Abstract: Hydraulic line switcher (10) for use with a hydraulic food cutting system having flexible tube (50) supported in cradle (52). Flexible tube (50) is conically tapered from a larger inlet to a smaller outlet and attached to slide plate (78). Air cylinder (94), through lever (104) is used to selectively position slide plate (78) to one of a plurality of discharge ports quickly enough to prevent initiation of system blockage, and with sufficient force to shear trapped food product.

Abstract: Flush valves for alternately supplying freshwater or seawater coolant to marine engines. Such valves, used in combination with a marine engine cooling system, facilitate flushing of contaminants. In one embodiment, the valve includes a first portion having inlet conduits, a second portion having outlet conduits, and means for rotatably securing the first and second portions together with minimal gap therebetween. Inlet and outlet portions are alternately positioned in a first, single fluid flow relationship (seawater supply) wherein only a first fluid is directed through outlet conduits, or in a second, multiple fluid flow relationship (flushing operation) wherein both a first and a second fluid are sent to outlet conduits. Also, sealing means is provided between the first and second portions to prevent liquid from escaping through the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A body spray nozzle is disclosed wherein the spray pattern can be easily adjusted and the nozzle can be oscillated in a support in a shower fixture. A movable valve element which is cup-shaped is positioned in a valve body and with the base thereof to the inlet side of a stationary valve element. Rotation of the movable valve element is effected from the front of the valve housing which directs different flow paths to a nozzle portion. Two or more of the body spray nozzles are interconnected with linkage members for oscillation by an oscillating source.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flow diverter valve for directing a flow of high pressure transport gas with carbon dioxide pellets entrained therein from a single inlet to a selected one of a plurality of outlets. The flow diverter valve includes a system of face seals and shaft seals adjacent the inlet and outlet ends in order to prevent the leakage of high pressure gas from the flow path.

Abstract: A high velocity pneumatic device for excavating and removing material such as soil. The device includes a pressure tube having an inlet connected to a source of gas, such as air, under pressure and an outlet end connected to the distal end of a removal conduit. An annular member is secured in the distal end of the removal conduit and defines an annular chamber that communicates with the outlet end of the pressure tube. A plurality of first nozzles communicate with the chamber and face outwardly of the distal end of the removal conduit, while a plurality of second nozzles communicate with the chamber and face inwardly of the conduit. A manually operated valve member is disposed in the chamber and rotation of the valve member will selectively discharge air through the first nozzles to provide an excavating action, or through the second nozzles to provide an aspirating action for the removal of material or through both the first and second nozzles to create both an excavating and removal mode of operation.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system for an automotive vehicle, the system having a source of hydraulic fluid (10), a power steering assembly (30) having a low speed inlet (32) and a high speed inlet (34), and a control valve (50) for continuously delivering hydraulic fluid to the low speed inlet and for delivering fluid to the high speed inlet only at vehicle speeds above a predetermined level. The control valve has an annular spool (64) which moves freely within a cylindrical housing (52), and it has a second spool (74) which is caused to move linearly by a solenoid (86) which acts on the one end thereof and a spring (88) which acts on the other end thereof. The second spool has a central portion (76) which is positioned within the annular spool and which defines an annular passage (68) therewith. The second spool further has enlarged end portions (78, 80) positioned outside of the ends of the annular spool to permit fluid to flow into the annular passage from each end.

Abstract: A flowline selector device has a housing with a single passage at the upper end and two or more passages at the lower end. A tube connects to the upper end and has a lower end that is offset from the axis of the housing. Reciprocating the tube up and down and rotating it causes the tube to index between the various ports in the lower end of the housing. The lower end of the tube stabs into cylindrical bores in each port. A piston located at the upper end of the tube cooperates with an orientation sleeve to cause the indexing and reciprocating movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering sludge-type matter from a supply line has a manifold conduit rotatably coupled on one end to the supply line and adapted to receive matter flowing therefrom. A distributor plate includes a plurality of ports extending therethrough. A plurality of distributor conduits are each coupled on one end to a respective port on one side of the distributor plate to receive matter therefrom. A rotating plate is rotatably supported on the other side of the distributor plate and coupled to the other end of the manifold conduit. The rotating plate is adapted to rotate relative to the distributor plate to align the manifold conduit with a respective distributor conduit to direct the flow of matter therethrough. The rotating plate has a plurality of stop cams formed on the peripheral edge thereof, each corresponding in position to a respective distributor conduit.

