Abstract: Example aspects of a valve key, a meter valve, and a method for securing a valve key of a meter valve are disclosed. The valve key for a meter valve can comprise a key body defining an upper key body end and a lower key body end, a key head extending from the upper key body end, and a key stem extending from the lower key body end, wherein the key stem, key head, and key body define a monolithic structure, the key stem defining an extension portion and a securing portion, the securing portion defining a securing portion engagement surface.

Abstract: A faucet actuator torque increasing system and method for increasing torque applied to an actuator includes a grip. The grip has a perimeter wall with a continuous convexly arcuate shape. A coupler is removably mounted on the perimeter wall of the grip. The coupler includes a first segment and a second segment which are pivotably coupled to each other via a connector. The first and second segments move between a closed condition engaging the grip and an open condition for disengaging the grip. Each of the first and second segments has an interior surface. The interior surfaces abut the grip in the closed condition. A locking member releasably locks the coupler in the closed condition. A handle is integrally attached to and extends away from the coupler. A stop is attached to the coupler to abut against the grip when in the closed condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical apparatus including a display unit, a lens configured to pass an image formed by and transmitted from the display unit, a base configured to accommodate the lens therein, and an adjustment unit configured to move the lens relative to the base so as to adjust a path of light passing through the lens.

Abstract: A valve unit and an apparatus having the same include a plug which includes a phase change material in a solid state at a room temperature and a plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material. The fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material dissipate heat by absorbing an electromagnetic wave energy generated by electromagnetic wave radiation from the outside and block fluid flow in a path formed by a channel. As an external energy source irradiates an electromagnetic wave on the plug, the plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dissipate heat and the phase change material becomes molten, thus opening the path to allow the fluid to flow.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly which includes at least one, but typically two, balls (12,14) located along a passage and which balls can be moved between open and closed positions to selectively control the passage of fluid along the passage. The valve assembly includes at at least one end thereof a retaining assembly (32,34) which allows the effective sealing against one surface of a ball and retention of the same in position. A sealing assembly is also provided when two balls are provided, intermediate the same, which allows effective sealing to be achieved and at least one of the two trunnions which allows each of the balls to be mounted within the valve body is located only internally of the valve body. The components of the valve assembly which are located within the same can in one embodiment all be inserted into and located within the valve body from one common end.

Abstract: The specification discloses a seal member for selectively completing a fluid passageway defined between an upstream member and a downstream member separated by an intermediate space, the seal member comprising an elongate stem portion dimensioned to be movably positionable in an opening defined through the upstream member between opposite first and second surfaces thereof, the elongate stem portion having provided at one end thereof a resiliency deformable, radially-extending flange and at the other end thereof a sealing face, and a fluid passageway defined through the stem portion between the flange and the sealing face. The flange is deformable under fluid pressure to increase the area of contact between the flange and the first surface of the upstream member and to simultaneously move the stem portion within the opening defined in the upstream member so as to bring the sealing face into sealing contact with an opposing surface of the downstream member across the intermediate space.

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

Abstract: A flow control valve for fluidized material comprises a valve housing having a valve chamber with a valve seat and a valve plug having a flow passage, the valve plug being arranged inside the valve chamber in front of the valve seat (30) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation for controlling a flow through the flow control valve. It further comprises spring means biasing the valve plug against the valve seat perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, for achieving a sealing contact between the valve seat and the valve plug. According to an important aspect of the invention, the spring means comprises at least one cantilever spring (40) arranged in a clearance space opposite to the valve seat (30) so as to bias the valve plug against the valve seat.

Abstract: A metallic seal for a 90° valve features a generally rectangular shape in section that defines a chamber open to internal pressure that can enlarge the chamber to enhance the sealing effect. Sealing occurs at discrete locations at portions of the seal that are preferably rounded in shape. Overlapping ends that define the entrance to the chamber also are positioned to minimize excessive deflection and resulting plastic deformation that could close off the entrance to the chamber.

