Abstract: Provided is a valve actuator in a simple structure and easily downsizable, having reliable valve openability and closability even under high pressure, and also capable of exerting high durability even with a high frequency of valve opening and closing, and a diaphragm valve including this valve actuator. In the valve actuator, a repulsive member provided in an actuator main body, a piston pressed by this repulsive member, and at least two air chambers for moving the piston by an air pressure are arranged and a booster mechanism for exerting a force amplified in a valve-closing direction is accommodated in any of the air chambers.

Abstract: A control arrangement (1) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger (4) which has a charger housing (2), the control arrangement (1) having a spindle (15) which has a first end region (24) arranged outside the charger housing (2) and a second end region (25) arranged within the charger housing (2) and having a valve disk (18) which is connected to the spindle (15), wherein the valve disk (18) and the spindle (15) are separate components, and wherein the spindle (15) is connected by way of its second end region (25) to the valve disk (18) by means of a connecting means (26).

Abstract: A device is provided for triggering a fire extinguishing system by a sprinkler, the device being arranged between the pipe for the extinguishing agent and the sprinkler and including a multiple-armed toggle-lever joint acting between a load axis of the triggering element and a sealing element that is arranged at an angle of 80 to 120° thereto. The device has the advantage that dry pipe sprinklers whose glass bulbs can only absorb low mechanical forces can also be arranged for use with pipes that exhibit large entry cross-sections, large volume flows and high pressures as the forces from the pipe that arise have to be absorbed only in part by the sprinkler glass bulb. It is further advantageous that the sealing force of the sealing element can be adjusted by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A gate valve for a vacuum chamber comprises two carriers (5a) each connected to a frame structure providing an essentially plane front by two parallel links (6) and to an actuating rod (12a) by parallel levers (14). Upward motion of the actuating rods (12a) by a piston (17) causes, via the levers (14), upward motion of the carriers (5a) which is transformed into a circular motion by the links (6) where the carriers (5a) at the same time approach the front while remaining parallel to it, moving sealing plates (9) which are fixed to the carriers (5a) to an active position where they press against the front and seal openings (3) therein. Retraction of the piston (17) effects an inverse motion, whereby the sealing plates (9) are completely removed from the openings (3) and the latter made easily accessible.

Abstract: The invention is a dual spreading link mechanism for application with gate valves. The invention also extends to gate valves employing the inventive dual spreading link. In one application to pendulum gate valves, a valve carriage assembly moves in a pendular manner within a gate valve housing and operates to seal off the flow channel of the housing. The valve carriage assembly is comprised of a valve plate having a valve seat face for engaging with the housing in a sealing manner, a tensioning member which along with a plurality of clip springs provides a contracting force to the valve carriage assembly, and an actuating member which moves laterally within the carriage assembly to alternately spread and contract the assembly. The actuating member is stacked between the valve plate and tensioning member and the actuating member is coupled to the valve plate and tensioning member by a plurality of oblong rotatable links which comprise the dual spreading link.

Abstract: A separated-control valve device includes a sleeve having two inlet holes and an outlet hole defined therein. A limiter is received in the sleeve and has two grooves defined therein. A control assembly received in the limiter. The control assembly has a valve seat, two valves mounted in the valve seat, two driven members relatively connected to the two valves, two operating levers relatively connected to the two driven members.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a valve includes a support frame and at least one valve driving linkage arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a valve stem of the valve and the other end of which is rotatably connected to a screw block. A motor connected to the frame is operatively connected to a motor driven shaft which is in threaded screw driving relationship with the screw block. The motor rotates the motor driven shaft which drives translational movement of the screw block which drives rotatable movement of the valve driving linkage arm which drives translational movement of the valve stem. The valve actuator may further include a sensory control element disposed in operative relationship with the valve stem, the sensory control element being adapted to provide control over the position of the valve stem by at least sensing the travel and/or position of the valve stem.

