U.S. patent application number 13/998560 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-14 for valves with multi-directional ball check.
The applicant listed for this patent is Melvin O. Castillo, James C. Hertenberger, Richard C. Hughes. Invention is credited to Melvin O. Castillo, James C. Hertenberger, Richard C. Hughes.
Application Number | 20150129043 13/998560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53042634 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150129043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes; Richard C. ; et
al. |
May 14, 2015 |
Valves with multi-directional ball check
Abstract
A valve with a valve body in which is rotatably mounted a valve
member, the valve member having therein a ball check for
selectively preventing fluid flow through the valve. This abstract
is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which
will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the
subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with
the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit
the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
Inventors: |
Hughes; Richard C.; (Santa
Fe, TX) ; Castillo; Melvin O.; (Texas City, TX)
; Hertenberger; James C.; (Santa Fe, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hughes; Richard C.
Castillo; Melvin O.
Hertenberger; James C. |
Santa Fe
Texas City
Santa Fe |
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53042634 |
Appl. No.: |
13/998560 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/12 ;
137/269.5; 137/614.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 5/10 20130101; Y10T
137/0379 20150401; Y10T 137/8803 20150401; F16K 5/0605 20130101;
Y10T 137/5153 20150401; F16K 5/0207 20130101; F16K 15/188 20130101;
F16K 15/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/12 ;
137/614.17; 137/269.5 |
International
Class: |
F16K 15/18 20060101
F16K015/18; F16K 5/02 20060101 F16K005/02; F16K 5/10 20060101
F16K005/10 |
Claims
1. A valve comprising a valve body with a main passageway
therethrough for fluid flow through the valve, a valve member
positioned rotatably in the valve body for controlling fluid flow
in the main passageway, the valve member having a member passageway
therethrough in fluid communication with the main passageway of the
valve, the member passageway having a first flow port at a first
end of the member passageway and a second flow port at a second end
of the member passageway, the first end spaced apart from the
second end, a ball check movably disposed within the valve member
in the member passageway, the valve member having a ball seat at
the first flow port against which the ball check can seat to close
off the member passageway to fluid flow to prevent fluid flow
through the valve, and the valve member having retaining structure
at the second flow port to retain the ball check and prevent the
ball check from exiting from the valve member through the second
port.
2. The valve of claim 1 wherein the retaining structure is at least
one projection projecting inwardly from the valve member.
3. The valve of claim 1 wherein the retaining structure is a plate
secured to the valve member, the plate having open area through
which fluid is flowable.
4. The valve of claim 3 further comprising a snap ring releasably
securing the plate to the valve member.
5. The valve of claim 1 wherein the member passageway, the ball
check, and the retaining structure are sized so that desired fluid
flow is permitted through the valve and around the ball check.
6. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve member is selectively
rotatable to a first position permitting fluid flow in a first
direction through the valve from the first flow port to the second
flow port, a second position permitting fluid flow in a second
direction through the valve from the second flow port to the first
flow port, and a third position in which the valve is closed to
fluid flow.
7. The valve of claim 6 wherein the ball check is movable to close
off flow when the valve member is in one of the first position and
the second position.
8. The valve of claim 6 wherein the valve member is movable from
the first position to the second position to cause fluid flowing in
the valve to flush contaminants from within the valve.
9. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve member is a ball valve
member.
10. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve member is a plug valve
member.
11. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve member is disposed
between a top trunnion and a bottom trunnion, the trunnions for
facilitating rotation of the valve member.
12. The valve of claim 1 wherein the valve member has a ball
opening through which the ball check is insertable into the valve
member and an insert for disposition in the ball opening to prevent
the ball check from exiting from within the valve member.
13. The valve of claim 1 further comprising rotation structure
exterior to the valve body and connected to the valve member for
selectively rotating the valve member, and stop structure on the
valve body for limiting movement of the rotation structure.
14. The valve of claim 1 further comprising rotation structure
exterior to the valve body and connected to the valve member for
selectively rotating the valve member, and locking structure for
interacting with the rotation structure to lock the valve member is
a selected position.
15. The valve of claim 1 wherein the member passageway has a recess
for holding the ball check when fluid is flowing through the
valve.
16. The valve of claim 1 wherein the member passageway and the main
passageway are in alignment such that flowing fluid flows in one
direction through the valve.
17. A valve comprising a valve body with a main passageway
therethrough for fluid flow through the valve, a valve member
positioned rotatably in the valve body for controlling fluid flow
in the main passageway, the valve member having a member passageway
therethrough in fluid communication with the main passageway of the
valve, the member passageway having a first flow port at a first
end of the member passageway and a second flow port at a second end
of the member passageway, the first end spaced apart from the
second end, a ball check movably disposed within the valve member
in the member passageway, the valve member having a ball seat at
the first flow port against which the ball check can seat to close
off the member passageway to fluid flow to prevent fluid flow
through the valve, the valve member having retaining structure at
the second flow port to retain the ball check and prevent the ball
check from exiting from the valve member through the second port,
the member passageway, the ball check, and the retaining structure
sized so that desired fluid flow is permitted through the valve and
around the ball check when the ball check is not seated against the
ball seat, the valve member is selectively rotatable to a first
position permitting fluid flow in a first direction through the
valve from the first flow port to the second flow port, a second
position permitting fluid flow in a second direction through the
valve from the second flow port to the first flow port, and a third
position in which the valve is closed to fluid flow, and the ball
check movable to close off flow when the valve member is in one of
the first position and the second position, and the member
passageway and the main passageway aligned so that flowing fluid
flows in one direction through the valve.
18. The valve of claim 17 wherein the valve member is movable form
the first position to the second position to cause fluid flowing in
the valve to flush contaminants from within the valve.
19. The valve of claim 17 wherein the member passageway has a
recess for holding the ball check when fluid is flowing through the
valve.
20. A method for controlling fluid flowing in a flow stream, the
method comprising transmitting fluid in a flow stream to a valve to
receive the flow stream, the valve comprising a valve body with a
main passageway therethrough for fluid flow through the valve, a
valve member positioned rotatably in the valve body for controlling
fluid flow in the main passageway, the valve member having a member
passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the main
passageway of the valve, the member passageway having a first flow
port at a first end of the member passageway and a second flow port
at a second end of the member passageway, the first end spaced
apart from the second end, a ball check movably disposed within the
valve member in the member passageway, the valve member having a
ball seat at the first flow port against which the ball check can
seat to close off the member passageway to fluid flow to prevent
fluid flow through the valve, and the valve member having retaining
structure at the second flow port to retain the ball check and
prevent the ball check from exiting from the valve member through
the second port, and selectively moving the valve member to a
selected position to control flow of the fluid with the valve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/762,313 filed Apr. 17, 2010 from which the present
invention and application claim priority under the Patent Laws, and
which application is incorporated fully herein for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to: valves and methods of
their use; to valves for controlling fluid flow and for permitting
fluid flow in multiple directions; to ball valves and plug valves;
and to valves with a built-in check valve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a wide variety of known valves, ball valves, plug
valves, check valves, valves with check valves, and methods of
their use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention, in certain aspects and embodiments,
discloses a valve with a rotatable valve structure that includes
within it a movable ball check for selectively blocking fluid flow
through the valve. The valve structure may be any suitable known
rotatable valve structure, such as, but not limited to, known
rotatable plug members and ball members of known valves. In certain
aspects, the ball check is movable within a structure, e.g., within
a plug or a ball, to seat against a check seat formed of the plug
or ball to stop fluid flow through the valve.