Abstract: Described is a preferred fluid flow diverter, such as a rainwater diverter, having an outer duct, and an inner duct within said outer duct and defining a reservoir to collect fluid. The diverter also includes a drainage duct extending from the reservoir to the exterior of the outer duct. The inner duct has a bypass opening at a height above the drainage duct. In this manner, fluid flowing into the inner duct is diverted through the drainage duct, and excess fluid unable to flow through the drainage duct (e.g. during heavy rains) accumulates in the inner duct to the height of the bypass opening and then excess fluid not retainable by the reservoir flows through the bypass opening and is exhausted through the outer duct. Also described are a rainwater diversion apparatus and method incorporating the preferred fluid flow diverter.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for directing a fluid stream from a source tube to a selected one of a plurality of outlet tubes in fluid flow communication with the source tube. Disposed within the source tube is an elongated sleeve, the sleeve having an inlet port and a single outlet port, the inlet port being in fluid flow communication with the source tube and the outlet port. The sleeve is longitudinally movable and rotatable within the source tube for selectively closing all of the outlet tubes and directing the fluid stream to a desired one of the outlet tubes. Apparatus is provided for rotating the longitudinally moving the sleeve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diverter valve having a gate for closing one or the other side-by-side seats aligned with outlets from a valve body wherein the body is made of carbon steel or other relatively low heat resistant but inexpensive metal, and the seats and other internal parts are made of stainless steel or low heat resistant metal.

Abstract: An air connector for use in association with a sphygmomanometer body, comprising an air socket having an air plug acceptor and a pressure measuring air line and an exhaust air line each communicating with the air plug acceptor, an air supply plug removably connected to the air plug acceptor of air socket and provided with an air tube joint at one end thereof and an insert cylinder at the other end, and a control means which is removably connected to the insert cylinder of air supply plug and, upon installation, brings the air supply line of air supply plug into communication with the pressure measuring air line and exhaust air line for blood pressure determination and, upon removal, brings the air supply line of air supply plug selectively into communication with the pressure measuring air line for pressure assay.

Abstract: A two-cylinder pump for heavy flowable material comprising a pump body with a deck surface, a pair of cylinder bores opening at the deck surface, and a piston reciprocating in each cylinder bore in charging and discharging strokes. The pump further includes a valve conduit with an inlet port for the transfer of flowable material between the valve conduit and the cylinder bores, the valve conduit being pivotable about an axis to cause a movement of the inlet port across the deck surface between two operative positions, in each operative position the inlet port being in register with either one of the cylinder bores. A fluid operated piston-cylinder assembly is operatively mounted between the valve conduit and the pump body in order to produce a force with a direction generally coincident with the pivotal axis on the valve conduit for urging the inlet port thereof in sealing engagement with the deck surface of the pump body.

Abstract: A pipe switch for plants for pneumatically conveying of bulk material includes a housing with three ports and having a rotatable cock for selectively connecting one port with the second or third port. The cock is provided with two pipe sections which define two flow paths and are connected at their ends via suitable ring segments. One of the ring segments is of sufficient dimension to sealingly bar the one port which is not in communication with the first port when the cock is in the respective end position. A journal connects the pipe sections at a central location thereof and is rotatably supported in side cover plates of the housing for allowing a rotation of the cock between the two end positions.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for a balloon inflator is presented. The valving mechanism is attached to an inflator comprising a fan driven by a through-flow motor. A piston, received within a cylinder, has two bores passing therethrough, the first bore communicating with atmosphere, and the second bore communicating with a nozzle adapted for receipt of a balloon neck. When the balloon is placed on the nozzle and the piston is urged against a spring, an airstream passes through the second bore to inflate the balloon. When the balloon is removed, a spring urges the piston to a position in which the airstream passes through the first bore to atmosphere reducing the load on the motor and allowing the motor to run cooler.

Abstract: A diverter valve includes a valve body formed with a pair of openings. Inlet ends of a pair of discharge tubes are respectively carried by and extend through these openings. An elongated elastomeric strp then may be wound about each tube extended end to form a gasket. This wound strip is held in place by a clamp. The valve further includes a movable member formed with an opening to carry an outlet end of an intake tube. The movable member is pivotally attached to the valve body by two spaced apart pairs of link bars. As connected, the pairs of link bars are positioned in a parallel relationship. Operatively attached to one end of the movable member is a piston rod of an air cylinder which in turn is attached to the valve body. During use the movable member may be selectively positioned by the air cylinder to align the outlet end of the intake tube end with either discharge tube inlet end.

