Abstract: A profiled seal which is subjected to the influence of gas pressure forces in a pressure chamber associated with a rotary slide valve is provided with an enlargement, facing the slide valve, of its inner cross section in order to prevent an inadmissibly large increase of the contact pressure forces between the profiled seal and the slide valve, with an enlargement.

Abstract: A faucet spring utilized to urge the faucet seal member into sealing contact with the rotatable valving member and prevent large debris, such as valve washer screws from previous faucet assemblies, from contacting the valving member under the fluid pressure. The coil spring has a substantially frusto-conical configuration with a smaller diameter upper end which engages the seal and urges it against the valving member. The larger diameter lower end of the spring engages an annular shoulder of the counterbored inlet passage of the valve assembly. The lower end of the spring also includes an obstruction member formed as an extension of the coil spring which extends into the opening of the spring's lower end to prevent large debris from traveling through the spring and seal. As a result, the faucet spring provides the added function of preventing potentially damaging debris from contacting the valving member.

Abstract: A gate valve formed with spaced parallel housing plates having axially aligned apertures which constitute a housing therebetween. Elastomeric sleeves line the apertures of the housing plates to provide an annular space between the sleeves. An elongated gate plate, having an apertured section and an imperforate section, is positioned in sliding contact with the sleeves. Actuator means reciprocate the gate plate between an open and closed position.

Abstract: The improved pre-loaded valve follower sealing apparatus comprises a follower ring and flange insert assembly. The assembly includes a pair of hollow cylinders compressively containing a follower preload and sealing element. That follower preload and sealing element is substantially annular in shape, but has an interior fluid contacting surface which is concave in transverse cross-section when not under compression, but which is rendered substantially smoothly cylindrical when placed under compression.

Abstract: A ball valve for low and high pressure applications including a metallic seat member that toroidally deflects into sealing engagement with a ball member outer surface upon valve assembly. The seat member includes an outer circumferential rim portion and a radially inward extending frusto-conical portion. The rim portion is radially interposed between an annular, resilient flange member and an annular support member. The rim portion and resilient flange member define a behind-the-seat seal while the frusto-conical portion and support member abuttingly engage during extreme pressure conditions for added structural support. The radially innermost edge of the frusto-conical portion has an arcuate conformation to inhibit scoring of the ball member surface.

Abstract: In a sealing mechanism for a damper plate for a duct, seal members are made in the form of multi-convoluted sheet metal bellows, which engage each side of the damper plate around the periphery of the duct. When the duct is moved from an open position to a closed position, it slides between the seal elements forcing them apart. When the plate is slid from a closed position to an open position, the spring bias in the bellows members will cause them to expand to engage each other.

Abstract: A valve consisting of a housing (1) provided with a flow-through passage (4), of a closing member (2) having the shape of a rotational body or part of a rotational body and provided with an aperture (6), and turnably disposed in said flow-through passage, and of a sealing member (3) disposed between the closing member and the housing. Between the sealing member (3) and the housing (1) has been arranged an intermediate space (8) in which when the valve is in closed position prevails a pressure urging the sealing member against the closing member (2). From said intermediate space (8) leads a passage (12) to a point close to that portion of the sealing member (3) adjacent to which an aperture communicating with the flow passage is first established when the valve is being opened.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism capable of use in a valve subject to extended temperatures and pressures. The sealing mechanism comprises a seal ring positioned within a groove circumferential with respect to the passageway of the valve. A convex seating portion of the seal ring extends through an annular opening in the groove, for sealing engagement with a closure member. Shoulder portions, which extend from the sides of the seating portion, abut the sidewalls of the groove. The seal ring is compressed in width within the groove, so that a resilient side-sealing force is imparted to the contact of the shoulder portions with the sidewalls of the groove. Substantially leak proof sealing is achieved, which is maintained even in the event of high temperature conditions or fire.

