Abstract: A check valve which tends to be free from clamp damage and has a satisfactory pressure loss balance even if being used with a gasohol. The check valve comprises a fluorosilicone rubber having: (A) a tear strength of not smaller than 150 N/cm; (B) an initial 100% tensile stress of not greater than 3.5 MPa; (C) a 100% tensile stress of 1.8 to 3.0 MPa after immersion in a gasohol; and (D) a volume swell of not greater than 35% after immersion in the gasohol.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.

Abstract: Threaded seat support for valve with quadruple seal, such as aspiration and exhaust check valves used in reciprocating hydraulic pumps, wherein the threaded seat support cap is comprised by a planar frustoconical metal body, inside which a thread has been made at a central region comprised between the upper mouth forming a larger diameter chamber and a lower cylindrical region, of smaller diameter, defining a planar step adjacent the end of the thread fillet; while the valve body provides the seat at its upper surface, which has a larger diameter forming a projecting peripheral edge, followed by a cylindrical strip of smaller diameter which has a peripheral channel carrying an O-ring; following the cylindrical strip thread fillets are arranged at a smaller diameter region; while that inside the valve body there is an axial drill for a guide rod of the blocking disk of the valve, surrounded by the fluid passage conduits; the bodies of the threaded seat, of the blocking disk and, at least partially, of the guid

Abstract: A system (and accompanying method) for reducing thermal shock in a physical device includes: a gas inlet portion; and an ablator material positioned in the gas inlet portion to reduce a temperature differential at a surface between the gas inlet portion and a gaseous material propelled through the gas inlet portion. The gas inlet portion can include: a first material; and a second material having a boundary with the first material, where the ablator material is positioned at the boundary. The first material is not sensitive to thermal shock, and the second material is sensitive to thermal shock. The ablator material can be housed in a recess at the boundary. The first material can be a manifold. The second material can be a portion of a control valve for controlling the direction and amount of a hot gas emitted therefrom. The manifold can include a bypass slot connecting a main inlet gas chamber of the manifold with a surface of the ablator material.

Abstract: A non-contaminating gas-tight valve for controlling a flow of granular polysilicon. The valve has a spherical valve member formed from single-crystal polysilicon, so that any particles worn from the valve member during use will be non-contaminating polysilicon. The valve member has a passage through which granular polysilicon flows when the valve is in an open position. When rotated perpendicular to the flow, the passage no longer permits movement of granular polysilicon through the valve. The valve member has a smooth finish and is wiped clean when rotated against non-abrasive upper and lower seats, reducing the likelihood of valve member wear. A cavity between the valve member and the valve body allows for removal of excess granular polysilicon from the valve, inhibiting the valve from seizing due to excess granular polysilicon slipping past the upper valve seat and accumulating within the valve. The valve additionally forms a gas-tight seal between an upstream and downstream side of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a main steam relief valve for use in a nuclear power plant. The valve disc includes a cylindrical first end of uniform external and internal circumference, a conical opposite end, an external surface, and an internal surface. The cylindrical first end preferably includes a plurality of groves on the external surface to prevent rotation of the disc. The conical portion is highly polished on the external surface to prevent the formation of cracks and is adapted to receive a push-rod on the internal surface and a valve seat on the external surface. The valve disc is constructed of approximately of 90% or greater silicon carbide.

Abstract: A high-pressure primary fluid control valve and a multi-pressure selector fluid control valve are disclosed for operating a fluid-actuated device. Preferably a spherical ball-poppet and frusto-conical valve seat adapted for substantially line-contact therebetween are provided with an upstream flow area adjacent the line-contact in order to substantially minimize sonic flow damage to the actual sealing surface of the valve seat by shifting it away from such line-contact seating. Preferably, the ball-poppet is movable within a poppet guide that is allowed to float radially in order to allow the ball-poppet to be substantially self-centering with respect to the valve seat. In addition, cross-over leakage is preferably negated by closing an exhaust ball-poppet just prior to opening a supply ball-poppet. These principles and features are equally applicable to either or both of the primary or the multi-pressure selector fluid control valves.