[0005] In certain aspects, such a valve has multiple operating
positions and/or provides controlled flow in dual directions. In
one aspect, the valve has open and closed positions. In another
aspect, the valve has open, closed, and bypass positions, with dual
flow directions through the valve. In certain aspects, the ball
check can check fluid flowing in one of two directions through the
valve by rotating the valve structure as desired.
[0006] When made of appropriate known materials, sized
appropriately, and configured in a suitable manner, valves
according to the present invention may be used for controlling the
flow of a broad variety of fluids and in a wide variety of
technical and industrial situations, including both fluids at low
pressures and fluids at high pressures, e.g., including, but not
limited to transmission and processing of fluids (gas, vapor,
and/or liquid) in: chemical applications; petrochemical
applications; refinery streams, equipment, and apparatuses; oil and
gas well drilling, cementing, completion, servicing, and production
operations.
[0007] In certain particular aspects, the present invention
provides plug valves or ball valves with a rotatable plug or ball
in a cavity in a valve body with a ball check disposed within and
movable by fluid flow within the valve. The valve bodies of these
valves can be shaft-rotated or stem-rotated with the shaft or stem
connected to the plug or ball, or formed integrally thereof, to
assist in holding the plug or ball in position within a cavity in a
valve body; or one or two trunnion members may be used in
conjunction with the plug or ball to support and position the plug
or ball, and to facilitate its rotation within a valve body.
[0008] In certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention,
a ball check is maintained within a cavity in a valve body by a
member with one or more projections projecting into the cavity
which prevent the ball check from exiting from the cavity. These
projection(s) may be on a removable/insertable member put in place
in or adjacent a flow opening of the valve body following insertion
of the ball check into the cavity; or they may project from the
valve body itself.
[0009] In other aspects, a ball check is inserted into a valve body
cavity through a hole or opening sufficiently large for the ball
check to pass through, and then the hole or opening is closed off.
In certain aspects, the hole or opening is also used for insertion
into the valve body of a rotating stem or member, or for the
disposition of a trunnion member, any of which will close off the
opening once the ball check has been disposed in the valve body
cavity. In any such valve, a second flow opening or flow port of
the valve body spaced-apart from or opposite the position of a ball
check seat a first flow opening or port may have projection(s) that
prevent the ball check's exit from the valve body through the
second port or opening so that the ball check cannot seat at the
second flow port or opening. Such a second flow port or opening,
with projection(s), may be sized so that the presence of the ball
check does not adversely affect flow through the valve when the
ball check is not seated against the ball check seat and when flow
through the valve is desired. In any such valve according to the
present invention, the ball check may be sized and the flow ports
and openings may be sized so that desired flow through the valve is
effected despite the presence of the ball check within the valve
body.
[0010] An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid may include a
main passageway for conducting the fluid and a valve which may
include a rotatable valve cavity having a ball check. The rotatable
valve cavity may be rotatable with respect to the main passageway
to provide at least three positions including a bypass position, a
closed position and a run position.
[0011] Such a valve may include an outlet for connection to a sight
glass, and the apparatus may include a bleeder valve. Such an
apparatus may include a sight glass which may be in fluid
communication with the valve.
[0012] Thus, a valve according to certain embodiments of the
present invention, and e.g. as shown in the drawing figures may
include: a body with a first body side and a second body side; a
main passageway through the body for conducting a fluid into and/or
through the valve, the main passageway including a first passage
opening at the first body side and a second passage opening at the
second body side; a valve plug (or ball) extending through the
valve body and having a cavity, e.g., a plug cavity or a ball
cavity, positioned within the main passageway so that fluid flowing
through the main passageway may flow through the cavity; the cavity
having a first side and a second side, a first opening on the first
side through which fluid may flow to and from the main passageway
with respect to the cavity, a second opening on the second side
through which fluid may flow to and from the main passageway with
respect to the cavity, the first side opposite the second side, the
first opening larger than the second opening, and an interior valve
seat; the valve plug (or ball) selectively rotatable in the body
(a) to permit bidirectional fluid flow through the cavity and
therefore through the valve in a "run" position, (b) to close the
valve to fluid flow in a "closed" position, and (c) to permit
bypass fluid flow through the valve in a "bypass" position; and the
valve plug or ball having a ball check movably located within the
cavity, the ball check movable by action of fluid flowing through
the main passageway into the cavity to seat against the valve seat
to prevent fluid flow through the valve.
[0013] Such a valve may have one or some, in any possible
combination, of the following: the cavity located in line with the
main passageway so that fluid flowing through the main passageway
does not change direction when flowing through the cavity from the
first side of the cavity to the second side of the cavity and so
that fluid flowing through the main passageway does not change
direction when flowing through the cavity from the second side of
the cavity to the first side of the cavity; the ball check passable
through the first opening, the cavity having a cavity top and a
cavity bottom, a projection either extending across the cavity from
one side to the other or from top to bottom or the projection
extending from the cavity bottom of the cavity into the cavity and
having a projection top located below and spaced-apart from and not
in contact with the cavity top, the projection located for
maintaining the ball check in the cavity and preventing the ball
check from passing through the first opening and into the main
passageway and from exiting the valve body; the ball check having a
ball diameter and the projection having a projection height, the
ball diameter greater than the projection height, and/or the
projection having a projection diameter, the ball diameter greater
than the projection diameter; the cavity having a bottom surface
and an inclined surface, the inclined surface between the bottom
surface and the interior valve seat, the valve further including a
recess defined by a surface of the projection, the bottom surface
of the cavity and the inclined surface, the recess for holding the
ball check when fluid is flowing through the valve; the cavity of
sufficient diameter to permit fluid flow around the ball check and
with the valve plug or ball in a bypass position, (a) fluid flow is
able to push the ball check away from the interior valve seat and
carry away a contaminate lodged between the ball check and the
interior valve seat, and (b) the projection prevents the ball check
from exiting the cavity; the body having a body top, the valve plug
or ball having a shaft integral therewith or connected thereto
projecting beyond the body top, and a handle connected to the valve
shaft for rotating the valve plug or ball to select a valve
position; and/or the valve such that rotating the handle one
hundred eighty degrees rotates the valve plug or ball between a
bypass position and a run position.