Abstract: The float valve (11) controls water level e.g. in an associated plant pot. A housing (21) has a water inlet (25) with an inlet port (26), a float (31) able to rise and fall with the level of the water in the housing (21), a valve operating mechanism (60) able to open and close the port (26), and an actuator means (40) to operate the valve operating mechanism when the float (31) rises and falls to predetermined levels. For opening and closing the inlet port (26), there is a valve operating mechanism comprising a valve operator (60) having a valve member (67) and a lever (61) mounted for pivoting movement about generally central pivot point (65). Actuator means (40) is coupled to the float (31) and switches between a standby condition an active condition respectively to the closed and open positions of the valve operating mechanism (60).

Abstract: An inwardly opening mechanical vent system is provided for use in a fluid tank having a bottom loading valve and a vent formed in an upper tank surface. The vent system includes a spring interposed between a vent valve and a body extending downwardly into the tank to bias the vent valve upwardly into a closed position. A shaft extends downwardly from the vent valve and is connected to a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism includes a scissor-hinge assembly connected to a trunnion of the body. A linkage rod extends upwardly from the bottom loading valve and is capable of actuating the lever mechanism to lower the shaft and vent valve into the tank to open the vent when the bottom loading valve is opened.

Abstract: A basket gate (18) mechanism, typically for use in the cargo holds (12), of bulk carriers (10), includes two opposed gate segments (50, 51) which shut along a central line. Each gate segment (50, 51) is supported at its ends by pairs of different length arms (57, 58, 59, 60), so that when the gate (18) is opened, the segments (50, 51) slope downwardly. The pairs of arms (57, 58, 59, 60) are interconnected by a small and compact direction reversing lever mechanism (61, 62, 63, 64) that ensures coordination of the movement of the segments (50, 51). The arms (57, 58, 59, 60) and the supporting framework (52) are protected by a hog back (53). The gate (18) is opened and closed by an actuating means (65), typically a double acting hydraulic cylinder, located between the gate segments (50, 51) at their midpoints, and directly acting on said said gate segments.

Abstract: A reduced travel operating mechanism for downhole tools is provided. The reduced travel operating mechanism (57) includes a load ratio system (59) which may include compression ring (102) disposed within circumferential guide pocket (123) and a linkage system (61) disposed within mechanism pocket (125). The linkage system (61) may include first link (112), master link (114), and second link (116) coupled between compression ring (102) and connecting member (118). A loading system (63), which may include a hydraulic piston (100), acts on compression ring (102) to move compression ring (102) a first distance. Connecting member (118) moves a second distance in response to the movement of compression ring (102) a first distance. The linkage system (61) may operate such that the second distance is greater than the first distance or operate such that the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A valve actuator having a pivotal cam-lever driven push-pull mechanical linkage system. A power mechanism moves a cam-lever member which then moves a connecting rod to move a push-pull member to lift out or push in a conventional valve stem. This then opens or closes the valve. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator includes an adjustable block member to which the cam-lever is pivotally attached. This provides a separate adjustability for the ultimate maximum movement of the push-pull member and thereby also of the valve stem in order to ensure a proper closing force is imparted to the valve. Also in this embodiment, it is preferred that the push-pull member includes at least one spring washer disposed therein. This provides a desirable compressibility in the system during the imposition of the force that the push-pull member exerts on the valve stem during the opening and/or closing process.

Abstract: A controller comprises a valve body having a valve element and a valve seat defining therebetween a fluid channel openable and closable with reciprocating upward and downward movement of a valve stem, a casing fixed to an upper portion of the valve body, an operating rod provided in an upper inside portion of the casing and movable upward and downward, a drive device for moving the operating rod upward and downward, and a force transmission device provided in a lower inside portion of the casing for transmitting force acting on the operating rod to the valve stem.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve assembly for controlling the fill level in liquid storage tanks, sized to fit through existing filler pipes, includes a tubular body having a flow-blocking diverter plate on the lower end, a series of peripheral through-ports disposed upstream of the diverter plate and a concentric sleeve slidably mounted on the valve body and responsive to longitudinal forces transmitted through a pivotable linkage from a cantilevered float. The linkage permits the float to be extended downward along the valve axis for insertion into the tank, then to rotate outward into a cantilevered position. As the float rises in response to the buoyant force of the rising liquid, the sleeve is urged downward by the linkage to sealingly block the ports and limit flow of liquid through the valve. The tank fill level can be selected by adjusting lengths and angles of linkage members or by manipulating the angle and depth of the valve assembly in the tank.