Abstract: A high-pressure fluid control valve is disclosed for operating a fluid-actuated device. Preferably a ball-poppet and frusto-conical valve seat adapted for substantially line-type contact therebetween are provided with an upstream restricted flow area in order to substantially minimize sonic flow damage to the actual sealing surface of the valve seat. Preferably, the ball-poppet is movable within a poppet guide that is allowed to float radially in order to allow the ball-poppet to be substantially self-centering with respect to the valve seat. In addition, cross-over leakage is preferably negated by closing an exhaust ball-poppet just prior to opening a supply ball-poppet.

Abstract: The combination of a shower valve having a metallic movable stem to control operation of the valve and a non-metallic high strength composite handle adapter secured to the stem for movement therewith, with the non-metallic handle adapter preventing galvanic corrosion between the metallic valve stem and a metallic handle attached to the handle adapter.

Abstract: An expansion valve comprises an orifice 30 formed in a valve body 10 and a valve member 9 fixed to a movable member 18. Movement of a diaphragm 4 is transmitted to an actuating rod 17 via a member 16, and the actuating rod 17 actuated the movable member 18 to control the opening amount of the path between the valve member 9 and the orifice 30. An orifice member 100 affixed to the orifice 30 is made of a material harder than the valve body 10, and free from erosion or other damage by a refrigerant, which will otherwise occur at the valve opening portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply value comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc-shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin-walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A metallic member including not more than 0.6% C, 12 to 19% Cr, 6 to 12% Ni, not more than 2% Mn, not more than 2% Mo, not more than 1% Nb and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, where Hirayama's equivalent H eq=[Ni %]+1.05 [Mn %]+0.65 [Cr %]+0.35 [Si %]+12.6 [C %] is 20 to 23%; Nickel equivalent Ni eq=[Ni %]+30 [C %]+0.5 [Mn %] is 9 to 12%, and Chromium equivalent Cr eq=[Cr %]+[Mo %]+1.5 [Si %]+0.5 [Nb %] is 16 to 19, wherein % is by weight, is made to have at least one ferromagnetized part having a magnetic flux density B4000 of not less than 0.3 T and at least one non-magnetized part having a relative magnetic permeability &mgr; of not more than 1.2 at a temperature of not less than −40° C., as continuously and integrally formed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a riqid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc-shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin-walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.

Abstract: In order to propose a hollow poppet valve having an excellent, high strength to weight properties by constructing it in order that no influence from welding heat is exerted onto the face, and no stress is concentrated at the welded portion, and a method for manufacturing the same valve, a fillet area 14 opened like a flare is integrally formed at one end of the cylindrical stem portion 12, and a cap is integrally welded to the open edge portion of the fillet area, wherein only the open edge portion of the fillet area 14 is made thicker than the other portions, and the face 15 is formed on the thicker portion 30. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hardness of the face 15 from being lowered due to the cap welding heat, and stress from being concentrated at the welded portion, whereby the property of high strength to weight can be improved.

Abstract: A valve substantially made of plastic material having a housing which is connected to a conduit for a flowing medium, which housing contains a slide which is capable of movement transversely to the direction of flow of said medium between a closed position, in which the flow can be shut off, and an open position, in which said flow can be released, wherein the housing has a lower housing, for the connection, and an upper housing for the slide, which is detachably connected therewith.

Abstract: A valve device including a main body formed with a passage for allowing a refrigerant to flow therethrough; and a valve member provided in the passage. The main body includes an aluminum alloy containing 0.2 to 1.5 weight % of Si; 0.2 to 1.5 weight % of Mg; 0.001 to 0.2 weight % Ti; at least 0.1 weight % of Mn, Zr or the both; and Al and inevitable impurities, and having a fiber structure.

Abstract: A pressure release valve which is simple, compact, and easy to assemble for small applications, such as may be found in a flow control device on an oxygen container. A poppet of the valve has a resilient compressible cone providing spring-like characteristics to the poppet, eliminating any requirement for a separate spring, so that the pressure release valve is springless. A stem of the poppet carries a button manual actuation of the poppet. The cone resides in a slightly compressed state within a valve chamber, and the stem is loosely fitted inside the bore of a threaded insert. The poppet is normally seated in a sealing relationship with the insert. Pressing the button shifts the poppet toward an inner valve chamber, compressing the cone further, and allowing the release of gas about the stem. The resilient cone restores the sealing relationship upon button release.