Abstract: A fuel system for vehicles having two gasoline or diesel fuel tanks includes a single filler port fitting having a Y-junction located close to the mouth of the filler, so that, when the user is at the gas pump, the spout of the fuel filling hose may be directed into either of the branch channels to fill either one tank or the other tank, selectively, or may be employed to fill both of the two fuel tanks. In addition, venting arrangements from each of the tanks are coupled to the filler port fitting to accommodate smog reduction requirements.

Abstract: A dual active selector valve is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a flange supporting a manifold body is attached to a pressure vessel. The passage through the flange has a selected diameter and the manifold body opens out to a larger diameter, sufficient to enable two valves to be connected side by side, having inlet passages equal in diameter to about one half the selected diameter. A rotatable conduit member is mounted within the manifold body having a centrally located pin for rotation, the rotatable portion incorporating separate flow passages selectively connecting to one of the two alternately deployed valves, and also supporting a valve closure plate to plug the passageway into the valve not being used.

Abstract: A valve system for distributing particulate materials includes a housing with a number of outlets. A distributor is rotated inside the housing by motor so that its outlet registers in succession with each housing outlet. A position sensor detects registration of the distributor outlet with each housing outlet and comprises a set of spaced-apart optical transmitters, a corresponding set of optical detectors and an encoding disk mounted for rotation between the transmitters and detectors. The encoding disk has a number of circumferentially spaced transmission zones, one corresponding to each housing outlet. Each transmission zone has apertures adapted to place a unique set of the transmitters and detectors in communication thereby causing the detectors to generate a unique signal. The encoding disk is rotated such that a particular transmission zone registers between the transmitters and detectors whenever the distributor outlet registers with the corresponding housing outlet.

Abstract: A brush for home use such as washing cars and patios. The brush includes a body having a plurality of dependent bristles and defining a first compartment for a receiving soap and a second compartment for receiving rinse water. The body also includes an elongate tube partially defining each of the compartments. The first compartment has an outlet for providing soapy water to the bristles while the second compartment has an outlet for providing rinse water. A spool valve is slidable back and forth in the tube with the valve having a tubular wall defining an axial bore open to the conduit and an opening extending through the wall for communicating water to either of the compartments. Seals are carried by the spool valves flanking the opening to provide watertight seals between the valve and the tube. The brush also includes a thumb switch for reciprocating the valve along a linear path among a soap position, a rinse position, and an off position where water is supplied to neither of the compartments.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to deep sea mining apparatus, comprising a relatively straight lift pipe, the lift pipe being adapted to extend substantially vertically from the floor of a body of water upwardly to a ship on the surface of the water. A plurality of jet pumps are connected in the pipe at intermittent locations along the length of said pipe, and a hydraulic feed pump is located adjacent each of the jet pumps and is connected to discharge water in its location and to supply the associated jet pump. Means is also provided for injecting compressed air into the jet pumps, the jet pumps thereby forming an ascending current inside the lift pipe by the introduction of the compressed air and water.

Abstract: A diverter valve for use in a pneumatic conveying system includes a valve plate and a seal plate which have juxtaposed surfaces and are supported for relative movement therebetween so as to enable alignment of an input convey line port in the valve plate between alternate discharge convey line ports in the seal plate. Annular seals are supported in seal grooves circumferentially of the ports in the seal plate and are adapted for fluid pressure biasing into sealing engagement with the opposed valve plate by means of a fluid pressure control circuit. The seals are adapted to be subject to vacuum by the pressure control circuit so as to retract the seals from sealing relation with the valve plate during shifting movement of the valve plate. The seal plate and fluid pressure control circuit are further adapted to effect fluid pressure flow across the sealing surfaces of the seals during retraction thereof so as to clean the seals while in their retracted positions.