Abstract: The gate valve includes a body having a valve member or gate chamber, passages communicating through the body into the chamber, a recess in the body surrounding the opening of each passage into the chamber, a bushing positioned in each of the recesses, a gate positioned within the chamber, means for moving the gate within the chamber between positions communicating flow between the passages and closing flow between the passages, inner and outer unidirectional seals positioned between the surface of each of the recesses facing the gate and the opposing surface of the bushing in the recess, each of the seals include a U-shaped lip sealing element and a U-shaped spring positioned within the lip sealing element and urging the legs of the element apart into sealing engagement between the bushing and the body, the inner seal, which is positioned closest to the passage has the open end of its sealing element facing the passage and the outer seal, which is farther from the passage than the inner seal, has the open en

Abstract: A mixing valve for a faucet includes a faucet body with a chamber that receives a cartridge. The cartridge has an axially movable bottom section which seats a fixed plate. A movable plate is housed in the cartridge above the fixed plate and is connected to a controlling handle to cooperate with the fixed plate so as to regulate water flow in the mixing proportions. The bottom of the cartridge can axially move and is provided with two seals one operated between the cartridge and the faucet body and the other between the cartridge bottom and fixed plate. The total working area within the seal between the cartridge and faucet is larger than the total working area within the seal between the cartridge and fixed plate so that hydraulic pressure working within these areas finds the hydraulic force which biases the cartridge bottom upward to compress it against the fixed plate and the fixed plate against the movable plate.

Abstract: A damper mechanism of the slide gate type includes two curved seal segments positioned in back-to-back abutting relation to function as the primary flue seal. A seal door when closed extends between the upper ends of the seal segments and applies compression to the spaced appart ends to form, in combination with the seal segments, a closed chamber which functions as a secondary seal. Means are provided for applying a thrust force to the upper end of one of the seal segments to move that seal segment into abutting relation with the other seal segment when the slide gate is withdrawn. In a preferred embodiment, the thrust force is applied by the seal door during its closing. In another preferred embodiment, the closed chamber formed by the seal door and seal segments is enlarged and compressed air is pumped into the chamber to improve its functioning as a secondary seal.

Abstract: Selective retraction of a spring-biased valve seat from slidable sealing engagement with a ball valve member is effected by a threaded retraction tool inserted through a threaded retraction port normally sealed by a removable sealing screw and gasket. The tapered distal end of the tool contacts a radially outward-facing and convex camming surface of the valve seat that tapers toward the forward/sealing end of the seat. Rotation of the tool in a direction to increase insertion causes the distal end of the tool to slide along the camming surface while forcing the valve seat away from the valve ball in opposition to the resilient bias sealing force. The taper in the camming surface may be provided as a smooth generally parabolodial configuration or as discrete surface segments subtending different respective cam angles with a reference plane oriented perpendicular to the direction of the spring bias force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic lined rotatable valve. The valve includes a valve body that is formed by at least two connected together body parts or halves. Each body half is lined with an inert plastic material. The seal between the body halves or parts is provided by sealing flanges on the plastic lining. The sealing flanges are resiliently urged together, thereby to compensate for cold flow and to isolate the sealing flanges from stresses on the valve body due to uneven piping loads. The valve body halves or parts include rims about the junction where the halves or parts are joined together which form a rigid shell for the valve body, which further isolates the sealing flanges from mechanical stresses. The valve includes a plastic encapsulated valve member that is rotatable by a plastic encapsulated stem. A packing is provided for sealing between the stem and valve body.

Abstract: Gate valve means connected in a waste pipe system have a hollow housing with an inlet and an outlet connected to the waste pipe system. A blade is disposed in the housing at a substantially right angle to the waste pipe system and is selectively movable between a closed position blocking the inlet from the outlet, and an open position allowing waste flow between the inlet and outlet. The blade moves between the open and closed positions and a pair of seals are disposed in the housing in an abutting relationship aligned to receive the blade therebetween when in the closed position and to seal waste flow between the inlet and outlet from the interior of the housing when the blade is in the open position. Each of the pair of seals has a unique design enabling it to mechanically rotate with the blade, thereby limiting wearing forces thereon.

Abstract: A ball valve comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore extending inwardly from the exterior and defining a valve chamber with inlet and outlet passages connected from the exterior of the housing to the chamber. A ball valve member is positioned axially in the chamber and has a cylindrical operating stem extending axially of the bore into a position exterior of the housing. Positioned within the chamber is a mass of resilient packing material which surrounds the ball and substantially fills the chamber. Adjustable means are provided for applying a compressive load to the packing to cause it to sealingly engage the inner walls of the chamber and the exterior of the ball member. The adjustable means include a rigid circular gland member closely received in the bore and extending transversely thereof in engagement with the packing. A circular opening in the gland member closely surrounds the operating stem and disk spring means are positioned on the gland member on the side opposite the packing.

