Abstract: A method of assembling a valve includes inserting a stem of the valve into a valve body of the valve through an end of the valve body, the stem defining a first end engaged with the valve body; securing a fastener to a second end of the stem; and placing a cap of the valve over the second end of the stem, the fastener engaging the cap.

Abstract: A valve device is made more compact and has improved yield strength against a bending moment. The problem is solved by a valve device including a valve body having a block shape, a casing having a tubular shape, incorporating a drive mechanism that drives a valve element that opens and closes the flow path, connected to the valve body, and extending upward from an upper surface of the valve body, and a protective member that comes into contact with the casing having a tubular shape and the valve body, and is for suppressing a stress concentration that occurs between a casing member positioned on a base portion of a casing and the valve body when a bending moment acts as an external force on the casing.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper or copper-silicon alloy having a thermal conductivity of ?45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ?6.4 mm from the interface and/or a heat affected zone that has an average width ?400 ?m and is spaced from the interface. The plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fitting that is integrated into the valve body of a ball valve during the manufacture of the valve body. The fitting and a cartridge may be overmolded to create the valve body. The mold may apply a pressure onto the fitting during the molding process. The fitting may transfer the pressure of the mold onto the cartridge. The fitting may transfer a sufficient amount of force to seal valve seats of the ball valve.

Abstract: A novel and improved inventive valve with a regulating function is provided that is capable of filling to higher fill pressures than previously attainable with conventional C-10 “on-off” valves. The valve contains a single flow passageway by which gas dispenses and enters the valve. A fill adapter is specially configured to engage the valve to allow filling at the higher pressures along the single flow passageway. The structure of the valve allows greater utilization of cylinder capacity; simplifies filling and dispensing with the single flow passageway; and allows for regulating gas pressure during delivery without increasing the overall size of the cylinder package.

Abstract: A valve position indicator mounting kit and method for mounting a valve position indicator to a manually operated valve. The mounting kit includes a mounting bracket and a stop plate assembly. The mounting bracket is connectable to the valve and has a bottom portion with a stem aperture through which a valve stem is extendable and being configured to be matingly engageable with the valve body. The mounting bracket has an upper portion with a shaft aperture. The locking plate assembly has a base portion matingly engaged with the valve stem and a shaft connection portion mounted to the top portion of the mounting bracket assembly and having a shaft matingly engaged with the shaft connecting portion of the locking plate assembly in a way that rotation of the valve stem via the handle causes the shaft to rotate.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper or copper-silicon alloy having a thermal conductivity of ?45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ?6.4 mm from the interface and/or a heat affected zone that has an average width ?400 ?m and is spaced from the interface. The plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems.

Abstract: A pressure resistant housing for an electric component, which pressure resistant housing is adapted for use in subsea applications. The pressure resistant housing includes a first ceramic body arranged to accommodate the electric component, which first ceramic body is provided with a first opening and a second opening, a first metal lid for closing the first opening, a first annular sealing member arranged to provide a fluid tight seal between the first metal lid and the first opening, a first clamp arranged to clamp the first metal lid to the first ceramic body, a second metal lid for closing the second opening, a second annular sealing member arranged to provide a fluid tight seal between the second metal lid and the second opening, and a second clamp arranged to clamp the second metal lid to the first ceramic body.

Abstract: Flow control assemblies for downhole operations and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The systems include a flow control assembly that is configured to control a fluid flow between a casing conduit and a subterranean formation. The flow control assembly includes a housing that includes a housing body that defines at least a portion of the casing conduit. The housing also includes an injection conduit, which extends between the casing conduit and the subterranean formation, and a ball sealer seat, which defines a portion of the injection conduit. The flow control assembly further includes a hydraulically actuated sliding sleeve that controls a fluid flow through the injection conduit. The methods include pressurizing a portion of the casing conduit, transitioning the hydraulically actuated sliding sleeve from a closed configuration to an open configuration, stimulating the subterranean formation, and receiving a ball sealer on the ball sealer seat.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a valve is described and shown with a lower valve seat; an upper valve seat; a bracket, the bracket having a first tongue engaged with the upper valve seat; a valve ball located between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat, the lower valve seat, the valve ball, and the upper valve seat being located within the bracket; and a ring located about the upper valve seat, the ring having a first recessed portion and a first extended portion, the ring having a first ring position in which the first tongue is unobstructed by the first recessed portion and a second ring position in which the first tongue is obstructed by the first extended portion, the ring being rotatable between the first ring position and the second ring position.

