Abstract: A ball valve operator for a ball valve mounted in a pipe and having a control handle with a first position corresponding to the valve's normal position and a second position corresponding to the valve's actuated position. The ball valve operator includes a pneumatic cylinder mountable on the pipe, for driving a piston having a proximal and distal end. An adaptor plate is provided for attachment to the control handle by fastening means with the piston being rotatably fastened to the plate. An adjustment slot in the adaptor plate movably receives the fastening means and allows the fastening means to be selectively locked in place, so that the operator may be adjusted to move the handle through approximately its full range of motion without exceeding that range.

Abstract: A remotely operated actuator for a drill string internal blowout preventer is disclosed. It includes an annular cylinder for mounting on the preventer housing to rotate with the housing and the kelly. An annular piston in the cylinder moves a link pivotally connected to the piston and a crank arm to open and close the preventer.

Abstract: The Variable Orifice Valve is disclosed and the preferred embodiment of a hydraulically actuated device that permits the calibrated throttling of water used in an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). ASR is the storage of treated drinking water in an aquifer during periods of surplus water for recovery during peak demands. This device is installed below the static water level and at or near the bottom of the column pipe in the recharge well. The size of the orifice and the flow of water is varied by the axial adjustment of a hydraulic piston. The axial position of the piston is controlled by a hydraulic actuator competed through steel tubing to a hydraulic pump at the well head. The flow is monitored by using a flow meter and pressure gage in the hydraulic fluid passageway. The desired flow is set by adjusting the Variable Orifice Valve hydraulically while monitoring the flow. The operator may adjust the flow of water to any increment within the range of the valve.

Abstract: An actuator for fluid control valves with a reversible power module having a stationary inner member and a coaxially aligned movable outer member coupled to the valve flow control element and slidably movable on the inner member. A chamber is formed between respective ends of the members. Pneumatic pressure applied to the chamber drives the movable member to actuate the valve in a first direction. A spring returns the movable member in the second direction. A second chamber is defined within the inner member and pneumatic pressure applied to the second chamber drives the movable member with or without the spring.

Abstract: Hydraulic line switcher (10) for use with a hydraulic food cutting system having flexible tube (50) supported in cradle (52). Flexible tube (50) is conically tapered from a larger inlet to a smaller outlet and attached to slide plate (78). Air cylinder (94), through lever (104) is used to selectively position slide plate (78) to one of a plurality of discharge ports quickly enough to prevent initiation of system blockage, and with sufficient force to shear trapped food product.

Abstract: A subsea actuator for operating a valve (20) or the like comprises a movable wall member (19) fixed to an axially slidable stem and separating a pressure chamber (2) from a space (3) which is subjected to the hydrostatic pressure of ambient seawater. A selector valve (11) is operable to connect the chamber (2) to a source of pressurised fluid, e.g. a source of pressurised gas (14), or to a drain e.g. connected to atmosphere by a pressure vessel (12) and pipe (15). A blowdown valve (16) and dump valve (13) are provided for ejecting liquid collected in the vessel (12). The space (3) may be connected to an open-bottomed container (17) to provide a gas barrier between the seawater and the interior of the actuator. Supply of pressurised gas to the chamber (2) causes the member (19) to be driven forwards, gas being allowed to flow past the member into the space (3) during this movement to assist the expulsion of water from the container (17) and the expulsion of any contaminants from within the actuator.

Abstract: An actuator system for controllably rotating a rotary (valve) element positioned in a pressurized fluid vessel. A double-acting piston-cylinder intermittently rotates a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the rotary element. The cylinder is sealed within a bellows chamber assembly in the vessel and is controllable by a pressure source positioned outside of the vessel. The wheel is rotated by a ratchet member biased against the ratchet wheel and attached to the cylinder and reciprocable therewith. A ratchet pawl biased against the ratchet wheel prevents the reverse rotation of the wheel, and thereby of the rotary element.

