EP0317608A1

EP0317608A1 - Valve

Info

Publication number: EP0317608A1
Application number: EP88905103A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Larry C. Hamilton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-05-19
Filing date: 1988-05-16
Publication date: 1989-05-31
Also published as: AU1941588A; CA1316520C; EP0317608A4; WO1988009457A1

Abstract

Une soupape (120) est formée par un cylindre et un piston (121) coulissant dans le cylindre. La soupape peut avoir la forme soit d'un clapet d'arrêt soit d'un clapet de dérivation. Le piston du clapet d'arrêt contient un passage à écoulement unique pouvant se déplacer entre au moins deux positions dans le cylindre. Dans une position, le passage est aligné avec une première et une deuxième conduite d'écoulement raccordées au cylindre; dans l'autre position, le passage est hors alignement avec ces deux conduites. Le piston du clapet de dérivation contient un premier et un deuxième passage (125, 128). Dans une position du piston, le premier passage permet un écoulement continu entre les première et deuxième conduites d'écoulement (124, 126) raccordées au cylindre. Dans une autre position du piston, le deuxième passage (128) permet un écoulement continu entre la première ou la deuxième conduite d'écoulement et une troisième conduite d'écoulement (129) reliée au cylindre. Cette soupape utilise un nombre minimum de pièces agissant de concert et est conçue pour limiter au minimum l'effet d'un écoulement de substances corrosives ou abrasives.A valve (120) is formed by a cylinder and a piston (121) sliding in the cylinder. The valve may be in the form of either a shut-off valve or a bypass valve. The piston of the shut-off valve contains a single flow passage which can move between at least two positions in the cylinder. In one position, the passage is aligned with first and second flow lines connected to the cylinder; in the other position, the passage is out of alignment with these two pipes. The bypass valve piston contains a first and a second passage (125, 128). In a position of the piston, the first passage allows continuous flow between the first and second flow lines (124, 126) connected to the cylinder. In another position of the piston, the second passage (128) allows a continuous flow between the first or the second flow line and a third flow line (129) connected to the cylinder. This valve uses a minimum number of parts acting in concert and is designed to minimize the effect of a flow of corrosive or abrasive substances.

Description

VALVE

The invention is a valve adapted to be fitted into a fluid flow line, and more particularly, a valve that utilizes the complementary engagement of a piston and cylinder for stopping or diverting the flow in the flow line.

Many of the valves commonly used for controlling material flow have a number of interacting parts that are prone to defects and require frequent maintenance. The type of material flowing through a valve also has an effect on the life of the valve; valves generally wear more rapidly when handling corrosive or abrasive materials. Valve damage can result in leakage, which may in turn result in environmental damage and/or contamination of the flow material. These considerations suggest that an effective valve should be constructed with as few interacting parts as possible and that the area of the valve exposed to material flow should be as small and as streamlined as possible. One type of valve that meets these criteria is a valve formed from a piston and cylinder. In this type of valve the piston contains a continuation passageway of the flow passageway in the flow conduits connected to the cylinder, and the piston passageway is switched out of alignment with the flow conduit passageways by movement of the piston relative to the cylinder. Although previous patents have hinted at the potential of piston and cylinder valve arrangements, the devices disclosed in those patents have not made full use of the concept.

United States Patent No. 1,594,052 discloses a cut-out valve for a vehicle exhaust pipe, the valve being formed from a supplementary pipe section which is slidable across a gap in the exhaust pipe. There is no indication in the patent that the valve might be used to block exhaust gas flow or to divert that flow into another pipe, and no structure is disclosed which would allow such diversion. United States Patent No. 3,620,256 discloses a pipeline valve comprised of a housing and a piston-like body slidable within the housing. Two flow paths extend through the piston-like body; one flow path is defined by a channel which passes straight through the body and carries flow material from one side of the housing to the other side, and the other flow path is defined by a curved surface for deflecting material toward an open end of the housing. As with the earlier patent discussed, United States Patent No. 3,620,256 does not disclose structure for redirecting the diverted flow; in fact, the later patent does not even provide a guiding passageway through the piston-like body. A similar structure is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 533,681, granted to . O. Riordan on November 27, 1956. United States Patent No. 3,907,374 discloses a pneumatic tube conveyor switch which is capable of directing material flowing in a tube between two flow paths; one path is defined by a straight passageway allowing continuous flow along the tube and the other path is defined by a deflection surface which interrupts flow through the tube. The switch of this reference has a slidable member but does not have the piston and cylinder valve construction of the previously-mentioned references, and no means is disclosed by which diverted flow material can be channelled into a second flow conduit.

