Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compact and modular gate valve comprising an elongated body which comprises first and second ends, a hole which extends longitudinally between the first and second ends, a first opening which communicates with the hole proximate the first end, a second opening which communicates with the hole proximate the second end, and a bore which extends transversely through the body and intersects the hole; a first seat which is mounted in a first intersection of the bore with the hole and a second seat which is mounted in a second intersection of the bore with the hole, the first and second seats each including a passageway that aligns with the bore; a valve stem which is slidably positioned in the hole and which includes first and second piston portions that are separated by a gate portion, the stem being movable between an open position in which a hole in the gate portion is aligned with the passageways and a closed position in which the hole is offset from the passageways; and

Abstract: A fail-safe gate valve for sub-sea use features a floating, pressure biased compensating piston whose movement prevents internal pressure buildup from opening movement of the gate. A pre-charged fluid chamber provides the bias on the balancing piston. Using unequal piston diameters reduces the charge pressure. The balancing piston is not connected to the gate so that internal pressures can be employed to act on a net area, which biases the gate toward its fail-safe position.

Abstract: A choke or kill line connector for a subsea blowout preventer stack which is slide member operated to provide pressure balanced design to eliminate the potentially high forces associated with connectors which do not have the complication of a locking connector and provide integral valving capability to allow for testing and to retain drilling mud in the choke or kill lines upon disconnection.

Abstract: A fail-safe gate valve for sub-sea use features a floating, pressure biased compensating piston whose movement prevents internal pressure buildup from opening movement of the gate. A pre-charged fluid chamber provides the bias on the balancing piston. Using unequal piston diameters reduces the charge pressure. The balancing piston is not connected to the gate so that internal pressures can be employed to act on a net area, which biases the gate toward its fail-safe position.

Abstract: A fluid flow control damper assembly having a damper vane and a piston actuator is relatively easy to install when the outer surface of a duct is inaccessible. The piston actuator includes a powder metal piston, lacking an elastomeric (for example, rubber) seal, that is closely received within a glass cylinder. The glass cylinder has a fitting that closes one end of the cylinder and is connectable to a pneumatic control system. A drive rod is connected between the piston and the damper vane to move the damper vane between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: A device for mutually independent control of regulating devices for controlling fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well includes a flow controller and a hydraulic actuator. The actuator is flow-relatedly arranged in series with at least two associated control valves in a path between two hydraulic pipes. The control valves are controlled to open for the flow of hydraulic liquid to the actuator by the pressure in the two hydraulic pipes, and the combination of two hydraulic pipes which are connected to an actuator is different for independently controllable regulating devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator (20) with a built-in hydrostatic pressure compensator (111) is provided. The actuator (20) includes an actuator housing (30), a compensator cylinder portion (86), a compensator piston portion (94), a first compensator piston chamber (98), a second compensator piston chamber (103), a hydraulic port (106), and a hydraulic via (108). The compensator cylinder portion (86) is located within the actuator housing (30), is fixed relative to the housing (30), and has a compensator cylinder internal chamber (88) formed therein. The compensator piston portion (94) slidably fits within the compensator cylinder internal chamber (88). The first compensator piston chamber (98) is formed between a first side (101) of the compensator piston portion (94) and the compensator cylinder portion (86). The second compensator piston chamber (103) is formed between a second side (102) of the compensator piston portion (94) and the compensator cylinder portion (86).

Abstract: Mechanism for obtaining a couple for maneuvering a part to make it rotate on itself through a quarter turn, from a member moving along a trajectory, via a transmission such that the curve representing the reduction coefficient, which is the ratio of the maneuvering couple to a nominal couple, shown on the y axis, as a function of the angle of rotation, shown on the x axis, is convex, the curve rotating its convexity upwards and the peak coefficient of reduction being obtained for an angle of about 20 to 40°.

Abstract: A multiport, diaphragm sealed valve suitable for use as both a sampling and column switching valve. The valve is constructed to internally block fluid communication between one or more pairs of ports in a valve operating mode. Such blocking may be used to conserve carrier gas when the valve is in the ON position.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly having a spring for holding the valve in a closed position and permitting opening of the valve in response to air pressure including valve stem alignment provided by a sleeve in engagement with the spring and having a cross pin supporting surface for engagement with the pin in shear to avoid bending.

