Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31). Microwave energy as shown in FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized to heat or dry materials within the retort (31).

Abstract: An inline check valve having a piston member and a seat in a valve body having a larger diameter at the end thereof away from the piston. The seat is retained within a groove by a seat retainer which prevents removal of the seat from the groove without deformation of the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31).

Abstract: A method for fluidizing particulate material within a retort (22) mounted on a horizontal shaft or axle (36) for rotation. Gas enters retort (22) through a pipe (52) extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft (36) and is exhausted through pipe manifold (58). As retort (22) is rotated, particles of particulate material (23) are constantly intermingled and in contact with each other and the walls (31) of the retort (22). An injector assembly (60) may be connected to a retort (51) for injection of an additional particulate material (56).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusion of elements into or out of small metallic particles, the apparatus consisting of a sealed retort 22 horizontally mounted on an axle 36 with the retort subtended in the interior of a heating device 11. Gas and pressure controls communicating through said axle 36 control the interior atmosphere of the retort 26. Small particles 23 to be modified are placed within the retort 22 and the retort is rotated and heated while maintaining the desired gaseous atmosphere. Rotation causes fluid-like tumbling of the particles resulting in uniform heat transfer, thorough mixing and engenders an exchange of ions between the surface and near surfaces of said particles and the atmosphere of said retort or between the particles and other material placed within said retort.

Abstract: An apparatus and method especially adapted for electropolishing reactive metal workpieces which require aggressive electrolytes. It incorporates a single, closed, pressure-tight polishing chamber into which metal workpieces are placed for a multi-step operation. All electrolyte cleaning and rinse fluids are pumped in and out of the chamber as required for sequential operations, and vacuum assisted purging and dying removes the electrolyte or polishing residue from the chamber after each step.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting fluid leakage into an enclosed leakage chamber or space sealed by a fluid seal exposed to pressurized fluid from a flow line or pressure vessel. Upon leakage of fluid from the flow line or pressure vessel past the seal into the leakage chamber or space, the leaked fluid is communicated to a piston chamber in a fluid indicator device. Upon the reaching of a predetermined high fluid pressure, the piston is actuated for extending an indicator rod of the fluid indicator into a projected position for visual observation. For testing or inspection of the leaked fluid, a separate removable adaptor is provided for moving the piston to a fluid bypass position to permit removal of fluid from the piston chamber containing the leaked fluid, or to permit injection of an external fluid such as a sealant into the piston chamber and leakage chamber.

Abstract: A connection for connecting an end hub (22) of a valve (10) to the flange (32) of an associated conduit (26). A bolting ring (36) has a threaded end portion (64) adjacent the valve (10), and a cylindrical smooth end portion (68) remote from the valve (10) extending radially inwardly from the threaded end portion (64). A shoulder (70) between the smooth portion (68) of the ring (36) and the threaded portion (64) acts as a stop to accurately position the bolting ring (36) onto the hub (22). Upon connection of the assembled valve structure to adjacent conduits (26), tensioning of the threaded studs (42) results in torque loads exerted by the smooth surface (68) on the locking ring (36) against the smooth surface (60) on the hub (22) for transmitting loads to the hub (22) as shown particularly in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a ball valve member (34) mounted for floating movement in a valve chamber (32) between an upstream metal seat (102) and a downstream metal seat (104). Each metal seat (102, 104) fits within a recess (100) and has a body portion (110) of a generally uniform thickness adjacent an opposed shoulder (108) with a lip (114) about its inner circumference for sealing against spherical surface (40) of ball valve member (34) at all times. Body portion (110) acts as a Belleville spring and spaces lip (114) from adjacent shoulder (108) at low fluid pressures. A bearing portion (118) has an arcuate seat (120) spaced from spherical surface (40) at low fluid pressures but contacting spherical surface (40) at high fluid pressures. A flexible connector (118) of a relatively thin uniform thickness extends between bearing portion (118) and body portion (110).

Abstract: A connection for connecting an end hub (22) of a valve (10) to the flange (32) of an associated conduit (26). A bolting ring (36) has a threaded end portion (64) adjacent the valve (10), and a cylindrical smooth end portion (68) remote from the valve (10) extending radially inwardly from the threaded end portion (64). A shoulder (70) between the smooth portion (68) of the ring (36) and the threaded portion (64) acts as a stop to accurately position the bolting ring (36) onto the hub (22). Upon connection of the assembled valve structure to adjacent conducts (26), tensioning of the threaded studs (42) results in torque loads exerted by the smooth surface (68) on the locking ring (36) against the smooth surface (60) on the hub (22) for transmitting loads to the hub (22) as shown particularly in FIG. 5.

Abstract: An inline check valve (10) has a valve body (12) with an enlarged diameter valve chamber (14) in which a cage assembly (44) is mounted. Cage assembly (44) has a cylindrical body (48) fitted about the outlet flow passage (18) and projecting in unsupported cantilevered relation within the valve chamber (14). The free end portion (56) of body (48) mounted a piston check valve member (50) thereon for relative reciprocal movement between open and closed positions. Upon a reversal of fluid flow, the entire rear face for the check valve member (50) is exposed to fluid pressure from the outlet flow passage (18), and the check valve member (50) immediately moves to closed position under the influence of spring (86) and fluid pressure. Cage assembly (44) may be inserted within and removed from the inlet fluid passage (16) upon removal of the inlet seat (36) and retainer (42).

Abstract: A top entry ball valve (10) has a removable top plate (34) to permit the removal of a ball valve member (80). Valve seat assemblies (98, 100) each include a primary metal seat member (102), a concentric secondary elastomeric seat member (104), and a concentric rigid seat retainer 106. The primary metal seal member (104) has a free end portion (108) of a reduced thickness to engage the ball member (80) closely adjacent the bore (82). The valve ball member (80) is mounted for rotation on a lower trunnion (28) of the valve body (12) and an upper trunnion (40) of the top plate (34). A packing (70) about the stem (48) has a downward force exerted thereagainst by Belleville springs (74, 75) that is greater than the maximum internal pressure of the valve (10).

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a ball valve member (34) mounted for floating movement in a valve chamber (32) between an upstream metal seat (102) and a downstream metal seat (104). Each metal seat (102, 104) fits within a recess (100) and has a body portion (110) of a generally uniform thickness adjacent an opposed shoulder (108) with a lip (114) about its inner circumference for sealing against spherical surface (40) of ball valve member (34) at all times. Body portion (110) acts as a Belleville spring and spaces lip (114) from adjacent shoulder (108) at low fluid pressures. A bearing portion (118) has an arcuate seat (120) spaced from spherical surface (40) at low fluid pressures but contacting spherical surface (40) at high fluid pressures. A flexible connector (118) of a relatively thin uniform thickness extends between bearing portion (118) and body portion (110).