Stephen J Chipman

US Patent:

53869672, Feb 7, 1995

Filed:

Jun 21, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/080281

Inventors:

Dan O. Enniss - Sandy UT
Robert E. Gooch - Orem UT
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT

Assignee:

Valtek Incorporated - Springville UT

International Classification:

F16K 506

US Classification:

25131504

Abstract:

A coupling for use in a rotary Ball valve having a spherical ball with a passageway therethrough controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The coupling is particularly suited for use with non-metallic, for example, ceramic, spherical balls which are rotated by torque applied to a metallic actuator shaft extending from the valve body. The coupling includes a plurality of depressions and protrusions formed at the interface of the non-metallic and metallic components. The depressions and protrusions are positioned away from the central axis of the spherical ball. A cushion is interposed between the metallic and non-metallic components to further disperse the force applied to the non-metallic component so that as torque is applied to the shaft the non-metallic component is rotated without breakage thereof.

US Patent:

55669239, Oct 22, 1996

Filed:

Feb 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/384707

Inventors:

Dan O. Ennis - Sandy UT
Robert E. Gooch - Orem UT
Stephen R. Chipman - Provo UT
Jonathan D. Nelson - Provo UT

Assignee:

Valtek, Inc.

International Classification:

F16K 506

US Classification:

25131504

Abstract:

A coupling for use in a rotary ball valve having a spherical ball with a passageway therethrough for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The coupling is particularly suited for use with non-metallic, for example, ceramic, spherical balls which are rotated by torque applied to a metallic actuator shaft. The coupling includes a plurality of depressions and protrusions formed at the interface of the non-metallic and metallic components. The depressions and protrusions are positioned away from the central axis of the spherical ball. A cushion can be interposed between the metallic and non-metallic components to further disperse the force applied to the non-metallic component. The depression and protrusions can be tapered and oriented at an angle with respect to the central axis so that as torque is applied to the shaft the non-metallic component is rotated without breakage thereof.