Abstract: A valve unit and an apparatus having the same include a plug which includes a phase change material in a solid state at a room temperature and a plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material. The fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material dissipate heat by absorbing an electromagnetic wave energy generated by electromagnetic wave radiation from the outside and block fluid flow in a path formed by a channel. As an external energy source irradiates an electromagnetic wave on the plug, the plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dissipate heat and the phase change material becomes molten, thus opening the path to allow the fluid to flow.

Abstract: A blood sampling device for allowing a fluid pressure measurement and a fluid sample to be taken from a patient, having an inlet port configured to receive blood from the patient, an outlet port configured to be coupled to a monitoring channel having an infusion fluid, a sampling port configured for extraction of blood from the patient, a sampling channel configured to self-flush, after extraction, the blood with the infusion fluid, and an auxiliary channel for self-flushing the sampling channel.

Abstract: A pressure barrier apparatus 2 for providing a removable pressure barrier in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a housing 6, 8 defining a central bore 10 having a first part 20 and a second part 22 separated by an erodeable pressure barrier member 18. The housing also defines a second fluid flow passage 12 for connecting the first part to the second part, and a plurality of conduits 24 for directing fluid onto the barrier member. A sleeve 30 has a first condition in which fluid communication between the first part 20 and the second fluid flow passage 12 is prevented, and a second condition in which fluid is permitted to flow from the first part to the second fluid flow passage to cause erosion of the barrier member.

Abstract: Ball valves that include a gland that is interposed between a spring and a seat. The ball valves include a valve body, a ball, a valve seat, and an annular spring. The spring urges the gland member toward the valve seat to urge the valve seat toward the ball.

Abstract: A blood sampling device for allowing a fluid pressure measurement and a fluid sample to be taken from a patient, having an inlet port configured to receive blood from the patient, an outlet port configured to be coupled to a monitoring channel having an infusion fluid, a sampling port configured for extraction of blood from the patient, a sampling channel configured to self-flush, after extraction, the blood with the infusion fluid, and an auxiliary channel for self-flushing the sampling channel.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a main body defining a central axis and a gate. The gate includes a curved surface relative to the central axis and the gate is disposed within the main body. The gate is rotatable about an axis of rotation running along the length of the gate. The valve assembly also includes an actuation assembly for rotating the gate about the axis of rotation between a first position where said valve is open and a second position where said valve is closed.

Abstract: A valve device for a fluid such as molten metals, which permits reliable, accurate and very easy control of the flow of molten metal as well as the direction in which the molten metal is to flow. The valve device includes a valve body (6) and a valve seat (8) for accepting the valve body (6). The valve body (6) and the valve seat (8) are adapted to engage each other under an applied pressure so that the two elements can slide relative to each other. Specifically, the valve body (6) has a slanted surface and the valve seat (8) has a slanted surface so that the valve body (6) and the valve seat (8) slidably engage each other through the respective slanted surfaces. The slanted surface on the valve seat (8) has a plurality of openings (15a, 15b, 15c) which communicate with a plurality of fluid passages (11, 12, 13) within and through the valve seat (8).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a valve seat wherein the geometry of the seat is such that the resultant axial forces due to the differential between internal and external pressure across the valve seat result in a resultant axial force that urges the valve seat into sealing engagement with the plug or other type of closure member, regardless of the direction of the differential pressure. Thus the valve seat is urged against the closure member regardless of whether the line pressure or bonnet pressure is higher. In the same manner, a resultant axial force urges a seal seat of the preferred embodiment into sealing engagement with the valve body. An axially moveable seal bearing ring is positioned between the valve seat and the seal seat that alters the effective geometry of the seat elements when it moves between a first position and a second position. The seal bearing ring moves responsively to the direction of the differential pressure across the seat elements.

Abstract: A gas distribution valve including a body defining an inlet and an outlet passage, a central well containing a cylindrical plug disposed for arcuate displacement therein and including a transverse thru-bore that can be rotated into and out of axial alignment with the flow passages of said body for opening and closing the valve respectively. Overmolded elastomeric seat seals are provided for superior sealing that are urged against the well walls by an arcuate leaf spring intervening between the seals and the plug and extending in a direction concentric with the plug. A cover plate secures the plug within in the well and there is afforded a fire seal ring providing bi-directional contact sealing operative to restrict gas flow during and after exposure to fire or other high temperature environment.