Abstract: A fluid flow reverser assembly including a body defining a chamber, a first passageway communicating with a first aperture into the chamber, second and third passageways respectively communicating with second and third apertures into the chamber located in a sealing plate with their surfaces equidistant from the first aperture but angularly spaced apart, a tubular connector member in the chamber having one end co-axially associated with the first aperture and movable so that its other end can be selectively aligned in two operative positions either with the second or third aperture, resilient sealing means mounted on the other end of the connector member for sealing around the second or third apertures, means for moving the connector member between its two operative positions, and a fourth passageway in communication with the chamber so as to be in communication with whichever of the second or third apertures is not in co-operation with said tubular connector member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inventive valve assembly (24) for coupling a respirator jacket (26) to a household vacuum cleaner (28). The respirator jacket is used to assist a human user (22) in breathing. One embodiment includes a fixed first conduit (48) and an oscillating second conduit (44) which moves on a rocker arm (62) into and out of fluid communicating position with the first conduit. A cam assembly (72) having two arcuate cam surfaces (A1, B1) is adjustable to vary the duration during which the conduits are in fluid communication. Also adjustable is the frequency of oscillation of the second conduit. The duration and frequency are independently adjustable. Reference numerals used in this Abstract highlight the Detailed Description and Drawings, and do not limit the scope of the invention, which is much more broadly defined by the claims.

Abstract: A pneumatic transportation system for particulate material, such as powdered or granular materials, with a switching valve (7) for selection of different transport paths within the transportation system. The valve includes a turnable rotor (15) with a bore or a compartment (23), the inner part of which constitutes a blind space for forming an erosion-preventing cushion (26) of powder. An upstream conduit (6) is connected to the valve housing (14) opposite to the blind space of the compartment (23). In dependence on the position of the rotor (15), the compartment (23) or a channel (24) adjacent to this forms a connection to any one of several downstream conduits (20, 21) connected to the valve housing (14).

Abstract: A device for proportioning and feeding powder into a barrel of a detonation unit comprises a powder container communicating with a neutral gas pressure source, a bin accommodating two pipes which are coaxial during a powder feed cycle, the first pipe communicating with the powder container and being movable in relation to the second pipe which communicates with the barrel of the detonation unit, and a duct for the supply of a neutral gas to the inlet of the second pipe after proportioning of powder is over. The duct ends with a nozzle arranged at the inlet of the second pipe at an angle to its geometrical axis and is provided with a branch pipe whose first end is connected to the nozzle, while its second end is connected to the second pipe at some distance from its inlet, the first pipe being designed and arranged so that it is acted on by the neutral gas jet exiting from the nozzle and is thus displaced in relation to the second pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a diverter valve with integral atmospheric type vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A reversing, four-way, two position fluid directional control valve having a valve body with an enclosed chamber therein and at least two oppositely disposed sides. Two outlet ports are formed through one of the two sides, and they communicate with the chamber, and an inlet port is formed through the other of the two sides and it communicates with the chamber. At least one exhaust or fluid return port communicates the chamber to the exterior of the valve body. A slider valve element means is mounted in the chamber and it is movable between two operating positions, for providing a straight through fluid flow path through the valve body, from the inlet port to a selected one of the outlet ports. The outlet ports exhaust through the chamber and at least one exhaust or fluid return port.

Abstract: A reversing, fluid directional control valve having a valve body with an enclosed exhaust chamber therein and at least two oppositely disposed sides. One, or two outlet ports are formed through one of the two sides, and they communicate with the chamber, and an inlet port is formed through the other of the two sides and it communicates with the exhaust chamber. At least one exhaust port communicates the exhaust chamber to the exterior of the valve body. A conduit valve means is mounted in the exhaust chamber and has one end connected to the inlet port, with the other end being movable and provided with a slider valve element movable between two operating positions, either between the two outlet ports, or between an inlet port and a flow blocked position, for providing a straight through fluid flow path through the valve body, from the inlet port to at least one of the outlet ports. The outlet port or ports exhaust through the exhaust chamber to the exhaust port.

Abstract: A valve preferably used for selectively diverting the flow of air entrained particulate material, such as cereal grains from an inlet into a selected one of a plurality of outlets. The valve has a back plate which has a plurality of outlet openings and a gate plate which has a single inlet opening. The gate plate is pivotally mounted on the back plate so that it is selectively movable to a plurality of positions wherein in each position the inlet opening is aligned with one of the outlet openings. One end of a length of flexible inlet pipe is connected to the inlet opening to permit the gate plate to pivot to each of its respective positions on the back plate while the other end of the pipe remains stationary. The gate plate and back plate are so formed to seal around the inlet and outlet openings when aligned for material flow and the plates are urged against each other to prevent leakage of material at the valve.

