Particularly Packed Or Sealed Patents (Class 251/214)
  • Patent number: 5107882
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a self-contained, packing removal means for removing the valve packing. The valve assembly includes a valve stem connected at one end to a valve, a bonnet for mounting the valve stem on a valve body having a valve seat engageable with said valve on said valve stem, and means for raising and lowering said valve stem to selectively open and close said valve. The bonnet includes a packing chamber through which an intermediate portion of the valve stem extends. The packing removal means comprises a radially displaceable lifting element disposed within the valve stem and movable to an extended position where it engages the packing assembly from underneath upon operation of the valve stem to lift the valve packing from the packing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: John M. Hefner
    Inventor: James L. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5104092
    Abstract: A ball valve adapted to be used in applications where the temperature of the liquid medium is subjected to various swings in temperature. The valve includes a valve body which is retained between a pair of end connectors to create a valve chamber therebetween. A flow control member having a passage therethrough is rotationally supported within the valve chamber. A valve stem extends into the valve body and is operatively connected to the flow control member. O-rings are affixed in annular fashion to a neck portion of each end connector for creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the end connectors. Flanged packing seals extend around the valve stem within the valve body and are spring biased to provide axial support to the valve stem while creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the stem. A handle member is connected to the valve stem for rotating the flow control member within the valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: PBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Block, Gary W. Friedline
  • Patent number: 5090658
    Abstract: An improved rotary valve is provided with a bellows surrounding a bent shaft to create a hermetic seal and thereby prevent fluid loss from the interior of the valve body. The shaft is provided within a seal assembly housing, and has a lower end axis offset from the valve stem axis, and an upper end axis offset from the lower end axis. The bellows is fixedly secured at its upper end to the seal assembly housing and at its lower end to an end cap to prevent fluid within the cavity from passing out the seal assembly housing. An epicyclic gearing assembly is provided within the cavity and mechanically interconnects the lower end of the shaft to the valve stem. An actuator may be provided for connection with the upper end of the shaft for rotating the shaft. The activating device of the present invention may be used for rotating various members mounted within an enclosure with sealing the enclosure from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Keystone International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan P. Kusmer
  • Patent number: 5083749
    Abstract: A plug-type, rising stem needle or shut-off valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a valve housing forming a valve chamber with inlet and outlet ports connecting therewith. A bonnet member with a cylindrical passage joins with the valve chamber and opens to the exterior of the valve. A plug valve element is mounted in the chamber and adapted to be moved by an operating stem axially movable within the cylindrical passage. The stem includes a radially extending guide flange. For sealing about the operating stem and limiting the axial outwardly movement of the stem there is an assembly which includes a wall surface that defines a conical chamber at the outer end of the cylindrical passage. The conical chamber tapers from a large diameter at the axial outer end to a smaller diameter at the axial inner end. At the axial inner end of the conical chamber is a cylindrical counterbore carrying a stop ring which forms a radial shoulder for engaging the flange on the stem at a predetermined outer limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Whitey Co.
