Abstract: A method of custom manufacturing a fluid pressure reduction device for use in a process control valve. The method includes creating the fluid pressure reduction device using an additive manufacturing technique, which generally includes forming a body and forming a plurality of flow paths in the body. The body has an inner wall and an outer wall spaced radially outward of the inner wall. The flow paths are formed in the body between the inner wall and the outer wall of the body. Each of the flow paths includes an inlet section formed in one of the inner and outer walls, a curved intermediate section, and an outlet section formed in the other of the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A shock absorber is provided with a cylinder, a piston inserted into the cylinder and demarcating an interior of the cylinder into an extension side chamber and a compression side chamber, a piston rod joined to the piston, a damping passage, provided in the piston rod, that communicates with the extension side chamber and the compression side chamber, and a damping force adjustment valve provided in the damping passage. The damping force adjustment valve includes a damping force adjustment unit and a solenoid that drives the damping force adjustment unit to adjust a flow channel resistance. The piston rod includes a yoke into which the damping force adjustment valve is inserted, and a piston holding member mounted on the yoke. The yoke includes a through-hole opening from a side of the yoke and leading to the interior, and a groove provided on a perimeter of the yoke, extending from an anti-piston end, and leading to the through-hole.

Abstract: A choke valve including a valve body defining an inlet defining a centrally disposed axis extending through the inlet, an outlet, and a chamber in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a flow trim disposed within the chamber and having a side wall that defines a generally cylindrical shape, the flow trim defining a passage through the flow trim, a pair of diametrically opposing windows extending through the side wall, each window permitting fluid communication between the chamber and the passage in a direction orthogonal to the centrally disposed axis defined by the inlet, and a slot extending through the side wall, the slot being disposed substantially equidistantly between the pair of diametrically opposing windows orthogonal to the centrally disposed axis defined by the inlet and on a side of the flow trim opposite the inlet, the slot permitting containment of turbulence created by interaction of fluid flow through the windows.

Abstract: A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has a spiral design or layout. This flow path can direct flow around a central bore. A plug may reside in this bore. This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the spiral design can split flow inside of the cage. This feature can elongate travel of flow without any increase in dimensions of the cage (or the valve trim itself).

Abstract: Fluid circulation valve, the said valve comprising a housing (1) and a body (2) for circulation of fluid, the said body (2) being located at least partially within the said housing (1), the said body (2) being attached to the housing (1) and having a passage (4) for fluid between the said body (2) and the said housing (1), the said valve further comprising a control member (30) that can be actuated electromagnetically, the said control member (30) being able to move with respect to the said body (2) so as to selectively open or close the said passage (4), the said body (2) having at least locally a tubular configuration at the said passage (4), the said control member (30) being able to slide along the said body (2) at least at the said passage (4).

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A trim assembly is disposed in the flow path and includes a valve seat and a cage. The cage includes a body and a central cavity defined by the body. A control member is movable in the central cavity of the cage between an open position, in which the control member is spaced away from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which the control member engages the valve seat. The body has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

Abstract: A cryocooler includes a displacer, a cylinder that forms an expansion space, a Scotch yoke mechanism configured to drive the displacer in a reciprocating manner, a first rod that extends from the Scotch yoke mechanism, a housing that includes an assist chamber, a rotary valve configured to switch between a state in which the expansion space and a discharge side of a compressor are connected and the assist chamber and a suction side of the compressor are connected and a state in which the expansion space and the suction side of the compressor are connected and the assist chamber and the discharge side of the compressor are connected, a motor configured to drive the Scotch yoke mechanism and the rotary valve, and an on-off valve configured to open and close a gas flow path through which the rotary valve and the assist chamber are connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control valve to be connected to a pipe. The valve includes: a plurality of fluid transport tubes having a geometrically variable cross-section and placed in parallel with each other; and a means for connecting to the pipe and located at one end of the fluid transport tubes.

Abstract: A device (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit (3) from an upstream side (8) to a downstream side (10). The device includes one or more valve apertures (6) through which the flow of fluid is selectively controlled. A valve member (12) is arranged to move reciprocally to selectively open and close the one or more valve apertures. The device includes a stop (18) for arresting the travel of the valve member arranged at or beyond a position the valve member reaches when at least some of the one or more valve apertures are open. The valve member includes an end portion (13) arranged to come into contact with the stop when the valve member reaches or passes the position at which at least some of the one or more valve apertures are open and a body portion (9).

