Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31). Microwave energy as shown in FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized to heat or dry materials within the retort (31).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31). Microwave energy as shown in FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized to heat or dry materials within the retort (31).

Abstract: An inline check valve having a piston member and a seat in a valve body having a larger diameter at the end thereof away from the piston. The seat is retained within a groove by a seat retainer which prevents removal of the seat from the groove without deformation of the seat.

Abstract: A ball valve having an upstream seat (92) with the seat actuated by outside pressure (14, 16). Retraction members (100, 102) continuously urge seat (92) to a retracted position out of sealing engagement with the ball. A sealing member (104) fits loosely within an annular recess in the seat (92).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31). Microwave energy as shown in FIGS. 13-14 may be utilized to heat or dry materials within the retort (31).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31). As the retort (31) is rotated, particles of the particulate material are constantly intermingled with each other and the walls of the retort (31).

Abstract: A method for fluidizing particulate material within a retort (22) mounted on a horizontal shaft or axle (36) for rotation. Gas enters retort (22) through a pipe (52) extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft (36) and is exhausted through pipe manifold (58). As retort (22) is rotated, particles of particulate material (23) are constantly intermingled and in contact with each other and the walls (31) of the retort (22). An injector assembly (60) may be connected to a retort (51) for injection of an additional particulate material (56).

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31).

Abstract: An inline control valve (10-10F) having a fixed diverter member or plug (34-34F) positioned centrally of the flow passage (30-30F) and a sleeve (40-40F) mounted for movement between open and closed position relating to the plug (34-34F). One embodiment (FIGS. 2-4) includes a solenoid (72) for moving the sleeve (40) to an open position. A radially expandable metal seat ring (50) shown carried by the sleeve (40) in FIG. 4 seals against the plug (34) by radial expansion of the seat ring (50) relative to the sleeve (40). Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a separate source of pressurized fluid (72A) for movement of the sleeve (40A) to an open position. The inline control valve (10F) is utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 in combination with an indicator member (47F) to indicate an excessive fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusion of elements into or out of small metallic particles, the apparatus consisting of a sealed retort 22 horizontally mounted on an axle 36 with the retort subtended in the interior of a heating device 11. Gas and pressure controls communicating through said axle 36 control the interior atmosphere of the retort 26. Small particles 23 to be modified are placed within the retort 22 and the retort is rotated and heated while maintaining the desired gaseous atmosphere. Rotation causes fluid-like tumbling of the particles resulting in uniform heat transfer, thorough mixing and engenders an exchange of ions between the surface and near surfaces of said particles and the atmosphere of said retort or between the particles and other material placed within said retort.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a hardened outer shell (40) on a refractory metal workpiece (36) preferably heated in a fluidized bed of metallic oxide particles (38) in an environment of an inert gas and a reactive gas with the reactive gas either oxygen or nitrogen. The workpieces (36) are heated in the fluidized bed to a temperature between 800.degree. F. and 1600.degree. F. for a period of over two hours to form hardened outer shell (40) in two layers (42, 44). Outer layer (42) is an oxide or nitride layer having a thickness (T1) between 10 microns and 25 microns. Inner layer (44) is a case hardened layer of the refractory metal having a thickness (T2) between 25 microns and 75 microns. In one embodiment (FIG. 3 ) workpieces (56) may be cold worked by peening from finely divided metal oxide particles (54) to provide a uniform surface texture for subsequent hardening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method especially adapted for electropolishing reactive metal workpieces which require aggressive electrolytes. It incorporates a single, closed, pressure-tight polishing chamber into which metal workpieces are placed for a multi-step operation. All electrolyte cleaning and rinse fluids are pumped in and out of the chamber as required for sequential operations, and vacuum assisted purging and dying removes the electrolyte or polishing residue from the chamber after each step.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a hardened outer shell (40) on a refractory metal workpiece (36) preferably heated in a fluidized bed of metallic oxide particles (38) in an environment of an inert gas and a reactive gas with the reactive gas either oxygen or nitrogen. The workpieces (36) are heated in the fluidized bed to a temperature between 800 F. and 1600 F. for a period of over two hours to form hardened outer shell (40) in two layers (42, 44). Outer layer (42) is an oxide or nitride layer having a thickness (T1) between 10 microns and 25 microns. Inner layer (44) is a case hardened layer of the refractory metal having a thickness (T2) between 25 microns and 75 microns. In one embodiment workpieces (56) may be cold worked by peening from finely divided metal oxide particles (54) to provide a uniform surface texture for subsequent hardening.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a hardened outer shell (40) on a refractory metal workpiece (36) preferably heated in a fluidized bed of metallic oxide particles (38) in an environment of an inert gas and a reactive gas with the reactive gas either oxygen or nitrogen. The workpieces (36) are heated in the fluidized bed to a temperature between 800 F. and 1600 F. for a period of over two hours to form hardened outer shell (40) in two layers (42, 44). Outer layer (42) is an oxide or nitride layer having a thickness (T1) between 10 microns and 25 microns. Inner layer (44) is a case hardened layer of the refractory metal having a thickness (T2) between 25 microns and 75 microns. In one embodiment (FIG. 3) workpieces (56) may be cold worked by peening from finely divided metal oxide particles (54) to provide a uniform surface texture for subsequent hardening.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heat between workpieces and a container (10, 10A). The container (10, 10A) has particulate material (28) occupying a substantial portion of the volume of the container (10, 10A) and the container (10, 10A) is rotated to fluidize the particulate material which contacts the workpieces (30) for transferring heat between the container (10, 10A) and the workpieces (30). The container (10, 10A) is enclosed to provide a sealed volume within the container (10, 10A). A predetermined gas may be provided through an inlet (17, 31A) to the container (10, 10A) and gas may be exhausted from an outlet (16, 133A) from the container (10, 10A). The container may either be heated or cooled as desired.