Abstract: For use as part of a test string employed to evaluate the production potential of a chosen formation through which an oil well has been drilled, an annulus-pressure-operated sub-surface control valve, typically a ball valve, wherein to deal with the problem of the high pressure of fluid acting on the upstream side of the ball resulting in the frictional forces caused by the ball being pressed up against the seating on its downstream side making the ball stick, the utilization of a differential thread force multiplier by which the actuating force may be applied to the ball.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller comprising a flow passage which is opened and closed by the flexing of a diaphragm secured at its periphery characterized in that the diaphragm is a laminate of a plurality of metal diaphragms and in that friction reducing material is provided between the diaphragms.

Abstract: The invention is a valve actuator or a booster module for an existing valve actuator that provides an incremental force to the valve stem at a position close to valve closure. The force is stored in a spring which is held in the compressed position by a collet. Upon sufficient movement of the valve actuator stem in the direction towards valve closure, the collet which had previously held the spring in a compressed position is freed to move to allow the spring to expand against the collet. Since movement of the collet has caused it to be engaged to the valve actuator stem, the spring forces are transmitted directly to the valve actuator stem via the collet. The spring is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the valve stem so that substantially all of its retained energy is transmitted directly to the valve stem through the collet.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers at reduced pressure comprising a vacuum chamber and a pumping system connected with the chamber. The pumping system includes at least a roughing pump, an exhaust pipe connecting the chamber with the roughing pump and a valve inserted in the exhaust pipe for opening and closing gas flow therethrough. The valve comprises: a valve casing having valve inlet and outlet openings connected with the exhaust pipe; a valve seat comprising a gasket surrounding at least one of the openings and having a first surface; and a valve plug having a second surface, the second surface being parallel with the first surface and contacting airtightly with the gasket at a valve closed position, the valve plug being movable substantially in the direction of the first surface for closing and opening the valve, thereby causing the opening for gas flow to be opened or closed gradually by the movement of the second surface of the valve plug.

Abstract: A high pressure valve assembly has a bore with a seat intermediate its ends and an inlet on one side an outlet on the other side of the valve. A double headed piston within the bore has a closure head between the seat and the outlet and a control head on the other side of the inlet to the seat. The control head has a slightly greater projected surface area facing towards the seat than the closure head. There is a cage between the seat and the outlet, which defines an annular chamber about the bore between the seat and the outlet, the chamber opening into the outlet. The cage has a number of rings of apertures spaced from the seat which are successively opened as the closure head moves away from the seat. The closure head extends beyond the apertures and has a "U"-seal at its downstream end. The control head also has a "U"-seal. The seals face towards the seat. The bore is closed by end caps. The valve assembly is manually operable or by means of a control fluid.

Abstract: An enclosed gate valve for handling dry particulate material has a rectangular housing, and a curved flow control blade moves through the housing adjacent a housing inlet. The flow control blade is moved by an air cylinder mounted on an inclined and laterally offset wall of a housing compartment. A direct connection is formed between the piston rod of the air cylinder and the arm means supporting the curved flow control blade so that force from the cylinder is applied directly to the blade along a line of movement which is substantially tangent to the arc of blade movement to provide maximum advantage of the power available from the air motor in both the opening and the closing directions. Embodiments are shown of coupling arrangements for attaching the piston rod of the air motor to the blade arms. An indicator pointer provides a visual indication of the movement of the curved blade.

Abstract: A draught beer dispensing system according to the present invention comprises a draught beer receiving receptacle, a beer dispensing valve from which draught beer is dispensed into the receptacle under the pressure of carbon dioxide gases, and a source of supplying the carbon dioxide gases. The beer dispensing valve includes an automatically controlled ball valve. The ball of the ball valve has a through hole. When the ball valve is controlled in a fully open position, draught beer can be dispensed without any foam; while the ball valve is controlled in a partly open position, draught beer can be dispensed with foams whereby to give the almost filled out receptacle some finishing foams.

