Abstract: A hermetically sealed, precision fluid valve assembly including a ball valve element is disclosed. The assembly includes a valve element retainer comprising a thin, flexible member having a first portion operatively associated with the valve element and a second portion, extending from the first, secured to the body of the valve assembly. The valve element retainer guides the motion of the valve element and is designed to reduce friction and eliminate the generation and entrapment of contaminants, thereby minimizing hysteresis in the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A valve block in a mine hydraulic system contains a non-return valve which is opened when a hydraulic control signal occurs to connect a pressure fluid feed or return line to a working chamber of an appliance such as a prop. A auxiliary valve is mounted in the block and is operated manually to relieve the working chamber even if the non-return valve remains closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve which comprises a body defining a passageway therethrough, a valve seat in the passage, a valve closure disposed in the passageway adjacent the valve seat, and an operating spindle projecting transversely into the passageway, the arrangement being one wherein movement of the spindle into the passageway causes the closure to be urged against the valve seat to close the valve, and movement of the spindle in a direction out of the passageway permits movement of the closure away from the seat to open the valve, the operating spindle being coupled to the closure by means of an intermediate articulated arm or roller.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator (10) for automobiles and the like comprises a body lower portion (11), an upper cover (12) and a resilient diaphragm (66) therebetween. The resilient diaphragm (66) separates an upper chamber (61) from a fuel outlet chamber (21). A passageway (22) extends between the fuel outlet chamber and a fuel inlet chamber (14). A spherical ball valve (29) and a cylindrical valve seat (26) are positioned at one end of the passageway (22). A removable plug (32) carries guide legs (33) for guiding the ball valve (29) and further carries a biasing spring (31) for biasing the ball valve (29) into a closed seating position. A piston (51) is positioned below the resilient diaphragm in the fuel outlet chamber (21) and has depending therefrom an elongated stem (52) which is received in a stem guide (53), with the stem guide having a tapered portion (54) extending into the passageway (22).

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator for use with automotive engine fuel pumps wherein the ball is constrained for motion in a cage within the inlet chamber. The cage is made up of three simple cylindrical pins press fitted into an end cap. The inlet chamber is oversized with respect to the maximum dimensions of the caged ball array. In this manner, upon opening of the ball off of its seat, virtually no impediment to full flow of the maximum fuel pump capacity through the regulator is achieved.

Abstract: A multiway valve having a handle which can be lightly rotated. The valve includes a valve casing (38) provided with an entrance port (64) and plural exit ports (66, 68, 44a). A valve member (40) or a cam shaft (168) which opens and closes the exit ports (66, 68, 44a) is rotatably inserted in the casing (38). One of the exit ports is formed in one end surface of the casing (38), while the others are formed in the outer surface of the casing. Balls (60, 62, 160B, 160C) capable of plugging up the exit ports in the outer surface are mounted in the valve casing (38). The valve member (40) has arms or cams for moving the balls. The exit port in the end surface is opened and closed by the valve member (40) or one ball (160C).

Abstract: A center flow ball valve assembly includes a pre-loaded spring positioned in line with the valve fluid inlet port for seating the ball in the valve orifice, the spring configured in stepped diameter coil sctions including a smaller diameter ball mounting section for cradling the ball and a larger diameter pedestal section which straddles the inlet port, the spring, with actuation of the ball valve permitting fluid to pass with minimum pressure drop through an unobstructed circumferential path between the different diameter coil sections.

Abstract: A ball-type sealing device is disclosed for preventing fluid flow out of an orifice wherein the sealing ball is mounted in a body member so as to have both radial or transverse and axial degrees of freedom. The sealing ball, which has a diameter greater than that of the orifice, is mounted in a chamber defined by the body member such that a portion of the ball extends through an aperture in the end of the chamber to the exterior of the body member. The sealing ball is positioned by a pushrod slidably extending into an elongated hole defined by the body member such that one end of the pushrod, having a first contact surface S.sub.1, is in contact with the sealing ball. The opposite end of the pushrod is associated with a second contact surface S.sub.2 which has an area smaller than the contact surface S.sub.1.

Abstract: A valve for a pressure feed paint cup. An adapter is attached to a lid for the cup. A check valve assembly is secured to a threaded end of the adapter which extends below the lid and a vent valve is secured to a threaded end of the adapter which extends above the lid. An air line is attached to the vent valve to supply pressurized air to the paint cup. The check valve has a spherical valve ball which engages a conical valve seat near the diameter of the ball to increase the seating force without increasing the valve opening force. The valve seat and the valve ball are formed from low friction materials. A valve stem is manually moved to first open a vent valve which vents air pressure from the air line and then to move the valve ball from its conical seat.

