Abstract: A rotary valve has a valve housing with a wall defining a flow passageway, a closure member journalled within the valve housing and mounted for movement between a first position for permitting flow of fluid within the flow passageway and a second position for ceasing flow of fluid within the flow passageway, and a flexible seating ring disposed at least partially within the flow passageway in a position for sealing engagement with the closure member in second position. The flexible seating ring has a flow-through section sized to fit within the flow passageway with a clearance fit, and a flanged seating section extending outwardly from the flow-through section and positioned for sealing contact with the closure member to seal the valve. A seating ring support member is positioned to support the seating ring in a manner to permit the seating ring to move axially and radially within the flow passageway to provide improved tolerance to dimensional variation in manufacture.

Abstract: A slip-proof connection provided between the tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer combination for carrying the superstructure of a mobile crane. The connection or mechanism comprises a mounting assembly secured to the tractor bed, a mounting plate carried on the front portion of the trailer supporting the crane superstructure, and means for cooperatively interconnecting the two mechanisms to assure an interlocked connection therebetween. The connecting mechanism comprises a positive interlock wherein a mounting post carried on the mounting plate on the tractor is received into a complementary opening provided in the mounting plate on the front end of the trailer, and a sleeve is then mounted on the mounting post and positively locked in position to hold the tractor and trailer locked together. Although the combination does not provide for the quick disconnect of the tractor from the trailer as is common with typical fifth wheel designs, it does permit articulation of the tractor and trailer combination.