Abstract: An ancillary hydraulic driven ball lock control valve actuation plunger cooperates with a piston for displacing a timer valve. An annular locking plunger is pressurized by fluid at a control port, the sliding motion of the plunger controlling the position of locking balls. As the locking balls change their position, they vary the radial extension of a further plunger assembly, the latter having detent means for displacing the plunger of a timer valve and thereby changing the valve's state.

Abstract: A subsurface well tool having a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly actuator which is adapted to be connected to and controlled by a hydraulic control line extending to the well surface. The assembly has a cross-sectional area exposed to the hydraulic control fluid which increases in one direction of movement of the assembly and decreases in the opposite direction for reducing surface operating pressure problems. Preferably, one of the piston and cylinder includes a tapered surface, and includes a flexible seal between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A valve in a tool may be opened and closed by sequential application of a first predetermined annulus pressure and a second predetermined annulus pressure. A first rupture disc ruptures when the first predetermined annulus pressure is applied to the well annulus thereby allowing such pressure to be applied against a surface of an operator and moving the mandrel. This moves a yoke connected to the valve, opening the valve. A second rupture disc ruptures when the second predetermined annulus pressure is applied to the well annulus thereby allowing such pressure to be applied against a surface of a collet mandrel, moving the collet mandrel in a direction opposite to the direction in which the operator mandrel originally moved. Since the collet mandrel is connected to the operator mandrel and to the yoke, movement of the collet mandrel in the opposite direction moves the operator mandrel and the yoke in the opposite direction, thereby closing the valve.

Abstract: Safety valves and control apparatus for generally inaccessible fluid storage facilities wherein a closure mechanism may be attached to an access conduit at an accessible control location and inserted with the conduit into the storage facilities, which closure mechanism may be actuated by control mechanism from the accessible control location to open or close the access conduit at the remote storage facilities to permit or interrupt fluid flow, respectively. In an underground storage reservoir with access facilities including an outer casing and an inner conduit, separate closure mechanisms may be attached to the inner conduit and inserted therewith along and within the casing to the reservoir, and may be actuated independently to open or close the annulus between the outer casing and inner conduit, and the inner conduit, to thereby control fluid flow in either or both, as desired.

Abstract: The actuator comprises an actuator body including a cavity in which there are housed two pistons movable in opposite directions and including toothed portions meshing with a toothed pignon rigid with a shaft to be coupled to the spindle of the valve element to be actuated, there being moreover provided end of stroke abutment members which can be adjusted from the outside of the body and which are engaged by the pistons in order to adjust the opening and closing srokes of the valve element.

Abstract: A fluid-powered actuator having a body with first and second end walls, with a bulkhead positioned therebetween, which is adjustably rotatable to angularly position the bulkhead relative to the body for fluid-powered operation to establish the end limits of rotation of an output shaft. The actuator has first and second piston heads disposed in the body on opposite sides of the bulkhead to define four fluid-tight chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the bulkhead is selectively clamped between two sidewall portions. A sleeve extends between and fixedly connects the piston heads together. A plurality of guide rods are fixedly attached to and extend between the piston heads and through apertures in the bulkhead in one embodiment, and between the first piston head and the bulkhead and through apertures in the first piston head in another embodiment to transmit torque to the body and through the bulkhead.

Abstract: An actuating device for pipe-chamber feeders of hydraulic transport equipments comprising valves or other closing appliances having a closing element that is movable reciprocally between an open and a closed position, the improvement being characterized in said closing element being associated with at least one speed control means, especially a speed reducing means acting at least at the end phase of the closing stroke of said closing element.The speed reducing effect of at least one of said speed control means may be adjustable.

