Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for controlling a fluid flow. The system includes a valve body including a bore extending along an axis, an inlet, and an outlet, wherein a flow passage extends transverse the axis from the inlet to the outlet, a stem extending through the bore along the axis, and a valve member coupled to the stem. The valve member is movable along the axis, via the stem, between a closed position where the valve member blocks the flow passage to an open position where the valve member does not block the flow passage. The system also includes a balancing system coupled to the valve member, the balancing system comprising a tether and a balance member, wherein an opening force unseating the valve member is translated to the balance member.

Abstract: A gate valve is provided with a main body, and a sealing member which comes into contact with the peripheral edge of a gate when the gate valve is closed. The sealing member includes a protruding first section and a protruding second section which are disposed to extend along the peripheral edge of the main body and protrude from the primary surface when the gate valve is open. A protrusion amount of the first section from the primary surface is greater than a protrusion amount of the second section from the primary surface. The first section is disposed inner to the inner periphery of the primary surface than the second section.

Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing unlike conventional valves that are stationary. The movable housing allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. The protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for the catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

Abstract: A gate valve including a housing with two seat rings and two slide valve plates arranged on a plate holder and located between the seat rings. Each slide plate has a depression in which a respective pressure piece is received. The pressure pieces face one another with one pressure piece having a projection that fits in a bore of the other pressure piece. Within at least a portion of the bore a plurality of spring elements are co-axially located on the projection between the pressure pieces biasing the pressure pieces and their respective valve plates apart. The plurality of spring elements may be cup plate springs, with a first group having a spring force that is less than a spring force of a second group, and a spring deflection that is greater than a plate spring deflection of the second group.

Abstract: Gate valves having removable interior wear rings that are easily removed from one side of the gate valve upon removal of a retainer ring. The retainer ring is held in place within the valve housing by combination of compressive and shear forces.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a valve comprises: a valve member, wherein the valve member is made from a non-deformable material; a seat, wherein the seat: (A) is made from a non-deformable material; and (B) is positioned adjacent to the valve member; a seal, wherein the seal is created by the interaction between at least a portion of the seat and at least a portion of the valve member and a sealant; and at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess: (A) is located on the inside of the seat or the outside of the valve member; and (B) is capable of containing at least one particulate, wherein the valve is capable of being opened or closed via relative movement of the valve member and the seat.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat that effects a seal between a gate of a gate valve and a gate valve body using a metal seal. The gate valve includes a floating gate valve seat interposed between a gate and a gate valve body. The gate valve seat has a spring member with a cylindrical portion secured to the gave valve seat. The spring member has a leg that exerts a spring force against the gate valve body to maintain a seal between the floating gate valve seat and the gate. A metal-to-metal seal seals between the cylindrical portion of the spring member and a cylindrical portion of the gate valve seat.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gate valve is provided that includes a seal plate disposed in a housing. An inflatable biasing member is retained on a first side of the seal plate and is positioned to surround a first opening formed through the housing. A ring seal is retained on a second side of the plate opposite the first side and is positioned to surround a second opening formed through the housing. At least one of the inflatable biasing member and the ring seal are adapted to create a vacuum seal around the first and second openings, respectively, when the inflatable biasing member is inflated.

Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter in a delayed coker unit operation. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to various seat systems used in valves for delayed coking operations.

Abstract: A gate valve seat has structure formed on it to provide a sealing edge or lip which flexes when loaded. The lip forms a dual seal against portions of the gate valve body when the seat is placed under load.

Abstract: The slide type valve of the present invention has a structure in which a movable flowpath forming member is pressed toward a slidable sealing member by use of a spring member and in which the load of the slidable sealing member received from the movable flowpath forming member becomes equal to a constant spring load determined by a spring force of the spring member. Additionally, an attachment member holding the movable flowpath forming member that is movable to the fixed flowpath forming member has a housing hole whose shape substantially coinciding with the shape of the movable flowpath forming member. The movable flowpath forming member is housed in the housing hole so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the first end surface of the fixed flowpath forming member, and, accordingly, the load distribution is uniformed both in a first seal sliding surface and in a second seal sliding surface of the slidable sealing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage assembly of the type having an upward opening for the draining opening of a new or existing chemical reactor, particularly of the enameled type, characterized in that the outer outlet opening (6) for the drainage is provided in the lower portion thereof with a removable seat part in the form of a planar annual seal (11) having an upper portion with at least one recess (21) used as a seat for the under-face of the head (10) of the valve and as a full flow ramp. The invention is particularly intended for the manufacturers and users of chemical reactors, in particular of the enameled type.