Abstract: A seat assembly (28) for a valve member (20) includes a seat carrier (40) defining a pocket to receive a rigid seat ring (42). The outer peripheral surface (56) of the rigid seat ring (42) is spaced radially from the inner peripheral surface (45) of the seat carrier (40) to define a radial clearance therebetween of at least around 0.001 inch per inch of flow passage diameter. The sealing surface (58) of the seat ring (42) extends at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the flow passage and the flexing and expansion of rigid seat ring (42) when the valve member (20) is moved to closed position permit the seat ring (42) to conform to irregularities in the adjacent mating sealing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting fluid leakage into an enclosed leakage chamber or space sealed by a fluid seal exposed to pressurized fluid from a flow line or pressure vessel. Upon leakage of fluid from the flow line or pressure vessel past the seal into the leakage chamber or space, the leaked fluid is communicated to a piston chamber in a fluid indicator device. Upon the reaching of a predetermined high fluid pressure, the piston is actuated for extending an indicator rod of the fluid indicator into a projected position for visual observation. For testing or inspection of the leaked fluid, a separate removable adaptor is provided for moving the piston to a fluid bypass position to permit removal of fluid from the piston chamber containing the leaked fluid, or to permit injection of an external fluid such as a sealant into the piston chamber and leakage chamber.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a stem (28) to rotate a ball member (20) with a lower key or lug (29) received within a slot or opening (26) forming a keyway in the ball member (20). As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, relieved or cutaway surfaces (52, 54, 56) are provided between lug (29) and the outer spherical surface (24) of ball member (20) so that a torque exerted by rotation of the stem (28) contacts surfaces (34, 36) of the slot (26) along opposed corners (48) which are spaced a distance T1 from the outer spherical surface (24) of ball valve member (20) thereby removing or minimizing any stress concentrations adjacent outer spherical surface (24).

Abstract: A connection for connecting an end hub (22) of a valve (10) to the flange (32) of an associated conduit (26). A bolting ring (36) has a threaded end portion (64) adjacent the valve (10), and a cylindrical smooth end portion (68) remote from the valve (10) extending radially inwardly from the threaded end portion (64). A shoulder (70) between the smooth portion (68) of the ring (36) and the threaded portion (64) acts as a stop to accurately position the bolting ring (36) onto the hub (22). Upon connection of the assembled valve structure to adjacent conduits (26), tensioning of the threaded studs (42) results in torque loads exerted by the smooth surface (68) on the locking ring (36) against the smooth surface (60) on the hub (22) for transmitting loads to the hub (22) as shown particularly in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a ball valve member (34) mounted for floating movement in a valve chamber (32) between an upstream metal seat (102) and a downstream metal seat (104). Each metal seat (102, 104) fits within a recess (100) and has a body portion (110) of a generally uniform thickness adjacent an opposed shoulder (108) with a lip (114) about its inner circumference for sealing against spherical surface (40) of ball valve member (34) at all times. Body portion (110) acts as a Belleville spring and spaces lip (114) from adjacent shoulder (108) at low fluid pressures. A bearing portion (118) has an arcuate seat (120) spaced from spherical surface (40) at low fluid pressures but contacting spherical surface (40) at high fluid pressures. A flexible connector (118) of a relatively thin uniform thickness extends between bearing portion (118) and body portion (110).