Abstract: A ball valve comprising a valve body defining inlet and outlet sections, and a ball with a calibrated through-port. The valve further comprises a stem to rotate the ball between open and closed positions, a seal to insure a fluid tight closure of the valve when the ball is in the closed position, and a mechanism for retracting the seal. This seal retracting mechanism is selectively coupled to the stem, and the mechanism eliminates all contact, when the valve is in the open position, (i) between the ball and the seal, and (ii) between the stem and the seal retracting mechanism.

Abstract: A seal mechanism in a ball valve in which a valve seat made of an elastic material such as rubber is enforced under pressure into a seat retaining groove defined with a half-groove formed along the outer circumference on the top end of an inner ring and a half-groove formed along the inner circumference on the top end of an outer ring, and the diameter for the sealing point at the corner on the top end along the inner circumferential surface of the valve seat bulging out of the seat retaining groove to be in press contact with a ball-like valve body is made greater than the diameter for the sealing point at the corner on the counter-top end along the inner circumferential surface of the valve seat facing the side wall on the counter-top end of the inner ring that constitutes said half-groove, is improved for the sealing performance under the high fluid pressure condition such that an inner groove is formed at a part on the counter-top end along the circumferential wall of the inner ring that constitutes the h

Abstract: An improved, soft-seated fire-safe ball valve is disclosed. The ball valve includes a body having a central passageway, a ball member positioned in the passageway, and a pair of radially inwardly extending shoulders in the passageway disposed circumferentially thereof on opposite sides of the ball member. The ball member includes a fluid flow opening therethrough and is mounted for selective rotation between valve open and closed positions to control fluid flow through the valve. An improved seat assembly is provided comprising a rigid reinforcing ring, an elastic seat ring supported by the reinforcing ring and configured for fluid sealing engagement to the ball member, and a deformable, heat resistant secondary seat ring interposed between the elastic seat ring and an associated one of the pair of shoulders. Also, a weir ring may be advantageously received in the seat ring. Upon fire damage to the elastic seat ring, the secondary seat ring engages the ball member to seal the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve is disclosed having an improved seat ring particularly adapted for sealing a ball member in an end-loaded or top-loaded valve body. The ball is mounted for selective rotation and limited axial movement in a valve body passageway. The seat rings are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ball about valve inlet and outlet openings. Frusto-conical disc springs interposed between each seat ring and an associated valve body shoulder urge the seat rings into engagement with the ball. A rigid reinforcing ring is disposed intermediate of the flexible seat ring for integral movement with the seat ring and for reinforcing the seat ring against collapse under pressure. The reinforcing ring is received in an annular channel about the periphery of the seat ring and preferably comprises a split metal ring in a stressed and expanded condition.

Abstract: A self-actuating temperature sensitive seal comprised of a bimetallic C-ring. Differences in the relative rates of thermal expansivity of the inner face and the outer face of the C-ring cause the C-ring to expand or contract in response to temperature variations. Expansion of the C-ring will create a seal, and contraction of the C-ring will remove the seal between the surfaces surrounding the C-ring. The bimetallic ring may also be used in combination with a spring-biased soft seal made of a fluorocarbon polymer, such as Teflon, to form a fire-safe composite seal. In cryogenic applications, the bimetallic C-ring can provide a seal by itself, or as a biasing element within a surrounding soft jacket.