Abstract: A valve stem and packing assembly is provided in which a rotatable valve stem includes a first tractrix surface for sliding contact with a stem packing and also includes a second tractrix surface for sliding contact with a bonnet. Force is applied by means of a spring, gland flange, and gland on the stem packing so the stem packing seals to the valve stem and bonnet. This configuration serves to create and maintain a reliable seal between the stem packing and the valve stem.The bonnet includes a second complementary tractrix surface for contacting the second sliding tractrix surface, the combination serving as a journal bearing for the entire valve stem and packing assembly. The journal bearing so configured is known as a Schiele's pivot. The Schiele's pivot also serves to maintain proper alignment of the valve stem with respect to the bonnet.

Abstract: An improved seal for a fertilizer injector, such as that shown in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,836, providing a rotating sealing carrier which prevents scoring by the constant rubbing of the plate carrying the injectors. The improved seal also provides that the sealing bushing is pressed against the plate by liquid pressure from the liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: In a valve in which a valve port is opened and closed by a spherical valve disc, a valve seat is pressed and supported by a support ring. A snap ring which engages with an annular groove around the support ring is inserted together with the support ring into the port. A screw is screwed into an axial threaded bore of the support ring to expand diameter of the snap ring, which results in engaging the snap ring with an annular groove of the port. Thus, the support ring is fitted in the port.

Abstract: An improved plug valve wherein a novel shape for the valve plug and valve chamber provide mating surfaces for improved wear characteristics. The novel shape of the valve plug is a frustum of a body of revolution of a curved known as a tractrix, a solid shape otherwise known as a peudosphere.

Abstract: A self-venting spool valve assembly includes a novel mechanism for retention of a rotatable spool within a longitudinally disposed valve body. The spool contains first and second flanges at opposed ends thereof, wherein the first flange is adapted to bear against the longitudinal body of the valve assembly. The second flange, however, is spaced from the valve body by a groove, and a biasing retainer is disposed within the groove for frictional engagement between the second flange and the valve body in order to sealingly retain the spool within the valve body. In the preferred form, the spool and associated bore are tapered, and contain fluid drain and air vent apertures for selective communication with fluid drain and air vent passages extending through the longitudinal body of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A tapered plug valve having a body with a removable valve seat insert that can be replaced without removing the valve body from the operating site.

Abstract: A device for metering the flow of a liquid medium passing therethrough comprises a plastic stem member having a cylindrical metering drum element projecting into and rotatively engaged in liquid tight relation with the cylindrical wall of a bore chamber in a body member to rotatively mount the stem member therein. A diametrically slotted headed stud projecting endwise from the drum element is contracted and inserted through a bore opening in the end wall of the chamber in the body member to cause the head end of the stud to snap-lock behind the chamber end wall and thus secure the stem and body members together in assembled rotative relation.

Abstract: Device on a valve for shutting and/or controlling a flow of liquid, consisting of a valve box with a chamber, to which is connected an inlet and an outlet and with a valve body in the form of a ball or cylinder so arranged as to be capable of displacement with a rolling motion from a closed position against a valve seat to an open position away from the seat. The valve is specifically intended for use as a tank valve in toilet (water-closet) cisterns. The ball is supported so as to move freely in a blind hole in a body which is cylindrical and which is supported so as to rotate in the chamber. The body may be moved from a position where the blind hole and the ball are above the valve seat to a position where these components are to one side of the seat. The blind hole is so arranged as to be approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body, and the valve seat is situated inside the valve box or in a component which is attached to it.

Abstract: A remotely controlled oil drain valve device to be installed in the threaded drain plug opening of automotive crankcase permitting drainage of crankcase oil without removal of the crankcase plug. A cylindrical tapered valve core having cylindrical arms extending from end surfaces of said cylindrical tapered valve core and being seated in a cylindrical tapered valve seat opening of a cylindrical valve body having an affixed threaded tubular nipple extending radially from said cylindrical valve body, and a disk-shaped cable bracket yoke having an extended arm affixed selectively to said cylindrical valve body by means of threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A fluid valve with a valve body and core, the core being retained in the valve body by resilient fingers which extend from the body and snap past a lip on the valve core on insertion of the core into the body.