In a first form, the subject invention is a valve that comprises an elongated cylinder of constant cross-section, a piston positioned within the cylinder, and a piston actuating means for moving the piston between at least two operative positions. The cylinder wall has first and second openings each of which are adapted to be connected to a respective material flow conduit. The piston is non-rotatable relative to the cylinder and is reciprocally slidable in the cylinder between the at least two operative positions. The cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide matches the interior cross-section of the cylinder on that plane. A first material flow passageway, having a cross-sectional area substantially the same as the inner cross-sectional area of each material flow conduit, is positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with the first and second cylinder wall openings in a first one of the at least two operative positions and to not be in such flow communication in a second one of the at least two operative positions.

The cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, may be rectangular. The rectangular cross-section may be defined by four sides of equal length. The cross-section of the piston and cylinder may instead be circular, and a transverse member may be fixed to the cylinder to extend thereacross and a guide member may be non-rotatably connected to the piston to extend through an opening in the transverse member. In such arrangement, the cross-section of the guide member and the cross-section of the opening in the transverse member are such that the piston is substantially prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder. Each cylinder wall opening in valves with rectangular cross-sectional cylinders may be positioned in a respective one of a first parallel pair of the walls. In such arrangement, both cylinder wall openings are in a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the piston passageway extends parallel to that plane. Alternatively, both cylinder wall openings may be in a plane extending at an angle to the direction of slide, the piston passageway extending parallel to that plane. The first parallel pair of cylinder walls may have a sealant material thereon for preventing flow of material along the sliding surfaces. Alternatively, those surfaces of the piston adjacent to the first parallel pair of cylinder walls may have a sealant material thereon for preventing flow of material along the sliding surfaces.

The flow passageway in the piston may be circular in cross-section and define a cavity in an otherwise solid piston. Alternatively, the piston may be constructed of a series of connected plates, and the flow passageway may be defined by the surfaces of a portion of those plates.

The cylinder wall may have a third opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and in such arrangement the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough. The second passageway is positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with the third opening and with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in the second operative position. Alternatively, the second passageway may be positioned in the piston such that the second passageway is in flow communication with the third opening and with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in the third operative position; in such arrangement, the first and second passageways have no flow through them when the piston is in the second operative position.

In a further form of the invention, the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough. The second passageway is positioned in the piston such that one end of the second passageway is on the face of the piston that slides against the cylinder wall, and the other end of the second passageway is on an end face of the piston. In this arrangement, the second passageway is in flow communication with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in the second operative position. The cylinder may have a cylinder end member extending across that end of the cylinder that faces the end face of the piston on which is the other end of the second passageway. The cylinder end member may have an opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit. ^" The cylinder end member may have the shape of a funnel, the large end of the funnel being connected to the cylinder wall and the small end of the funnel being adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit. The movement of the piston in the cylinder may be limited by first and second stop means on the cylinder, and in such arrangement the first and second operative positions are defined by abutment of the piston against the first and second stop means respectively. The first stop means may comprise a cylinder end member assembly positioned at one end of the cylinder. The piston actuating means may include a bias means to maintain the piston normally in the second operative position. In one arrangement, the bias means may be a spring member having-one of its ends abutting on the piston and the other of its ends abutting on the cylinder end member assembly. In this arrangement, the piston actuating means comprises a lever member and a rod member. The lever member is pivotally mounted on the cylinder end member assembly, and the rod member connects the piston to one end of the lever member. Manual pressure on the other end of the lever member acts to move the piston against the spring member from the second operative position to the first operative position.