    Inventors: Ray D. Linderman, Peter C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5082246
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve assembly having a bore fitted with an operating member, whereby the operating member operatively controls a valve member to permit or prevent fluid flow through the valve assembly. The bore extends along a longitudinal axis and has a selected diameter in one portion and a diameter greater than the selected diameter on an interior portion. The bore further includes an annular transition portion extending with diminishing diameter from the interior portion to the one portion of the bore. The operating member is substantially cylindrical and includes a first portion which closely interfits with the one portion of the bore and a second portion which has an annular convex surface disposed to face the transition portion of the bore. The annular convex surface of the operating member and the transition portion of the bore form a metal-to-metal seat which performs desirably in a high temperature environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventors: M. Dale Stanley, Robert D. Brownlow, John R. Rice, Robert E. Sands
  • Patent number: 5078175
    Abstract: A valve comprises a first relatively fixed valve component assembly surrounding a second valve component assembly which is relatively movable within said first assembly. A seal is provided between the first and second valve component assemblies and a barrier assembly is provided for preventing particulate contaminant material reaching the seal. The barrier assembly comprises first and second barrier elements extending around said second valve component assembly. The first barrier element or elements are in engagement with the first valve component assembly and the second barrier element or elements are in engagement with the second valve component assembly. The barrier elements may be spring rings and form a labyrinth type seal between the two valve component assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kent Intral Limited
    Inventors: David B. Martin, James A. Bradby, Andrew Nash, Eric Gates
  • Patent number: 5066029
    Abstract: An improved seal for sealing across an annulus between an inner cylindrical sealing surface and an outer cylindrical sealing surface. The seal provides a body and a flange spaced therefrom with an annular flexible arch extending between the body and the flange and having a taper of its thickness so that its thinnest section is at the mid point of the arch and within its sealing area. A suitable sealing is provided to seal against the surface opposite to the surface against which the flexible annular arch seals so that there is a complete sealing across the annulus. This seal is suitable for piston rod sealing, valve stem sealing and for sealing in the annulus between two tubular well members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Gill
  • Patent number: 5064167
    Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a stem (36) and a packing (82) about the stem (36). A spring (85) comprises a plurality of Belleville washers (86) biased between the upper cover plate (72) and the packing (82) for exerting a compressive loading against follower (84) and packing (82) for sealing against the stem (36). The upper plate (72) has an enlarged diameter bore portion (76) adjacent the valve body portion (12) and Belleville washers (86) including a load transmitting ring (88) over the Belleville washers (86) are received within the enlarged diameter bore portion (76). Manual threaded adjusting screws (94) extend through the upper plate (72) and have inner ends in abutting contact with the load transmitting ring (88) to restore a compressive loading thereon if the Belleville washers (86) lose their capability to apply a sufficient compressive loading against the packing (82).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventor: Woody C. DiPalma
  • Patent number: 5062439
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injecting sealant into a packing assembly chamber surrounding a valve stem 11 of a valve 2 without venting the pressure within the valve 2. A cylindrical body 60 is frictionally welded to the exterior of the valve 2 adjacent the packing assembly chamber. A drill bit is passed into the body 60 and through a set of packing seals 87. An opening is completed into the packing chamber. As the drill bit is withdrawn from the body 60, a second valve 70 is manually "closed" to isolate the packing chamber from the drill bit and prevent the escape of pressurized fluid when the drill bit is removed from the seals 87. Thereafter, a device for injecting sealant is attached to the body 60 and the valve 70 is "opened" to allow the sealant to flow into the packing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Spinsafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny L. Butler, Richard E. Wakeland, Donald R. Batson, Robert E. Metzger
  • Patent number: 5058861
    Abstract: A bellows seal designed to hermetrically seal reciprocating stems from internal fluid pressure in control valves and methods of engaging and disengaging conventional valve plugs and rotatable valve stems from said bellows seal within a completely sealed environment, without resorting to welding joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Patent number: 5056757
    Abstract: A fluid valve for use in high pressure and high temperature operating conditions where the operating fluid is chemically reactive. V-type PTFE packing members are backed up with anti-extrusion wiper rings of silica filled PTFE or barium sulfate filled PTFE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Wood
  • Patent number: 5056758
    Abstract: A packing for sealing between a valve stem 31 and valve bonnet 21 which receives the valve stem in a bore 34 formed therein. The packing is accommodated in a packing chamber 41 formed in the valve stem bore 34 which comprises a lower set of packing rings 51 in stacked coaxial relation about the valve stem and a second upper set of packing rings 55 similarly arranged in the upper portion of the packing chamber. A spring means 61, 62, 63 comprising at least one frusto-conical washer is interposed in the packing chamber 41 between the sets of packing rings for axial compression of the upper and lower sets of packing rings to thereby urge the radial expansion of the packing rings and provide an enhanced and substantially uniform sealing effectiveness of the packing rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: John W. Bramblet