Abstract: A multiple flow rate fluid control valve assembly in which the mode of fluid flow is interfaced with the rate of fluid flow has a mode control valve having a switch for selectively setting the valve to either of a continuous fluid flow mode or a pulse fluid flow mode. A fluid flow rate control valve is connected to the mode control valve for selectively controlling the rate of fluid flow from a source of fluid through the rate control valve to the mode control valve, to thereby provide fluid from the source of fluid to the mode control valve at a rate which is appropriate for the mode of fluid delivery and the particular fluid use.

Abstract: A snap action toggle valve actuator assembly for use in a fluid holding tank. Movement of a float or other movable actuating element causes pivotal movement of pivot arm, which compresses a spring. When the float element reaches a predetermined level, the spring causes a downward movement in linkage attached to the rear of a valve actuating lever and an upward movement of a valve rod secured to the other end of the valve actuating lever and vice versa.

Abstract: A spring return valve operator for actuating a valve is comprised of a spring return actuator which is loadmatched to a valve load and extracts a large fraction of its spring energy storage capacity, and a controlled actuator which is load matched to the valve load and the spring return actuator retensioning load. Within the spring return actuator, the output of nested torsion springs is transformed into various torque outputs, particularly constant torque outputs and increasing torque outputs. Spring output is transformed by eccentric spool and flexible element mechanisms or by four bar mechanisms through changes in leverage produced by varying torque arms. The output of a controlled actuator can be transformed into torque outputs which are decreasing, increasing, etc., using eccentric spool and flexible element mechanisms or using four bar mechanisms in order to produce a loadmatch to the valve load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary switching device having a conical chamber permitting modification of the supply to the apparatus to which it is allocated, by reversing the fluids or the directions of circulation of the fluids in the ducts.

Abstract: A retaining assembly holds a nozzle seal in the nozzle of a nuclear steam generator vessel. The assembly includes two arcuate beams generally following the curvature of the vessel wall, one beam lying generally alongside the divider plate and the other extending diametrically across the nozzle seal and being coupled thereto. The outer ends of the beams are anchored to the outer edge of the tube sheet and have brace members which bear against the vessel wall. The inner walls of the beams are interconnected by a thrust assembly which bears against the divider plate and includes an adjustable jacking screw means for urging the beams against the tube sheet. The effective length of the beam coupled to the nozzle seal can be varied by selectively replaceable spacers.

Abstract: Lever-amplified actuating means for valves and other devices which may be used to replace heretofore employed hydraulic jacks capable of transforming a small force traveling a great distance into a large force being motivated over a small distance, and where such amplifying ratios exceed 5 to 1; the mechanical amplifying means consisting of two upper ball bearings displaced radially down by a piston or diaphragm plate which in turn causes a co-sinusoidal, small-distance displacement of a lower pair of ball bearings.

Abstract: A nozzle dam for providing a fluid-tight seal across a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel includes an elongated shaft coupled at one end thereof to an anchor assembly frictionally engageable with the inner surface of the nozzle to anchor the dam in place and a fluid-impermeable seal apparatus coupled to the shaft and closing the nozzle and frictionally engageable with the inner surface thereof to form a fluid-tight seal. The seal apparatus includes a circular plate disposable in wedging frictional engagement with a frustoconical portion of the nozzle inner surface. The shaft extends through a central aperture in the plate and is threadedly engaged with a nut which holds the plate in place. The anchor assembly includes a foldable tripod arrangement coupled to the shaft in such a way that movement of the shaft toward the seal plate effects an increase in the frictional anchoring force. The seal assembly also includes an inflatable portion.