Abstract: A split gate is movably mounted within a valve body along a valve axis between valve seats. The split gate has gates, each extending between one of the valve seats and the other gate. In an open position, gate holes register with a fluid aperture and the valve seats to permit fluid flow. In the closed position, the holes do not register with the fluid aperture to prevent fluid flow. The split gate valve also has a gate guide located in the body for moving the gates with respect to the valve seats along the fluid axis. The gate guide forces the pair of gates apart along the fluid axis and into contact with the valve seats in both the open and closed positions. The gates have axial play along the fluid axis when the split gate is between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A double-disk slide valve, the shut-off plates of which are displaceable by means of an actuator rod and which is provided with a bridging pipe having two sealing rings that are in operative engagement with corresponding housing sealing seats of the slide valve housing when the slide valve is in the open position. At least one of the two housing sealing seats rests, by the action of a resilient element, under predetermined pressure against the sealing ring(s) associated with the bridging pipe when the slide valve is in the open position and against the peripheral edge of the shut-off plate(s) when the slide valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective ethylene productions isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from one location to another in an ethylene productions operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.

Abstract: Flexible, plastic, solids-containing liners or panels are disposed in the chamber of the valve body for contacting, interfacing engagement with the gate. Accordingly, the panels and gate substantially fully occupy the chamber, and prevent an entry of slurry solids thereinto. The panels are rubber-backed to insure that the panels are pressed, sealingly, against the flat faces of the gate, and are arranged in parallel with the chamber walls.

Abstract: A gate valve according to the present invention including a first valve plate having a valve opening and a second valve plate connected to the first valve plate via a first bellows, in which the rigidity and the like of the valve plates, a valve rod, and the like can be reduced as compared to that in a conventional art by canceling the differential pressure.

Abstract: A gate valve according to the present invention including a first valve plate having a valve opening, a second valve plate connected to the first valve plate via first bellows, and an actuator provided between the first valve plate and the second valve plate, wherein the first valve plate is moved by the operation of the actuator, thereby enabling the valve plate, a valve rod, and the like to be made small and lightweight.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly having a primary and secondary seating surface for preventing process fluids from contacting the seals of the valve is provided. Additionally, a purge gas inlet can be disposed in the valve body to prevent process gases from contacting the seals during operation. Still further, a primary and secondary barrier seal may be provided to prevent process gases from contacting the primary seal. Additionally, a purge gas inlet can be disposed between the primary and secondary seals to further prevent process gases from contacting the primary seal.

Abstract: A backseat assembly for an expanding gate valve includes a sealing member slidingly disposed about the stem and a biasing member biasing the sealing member away from the gate. Upon the gate and segment traveling to the open position of the valve, the segment engages the valve housing and stops its further movement. The stem and gate continue their travel with the sealing member engaging an annular seat on the housing for sealing between the stem and housing. The sealing member includes an annular resilient sealing member which initially engages the annular seat of the housing. The biasing member places a preload on the sealing member such that upon engagement of the annular seat by the sealing member, there is initial sealing force placed on the sealing engagement. The fluid pressures within the valve chamber add an additional sealing force to the sealing member.

Abstract: A sliding gate line blind for preventing fluids from traveling downstream from the blind including a body for connection to a pipeline, the body being open to the atmosphere and having an inner portion and an outer portion, the body having an entrance passage and an exit passage, an axially expanding gate assembly slidably received in the body for selectively sealing and opening the pipeline, the expanding gate assembly including two planar surfaces having openings therein for alignment with the entrance passage and the exit passage to permit flow through the pipeline and sealing surfaces for alignment with the entrance passage and exit passage to stop flow through downstream from the sliding gate line blind, and an actuator for moving the expanding gate assembly within the body to selectively seal and open the pipeline.