Abstract: A top entry ball valve is proposed which has a valve body formed with a valve chamber, a valve mounted in the valve chamber, a seat ring at the low-pressure side, and a seat ring assembly having another seat ring, a belleville spring and a seat ring holder at the high-pressure side. The seat ring assembly can be easily mounted into and removed out of the valve chamber by use of a clamp while comprising the belleville spring. The clamp comprises a pair of clamping pieces fastened together with a bolt.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a flow control apparatus, such as a guillotine damper, is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention is particularly intended for dampers or other flow control devices utilizing pressurized sealing air to effect complete sealing. The closure member is of the type that moves completely out of the main fluid passageway when opened. Each of the two lateral seals, which cooperate with lateral edges of the closure member, includes an extended portion with a curved segment which takes the form of a cylindrical arc to stiffen each lateral seal against movement normal to the plane of the seal. This, in turn, allows considerable reduction in the clearances and gaps in the corners between the lateral seals and an entry seal to reduce the flow volume of the sealing air, to reduce the overall power requirements, and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A three-way ball valve having a valve body containing a valve chamber and three passages in T shape wherein two branch-like passages are for cold water and steam or hot water and the trunk-like passage is for outlet of warm water. A flow controlling ball valve of hollow mushroom-like construction consisting of a spherical part and a cylindrical part, is supported within the valve chamber rotatably about its valve stem axis which is perpendicular to the plane formed by the three passages. The hollow space is divided into two half-cylindrical rooms. Each room has a group of holes through the spherical shell for connecting the room to each inlet passage, and another group of holes through the cylindrical shell to the outside mixing room defined by the remaining space of the valve chamber wherein the flow controlling ball valve is placed. The two inlet fluids flow into the half-cylindrical rooms through the holes at the spherical shell functioning as flow controller, respectively.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes an upper stationary refractory plate to be mounted on a metallurgical vessel, a movable refractory plate sealed against the upper stationary refractory plate, a slide unit for moving the movable refractory plate in a direction of movement between an open position with discharge openings in the movable refractory plate and the upper stationary refractory plate in alignment and a closed position with the discharge openings out of alignment, a lower stationary refractory plate mounted beneath the movable refractory plate, and tensioning devices for pressing the lower stationary refractory plate against the movable refractory plate. Guide members are provided for relieving the pressure of the tensioning devices on the lower stationary refractory plate upon movement of the movable refractory plate to the closed position, thereby enabling replacement of the lower stationary refractory plate. The guide members are provided on the slide unit and extend in the direction of movement.

Abstract: A valve having a rotary valve head with an elastomeric seal attached to the valve head for use in a conduit is disclosed. Separate embodiments for use in a downhole tool and in an accessible surface valve are disclosed. An axially movable actuator tube is engagable with the elastomeric seal to maintain sealing integrity. A valve head with an integrally mounted seal can be actuated by an axially movable camming member or by a lever pivoting about an axis transverse to the conduit. Rotation of the valve head from the closed position aligns a flow passage with the conduit to permit fluid flow.

Abstract: A clamp for use with a top entry type ball valve having a valve casing, a valve body, a seat ring, and a seat ring assembly consisting of another seat ring, a belleville spring and a seat ring holder. The clamp has a pair of clamping plates, a clamping bolt, and a pair of fulcrum bolts. These bolts are screwed through the clamping plates. The lower ends of the clamping plates engage the top of the seat ring and the seat ring holder, respectively. The clamping plates are moved away from each other at the clamping bolt and the distance between them is kept constant at the fulcrum bolts. Thus, the clamping force is applied to the lower ends of the clamping plates.

Abstract: A self-contained, unitary mixing cartridge for use in hot and cold water faucets for manually selecting the mixture-proportions and flow-rates of water supplied from separate hot water and cold water inlets to a common outlet, comprises an outer housing, an inner housing, a lever pivotably mounted in the inner housing and having an outer end projecting through the top wall of the outer housing for coupling to the faucet handle, and a slide valve within the inner housing and coupled to the inner end of the lever.

Abstract: A gate valve, seat, and face seal therefor, the valve including a valve body defining a longitudinal flowway and a valve element mounted in the valve body and movable transverse to the flowway between open and closed positions. The valve seat mounted in the valve body includes a seat body having an axially facing annular contact face for opposition to the valve element and an annular groove extending axially thereinto, the annular groove in turn having inner and outer side walls. The face seal comprises an annular elastomeric seal body having a base portion disposed in the annular groove and a sealing portion which, in a relaxed condition, projects axially outwardly from the annular groove. The seal body further has an annular auxiliary sealing formation extending about its outer diameter and sealing engaging the outer side wall of the annular groove.

Abstract: A fluid valve system (10) is provided to control fluid flow passing from a conduit passage (12). The valve system (10) includes a movable closure (20) which is reversibly displaceable in a transverse direction (22) passing in a direction substantially normal to the fluid flow passing in a longitudinal direction (14). The movable closure (20) is insertable within the conduit passage (12) in order to block or cut off the fluid flow passing through aligned conduits (16 and 18). The valve system (10) includes a pair of resilient sealing mechanisms (34) which provide for substantially planar second sealing base members (46) for resiliently contacting opposing surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20). Additionally, there is provided a biasing mechanism (56) for resiliently biasing the second sealing base members (46) into contiguous contact with surfaces (48 and 50) of movable closure (20) over an extended area.

