Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body fabricated from a first metallic material, a flow passage formed through the valve body, a valve plug movable within the flow passage between an open and a closed position, and a valve seat within the flow passage. The valve seat is fabricated from a second metallic material having at least one physical characteristic different from that of the first metallic material, and is integrally formed with the valve body.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.

Abstract: An improved rod connector assembly and method for mechanically fastening two rods together. Generally planar mating surfaces of a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly are compressively coupled by a rod union. The compressive load by the rod union is derived from a tapered surface that provides an interference fit to a corresponding tapered surface on the first rod assembly. Clearance diameters provided within the rod union accommodate axial misalignment of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly. The second rod assembly includes an adjustable rod adapter to provide coupling to rods of various lengths. The first rod assembly includes an internal cavity to receive a portion of the second rod that may protrude from the adjustable rod adapter. Shaped mating surfaces of the rod adapters are received in a corresponding shaped cavity of the union to prevent rotation of the adapters.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.

Abstract: A sleeve valve has a valve body and a flow passage through the valve body. The flow passage has a longitudinal axis, a valve plug positioned therein, and a slidable sleeve received therein. The sleeve is movable in an axial direction between an opened and a closed position relative to the valve plug. An interchangeable first valve plug end portion is removably mounted to part of the valve plug in the flow passage. The first end portion is removable and replaceable with another second valve plug end portion to change at least one performance characteristic of the sleeve valve. The valve plug of the sleeve valve can be selectively interchanged with a plug selected to provide one or more desired performance or flow characteristics, whether to reduce the effects of wear or to change the valve performance.

Abstract: A combined, integral flow control valve and actuator is formed with a two part valve body and a slidable plug therebetween. A valve seat is formed integrally within the valve body. The slidable plug and the valve body define actuating chambers. A positioner/actuator mounted to the valve body has an output coupled to the actuator chamber to move the slidable plug with respect to the valve seat and thereby control fluid flow. In a single action device, a spring return moves the slidable plug towards the valve seat. In a dual acting embodiment, two actuating chambers are provided and two integral valve seats are provided in a symmetrical configuration. The valve seat is removable enabling different materials to be used for the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body and a fluid passage through the valve body with an inlet end and an outlet end. A valve seat is defined within the fluid passage. A sleeve is axially slidable within the fluid passage and has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axial flow passage in communication with the inlet end and the outlet end of the fluid passage. A valve stem is pivotally mounted at a stem pivot spaced radially from the fluid passage. The valve stem is actuable to slide the sleeve between an open position with the downstream end spaced from the valve seat and a closed position with the downstream end borne against the valve seat to selectively control fluid flow through the flow passage to the outlet end.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with stacked disks. Flow disks with inlet stage slots and outlet stage slots alternate with plenum disks having plenums and bypass slots. The bypass slots are aligned with the inlet stage slots so the flow capacity increases continually in a substantially linear manner when used in a flow control valve and the valve flow control element uncovers more of the stacked disk flow inlet openings.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling used oil filters by shredding the filters to facilitate separation of the metal and nonmetal filter components and to release free oil trapped inside the filters, separating the metal and nonmetal filter components using combined magnetic and gravitational means, compressing the nonmetal filter components, and recovering the oil therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and collecting fluids for recycling or other disposal, such as used motor oil, by determining whether the liquid has a specific gravity falling within a predetermined range, selectively activating a pump cycle to transfer motor oil exhibiting a specific gravity within the predetermined range to a holding tank for environmentally safe storage until transportation to an appropriate recycling or other disposal center.