[0014] The present invention, in certain aspects, provides a valve
for fluid flow control including: a body with a first body side and
a second body side; a main passageway through the body for
conducting a fluid into and/or through the valve, the main
passageway including a first passage opening at the first body side
and a second passage opening at the second body side; a valve
structure, e.g., a plug or a ball, extending through the valve body
and having a cavity positioned within the main passageway so that
fluid flowing through the main passageway may flow through the
cavity; the cavity having a first side and a second side, a first
opening on the first side through which fluid may flow to and from
the main passageway with respect to the cavity, a second opening on
the second side through which fluid may flow to and from the main
passageway with respect to the plug cavity, the first side opposite
the second side, and an interior valve seat; the valve structure
(e.g., plug or ball) selectively rotatable in the body (a) to
permit bidirectional fluid flow through the cavity and therefore
through the valve in a "run" position, (b) to close the valve to
fluid flow in a "closed" position, and (c) to permit bypass fluid
flow through the valve in a "bypass" position; the valve structure
(e.g., plug or ball) having a ball check movably located within the
cavity, the ball check movable by action of fluid flowing through
the main passageway into the cavity to seat against the valve seat
to prevent fluid flow through the valve; the cavity located in line
with the main passageway so that fluid flowing through the main
passageway does not change direction when flowing through the
cavity from the first side of the cavity to the second side of the
cavity and so that fluid flowing through the main passageway does
not change direction when flowing through the cavity from the
second side of the cavity to the first side of the cavity; the ball
check passable through the first opening; the cavity having a
cavity top and a cavity bottom, and a projection extending from a
part of the cavity or an upward projection extending from the
cavity bottom of the cavity into the cavity, the projection, in one
aspect, being an upward projection having a projection top, the
projection top located below spaced-apart from and not in contact
with the cavity top, the projection located for maintaining the
ball check in the cavity and preventing the ball check from passing
through the first opening and into the main passageway and from
exiting the valve body.
[0015] The present invention provides, in certain aspects, fluid
systems with a vessel, a first valve, a second valve, and a sight
glass; each of the first valve and the second valve being a valve
according to the present invention. Such a system can include a
bleeder valve in fluid communication with the sight glass and one
of the valves.
[0016] Accordingly, the present invention includes features and
advantages which are believed to advance valve technology.
Characteristics and advantages of the present invention described
above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments and referring to the
accompanying drawings. What follows are some of, but not all, the
objects of this invention. In addition to the specific objects
stated below for at least certain preferred embodiments of the
invention, there are other objects and purposes which will be
readily apparent to one of skill in this art who has the benefit of
this invention's teachings and disclosures.
[0017] It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred
embodiments of the present invention to provide:
[0018] New, useful unique, efficient, nonobvious valves with a ball
check within a cavity in a valve body, the body rotatable to
multiple flow and/or closing positions within the valve; and
[0019] New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious methods for using
such valves.
[0020] Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any
particular individual feature disclosed here, but include
combinations of them distinguished from the prior art in their
structures, functions, and/or results achieved. Features of the
invention have been broadly described so that the detailed
descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in order
that the contributions of this invention to the arts may be better
appreciated.
[0021] There are, of course, additional aspects of the invention
described below and which may be included in the subject matter of
the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the
benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will
appreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a
creative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems
for carrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims
of this invention are to be read to include any legally equivalent
devices or methods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. The present invention and its diverse
embodiments recognize and address the long-felt needs and provides
a solution to problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in
its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of
skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention's
realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other
purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following
description of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose
of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to
thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how
others may later disguise it by variations in form, changes, or
additions of further improvements.
[0022] It will be understood that the various embodiments of the
present invention may include one, some, or any possible
combination of the disclosed, described, and/or enumerated
features, aspects, and/or improvements and/or technical advantages
and/or elements in claims to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The invention may be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements.
These drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the present
invention and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of
the invention which may have other equally effective or legally
equivalent embodiments. In the appended figures, similar components
and/or features may have the same numerical reference label.
Various components of the same type may be distinguished by
following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among
the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical
reference label is used in the specification, the description is
applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features
having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the
letter suffix.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a valve body of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the valve body of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the valve body of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve body
of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the valve body of FIG. 1 in
a first position.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a top cross-sectional of the valve body
of FIG. 1 in the first position;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the valve body of FIG. 1 in
a second position.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the valve
body of FIG. 1 in the second position.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the valve body of FIG. 1 in
a third position.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the valve
body of FIG. 1 in the third position.
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the valve
body of FIG. 1 positioned within a passageway.
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates a system of the present invention to
determine if a tap is plugged.
[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a system of the present invention to
prevent a high pressure liquid from escaping.
[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a system of the present invention to
verify liquid level in a vessel.
[0038] FIG. 15A is a top view of a valve according to the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 15B is a section view of the valve of FIG. 15A.
[0040] FIG. 15C is an enlargement of part of the valve as shown in
FIG. 15B.
[0041] FIG. 15D is a perspective view of the valve body of the
valve of FIG. 15A.
[0042] FIG. 15E is a section view of the ball of FIG. 15D.
[0043] FIG. 15F is a front view of a ball check retainer for a
valve according to the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 15G is a front view of a ball check retainer for a
valve according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 15H is a front view of a ball check retainer for a
valve according to the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 15I is a front view of a snap ring for a valve
according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 15J is an exploded view of the valve body shown in FIG.
15D, showing the body, the ball, and the ball retainer.
[0048] FIG. 15K is a cross-section view of valve body of FIGS. 15D
and 15J.
[0049] FIG. 15L is an enlargement of the Detail A indicated in FIG.
15K.
[0050] FIG. 15M is an enlargement of the Detail B as indicated in
FIG. 15K.
[0051] FIG. 15N is a front view of the ball retainer shown in FIG.
15J.
[0052] FIG. 15 O is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG.
15N.
[0053] FIG. 15P is a top view of the ball shown in FIG. 15J.
[0054] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view partly in section
illustrating a valve of the ball type incorporating the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 17A is a section view of a valve body with ball check
according to the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 17B is a section view of the valve body of FIG. 17A
showing inserts removed.
[0057] FIG. 17C is an end view of the valve body of FIG. 17A.
[0058] FIG. 17D is a top view of the valve body of FIG. 17A.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a section view of a valve body with ball check
according to the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 19A is an end view of a valve body according to the
present invention.
[0061] FIG. 19B is an end view of a valve body according to the
present invention.