Abstract: Three dimensional filter devices and devices are provided herein. An example substrate includes a primary inlet boundary and a primary outlet boundary, as well as a plurality of filter rows that include microstructure filter members that remove particulate matter from a fluid flowing across or through the substrate; the fluid entering through the inlet boundary and exiting through the outlet boundary. Each of the microstructure filter members includes a secondary inlet channel and a secondary outlet channel that couple to adjacent microstructure filter members.

Abstract: A cryogenic expander maximizes the energy absorbing capacity of bumpers that prevent the displacer or piston in a pneumatically driven expander from hitting the cold or warm end of a cylinder. A collar at the warm end of the piston which has the same outside diameter as the piston and a lip at the warm end that engages an “O” ring before the piston hits the cold end or bottom of the cylinder. The warm end of the collar also engages an “O” ring before the pistons hits the warm end or top of the cylinder. Having “O” rings that are near the maximum diameter of the cylinder maximizes the amount of energy they can absorb, and thus permits quiet operation of larger size expanders than prior designs.

Abstract: A flow diverter including a bypass element to divert at least a first portion of drilling fluid from a drill string to the borehole annulus. The first portion of fluid, or bypass flow, may be provided to the borehole annulus to clear cuttings generated by a drill bit of a BHA. The remaining fluid flow, or BHA flow, may be expelled through the bottom of the BHA. The fluid discharged through the BHA may enter the annulus and flow upward with the fluid flow diverted through the flow diverter to aid in clearing cuttings. The flow diverter also includes a choke housing disposed concentrically within a drill collar and containing a plurality of chokes to regulate bypass flow. An actuation system may be coupled to the flow diverter to control opening/closing of the chokes and to measure flow rate of the first portion of fluid and/or the remaining fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchange system with at least one horizontal heat exchange chamber with heat exchange chamber boundaries which surround at least one heat exchange chamber interior of the heat exchange chamber is provided. The heat exchange chamber boundaries include at least one first opening for guiding in an inflow of at least one heat transfer fluid into the heat exchange chamber interior and at least one second opening for guiding out an outflow of the heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchange chamber interior. At least one heat storage material is arranged in the heat exchange chamber interior such that a heat exchange flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchange chamber interior causes a heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat transfer fluid. The heat exchange chamber is located at a soil area of a soil.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly, the assembly includes a gate valve having a gate assembly moveable between a closed position and an open position. The gate assembly includes a pressure equalizing assembly coupled to the gate valve that equalizes the fluid pressure across the gate valve.

Abstract: A clamped bonnet assembly for an axial flow control valve includes a clamped bonnet, a valve seat, and a cage, the cage being clamped directly between the clamped bonnet and the valve seat. The clamped bonnet assembly enhances manufacturability and machinability due to the removability of the clamped bonnet assembly from the control valve body.

Abstract: A needleless connector has a housing with an internal cavity having an interior surface, a port, an output flow channel, and a fluid flow path through the cavity between the port and the output flow channel. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. The valve has one or more rings each having a surface that is in sealing contact with the interior surface of the housing. There are one or more notches formed in each of the one or more rings, and the flow path passes through one of the notches in each of the one or more rings.

Abstract: A slide valve is described, in particular, for an automatic transmission for motor vehicles. The slide valve includes a valve slide displaceable in a sliding channel and at least two adjacent connecting channels. The sliding channel and the valve slide are configured so that the valve slide in an opened slide position establishes a fluid connection between the two adjacent connecting channels, and the valve slide in the opened slide position is guided in a section of the sliding channel between the adjacent connecting channels.

Abstract: In one aspect, a flow control device is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a sand screen that includes adjacent wraps of a longitudinal member, wherein the longitudinal member has a width, a first axial side and a second axial side, the longitudinal member further including spaced apart standoffs along the first axial side and spaced apart channels that provide fluid paths from the second axial side to the first axial side.