Abstract: A control valve for variable displacement compressor that prevents fluid fixation between a rod and a guide hole is provided. A first rod (89) extends through a first guide hole (88) to couple a bellows (87) to a valve body (74). A second rod (96) extends through a second guide hole (95) to couple a movable iron core (93) to the valve body (74). Tapered surfaces (89b, 96b) are formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second rods (89, 96). The space-between each tapered surface (89b 96b) and the inner surface (88a, 95a) of the corresponding guide hole (88, 95) is wider in the vicinity of a high pressure zone (73, 90) than in the vicinity of a low pressure zone (84, 91).

Abstract: A vacuum valve comprises a valve opening which is provided in a valve housing and can be closed by a valve plate arranged at least one valve rod, at least a first piston-cylinder unit by which the valve plate is displaceable from its open position releasing the valve opening into a position which is located opposite the valve opening but is lifted from the valve seat, and at least a second piston-cylinder unit by which the valve plate can be moved toward the valve seat and pressed against it from its position which is located opposite the valve opening but is lifted from the valve seat.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid actuator comprising a piston slidably disposed within a cylinder. In the event of a pressure loss, the piston is urged to a fail-safe position by a plurality of externally mounted constant force spring mechanisms. In one embodiment the mechanisms are located at one end of the cylinder with a telescoping cover for protecting them from exposure and damage. In another embodiment the mechanisms are located at the side of the cylinder whereby the overall length of the actuator is significantly shortened. The fail-safe force applied to the piston by the spring mechanisms is externally adjustable, and they are readily accessible fur replacement or repair.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a compressor wheel (6) mounted within a compressor housing (5) having a pressurized air outlet, a control valve (12) for regulating the pressure of air supplied from the compressor housing outlet, and pressure operated actuating means (13) mounted to the turbocharger for actuating the control valve. The actuator comprises a case (16) defining a pressure chamber and an inlet for delivering pressure to the chamber, and a substantially rigid connecting pipe (23) of well defined shape extending from the actuator inlet to the compressor housing (5). The end of the connecting pipe (23) remote from the case (16) communicates with the compressor outlet to deliver pressure to the actuator inlet.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hardbanding material and a process for producing a hardbanding material which greatly extends the life of tool joints and sections of steel pipe to which the material is applied. Granules of tungsten carbide are dropped into a melt puddle which is formed when a low carbon chrome based alloy is welded to an outside surface of a drill pipe. The tungsten carbide has a size ranging from about {fraction (25/40)} to about {fraction (40/60)} mesh, with a hardness greater than 3000 HV. Alternatively, the tungsten carbide has a size of {fraction (40/60)} mesh with a hardness of greater than 1700 HV.

Abstract: A gun for spraying a product such as paint supplied under constant pressure to the gun, includes a structure for the pulsed spraying of the product that includes a nozzle and an oscillating membrane associated with an intermittent closure device for supplying the product toward the nozzle. A control for the pulsed spray structure of the product is provided. A closure mechanism with a plunger is secured to the membrane and passes through the membrane to be connected to the control.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of pressurized abrasive particles to a machine includes a valve body that defines a particle chamber having an inlet port and an exit orifice. A tapered valve seat surrounds the exit orifice. A shaft having a nose piece is positioned within the particle chamber. The shaft is movable between a closed position, where the nose piece engages the valve seat so that particles cannot pass through the exit orifice, and an open position, where particles are free to flow out of the exit orifice. A flexible barrier surrounds the shaft and separates the particle chamber from the actuating mechanism to prevent abrasive particles from damaging the actuating mechanism. A clean chamber is positioned between the shaft actuating mechanism and the barrier and is pressurized to a pressure generally equal to that of the particle chamber to prevent damage to the barrier.

Abstract: A valve, especially a switch-over valve for large channel cross sections, is provided. A wing is pivotably mounted in a housing having channel connections. A fixating lever assembly provides for movement of the wing and includes a fixating lever and at least one link rod, one end of which is pivotably connected with the fixating lever while the other end is pivotably connected with the wing. A respective driver passes through and is mounted on opposite side walls of the housing. An inner end of each driver is connected to the fixating lever of a given one of the assemblies. A rotary drive mechanism engages an outer end of each driver.

Abstract: An axial actuator for actuating a valve by rotating the shaft of the valve includes an outer enclosure forming an interior space having an inner enclosure therein. A piston is linearly moveable within the interior space of the outer housing to divide such interior space into two chambers, one of which includes the inner enclosure. A rotation device is positioned at least partially within the inner enclosure and is interconnected with the piston for rotating the valve shaft in response to linear movement of the piston. The rotation device preferably includes a rotation bevel gear having a hub adapted to receive the valve shaft to be rotated and compound pinion gears each with a bevel pinion gear which mates with the rotation bevel gear and a spur pinion gear which mates with racks which extend from the piston. Movement of the piston causes movement of the racks which rotate the compound pinion gears. This, in turn, rotates the rotation pinion gear and the valve shaft.