Abstract: Mechanical amplifying means for valves and other devices which may be used to replace heretofore employed hydraulic jacks capable of transforming a small force traveling a great distance into a large force being motivated over a small distance, and where such amplifying ratios exceed 30 to 1; the mechanical amplifying means consisting of two upper ball bearings wedged tangentially apart by a profiled pushrod which in turn causes a co-sinusoidal, small-distance displacement of a lower pair of ball bearings.

Abstract: A resiliently prestressed oscillatory system having two discrete operative positions is located by means of toggle levers in the limit positions of the oscillation. One of the toggle levers is in the extended state in the associated operative position and is deflected by a control device through the agency of a movable abutment until the self-locking of the toggle lever is overcome and a prestressed spring drives the system into its other end position.The toggle levers form an amplifier reducing, for instance, by a hundred-fold to a thousand-fold, the forces which the control device is required to provide. The system can therefore be controlled directly by means of an electronic control without the need for additional pneumatic of hydraulic auxiliary systems or high power electrical systems.

Abstract: An actuator responsive to seismic or other shock forces includes a first swinging arm yieldingly urged pivotally in one direction and releasably retained against such swinging movement by shock responsive means acting to permit swinging movement of the arm in response to predetermined shock forces, a second arm for actuating a controlled element and which is swung through an angle shorter than the first arm by a mechanical advantage linkage including two links pivotally connected together at first ends and pivotally connected at second ends to a support structure and to the mentioned second arm, together with a third link operable to swing the first and second links from relatively angularly disposed positions toward aligned and preferably overcenter positions in response to the swinging movement of the first arm to cause the desired relatively smaller movement of the second arm with resultant increased force applicable to the controlled element.

Abstract: A lightweight acid-resistant plastic dispenser having a handle housing enclosing a valve and valve-operating mechanism and remote therefrom on a rigid tubular extension a plastic water nozzle and a flexible hose connected to a water source.The nozzle of the dispenser has two ducts, one for water and the other for aspirated air to produce a suction when the level of the liquid in the battery cell being filled reaches the lower end of the nozzle. The aspirated or suction air operates a diaphragm to break a toggle in the valve-operating mechanism, automatically shutting the water valve in the handle housing.The valve control mechanism in the handle comprises a double toggle composed of three alignable links which when aligned operate against the normally spring-pressed water valve to hold it open.

Abstract: An operator for rotating blade dampers including a frame and a plurality of interconnected blades adapted for rotation within the frame, which operator comprises a pair of pivotally interconnected members operatively associated with the blades of the damper and the damper frame, and an actuator for causing articulation between the operator members, thereby rotating the damper blades between a fully open and a fully closed position. A variety of actuators may be used, including cable-type actuators as well as electrically and pneumatically operated actuators.The operator is configured so that the amount of rotation of the damper blades which is caused by a given amount of operation of the actuator increases as the damper blades move toward the open position, and so that an over-center position is defined wherein the operator members are substantially longitudinally aligned and in which the blades of the damper are locked in position.

Abstract: A universal operator is disclosed for rotating blade air, smoke and fire dampers, said dampers comprising a frame and a plurality of interconnected blades within said frame, said interconnection being in the form of a link bar which adapts all of said blades to open and close as a unit. The operator comprises a pair of pivotally connected members to form a knee-action joint which in turn is pivotally connected both to the damper frame and to said link bar. The operator also comprises stall type actuation means for selectively acting through the operator to control the degree of blade opening and bias means to return said blades to their normal operating position whenever said actuation means is disengaged.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated press in which the moving press plunger (13) is actuated by a toggle linkage (20, 21, 22) which is itself actuated by a second toggle linkage (30, 31, 32). The end link (31) of this second linkage is actuated by a large diameter pneumatic ram (34) while the pivotal point (32) of this second toggle linkage is connected to a relatively small diameter pneumatic ram (36), or some other actuator. An automatic switch (42, 32) engages a valve to admit air to the larger ram (34) when the smaller ram (36) has moved the second toggle (30, 31) into an in-line position. The ram (36) may be replaced by a manual operating lever.