Abstract: In a valve having a body with a sealed working fluid chamber, a bore and a valved fluid chamber, the valved fluid chamber having an inlet and outlet and a seat between the inlet and the outlet, a piston for extending through the bore from the working fluid chamber to the valved fluid chamber, a spring for biasing the piston away from the seat and a working fluid for receipt in the working fluid chamber. Applicant provides an improvement comprising a seal stack assembly for entrainment, under compression, upon the piston and in the piston chamber between a working fluid chamber end wall and a first end of the piston, wherein the first end of the piston is located in the working fluid chamber and a second end in the valved fluid chamber.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a displacer that is reciprocably mounted within a cylinder; a spool valve that is connected to the compressor and performs switching between an intake mode where a high-pressure refrigerant gas is supplied from the compressor to the cylinder and an exhaust mode where a low-pressure refrigerant gas within the cylinder is made to flow back to the compressor; and a drive unit that drives the spool valve. The spool valve has a valve body, and a drive rod that moves relative to the valve body and is integrated with the spool. The drive unit performs driving so that the magnitude of a speed when the drive rod moves from a top dead center to a bottom dead center is different from the magnitude of a speed when the drive rod moves from the bottom dead center to the top dead center, at the same displacement position.

Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage can have a first portion extending from the inner surface and a second portion extending from the outer surface, where the second portion has a diameter smaller than that of the first portion, can follow a non-linear path from the inner to outer surface, and/or can have a cross-sectional area that varies from the inner to outer surface.

Abstract: A system includes a wellhead system, and a flow control system coupled to the wellhead system. The flow control system includes a housing with a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow control system also includes a flow control device disposed in the housing along the flow path. The flow control system also includes a bonnet assembly surrounding the flow control device. The bonnet assembly is configured to selectively mount one of a manual actuator and a powered actuator to actuate the flow control device.

Abstract: An air motor has a source of pressurized air, two air chambers, a pilot valve and a directional control valve. The spool of the directional control valve is of the unbalanced type and includes a piston surface in continuous communication with atmosphere through an exhaust port and a pressurized restricted port in alternating communication with the large end of the spool and the piston surface. The alternating communication of the source of pressurized air through the restricted port is restricted relative to the continuous communication of the piston surface with atmosphere. At the point of shift of the directional control valve, the piston surface is in communication with the source of pressurized air through the restricted port.

Abstract: A dispenser body having a liquid inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel capable of directing a flow of the hot melt adhesive from the liquid inlet to the discharge outlet. The flow channel includes a valve seat between the liquid inlet and the discharge outlet. The dispensing module further includes a needle having a valve member mounted for movement in the dispenser body between an open position in which the valve member is disengaged with the valve seat allowing liquid flow from the discharge outlet and a closed position in which the valve member is engaged with the valve seat preventing liquid flow from the discharge outlet. A first electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the open position and a second electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the closed position.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a refrigerator and a thermal load application unit applying a thermal load to the refrigerator. A detector detects, when the thermal load is applied to the refrigerator by the thermal load application unit, a change in a physical quantity generated in the refrigerator or a refrigerator-mounting portion where the refrigerator is mounted. A determiner determines a maintenance timing of the refrigerator based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detector.

Abstract: A control valve having a retainer for securing a seat ring within the valve body of the device is disclosed. The seat ring is disposed within a bore in the fluid flow path of the valve body of the control valve, and the retainer is attached to the inner surface of the valve body to retain the seat ring within the bore. The retainer includes threaded openings therethrough for receiving bolts that are tightened down on the seat ring to hold the seat ring against the inner surface of the bore and/or a gasket to form a tight seal and prevent leakage when the control device is in the closed position.

Abstract: A control valve which includes a uniquely configured seat ring outfitted with flow passages adapted to operatively interact with a valve plug in a manner providing prescribed pressure reduction characteristics in a fluid flowing through the flow passages. The seat ring of the control valve of the present invention is preferably fabricated through the use of a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. The use of the DMLS process to facilitate the fabrication of the seat ring in the control valve allows for the creation of more intricate and complex flow passages therein. Such increased intricacy/complexity provides better flow range/rangeability within the control valve.

Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.

Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.

Abstract: A cascade type trim for integration into control valve and having a valve stem and a valve cage which cooperate with each other to define a plurality of fluid passageway columns, each of which extend between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. Each fluid passageway column is collectively defined by a plurality of stem passageways and a plurality of cage passageways. The stem and cage passageways are brought in and out of alignment as a result of axial movement of the stem relative to the cage. In a first position, a first fluid passageway is open, while a second fluid passageway remains closed. In a second position, both the first and second fluid passageways are open, and yet in a third position, the first fluid passageway is closed and the second fluid passageway is open.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an acoustically actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a body recess and a bonnet including a bonnet recess having a bonnet mating surface. The valve assembly further includes a valve cage disposed within an interior of the valve body, the valve cage including a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential mating protrusion extending from an outer surface in a transverse direction, the mating protrusion including an upper mating surface and a lower mating surface. The upper mating surface is disposed within the bonnet recess to be aligned with the bonnet mating surface, and the lower mating surface is disposed within the body recess to be aligned with the body mating surface, wherein the upper and lower mating surface are not parallel. Accordingly, clamping forces acting on the mating protrusion include a longitudinal and tangential component, allowing for increased clamping forces without plastically deforming the mating protrusion.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector (14) attaches a valve chamber (16) to a flow pipe (P) using a hydraulic clamp (20) to grab the pipe (P) or a flange (F). The valve chamber (16) contains a primary hydraulic ram (26) to telescopically extend a primary seal (28) on the ram (26) to close or open the outlet ports (22) by moving the primary seal (28) to permit flow through valve up flow tubes (34) to a riser (R). Outlet ports (22) in the cap valve (12), or an intermittent pipe (18), permit unrestricted flow while the connector (14) is being installed.