The piston actuating means may comprise a threaded rod member and a wheel member. The rod member is connected to the piston, and the wheel member is mounted on the cylinder end member assembly. Rotation of the wheel member results in movement of the piston between the first and second operative positions. Alternatively, the piston actuating means may comprise a hydraulic actuator means. One end of the hydraulic actuator means is connected through a rod member to the piston, and the other end of the actuator means is connected to the cylinder. Actuation of the hydraulic actuator means results in movement of the piston between the first and second operative positions.

The valve of the invention may also comprise a pair of material flow conduits each connected to a respective one of the first and second openings in the cylinder walll One of the conduits extends to the valve from the base of a body of water positioned at an elevation above that of the valve, and the other conduit extends to the valve from a turbine means positioned at an elevation below that of the valve.

In a further broad form of the invention, the valve comprises an elongated cylinder of constant cross-section, a piston positioned within the cylinder, and piston actuating means for moving the piston between the at least two operative positions. The cylinder of the valve has a cylinder end member extending across one of its ends-, and the cylinder wall and cylinder end member each have an opening adapted to be connected to a respective material flow conduit. The piston is non-rotatable relative to the cylinder and is reciprocally slidable in the cylinder between at least two operative positions. The cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide matches the interior cross-section of the cylinder on that plane. The piston has at least one material flow passageway extending through it, that passageway having a cross-section substantially the same as the inner cross-section of each material flow conduit. One end of the passageway is on that face of the piston that slides against the cylinder wall and the other end of the passageway is on that end face of the piston facing the cylinder end member. The passageway is in flow communication with both the opening in the cylinder wall and the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in a first operative position and is not in such flow communication when the piston is in a second operative position.

Another form of the invention is a ring assembly for preventing flow of material along the sliding surface between a cylindrical piston and the cylinder through which the piston slides. That ring assembly has a cylindrical configuration and is adapted to be fitted to the cylindrical surface of the piston. The assembly comprises a series of open rings adapted to be fitted into circular grooves on the piston circumference, and also comprises a series of elongated brace members connected to the open rings so as to extend in an axial direction on the piston when the ring assembly is fitted to the piston.

The invention will next be described in terms of several preferred embodiments utilizing the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectioned side^"view of a first embodiment of a stop valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown in the open configuration.

Figure 2 is a sectioned side view of the stop valve of Figure 1, the valve being shown in the closed configuration.

Figure 3 is a first sectioned plan view of the stop valve of Figures 1 and 2, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section A-A of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a second sectioned plan view of the stop valve of Figures 1 and 2, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of circular cross-section and being taken on the section A-A of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a sectioned side view of a second embodiment of a stop valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown in the open configuration.

Figure 6 is a sectioned side view of the stop valve of Figure 5, the valve being shown in the closed configuration.

Figure 7 is a sectioned plan view of the stop valve of Figures 5 and 6, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section B-B of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a sectioned side view of a third embodiment of a stop valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown in the open configuration.

Figure 9 is a sectioned side view of the stop valve of Figure 8, the valve being shown in the closed configuration. Figure 10 is a sectioned plan view of the stop valve of

Figures 8 and 9, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being -taken on the section C-C of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a sectioned side view of a first embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a common inlet to a first outlet.

Figure 12 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 11, the valve being shown directing flow from the common inlet to a second outlet. Figure 13 is a sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 11 and 12, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section D-D of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a sectioned side view of a second embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a common inlet to a first outlet.

Figure 15 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 14, the valve being shown directing flow from the common inlet to a second outlet.

Figure 16 is a sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 14 and 15, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section E-E of Figure 14. Figure 17 is a sectioned side view of a third embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a common inlet to a first outlet.

Figure 18 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 17, the valve being shown directing flow from the common inlet to a second outlet.

Figure 19 is a first sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 17 and 18, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section FTF of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a second sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 17 and 18, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of circular cross-section and being taken on the section F-F of Figure 17.