[0062] FIG. 20A is a section view of a valve with ball check
according to the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 20B is a side view of the valve of FIG. 20A.
[0064] FIG. 20C is a cross-section view of the top of the valve of
FIG. 20A.
[0065] FIG. 21A is a cross-section view of a valve according to the
present invention.
[0066] FIG. 21B is a top view, partially in cross-section, of the
valve of FIG. 21A.
[0067] FIG. 21C is an enlargement of part of the valve of FIG.
21B.
[0068] FIG. 21D is an enlargement of the valve of FIG. 21A.
[0069] FIG. 21E is a perspective view of part of the valve of FIG.
21A.
[0070] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a valve according to the
present invention.
[0071] FIG. 22B is a top view of part of the valve of FIG. 22A,
this part alone being prior art.
[0072] FIG. 22C is a side view of part of the valve of FIG.
22B.
[0073] FIG. 22D is a cross-section view of parts of the valve of
FIG. 22A which parts are in the prior art.
[0074] FIG. 22E is an exploded view showing parts at the top of the
valve of FIG. 22A, which parts are in the prior art.
[0075] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a valve according to the
present invention.
[0076] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a valve according to the
present invention.
[0077] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a valve according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0078] The present invention may include a valve body which may be
rotated substantially 180 degrees in order to allow fluid to flow
through the valve body and respectively in the reverse direction
with respect to the valve body. Consequently, when a contaminant
becomes lodged therein, e.g., with respect to a valve ball (cock
ball), the valve body may be rotated, e.g. substantially 180
degrees, to allow fluid to flow in the reverse direction with
respect to the valve body. As a consequence of this reverse flow,
the contaminant may be washed away, e.g., contaminant lodged
between a ball check within the body and a valve seat. The valve
body may be rotated substantially 180 degrees to return the valve
body to substantially the initial position. This operation allows
the valve to be cleared with a simple operation which can be
performed in a short amount of time and does not require the
disassembly of or the replacement of the valve, saving time and
cost.
[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates a valve 100 which may include a valve
shaft 103 which may be rotated in order to control the position of
a valve body 101 and to control the operation of the valve plug
100. The valve 100 may be referred to in various embodiments as a
"valve plug," "plug valve," "ball valve," or or as a "sleeved plug
valve." The valve body 101 houses a valve cavity 107 (valve
passageway). FIG. 1 additionally illustrates a side surface 105 of
the valve body 101 which may be opposed to a mirrored side surface
105. An end of the valve shaft 103 may include external threads 104
for attachment to a valve handle 109 (not shown).
[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the valve plug 100 and
the valve body 101 which may include a front surface 111 which may
include a front aperture 113 to provide a passageway to the valve
cavity 107. The valve cavity 107 may include an upward extending
projection 115 which may extend into the valve cavity 107 to
restrict the movement of a ball check 119 within the valve cavity
107 and the front aperture 113 may be of larger diameter or larger
dimension to allow the flow of fluid around the ball check 119.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the valve plug 100 and
illustrates a back surface 131 of the valve body 101 which may
include a back aperture 133 to form a passageway into the valve
cavity 107. The back aperture 133 may have a smaller diameter or a
smaller dimension than the ball check 119 in order that the ball
check 119 may block or restrict the flow of fluid from the
passageway out of the valve cavity 107 when there is a flow rate of
the fluid which exceeds a predetermined value, e.g., which may
occur when there is a break in the container of the fluid (not
shown).
[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve plug
100 and illustrates the ball check 119 and the valve shaft 103.
[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates a cover 133 to cover the valve 100 over
the main passageway 135 and a handle 109 to cooperate with the
valve shaft 103 to rotate the valve body 101, in one aspect, to at
least three positions. The cover 133 may include indicia to
indicate the position, for example run, closed or bypass. The
indication may be that the valve body is in a run position which
may allow the fluid to flow in either direction as long as the flow
rate does not exceed a predetermined value. When the flow rate
exceeds the predetermined value, for example if the flow is flowing
right to left, the ball check 119 may move from a rest position to
cooperate with a valve seat 137 to substantially seal against the
seat so that the flow of fluid is stopped once a predetermined flow
rate has been exceeded. If there was a break in the main passage
way 135, the flow rate of the fluid would exceed the predetermined
flow rate as the fluid leaks out of the break. The seal between the
ball check 119 and the valve seat 137 would prevent a large loss of
fluid. Thus if the valve 100 is used in conjunction with a large
vessel of fluid, the seal between the ball check 119 and valve seat
137 may prevent a large loss of fluid from the vessel.
[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the valve cavity 107 which
may be defined by a cylinder surface 151 which may extend to a
first reduced diameter cylinder surface 153 which may extend to the
front aperture 113 and which may extend to an inclined surface 155
which may extend to a second reduced diameter cylinder surface 159
which may extend to the back aperture 133. The plug cavity has a
bottom surface and the inclined surface 155 between the bottom
surface and the valve seat 137, the valve having a recess defined
by a surface of the upward projection, the bottom surface of the
cavity, and the inclined surface, the recess for holding the ball
check 119 when fluid is flowing through the valve.
[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates a cover 133 to cover the sleeved valve
100 over the main passageway 135 and a handle 109 to cooperate with
the valve shaft 103 to rotate the valve body 101, e.g., to at least
three positions. The cover 133 may include indicia to indicate the
position, for example run, closed or bypass. The indication may be
that the valve body is in a bypass position which may allow the
fluid to flow in one direction regardless of the flow rate and does
not inhibit the flow rate even if the flow rate exceeds a
predetermined value. The flow of the fluid keeps the ball check 119
from seating against its valve seat 137. In the bypass position, if
a contaminate becomes lodged between the ball check 119 and the
valve seat 137, reverse flow of the fluid can push the ball check
119 away from the valve seat 137 and the fluid can carry the
contaminant away.
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the valve cavity 107 in the
bypass position which may be defined by a cylinder surface 151
which may extend to a first reduced diameter cylinder surface 153
which may extend to the front aperture 113 and which may extend to
a inclined surface 155 which may extend to a second reduced
diameter cylinder surface 159 which may extend to the back aperture
133.
[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates a cover 133 to cover the valve 100 over
the main passageway 135 and a handle 109 to cooperate with the
valve shaft 103 to rotate the valve body 101 to at least three
positions. The cover 133 may include indicia to indicate the
position, for example run, closed or bypass. The indication may be
that the valve body is in a closed position which may not allow the
flow of fluid in any direction regardless of the flow rate. Both
the front aperture 113 and the back aperture 133 are blocked.
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the valve cavity 107 which
may be defined by a cylinder surface 151 which may extend to a
first reduced diameter cylinder surface 153 which may extend to the
front aperture 113 and which may extend to a inclined surface 155
which may extend to a second reduced diameter cylinder surface 159
which may extend to the back aperture 133.