Abstract: A flow control element comprises a cylindrical element body having a bore formed therethrough. The cylindrical element body may include inner and outer peripheral surfaces and define a plurality of tortuous flow passages which extend between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The flow control element is formed as a unitary structure wherein the flow passages are oriented along at least two axes. The flow control may be formed by direct to metal laser sintering wherein successive layers of powdered metallic material are solidified by applying laser energy to the selected portions until the flow element is formed as a unitary structure with a plurality of flow passages extending therethrough. The laser energy is selectively applied to the powdered metallic material according to a computer model of the flow control element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controlled valve. The valve includes a valve body, a sleeve, a spool, and a valve actuator assembly. The valve body includes a cavity and a first chamber. The sleeve is between the cavity and the first chamber. The sleeve includes an inner bore and at least one opening. The inner bore extends from a first end to a second end of the sleeve. The at least one opening extends through the second end of the sleeve. A portion of the inner bore forms a second chamber. The spool is movably disposed within the inner bore. The valve actuator assembly is connected to the spool. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the at least one opening. The spool is configured to be movable over at least a portion of the at least one opening to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A control valve which includes a uniquely configured seat ring outfitted with flow passages adapted to operatively interact with a valve plug in a manner providing prescribed pressure reduction characteristics in a fluid flowing through the flow passages. The seat ring of the control valve of the present invention is preferably fabricated through the use of a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. The use of the DMLS process to facilitate the fabrication of the seat ring in the control valve allows for the creation of more intricate and complex flow passages therein. Such increased intricacy/complexity provides better flow range/rangeability within the control valve.

Abstract: A generator includes a rotor to be driven to rotate and generate electricity and a housing receiving the rotor. An oil supply includes an oil inlet port and an oil outlet port. A pressure regulating valve regulates the flow of oil from the inlet port to the outlet port. The pressure regulating valve includes a valve sleeve mounted within the housing. The valve sleeve extends into a bore within the housing. A valve spool is mounted within the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a flange abutting an outer face of the housing. Bolts tighten the flange against the housing. An inner end of the valve sleeve extends radially inwardly to form a ledge. The ledge is spaced away from an inner face of the housing. A valve sleeve, a sense piston and a valve spool are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A refrigerant valve has a body with a through bore. Multiple tubes have openings aligned in a ring around a middle of the bore. The tubes lead to larger channels in the body. A needle assembly inserted through an end of the bore reciprocates a needle with a stepper motor and speed reducer to precisely control sizes of the openings. Further advancing the needle shaft after closing the openings to the tubes, engages and slides a bypass sleeve against a return spring force to open a bypass in a side of the valve body. A connector connects the bypass in a first end of the bore to outward opening holes of the channels.

Abstract: An improved fluid pressure reduction device including a perimeter and a hollow center aligned along a longitudinal axis, and further including an inlet region at the hollow center and an outlet region at the perimeter, wherein the outlet region includes multiple dimensioned outlet areas arranged to substantially reduce outlet tone generation.

Abstract: A backflow and strainer device is presented. The device is a unitary unit that prevents backflow of fluid gas in a compressor and prevents dirt particles and debris from entering the compressor, thereby damaging the components. A valve mechanism moves between an open position and a closed position to either allow or prevent fluid gas from flowing into the compressor. A mesh portion is disposed in the device to trap all dirt particles and debris to prevent them from entering the compressor. The valve mechanism responds to the higher and lower pressures associated with the operation and shutdown of compressors.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly may include a housing having an interior chamber, inlet port, outlet port, and control port. The valve assembly may further include a valve member configured to move within the interior chamber to permit flow between the inlet port and the control port and between the outlet port and the control port. The valve assembly may further include and an actuator configured to move the valve member to form a first opening and second opening to create flow forces tending to close the first and second opening. The valve member may also include a passageway in the valve member configured to direct fluid flow from the inlet port to the control port and from the control port to the outlet port, and counteract the flow forces at the first and second opening.