Abstract: A traveling valve for use with a downhole pump includes a cage shell, which at its lower end, has an integral internal shoulder that defines an axial opening. A retaining ring within the cage shell abuts the internal shoulder. An upper end of a bushing is attachable to a plunger while the lower end of the bushing is attached to the cage shell. The bushing and cage shell define a bore in fluid communication with the axial opening. An insert within the bore allows fluid to flow in the bore from below the insert to above the insert. A ball reciprocates in the bore so as to seat on the retaining ring when the fluid pressure within the bore above the ball exceeds the fluid pressure within below the ball, and to be restrained by the insert when the fluid pressure differential within the bore is reversed.

Abstract: A valve including a flow control assembly having an adaptive, floating closure member is provided. In one embodiment, a ball valve includes a floating closure member having a shoulder enclosed within a recess of the valve body. The recess is larger than the shoulder of the closure member and allows axial movement of the closure member with respect to the valve body and along a flow path through the valve. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a body that defines a bore that extends through the body. A ball valve assembly is engaged to the body. The ball valve assembly includes a ball valve disposed in the bore the body and an actuator that extends through the body. The ball valve defines a passage through the ball valve. The actuator is engaged to the ball valve and includes a plurality of teeth. A sleeve is disposed about the body. The sleeve is configured for at least partial rotation about the body. The sleeve includes a gear protrusion that has a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth engages the plurality of teeth of the actuator during rotation of the sleeve to actuate the ball valve between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A seal carrier for a ball valve includes a carrier body to be located between a ball and a portion of a valve body. The carrier body may have an annular channel for carrying a ring seal in a side to be located proximate the ball. A spring is located at a peripheral portion of the carrier body. An end portion of the spring is configured to abut against the portion of the valve body, and the spring is configured to provide a compressive force between the portion of the valve body and the ball in a direction parallel with the direction of fluid flow through the ball valve assembly. A ball valve assembly may include such seal carriers. Methods of forming such seal carriers are also included.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a valve is described and shown with a lower valve seat; an upper valve seat; a bracket, the bracket having a first tongue engaged with the upper valve seat; a valve ball located between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat, the lower valve seat, the valve ball, and the upper valve seat being located within the bracket; and a ring located about the upper valve seat, the ring having a first recessed portion and a first extended portion, the ring having a first ring position in which the first tongue is unobstructed by the first recessed portion and a second ring position in which the first tongue is obstructed by the first extended portion, the ring being rotatable between the first ring position and the second ring position.

Abstract: A valve seat arrangement (4) in a hydraulic valve (1) provided with a bidirectional secondary barrier (5) including a first, upstream seal (51) and a second, downstream seal (52) and an intermediate, axially movable seal-supporting element (53), the seal-supporting element (53) including, at a first end, an annular first seal abutment (531) surrounded by a second supporting abutment surface (534) displaced in the axial direction towards a valve seat (42); and the seal-supporting element (53) including, at a second end, an annular second seal abutment (532) surrounding a first supporting abutment surface (532) displaced in the axial direction away from the valve seat (42).