Figure 21 is a sectioned side view of a fourth embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a common inlet to a first outlet. Figure 22 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 21, the valve being shown directing flow from the common inlet to a second outlet.

Figure 23 is a sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 21 and 22, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on ^*__*he section G-G of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a sectioned side view of a fifth embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a first inlet to a common outlet. Figure 25 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 24, the valve being shown directing flow from a second inlet to the common outlet.

Figure 26 is a sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 24 and 25, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section H-H of Figure 24.

Figure 27 is a sectioned side view of a sixth embodiment of a diversion valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown directing flow from a first inlet to a common outlet. Figure 28 is a sectioned side view of the diversion valve of Figure 27, the valve being shown directing flow from a second inlet to the common outlet.

Figure 29 is a sectioned plan view of the diversion valve of Figures 27 and 28, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section J-J of Figure 27.

Figure 30 is a sectioned side view of a safety valve of the subject invention, the valve being shown in the open configuration.

Figure 31 is a sectioned side view of the safety valve of Figure 30, the valve being shown in the closed configuration. Figure 32 is a sectioned plan view of the safety valve of Figures 30 and 31, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of rectangular cross-section and being taken on the section K-K of Figure 30.

Figure 33 is a sectioned plan view of the safety valve of Figures 30 and 31, the plan view being for a valve with a cylinder of circular cross-section and being taken on the section K-K of Figure 30.

Figure 34 is a partially-sectioned perspective view of the first embodiment of the diversion valve also shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13. Figure 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diversion valve having a hydraulic actuating mechanism for moving the valve piston between operative positions.

Figure 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment o a diversion valve having a hydraulic actuating mechanism for moving the valve piston between operative positions.

Figure 37 is a partially-sectioned perspective view of an embodiment of a diversion valve having two angled inlets and a circular cross-section.

Figure 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diversion valve having a threaded piston rod and a wheel for moving the valve piston between operative positions.

Figure 39 is a partially-sectioned side view of an embodiment of a stop valve having a ring assembly secured to the piston for preventing flow of material between the piston and the cylinder, the valve being shown in the open configuration.

Figure 40 is a partially-sectioned side view of the sto valve of Figure 39, the valve being shown in the closed configuration.

Figure 41 is a perspective view of the ring assembly utilized with the valve of Figures 39 and 40.

Figure 42 is a side view of the piston utilized with th valve of Figures 39 and 40, the view being directed along the axi of the passageway through the piston. Figure 43 is a side view of the piston utilized with the valve of Figures 39 and 40, the view being directed parallel to the axis of the passageway through the piston.

Figure 44 is a perspective view of a cylindrical piston having a first type of sealant material on its sliding surface.

Figure 45 is a perspective view of a cylindrical piston having a second type of sealant material on its sliding surface.

Figure 46 is a side view of the sealant material utilized on the sliding surface of the piston of Figure 45. Figure 47 is a front view of the sealant material utilized on the sliding surface of the piston of Figure 45.

Figure 48 is a sectioned side view of a turbine system utilizing an embodiment of the stop valve of the subject invention. Figure 49 is a sectioned end view of the turbine system of Figure 48.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the stop valve generally designated 100 is formed from a rectangular cylinder 101 and a piston 102. Piston 102 has an outer cross-sectional area corresponding to the inner cross-sectional area of cylinder 101.

A cylindrical connector 103 extends from an opposite pair of sides of cylinder 101. A passageway 104 extends through each connector 103, and a passageway 105 of the^' same size extends through piston 102. Piston 102 may assume two operative positions, one position in which the passageways 104 are in alignment with the passageway

105, as shown in Figure 1, and another position in which there exists no contact between the passageways, as shown in Figure 2. A partially-open valve, in which the passageways 104 are in partial but not full alignment with the passageway 105, is also possible. Piston 102 is moved by the actuation of a connected rod

106, which in turn is connected to a hydraulic or other type of actuating mechanism as will subsequently be more fully described. Rod 106 extends through one of a pair of integral end members of cylinder 101, those end members defining the limits of travel of piston 102 within cylinder 101. Although Figure 3 indicates that the cross-sectional area of cylinder 101 and piston 102 is rectangular, those elements could have any cross-sectional shape that would prevent relative rotation between them. Those elements could also have a circular cross-section, as will be next discussed.