Abstract: A safety valve where weight and length and consequently the cost is reduced to a minimum. A longitudinally moveable flow tube controls the movement of a valve closure element, a biasing mechanism biases the tube to a closed position, and a piston and cylinder assembly engages and moves the flow tube. A portion of the assembly is positioned beside and longitudinally overlaps the biasing mechanism for allowing the length of the valve to be reduced.

Abstract: A retrievable well subsurface safety valve having a valve seat and an arculate valve closure member on the bottom of the housing for increasing fluid flow through the bore of the housing. A nose, separate from the housing, is adapted to be connected in the well conduit below the bottom of the housing for protecting the valve closure member. The subsurface safety valve may be rotationally oriented to connect a flow control passageway to a port in the well conduit. A landing nipple includes a port for receiving hydraulic control fluid, a latching recess for latching the valve housing, and a latching recess for latching the nose, and orientation mechanism for rotating the safety valve relative to the port.

Abstract: In a steam generating plant having a main steam line and a pivotally actuated valve movable between open and closed positions for controlling the flow of steam in the main steam line, a system for operating the main steam line valve comprising a spring assembly for biasing the valve pivotally into the closed position, fluid actuated means for urging the valve pivotally into the open position against the biasing action of the spring assembly and means for supplying fluid under pressure for the fluid actuated means, the fluid supply means including a pump operatively connected to the fluid actuated means and at least one exhaust valve operatively connected to the pressure end of the pump.

Abstract: A fail-safe gate valve assembly having a power actuator and a spring actuator disposed on opposite sides of a flowline. The assembly includes a valve body, a valve chamber including a gate movable between open and closed positions for controlling fluids through the flowline, a first housing containing the power actuator disposed on one side of the valve body and a second housing containing the spring actuator disposed on the opposite side of the valve body. The power actuator urges the gate from one to another of the positions. The spring actuator urges the gate from the other to the one of the positions in event a power loss occurs to the power actuator. The spring actuator may include an override thereby allowing the override to be used to open and close the gate valve without compressing the springs.

Abstract: In a safety valve having an axially shiftable actuating sleeve operable to move a valve head from a closed to an open position, the actuating movement of the actuating sleeve is normally produced by a small diameter piston mounted on an axially extending spindle secured to the valve housing and cooperating with a primary cylinder which is abuttingly secured to the actuating sleeve. A secondary spindle and cooperating cylinder are provided which are supplied with fluid pressure by an entirely separate line extending to the well surface. The second cylinder has only abutting contact with the actuating sleeve and may be utilized to effect the movement of the actuating sleeve in the event of the failure of the primary cylinder. In a modification, a fixed cylinder housing defines a pair of secondary cylinder bores in which secondary rod pistons are slidably mounted to effect the movement of the actuating sleeve.

Abstract: A normally closed fluid switching logic element has a plurality of radial ports to a first chamber. A poppet, connected to a piston within the element, moves between an open position off its poppet seat and a closed position. In the open position another port is provided to the first chamber permitting fluid flow. The poppet is biased to the closed position by a spring, but also by fluid pressure at either or both ports. The poppet may be displaced only by pressure in a second chamber behind the piston. In one configuration this opening pressure is provided from an external source. In other configurations, the opening pressure is derived from the first chamber, from the pressure outside the poppet and from either of these.

Abstract: A kelly cock valve for a drill rig uses a sliding gate to open and close the flow passage through the drill string. The valve has a body with a longitudinal passage through it. The gate is mounted in the body perpendicular to the flow passage. Pushrods extend from each end of the gate out through bonnets mounted to the body of the valve. The fluid cylinders are mounted on each side of the gate. Each fluid cylinder has a piston with a piston rod extending in opposite directions. The piston rods are connected to a beam that also connects to the pushrod. Hydraulic passages supply fluid to the cylinders to stroke the piston and thus move the gate valve between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A piston biasing means including, a coil-type spring, adapted to exert pressure on one side of a piston to be biased in a predetermined direction, a spring retaining means which is slidable toward and away from the piston when the spring is compressed and released and centering means, preferably including pivot balls on each end of the spring, so as to make point contact and rolling contact with the piston. A spring adjusting means to adjust the tension on the spring is also included. A piston assembly and valve assembly incorporating the piston biasing means are also described.