Abstract: A fluid-passages change-over mechanism for transmitting powdery or granular material comprises a circular casing, a circular rotating plate having a drivable center axle rotatably admitted within the casing and a casing cover, and a swing pipe mounted on the circular rotating plate which extends through an arc-shaped opening in the cover. The mechanism further comprises an A circuit pipe and a B circuit pipe both fixed on an arc of the same radius from the axis of the circular casing. In operation, the A circuit pipe or the B circuit pipe communicates with the swing pipe through a reciprocating constant angle rotation of the circular rotating plate to change-over the powdery or granular material.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator apparatus including a selecting device intended to indicate the level of at least two liquid bodies. The apparatus comprises a chamber having a display tube and containing an indicator liquid. An air passage is connected between the chamber and the selecting device. Air conduits extend from the selecting device to the liquid bodies, whereby these air conduits and dip tubes are immersed in the liquid bodies. The indicator apparatus contains an air displacing member. Upon operation of the air displacing member the volume of the liquid which level is to be measured present inside the dip tube is expelled due to the air pressure built up inside the conduit. Thereafter the pressure of the liquid body is brought into communication with the chamber containing the indicator liquid, such that the level of the indicator liquid inside the display tube is raised to a level corresponding to the level of the selected liquid body.

Abstract: A piston type valve including a valve body having a horizontally disposed fluid flow passageway with an inlet at one end of the passageway and an outlet at the other end of the passageway. A valve piston is mounted in the body for selective vertical movement to and away from the passageway inlet and outlet to selectively close and open the passageway and control fluid flow therethrough. A debris holding tank is disposed on the valve body below the fluid flow passageway and is in fluid flow communication therewith. The passageway outlet has its bottom portion disposed higher than the bottom portion of the inlet whereby debris contained in the fluid flow through the passageway strikes the outlet bottom portion and falls into the tank. The valve piston is cylindrical and is mounted on vertical guide rods to guide the piston in its vertical movement and to prevent it from turning in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The housing of a distributor valve has a first inlet for admission of a liquid which is maintained at a first pressure, a second inlet for admission of a liquid which is maintained at a higher second pressure, and at least two outlets. The cylindrical valving element has a first passage, one end of which is in permanent communication with the first inlet and the other end of which can be moved into register with a selected outlet in response to rotation of the valving element. The latter has a second passage, one end of which is in permanent communication with the second inlet and the other end of which registers with an outlet other than that which is in register with the other end of the first passage. The second passage and/or the second inlet admits highly pressurized flusing liquid into the clearances between the housing and the valving element to prevent penetration of liquid which is admitted via first inlet.

Abstract: A system for selectively dispensing and/or mixing or otherwise utilizing materials contained in respective storage tanks, including a material conveyance means, such as a pump, and a specialized selector valve programmably controllable to supply the materials to one or more processing containers in desired quantities and in a desired sequence.

Abstract: A flowline switching apparatus having a tubular housing with end closures and a drum rotatably mounted therein with a passage through the drum aligned with a port in one end closure and positioned to sequentially align with each of a plurality of ports in the other end closure as said drum is rotated, a power cylinder connected to said housing and having a plunger with a ratchet pawl for rotating said drum, a second power cylinder connected to said housing with a plunger adapted to engage sequentially in recesses in the exterior of said drum to lock the drum in preselected positions of passage-port alignment, a third power cylinder connected to the housing with a plunger adapted to engage sequentially in recesses of varying depth on the exterior of said drum to indicate the position of the drum and means balancing fluid pressure between the interior and exterior and between opposite ends of said drum.

Abstract: A flow line switch having a housing and a rotor mounted within the housing, an annular piston between the rotor and the housing and adapted to slide axially in the annulus between the rotor and housing, means for supplying and venting fluid to and from opposite ends of the annulus for movement of the piston, the rotor having a passageway extending therethrough adapted to connect to at least one port through the housing at one end and selectively to one of at least two ports at the other end and stop means at the extremities of travel of the piston to assure communication between the preselected ports.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide gate device for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through an outlet in the vessel shell, in which refractory insert plates, conveyed by supporting frames, are introducible into and removable from at least one side of the device, and in which said refractory insert plates are linearly movable in continuous close cooperating contact with a perforated outlet plate for the pour vessel, by applying interdependently coupled moving means to the supporting frame(s) conveying said refractory insert plates, which means transmit an equally distributed effort to each lateral side of said supporting frame(s).