Abstract: A water well recharge throttle valve (1) is configured as a hydraulic actuated flow control device (5) that permits calibrated throttling of water used in Artificial Storage and Recovery (ASR), Salt Water Barrier, Dedicated Recharge and Injection Wells to prevent the free cascading of water and thereby eliminating the entrainment of air which may cause air fouling, bio-fouling, calcite formation with a resultant reduction in permeability of the aquifer.

Abstract: A gate valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a component having a fluid flow passage that includes at least a first branch and a second branch, the gate valve comprising a gate cavity which communicates with both the first branch and the second branch; a gate which is movably positioned in the gate cavity and which includes a first flow port that is connected to a second flow port; and an actuating mechanism for moving the gate between an open position, in which the first flow port is aligned with the first branch and the second flow port is in communication with the second branch, and a closed position, in which the first flow port is offset from the first branch; wherein the second flow port is divergent from the first flow port; whereby when the gate is in the open position, the direction of the flow of fluid through the gate valve is changed by the first and second flow ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compact and modular gate valve comprising an elongated body which comprises first and second ends, a hole which extends longitudinally between the first and second ends, a first opening which communicates with the hole proximate the first end, a second opening which communicates with the hole proximate the second end, and a bore which extends transversely through the body and intersects the hole; a first seat which is mounted in a first intersection of the bore with the hole and a second seat which is mounted in a second intersection of the bore with the hole, the first and second seats each including a passageway that aligns with the bore; a valve stem which is slidably positioned in the hole and which includes first and second piston portions that are separated by a gate portion, the stem being movable between an open position in which a hole in the gate portion is aligned with the passageways and a closed position in which the hole is offset from the passageways; and

Abstract: A closure is movably mounted on the tank top of a pneumatic tank truck. The closure is movable between open and closed positions relative to an opening in the tank top by a pneumatically operated piston. An inflatable seal seals the closure to the tank top when the closure is in open position. Air jets are employed to clean dirt and debris from a guide supporting the closure. All operations can be performed without the driver climbing to the tank top.

Abstract: A gate valve (1) is constructed for the simultaneous blocking or clearing of two rectangular passage openings (8,9) of two chamber walls (4,5) that are provided between two vacuum chambers (1,3) and aligned with one another. To this end, it has two valve plates (20, 21), which are a component of a slider (15), which is situated so that it can move with play from a position clearing the passage openings (8,9) to a position which closes the passage openings (8,9). To move the valve plates (20,21) to the closing setting against the passage openings (8,9) on the slider (15), at least one lifting element (24), which is acted on by pressure, is provided.

Abstract: A gate valve comprises a valve rod for making displacement in accordance with a driving action of a cylinder mechanism; a guide shaft for guiding the valve rod; a valve disk for opening/closing a passage in accordance with a displacement action of the valve rod; a rack connected to the valve rod, for making displacement integrally with the valve rod; a pinion rotatably supported by a casing, for meshing with the rack; and a pillow member connected to the valve disk and formed with a male thread for making engagement with a female thread formed on an inner circumferential surface of the pinion.

Abstract: A valve actuator for surface and sub-sea applications is disclosed. The valve actuator stem is hydraulically actuated by a piston attached to it. A fluid filled reservoir with a pump which preferably operates on 24 volts D.C. is included in the actuator housing. The pump draws fluid from the reservoir and pumps it against the piston. A solenoid valve allows bypass from beneath the piston back to the reservoir for fail safe operation in the event of power loss. Positional sensors on the actuator stems trigger the operation of the pump. As long as 24 volts D.C. power is available the pump may selectively run if the actuator stem position changes for any reason.

Abstract: In producing a semiconductor device by annealing with laser light irradiation, while a linear laser light is scanned in a direction perpendicular to a line, the annealing is performed for a semiconductor material. In this state, since an anneal effect in a beam lateral direction corresponding to a line direction is 2 times or more different than that in the scanning direction, a plurality of semiconductor elements are formed along a line direction in which the linear laser light is irradiated. Also, a line direction connecting the source and drain region of a thin film transistor is aligned to the line direction of the linear laser light.

