Abstract: The resilient seated butterfly valve has a common spherical center for receiving either an on-center or off-center disc, both of which are rotatably mounted in the body. A seal has a seat spherical surface. The seal is affixed to the circumference of the valve chamber. It has an on-center seal region for engagement with the on-center spherical sealing edge of the on-center disc. The seal has an off-center seal region for engagement with the off-center spherical sealing edge of the off-center disc. The seal may include an outlet flange, an outlet ramp, an inlet ramp, and an inlet flange. The front face of the seal for the off-center disc extends beyond the position of the front face of the seal for the on-center disc.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that in some embodiments provide an improved plug valve having a plug with a curved cylindrical sealing surface and a substantially flat second surface. An inlet region of the housing has a constant cross-sectional flow area.

Abstract: A plug valve having an entry region, a chamber, and an outlet region, each with a flow area that is equal to or greater than the flow area of, for example, a standard wall ANSI B 36.10 (M) pipe connected to the inlet and outlet flanges of the valve. The valve's plug has a cylindrical front sealing face and a planar rear face. The axis of the sealing face is parallel to, but off-set from the axis of the plug. When the valve is fully open the planar rear face allows unimpeded flow through the chamber and substantially reduces friction to the flow. The valve's seat is cylindrical for mating with the cylindrical front sealing face of the plug. The seat has a rectangular outline shape.

Abstract: The resilient seated butterfly valve has a common spherical center for receiving either an on-center or off-center disc, both of which are rotatably mounted in the body. A seal has a seat spherical surface. The seal is affixed to the circumference of the valve chamber. It has an on-center seal region for engagement with the on-center spherical sealing edge of the on-center disc. The seal has an off-center seal region for engagement with the off-center spherical sealing edge of the off-center disc. The seal may include an outlet flange, an outlet ramp, an inlet ramp, and an inlet flange. The front face of the seal for the off-center disc extends beyond the position of the front face of the seal for the on-center disc.

Abstract: The unique system of the present invention provides an accurate valid measurement of human body composition consisting of fat tissue, lean tissue and body water. The inventive methodology provides a procedure for quantitative measurement of the conductive potential of the body, which is based on the lean tissue content of the body, in a convenient and reliable manner. In more detail, the quantitative measurement in accordance with the present invention is referred to as a "bio-impedance signal." This electrical signal, in ohms, is derived from a means for measuring body impedance component of the system. The resultant signal (three digit number, between 1 and 1000 ohms) is then entered into a modifying means component to accurately predict the body composition of the tested individual. The unique modifying component, in one embodied form, comprises prediction formulas derived from biological data inputs including: a patient's height, weight, age, and sex to determine a "population prediction variable.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is provided having a disc with a hub. The disc is adapted to be rotated between an open and closed position. A housing has a valve seat that is adapted to engage the disc in the closed position. A shaft has one end affixed to the hub and extends outwardly of the housing to permit torque to be transmitted to the disc from a point external thereof. A seal is provided for preventing fluid from passing between the shaft and the housing. A bearing supports the shaft in the housing at a point where the shaft extends outwardly over the housing. A retaining ring frictionally engages the shaft and abuts the bearing to insure that fluid leaking along the shaft does not eject the bearing and cause injury.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is provided having a disc with a hub. The disc is adapted to be rotated between an open and a closed position. A valve seat is adapted to engage the disc in the closed position. A shaft has one end affixed to the hub and extends outwardly therefrom to permit torque to be transmitted to the disc from a point external thereof. The end of the shaft affixed to the hub includes a plurality of splines for securing the shaft to the hub. Each of the splines interfers with the hub by a maximum dimension of 0.030 inches. The hub has a stress that is less than 20,000 pounds per square inch. The shaft is joined to the disc by forming the valve disc with a portion of increased thickness (hub) relative to the main portion of the disc. The portion of increased thickness is formed adjacent the circumference of the disc. A hole is then machined into the portion of increased thickness parallel to the disc, with the hole having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the shaft.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is provided having a disc adapted to be rotated between an open and a closed position. A valve seat made of resilient material is adapted to engage the disc in the closed position. The valve seat has an outer wall surrounding the disc and has an aperture therein. A shaft has one end affixed to the disc and extends outwardly through the aperture. A ring surrounds the valve seat and is permanently affixed thereto for preventing deformation of the outer wall of the valve seat. The ring is made of a material that is much stronger and more rigid than the valve seat and includes a cylindrical lip defining an aperture in the ring. This aperture is in line with the aperture in the valve seat wall with the lip projecting into the aperture in the valve seat wall. A cylindrical collar surrounds the shaft and is positioned within the cylindrical lip and supported thereby. The collar provides a bearing surface for the shaft.