[0089] FIG. 11 illustrates the sleeved valve 100 positioned within
the main passageway 135 and illustrates the ball check 119 at a
resting position adjacent to the upward extending projection 115.
This allows flow of the fluid in either direction since the ball
check 119 is not positioned within the valve seat 137. However,
when the flow of the fluid reaches a predetermined level, the fluid
flow causes the ball check 119 to move to a second position
indicated by the phantom line and adjacent to the valve seat 137 to
prevent the flow of the fluid in the direction as shown left to
right.
[0090] FIG. 12 illustrates a system of the present invention which
may include a vessel 1201 and a sight glass 1203 which may be
interconnected with a first valve 100 (shown as the upper valve)
and a second valve 100 (shown as the lower valve) where the first
sleeved valve 100 may be in a bypass position and the second
sleeved valve 100 may be in a closed position in order to verify if
a tap is plugged by opening the bottom bleeder valve 1205. If a
vapor is allowed to flow through the bottom bleeder valve 1205 the
tap is clear.
[0091] FIG. 13 illustrates a system of the present invention to
prevent a high pressure liquid from escaping.
[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates a system of the present invention to
verify liquid level in the vessel.
[0093] FIGS. 15A and 15B show a valve 200 according to the present
invention which has a housing 202 with left part 202a bolted with
nuts 202c on studs 202s of right part 202b. A gasket 202g is
interposed between the two housing parts. A ball valve 220
according to the present invention is rotatable by a handle 204 to
control fluid flow in a passageway 206 (with part of the passageway
206a through the left part 202a of the housing and part of the
passageway 206b through the right part of the housing 202b). The
stem 208 has an end 208a received in and held in a recess 230a of a
valve body 230 using a thrust washer 209w. A nut 208b above a
belleville washer 208c secures the handle 204 to the stem 208. A
gland follower 209a and a gland ring 209b hold stem packing 209c
around the stem 208. The ball valve 220 is in a corresponding
recess 213 formed of and between the two housing parts.
[0094] The ball valve 220 has a ball check 222 movably disposed in
a passageway 224 which extends through the valve body 230. The ball
check 222 can be at rest in a recess 222a of the passageway 222 as
shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C; seated against a ball check seat
surface 222b to close off a flow port 222e of the valve body 230;
or held against a retainer plate 222c which itself is held in place
by a retainer clip 222d, the retainer plate 222c preventing the
ball check 222 from exiting the valve body through a flow port
222f. The retainer plate 222c abuts a guide seat 222g.
[0095] The ball valve body 230 is seated on one side against a seat
214. A seat gasket 214g is between the seat 214 and the valve body.
On the other side the valve body 230 is seated against a seat 216.
A seat gasket 216g is between the set 216 and the valve body
230.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 15D, the retainer plate 222c has a ring
222r and a central member 222s that define two openings 222p and
222t through which fluid may flow through the retainer plate. In
certain aspects, the retainer plate is configured and sized, and
the openings 222p and 222t are configured and sized so that a
desired flow rate through the retainer plate 222c is achieved
(i.e., so that even with the ball check 222 abutting the retainer
plate 222c, desired flow through the valve body is possible). In
certain aspects, these openings are sized in area so that no more
than ten percent, or no more than twenty percent of flow through
the passageway opening opposite the opening with the ball check
seating surface is blocked.
[0097] A recess or groove 222h in the valve body (see FIG. 15E)
holds the retainer clip 222d.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 15A, the handle 204 can be rotated to
rotate the ball valve 220 into one of three positions--run (as
shown in FIGS. 15b, 15C); closed to flow; or bypass. By reversing
flow through the valve body, (either way) material or contaminants
at or near the ball check seating surface 222b is moved or flushed
away, insuring that a good seat can be obtained between the ball
check 222 and the ball check seating surface 222b. In certain
aspects the ball check is designed with a surface area presented to
fluid flow (the effective area of the ball check through which
fluid cannot flow in the passageway 224 through the valve body 230)
and with a passageway component 224c appropriately sized, so that
sufficient fluid flow is possible around the ball check in the
component 224c so that a desired fluid flow rate through the valve
220 can be achieved and maintained.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 15 I, an open snap ring SG has an opening
PG and, optionally, end tabs EB. Optionally, each end tab EB may
have a hole HL therethrough. It is also within the scope of the
present invention to use a snap ring of appropriate size and
configuration (e.g., but not limited to as shown in FIG. 15 I) for
the retainer It is within the scope of the present invention to use
an open "snap" ring for the retainer clip 222d to hold the retainer
plate 222c in place plate itself, with or without a retainer clip
or retaining snap ring.
[0100] It is within the scope of the present invention to retain a
ball check within a valve body using a projection or projections
projecting from the valve body which prevent the ball check from
passing through a fluid flow opening near or adjacent the
projection(s). One, two, three, four or more such projections may
be used. FIGS. 15F-15H show valve bodies BO, BD, and BS with
projection Po, projections Pd, and projections Ps,
respectively.
[0101] FIG. 15J shows the valve body 230, the ball check 222, and
the retainer plate 222c. FIGS. 15K-15P present actual physical
measurements and dimensions, in inches, for one embodiment of these
parts. "R" indicates a measurement for a radius and a "O" indicates
a diameter.
[0102] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
ball check structure for so-called "trunnion ball valves" which
have an upper trunnion structure and/or a lower trunnion structure
for supporting a ball of a valve, maintaining a ball's position,
and/or for facilitating rotation of the ball. Any ball check and
associated structure herein according to the present invention may
be used in a suitable trunnion ball valve. In one particular
aspect, the valve of U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,178 is improved with
teaching of the present invention (patent incorporated fully herein
for all purposes).
[0103] A ball valve 300 according to the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 16 has a body 310 which may be fabricated by
any suitable methods, e.g., by welding, and is provided with
aligned flow passages 311. Body hubs 312 may be arranged for
welding to piping, or may be provided with conventional pipe
coupling flanges. A valve ball 313 is disposed within the body
space 314 and is provided with a port 315 adapted to register with
flow passages 311 for an open position of the valve. The body is
rotatably carried by trunnion structures to enable rotation between
full open and closed positions.
[0104] The trunnion structure for the upper end of the ball is a
trunnion member 316 which has a flange 317 that is seated upon an
upper wall portion 318 of the valve body. Its inner end portion
extends within a bore 319 formed in the ball. It is sealed with
respect to the body as by the resilient seals 320. Suitable bearing
members 321 and 322 are interposed between the trunnion member 316
and the adjacent surfaces of the bore, and these may be made of any
suitable material.