Abstract: An expanding gate valve having replaceable valve seats that are capable of longer operating life than conventional valve seats. The valve seats of the present invention have sealing faces that are case hardened to a hardness of about Rockwell 60 C and are devoid of resilient sealing rings in the sealing faces. Additionally, the seats are of floating construction, and are adapted to move both axially and to tilt relative to the seat recesses that are provided in the valve body. Finally, a resilient biasing arrangement is provided at the rear portion of the seat to bias it outwardly relative to the seat recesses to insure substantially complete surface engagement between the sealing face of the seat ring and the face of the respective gate surface.

Abstract: A fool proof slide gate valve wherein a slide gate valve body houses a gate which is constructed to encompass a wedge and its related components whereby when an external force is transmitted to said wedge, the gate effectively opens flow or closes flow to a medium flowing through a conduit connected to said fool proof slide gate valve, during which time of operation the gate remains sealed at all times preventing exposure of the component parts to the medium flowing through the conduit and other environmental matter and debris.

Abstract: A double disk wedge valve the valve disk of which is movable by an actuating rod and is provided with a pipe bridge which includes two sealing rings connected by way of a compensator, said sealing rings in the open position of the valve being urged by elastic bias against the sealing seats of the valve housing, wherein said compensator comprises an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending in coaxial relationship therewith. The outer pipe section is fixedly joined, especially welded, to both sealing rings. Also, it has a circumferentially extending indentation. The inner pipe section is fixedly joined to only one of said two sealing rings while it is axially movable relative to the other one. Within the valve housing a gas pressure can be set which is higher than the pressure in the valve passageway in the open position of the valve.

Abstract: An improved seal ring for sealing across the annular space between the exterior of a seat ring and the inner surface of a counterbore recess surrounding the entry of either the inlet or outlet into the valve chamber within the valve body, the seal ring including a pair of radially extending flanges connected by a tubular connector extending between the radial midportions of the flanges and the leading flange having inner and outer sealing surfaces which provide a high interference fit seal between the recess inner surface and the seat ring outer surface and the trailing flange having inner and outer sealing surfaces which provide a low interference fit seal between the recess inner surface and the seat ring outer surface. A spacer ring is provided to seat against the shoulder of the counterbore recess and retain the sealing flanges.

Abstract: A piston type pneumatic powered actuator (9) for operating a valve (10) of the expanding gate type wherein velocity of the piston-stem-gate drive train is maintained substantially constant in the latter stage of the actuator stroke. The actuator (9) includes an assembly of dual pistons (61,75) which are adapted to be driven by fluid pressure in one direction to operate the valve but are returned by spring means (66,67) when the fluid pressure is removed. A drive piston (61) directly connected to the actuator stem (23) is nested within a primary piston (75) which is not connected to the actuator stem (23) but moves the drive piston (61) when actuating pneumatic fluid is applied to the actuator (9). A stop (85) affixed to the primary piston (75) is adapted to cooperatively engage the actuator housing (40) to terminate the stroke of the primary piston (75) prior to termination of the stroke of the drive piston (61).

Abstract: A dual stage hydraulic actuator (9) for actuation of an expanding gate valve (10). The actuator is mountable to the valve housing and comprises a housing 40 which defines a piston chamber 41 and a primary piston (61) slidably received therein. An actuator stem (23) connects the piston (61) to the valve gate assembly (20). A secondary piston (77), of smaller piston area than the primary piston (61), is slidably received in a piston receiving bore (75) which is formed in the fluid receiving face of the primary piston. A piston rod (80) connects coaxially with the piston (77) and extends through the end (52) of the actuator housing. The actuator is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure which when applied through an inlet (71) of the actuator housing to one side of the pistons (61, 77) drives the actuator stem and gate assembly to an operational open or closed position of the valve.

Abstract: In order to resist alteration of the spring forces utilized for applying seal pressure between the valve bodies in sliding gate valves for molten metal pouring, particularly those of the manually operated type, the valve support plate and the mounting plate are arranged to form a narrow slot that receives the valve actuator and presents insufficient clearance to permit excessive relative displacement between the valve members. The valve further incorporates releasable attachments, two of which serve as hinge connections for the support plate while the other serves as a latching member. Each of the attachments comprise clevis-mounted eyebolts in which the clevises have predetermined dimensions to establish a fixed, pre-set distance between the plates upon reassembly of the valve after opening and thus insure repeatability of the spatial relationships between the valve bodies and, concomitantly, of the seal pressure between the members.

