Abstract: Automated apparatus and method to determine physical properties of materials as they are moved relative to each other while in contact are disclosed. Physical properties between materials of interest (e.g., galling resistance, coefficient of friction, and wear rate) are derived under a variety of conditions including dry unlubricated condition, at ambient and at extreme high and low temperatures, lubricated, or when submerged.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and method to determine physical properties of materials as they are moved relative to each other while in contact are disclosed. Physical properties between materials of interest (e.g., galling resistance, coefficient of friction, and wear rate) are derived under a variety of conditions including dry unlubricated condition, at ambient and at extreme high and low temperatures, lubricated, or when submerged.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes a ball valve element having a portion of the material of the ball valve element removed to facilitate expansion of the ball valve element when subjected to heat during use while minimizing the possibility of binding; the ball valve element is installed in a valve housing that is dimensioned between its inlet and outlet relative to the external dimensions of the ball valve element so as to exert a slight degree of compression on the ball element.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly that is uniquely suited for use in extremely high and low temperature applications where solid particles are frequently present within a flowing fluid. The valve includes a one-piece ball and stem or shaft element and the bore of that ball together with separate, removable end members, inserted from opposite directions into a passage extending through the valve body, form the valve's fluid-flow path. The valve body includes a second bore which can either extend through the entire valve body, perpendicularly with the other passageway, or can instead extend perpendicularly from that passageway to the exterior of the valve body in only one direction. The ball stem is rotatably retained and sealed in this second bore and the bore is dimensioned so as to be at least as large as the diameter of the ball so that the ball can be removed therethrough.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly that is solids-proof, corrosion-resistant, will maintain seals even under large pressure differentials, and can operate from cryogenic levels to high temperature ranges. An annular recess is formed in the valve body adjacent the ball, and an annular valve seat of rigid material is disposed in the recess. Facing surfaces of the valve body defining the recess and the valve seat are shaped to define a region therebetween having a larger volume (and cross-sectional area) at the high pressure side thereof than at the low pressure side thereof with the transition therebetween. A solid elastic material annular body, such as a sponge graphite body, is disposed in the recess to positively elastically engage the surfaces along the transition upon application of high pressure to the high pressure side of the region, to bias the valve seat into tight sealing engagement with the ball. The surfaces may be beveled, with an angle of convergence of about 2.degree. to 20.degree.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly in which the ball and valve seats are readily removable from the valve housing, the valve being designed for a high temperature environment. The valve seats cooperate with seat supports and the ball, each of two valve seats comprising a single integral annular fluid-tight metallic spring member disposed between each seat support and the ball. Each metallic spring member comprises a cylindrical bellows length of one or more convolutions, with special ends that are finished in the shape of an internal spherical surface, the same as that of the ball and also that of the inner ends of the seat supports. Ready removal of the ball and valve seats is provided through an opening concentric with the axis of rotation of the ball stem. A flange is disposed in the opening and an annular portion thereof is held in abutting engagement with an annular portion of the valve body.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly and method of construction. The valve includes a one-piece ball and shaft in a valve housing formed of a body portion and an end portion, the body portion being cast. The body portion has a flow port at a first end thereof and a large opening at a second end thereof, and an elongated passageway is formed in the body portion for receipt of the shaft. A relatively thick wall portion is disposed toward the body first end and a relatively thin wall portion toward the body second end around the passageway. The passageway can be smooth bore or threaded throughout its length. A scallop may be formed in the relatively thin wall portion extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the passageway, the scallop being machined or being formed during casting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to boost the fluid pressure of a solids-transporting liquid in a pipeline, without applying any forces directly to the solid particles. A method and apparatus are shown to remove the solids from the liquid, boost the pressure of the strained liquid, and then to re-inject the solids into the liquid at its higher pressure, all without damaging even fragile solids.

Abstract: A template aid for draftsmen which makes it simple to crosshatch in section and to provide lettering guide lines. The template aid includes an equilateral polygon-shaped sheet having "x" straight-edged sides wherein "x" is an integer larger than 2, and a plurality of equilateral polygon-shaped openings formed in the sheet, each opening having "yx" straight-edged sides where y is a positive integer. The openings are disposed with respect to the sheet straight-edged sides so that for each opening there is a line perpendicular to a straight-edged side of the sheet that bisects an apex of the opening. The plurality of openings are disposed in at least one series, in each series the distance from the apex of each opening to a corresponding apex in an adjacent opening being a constant throughout the series, relative to a given straight edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A diverter valve assembly that diverts flowable material from an inlet to one of a plurality of outlets. An outer tubular housing has an inner element mounted therein for rotation with respect to the housing about a generally vertical axis of rotation. The inner element is in the shape of a truncated cone. An inlet is provided at the top of the housing and a plurality of outlets are spaced around the sides thereof. A diverter element is rigidly mounted to the inner element and extends through the open top of the inner element and through a side thereof -- 90.degree. from the open top -- to cooperate with one of the plurality of outlets. Outlet arm members extend through the housing and make sealing contact with the outer surface of the inner element. Rotation of the inner element to position in cooperation with a particular outlet allows the flow of flowable material through the housing inlet, through the diverter element, and through the particular outlet arm.

Abstract: A butterfly valve that has a metal valve seat and a metal vane, providing fluid-tight metal-to-metal sealing. The valve seat is annular and has an inner circular line surface for engagement with the metal vane. The vane is a conical angle-transported disc, the upper face of the disc being angle-transported between 20.degree. and 40.degree. with respect to the lower face. Both faces are true circles, as is every section of the vane parallel to the faces. When the vane mates with the valve seat, true circular line contact sealing results, the valve seat only being very slightly deflected by the vane to effect sealing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for valving abrasive fluids. A ball valve member is provided for rotation in a body member, the body member having inlet and outlet bores therein. Tubular inserts of abrasion resistant material - such as boron carbide - are provided in the inlet, outlet, and a bore through the valve member. The inserts are selected so that cooperating arcuate sections formed at the ends thereof are of a length greater than or equal to the diameter of the passageways through the inserts. Also the diameter of the passageways is preferably selected so that it is much less than the diameter of the ball valve member so that during throttling the angle of deflection of the abrasive flow will be small. A purge fluid may be injected under pressure in spaces formed between the ball valve member and the body and inlet insert.