Abstract: A wrist prosthesis has first, second, and third components that in one form are a radial component, a metacarpal component, and a bearing component. The bearing component is non-fixed or non-stationary relative to one of the radial component and the metacarpal component when the wrist prosthesis is assembled such as when implanted into a patient. As such, in one form a rotational joint or union is provided on the radial component and the bearing component. The bearing component is thus free to rotationally ride on the radial component, preferably 360° thereabout. Distal the radial component, the bearing component includes an articulation surface. The metacarpal component includes an articulation surface that is complementary to the articulation surface of the bearing component. In this manner, the metacarpal component correspondingly moves relative to the bearing component. The bearing component is preferably made of a polymer such as polyethylene.

Abstract: A top-entry, single-body ball valve is provided which may easily be assembled or disassembled. The valve includes a rotatably mounted ball member having a passage extending therethrough, a valve seat for sealingly engaging the ball member, the ball member including a flattened portion which will not engage the valve seat when positioned adjacent thereto. When the flattened portion is adjacent the valve seat, the ball member may easily be removed from the valve chamber without having to first retract the seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which is particularly suitable for operation and maintenance under extreme environments. It includes a valve body, a ball valve member rotatably mounted within the valve body, a bonnet removably secured to the valve body, and seat retaining asemblies removably secured to the bonnet. Upon removal of the bonnet, the valve member and all internals are also removed as a unit so that they may be serviced at a convenient location. The seat retaining assemblies may include inclined surfaces which seat against oppositely inclined surfaces defined within the valve body. An alignment plate is secured to the seat retaining assemblies to insure proper sealing.

Abstract: A ball valve is provided to transmit high density substances such as fluids which are free flowing at elevated temperatures but which are viscous, semi-solid or solid at ambient temperatures. Such substances tend to clog standard ball valves over relatively short periods of operation whereas the subject ball valve provides means to deter clogging comprising a flow diverter sleeve which prevents substances from penetrating and congealing about internal valve parts.