Abstract: A valve casing is provided with a part-spherical interior sealing surface and with three valve ports each open from the outside of the casing and through the part-spherical sealing surface thereof. A part-spherical valve body or ball is mounted in concentric very slightly spaced relation to this sealing surface of the valve casing. The valve body carries a valve seal structure and is provided with a valve body passage extending through the valve body. The valve body is rotatable within the valve casing between: (1) a first position wherein said valve body passage provides a passageway between a first and a second of the ports and said valve seal structure is in sealing relation to the valve casing sealing surface around a third of said ports; and (2) a second position wherein said valve seal structure is in sealing relation around said first port and said valve body passage provides a passageway between said second and third ports.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve comprising a valve body having a flow passage extending therethrough and a rotary valve stem journaled in said valve body transversely intersecting the flow passage. The valve stem includes at least one spring biased spherical valve member carried in a radially aligned cavity formed in the valve stem. A valve seat is formed in the valve body coaxial with the flow passage and is conformed to sealingly receive the spring biased valve member therein when the valve is placed in the closed position. The valve stem is pressure equalized within the valve body. In one form the valve stem is provided with an external configuration adjacent the valve member and flow passage to maintain a constant flow rate through the open valve. In another form this external configuration is modified to provide for varying the flow rate through the open valve through manipulation of the valve stem.

Abstract: A ball or spherical plug valve has a pair of annular metallic seal rings mounted in grooves in the valve chamber around the inlet and outlet passageways of the valve body. Each metallic seal ring is of a one-piece generally uniform angled cross-section to form a leg portion and a free lip portion. The free lip portion extends transversely of the longitudinal axis of the passageways and a substantially continuous line contact is provided between an inner annular edge portion of the free lip portion and the valve member. The lip portion is bent from a free position substantially perpendicular to the leg portion to a substantially frusto-conical position when the valve is assembled so the seal ring acts as a spring to urge itself against the ball valve member to maintain sealing contact.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve comprising a valve body having a flow passage extending therethrough and a rotary valve stem journaled in said valve body transversely intersecting the flow passage. The valve stem includes at least one spring biased spherical valve member carried in a radially aligned cavity formed in the valve stem. A valve seat is formed in the valve body coaxial with the flow passage and is conformed to sealingly receive the spring biased valve member therein when the valve is placed in the closed position. The valve stem is pressure equalized within the valve body. In one form the valve stem is provided with an external configuration adjacent the valve member and flow passage to maintain a constant flow rate through the open valve. In another form this external configuration is modified to provide for varying the flow rate through the open valve through manipulation of the valve stem.

Abstract: A fluid valve particularly suited for controlling the flow of coolant in an automobile heater system and a vacuum responsive servo for actuating the valve. The valve, two embodiments of which are disclosed, has improved sealing means and the servo includes improved sealing of the diaphragm with respect to the servo actuating element and an improved two-piece servo housing. A novel connection between the servo and the valve is also provided, having reduced backlash and less tendency to bind.

Abstract: A spring loaded, tamperproof plug valve such as a pressure gas stop has the rotatable valve plug resiliently retained against removal from the valve body by two stacked, slit, frustoconical, transversely arched spring washers that have teeth which make a one-way tight friction fit on a projecting end portion of the valve plug, and the outer peripheral portion of the forward of the two washers bears on a recessed planar area of the valve body which is surrounded by a continuous boss so a prying tool cannot be inserted beneath either washer. A self-threading sheet metal nut forms a thread in a reduced extremity of the valve plug and has a concentric integral skirt which bears on the teeth and also on the crown of the arched slit washer. The plug can be removed only by destroying the washer or the valve, either of which renders it inoperative. The nut will strip before the spring washers can be compressed enough to "lock" the plug in the valve body.