem and the disk holder, to maintain the first cam surface in contact with the disk holder.

Abstract: A zero and span adjustment circuit for current to pressure transducers. Current sources in parallel with the transducer bypass current around the transducer. One current source includes a variable resistor for adjusting the zero set point independently of the input current signal. The other current source includes a variable resistor for adjusting the span of the output pressure proportional to the input current signal. A feedback resistor couples a feedback signal from the transducer current to the other current source to vary the bypass current.