Abstract: A quantitative liquid level controlling device, comprising a housing having a socket at the top for attaching to a water supply pipe, and a control rod with a gravity pendant suspending therefrom through a cord for adjusting the desired water level. The gravity pendant pulls down the control rod to stop a connecting rod in position permitting a driving rod to constantly move a ball away from the water outlet hole inside the housing. The gravity pendant is floated when the desired water level is reached, permitting the control rod and the driving rod to move back so that the ball is returned to block up the water outlet hole.

Abstract: A separating wall having a valve opening is disposed between a chamber holding a high pressure and a chamber holding a low pressure. The valve seat is closed by a ball acting as a valve body. For a quick opening of the valve, an actuating member imparts a lateral impact to the ball, thereby lifting the ball off the valve seat. Setting the ball back onto the valve seat is effected under the influence of the gas flow passing through the valve opening. The valve has extremely short switching times and allows for a high repetition frequency.

Abstract: A safety and service valve for a high pressure tank having a sealing portion within the tank, an external portion externally of the tank, a flow passage between inlet and outlet ports, and a chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end having a valve seat. A valve element is loosely received by the chamber and adapted to engage the valve seat to thereby close the flow passage when the fluid pressure at the chamber inlet end is higher than the fluid pressure at the chamber outlet end. A stop member prevents the valve element from engaging the valve seat until the external portion of the body is severed from the sealing portion.In one aspect, the valve includes a bleed passage in the sealing portion of the valve for placing the tank in fluid communication with the flow passage and allowing release of pressure in the tank in a safe manner if the external portion of the body is severed from the sealing portion.

Abstract: An electrically actuated valve for incremental fluid flow rate control is disclosed. The valve is comprised of a valve body having an interior with a planar outlet surface against which a rectilinear valve element is slidingly operated. The valve body includes an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in the planar outlet surface for fluid flow through the valve body. The valve element has an orifice therethrough controlling flow through the outlet orifice in accordance with the position of the valve element, which is linearly actuated by a rotary stepper motor.

Abstract: The present invention is a solenoid-actuated fluid valve of the ball poppet type particularly suitable for use as a fuel injector actuator/timer, for which use the valve must be capable of withstanding high operating speeds and high fluid pressures for a very high cycle life, without substantial internal tolerance variation. According to the invention, the free front end of the solenoid-operated valve actuator pin has a concavity therein which distributes impact loads between the pin and the ball poppet which it engages over an extended line or area contact so as to minimize deformation of the pin and thereby minimize solenoid tolerance variation in the axial direction. Fluid captured between the ball and concavity provides squish-damping as the pin approaches the ball so as to further reduce impact deformation of the pin end. Engagement of the ball in the pin end concavity also tends to hold the ball in axial alignment with its valve seat so as to minimize eccentric wear of the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat valve in which a ball-shaped valve element is held in a sleeve which has control edges which cooperate with an opening arranged between the valve seats and connected to a connection. On switching over of the valve element from one valve seat to the other a positive switching overlap of the seat valve is achieved and with relatively small ball diameters large flow rates can be controlled.

Abstract: An electrically actuated valve for incremental fluid flow rate control is disclosed. The valve is comprised of a valve body having an interior with a planar outlet surface against which a rectilinear valve element is slidingly operated. The valve body includes an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in the planar outlet surface for fluid flow through the valve body. The valve element has an orifice therethrough controlling flow through the outlet orifice in accordance with the position of the valve element, which is linearly actuated by a rotary stepper motor.

Abstract: A valve unit, in particular for use at the suction inlet of a pumping apparatus, comprises a ball valve having a ball (2) and a seat (1) for controlling the flow of liquid between an inlet (18) and an outlet (19). A spring (3) forces the ball (2) into the seat (1). An actuating pin (8) projects through the valve seat (1) and contacts the ball (2). The actuating pin (8) is designed such that liquid can pass alongside the pin through a passageway (22). The armature (14) of a solenoid (12) can be pushed against a membrane (10) which is in contact with the actuating pin (8) so that the ball (2) is lifted from the seat (1) and the valve is opened. Since the opening and the closing of the valve unit can thus be actively controlled, the switching operation of the valve unit is very well reproducable resulting in a more uniform flow of the liquid delivered by a pumping apparatus connected to the outlet (19) of the valve unit.