Figure 4 illustrates a sectional plan view of the same type of stop valve as in Figures 1 to 3, but with a piston 107 and cylinder 108 of circular cross-sectional area. Unlike the aforementioned rectangular construction, this circular construction does not have any intrinsic means for preventing rotation of the piston relative to the cylinder. One way for preventing relative rotation between the piston and the cylinder will be described subsequently with respect to the safety valve of Figures 30, 31 and 33.

Figures 5 to 7 relate to a second embodiment of the stop valve, the valve being generally designated 110. In the first^' embodiment of the valve the flow passageways extend in a plane oriented normal to the direction of piston motion, whereas the flow passageways of the second embodiment extend at an angle to that plane. Figure 7 indicates that piston 111 and cylinder 112 have a rectangular cross-sectional area; those elements might instead have any other matching cross-sectional areas, including circular areas.

Figures 8 to 10 relate to a third embodiment of the stop valve, the valve being generally designated 115. Unlike the first and second embodiments in which piston passageways 105 and 113, respectively, are defined by cavities formed in an otherwise solid piston, piston 116 of the third embodiment is formed from a series of connected plates.

Figures 11 to 13 relate to a first embodiment of the diverter valve of the invention, that valve being generally designated 120. Unlike the previously mentioned stop valves, the piston 121 moves between two positions both of which allow flow of material through inlet connector 122. When piston 121 assumes the position relative to cylinder 123 that is shown in Figure 11, material flows through passageway 124 in inlet connector 122, then through passageway 125 in piston 121, and leaves the valve through passageway 126 in outlet connector 127. When piston 121 assumes the alternate position shown in Figure 12, material flows through passageway 124 in inlet connector 122, then through second passageway 128 in piston 121, and leaves the valve through an opening 129 in the base 130 of valve 120. Opening 129 is bevelled so as to act as a funnel in feeding material flow into an outlet conduit (not shown) which is connected to base 130. The piston 121 is formed from connected plates in an analogous manner to piston 116 of the preceding stop valve embodiment.

Figures 14 to 16 illustrate a second embodiment of the diverter valve of the invention, the valve being generally designated 135. The piston 136 of valve 135 has two flow passageways, a straight passageway 137 and an arcuate second passageway 138. Unlike with the construction of piston 121 of Figures 11 to 13, the passageways 137 and 138 are formed by cavities in an otherwise solid piston 136. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the two paths that may be taken by the material flow. The flow in Figure 14, with piston 136 in a first positiop in cylinder 139, is through passageway 140 of inlet connector 141, then through passageway 137 of piston 136, and finally through passageway 142 of outlet connector 143. The flow in Figure 15, with piston 136 in a second position in cylinder 139, is through passageway 140 of inlet connector 141, then through passageway 138 of piston 136, and finally through passageway 144 of outlet connector 145. As was the case with the previously discussed embodiments of this invention, the two operative piston positions in this embodiment are defined by the abutment of the piston against an end member on each end of cylinder 139. Outlet connector 145 is attached to one of those end members, while piston rod 146 extends through the other end member.

Figures 17 to 19 represent a similar valve construction to that presented with respect to Figures 14 to 16, except that connectors 150 and 151 are attached to cylinder 152 at an angle relative to the plane that extends normal to the direction of slide of piston 153. Figure 20 is a sectioned plan view of a similar valve. except that cylinder 155 and piston 156 have a matching circular cross-section. One means by which relative rotation between that piston and cylinder may be prevented will be discussed with respect to the safety valve of Figures 30, 31 and 33.

