Abstract: A fluid control valve of the short gate type having means for maintaining a minimum spacing between the seat rings when the gate is moved to open position. The means makes use of two spreader members that can be readily installed as the valve is assembled.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus making use of sealing means formed in two parts, one being carried by the body and the other by an operating rod or strut which reciprocates between operating positions. One of the parts is a sealing assembly which carries resilient sealing means, and the other part provides a cylindrical surface with which the sealing assembly cooperates. The sealing assembly is characterized by the use of one and preferably two cup-shaped sealing members of resilient material which are assembled and restrained by means which prevents fluid differential pressures or fluid flow from disrupting or distorting the sealing members from normal operating configurations. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly is in the form of a plunger which is movable into and out of a cylindrical sleeve carried by the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of free gas (e.g., air) from liquid flowing under pressure through piping. The invention is particularly useful when the flow is being measured by a meter of the turbine or positive displacement types. A closed pressure tank is connected in the flow piping and is provided with means for controlled venting of air from the upper tank portion. Preferably the flow of liquid is interrupted when the volume of air in the tank becomes excessive, and the flow is restored after sufficient gas has been vented from the tank to ensure normal operation.

Abstract: Undirectional meter prover apparatus for checking and calibrating liquid flow meters. An interchange for transferring a sphere from the outlet to the inlet end of a metering pipe is provided with a shuttle assembly having backflow preventing means which seals the interchange body against backflow for certain operating conditions, particularly when the shuttle assembly is at or near sphere receiving position. Preferably guide means is provided which is engaged by the backflow preventing means.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus of the type having more than two flow passages in the body and having means within the body including a plurality of sealing assemblies which are positioned to control or divert fluid flow in a desired manner. The apparatus is featured by use of means which connects and guides certain of the sealing assemblies and which provides a fluid passage extending longitudinally through the body. Also systems making use of such apparatus, particularly metering systems. Such systems make use of the flow control apparatus in such a manner as to reduce vertical space requirements and simplify manifolding.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve having a seat ring which provides a seal between the body and the movable valve member and which is provided with a sediment guard made of resilient material which prevents accumulation of sediment in the body recess within which the seat ring is accommodated. Preferably the guard is a tube made of resilient material (e.g., synthetic rubber). Also improved seat ring spreader means that can be readily installed as the valve is assembled.

Abstract: Apparatus having cup-shaped sealing members of resilient material carried by a plunger with their rim portions faced toward each other. The rims are successively contracted when the plunger assembly is moved into an associated cylindrical sleeve, with exterior areas of the rims in sealing contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the sleeve. There is a closed space between the sealing members in which liquid is trapped under pressure as the plunger is moved into the sleeve.

Abstract: A gate valve having a body made in two parts, namely a main part having flow passages and at least one body extension that accommodates movement of the gate between open and closed positions. The extension is generally rectangular as viewed from one end of the valve, and has outwardly bulged end walls as viewed from one side of the valve. The end walls are concave as viewed from the inside of the body. Also a method of manufacturing such a valve involving fabrication of a box-like structure with welding applied in particular manner, after which hydraulic pressure is applied internally to pressure form the end walls of the structure to the desired configuration.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus comprising a hollow body having openings or flow passages adapted to be connected to associated piping and a cylindrical closure which is reciprocated to form a seal or permit fluid flow. The sealing means consists of an annular assembly carried between two sections of the body having oppositely faced sealing members of resilient material.

Abstract: System and method for automatically closing flow control valves and/or actuating an alarm in the event of a leak or break in a liquid pipeline. The occurrence of a leak or break is determined first by detecting the negative pressure wave which accompanies the leak or break and then by monitoring the rate of static pressure drop on the downstream side of the valve. False alarms and undesired valve closing in response to normal disturbances in the line are avoided by distinguishing between negative pressure waves originating on the upstream and downstream sides of the valve and responding only to the negative waves of downstream origin. Additional protection is provided by continuously monitoring the static pressure on the upstream side of the valve and closing the valve and/or actuating the alarm in the event that pressure falls and remains below a predetermined level.