Abstract: The oral hygiene device comprises a nozzle-holder connectable to a liquid source and a nozzle (1) removably attached to the nozzle-holder, the nozzle being intended for spraying either a multi-jet of liquid via a first duct or a single jet of liquid via a second duct. A two-way valve (5) makes it possible to direct the liquid towards one duct or the other and therefore the branching of the two liquid ducts are located in the nozzle itself. There is a restoring spring (27) which is such that the stable position of the device is for multi-jet spraying, while under the action of an external force exerted on the control member (6) of the valve the device assumes the single-jet position.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a fluid-driven tool having an elongated conduit with a bore communicating with the source of fluid, and an elongated valve member received in the bore. The valve assembly has a ball received in a chamber defining a valve seat, with the chamber communicating with the source in order to drive the ball against the seat. The valve assembly has a valve pin extending through the conduit in order to actuate and move the ball away from the valve seat to permit passage of the fluid through the valve member past the seat, and a paddle for actuating the valve pin in order to open the valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator assembly of the type including a hydraulic system comprising a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a conduit interconnecting the master and slave cylinder. One-way valve means are provided, either mounted on the master cylinder or interposed in the conduit interconnecting the master and slave cylinders, and these valve means function to block communication between the system and the associated reservoir when the system if pressurized but allow flow of replenishing fluid from the reservoir into the system when the system is depressurized to compensate for system losses and wear in the associated vehicular mechanism. The valve further includes a manual override member in the form of a plunger which is manually depressed and which moves a valving member of the valve to a position in which it establishes communication between the reservoir port and the system port so that fluid may be moved from the system and into the reservoir even when the system is pressurized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolation chamber valve. The isolation chamber valve of the invention includes, for connecting its inlet passage and its outlet passage, a by-pass circuit of small section comprising at least a flap the opening and closing of which can be controlled as required. This isolation chamber valve is used in particular in the operation of shafts for deposits or the storage of gas or other fluids under pressure.

Abstract: A locking valve assembly for use with air cylinder and in pneumatic circuits and including a locking valve for selectively locking air pressure in the air cylinder. The locking valve is pilot operated to provide for release of air pressure from the air cylinder and also includes a manual override apparatus for providing for release of the locking valve in the absence of pilot pressure.

Abstract: An iosolation valve usable with an adaptive braking/traction control system comprising a plurality of passages adapted to communicate to a variety of pressure sources and an outlet port adapted to communicate to at least one brake cylinder. A valve movable to open and close one or the other of opposingly situated first and second passages to alternately communicate a master cylinder to the outlet port or a second pressure source to the outlet port so that when the first passage is closed by the valve the brake master cylinder is isolated from the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A body rest such as a bed with means incorporated for avoiding the development of pressure sores (decubitus ulcer) caused by prolonged local pressure against a patient's body. The bed comprises: a matrix of freely vertical displaceable supports, in the form of free-floating, pressurized air-supported pistons, constituting together the continuous couch surface of the bed. The pressure exerted by the patient's body sections against their respective support pistons is constantly measured. Valves are provided associated with and controlling the discharge of the air from the piston chambers under the pressure applied to each one of the respective support pistons. After a preset time and level of pressure prevailing within a given piston chamber, a fixed amount of air is discharged, thereby partly relieving the pressure and causing the downward displacement of the respective piston. At the end of the cycle, all the pistons are brought back to their initial, common high level.

Abstract: A flow controlling valve is provided for disposition within a pipeline or the like which may be subject to excessive vibrations and/or temperature and the valve includes a valve member shiftable between open and closed positions, yieldingly biased to the closed position and retained in an open position through the utilization of frangible retaining means having a first portion connected to the valve member and a second portion anchored relative to the body of the valve through the utilization of a fusible link.

Abstract: A normal directional flowing type water supply device comprising: a connector in a form of short pipe with threads at both ends, a leading hole and a ball with a diameter slightly larger than that of the leading hole in it, to be connected to a water supply pipe, and stops water outlet by means of the ball which can seal the leading hole by water pressure over it; the normal directional flowing faucet has an inlet path and an outlet path below the inlet path, a push rod in the inlet path for extending to the aforesaid water stopper to push away the ball so that water can flow into the inlet path, and a knob between the inlet and outlet paths to control opening and closing of the leading hole by rising and lowering a valve rod; and the instant opener, which is to be connected to outlet of the faucet, has a ball in it to control opening and closing of its leading hole, and a push rod to push the ball aside in order to open the leading hole for outflowing of water.