Abstract: A multistage switching valve includes a valve stem which is adapted to open or close a fluid passage, a biasing biasing means for biasing the valve stem in a direction to close the fluid passage, a plurality of pistons which are relatively slidably fitted onto the valve stem at different axial positions to provide different flow rates, a plurality of stops which are provided on the valve stem to move the valve stem in a valve opening direction opposite to the direction of the movement of the valve stem caused by the biasing biasing means, together with the pistons when the pistons are moved in the valve opening direction, a valve opening means for exerting a pilot pressure in the valve opening direction on each piston, and a flow rate controller for individually restricting the axial displacements of the pistons in the valve opening direction. A two-stage switching valve and a toggle type two-stage switching valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a diaphragm valve operative with N ports deployed in an upper head. The ports all connect to a diaphragm having a bead defining a flow path around the diaphragm connecting all the ports. In the cylinder below the upper head, there are upper and lower pistons which are forced apart to define a fluid receiving chamber. The fluid receiving chamber is enlarged on the introduction of fluid above a certain pressure thereby raising half of the piston rods bearing against the diaphragm and reduction of fluid pressure in the chamber lowers those push rods and raises an alternate set of push rods to accomplish diaphragm switching by deformation of the resilient material defining the diaphragm.

Abstract: A rotary actuator in which, in order to realize cost reductions, the configuration of an extruded material used to form a cylinder body is modified to reduce the weight of the material, and the number of components or the number of manhours needed for machining is reduced by changing the method of installing a solenoid-operated switching valve, speed controllers and an open valve for short circuiting. The cylinder body (11) is produced from an extruded material (1) formed by extrusion. A section of the extruded material (1) that is perpendicular to the direction of extrusion of the extruded material (1) is circular at the inner periphery thereof and has upwardly, downwardly, leftwardly and rightwardly projecting thick-walled portions (12 to 15) at the outer periphery thereof. The outer peripheral portions of the section, exclusive of the projecting thick-walled portions (12 to 15), are generally formed from circular arcs.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating the positions of valves in a pair of air flow passages along a jet engine nacelle to control two rotary valves from a single linear actuator. Each of the valves is of a ball type which is rotatable within a housing to achieve variable flow control in accordance with the particular shape of the opening through the rotatable valve member which varies with valve member rotation. The valve member bore shape may differ for the two valves, as well as the angle of the linkage between the linear actuator and each valve, to achieve different flow control relationships for the two valves from the single actuator armature. Each valve incorporates a pressure balancing member at the inlet seal of the valve which results in a reduction of the force of the seal element against the rotatable valve member when the valve is in the closed position, thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the valve out of the closed position.

Abstract: A probe structure for inserting into and operating upon an object within a pipeline, especially a high pressure pipeline carrying liquid or gas, is characterized by two coaxial cylinders that can be either pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. A primary cylinder is adapted to be mounted onto a pipeline tee and/or valve, and includes a movable primary piston to which is fixedly attached a primary lower hollow shaft that moves with the primary piston and preferably a primary upper hollow shaft that also moves with the primary piston. The primary lower hollow shaft is adapted to selectively extend into the pipeline while the primary upper hollow shaft extends above the primary cylinder and is fixed to a secondary cylinder, such that the secondary cylinder moves with the primary piston. The secondary piston includes a secondary piston that moves independently of the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator and linkage include an actuator having a tubular housing with end caps and a piston that is moved by fluid pressure against a compression spring. A rolling diaphragm is used to bias the piston. A pair of ports are provided on opposite sides of the housing, and a linkage having two arms is interconnected with the piston through the ports. The linkage is coupled to a rotary valve shaft and linear movement of the piston causes rotational movement of the shaft. The linkage includes two separate arms and a centerpiece. In one embodiment, the arms and the centerpiece interengage each other at angled surfaces that force the centerpiece and the arms into radial engagement with the shaft when axial compression is provided to the arms and centerpiece to force them toward each other. In another embodiment, each of the linkage arms is provided with a collet having radially movable portions.

