Abstract: A pressure reducing valve assembly for a high pressure oil well comprised of a hollow housing and a metering assembly disposed within such housing, such metering assembly comprising an entry liner having an entry bore, an exit liner having an exit bore, and a rotatable metering cam comprising at least one metering port that connects the entry bore to the exit bore. The metering port forms adjustable orifices with the entry bore and the exit bore, and effects the reduction of pressure within the metering assembly, thereby providing a variable choke of the fluid flow therein. The metering port is adjustable, and preferably replaceable with at least a second metering port by with a simple rotation of the metering cam.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a tip member to the end of a rod or shaft. The joint is particularly useful for joining a rod end to a tip member of a material which is not easily brazed, cemented or otherwise adhesively joined together. In the specific example described, a ceramic tip is jointed to the end of a metal rod, such as in a plug, a globe, or sliding stem valve. A cavity in the interior of the tip member has a narrowed opening at its top which terminates at a flat surface of the tip member. A pair of wedge members, each of about 180 degrees annular extent, and the headed bolt end are all located in the cavity, with the wedge members oppositely positioned around bolt head. The bolt head and wedge members have complementary tapers so that motion of the bolt away from the tip member cavity causes the wedge members to move radially away from each other and preferably contact the side wall of the cavity, with the cavity being partially closed by an annular overhang through which the bolt shank passes.

Abstract: A flexible member capable of withstanding a high temperature environment and/or a corrosive atmosphere or media is formed of a component in a desired shape and of a ceramic material having a modulus of elasticity of 150,000 to 200,000 MPa and a flexural strength of more than 400 MPa. The component is provided with at least one reduced thickness portion to impart to the component a desired degree of flexibility and/or elasticity.