Abstract: A tubular fluid flow device of varying outside dimensions adapted for use in a high pressure, rapidly cycling temperature environment, an isolation ball valve, a ball valve isolation method and a catalyst transfer method. The flow device 10 can have a tubular member 12 having at least one locus 14, 16 of non-uniform outside dimension and an axial flow passage 20 with a uniform inside diameter between opposite end connection elements. A thermal sleeve liner 22 can be disposed about the axial flow passage in a bore 24 formed in the tubular member, wherein the sleeve comprises an outer surface having a thermal barrier coating 26. A pressure-relief passage 28 is provided in fluid communication between the axial flow passage and an interface between an exterior surface of the thermal sleeve liner and an inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: This valve is integrated into a fluid distribution network and enables selective interruption or authorization of the circulation of a fluid. The valve includes a fluid blocking member driven in rotation by an actuator device of the valve and at least one journal, a hollow body inside which the blocking member is mobile and which defines at least one bore for receiving the journal, and a bearing disposed around each journal and inside the bore of the body enabling support of the journal and guidance thereof in rotation relative to the bore, thereby centering the journal. The valve further includes a device for immobilizing and sealing for maintenance the journal relative to the body of the valve. This immobilization device is disposed on the same side of the bearing as the internal volume of the hollow body and is maneuverable via the bearing to go from a non-clamped first configuration to a clamped second configuration in which it immobilizes the journal in the bore and vice versa.

Abstract: A variable flow check valve (30) and method of manufacture thereof can include a housing (36) defining an inlet passage (38) communicating with a plurality of valve seats (32) and a ball-guiding passage (40) adjacent each valve seat (32). A plurality of balls (42) is provided; one ball (42) for each valve seat (32). Each ball (42) engages within a ball-guiding passage (40) for reciprocal movement with respect to a corresponding valve seat (32) and is normally biased toward the corresponding valve seat (32). At least two of the plurality of balls (42) have at least one different fluid flow characteristic selected from a group including a size of each ball, an allowable ball travel distance for each ball, and an amount of biasing force applied to each ball. The check valve (30) can be combined with a hydraulic tensioner (10) for an endless, flexible, power transmission member (12) for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A valve including a flow control assembly having an adaptive, floating closure member is provided. In one embodiment, a ball valve includes a floating closure member having a shoulder enclosed within a recess of the valve body. The recess is larger than the shoulder of the closure member and allows axial movement of the closure member with respect to the valve body and along a flow path through the valve. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve body defines a valve stem opening. A valve stem comprises an enlarged portion greater than the valve stem opening to thereby secure the valve stem within the valve body by limiting radially outward movement of the valve stem with respect to the valve body. A rotary member comprise upper and lower bosses. Upper and lower split trunnions, with split components that can be inserted from opposite sides of the valve body, are used to rotationally support the upper and lower bosses to permit rotation of the rotary member while preventing axial movement of the axial flow path of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly which includes at least one, but typically two, balls located along a passage and which balls can be moved between open and closed positions to selectively control the passage of fluid along the passage. The valve assembly includes at at least one end thereof a retaining assembly which allows the effective sealing against one surface of a ball and retention of the same in position. A sealing assembly is also provided when two balls are provided, intermediate the same, which allows effective sealing to be achieved and at least one of the two trunnions which allows each of the balls to be mounted within the valve body is located only internally of the valve body. The components of the valve assembly which are located within the same can in one embodiment all be inserted into and located within the valve body from one common end.

Abstract: A system includes a ball valve with a housing having a fluid passage, a ball disposed within the housing along the fluid passage, and a stem coupled to the ball. The stem is configured to move the ball between an open position and a closed position relative to the fluid passage. The stem is disposed in a first opening on a first side of the housing. The stem is removable from the first opening, through at least one opening in the ball, and out through a second opening on a second side of the housing.

Abstract: Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a body that defines a bore that extends through the body. A ball valve assembly is engaged to the body. The ball valve assembly includes a ball valve disposed in the bore the body and an actuator that extends through the body. The ball valve defines a passage through the ball valve. The actuator is engaged to the ball valve and includes a plurality of teeth. A sleeve is disposed about the body. The sleeve is configured for at least partial rotation about the body. The sleeve includes a gear protrusion that has a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth engages the plurality of teeth of the actuator during rotation of the sleeve to actuate the ball valve between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve element and a single piece packing that seals the valve element within a valve cavity. The single piece packing is installed over the valve element at room temperature or may be molded thereon. The valve element may include a flow control element such as a ball and upper and lower trunnions. The various dimensions of the valve element and packing are selected to facilitate room temperature assembly and to substantially reduce the volume of packing material, thereby improving the performance of the valve over wider temperature ranges and pressure ratings.