Abstract: A driving device for a shut-off device in a pipe-line includes a piston/cylinder unit able to be connected to a slide valve plate of the shut-off device. A working chamber of the unit is connected with the interposition of a closing valve to a pressure medium reservoir. The pressure medium reservoir has an outlet opening connected virtually directly to an opening leading into the working chamber. The closing valve is constructed so that a very short closing time of the slide valve plate connected to the piston of the unit is achieved. The opening is provided in a head of the cylinder and opens into the working chamber. The opening can be closed by a valve disc of the closing valve. An annular chamber follows the valve disc on the side remote from the opening. The pressure medium of the pressure medium reservoir arrives in the chamber. After closing, the driving device can be reused without need of exchanging a deformed part.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator for actuating a valve that must be rotated between an open position and a closed position. The valve is disposed in a tubular valve housing having an exterior surface with at least one actuating member receiving aperture. The rotary valve actuator includes a substantially annular body having an interior surface, an exterior surface and a central axis. A male actuator member is rotatably mounted within the body. The male actuator member has a valve coupling end that projects perpendicularly from the interior surface of the body, such that it can be inserted into the actuating member receiving aperture of the tubular valve housing. A hydraulic chamber is positioned in the body having a first inlet and a second inlet. A fluid responsive member is positioned in the one hydraulic chamber between the first inlet and the second inlet.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for forming and launching a slug of liquid toward a designated target area includes a hollow chamber located on a desired incline having a lower liquid inlet and an upper exit orifice, which is preferably a knife edged orifice, in the upper surface of the chamber. A plug-stopper is located on the inner surface of the chamber which is movable between an engaged position blocking flow of liquid through the orifice and and a disengaged position allowing liquid to exit through the orifice. A pistion located within an operating cylinder has a piston rod which extends through the chamber and engages the plug-stopper and moves the plug-stopper between engaged and disengaged positions with the orifice. The piston is moved back and forth by a fluid moving the piston head in the cylinder back and forth. Preferably a stop is provided in the chamber which the stopper plug engages in the orifice disengaged position.

Abstract: Dump/stop valve to regulate the time delay between the closure of a surface controlled subsurface safety valve and a surface controlled surface valve. Fluid is applied to a first cavity above a pilot plunger which maintains the subsurface safety valve in an open configuration. In the event the surface safety valve is intended to be closed, the fluid within the first cavity is bled off by a control circuit which immediately closes the surface safety valve. The pilot plunger responds by allowing the subsurface safety valve to be closed a predetermined and consistent time period thereafter.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is disclosed for dumping water from a firetruck. The apparatus includes a flange sealingly secured to the firetruck, the flange defining an opening for the flow therethrough of the water. A faceplate has an inner and an outer face which define an aperture, the faceplate cooperating with the flange. A seal is disposed between the flange and the inner face of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is urged towards the flange, the flange and the inner face are sealed relative to each other. A dump valve chute is rigidly secured to the faceplate and extends through the aperture of the faceplate, the dump chute defining a valve seat. A hinge has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally connected to the inner face of the faceplate. The hinge freely pivots within the opening of the flange. A valve door has an inner and an outer surface, the valve door being pivotally secured to the hinge between the proximal and distal ends thereof.

Abstract: A valve flapper door return spring mechanism for an automotive HVAC housing is modified so as to compensate for tolerance variations, so that the door is held in a substantially rattle free return position regardless. One of a pair of resilient spring fingers sits in a V shaped notch created by the intersection of a pair of spring finger stop surfaces that are opposed in slope. The one spring finger can therefore continually seat itself into an equilibrium position at the bottom of the V, and always make solid contact.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator and linkage provide an actuator having a tubular housing with end caps and a piston that is moved by fluid pressure against a compression spring. A rolling diaphragm is used to bias the piston. A pair of ports are provided on opposite sides of the housing and a linkage having two arms is interconnected with the piston through the ports. The linkage is coupled to a rotary valve shaft and linear movement of the piston causes rotational movement of the shaft. The linkage includes two separate arms and a centerpiece. The arms and the centerpiece interengage each other at angled surfaces that force the centerpiece and the arms into radial engagement with the shaft when axial compression is provided to the arms and centerpiece to force them toward each other.

Abstract: A ring divided in two is fitted around a valve stem at a portion thereof projecting upward beyond a piston, with a C-ring fitted around the divided ring. The divided ring has an annular projection formed on its inner periphery and fitted in an annular groove which is formed in the valve stem at the portion thereof projecting upward beyond the position. The divided ring is formed in its outer periphery with an annular recess having fitted therein the inner peripheral portion of the C-ring.

Abstract: A valve seal system for passageway through a valve body emerging through a first generally flat and rigid surface, having a valve member including a resilient seal with generally flat exposed surface adapted to be brought into contact with the generally flat rigid surface, and having a generally circular, raised resilient ring portion extending from the generally flat exposed surface, the raised resilient ring portion adapted to be compressed against the generally flat rigid surface to seal the resilient seals against the generally flat rigid surface when said valve member is moved to a closed position by virtue of the raised resilient ring portion being compressed against the generally flat rigid surface.