  • Patent number: 5052427
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injecting sealant into a packing assembly chamber surrounding a valve stem 11 of a valve 2 without venting the pressure within the valve 2. A cylindrical body 60 is frictionally welded to the exterior of the valve 2 adjacent the packing assembly chamber. A drill bit is passed into the body 60 and through a set of packing seals 87. An opening is completed into the packing chamber. As the drill bit is withdrawn from the body 60, a second valve 70 is manually "closed" to isolate the packing chamber from the drill bit and prevent the escape of pressurized fluid when the drill bit is removed from the seals 87. Thereafter, a device for injecting sealant is attached to the body 60 and the valve 70 is "opened" to allow the sealant to flow into the packing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Spinsafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny L. Butler, Richard E. Wakeland, Donald R. Batson, Robert E. Metzger
  • Patent number: 5052658
    Abstract: A valve sealing apparatus including a valving member, a valve bonnet having continuous bore that communicates with the valving member, a valve shaft housed within the bore of the bonnet, a primary sealing member positioned in the bore of the valve bonnet which surrounds the valve shaft, and an annular ring positioned between the wall of the valve shaft and the wall of the bonnet for pressing into the face of the primary sealing member, for imparting a downward force on the primary sealing member, in order to prevent horizontal fluid flow between the valve body and the wall of the valve shaft on both the upper and lower faces of the primary sealing member, spring associated with the valve bore for maintaining force on the primary sealing member in order to maintain the primary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: John S. Heil
  • Patent number: 5050843
    Abstract: A plug valve with metal-to-metal annular sealing rings with a V shaped cross section to provide a resilient force for sealingly engage with respect to a horizontal sealing surface and a nearly vertical rotatable sealing surface and/or with a vertical sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Manifold Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5046703
    Abstract: A heat resistant fluid sealing member comprising an annular slide contact member of impermeable carbonaceous material whose raw material is mesocarbon microbeads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minehiro Kamiyama, Takashi Matsumoto, Yoshihiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5044606
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John J. Wordin
  • Patent number: 5042529
    Abstract: A water flow regulating device which comprises a casing having a control chamber at the upper middle for holding a regulating valve and a division wall at the lower middle to block up the water outlet from the water inlet thereof. A teflon washer is set inside the control chamber and squeezed by the regulating valve, which has two through-holes disposed in alignment with the two through-holes on the bottom of the control chamber respectively in communication with the water inlet and the water outlet. The regulating valve is secured to the casing by a lock nut and is confined by a control ring to rotate on the teflon washer within a fixed range for controlling the alignment of its two through-holes with the through-holes on the teflon washer and the through-holes on the control chamber so as to regulate water flow rate from the water inlet into the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Wan Tiao Yeh
  • Patent number: 5037065
    Abstract: A sealing system in a ball valve is designed with a bellows which carries a sliding packing ring on the side of the valve housing and presses against a sliding packing ring on the side of the pivot shaft. The bellows is protected by a guard ring. The ball valve has a shaft coupled to a cap through a releasable locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Durametallic Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Hirz, Eric Vanhie
  • Patent number: 5031923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved metal-to-metal seal for a moving stem of a valve and includes a U-shaped ring having a base, an inner leg extending from the inner portion of the base and an outer leg extending from the outer portion of the base. The sealing surface of each leg is flattened and in its free position has a slight angle with respect to the axis of the seal. Each of the legs includes a support enlargement on its sealing side at a point toward the base from the sealing surface and preferably at the position of maximum deflection of the leg. The diameter of such supports is preselected so that in its free state they each are spaced a short distance from the walls against which their leg seals. The end of the outer leg is turned inwardly at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy C. Davies
  • Patent number: 5004011
    Abstract: A position indicating valve for controlling the flow of fluids includes a flow housing with a valve seat and a valve poppet. A control housing is provided adjoining the flow housing with a centrally located, nonrotating valve stem having inward and outward ends. The stem is connected to the valve poppet at its inward end and is threaded at its outward end with an intermediate portion being threaded oppositely. An operating handle is rotatably mounted to the control housing with a configured central aperture therethrough into which the threaded outward end of the stem extends. A configured position indicator and stop is threadably mounted on the outward end of the stem within the aperture and is adapted to actually move inwardly and outwardly of the handle as the handle is rotated. A rotatable coupling is located partially within the control housing and is interlockable with the handle and threadably mounted to and about the stem at the threaded intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Linder, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 5002086
    Abstract: A free draining, corrosive resistent valve for regulating the flow of corrosive fluids therethrough includes a plastic valve housing. An inlet passage extends into the housing and upwardly therein terminating in a valve seat. An inclined panel surrounds the inlet passage below the valve seat. An outlet passage extends from the lower most portion of the inclined panel through the housing. A plastic valve poppet is located above the seat having a diaphragm therearound with an upwardly extending stem. A plastic retainer is located above the diaphragm into which the stem extends. The retainer is adapted for affixing the diaphragm is a sealing relationship to the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Linder, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 4998707