Abstract: The unloader has a piston-operated valving element which opens and closes a compressor, air inlet housing, inlet port to load and unload the associated compressor. A control, pressured air supply is addressed to the piston to cause the latter to translate the valving element into port closure, and in the absence of the aforesaid supply, vacuum pressure and incoming air displace the valving element from closure of the ports. One spring seats the piston, and another moves the valving element into closure when the compressor is shut down, in one embodiment of the invention. A guide rod pilots movements of the piston and valving element. In the combination, the unloader is wholly confined within an aluminum die-cast air inlet housing.

Abstract: A material dispensing valve finding particular application in the robotic dispensing of sealants, adhesives, etc. in a desired pattern on a workpiece. The dispensing valve comprises a unique actuating arrangement wherein back to back pancake cylinders are moveably arranged within a housing and, depending upon how the cylinders are actuated, three or four dispense rate positions can be provided. The dispense rate positions of the valve are preferably coordinated with the rate of movement of the robotic system so that the dispense rate is appropriate for the rate of movement.

Abstract: A gate valve (10) having a valve operator (40) fully contained within a valve body with means for communicating fluid under pressure to the valve operator (40) to move a gate (32) to a valve open or a valve closed position. The valve operator (40) is located within the gate chamber (30) and the gate (32) itself contains and forms part of the valve operator (40) and, thus, considerable space is conserved. In one embodiment, the means for communicating pressure fluid to the valve operator includes a manifold (16) to allow the valve body (12) to rotate as part of a drilling assembly yet be remotely controllable. In another embodiment, the manifold may be eliminated for the use of the valve does not require rotation.This invention introduces gate valve technology into drilling operations to displace ball valves as kelly cock valves.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly includes a housing, a shaft axially mounted within the housing, and a gate member secured to one end of the shaft. A mechanism within the housing is provided for axially extending and rotating the shaft in order to move the gate member into sealing engagement with a port in a processing chamber. By providing an expandable seal about the shaft and secured to the housing, the mechanical drive portion of the valve may be isolated from the interior of the chamber. The valve is particularly suitable for use with loadlocks and other chambers having a low pressure environment.

Abstract: The valve comprises a body with an inlet connector and an outlet connector for connection to a pressure source and a pneumatic circuit respectively, and with an obturator valve which controls communication between the connectors. The valve has a control device including a piston sealingly slidable in a guide portion of the body between a first chamber which can be put into communication with a pressure source and a second chamber housing a valve so that the piston can move and open the valve under the effect of the pressure in the first chamber. The guided portion of the piston is generally cylindrical and has a smaller cross-section than the passage cross-section of the guide portion of the body. An intermediate member is sealingly interposed between the guided portion of the piston and the guide portion of the body.