Abstract: A mixer valve comprising a valve body, control means, a changeable cartridge inserted into the body of the valve, a fixed hard material plaque mounted in the cartridge, and a movable plaque housed in the cartridge, connected to the control means and intended to cooperate with the fixed plaque to carry out the regulation of the flow rate and the mixing ratio, and wherein the changeable cartridge is contained in the body of the valve with an axial clearance; the cartridge carries peripherally, near its inner end, a gasket intended to radially seal in a corresponding bore of the valve body; there is provided a sealing union acting between the cartridge and one of the water inlet pipes; the other water inlet pipe communicates with the bottom portion of the valve body; the remaining portion of the body cavity comunicates with a delivery union; and there may be provided a resilient member acting between the valve body and the cartridge to permanently apply a preloading force onto the plaques.

Abstract: A ball valve having an improved relationship between the ball and associated seat rings and an improved seat ring design. The ball is mounted for selective rotation and limited axial movement in a valve body passageway. Seat rings disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ball about valve inlet and outlet openings each include a ball engaging surface having an arcuate contour. At a relaxed preassembly reference position, the radius of curvature of the ball engaging surface is greater than the radius of curvature of the ball. Frusto-conical disc springs interposed between each seat ring and an associated valve body shoulder additionally urge the seat rings into engagement with the ball. A reinforcing ring disposed at the forward end of each seat ring acts as a rigid bearing surface.

Abstract: A top-entry ball valve 10 comprising a valve body 12 having a chamber 13, flow passages 14, 15, a ball 20 rotatably mounted in the chamber for movement between open and closed positions relative to the passages, and a pair of seat assemblies 50 at opposed sides of the ball which may be loaded into engagement with the ball or disengaged therefrom. Each seat assembly 50 comprises a seat ring 51 having a rear portion 51a, a larger diameter portion 51b which forms a shoulder 51c, and a face seal 59. Three pins 65 in the seat ring 51 in equiangular spaced relation project from the shoulder 51c. A spacer ring 53 sleeved about the rear 51a of the seat ring 51 is provided with recesses 68 adapted to receive the pins 65. The spacer 53 is mounted for movement between a first position where it is engaged by the tips of pins 65 and a second position wherein the pins 65 are in the recesses 68.

Abstract: A valve assembly for powdery granules comprises a valve housing having upper and lower walls formed with upper and lower openings, a valve member having a hollow cylindrical valve body rotatably supported within the valve housing, and a drive mechanism for turning the valve member through an angular range of about 90.degree. so as to hold the valve member upright in the vertical direction. The valve housing has, at the peripheral edge of its upper opening, a tapered surface which is enlarged downwards, and a circular groove is formed behind the tapered surface. Arranged in the circular groove is an elastic hollow seal ring, part of which is permitted to protrude into the interior of the valve housing through a circular slit formed in the tapered surface.

Abstract: A bidirectional valve useful at all temperatures from cryogenic to extreme fire temperatures. The sealing means for the bidirectional valve comprises a metallic sealing element having a pair of spaced sealing lobes defined thereon which are coated with a Teflon compound. A third sealing lobe is defined on the metallic sealing element between the pair of sealing lobes and is constructed solely of metal. A pair of coated sealing lobes further function as wipers to prevent sand, dirt or similar foreign particles from becoming crushed between the valve disc and metallic sealing lobe during the final closing of the valve. When the valve is exposed to fire conditions, the Teflon coated sealing lobes melt out leaving the metallic lobe as the fire safe sealing lobe.

Abstract: The device comprises a body (1) provided with two coaxial circular openings (3, 4) for connecting two sections of pipe, wherein each opening has an oblique seat (5, 6) receiving a wedge formed of two counter-seats (9, 10), a spherical ball (11) and a cage (12) in which the ball carries elastic means (23) which exert a pressure from said wedge on its seats (5, 6), and a rod (26) enabling said wedge to be unwedged, said ball being provided with a rotation shaft (13) and springs (18) enabling the counter-seats to be detached from the ball in the unwedged position of the wedge.