[0105] An operating shaft 323 extends through the trunnion member
316 and has its inner end coupled to the ball. Thus pins 324 are
fitted into aligned openings formed in the ball and in the lower
end of the shaft, thereby coupling the shaft to the ball. Axially
spaced seals 326 and 327 serve to establish seals between the shaft
and the trunnion member 316. Each of these seals may be of the
resilient O-ring type. A duct 328 is shown communicating with the
space between the seals 326 and 327 for the introduction of a
viscous sealant or lubricant. This duct may be in communication
with a suitable sealant injecting fitting.
[0106] A plate 331 is shown overlying the upper end of the trunnion
and is between the trunnion and a mounting plate 332. Screws 333
serve to clamp the trunnion flange 317 against the body, and screws
334 may extend through the mounting plate 332, plate 331 and flange
317 and threaded into the body for clamping all of these parts
together. The mounting plate facilitates the mounting of various
types of operating devices upon the valve body.
[0107] The other trunnion is a trunnion member 341 which extends
through the body wall portion 342 and which has an exterior flange
343 which is clamped by screws 344. Suitable seals (e.g., a
resilient O-ring) 345 prevents leakage between the trunnion member
341 and the body. The inner end of the trunnion member is
accommodated within a bore 346 formed in the valve ball, and
bearing 347, such as a sleeve formed of suitable material, serves
to provide proper journalling.
[0108] An adjustable thrust plug 348 has threaded engagement with
the trunnion member 341 and is capable of adjustment from the
exterior of the valve for the purpose of adjusting the position of
the valve ball with respect to the flow passages 311. The trunnion
member 341 is also shown provided with a duct 349 which is normally
closed by plug 351, and which makes possible draining material from
the valve body.
[0109] Annular sealing assemblies 353 are shown carried by the body
and serve to establish seals between the body and the valve
ball.
[0110] As shown in certain embodiments and as discussed above, it
is within the scope of the present invention to insert a ball check
into a valve body through a flow passageway opening of the
passageway through the valve body and then to retain the ball check
within the valve body with a retainer plate and/or projection(s).
The projection(s) can be projections from the valve body or they
can be projection(s) from a ring or plate placed in or near the
passageway opening. Projection(s) on a valve body may be formed
integrally with the valve body or they may be added after a ball
check is inserted through an opening. Alternatively, a hole may be
made in a valve body through which the ball check is inserted into
the valve body; and then the hole is closed off by a plug, an
insert, by part of a rotatable stem, or by part of a trunnion
member.
[0111] FIGS. 17A-17D show a valve body 240 according to the present
invention with a flow passageway 242 therethrough and a ball check
244 movably disposed in the passageway 242. The ball check 244 can
be moved by flowing fluid to seat against a seating surface 245; or
it can be retained within the passageway 242 by projections 248
projecting into the passageway 242 from the valve body 240.
[0112] Initially, the ball check 244 is inserted into the
passageway 242 through a hole 246 and the hole is then closed off
with an insert 246a. Optionally, or in addition to the hole 246, a
hole 249 is provided in the valve body 240 and the ball check is
inserted into the passageway 242 through the hole 249 which is then
shut with an insert 249a.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 18, the structure or member closing off a
hole in a valve body through which a ball check is insertable into
the valve body may be part of a rotatable stem or part of a
trunnion member. FIG. 18 shows a valve body 250, like the valve
body 240 (and like numerals indicate like parts) which has a stem
252 with a part 252a that closes off the hole 246 (after the ball
check 244 is placed in the passageway 242 through the hole 246). A
part 254a of a trunnion member 254 closes off the hole 249 (after
the ball check 244 is inserted through the hole 249 into the
passageway 242).
[0114] FIG. 19A shows a valve body 260 according to the present
invention with a flow passageway 262 therethrough and projections
264 projecting inwardly into the flow passageway 262 to retain a
ball check 266 within the valve body 260.
[0115] FIG. 19B shows a valve body 270 according to the present
invention with a flow passageway 272 therethrough and projections
274 projecting inwardly into the flow passageway 262 to retain a
ball check 276 within the valve body 270.
[0116] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
ball check valve and/or a multi-directional ball check according to
the present invention in any suitable known ball valve. It is also
within the scope of the present invention to provide any suitable
known valve locking mechanism with any valve according to the
present invention. In certain aspects, the present invention
provides new and nonobvious improvements to the ball valves of U.S.
Pat. No. 4,848,724, incorporated fully herein for all purposes. As
shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a ball valve 400 according to the
present invention has a ball check structure BA with a ball BL. The
ball check structure and the ball BL are shown schematically and
may be any suitable such structure and ball according to the
present invention as disclosed herein.
[0117] The ball valve 400 has a body 410 which has two halves
screwed together; the body 410 includes an intermediate portion
defining an inner valve chamber 411 and end portions axially
aligned defining inlet and ports 412 and 413 communicating with the
valve chamber 411. The structure BA is rotatable to control through
the valve and is disposed inside the chamber 411 of the body 410 of
the valve; the structure BA can be rotated by means of a control
lever 415 connected to a shaft 416, rotatably supported by a hub
421. The shaft 416, at its lower end is seated in a groove, while
an upper end 417 is suitably shaped and received in a slot-shaped
hole near the forward end of the control lever 415. The structure
BA includes wall structure defining a transverse conduit 419 which,
in the open condition of the valve is arranged coaxially and in
communication with ports 412 and 413. The rotation of the structure
BA for an angle of 90 degrees around the axis of shaft 416, brings
the ball structure BA into a second closed condition of the valve
in which the flow is completely cutoff. Annular sealing members 418
are disposed between the structure BA and ports 412 and 413, inside
the valve chamber 411, and further sealing rings are disposed
between the ball shaft 416 and the hub 421. The control lever 415
is secured to the upper end 417 of shaft 416 by a nut 422 which is
screwed onto the threaded end 417 (see FIG. 20C). The nut 422 has a
cylindrical lower portion and an upper enlarged portion defining an
annular shoulder 401. A cylindrical element CE is located coaxially
to nut 422 to freely rotate, and is prevented from axial movement
by an inner annular shoulder 402 abutting against the shoulder 401
of nut 422. The upper end of the cylindrical element CE has an
upper enlarged portion 403, of greater diameter, defining with the
lower cylindrical portion an outer annular shoulder.
[0118] As shown in 20A, the forward end of control lever 415 is
downwardly bent and provided with a downwardly protruding lip 423
so as to approach the outer cylindrical surface of the hub portion
421 of the valve body; turning the lever 415, the lip 423 engages
stop protrusions 424 and 425, on the hub 421, in such a way as to
define two main operative open and closed positions of the valve.