A further embodiment of the diverter valve of the invention is illustrated in Figures 21 to 23. The valve, which is generally designated as 160, has one inlet connector 161 and two outlet connectors 162 and 163 attached to cylinder 164. The piston 165 has two flow passageways, one straight and the other arcuate. Straight passageway 166 connects the passageway 168 in inlet connector 161 to the passageway 169 in outlet connector 162 and arcuate passageway 167 connects the passageway 168 to the passageway 170 in outlet connector 163. The spacing and shape used in forming the passageways 166 and 167 in the otherwise soli piston 165 create the diversion of the flow material. Figures 24 to 26 illustrate a diverter valve, generally designated as 175, having a pair of inlet connectors 176 and 177 extending from a cylinder 178. Inlet connectors 176 and 177 are positioned on cylinder 178 so as to be in-line with the direction of slide of piston 179. The cylinder 178 is closed at its ends b a pair of integral end members; an outlet connector 180 is fixed to one end member and a piston rod 181 extends through the other end member. Depending on its position in cylinder 178, piston 17 allows flow communication between connector 180 and either connector 176 or connector 177; although the latter two connector have been referred to as inlet connectors, flow through the valve could of course be in the opposite direction.

A diverter valve that functions in a similar manner to the valve of Figures 24 to 26 but is constructed with a piston formed from connected plates is generally designated 185 in Figures 27 to 29. Relative to cylinder 186, piston 187 can assum either of the two positions that are illustrated in Figures 27 an 28. In Figure 27 piston 187 allows flow communication between a connector 188 and an opening in a base plate 190, while the position of piston 187 in Figure 28 allows flow connection betwee a second connector 189 and the opening in base plate 190.

Figures 30 to 33 illustrate a safety valve, generally, designated 200, which embodies the stop valve of the subject invention. Valve 200, which is shown in an open position in Figure 30 and in a normally-closed position in Figure 31, is comprised of a cylinder 201, a piston 202, a first connector 203 and a second connector 204 both of which are fixed to cylinder 201, a stop plate 205, and a cylinder head member 206. Stop plate 205 and cylinder head member 206 are bolted to cylinder 201 by a series of bolts 207. Valve 200 is also comprised of a lever support arm 208 connected to head member 206, a lever arm 209 pivotally connected to support arm 208, a piston rod 210 having its one end connected to piston 202 and its other end pivotally connected to one end of lever arm 209, a hollow bushing 211 threaded into head member 206 for guiding piston rod 210, and a spring 212 positioned so as to surround piston rod 210 and having its one end abutting piston 202 and its other end abutting bushing 211. Piston rod 210 and spring 212 extend through an opening in stop plate 205. A cap 213 is fitted over cylinder head member 206 and has an opening through which lever arm 209 extends; the pivotal connection between lever arm 209 and piston rod 210 is situated within cap 213. In its normal position spring 212 maintains piston 202 in the position shown in Figure 31, but application of force to the other end of lever arm 209 compresses spring 212 and moves piston 202 to the position illustrated in Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view through the section K-K of Figure 30. Relative rotation between cylinder 201 and piston 202 is prevented by matching the rectangular cross-section of the inside of cylinder 201 with the outside of piston 202. If the piston and cylinder have a circular cross-section, as illustrated by the circular piston 215 and circular cylinder 216 in Figure 33, then relative rotation between those elements must be prevented by other means. For instance, if piston rod 210 is fixed to piston 215 in such a way that relative rotation between them is not possible, then relative rotation between piston 215 and cylinder 216 is prevented by the fixing of lever arm 209 to support arm 208. Relative rotation between piston 215 and cylinder 216 could also be prevented by the utilization of a spline on piston rod 210 and a complementary spline channel on the bore through bushing 211; that assumes that relative rotation between piston rod 210 and piston 215 is prevented. Another means for preventing relative rotation between circular piston 215 and circular cylinder 216 is to utilize a spline on piston 215 and a complementary spline channel on the facing surface of cylinder 216.

Figure 34 is a sectioned, perspective view of the diverter valve shown in cross-section in Figures 11 to 13 and previously discussed. Figure 35 illustrates a valve, generally designated 220, and one means by which a piston rod 221 connected to the valve piston (not shown) may be actuated. A pair of hydraulic or pneumatic piston units 222 are utilized, one piston unit 222 being positioned on each side of piston rod 221 and being connected to rod 221 by a common arm 223. Connectors 224 and 225, each of which have a rectangular cross-section, are fixed to the cylinder 226 of valve 220 at an angle relative to the plane that extends normal to the direction of slide of piston rod 221.