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly for controlling the recirculation of exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine has an electrically operated valve member that meters flow of exhaust gas through an exhaust gas chamber. A valve member has a valve stem extending to an actuator which is isolated from the base housing the exhaust gas, and the valve is surrounded by a pair of spring-biased seals that seal openings around the valve stem into the actuator and the exhaust gas chamber. The seal closing the actuator opening has an inverted, cup-shaped configuration which encloses the valve stem between the actuator and the base thereby preventing impingement thereon of contaminants which could be carried into the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Karen M. Meyer, Michael D. Liggett, Robert J. Conklin, Charles J. Barker
  • Patent number: 4995420
    Abstract: A valve system is provided which enables the opening and closing of a valve to be controlled from outside a hermetically-sealed container such as a glove box. The system also is capable of adjusting the packing nut of the valve from outside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Rodney K. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 4993596
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a gun is provided which has a valve assembly receiver and a product discharge valve assembly which are adapted to cooperate with each other and which may be readily and accurately secured together in a fast, foolproof manner. The product discharge valve assembly may be readily removed by hand without the use of tools, and misalignment between the inlet passages on the valve assembly and the outlet passages in the gun body is eliminated. The outlet and inlet ports respectively are aligned securely and positively by the combination of a V-groove self-centering arrangement on the receiver, a counterpart arrangement on the discharge valve assembly, and a cooperating alignment on the discharge valve assembly, and a cooperating alignment and locking stud unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Insta-Foam Products Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Patent number: 4986297
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of air from a source of air under pressure such as a compressed air tank comprising an elongate body with first and second ends and first and second sides lying opposite one another. A transverse opening, extending between the first and second sides of the body adjacent its first end, has five coaxial sections of circular cross section having various diameters. The valve further includes a valve stem having a head with a pair of annular grooves in it, each holding an O-ring. The O-ring closest to the inner end of the head is engageable with a valve seat provided in of the transverse opening on inward movement of the stem to close the valve. A knob is attached to the valve stem to facilitate moving the stem. The valve stem with the O-rings in the grooves but without the knob is capable of assembly by inserting the stem into the opening from one side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Ross, II
  • Patent number: 4976403
    Abstract: A fire-resistant valve 10 with a valve stem 40 mounted for linear motion through a valve stem bore 41 in the valve body 12 and connected to a valve element 20 by a connection means which effects movement of the valve element 20 between its valve open and its valve closed positions in response to axial linear motion of the valve stem 40. The valve includes a valve stem actuator 46 and a valve stem seal assembly comprising a primary seal in the form of an axially extensible and compressible metallic bellows 50 disposed in sleeved relation to the valve stem 40. The bellows is connected at one end by an annular weld 41 to the valve stem and at its other end by an annular weld 52 to the valve body in encircling relation to the valve stem and valve stem bore so as to effect a fluid-tight, gas-tight seal therebetween. A packing structure mounted in the annulus between the valve stem and wall of the valve stem bore provides a secondary valve stem seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Rockford Controls Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Bramblet
  • Patent number: 4972867
    Abstract: A safety structure for detecting fluid leakage from a valve having an exposed end of a rotatable valve stem connected to a valve element within the valve for rotating the valve element between an open and a closed position. The safety structure comprises a jacket, and an elongated handle extension disposed within the jacket for rotation about its axis. The handle extension includes an end which extends outward from the jacket for turning the handle extension. The jacket terminates in an annular flange which is attached to the valve in an isolating configuration having the exposed end of the valve stem covered, and the handle extension connected to valve stem via a slot on the lower end of the handle extension and a pair of opposed flats on the covered end of the rotatable valve stem over which the slot extends for transferring the rotation of the handle extension to the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: J. O. Ruesch
  • Patent number: 4964432
    Abstract: A method and means for removably connecting a valve member (62, 62A) on a valve stem (46, 46A) for movement between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat (24, 24A). The removable connection includes a split frustoconical connector (76, 76A) forming two halves (78, 78A) which fit about a frustoconical section (56, 56A) of the valve stem (46, 46A). A retainer sleeve (84, 84A) holds the split connector (76, 76A) about the frustoconical section (56, 56A) of the stem (46, 46A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Keystone International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Chou
  • Patent number: 4958802