Abstract: A metal seated floating ball valve for in-line repair has a valve body, a ball mounted in the valve body, a stem connected to the ball, and a bonnet connected to the valve body. The floating ball valve further has a first seat and a second seat adjacent the ball mounted in the valve body, an energizing ring mounted in the valve body proximate the first seat and in series with the first seat and the second seat, and a valve seat bias mounted in the valve body proximate the energizing ring and in series with the energizing ring. The energizing ring may have a slot near the upper end and a wedge surface along the lower end.

Abstract: A seal assembly in a rotary ball valve is installable and replaceable through a bonnet opening in a valve body of the rotary ball valve. The seal assembly includes an anchor ring located in an internal recess in the valve body and one or more seal assembly components, such as a flexible seal member, a seal carrier, a seal retainer, and a rigid seal ring, are secured to the anchor ring.

Abstract: A simplified variable orifice for a conduit furnishing a stream of particulate coal to a burner for a turbine in an electrical utility plant. Two plates are installed across the conduit, one of them being fixed and the other being variable in angular position relative to the first. A lockable mechanism is provided externally of the conduit to manually adjust the degree of blocking and to indicate the position of the movable plate.

Abstract: Embodiments and methods are disclosed herein that relate to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a passage formed therethrough, and a valve ball having a through hole and disposed in the housing, in which the valve ball is rotatable between an open position that has the through hole aligned with the passage and a closed position that has the through hole misaligned with the passage. The valve assembly further includes a seat having a first tapered surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the valve ball, wherein the seat is biased towards the valve ball, and a seat holder having a second tapered surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the seat such that the first tapered surface of the seat is disposed adjacent to the second tapered surface of the seat holder.

Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve element and a single piece packing that seals the valve element within a valve cavity. The single piece packing is installed over the valve element at room temperature or may be molded thereon. The valve element may include a flow control element such as a ball and upper and lower trunnions. The various dimensions of the valve element and packing are selected to facilitate room temperature assembly and to substantially reduce the volume of packing material, thereby improving the performance of the valve over wider temperature ranges and pressure ratings.

Abstract: A ball (1) for valves is described, comprising a substantially ball-shaped body (2), a hole (4, 5) bored in the body (2) for fluid flow passage between the entry and exit of the valve, and a slot (10) cut into the body (2) to house a pin for ball (1) rotation. The ball (1) is produced in a single element, and the hole (4, 5) terminates in a wall (6) in which a specifically shaped opening (12) is cut to regulate the amount of fluid flow between the entry and exit of the valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.

Abstract: A seal assembly in a rotary ball valve is installable and replaceable through a bonnet opening in a valve body of the rotary ball valve. The seal assembly includes an anchor ring located in an internal recess in the valve body and one or more seal assembly components, such as a flexible seal member, a seal carrier, a seal retainer, and a rigid seal ring, are secured to the anchor ring.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge valve mechanism has a valve body or valve cartridge defining a valve chamber and flow ports in fluid communication with the valve chamber. A valve seat is located within the valve chamber in registry with one of the flow ports. A non-rotatable core member having a convex external surface portion is supported within said valve chamber. A wedge member is mounted for rotation within the valve chamber and has a range of rotary motion between open and closed positions of said valve and a non-uniform wall thickness throughout said range of rotary motion. An actuator upon rotary movement achieves opening and closing rotation of said wedge member. A method is provided for machining concave and convex wedge member surfaces from selected center-points to achieve relative thicknesses of wall sections of the wedge member.