This locking structure prevents or permits rotation of control
lever 415, engaging and disengaging the protrusion 424 relative to
said first operative position in which the ball valve is totally
open. As shown, this includes a ring-shaped element 426 freely
sliding and rotating in the direction and around the axis of
rotation of ball structure BA. The ring-shaped element 426 has a
radial wall portion along a preset angle, having downwardly turned
cylindrical wall 428 concentric to the outer cylindrical surface of
the hub 421. The lower edge of the cylindrical wall 428 is toothed
at 429, and the sides of contiguous teeth are arranged parallel to
each other and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the
thickness of protrusion 424 so that the latter can be engaged and
disengaged by sliding and turning movements of the ring element
426.
[0119] The locking ring element 426 is connected to lever 415 to
rotate with it in such a way as to maintain the same angular
relation with respect to the lever 415 while allowing a sliding
movement of ring 426. For this purpose the inner surface of
cylindrical wall portion 428 of the locking ring element 421 has a
longitudinal slot into which protrude a corner or protruding
portion at the front edge of lever 415, which fits in such a way as
to allow locking ring element 426 to rotate with lever 415 and to
slide axially along cylindrical element CE at the same time, while
maintaining angular position with reference to the control lever
415. The position of this slot and the angular width of the
cylindrical wall portion 428 allow protrusion 424 to be between the
last tooth 429 of wall 428 and lip 423 of the control lever when
the valve is in the open position, and also such that when the
valve is in the closed position the last tooth at the other edge of
the wall 428 abuts against the protrusion 424, thus preventing
rotation in either direction of lever 415 which therefore remains
locked in the desired condition. The slots between teeth 429 thus
define intermediate positions for partial opening of the valve,
between conditions of maximum opening and fully closed.
[0120] To ensure that locking ring element 426, does not
accidentally disengage from protrusion 424, or be deliberately
disengaged to operate the valve, thus modifying or altering the
flow conditions, a supplementary retaining means has been provided
to ensure that the locking element 426 is not moved backwards or
raised, and disengaged from protrusion 424 which stops rotation of
the control lever. This supplemental stop or retaining device has
diametrically opposed holes 432 in the upper portion of cylindrical
element CE near its enlarged portion 403, through which a stop pin
433 is inserted; the ends of the pin 433 can be suitably deformed,
i.e. widened, or provided with enlarged portions to prevent
withdrawal. Any other equivalent means can be used instead of pin
433, e.g. a padlock, so as to ensure that locking element 426 will
not move backwards or be deliberately disengaged from protrusion
424. The use of the ball valve and the operation of the locking
device are as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,724.
[0121] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
ball check valve and/or a multi-directional ball check according to
the present invention in any suitable known rotary plug valve. It
is also within the scope of the present invention to provide any
suitable known rotary plug valve locking mechanism with any valve
according to the present invention. In certain aspects, the present
invention provides new and nonobvious improvements to the ball
valves of U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,218, incorporated fully herein for
all purposes. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a plug valve 500
according to the present invention has a ball check structure BT
with a ball BC. The ball check structure BT and the ball BC are
shown schematically and may be any suitable such structure and ball
according to the present invention as disclosed herein.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the valve 500 has a body 510
with an annular skirtlike extension 528 circumscribing the upper
open end of the valve plug seat 516 and defining an extension of
the same. A valve plug member 512 is provided with an end portion,
which extends upwardly within the skirtlike extension 528, but
terminates flush with or beneath the outer edge 532 of the same.
The end portion 530 of valve plug member 512 is provided with an
axially extending noncircular socket 534, which is, e.g., square or
rectangular in cross section. The socket 534 is arranged to receive
either a T-shaped operating head or handle member 536 or a closure.
The valve body member 510 has a flow passage extending therethrough
constituted by the ports or openings 514, the outer ends of which
are threaded, as is usual for connections with other parts of the
system being controlled, such as the ends P of sections of pipe
line (shown in broken lines). Of course, other means of connection
may be employed, such as flange connections or the like. Extending
laterally through the valve body member 510 is a valve plug seat
516 open at least at one end for reception of the valve plug member
512. The seat may be tapered at least in a major or principal
portion thereof. The valve plug member 512 includes a major portion
which is exteriorly tapered as at 518 to be received in the tapered
portion of the plug seat 516 of the body 510. Circumferential
grooves 520 are provided at either end of the tapered portion 518
of valve plug member 512, the grooves 520 receiving O-ring seals
522 for providing a further seal against leakage, in addition to
the seating surfaces of the tapered portions 516 and 518.
[0123] Outwardly of the lower circumferential groove 520, the valve
plug member 512 is provided with a reduced valve stem 524, the
valve stem 524 being utilized to secure the valve plug member 512
in the valve body 510 by any suitable means, such as, for example,
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,653,791. The valve plug member
512 is further provided with a passageway or port 526 extending
therethrough, the passageway or port 526 being complementary in
shape and size to the flow passage or port openings 514 of the
valve body 510. By rotation of the valve plug member 512, on its
axis through an arc of substantially 90 degrees, the flow
passageway 526 can be brought into and out of alignment with the
passage 514 of the valve body 510 to respectively open and close
the rotary plug valve.
[0124] The skirtlike extension 528 is provided with a bore 540
therethrough transverse of the axis of the valve plug seat 16,
which intersects the axial bore 542, the bore 542 being in effect
an extension of the plug seat. The end portion 530 of the valve
plug member 512 is provided with a bore 544 therethrough, the bore
544 intersecting the axially extending socket 534. As will be
noted, the bore 544 has a reduced portion 545. When the rotary plug
valve is in the closed position, the bores 540 and 544 are in axial
alignment and provide a means for receiving elongated plunger-type
lock member 546. This valve has a conventional elongated
plunger-type lock member 516, such as shown in the U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,002,368 and 3,186,196. The plunger-type lock member 516 for the
purpose of this description includes a first enlarged head 548
having a reduced shank 550, the shank 550 carrying a pair of steel
balls 552 held in an outward position by a plunger (not shown)
reciprocal within the reduced shank 550. A second separate enlarged
cup-shaped head 554 is provided, the cup-shaped head being arranged
to receive the reduced shank 550 and having an annular groove 556
on the interior thereof which is arranged to receive the balls 552
when the plunger (not shown) is in a position within the shank 550
to prevent the balls from moving radially inwardly. This locks the
two elements of the plunger-type lock member together until such
time that a key means (not shown), such as disclosed in either of
the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,002,368 or 3,186,196 is inserted
axially through one of the heads to move the plunger from between
the balls.
[0125] The plunger-type lock member 546 is shown inserted through
the bores 540 and 544. At least a portion of the bore 544 is
reduced so that the head 548 and the head 554 are arranged to
engage a portion of the valve plug member to prevent the
plunger-type lock member from being moved axially when in the
locked position.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 21D, the closure plug 538 is provided with
a head 560 and an end portion 562, which is noncircular in cross
section and which is complementary to the noncircular socket 534.