Abstract: An element for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid valve. The element may include a generally spherical metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The element may also include a cone-shaped metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The cylindrical ceramic insert defines a fluid passageway through the element. The element further includes a coupling mechanism disposed on the metal housing configured for securing a metal actuation shaft to the element. The coupling mechanism provides a high-strength element-to-shaft connection between the metal actuation shaft and a metal portion of the element. The present invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the element.

Abstract: In order to propose a hollow poppet valve having an excellent, high strength to weight properties by constructing it in order that no influence from welding heat is exerted onto the face, and no stress is concentrated at the welded portion, and a method for manufacturing the same valve, a fillet area 14 opened like a flare is integrally formed at one end of the cylindrical stem portion 12, and a cap is integrally welded to the open edge portion of the fillet area, wherein only the open edge portion of the fillet area 14 is made thicker than the other portions, and the face 15 is formed on the thicker portion 30. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hardness of the face 15 from being lowered due to the cap welding heat, and stress from being concentrated at the welded portion, whereby the property of high strength to weight can be improved.

Abstract: A poppet valve is used in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. A valve body which comprises a valve stem and a valve head is made of high-strength plastic resin. The valve head is covered with a metal head cover, and the end of the valve stem is covered with a cylindrical metal cap, thereby decreasing weight of the poppet valve.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly usable in, as an example, a multiple channel high throughput purification system. The pressure regulator assembly includes an inlet line and an outlet line connectable to a fluid channel. A regulator body has a regulator inlet connected to the inlet line and a regulator outlet connected to the outlet line. The regulator body has a chamber therein in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and outlet. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and has a nozzle outlet adjacent to the chamber. A stem is axially aligned with the nozzle outlet and has a regulating surface adjacent to the nozzle outlet to restrict the fluid flow through the chamber to the regulator outlet. A mounting rod is attached to a mounting portion on the stem. The mounting rod and stem are axially moveable in the regulator body relative to the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A packer joint is provided for mounting on a vessel or pipeline entry valve which includes a stinger guide and seal. Clamping collet are mounted within the packer to retain the stinger in the desired position. Different metals within the guide body from those of the stinger rod prevent gaulding and damage. A lock-up the rod may be released via a bore hole providing tapping access to the collets.

Abstract: A new valve device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This valve device has an inner plug head, which modulates and throttles the amount of flow passing through the valve when the valve is open. The inner plug head is shaped so that as the valve plug approaches the closed position, the inner plug head blocks most of the flow path, reducing the flow to a small amount. The valve of this invention has an outer plug head the contacts the valve's outer ceramic seat as the valve reaches the closed position. Contact between the outer ceramic seat and the outer ceramic plug entirely shuts off flow through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hydraulic valve in which the housing (1) at least and also preferably the operational parts, such as the main control piston (3), the manometer piston (6) and the like which are arranged inside said housing (1) and influence the hydraulic oil flow, are made of an aluminium alloy that can be hardened and tempered. The weight of the high-pressure hydraulic valve can therefore be substantially reduced. The surfaces of the parts made of the aluminium alloy that can be hardened and tempered are advantageously submitted to anodic oxidation in order to increase even more their wear resistance. This type of high-pressure hydraulic valve with a particularly light weight is mainly intended for use in mobile hydraulic systems such as those used in mobile cranes, in lifting platforms and in excavators.

Abstract: In a composite lightweight valve for internal combustion engines having a solid valve head provided with a center opening and a valve stem received in the center opening of the valve head in a positively locking manner, the valve components are permanently joined to one another by hot upsetting so as to be capable of withstanding the thermal and mechanical effective during engine operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid shaft and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular, and is injection molded around a portion of the shaft. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity with a press fit against an inner surface of the valve cavity to seal the valve cavity against leakage.

Abstract: An element for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid valve. The element may include a generally spherical metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The element may also include a cone-shaped metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The cylindrical ceramic insert defines a fluid passageway through the element. The element further includes a coupling mechanism disposed on the metal housing configured for securing a metal actuation shaft to the element. The coupling mechanism provides a high-strength element-to-shaft connection between the metal actuation shaft and a metal portion of the element. The present invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the element.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.