Abstract: A sliding plate valve for a gas chromatograph or the like is provided with a pneumatic actuator (22) for reciprocating a slider assembly (24) and slide pad (26) over the face surface (28) of the valve body (20). Flow passages (44) are aligned with flow openings (42) in the face surface (28) as the slide pad (26) reciprocates between purge and sample positions. The slide pad (26) is urged against the face surface (28) by force springs (60) which are movable with the reciprocating slider housing (64). The slide pad (26) and assembly (24) are maintained in alignment by the interaction of chamfered grooves (68, 70) and chamfered lip surfaces (76, 78).

Abstract: A unitary axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The conduits to be interconnected are attached to a hollow stationary body, or stator assembly, which is comprised of three sections, or elements, each of which is cylindrical in exterior form. There are fluid flow paths in a rotating body, or rotor assembly, which is located inside the stator assembly. The rotor assembly assumes various positions according to the cycle steps and distributes fluid flowing into and out of the valve in a different manner in each cycle step. There are spaces between the rotor and stator assemblies which contain sealing means for prevention of leakage and definition of flow passages.

Abstract: A ball valve has a movable upstream valve seat with a metal lip engageable with the valve ball under pressure generated by a bellows section or metal membrane connected between the movable valve seat and the housing. The force of fluid pressure against this moveable valve seat is relieved by operation of a bypass valve connecting opposite sides of this seat. The ball can also have a deformable metal lip.

Abstract: A ball valve designed for high pressure shut-off at fluid pressures approaching the ultimate compressive stress of plastic annular seat rings which are employed. The ball member is trunnion mounted in order to carry the total force of the shut-off pressure and the seat rings are disposed in seat ring carriers. Each seat ring includes a spherical ball engaging surface having a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the ball. Each carrier is continuously urged toward the ball by a plurality of disc springs in order that the seat ring engaging surfaces will be in continuous sealing engagement with the ball surface. The seat ring engaging surfaces are configured so that at least the areas thereof located adjacent the outer diameters will be first to sealingly engage the ball.

Abstract: A unitary axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The conduits to be interconnected are attached to a hollow stationary body, or stator assembly, which is comprised of three sections, or elements, each of which is cylindrical in form. There are fluid flow channels in a rotating body, or rotor assembly, which is located inside the stator assembly and configured in a manner similar to it. The rotor assembly assumes various positions according to the cycle steps and distributes fluid flowing into and out of the valve, by means of the conduits, in a different manner in each cycle step. There are annular volumes between the rotor and stator assemblies which contain sealing means for prevention of leakage and definition of flow passages.

Abstract: A gate valve is disclosed having a secondary seal, wherein the gate forms a metal to metal seal with the seat and wherein a resilient seal is moved toward the gate in a closed position to form a secondary fluid-tight seal with the gate. A device for deenergizing the secondary seal is provided in order to prevent wear of the secondary seal upon opening of the gate and also to reduce the gate drag caused by the energized secondary seal. Also disclosed is a pressure relief mechanism for the secondary seal adapted to prevent damage to the seal and a mechanism for evenly applying opposing secondary seals.

Abstract: A Top Entry Trunnion Ball Valve is provided having a valve body forming seat recesses with seat members movable disposed therein and urged towards sealing engagement with a spherical valve member by spring members and by differential pressure induced force. A seat retractor mechanism is movably disposed within the valve body and is movable by an externally controlled tool into retracting engagement with the seat members. The seat members and the seat retractor element have cooperative cam surfaces that cause camming movement of the seat members away from the valve member upon linear movement of the seat retractor. A fire safe seal and spring chamber is in communication with a relief passage having volumetric closure plugs permitting introduction of solvent or other softening agent into the spring chambers for removal of any accumulation of foreign material therein.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which is particularly suitable for operation and maintenance under extreme environments. It includes a valve body, a ball valve member rotatably mounted within the valve body, a bonnet removably secured to the valve body, and seat retaining asemblies removably secured to the bonnet. Upon removal of the bonnet, the valve member and all internals are also removed as a unit so that they may be serviced at a convenient location. The seat retaining assemblies may include inclined surfaces which seat against oppositely inclined surfaces defined within the valve body. An alignment plate is secured to the seat retaining assemblies to insure proper sealing.