Abstract: A drain valve and method for assembling a drain valve. A valve assembly is inserted into a pipe, and a reduced diameter portion is formed in the pipe to create a substantially water-tight seal between a portion of the valve assembly and the pipe. A second reduced diameter portion may be formed in the pipe to provide a thrust bearing surface for resisting sliding movement of the valve assembly within the pipe. A transverse hole is provided in the pipe to provide access to a rotatable mechanism in the valve assembly to permit and restrict fluid flow through the drain valve.

Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve element and a single piece packing that seals the valve element within a valve cavity. The single piece packing is installed over the valve element at room temperature or may be molded thereon. The valve element may include a flow control element such as a ball and upper and lower trunnions. The various dimensions of the valve element and packing are selected to facilitate room temperature assembly and to substantially reduce the volume of packing material, thereby improving the performance of the valve over wider temperature ranges and pressure ratings.

Abstract: A plastic outlet valve for containers for liquids has a valve housing having an inlet socket and a union nut for securing the inlet socket on an outlet socket of a container. An anti-twist device in the form of an outer annular cam arrangement with locking cams is arranged on the inlet socket of the valve housing. The locking cams interlock with locking cams of an inner annular cam arrangement of the outlet socket of the container. As an alternative, an adapter ring with inner and outer locking cams is provided. The adapter ring is slipped onto the insertion end of the inlet socket of the valve housing. The inner locking cams engage matching external longitudinal grooves of the inlet socket of the valve housing, and the outer locking cams engage matching inner longitudinal grooves provided on the outlet socket of the container.

Abstract: A rotary valve unit is provided for blending fluid sources to regulate a temperature of fluid flowing to a heat exchange device in an extracorporeal blood perfusion circuit. A valve body includes a valve chamber having a first inlet port, a second inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. A wedged-shaped rotary valve is disposed within the valve chamber and is rotatable within the valve chamber for controlling a blending of the cold fluid entering the fluid chamber from the first inlet port and the return fluid entering the fluid chamber from the second inlet port to regulate the desired temperature of fluid provided to the heat exchanger. The wedge-shaped rotary valve is positionable to provide either only cold fluid to the first outlet port, only return fluid to the first outlet port, or blending of the cold fluid and return fluid to the first outlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: (i) a valve (220, 320, 420, 520, 620) for controlling air flow in an air pressure channel (354, 454) of a molded article holder (50, 150, 250, 350, 450); (ii) a molded article holder (350, 450) co-operable with the valve (220, 320, 420, 520, 620); and (iii) a post-mold holding device (315, 415) including the molded article holder (350, 450) and valve (220, 320, 420, 520, 620).

Abstract: A valve for use in a shunt system to drain fluid from one part of a patient's body to another is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is operable at a threshold pressure that is selectively adjustable up to at least about 400 mm H2O at increments in the range of about 10 mm H2O to 40 mm H2O. The ability of the valve to operate at a high threshold pressure and to be adjusted at relatively small increments renders the valve particularly advantageous for use in younger hydrocephalus patients. In particular, the operating pressure of the valve can be gradually limited in small increments over a period of time to slowly force the patient's own resorption system to circulate cerebrospinal fluid. At high operating pressures of at least about 400 mm H2O shunt independence can be achieved thereby allowing the shunt to be successfully removed.

Abstract: A ball valve has a ball with resilient, opposed facing spaced-apart locking arms which engage a stem having outwardly projecting flanges to allow the stem to be inserted externally into the valve body and locked to the opposed locking arms of the ball. In one embodiment, the stem and ball include an interengaging keyway and correspondingly shaped rib for positive coupling of the ball to the stem.

Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes an adaptable reservoir that is sized and shaped for conveniently and effectively being transported by a user. The reservoir includes a top portion including an intake valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. The intake valve is provided with an opening such that the male catheter can be selectively biased in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir. Such an intake valve further has a threaded screw cap directly and adjustably coupled thereto for effectively allowing a selected quantity of air to continuously flow into and out of the reservoir wherein the quantity of air is commensurate with a quantity of fluid discharging and entering the reservoir respectively. The intake valve preferably has a monolithically formed conical tip that terminates proximal to the top portion such that the male catheter can effectively be supported at a fixed relationship with the reservoir during operating conditions.