    Abstract: A stop valve has a valve body, a stem, and a handle. The valve body has a cylindrical cavity, which has a side wall and a first end wall, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, both of which communicate with the cylindrical cavity. The outlet opening has a side wall that intersects with the cylindrical cavity side wall; the intersection of which is chamfered. The valve stem has a cylindrical cavity portion which is located in the valve body cylindrical cavity and a handle portion which protrudes from the cylindrical cavity portion through an opening in the first end wall. The stem has an outlet seal ring and a stem seal O-ring. The stem seal O-ring is retained on the stem by a flange portion having a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the O-ring. The stem has retaining ears to retain the stem in position in the valve body independently of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: United States Brass Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4958769
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a seal for a needle valve stem in devices used to dispense a fluid. The seal comprises an O-ring in radial and annular compression about the outside cylindrical portion of a needle valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Duane C. Schowiak
  • Patent number: 4955581
    Abstract: A bellows sealed plug valve includes a valve body having an inlet passage and an outlet passage, a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet passages. A valve plug has substantially the same shape as the valve chamber and is rotatably disposed therein. A shaft is movable linearly in response to a signal from a valve actuator. A bellows is sealingly disposed between the valve chamber and the valve actuator and means are located between the bellows and the valve plug for converting linear movement of the shaft connected to the valve actuator to rotational movement of the plug. Various means are disclosed including helical thread mechanism, clevis mechanism and rack and pinion mechanism, all for converting linear motion to rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Stephen J. Dukas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4945941
    Abstract: In a check valve or stop/check valve comprising a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a valve seat between the two ports, a valve disc moves axially within a valve housing between open and closed positions, so that fluid flow applies pressure against the valve disc to automatically open the valve, but when the fluid stops or reverses, the valve automatically closes to prevent backwash. Under conditions of pulsating, low-volume fluid flow, a ridge on the valve seat and a deflector ring on the valve disc deflects the flow of fluid, thereby using the velocity of fluid to increase pressure against the valve disc so as to smoothly and gently move the valve disc, reduce vibration of the valve disc and prevent it from striking the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Vilter Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Erich J. Kocher
  • Patent number: 4940208
    Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a ball valve member (34) mounted for floating movement in a valve chamber (32) between an upstream metal seat (102) and a downstream metal seat (104). Each metal seat (102, 104) fits within a recess (100) and has a body portion (110) of a generally uniform thickness adjacent an opposed shoulder (108) with a lip (114) about its inner circumference for sealing against spherical surface (40) of ball valve member (34) at all times. Body portion (110) acts as a Belleville spring and spaces lip (114) from adjacent shoulder (108) at low fluid pressures. A bearing portion (118) has an arcuate seat (120) spaced from spherical surface (40) at low fluid pressures but contacting spherical surface (40) at high fluid pressures. A flexible connector (118) of a relatively thin uniform thickness extends between bearing portion (118) and body portion (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Kemp Development Corporation
    Inventor: Willard E. Kemp
  • Patent number: 4934657
    Abstract: A helical spacer, e.g. made of stiffly flexible nylon and having flat axially-presented surfaces, in slid onto a cylindrical mandrel, e.g. a die inside body. Flexible corrugated ribbon of expanded graphite is helically wound onto the mandrel between turns of the spacer. This assembly is placed in a tubular die outside body and tubular punches are run into the die outside body, and moved axially towards one another telescopically of the mandrel. The punches, engaging opposite turns at ends of spacer axially compress and radially expand the helix of graphite, raising its density and producing a product which, in transverse cross-section, closely resembles conventional pre-formed stuffing box packing rings made of the same ribbon starting material. The helical graphite packing stock is disassembled from the spacer and mandrel by rotation, and supplied to the trade. In use, some of the stock is telescoped onto a valve stem, or a mandrel of the same diameter as the valve stem, and cut to length, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Garry W. Dodson
  • Patent number: 4934403
    Abstract: An emergency valve assembly for a tank adapted to contain liquid such as for instance hazardous material, with the valve assembly including a valve head for closing the discharge port from the tank in an operative closed position of the valve head, and with a first operating unit coacting with the valve head for selectively opening the latter and a separate second operating unit coacting with the valve head for automatically closing the latter. The first operating unit has a portion adapted for accessibility from exteriorly of the tank and includes a fluid power connection to the first operating unit, for selectively supplying pressurized fluid to such operating unit; for causing opening of the valve head via such operating unit upon application of pressurized fluid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Mooney, Frank H. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4930748
    Abstract: A shutoff and regulating valve contains, in a housing (2), a shutoff element which is designed especially as a stopcock (8) and which is arranged to be rotatable by means of a stem (26). The stem (26) is guided outward through a housing cover (20), a first sealing element (50) being provided for sealing purposes. The valve is designed for a minimized leakage rate and high safety requirements. The first sealing element (50) is supported on the underside of the housing cover (20) by an annular disk (54), and a second sealing element (60) is arranged on the upper side of the cover (20), so as to be adjustable, particularly by means of an axially movable bush (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Xomox International GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Gonsior