Abstract: A fail-safe-open actuator for actuating valves and the like which comprises a pair of opposed cylinders joined to define piston chambers, the axes of which are generally perpendicular to a valve stem. Pistons in the cylinders are connected to the valve stem by toggle links, the pistons being resiliently urged toward the ends of the assembly which corresponds to an open-valve position. To close the valve, a pressurized fluid, such as air, is introduced into the piston chambers and to the pistons at sufficient pressure to counter the resilient means so as to move the pistons away from their rest, valve-open positions, and thus move the valve stem perpendicularly to the axis of the piston chamber. A handwheel is provided to manually close the valve by moving the pistons from their rest positions.A solenoid controlled pneumatic valve may be used to control the supply of pressurized fluid, such as air, to the actuator.

Abstract: This multiplier includes a first link unit in a force transferring relationship with one of an actuator and a device to be actuated. A second link unit is pivotably connected to the first link unit in a force transferring relationship with the other of the actuator and the device to be actuated. At least one spring in a force transferring relationship with at least one of the first and second link units is provided. The first and second link units are disposed between the actuator and the device to be actuated with the first and second link units in cooperation with each other and the spring providing a relatively linearly increasing multiplied output force to the device to be actuated when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A tank valve apparatus particularly adapted for effecting rapid discharge of the liquid contents of a tanker truck or the like, the apparatus being characterized by an improved valve opening apparatus actuated by an air cylinder. The cylinder includes a single acting piston requiring a certain cylinder pressure to move the valve to its open position, but requiring a significantly lower pressure to permit its return stroke, whereby rapid closure of the tank valve is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve operator whereby movement of linkage arms connected to a spring loaded movable pressure plate and to a valve stem support opens and closes the valve diaphragm. A manual override clutch assembly disengages the drive means and permits manual operation of the valve.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating valves and the like which comprises a pair of opposed cylinders, the axes of which are generally perpendicular to a valve stem. Pistons in the cylinders are connected to the valve stem by toggle links, the pistons being resiliently urged toward the center of the assembly which corresponds to a closed valve position. To open the valve, a fluid, such as air, is introduced between the pistons, so as to move them away from their rest (valve closed) positions. A handwheel is provided to manually open the valve by moving the pistons from their rest positions.A solenoid controlled pneumatic valve may be used to control the supply of air to the actuator. Either a failure in air pressure or an electrical failure will result in the pistons being urged to the rest positions and also result in closing the connected valve, i.e., the failure mode.

Abstract: An installation control valve preferably for use in a fire fighting installation has a pivotal valve disc with an axis spindle to which is connected a lever. A lever retaining mechanism co-operates with the lever and is releasably held to resist lever and so valve disc movement. An actuating means is operable under predetermined condition to release the lever retaining mechanism to permit lever and valve disc movement to effect valve opening.

Abstract: A float actuated valve mechanism for automatically removing a predetermined amount of accumulated liquid condensate from a sump area of a gas pressurized drain trap or the like so as to regulate the level of liquid in such a sump area. A four-bar linkage between a float and a valve plug provides a non-linearly varying mechanical advantage throughout the movement of the float. In a closed position the valve plug mates with a rigid seating surface and an elastomeric seating surface to provide a wear-resistant seal.

Abstract: A fast closing shutoff valve having a self-contained hydraulic actuating system and an emergency pneumatic back-up system. The hydraulic system includes an accumulator for a high closing rate with a minimum size pump. The actuating system operates through a toggle linkage to reduce valve rate as valve nears closed position to reduce impact loads and increase closing pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser closure formed of elastomeric material which is suitable for fitting to the discharge spout of a liquid container formed of a flexible film material such as polyethylene film and housed in a cardboard casing. The closure is provided with sealing means, the effectiveness of which is increased with increasing pressure within the container, and a diaphragm like transverse wall positioned across the discharge spout, said transverse wall being provided with an outwardly directed protrusion which is manipulated with a toggle like action to distort the transverse wall and sealing means to permit liquid to flow from the container.