Abstract: A dasphpot damper for acting between two objects subject to move toward and away from one another including a housing including an elongated cavity, a piston mounted within the housing cavity for reciprocating movement therealong and dividing the cavity into two variable-volume, hydraulic fluid chambers, and a network of passages permitting hydraulic fluid to flow between the two variable-volume chambers as the housing and piston move relative to one another in response to relative movements between the two objects utilizes unitary flow control cartridge mounted within the housing and defining a passageway through which hydraulic fluid is forced to flow when passing between the two variable-volume chambers. The flow control cartridge also includes a check valve device associated with the passageway for controllably restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid in one direction through the passageway and for permitting substantially unrestricted flow of hydraulic fluid in the other direction through the passageway.

Abstract: In a directional seat valve all the valve seat components disposed axially adjacent each other in the housing bore are held between two closure screws and for assembling the valve the movable valve elements are supported via the valve actuating pin on a punch. By turning the closure screws the valve seat components can be adjusted in the axial direction so that the actuating pin has a predetermined spacing with respect to the housing end side of the valve. An advantage resides in that in the assembly of the valve itself a constant dimension can be set between the actuating pin and the housing and consequently an adjustment on subsequent attachment to the actuating means dispensed with, in particular an adjustment of the actuator cooperating with the actuating pin.

Abstract: A combination shut off and check valve is disclosed in which the shut off valve function is provided by a manipulable ball closure. A loose ball is contained in a chamber upstream of the ball closure. A seat for the loose ball is provided at the downstream end of this chamber and is located either on the ball closure or on the downstream opening of the chamber. The loose ball will not seat itself ordinarily because the chamber is sufficiently large so as to cause the center of the loose ball to be below the central axis of the ball closure flow hole. A pressure differential in the downstream direction causes the loose ball to roll up an inclined ramp leading to the seat, where it seats in check valve fashion.

Abstract: A water saving device that is attached to a conventional water faucet and that includes a vertical movable actuating member for promptly closing off water flow through the device, and further includes a laterally movable member that is pressed inwardly to move a ball valve to the open position for allowing flow of water through the device wherein a preset flow of water through the device may be obtained by a simple touch of the hand.

Abstract: An adjustable nonreturn ball valve for connection in a pipeline includes an elongate unobstructed main housing arranged to be connected at each end to flow pipes. There is an auxiliary housing located intermediate the ends of the main housing which has a longitudinal axis obtuse to the longitudinal axis of the main housing. There is a removable circular valve seat extending across the main housing at an obtuse angle relative thereto. The main housing is formed in two sections which are joined together at the plane of the valve seat. A ball is positioned to close upon the valve seat and is loosely entrapped in the auxiliary housing to allow flow in only one direction through the main housing, in which event and in use the ball automatically rides up in the auxiliary housing and away from the valve seat. The ball and the auxiliary housing have diameters greater than the diameter of the main housing, thereby preventing the ball from moving through the main housing.

Abstract: A combination shut off and check valve is disclosed in which the shut off valve function is provided by a manipulable ball closure. The ball closure includes a seat in its flow hole on its upstream side for accepting a loose ball included in a chamber upstream of the ball closure. The loose ball will not seat itself ordinarily because the chamber is sufficiently large so as to cause the center of the loose ball to be below the central axis of the ball closure flow hole. A pressure differential in the downstream direction causes the loose ball to roll up an inclined ramp leading to the flow hole, where it seats in check valve fashion.

Abstract: A fast-response solenoid valve. A three-way form has a body with three successive separated openings interconnected by a linear fluid pathway having two chambers lying between successive pairs of openings, each with a movable ball and a ball seat in respective ball cages. Each cage has a cylindrical exterior wall in snug engagement with the wall of the linear fluid passageway, a seat at one end, and a tanged retainer portion at the other end, so that, each ball is retained in its cage for limited axial movement between its seat and its tanged portion. A cylindrical non-magnetic tube is aligned with the linear fluid pathway, one end of the tube abutting a portion of the body. A non-magnetic end plug is held at a fixed position at the distal end of the tube, and a magnetic guide plug is held at a fixed position in the tube spaced away from the end plug. A solenoid plunger is in said tube, movable in between the two plugs and in connection with a plunger pin that engages one of the balls.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for relieving the pressure within a high pressure tank having an opening plugged by a broken safety valve of a special type utilizes a mechanism acting between the annular flange of the tank normally provided for the securement of a valve protector cap and the valve to permit pressurized contents confined within the tank to escape through the valve. The special valve includes a flow passage in axial alignment with the tank opening in which the valve portion is received and defines a ball chamber in which a spherical ball is seated. The apparatus of the invention includes a stem which is movable through the valve portion flow passage for engagement with the spherical ball to thereby unseat the ball and open the valve flow passage. By unseating the ball, contents of the tank pass out of the valve flow passage and are directed either into the atmosphere or another vessel for reclaiming purposes.