  • Patent number: 4917357
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a valve body adapted to receive a replaceable diaphragm subassembly. The subassembly includes a sleeve closely received in the valve body. An actuating stem extends through the sleeve and includes a composite diaphragm welded at one end. An intermediate portion of the stem is threadedly received in a closure ring. The closure ring defines a radial gap with a closing cap to permit adjustment of the stem relative to a valve seat. A peripheral portion of the composite diaphragm is clampingly engaged between the valve body and sleeve. The composite diaphragm includes a metal layer having an elastomer bonded to one face to provide superior sealing and strength properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Nupro Company
    Inventor: Oliver L. Danko
  • Patent number: 4917355
    Abstract: An improved stop valve eliminates the need for O-rings and washers. The valve contains a one piece unitary stem formed of resilient compressible plastic material. The stem contains three separate seals and fits within, extends through and is moveable in a valve sleeve. Operating the handle moves the stem axially between a first axial position in which the valve is fully open and a second axial position in which the valve is fully closed. The first seal is operative to provide a seal responsive to said stem being in the first axial position, the second seal means is operative to provide a seal responsive to said stem being in the second axial position, and the third seal is operative to seal in all axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Robert Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard C. G. Dark, William L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4911408
    Abstract: A top entry ball valve (10) has a removable top plate (34) to permit the removal of a ball valve member (80). Valve seat assemblies (98, 100) each include a primary metal seat member (102), a concentric secondary elastomeric seat member (104), and a concentric rigid seat retainer 106. The primary metal seal member (104) has a free end portion (108) of a reduced thickness to engage the ball member (80) closely adjacent the bore (82). The valve ball member (80) is mounted for rotation on a lower trunnion (28) of the valve body (12) and an upper trunnion (40) of the top plate (34). A packing (70) about the stem (48) has a downward force exerted thereagainst by Belleville springs (74, 75) that is greater than the maximum internal pressure of the valve (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Kemp Development Corporation
    Inventor: Willard E. Kemp
  • Patent number: 4907780
    Abstract: A combined seal and actuator support for valves, in which a sleeve is engaged between the actuator shaft of the valve and the valve body to effect a seal between the shaft and body, and wherein complementally interengaged actuator means are on the sleeve and shaft to support and effect reciprocating movement of the shaft, thereby eliminating the need for expensive o-ring seals and other expensive manufacturing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Edwin D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 4899983
    Abstract: A valve plug having a valve plug housing shaped to fit in a bonnet cylinder of steam control valves has a pressure seal ring groove for holding a pressure seal ring therein. The pressure seal ring groove has a pair of walls and a bottom surface end and antiwedging relief groove formed in one wall of the pressure seal ring groove adjacent the bottom surface thereof to prevent the wedging of a pressure seal ring between a valve plug and a bonnet cylinder bore wall. The pressure seal ring wears a step in the contact surface to allow the wedging which can otherwise prevent the valve from closing as required for turbine overspeed protection. The valve plug housing pressure seal ring groove can be annular groove having an annular pressure seal ring therein and the relief groove can be annular groove formed in one wall of the pressure seal ring groove adjacent the pressure seal ring along the seal ring contact surface of the pressure seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David B. Berrong, Thomas L. Schuchart
  • Patent number: 4899982
    Abstract: An upper valve component for a sanitary fixture including a sleeve type head fastenable in a valve housing and a spindle which extends through the center of the sleeve head and is equipped with a socket head, the spindle having exterior annular faces which radially position it within the sleeve head. The exterior annular face of the spindle includes a number of annular grooves therearound, some of which are provided with sealing rings to seal the spindle within the sleeve head. At the end of the sleeve head which is proximate the socket head of the spindle, there is an internal annular recess. The valve component includes a pretensioned elastic bearing which is insertable into the annular recess between the spindle and the sleeve head can be removed or inserted without disassembly of the valve. The bearing has an external surface which presses against the internal surface of the recess and has an internal surface which bears against the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Fluhs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Lange
  • Patent number: 4893781
    Abstract: A new packing arrangement is provided for improved sealing and limiting potential for extrusion of one packing member relative to another. The stem packing arrangement is disclosed with particular reference to a ball valve assembly having a body housing a selectively rotatable valve member. An actuating stem extends from the body through a stem passage and the packing assembly is received in the passage around a portion of the stem. First, second, third, and fourth members progressively increase in hardness to limit extrusion of one member relative to another. A predetermined compression is also applied to the packing assembly and is independent of the actuating stem so that bearing member life is increased. The second member includes a tapered external surface that cooperates with the stem passage to provide a wedging action along the inner and outer diameter portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Whitey Co.