Abstract: A fail-safe system for use on a hydraulic piloted pressure reducing and regulating valve for holding the valve at the last selected operating pressure in the event of loss of control signals. A pressure regulating valve having a body and a control piston therein is provided with a pilot piston in the body which is adapted to be connected to and responsive to a hydraulic signal pilot pressure. A segmented locking ring surrounds the assembly and coacting concentric V-shaped locking grooves are provided between the locking ring and the assembly for locking the assembly. The segmented ring is biased towards an unlocked position. An annular cam ring engages the exterior of the locking ring. Coacting wedge surfaces between the cam ring and the locking ring are provided for locking and releasing the locking ring. The cam ring is biased for urging the coacting wedge surfaces into engagement.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve for controlling the fluid flow through a well conduit having an improved fluid actuator with a ceramic piston connected to and actuating the valve and movable in a ceramic sleeve. The actuator metal valve seats and metal valve elements for seating on the valve seats for providing positive seals.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety valve having a flow tube telescopically movable in a housing for controlling the movement of a valve closure member. A piston and cylinder assembly actuates the flow tube and is in communication with hydraulic control fluid from the well surface on one side and a gas biasing chamber on the second side and includes a spring acting on the flow tube to close the valve. An equalizing system equalizes fluid pressure on opposite sides of the piston and cylinder assembly in the event of a failure in the seal between the piston and cylinder thereby allowing the spring to close the valve.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated actuator for a sliding gate valve designed for use in a subsea environment. The actuator includes a manual override system that functions independently of the actuator's hydraulic piston and return spring, an externally accessible valve gate drift adjustment, an externally adjustable upstop for the actuator stem, a stem thread assembly that can be manufactured from a material different from the actuator stem to prevent or reduce the possibility of thread galling, a hydraulic control pressure porting system integral with the hydraulic cylinder to minimize space requirements, and a facility for accommodating an optional external electrical stem position indicator package.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.

Abstract: A pneumatic gas cylinder valve actuator that clamps to the threads on gas cylinder normally used for threading on a protective cap and is so designed that air pressure up to 100 psi admitted to the internal piston chamber in the valve actuator opens the gas cylinder valve while compressing the springs under the pistons in the internal piston chambers so that when air pressure is cut off the springs return the gas cylinder valve to the closed position; a torque indicator on top of the valve actuator shows proper positioning of the valve actuator clamp to adjust the closing torque exerted by the springs under the pistons to about 70 inch pounds.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved override and an interrelated valve system. A main valve has an actuator, the actuator in turn having a control for communicating a control signal to the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to place the main valve in its open or closed position. The override is associated with the main valve and selectively shiftable between an engaged mode in which the override is operatively connected with the main valve for moving the main valve between its open and closed positions, and a disengaged mode in which the operative connection between the override and the main valve is interrupted, whereby the main valve may move independently of the override. A shut-off functionally interconnects the override and the actuator control and is operative, upon shifting of the override to its engaged mode, to block the control signal from the actuator.

Abstract: A valve which opens on reduced pressure comprises: a hollow body (1) divided into first and second portions (2 and 3) by an internal partition (4), with the first portion being provided with a first opening (5) for connection to an enclosure to be evacuated and with a second opening (6) for connection to the aspiration side of a vacuum pump; a moving valve plate (7) disposed inside the first portion; a spring (8) urging the valve plate to close the first opening; a rod (10) having one end connected to the valve plate and passing through the internal partition; and a piston (b 11) which is connected to the other end of the rod, and which divides the second portion into a first chamber (13) and a second chamber (14) which are sealed from each other, the first chamber being on the rod side of the piston and being in communication with the outside (19), and the second chamber including an orifice (22) for communication with the outside, which orifice is fitted with closure means (23), the second chamber further i

Abstract: A spool valve has a seal-carrying spool movable in a valve bore terminated at one end by an end wall. A stem projects toward the end wall from an end of the spool. A hollow cylinder member is mounted coaxially on the stem via a radially inwardly extending flange which slidably receives the stem. A spring is coaxially mounted on the stem and is biased to urge the cylinder member away from the spool. A stop near the end of the stem retains the cylinder member on the stem and maintains a minimum preload in the spring. When the spool is in a position near the end wall, the end wall engages the cylinder member and moves it away from the stop, thereby compressing the spring so that the spring will be biased to move the spool away from the end wall.

Abstract: A piston type pneumatic powered actuator (9) for operating a valve (10) of the expanding gate type wherein velocity of the piston-stem-gate drive train is maintained substantially constant in the latter stage of the actuator stroke. The actuator (9) includes an assembly of dual pistons (61,75) which are adapted to be driven by fluid pressure in one direction to operate the valve but are returned by spring means (66,67) when the fluid pressure is removed. A drive piston (61) directly connected to the actuator stem (23) is nested within a primary piston (75) which is not connected to the actuator stem (23) but moves the drive piston (61) when actuating pneumatic fluid is applied to the actuator (9). A stop (85) affixed to the primary piston (75) is adapted to cooperatively engage the actuator housing (40) to terminate the stroke of the primary piston (75) prior to termination of the stroke of the drive piston (61).