Abstract: A control apparatus used for a heat exchanger having a casing through which a first fluid flows and a tube disposed within the casing for a second fluid to flow therethrough, thereby allowing a heat exchange to occur between the first and second fluids, the control apparatus being so arranged as to change the flow rate of the second fluid in accordance with a change in temperature of the first fluid so as to maintain the temperature of the first fluid at a constant level, comprises a valve housing having a valve seat and communicating with an inlet port of the tube, a valve body disposed in the valve housing and movable between a closing position where the valve body is placed on the valve seat to prevent the second fluid from flowing into the tube and an opening position where the valve body is separated from the valve seat to allow the second fluid to flow into the tube.

Abstract: A distribution valve includes a housing having an upper fluid inlet, a plurality of bottom fluid outlets and enclosing a rotary impeller disposed directly beneath the fluid inlet, and a plurality of stationary baffles disposed between a bottom plate of the impeller and the fluid inlet for directing portions of the incoming fluid directly at a plurality of vertical vanes supported at the bottom plate of the impeller. A stationary planetary gear disposed about a vertical axis of the distribution valve engages a pair of symmetric gear assemblies supported on a rotary gear assembly base and each driven by a drive gear attached to the impeller. A foot-shaped cam is attached to the lower portion of the rotary gear assembly base and rotates through a 360.degree. angle, sequentially lifting each of a plurality of spherical valve balls from its seat in the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A pressure-reduction device forms part of a quick coupling in the first and/or second part of said coupling. The part of the coupling concerned thus comprises a first valve member (4 or 5) equipped with a valve body being either fixed or capable of linear displacement by means of which a first passageway for the fluid is able to be opened and closed. The device includes a second valve member arranged in said valve body comprising a ball (17, 30) capable of being caused to bear against a seat (18) by means of a spring member arranged in a recess in the valve body. Said ball is raised against the effect of said spring member when the first and second parts of the coupling are connected together.

Abstract: A combination safety and service valve including a body having a sealing portion for closing an opening in a high-pressure tank and an external portion which, when the sealing portion closes the tank opening, is positioned externally of the tank utilizes a ball chamber in its flow passage and a spherical ball loosely received in the chamber for preventing the escape of contents of the tank if the external portion were to separate from the sealing portion. The ball chamber is adapted to sealingly accept the ball at its outlet end, and the ball is of such size that a pressure differential across the ball chamber urges the ball into sealing engagement with the ball chamber outlet. A stem associated with the external portion of the valve body prevents the ball from engaging the chamber outlet end until the external portion is separated from the sealing portion.

Abstract: In a system for leak detection having many valves, it is desirable to have high vacuum valves operated by solenoids at opposite ends of a diffusion pump in order to isolate the diffusion pump during powr failure or during an intentional shutdown. A valve having a hard spherical ball fitting a vacuum seal and having a spring means to bias the ball in a closed position will close during a power failure. A bell-shaped actuator connected to a solenoid can be used to open the valve with built-in mechanical advantage. A circuit means can be used to supply high starting voltage to the solenoid and then lower voltage to hold the valve open.

Abstract: A force and multiplication control valve which utilizes ball leverage to produce multiplied forces on a ball lock seat device. Constantly changing wear surfaces provide self-cleaning and self-compensating wear characteristics to provide extremely high reliability of the device of the present invention. Non-hardened metals can be used because of the self-compensating wear characteristics. High pressures can be handled by the valve of the present invention because of the ability to use metals for metal contact surfaces to produce a valve seal. Additionally, the present invention can be used with many fluids which would normally be corrosive to materials used in valves employing rubber-type seals. The device can be configured to act as a pressure regulator control valve, a solenoid valve and can be used with various fluids including gases and liquids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus (10) for providing a gaseous pressure pulse. Apparatus (10) includes a container (12) having an exhaust path through ports (30) and (26) of a first valve (20) when a space (32) above a ball closure element (44) is relieved of overambient pressure through ports (82) and (46) of a second valve (22) when space (84) is relieved of overambient pressure by a solenoid valve (72). The first and second valves (20,22) are structured to relieve the overambient pressure on the unsealed sides of the closure elements (44,74) rapidly thereby rapidly opening the exhaust path to create a high volume, low pressure pulse.