    Inventors: Terry M. Kalain, Edward M. Yusko Jr., Peter C. Williams
  • Patent number: 4892320
    Abstract: A stuffing box especially for a high pressure steam valve has a plurality of packing rings including at least one laminate ring flanking a coiled graphite pressed ring, the laminate ring consisting of a stack of pressed expanded graphite foil annular disks between which and flanking which stainless steel metal foil layers can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Kempchen & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Tuckmantel
  • Patent number: 4887634
    Abstract: Apparatus for close positive coupling of an actuator to a ball valve utilizes a bracket plate assembly fixing the valve and actuator bodies together with the bracket plate in fitted engagement with the valve body annularly about its valve stem gland screw to apply reactive loads generated by valve actuation forces to the valve body rather than the valve stem, whereby essentially only torsional actuation forces are applied to the valve stem. The bracket plate assembly is affixed to the valve and actuator bodies, respectively, at opposite axial sides of the gland screw drive periphery for easy tightening access thereto without disassembly of the bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Conbraco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Killian
  • Patent number: 4886241
    Abstract: A fluid valve for use in elevated pressure and temperature conditions. Composition material wiper rings are provided in the packing bore between the packing follower and the packing box ring. The composition wiper rings have an inner diameter substantially the same as the valve stem diameter to inhibit the extrusion of packing material during sliding valve operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Davis, Robert T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4867197
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing access to the seal rings of a seatless high pressure valve includes an aperture in the valve body and a demountable sealed closure for the aperture. The sleeve within the valve body for transmitting the gland force to the seal rings is made in segments small enough for removal through the aperture to permit access to the seal rings. The valve seal rings may accordingly be replaced without disassembly of the major valve components including the valve plunger and gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Fetterolf Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ritter, John S. Fetterolf, James W. Williams, 3rd
  • Patent number: 4860784
    Abstract: The non-rising stem valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a bonnet member securely attached to the valve body which defines a tubular passageway. A valve stem extends through this tubular passageway and has a lower valve portion axially displaceable relative thereto and positioned between the inlet and outlet. A retaining ring is provided for securing the valve stem against inward movement relative to the bonnet member and an inwardly projecting flange on the bonnet member is provided for securing the valve stem against outward movement relative to the bonnet member. A packing assembly is removably secured to the bonnet member for sealing the valve assembly. An axially displaceable seal is provided in a cavity formed between the flange and the upper surface of the lower valve portion which is axially movable within the cavity by the lower valve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Engineered Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Petersen, Timothy G. Crater
  • Patent number: 4861466
    Abstract: A pressure filter assembly having a bleed valve assembly for releasing trapped gas from with the filter chamber in a controlled manner. The bleed valve assembly includes a stem secured to the filter assembly having a bore therethrough for communication with the filter chamber and a cap for controlling the release of trapped gas within the filter chamber. The cap has a plunger with a contact surface which mates with a portion of the inside surface of the stem bore and an extension which fits with a narrow portion of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Nalge Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, Gregory R. Phillips, Ravinder C. Mehra