Abstract: A sliding plate valve for a gas chromatograph or the like is provided with a pneumatic actuator (22) for reciprocating a slider assembly (24) and slide pad (26) over the face surface (28) of the valve body (20). Flow passages (44) are aligned with flow openings (42) in the face surface (28) as the slide pad (26) reciprocates between purge and sample positions. The slide pad (26) is urged against the face surface (28) by force springs (60) which are movable with the reciprocating slider housing (64). The slide pad (26) and assembly (24) are maintained in alignment by the interaction of chamfered grooves (68, 70) and chamfered lip surfaces (76, 78).

Abstract: An improved remotely operable safety valve which is adapted for use between the swivel and the kelly is disclosed. An annular hydraulic piston moves the valve to the open and closed position whether or not the drill string is rotating, and in the event of hydraulic failure, the valve may be operated manually. Centering spring means are provided to reduce wear on the operable elements when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Jacquard control system for controlling fluid flow within an apparatus such as a downhole tool. Such Jacquard control system includes at least one control member having a plurality of holes therethrough, the holes being arranged in a plurality of patterns cooperable with fluid passageways within the downhole tool. Each pattern of holes permits fluid flow within the downhole tool to carry out a desired function. Also included is a device to selectively adjust the position of the at least one control member relative to the fluid passageways to permit the fluid flow to carry out the desired functions. A downhole fluid sampler and tester is disclosed which includes a Jacquard control system, for withdrawing fluid from a subterranean formation; determining at least one property of the withdrawn fluid, such as EH, pH, temperature, pressure and resistivity, and, if desired, obtaining a sample of the withdrawn fluid.

Abstract: A safety valve having a flow tube telescopically movable in the housing for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in which the housing has a fluid chamber with a piston connected to the flow tube and a fluid passageway connected to the chamber adapted to be in communication with the fluid pressure at the well surface. A valve element and valve seat in the passageway seals off fluid flow through the seat and holds the flow tube in the open position when pressure is applied to the fluid passageway. Spaced minimum leak seals may be provided to form the fluid chamber. An antiburst communication line may be provided between the chamber and the bore of the safety valve having a check valve for equalizing pressure in the chamber. A valve mechanism operable by the flow tube shuts off the flow of fluid in the passageway to the fluid chamber when the valve closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: A dual stage hydraulic actuator (9) for actuation of an expanding gate valve (10). The actuator is mountable to the valve housing and comprises a housing 40 which defines a piston chamber 41 and a primary piston (61) slidably received therein. An actuator stem (23) connects the piston (61) to the valve gate assembly (20). A secondary piston (77), of smaller piston area than the primary piston (61), is slidably received in a piston receiving bore (75) which is formed in the fluid receiving face of the primary piston. A piston rod (80) connects coaxially with the piston (77) and extends through the end (52) of the actuator housing. The actuator is responsive to hydraulic fluid pressure which when applied through an inlet (71) of the actuator housing to one side of the pistons (61, 77) drives the actuator stem and gate assembly to an operational open or closed position of the valve.

Abstract: The improvement in a hydraulic actuator for actuating a subsurface safety valve having a metal piston connected to and actuating the valve and movable in a cylinder in which the cylinder is connected at one end to a hydraulic control fluid passageway and on the second end to pressure in the safety valve. The cylinder includes metal valve seats and metal valve elements are connected to the piston for seating on the valve seats for providing positive seals. A universal connection may be provided between the pistons and the valve elements. The piston seal may be opposing metal cups or a labyrinth seal.