Abstract: An improved hemi-wedge type valve is disclosed that has upstream and downstream sealing surfaces that cooperate with opposed surfaces on the hemi-wedge valve member. This results in improved sealing and less leakage, at both high and low pressures.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge valve mechanism has a valve body or valve cartridge defining a valve chamber and flow ports in fluid communication with the valve chamber. A valve seat is located within the valve chamber in registry with one of the flow ports. A non-rotatable core member having a convex external surface portion is supported within said valve chamber. A wedge member is mounted for rotation within the valve chamber and has a range of rotary motion between open and closed positions of said valve and a non-uniform wall thickness throughout said range of rotary motion. An actuator upon rotary movement achieves opening and closing rotation of said wedge member. A method is provided for machining concave and convex wedge member surfaces from selected center-points to achieve relative thicknesses of wall sections of the wedge member.

Abstract: A valve having a sealing surface that is rotated 90 degrees on axial floating hinge assemblies is provided. A sleeve moves into position to protect the valve mechanism when the valve is in an open position. A sleeve locks the valve sealing element in place in either a closed or open position. The valve may be used during drilling of wells to prevent flow into the casing when the drill pipe and bit are raised above the valve.

Abstract: A valve having a sealing surface that is rotated 90 degrees on trunnions that move along a track is provided. A sleeve that moves into position to protect the valve mechanism when the valve is in an open position is provided. A second sleeve locks the sealing element of the valve in place in the closed position. The valve may be used during drilling of wells to prevent flow in casing when the drill pipe and bit are raised above the valve.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge cartridge valve has a cartridge body defining a cartridge chamber of a defined internal width having flow ports in communication with the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve cartridge assembly is removeably positioned within the cartridge chamber and has a controllable width. A core member defines a flow passage and has a spherical outer surface portion. A valve seat is located within the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve member is mounted for rotation relative to the core and has a concave surface portion in rotary guided relation with the spherical outer surface. The rotatable wedge valve member also has an external convex surface that is positioned for sealing engagement with the valve seat and has a geometry developing a non-uniform wall thickness along the rotatable wedge valve member.

Abstract: A valve having a cartridge that fits within the valve housing and that may be replaced without removing the valve housing from adjoining equipment. The cartridge contains a wedge having curved surfaces and a driver to rotate the wedge from an open to a closed position. When the wedge rotates to the closed position a seal is formed on the convex surface of the wedge and a sealing assembly is moved to form a seal around the outlet of the valve housing.