Abstract: Helical spline actuators can be employed to actuate ball valves. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a remote operated vehicle shaft, an internally splined shaft, and an externally splined shaft that can be used in combination to actuate a ball valve. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a piston that is displaced axially and not rotated, an externally splined shaft, and an internally splined shaft that can be used in combination to actuate a ball valve. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a piston, a spring, a spring cap, and a joint member wherein the spring cap and joint member translate axial force from the spring to the piston. In certain embodiments, an actuator can include a bearing that insulates a piston from rotational forces exerted by an externally splined shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metal valve stem seal and sealing system comprising a valve body; a metal valve stem housed within the valve body; a bonnet member housed within the valve body; a U-shaped metal stem gasket positioned between the metal valve stem and the bonnet member, wherein the gasket has a first lip member and a second lip member each having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a metal wedge ring fitted between the first and second lip members; and, at least one metal energizing spring adjacent the wedge ring, wherein the metal energizing spring applies a sufficient force to the wedge ring to cause the wedge ring to apply a sufficient contact pressure to the first and second lip members to form a seal between the gasket and the metal valve stem and to form a seal between the gasket and the bonnet member.

Abstract: A metal valve stem seal and sealing system includes a valve body, a metal valve stem housed within the valve body, a bonnet member housed within the valve body, and a U-shaped metal stem gasket positioned between the metal valve stem and the bonnet member. The gasket has a first lip member and a second lip member. The metal valve stem seal and sealing system also includes a metal wedge ring fitted between the first and second lip members and at least one metal energizing spring adjacent the wedge ring. The spring applies a sufficient force to the wedge ring to cause the wedge ring to apply a sufficient contact pressure to the first and second lip members to form a seal between the gasket and the metal valve stem and to form a seal between the gasket and the bonnet member.