Abstract: A system for effecting closure of a surgical incision in a patient's body after surgery. The system includes a plurality of closure components to be applied to the patient's skin on each side of the wound and adhered to the skin. A closure connector having an adjustable length secures the closure component tabs of different closure components at a desired spaced, adjustable distance sufficient to close the wound. The closure connector may be a metal clip that is plastically deformable to adjust its length, or may be a pair of plastic connectors which may be adjustably secured to each other by a surgical staple. The connectors may also be hinged to the closure components.

Abstract: A valve having an assembly for live loading of the packings of the valve. The assembly includes a plurality of large belleville disk springs arranged such that the shaft or stem of the valve extends through the center of the belleville springs, with threaded studs arranged symmetrically with respect to the valve shaft also extending through the belleville springs. Utilizing the larger spring arrangement, a smaller number of springs are required, and favorable deflection characteristics are provided. Preferably, a compression ring is provided having a portion extending up through the belleville disk springs, with this portion including a visual indicator thereon which provides a visual indication that a desired load is achieved as the springs are loaded via hex nuts provided on the threaded studs of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism capable of use in a valve subject to extended temperatures and pressures. The sealing mechanism comprises a seal ring positioned within a groove circumferential with respect to the passageway of the valve. A convex seating portion of the seal ring extends through an annular opening in the groove, for sealing engagement with a closure member. Shoulder portions, which extend from the sides of the seating portion, abut the sidewalls of the groove. The seal ring is compressed in width within the groove, so that a resilient side-sealing force is imparted to the contact of the shoulder portions with the sidewalls of the groove. Substantially leak proof sealing is achieved, which is maintained even in the event of high temperature conditions or fire.

Abstract: An actuator for a rotary valve includes a fail-safe mechanism for automatically opening or closing the valve upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. The actuator also includes a mechanism for permitting the manual operation of the valve from the open to closed position, and vice versa, and to a continuum of positions between the open and closed positions even when the fail-safe mechanism is activated. A biased clutch activates the fail-safe mechanism and also couples a worm-gear drive for effecting the manual operation of the valve.

Abstract: A valve seal mechanism for cryogenic applications includes an undercut groove in a seating region of the fluid passageway in a valve body. Disposed within the groove is a shouldered resilient wear ring of polytetrafluoroethylene, the outer circumference of the shouldered portion of the wear ring having a V-shaped channel formed therein. A solid backing ring having an inner circumferential surface of wedge-shaped cross section makes an interference fit with the V-channel of the wear ring, thereby preloading the channel sides against the respective adjacent sides of the groove. A valve disc has a sealing surface which makes an interference fit with a seating surface forming the inner circumferential surface of the wear ring. Introduction of fluid under pressure and reduction of temperatures from normal ambient to cryogenic both tend to increase sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: A power-driven quarter-turn valve actuator includes a reciprocating drive member in the form of a rod mounted perpendicularly to and spaced a preselected distance from a valve stem. A crank arm is coupled to the valve stem so that the axis of the crank arm makes an angle of between approximately 60.degree. and 100.degree. with a line intersecting the stem axis and perpendicular to the rod axis when the valve is shut and makes an angle of between minus 30.degree. and plus 10.degree. with said line when the valve is fully open. A link member connects the outer end of the crank arm to a point on the reciprocating rod. The preselected distance between actuator rod and valve stem, and the lengths of the crank arm and link, are chosen to produce a variable actuator torque output curve that closely matches the operating torque requirements of the valve.