Abstract: There is disclosed an expanding gate valve having seats which are press-fitted into annular recesses in the valve body on opposite sides of the gate, each seat including a ring having at least one annular rib on its outer end which is of a harder material than that of the inner end of the recess and embedded therein to form a pressure barrier between the seat and recess.

Abstract: An improved through conduit gate valve having a double expanding gate assembly with floating seats. The gate assembly carries at its edges flat guide strips which are slightly thicker than the collapsed thickness of the gate. These strips engage the seals to keep them from blinding or back wedging the gate assembly during movement between its opened and closed positions. Elastic suspension elements mount the strips to the gate assembly for proper wedging action by expansion against the seals but insures return into the collapsed position during the mentioned movement.

Abstract: A valve (10) having an expansible gate assemblage of ported juxtaposed gate and segment members (18, 19) which are movable into sealing engagement with upstream and downstream valve seats (28) about the flow passage (12, 14) in the open and closed conditions of the valve wherein the valve includes pressure relief means which relieves excessive pressure in the valve chamber (11) into the upstream flow passage (12) when the environment in the chamber reaches a preselected temperature with the valve retaining capability of providing an upstream seal in the event of subsequent downstream leakage. The pressure relief means is installed in the segment member (19) of the gate assembly and comprises a passage (43) extending from the port (16) through the segment to the sealing face (25) of the segment member at a location which is exposed to the upstream flow passage (12) in the valve closed condition.

Abstract: An expanding gate valve with a valve seat structure which comprises a pair of "floating" seat rings (60) loosely received in annular seat pockets (52) surrounding the flow passage through the valve and each having an axial dimension which exceeds the depth of the seat pocket. The front face (61) of each seat ring is disposed adjacent the gate assembly (24, 26) and is provided with an annular groove (63) and an annular resilient sealing element (64) therein adapted to form a ring of sealing contact area about the flow passage (14) when the gate assembly is expanded thereagainst. The rear face (66) of the seat ring (60) is provided with an annular groove (63') and a second annular resilient sealing element (64'). The two annular sealing elements are coaxial and the inner diameter of the front sealing element (64) exceeds that of the rear sealing element (64') so that the front sealing element is a greater radial distance from the flow passage (14) than is the rear sealing element.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an expanding gate valve comprising an outer loose fitting main ring (31) with a resilient face seal (41) for sealing against an expanding gate assembly which is mounted in a valve chamber (11) and an inner auxiliary ring (44) fitting loosely in a counterbore recess in the main ring (31) for sealing against the rear wall (35) of a seat pocket (26). An O-ring (61) between opposed surfaces (51, 52) of the rings (31, 44) continuously urges the rings apart and their orientation such that when the gate assembly is expanded in its open and closed positions, the front face (38) of the main ring (31) is flush against the adjacent sealing surface (25) of the gate assembly and the rear face (46) of the auxiliary ring (44) is flush against the rear wall (35) of the seat pocket (26).

Abstract: A low stress stem connection structure (77) for connecting the rotatable stem (43) and the gate member (33) of a non-rising stem type gate valve (1). The stem (43) has an externally threaded end section (47) and the gate member (33) has an externally threaded extension (79) with a longitudinal bore (83) in which the end section (47) of the stem (43) is received. A stem nut (87) is threadably received on the end (47) of the stem (43) and engages the gate member extension (79) to reciprocally move the gate member (33) in response to rotation of the stem (43). The gate member (33) may move relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem (43) in the direction of flow of a fluid through the gate valve (1). A gate nut (97) is threadably received on the gate member extension (79) to hold the stem nut (87) in position on the stem (43) and limit movement of the gate member (33).

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved ceramic gate valve having within the valve housing a ceramic valve gate, which is surrounded by a peripherally disposed compression band for providing strength thereto, and which is engaged by a pair of ceramic valve seats, which are in turn urged inwardly for such engagement by ceramic springs. The ceramic springs comprise a plurality of plates of ceramic material separated by spacers which are disposed in a staggered array to form the ceramic spring.