Abstract: A rotatable wedge cartridge valve has a cartridge body defining a cartridge chamber of a defined internal width having flow ports in communication with the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve cartridge assembly is removeably positioned within the cartridge chamber and has a controllable width. A core member defines a flow passage and has a spherical outer surface portion. A valve seat is located within the cartridge chamber. A rotatable wedge valve member is mounted for rotation relative to the core and has a concave surface portion in rotary guided relation with the spherical outer surface. The rotatable wedge valve member also has an external convex surface that is positioned for sealing engagement with the valve seat and has a geometry developing a non-uniform wall thickness along the rotatable wedge valve member.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: A valve having a cartridge that fits within the valve housing and that may be replaced without removing the valve housing from adjoining equipment. The cartridge contains a wedge having curved surfaces and a driver to rotate the wedge from an open to a closed position. When the wedge rotates to the closed position a seal is formed on the convex surface of the wedge and a sealing assembly is moved to form a seal around the outlet of the valve housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for constructing a valve comprising a sealing member and a hollow ball operable to sealingly engage the sealing member. A guide housing disposed about said hollow ball and does not constrain rotation of said hollow ball. A spring is disposed between the hollow ball and the guide housing so as to bias the hollow ball into sealing engagement with the sealing member. The hollow ball is constructed from two unequal sized portions and may comprise a hollow, spherical body having an aperture and a plug sized so as to closely fit within the aperture.

Abstract: A portable receptacle is vacuumized for use in taking an air or gas sample for subsequent examination to determine type, origin, components of the air or gas. Critical to a long shelf life of the vacuumized receptacle is a valve which virtually seals the receptacle for months or years permitting storage of the receptacle in a state ready for immediate use at a site. The valve utilizes a positionable member plated with a noble metal. A filter serves to collect particulate from the air or gas flow into the receptacle. A funnel shaped collector aids in the collection.

Abstract: A ball valve having a ball valve assembly disposed within a unitary, elongated tube is provided. The unitary, elongated tube has a first, inlet end, a medial portion having a cross-sectional area, and a second, outlet end. The first, inlet end is a swedged tube having a cross-sectional area that is less than the medial portion cross-sectional area. The second, outlet end is also a swedged tube having a cross-sectional area that is less than the medial portion cross-sectional area. The ball valve assembly is disposed within the medial portion.

Abstract: A ball valve has a ball with resilient, opposed facing spaced-apart locking arms which engage a stem having outwardly projecting flanges to allow the stem to be inserted externally into the valve body and snap-locked to the resilient opposed locking arms of the ball. In one embodiment, the stem includes a breakaway groove to prevent over torquing of the stem. In another embodiment, a retainer carrier for the ball includes slots for receiving integrally formed projection tabs on the underside of the valve handle which are spaced and sized to interfit with the slots of the threaded retainer carrier such that, if ball or seal replacement becomes necessary, the valve handle itself can serve as a removal tool for the retainer carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball valve excelling in economy due to the efforts devoted to the reduction of cost, enjoying light weight and high reliability, manifesting high and uniform accuracy, and enabling manufacture of compact finished products having a small interface dimension, and provides a method for the production of the ball valve. The ball valve includes a body formed from a pipe having a predetermined length by subjecting opposite terminal parts (ends) of the pipe to a plastic processing including flaring and diametrical contraction. The body has at a central position a seat-shaping part (seat) formed with a stem-inserting hole, a stem inserted into the stem-inserting hole, a ball disposed non-rotatably at a lower terminal of the stem, and a pair of inserting members having an annular shape forced into the body from opposite terminals of the body. Opposite terminal faces of the body are compression-formed so that the pair of inserting members receive and support the ball rotatably.