Abstract: A retractable lead system is provided that includes a cup, a spherical contact, and a plunger. The cup is disposed proximate a vacuum end of the retractable lead system, and defines a cavity and a contact reception seat. The contact reception seat defines a spherical portion having a contact reception spherical radius. The spherical contact is disposed within the contact reception seat, and defines a contact spherical radius that corresponds to the contact reception spherical radius. The spherical contact is configured to be electrically coupled to an interior lead disposed within a vacuum environment. The plunger includes an ambient contact and a retractable contact disposed on opposite ends of the plunger. The plunger is configured to be actuated between an open position at which the retractable contact is retracted from the spherical contact and a closed position at which the retractable contact is coupled with the spherical contact.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for rotating a valve assembly including a valve element disposed in a flow path and configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the valve element closes the flow path. A mechanical linkage is connected to the valve element where forces are transferred through the mechanical linkage to rotate the valve element to an open position.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for rotating a valve assembly including a valve element disposed in a flow path and configured to rotate between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the valve element closes the flow path. A mechanical linkage is connected to the valve element where forces are transferred through the mechanical linkage to rotate the valve element to an open position.

Abstract: An interlocking thrust washer is presented. The thrust washer including a first annular upper ring having first inner and outer side circumferential surfaces and first top and bottom surfaces. The upper ring providing at least two holes that extend therethrough the first top and bottom surfaces and a first annular lower ring having second inner and outer side surfaces and second top and bottom surfaces. The first lower annular ring includes at least two annular projections extending upward from the second top surface. The at least two annular projections align with the at least two holes to create an interlocking fit between the first annular upper and lower rings. The interlocking fit allows the first upper and lower rings to combine and function as the single element thrust washer 10 once interlocked together. The interlocking fit further prevents any rotation between the first upper and lower annular rings during operation.