Abstract: A valve structure in which a valve member moves into and out of contact with first and second valve seating areas, the valve member contacting the seating areas with different forces. The movable valve member is comprised of block members coupled together so that a change in their relative longitudinal positions produces a corresponding change in their relative transverse positions. A stem member moves the block members to spaced longitudinal positions and produces different longitudinal separating forces between the block member in these positions thereby to urge one of the block members in a transverse direction with different forces against the valve seating areas. The application of forces directly through block members and indirectly through springs is employed to provide different valve seating forces. Block members for valve port blocking and valve port opening are utilized. A shock absorbing structure incorporating a movable spring holder is also utilized.

Abstract: A gate valve (10) has an expanding gate assembly (34) for reciprocal movement transversely of the flow passage (16, 18). The expanding gate assembly (34) includes a gate element (68) and complementary segment (70) which expand away from each other when the gate assembly (34) is in either a fully open or closed position. A spring (92) is anchored to a side (87) of the gate element (68) and extends over and engages a pair of spaced apart lugs (88, 90) on the adjacent side (91) of the segment (70). The lugs (88, 90) are positioned so that the movement of the gate element (68) relative to the segment (70) from the fully collapsed position results in the spring (92) exerting at least seventy percent of its total force on the lug (88 or 90) that is leading with respect to the direction of relative movement of the segment (70).

Abstract: A gate valve (10) has an expanding gate assembly (34) mounted in the valve chamber (14) for movement between open and closed positions. The gate assembly (34) includes a gate (44) connected to a valve stem (28) and a segment (52) is carried by the gate (44). The gate (44) and segment (52) each have wedging surfaces (46 and 54) which permit a wedging action to provide lateral expansion therebetween at the open and closed positions. A rocker arm (80) is pivotally mounted to a side (49) of the gate (44). The rocker arm (80) has a slot (102) with a bearing block (104) slidably received therein. A bearing pin (110) extends from a side (57) of the segment (52) and is journaled in the bearing block (104). A seat skirt (60) is contained within the valve chamber (14) and engages the rocker arm (80) so as to control the ability of the rocker arm (80) to pivot about the gate (44) thereby allowing the gate (44) and segment (52) to expand from each other at a preselected position in the travel of the gate assembly (34).

Abstract: A valve seat structure for an expanding type gate valve (20). A valve seat (64) is received in each annular seat recess (62) formed around the upstream and downstream flow passages (24, 26) and opening to the valve chamber (22) wherein a gate assembly (32) is movable between open and closed positions. An annular face seal (82) is mounted within an annular groove (70) in the front seat face (66) of each valve seat (64). A substantial portion of the bottom (76) of the annular groove (70) comprises a frusto-conical bottom portion (80) which forms a wedging surface with a cone angle in the range of approximately 30.degree. to 60.degree. and disposed substantially coaxial with the groove sides and the flow passages. The rear seal face (86) of the face seal (82) has a frusto-conical rear portion (94) that conforms to the frusto-conical bottom portion (80). The annular groove (70) is wider than the thickness of the face seal (82 ) so that the face seal loosely fits within the annular groove.

Abstract: In an expanding gate valve, tangential pins (70) are received loosely in peripheral grooves (62) of floating valve seats (26) to prevent the seats from moving inwardly far enough to drag against a gate mechanism (32) which is collapsed for movement between open and closed positions of the valve. Alternative arrangements provide retainer rings (122, 130) which engage shoulders (128) of the seats to limit their inward floating movement.

Abstract: A gate valve structure has an expanding valve assembly mounted with the valve chamber comprising a gate (32) and segment (34) which may be laterally expanded. The gate and segment have a plurality of coacting interfitting saw-type teeth (46,48) which define cam surfaces (50,56) to effect expansion of the gate valve assembly. A flexible sleeve (64) is secured about the ports (42,44) in the gate and segment to bridge the gap (58) between the gate (32) and segment (34) upon expansion. A torsion spring (72) urges the gate and segment to a contracted position.

Abstract: The gate assembly (24) of an expanding gate valve has projecting pins (74, 76, 78) which engage guide surfaces (54, 66) of guide rails (52, 64) in order to maintain the gate assembly in a collapsed condition between its open and closed positions. At the fully open and fully closed positions, the pins register with gaps (56, 58, 60, 68, 70) in the guide surfaces to permit expansion of the gate assembly against a pair of valve seats (20, 22).