In the end portion 562, the closure plug 538 is provided with a
bore 564 extending therethrough, the bore 564 having a reduced
portion. The bore 564 has a reduced portion and the bore 544 has
the reduced portion 545 which are adjacent one another and receive
the shank 550. The purpose of having at least a portion of the
bores 544 and 564 of greater diameter than the shank 550 and at
least sufficient to receive the cup-shaped head 554 is because the
length of the head is such that it is greater than the wall
thickness of the skirtlike extension 528. An operating head or
handle member is provided with an end portion, which is noncircular
in cross section and complementary to the socket 534 and a flat
T-shaped portion for receiving a wrench to turn the valve plug
member 512. The end portion is provided on its surface with at
least one groove, which extends downwardly for a portion of its
axial length (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,218). The end portion 530 of
the valve plug member 512 is provided with a tapped or threaded
hole 574 intermediate the ends of the bore 544, the tapped or
threaded hole 574 extending through the wall and opening to the
socket 534. When the rotary plug valve is closed, it is necessary
to insert the operating handle 536 into the socket, then turn the
valve plug member 512 to the open position, and this brings the
hole 574 therein into alignment with the bore 540 in the skirtlike
extension 528. Access may then be had to the set screw and it can
be threaded inwardly so that its end is received in the groove 572
and thus it retains the operating head or handle member 536 against
axial movement. The valve can then be turned on and off as desired.
When it is desired to lock the valve, the set screw or retaining
screw 576 must be removed while the valve is in the open position,
the handle member 536 then being utilized to turn the valve to the
closed position. The handle is then axially removed from the end of
the valve plug member 512 and the closure plug 538 inserted with
the elongated plunger type lock 546 being subsequently applied to
the aligned bores as previously described.
[0127] The teachings of the present invention can be applied by one
of skill in this art who has the creative benefits of this
invention to certain valves of TK Valve & Manufacturing, Inc.
Valves according to the present invention in FIGS. 22A-25 are
improved ball valves with a ball check structure and ball
check--shown schematically as AA, BB, CC, and DD--according to the
present invention. It is also within the scope of the present
invention to use stop structure with any valve according to the
present invention and to use any suitable known stop structure.
FIGS. 22B-22E show the known stop structure STC used with known TK
ball valves which can be used with valves (e.g., as in FIGS.
22A-25) according to the present invention. With gear-driven
embodiments, any suitable gear locking mechanism may be used.
[0128] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic
concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of
ways. It involves both structures, method steps, and techniques as
well as devices to accomplish the appropriate ends. Techniques and
method steps according to the present invention are disclosed as
part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices and
structures and described and as steps which are inherent to
utilization and are simply the natural result of utilizing the
devices and structures as intended and described. In addition,
while some devices and structures are disclosed, it should be
understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also
can be varied in a number of ways. As to all of the foregoing, all
of these facets should be understood as encompassed by this
disclosure.
[0129] The discussion herein is intended to serve as a basic
description. The specific discussion may not explicitly describe
all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also
may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may
not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be
representative of a broader function or of a great variety of
alternative or equivalent elements. These are implicitly included
in this disclosure.
[0130] Where the invention is described in device-oriented or
apparatus-oriented terminology, each element of the device or
apparatus implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not
only be included for the device or apparatus described, but also
method or process claims may be included to address the functions
the invention and each element performs. Neither the description
nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims
that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
[0131] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Such
changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still
fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure
encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great
variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods
or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and
may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent
patent application.
[0132] It should be understood that such language changes and
broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later
date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the
applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing.
With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this
disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed
patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of
claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed
to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both
independently and as an overall system.
[0133] Further, each of the various elements of the invention and
claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally,
when used or implied, an element is to be understood as
encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or
may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be
understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of
an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process
embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these.
Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure
relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element
may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method
terms--even if only the function or result is the same. Such
equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be
considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or
action.
[0134] Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit
the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.
As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be
expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which
causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed
should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which
that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as
but one example, the disclosure of a "support" should be understood
to encompass disclosure of the act of "supporting"--whether
explicitly discussed or not--and, conversely, were there
effectively disclosure of the act of "supporting", such a
disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a
"support". Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood
to be explicitly included in the description.
[0135] Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned
in this application for patent; or patents, publications, or other
references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby
incorporated fully and for all purposes by reference. In addition,
as to each term used it should be understood that unless its
utilization in this application is inconsistent with such
interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood
as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative
terms, and synonyms are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0136] The inventors should be understood to have support to claim
and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the
systems and new parts thereof as herein disclosed and described,
ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar,
equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems,
parts, and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish
each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v)
those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the
functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is
disclosed and described, vi) each aspect, feature, component, and
step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the
applications enhanced by the various systems or components
disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or
components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described
as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x)
methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and
with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various
combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed,
and xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a
dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or
concepts presented.
[0137] With regard to claims whether now or later presented for
examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and
so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the
inventors may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps
only initial claims with only initial dependencies. Support should
be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter
laws--including but not limited to European Patent Convention
Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other
such laws--to permit the addition of any of the various
dependencies or other elements presented under one independent
claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other
independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time
whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it
should also be understood that the applicant has intended to
capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally
available.
[0138] To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to
the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as
to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent
otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to
have in any way intended to or actually waived or relinquished such
coverage.
[0139] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase
"comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein,
according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the
context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term
"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are
intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or
group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other
element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be
interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the
applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. A reference to
an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the
possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless
the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the
elements.
[0140] Any claims set forth at any time during the pendency of the
application for this patent or offspring of it are hereby
incorporated by reference as part of this description of the
invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use
all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as
additional description to support any of or all of the claims or
any element or component thereof, and the applicant further
expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the
incorporated content of such claims or any element or component
thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as
necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by
this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or
continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit
of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent
laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such
content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire
pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation,
division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any
reissue or extension thereon.
[0141] Certain changes can be made in the subject matter without
departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is
realized that changes are possible within the scope of this
invention and it is further intended that each element or step
recited herein is to be understood as referring to the step
literally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. It is
intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in
whatever form it may be utilized.
[0142] The invention described herein is new and novel in
accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.102 and satisfies the conditions
for patentability in .sctn.102. The invention described herein is
not obvious in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.103 and satisfies
the conditions for patentability in .sctn.103. The inventors may
rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the
scope of the invention.
[0143] All patents and applications identified herein are
incorporated fully herein for all purposes.
[0144] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the description
herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed.
* * * * *