Abstract: A gate valve (110) includes a valve housing (112), valve plate (130), and linkage assembly (134, 136, 140). An actuator assembly (124) includes a cylinder component (150) and a piston component (170). Piston component (170) includes a piston rod (174) that has a downwardly extending annular collar (187) and cylinder component (150) includes an end wall (156) with an upstanding annular collar (160), which slidingly mates with collar (187). A bellows shield (192) is flexibly mounted between the piston rod and the cylinder end wall to isolate the valve chamber of housing (112) from the sliding interfit of the piston and cylinder components. Piston component (170) also includes an annular groove (198) for receiving the annular collar (160). Wear rings (191, 193) are provided between piston component (170) and cylinder component (150).

Abstract: A slot valve (10) comprising a valve housing (12) defining a valve chamber (14) and having a valve gate (34) movable to seal off a central opening (30). An actuator assembly (46) includes a piston component (70, 72) and a cylinder component (60), and a pair of inner telescoping actuators (108), which define inner working chambers (120). Wear rings (124, 126, 128) engage guide surfaces that are isolated from valve chamber (14) by means of a bellows shield (90). The guide surfaces are positioned at least partially along the length of the bellows shield (90), within the second working chamber (104) of the actuator, so as to decrease the height of the actuator.

Abstract: A valve actuator with an instrument mounting pad and a manifold in a power module and yoke combination for mounting a valve controller instrument without tubing or mounting brackets. A cover encloses the feedback linkage between the actuator and instrument. The actuator includes a second instrument mounting pad and manifold so the power module is reversible to accommodate fail-safe opened or fail-safe closed valve conditions. A valve actuator and instrument combination is no higher than the actuator alone.

Abstract: A camless valve assembly for an internal combustion engine which utilizes a plurality of three position control valves to open and close the intake and exhaust valves of the assembly. Each valve is coupled to a plurality of hydraulically driven pins that move the valve between the open and closed positions. The flow of fluid to the pins is controlled by the three position digitally latched solenoid actuated control valves that can be switched between a first position, a second position and a neutral position. When a control valve is in the first position the fluid flows into the pins and moves the valve. When the control valve is in the second position the fluid can flow away from the pins to allow the valve to move back to the original position. When the control valve is in the neutral position the fluid does not flow so that the valve cannot move. The control valve can be switched by a controller that can move and maintain a valve at any position during any cycle of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a device, e.g. through moving a piston rod. An outer cylinder has an inner cylinder movable between the end walls of the outer cylinder, whereby the inner cylinder is a piston movable in the outer cylinder. An inner piston in the inner cylinder is movable between the end walls of the inner cylinder. First and second fluid flow ducts communicate through the ends of the outer cylinder outside the inner cylinder. Third and fourth fluid flow passages communicate between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder at the opposite respective sides of the inner piston in the inner cylinder, such that application of gas under pressure to one or the other of the first and second ducts causes movement first of the outer piston in the outer cylinder and then of the inner piston in the inner cylinder for moving the piston rod connected with the inner piston. Details of an embodiment of this staged movement cylinder piston arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: The Variable Orifice Valve is disclosed and the preferred embodiment of a hydraulically acruated.sub.-- flow control device that permits the calibrated throttling of water used in a Artificial Storage and Recovery (ASR), Dedicated Recharge, Injection, Salt Water Barrier Wells used in aquifer storage.sub.-- or utilized in other industries where fluid flow control is required and desired. Aquifer storage of treated drinking water is the placement of water in aquifers during periods of surplus water for recovery of the water during peak demands or forming a barrier to protect a fresh water aquifer. This invention, when installed in a recharge well, is a device installed below the static water level and at or near the bottom of the drop pipe and near the top of the well screen. The size of the orifice and the liquid flow is varied by the axial positioning or adjustment of a double acting hydraulic actuator connected to valve piston.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve of minimized length comprises a tubular valve housing with a valve closure member therein movable between an open and a closed position, an axially shiftable flow tube for opening the valve closure member, a plurality of longitudinally disposed springs radially spaced about the housing for biasing the flow tube to a closed position, and a piston and cylinder assembly to move the flow tube to an open position, with a portion of the assembly longitudinally overlapping at least one of the springs. The safety valve includes simple mechanisms to lock out the safety valve, and to establish secondary hydraulic communication with a wireline set secondary valve set within the locked out safety valve.