Abstract: An improved valve, and assembly incorporating the valve, which finds particular use in welding and cutting torch control applications. The valve comprises a quick, slide-actuated, on-off control which dispenses with the need to adjust the flow of gases to the torch each time flame start-up is required. The valve also incorporates a variable pilot setting which includes an easily-manipulated cam-adjustment.

Abstract: A marine conductor string, wherein its lower part is provided with a connector. The connector comprises first and second coaxial tubular elements, a sleeve fixed to said first tubular element and axially displaceable relative to a second tubular element. The connector is furthermore provided with a fluid passage in the sleeve or in the second tubular element. Said fluid passage is so arranged that, by axial displacement of the sleeve relative to the second tubular element, a fluid communication between the interior of the conductor string and the water surrounding the conductor string can be created or eliminated. The invention relates as well to a connector suitable for use in the said conductor string.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow is disclosed in which a fluid outlet is controlled by two separate components, one being tubular in shape and located inside the other hollow component. Both the hollow and the tubular components may either be the valve body and closing element respectively, or vice-versa. The two components are reciprocally slidable through elastic sealing rings along their common longitudinal axis, and are also rotatable about that same axis, whence the path of fluid flow may be readily controlled in a gradual manner from the fully shut position to the fully open position, depending upon the longitudinal position of a plunger element with respect to the valve body. The plunger is in a state of static balance with respect to any existing pressure or friction, as well as with respect to its own weight.

Abstract: Valve apparatus may comprise a first tubular member; a second tubular member telescopically engaging the first tubular member for axial movement between a retracted position and an extended position, the first and second tubular members forming flow passage through which fluid communication may be established between the opposite ends of the apparatus; ports through the walls of one of the tubular members by which fluid communication may be established between the flow passage and the exterior of the valve apparatus; and a closure assembly carried by one of the tubular members for selectively opening and closing the ports to permit or prevent fluid communication with the exterior of the apparatus. Methods of using the valve apparatus in remedial oil and/or gas well operations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-piece valve including a first tubular member having a flow passageway therethrough with a tapered valve seat formed at one end of the flow passageway. A second tubular member is provided having a flow passageway therethrough and a valve element mounted in the flow passageway on the axis thereof. The first and second tubular members are slidably telescopically engaged with each other with one end of the first tubular member slidably positioned inside one end of the second tubular member. The valve element of said second tubular member has a tapered valve surface formed thereon adapted to move into and out of sealing engagement with the tapered valve seat of the first tubular member when the tubular members are telescoped axially one inside the other. The taper angles of the valve element and seat are in the "self-holding" category so that when the valve element is firmly seated in the valve seat the parts will be retained in mating engagement without any additional retaining means.

Abstract: A shut-off and regulator device for controllable mechanisms intended for installation in pipelines, comprising a shut-off and regulating element movable between a closed position for engagement with a sealing seat and for inhibiting the flow of a pressurized fluid medium, and an open position, under the control of the pressurized medium, the shut-off and regulating element comprising a tubular spool sleeve which is adapted to be sealed in relation to a guide parallel to the pipeline when the device is installed and to move in relation thereto, and the sealing seat comprising an annular sealing face on a seat element fixed inside the spool sleeve, the seat element containing at least one passage, which in the open position, forms a through passage in association with at least one passage contained in the spool sleeve.

Abstract: A pencil-size instrument body has a manually operable valve to control an air passage connected to a vacuum source. A first hollow axle projecting forward from the body carries a rotary finger control member. A rigid air tube of small diameter is mounted by one end in a second hollow axle and constitutes therewith a replaceable probe assembly that plugs into the first hollow axle. A rotary hub member on the second hollow axle is operated by the rotary finger control member and is connected to the end of a coil spring that rotatably embraces the rigid air tube. The second end of the coil spring is connected to a rotary tip member on the rigid air tube that picks up small objects by vacuum action and rotates the objects under control of the finger control member.