Abstract: A cylindrical body defines a through passage for a pipe bailer and its contents, and a side exit for the contents. A circular concave element is fixed adjacent its perimeter to a shaft journaled in the cylinder body transverse the through passage and below the side exit, for swinging the circular concave element upwardly to close the through passage and simultaneously engage a "stinger" to trip a bottom valve in the bailer and thereby releasing the contents on and into the circular concave element for channeling to and out of the side exit, and for swinging the circular concave element downwardly to open the through passage for the travel of the pipe bailer up and down the shallow well. A crank is fixed to the shaft and actuated by a hydraulic cylinder controlled by limit switches responsive to bailer travel.

Abstract: A single line (pressure-vacuum) pneumatic tube system capable of incorporating one or more novel intermediate stations. A unique pressure-vacuum chamber and a novel air shifter valve in the central station provides either pressure or vacuum for the system without turbulence or significant pressure drop. An air relief valve in the tubing significantly reduces noise at the end station. The end station is provided with a valve for return air. The system is unitized eliminating custom design of simple systems.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a liquid flowing through a substantially vertical tube, particularly for dispensing rain water flowing through a drainpipe wherein a sleeve has a circumferential resiliently deformable wall portion which is adjustable into two different positions, namely a first position in which the inner surface of the wall portion, possibly together with the end portion of the pipe, provides the collecting pocket, and a second position in which the inner surface is substantially conical for not collecting and discharging any liquid letting the liquid pass through the sleeve.

Abstract: A diverter valve for pneumatic conveying systems comprises a pair of plates which are interconnected for relative translation. Each of the plates has at least one port therein for conveying materials through the valve. A seal ring is slidably mounted in a mating groove in a first one of the plates, and has an inner face which selectively abuts and seals against the second plate about the port therein during a material conveying position. A source of pneumatic pressure is connected with the first plate and communicates with the groove, thereby exerting pressure on an outer face of the seal ring and resiliently urging the same toward the second plate, whereby an airtight seal is formed between the ports.

Abstract: A through the flowline or "TFL" tool selector has a base provided with a number of spaced flowline ports and a diverter tube shiftably mounted in a housing for selective communication with the flowline ports. The diverter tube is actuated by a reciprocable and rotatable piston and cam drive which shifts the diverter tube progressively from one flowline port to another. The piston is shiftable in a cylinder to which pressure fluid is supplied and then exhausted to effect actuation of the cam drive.

Abstract: An improved additive dispensing system for sequentially dispensing a plurality of treating agents into the wash tub of an automatic fabric washing machine at predetermined times during the washing cycle. A plurality of compartments are provided for retaining the various laundry additives to be dispensed into the wash tub. A liquid flow diversion arrangement having a diverter for selectively diverting liquid into pre-selected dispenser compartments is provided and includes a pivotal body with a liquid inlet at one end connected to a water inlet and a nozzle at the other end in liquid flow communication with the dispenser.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromagnetically controlled four-way valve and has as an objective the creation of such a valve as to be exceptionally fast acting and fast cycling, while requiring comparatively little power or force to operate it, a valve that will be especially suited to high flow, low pressure applications, a valve of considerable capacity that does not require a smaller valve to pilot it, or a minimum line pressure and back pressure to actuate it, but does require a slight fluid flow, a valve that will have a low flow resistance factor, a valve that is hermetically sealed to the outside environment, a valve of simple construction (only two moving parts), a valve that is easily and inexpensively produced, a valve in which the application does not require a positive no leak shut-off to flow, but of which application does allow for a neutral position with all ports open, or will require no active neutral position at all--the neutral position only being passed through to make the other positio

Abstract: A steam injection system including a steam deflector connectable into a tubing string which steam deflector provides for selectively passing steam through the tubing string to the bottom thereof or diverting steam from inside the tubing string out into the wall liner-tubing annulus and in a direction concentric with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing string and above the bottom end thereof utilizing a sliding-sleeve arrangement and packer cup means packing off the well liner-tubing annulus both above and below the steam deflector.