Abstract: In a ball-type valve having a valve body and an annular seat therein for accommodating the ball, the improvement comprising adapting the seat whereby when the valve is in its open or closed position, the ball compresses the seat to seal the same against the valve body and at the same time tensions the seat to seal thereagainst. Also disclosed is a method of forming a seal between the body of a ball valve and the ball thereof, comprising the steps of providing a seat intermediate the body and the ball and moving the ball toward the body upon assembly of the valve whereby to compress a portion of the seat against the body and at the same time to tension a portion of the seat against the ball, thereby forming the seal between the body and the ball.

Abstract: An arrangement for top entry ball valve, providing relief from seating load when turning the ball to effect either opening or closing of the valve by a handle connected to the ball via a stem.

Abstract: A method of removing from a valve, a backseat and packing means, without the necessity of first removing the packing means from the body of the valve so as to provide access for removal of the backseat, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a member and with the same cooperatively engaging the backseat for purpose of removing the same from the valve; (b) manipulating the member so as to release the backseat from its secured position within the body of the valve; and (c) further manipulating the member to withdraw the backseat and the packing means from the valve body. There is provided an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The method of producing a cage unit for mounting a metal diaphragm in a hermetically sealed diaphragm globe valve having a valve body and bonnet of forged austenitic stainless steel in which the diaphragm unit consists of 8 to 12 very thin (0.006"-0.