Abstract: Heat transfer between a body and its surrounding fluidous environment is reduced by placing at least one baffle-insulator adjacent to the body, such that the baffle-insulator which has a thermal conductivity of less than about 5 watts/meter-° K., disturbs, modifies, and/or weakens fluidous environment flow about the body, thus reducing heat transfer between the body and its environment.

Abstract: A rotary fluid switching valve has facewise adjacent rotor and stator faces of materials that result in an exceptionally long lifetime. One face is of a fluorocarbon-containing polymer, while the other face is Tungsten Carbide/Carbon (WC/C). The WC/C coating is preferably on a metal stator which has machined ports to accept tubing fittings that connect to stator passages that extend to the interface of stator and rotor.

Abstract: A valve seat made of Fe-based sintered alloy, the Fe-based sintered alloy comprising, on a weight percent basis: C: 0.5-2%, Si: 0.05-1% Co:   8-16%, Cr:   2-8% Mo: 1.5-6%, W:  1.5-6% Ni: 0.5-2%, Nb: 0.

Abstract: Hydraulic actuator. An actuator body includes an inlet, an outlet, a port communicating with a pre-charged diaphragm tank, and a port communicating with a pressure switch. The actuator body includes a movable member which, in a first position, closes the inlet port and provides fluidic communication with the pressure switch port while allowing pressure equalization between the inlet and an interior of the actuator body. In a second position, the movable body opens the inlet port and seals the pressure switch port. A spring is disposed within the actuator body to urge the movable member toward the first position. The invention eliminates the need for multiple springs as shown in one prior art design and eliminates the need for reliance on a hydrostatic force differential to move the movable member.

Abstract: Steam valve wherein at least one of the valve plug mating surface or valve seat mating surface has a metal nitride and/or carbide coating thereon. Preferably, the metal nitride and/or carbide coating is on both mating surfaces.

Abstract: An extended stem globe valve for use with cryogenic fluids, wherein the elongated shaft between the valve seal or disk and the actuator is constructed so that rotational movement of the actuator results in linear movement of the shaft, without imparting a large rotational movement of the shaft about its longitudinal axis and with reduced thermal conduction between the mating parts. Coupling of the valve disk to a valve disk retainer is effected in the area above the valve seat. The valve also includes a shaft insulator so constructed and arranged to retain leakage fluid in a volume space closer to the valve seat. Optionally the valve can include bellows sealing of the shaft to prevent fluid from contacting the uppermost portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A roll-type rotary slide valve having good running properties for a cylinder head unit of a piston-controlled internal combustion engine. For this purpose, the roll-type rotary slide valve is made of austenitic cast iron.

Abstract: A bailer that is substantially leak-free includes an improved valve assembly at its lowermost end. In a first embodiment, a valve body in the form of a hemispherical ball is mounted at the lowermost end of a straight valve stem. The hemispherical ball seats in a valve seat that matches the contour of the hemispherical exterior surface of the ball. In a second embodiment, the valve body and the matching valve seat are both frusto-conical in configuration. In a third embodiment, the valve body and matching valve seat are tapered downwardly to form an elongate, narrow slot. A fourth embodiment adds a guide member to the third embodiment structure to ensure seating of the downwardly tapering valve body in its valve seat. In all embodiments, the valve stem is slideably received within and guided by a central bore formed in a support member that spans the hollow interior of the lowermost end of the bailer, and the valve body is covered with a cushioned material of uniform thickness.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a valve characterized by excellent corrosion and wear resistance and maintainability by bonding corrosion and wear proof alloy containing non-continuously distributed eutectic carbide to the sliding portions of various types of apparatuses and valves by diffusion bonding. Another object of the present invention is to improve the maintainability of a thermal and nuclear power plant and to provide a nuclear power plant comprising the recirculating water which ensures excellent working safety, in particular.