Abstract: A controllable pressure reducing valve has a housing which includes an inner chamber extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis and an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening and the outlet opening open into the inner chamber at an axial relative distance. The inner chamber includes between the mouths of the inlet opening and the outlet opening at least one annular wall having a cylindrical valve bore. An axially movable valve body which is arranged in the inner chamber, extends through the valve bore and has a piston-type portion guided in the valve bore and adapted to close the valve bore. The piston-type portion includes at least one control recess bounded by a control step which extends in axial direction and in circumferential direction and combines with an edge of the valve bore to form a controllable valve opening.

Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dirty service valve including an axial trim which, as a result of its structural attributes and extended stroke length, provides increased Cv capacity relative to valve plug size in comparison to existing prior art designs. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the axial trim integrated into the valve of the present invention is configured to provide a linear flow characteristic. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the axial trim may be configured to provide a non-linear flow characteristic which, coupled with the extended stroke length thereof, provides improved flow control in addition to increased Cv capacity. The axial trim possessing the above-described structural and functional attributes may also be integrated into an axial body or housing, thus making the use of rotary actuators in conjunction with the axial trim more feasible.

Abstract: A choke valve for use in reverse flow when mounted on a wellhead or manifold. The choke valve includes a valve body forming a T-shaped bore to provide a vertically extending bottom opening and a horizontally extending side opening. Flow trim is positioned in the T-shaped bore, optionally in a tubular sleeve or removable cartridge. The flow trim includes a tubular cage having a side wall forming an internal bore aligned with the body bottom opening, and a single flow port or a plurality of flow ports, each of the single flow port or plurality of flow ports being positioned for alignment with the body side opening. In reverse flow mode in the valve body, fluid from the bottom opening enters the cage and exits through the single flow port or plurality of flow ports directly into the body side opening.

Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid pressure control device includes a guide element having a scaling surface and a first guide surface. A throttling element assembly includes a throttling element positionable within a fluid flow path, the assembly defines a mating surface adapted to seal with the sealing surface, and a second guide surface sized to slidingly engage the first guide surface. A relief void is formed in at least one of the guide element and the throttling element assembly adjacent the first and second guide surfaces to receive loose solid material, to thereby prevent disruption of the seal formed between the sealing surface and the mating surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controllable pressure reducing valve (1) having a housing (2) which includes an inner chamber (3) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis and having an inlet opening (15) and an outlet opening (17), said inlet opening (15) and said outlet opening (17) opening into the inner chamber (3) at an axial relative distance, and said inner chamber (3) including between the mouths of the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (17) at least one annular wall (11) having a cylindrical valve bore (20) and an axially movable valve body (4) which is arranged in the inner chamber (3), extends through the valve bore (20) and has a piston-type portion (29) guided in the valve bore (20) and adapted to close the valve bore (20). The piston-type portion (29) includes at least one control recess (45) bounded by a control step (46) which extends in axial direction and in circumferential direction and combines with an edge of the valve bore (20) to form a controllable valve opening.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat ring is coupled to the body and defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes. A cage is also coupled to the body and defines an interior bore, wherein the cage includes at least one passage through which the fluid flow path passes. A throttling element is sized for insertion into the cage interior bore and movable along an axis between open and closed positions. The throttling element defines a sealing surface oriented substantially parallel to the axis. A seal is positioned to engage the sealing surface when the throttling element is substantially in the closed position, thereby to restrict fluid flow through the valve seat ring orifice.

Abstract: A spool valve is provided with a stem portion that defines a fluid passageway formed by either (a) a single central support having a non-cylindrical curved surface shaped hydrodynamically, or (b) only a pair of sidewalls with, preferably, interior surfaces that are also shaped hydrodynamically. These stem passageways, which are designed to facilitate the flow of high-speed/high-pressure fluids controlled by the valve, are maintained in a predetermined orientation relative to the ports of the valve cylinders by a mechanism preferably including (a) a cam-following roller supported in a tang fixed to each spool and (b) a two-element cam that captures the roller within two of the parallel sides of a cam-track groove formed on the respective interior surfaces of each cam element.