Joe Kurian

US Patent:

20050263732, Dec 1, 2005

Filed:

May 27, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/855768

Inventors:

Joe Kurian - Sugar Land TX, US
Freddie Gines - Humble TX, US
Michael Lemeshev - Bellaire TX, US
Paul Watts - Cypress TX, US

International Classification:

F16K025/00

US Classification:

251298000

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for selectively blocking or redirecting flow with a valve that compensates for misalignment between a seat and a gate are disclosed. In one aspect, a valve includes a gate having two discs spaced from one another, first and second seats within first and second passageways of the valve, respectively, and at least one lever arm coupled to an actuator for rotating the gate, thereby diverting flow. The lever arm is disposed between the discs and pivotally couples to the gate such that the pivoting movement of the gate enables compensation for the misalignment. A method includes rotating a gate from a first position with a plane of the gate axially aligned with flow to a second position with the disc initially contacting a seat and compensating for the misalignment by pivoting the gate with respect to the lever arm such that the gate squarely contacts the seat.

US Patent:

20060283513, Dec 21, 2006

Filed:

Aug 8, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/463084

Inventors:

Joe Kurian - Sugar Land TX, US
Freddie Gines - Humble TX, US
Michael Lemeshev - Bellaire TX, US
Paul Watts - Cypress TX, US

International Classification:

F16K 1/16

US Classification:

137875000

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for selectively blocking or redirecting flow with a valve that compensates for misalignment between a seat and a gate are disclosed. In one aspect, a valve includes a gate having two discs spaced from one another, first and second seats within first and second passageways of the valve, respectively, and at least one lever arm coupled to an actuator for rotating the gate, thereby diverting flow. The lever arm is disposed between the discs and pivotally couples to the gate such that the pivoting movement of the gate enables compensation for the misalignment. A method includes rotating a gate from a first position with a plane of the gate axially aligned with flow to a second position with the disc initially contacting a seat and compensating for the misalignment by pivoting the gate with respect to the lever arm such that the gate squarely contacts the seat.