Abstract: A valve plug design is disclosed that uses a plug head band and a retaining ring to restrain a valve plug head to a valve plug stem. This invention is specifically directed to providing valve plugs where the plug head material is different and distinct from the plug stem material and where each material is selected to optimize its performance. Moreover, this invention is provided with a means for fixing and removing the plug head to and from the plug stem that can easily be worked in the field without special purpose manufacturing equipment, thereby making the maintenance, repair and replacement of plug head easier for users. This valve plug design subjects the plug head to reduced stresses thereby enhances the operating life of the valve and valve plug. This valve plug design provides a shock absorbing, compliance barrier around and/or under the plug head.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant gas cylinder and gas delivery system includes an electroless nickel-phosphorous layer overlying the inner surface of a steel alloy cylinder. The nickel-phosphorous layer has a thickness of at least about 20 micrometers and a porosity of no greater than about 0.1%. The electroless nickel-phosphorous layer has a phosphorous content of at least about 10% by weight and a surface roughness of no greater than about 5 micrometers. Prior to introducing liquefied gas into the gas cylinder, a cleaning process is carried out using a two-step baking process to clean the surface of the nickel-phosphorus layer. The nickel-phosphorous layer substantially reduces the contamination of liquefied corrosive gasses stored in the gas cylinder by metal from the steel wall surface underlying the nickel-phosphorous layer.

Abstract: A combustion chamber component for an internal combustion engine has a water and oil repellent coating which has good adhesive power and in which the effect of suppressing the accumulation of deposits is well maintained. The coating is formed from an organosilicon compound represented by the formula Rf—R1—Si(NH)3/2 wherein Rf denotes a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R1 denotes a divalent hydrocarbon group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A pressure relief device comprises an unimpregnated graphite membrane having a gas impermeable coating.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

Abstract: A switch valve 10 is provided with an upper body 14 having a plurality of outlet ports 20A, 20B, and 20C and a lower body housing 16 with inlet port 18. The switch valve includes a ball member 22 which is rotatable within the switch valve body 12 for selective fluid communication between the inlet port 18 and the selected one of the plurality of outlet ports. The ball 22 is rotated by a stem 28, which may be powered by an actuator unit. The upper body 14 includes a substantially dome-shaped seating surface 40 for sealing engagement with the outer surface 38 of the ball. The biasing member 48 biases the ball radially in a direction opposite the ball inlet port 24 to obtain the desired sealing engagement. The biasing member is preferably a Belleville spring 48 having a single wrap design.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a Parylene micro check valve including a micromachined silicon valve seat with a roughened top surface to which a membrane cap is anchored by twist-up tethers. The micro check valve is found to exhibit low cracking pressure, high reverse pressure, low reverse flow leakage, and negligible membrane-induced flow resistance when used as a valve over a micro orifice through which flow liquid and gas fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-machined fluid-flow device (10) comprising a substrate (12) possessing a flow duct (14), a deformable thin layer (18) such a pump membrane or a valve-forming membrane. According to the invention, the thin layer (18) is a rolled metal sheet, preferably made of titanium, and connected to the substrate (12) in the zone (20) overlapping the flow duct, by an anodic bonding. The invention is applicable to making a valve.

Abstract: A valve with fire-resistant seal for use in industrial piping applications. The valve includes a valve body with a valve element therein. The valve is illustrated as a ball valve, but other valve configurations could also be used. A valve stem engages the valve element so that it can be rotated between open and closed positions. A conventional primary seal is used on the valve stem for normal conditions. The valve body defines a body bearing surface, and the valve stem defines a facing stem bearing surface. A thrust bearing is disposed between the body and stem bearing surfaces, and a fire-resistant seal is positioned radially inwardly from the thrust bearing. Initially, the fire-resistant seal is not engaged with at least one of the body or stem bearing surfaces, and the fire-resistant seal has a thickness less than an initial thickness of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A valve has a housing and a component movable within the housing. The housing has first, second and third ports formed in it. The movable component has a first passageway formed in it. Movement of the movable component within the housing selectively connects the first port through the first passageway to the second port, or the second port through the first passageway to the third port. At least one of the first and second ports includes a first member for contacting the movable valve component and a second member for retaining the first member. The second member may be constructed from a semiconductive material. At least a region of the movable component around a first end of the first passageway may be semiconductive.

Abstract: An Al alloy poppet valve is used in an internal combustion engine and has a valve head and a valve stem. At least the valve head is made of non-heat-treatable Al alloy in which ceramic particles such as oxide and carbide are uniformly dispersed, thereby increasing wear resistance and durability.