Abstract: A ball valve with an emergency sealing device has a ball having a through hole rotatably mounted within a valve body; ball seat retainers are positioned between the valve body and the ball; ball seats, made of a heat destructible material are mounted on the ball seat retainers and brought into sealing contact with the ball surface, one each to the ball seat retainers; first sealing rings, made of a heat destructible material for functioning under normal conditions are mounted one each on portions of the ball seat retainers where they contact the valve body; annular projection surfaces are provided on each ball seat retainer on parts of the outer circumferences of the ball seat retainers; second sealing rings, made of a heat resistant, flexible material for functioning in case of emergency, are mounted one each on portions of the annular projection surfaces of the ball seat retainers where they contact the inner circumference of the valve body and have pressing mechanisms engaging them, the diameter of the sec

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with an inlet into the valve chamber and an outlet from the chamber, a gate in the chamber, a bonnet with an opening therethrough, secured to the body, a stem connected to operate the gate and extending through the bonnet opening, a seat in the bonnet, a shoulder on the stem, heat responsive means holding the stem out of back seating position during normal operation and releasing to back seat responsive to excess heat, body bushing surrounding said inlet and outlet and sealing against the gate, each of the bushings having resilient sealing means and a sealing lip for sealing against a sealing surface on said body.

Abstract: A fluid tap includes a first cylinder having a first axial hole adapted to be communicating with a fluid source and a first radial through hole in communication with the first axial hole for discharging therefrom the fluid coming from the fluid source and a second cylinder having a second axial hole for rotatably, securely and sealingly receiving therein the first cylinder and a second radial through hole capable of in alignment with the first radial through hole so that the wall defining the second axial hole will prevent the first radial through hole from discharging therefrom the fluid when the first and second cylinders are in a first relative position that the first and second through holes are incapable of communicating with each other and the second radial through hole will discharge therefrom the fluid when the first and second cylinders are in a second relative position that the first and second radial through holes are in communication.

Abstract: A ball valve operable between a fully-open position and a closed position for regulating fluid flow includes a valve body machined and arranged with a flow passageway extending completely therethrough and receiving at each end a fluid fitting for coupling to flow lines. Disposed within the interior of the valve body is a ball plug member which is supported below by a stem and needle bearing arrangement and is operable to be turned 90 degrees by a handle, stem and bonnet arrangement. The internal position of the ball plug member is maintained by a pair of ball seats which are centrally disposed within the flow passageway and are held in position by means of adapter cylinders which are in turn held in position by retainer plates. In order to maintain spring-loaded pressure and to provide a sealed interface between the ball seat and the adapter cylinder, spring seal assemblies are disposed within the adapter cylinder and between the ball seat and corresponding retainer plate.

Abstract: An ball valve having a body with an open valve chamber therein, passages into the valve chamber, an opening through the top of the body, a boss having an internal recess opposite and aligned with said opening, a closure releasably secured to said body and closing valve chamber, a ball positioned within said chamber and having a passage therethrough, an upper shaft extending through said opening and a lower shaft positioned in said boss recess, rotation of said upper shaft rotating said ball to control flow through said valve, and a sealing assembly positioned to seal against said ball and having resilient seals and metal seal rings for sealing against pressure independent of the direction of flow or pressure even after the valve has been exposed to sufficient heat to destroy the resilient seals of the sealing assembly.

Abstract: A fluid valve capable of operation in high pressure, bidirectional flowpaths includes a chamber having a circular port in which an axially and radially movable seat ring is engaged by an eccentrically movable valve plug having a spherically convex sealing surface. The plug is mounted to a valve shaft supported in the body for rotation about an axis transverse to, but offset from, the centerline of the port. The seat ring, body and a retainer ring include among them a pair of annular channels for retaining a pair of seals adapted for improving their sealing action with pressure.

Abstract: A valve of special usefulness in handling solids-containing or solids-producing fluids comprises a floating valve seat comprised of inner and outer rings, the outer ring being fixed within the valve body and the inner ring being urged directly from the outer ring by one or more springs against a gate element controlling the flow of fluids through the valve. The springs are housed within chambers provided by aligned cavities in the inner and outer rings while similarly aligned notches house a bellows or accordian shaped flexible metal seal. The flexible metal seal is in contact with the fluid but prevents entry of fluid between the rings to the spring; thus, the action of the inner and outer rings is not impeded by solids depositing from the fluid.