Abstract: In an expanding gate valve, tangential pins (70) are received loosely in peripheral grooves (62) of floating valve seats (26) to prevent the seats from moving inwardly far enough to drag against a gate mechanism (32) which is collapsed for movement between open and closed positions of the valve. Alternative arrangements provide retainer rings (122, 130) which engage shoulders (128) of the seats to limit their inward floating movement.

Abstract: An expanding gate valve having a pair of seat spacers (70) which hold apart a pair of floating valve seats (32) to prevent them from binding against a gate mechanism (40) which is collapsed for movement between open and closed positions. The spacers (70) are cylindrical segments which fit in the valve chamber of a gate valve having a cylindrical body cavity (20).

Abstract: A two-piece retainer ring fits within opposed grooves (80,82) in a gate valve seat (64) and the adjacent valve body (12). The opposed grooves are of a width greater than the width of the two ring segments (84) comprising the two-piece ring and limit the movement of the associated floating seat (64). A wave spring (86) urges the ring segments (84) radially outwardly in the grooves and an access opening (88) to the grooves permits the ring segments (84) to be actuated by a suitable tool for removal of the seat, if desired.

Abstract: A controlled or limited floating seat for an expanding type gate valve. The seat is received in a shrink fit in a groove formed around the flow passage of the valve adjacent the valve chamber. The seat is able to move in the groove toward the valve chamber until a frusto-conical outer side of the seat contacts a frusto-conical outer surface of the groove to prevent the seat from dragging against the gate assembly in the collapsed condition thereof. In the expanded condition of the gate assembly, the seat is bottomed in the groove with a sealing surface of the seat tightly sealing against the gate assembly.

Abstract: A gate valve has annular metal seats mounted in seat pockets around the inlet and outlet passageways at the valve chamber. Each of the seat members has a front face which includes an outer seal surface around the outer perimeter of the seat and a flexible annular metal lip around the inner perimeter of the seat. The lip has an inner seal surface on its free end in spaced concentric relation to the outer seal surface and maintains a fluid-tight seal with the gate while deflecting to compensate for deformations of the valve body that would otherwise affect the seal. The inner peripheral surface of the seat has an annular groove which defines the back surface of the lip which tapers from the base to the free extending end thereof. Each of the seat members has a back face which rests in contact with the bottom outer peripheral portion of the associated seat pocket. The seat member preferably has an annular flexible member extending from its back face which may be welded to the valve body.

Abstract: An improved spring plate (52) for insuring timely cooperation between the gate member (36) and segment member (38) of a linearly reciprocating gate assembly (34) which is expansible to seal the opposed seats of a gate valve. The two members have two pairs of interfacing wedge surfaces which should be in full contact when the assembly is traveling between the extremities of its stroke. Only at the ends of such stroke, as determined by a stop which halts movement of the segment member, should wedging and transverse expansion take place.The spring plate (52) has the general shape of an inverted "T" plus a pair of curved spring fingers (60, 62) extending from the free top end of the upright leg (54) toward the opposite ends of the assembly. The base legs (56,58) of the inverted "T" pass under the two pins (72, 74) in the gate member, which are located at equal distances from the mid-length of the gate member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve having an expanded gate comprising a pair of ported segments each having "V"-shaped, oppositely facing inner surfaces which are yieldably urged into conformity with one another by a pair of leaf springs. Each leaf spring is disposed about a pin on one side of a first segment intermediate its ends, and has one of its ends anchored to the first segment, and the other end anchored to the second segment.

Abstract: An improved gate valve of the expanding type wherein a gate and segment assembly having cooperative wedge surfaces are moved linearly between a pair of valve seats to block the flow therebetween in one position and open the flow in another, the fluid flowing through aligned ports in the gate and segment in such open position. The improvement lies in substituting for prior art springs a guide rail (28, 28') fixed to the valve housing or body and extending parallel to the stroke of the movable members, together with a rocker arm (54) pivotally mounted on one member and having a slot (66) receiving a pin (58) out of the other. A pair of lobes (64) extend from the opposed ends of the rocker arm (54) and contact the guide member. When the gate and segment assembly are at any position between the ends of its stroke, the rocker arm keeps both pairs of wedge surfaces tightly in contact, preventing any expansion.