Figure 36 is a valve similar to the valve of Figure 35, except that the connectors 228 and 229 have a circular cross-section and are fixed to the cylinder 230 so as to extend in the plane that is normal to the direction of slide of piston rod 221. Figure 37 illustrates a diverter valve, generally designated as 235, which can be used to selectively divert the contents of either pipe 236 or 237 to pipe 238. A piston rod 239 is connected to the piston 240, and an actuation button 241 is positioned on the outer end of rod 239. Movement of piston 240 results from the application of force to button 241. Figure 38 indicates another means for moving a piston rod, and thus the piston attached to that rod. A valve generally designated 244 has a threaded piston rod 245. A wh'eel 246 with an inner thread matching that on rod 245 is rotatably mounted on one end of cylinder 247. Rotation of wheel 246 results in rod 245, and thus the piston (not shown) of valve 244, moving axially through cylinder 247.

Figures 39 to 43 relate to utilization of a ring assembly in the valve of the invention. The ring assembly is generally designated as 250 in Figure 41, and is comprised of a set of three open rings 251 and a set of four elongated brace members 252 connecting the rings 251 in the illustrated cylindrical configuration. Three circular grooves extend around the periphery of piston 253 for maintaining ring assembly 250 in position on that piston. As seen in Figures 42 and 43, the three rings 251 and four brace members 252 define eight rectangular frames on the circumference of piston 253. The rings 251 and brace members 252 are sized such that the rectangular frames act to prevent material flow along the surface of piston 253. Such material flow is prevented both at times when the passageway 254 of piston 253 is in flow communication with input connector 255 and output connector 256, and at times when passageway 254 is not in such flow communication (as shown in Figures 39 and 40, respectively) .

Other means for preventing material flow along the sliding surface between a piston and a cylinder are illustrated in Figures 44 to 47. In Figure 44 piston 260 is surrounded by a sealant material 261 of uniform thickness, while in Figure 45 piston 260 is surrounded by a sealant material 262 having a surface defined by hemispherical nodules. The composition of the sealant materials 261 and 262 are such that they are inert to the flow material. Figures 46 and 47 illustrate an end view and a front view of the sealant material 262, respectively.

Figures 48 and 49 illustrate^' an application for a large version of a stop valve of the invention. The valve, which is generally designated 270, is positioned below a body of water 271 and above a^* pipe 272. ^'The pipe 272 extends from valve 270 to a turbine 273. When valve 270 is open, water flows from the body of water 271 through pipe 272 to drive turbine 273. Valve 270 comprises a piston 275 formed from concrete and mounted on a double set of rollers 276 each roller set riding in a track 277. Piston 275 moves within a concrete chamber 278 positioned in the floor of the body of water 271. In one position of piston 275, a passageway 279 in that piston is aligned with a drain opening 280 in chamber 278 and with the channel in pipe 272; in another position of piston 275, the placement of passageway 279 prevents flow through pipe 272. Piston 275 has a layer of teflon sealant 281 fixed to its surface for preventing water from flowing along the face of the piston. Movement of piston 275 is accomplished by actuation of an hydraulic actuator 282 which is connected to piston 275 through a beam 283.

The foregoing embodiments are only a few of the many embodiments in which the subject invention could be utilized, and it is not intended that the scope of the invention should be restricted to the particular structure described in those embodiments.

Claims

1. A valve comprising:

(a) an elongated cylinder of constant cross-section, the cylinder wall having first and second openings each adapted to be connected to a respective material flow conduit;

(b) a piston positioned within the cylinder, the piston being non-rotatable relative to the cylinder and being reciprocally slidable in the cylinder between at least two operative positions, the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide matching the interior cross-section of the cylinder on that plane, the piston having at least one material flow passageway extending therethrough, that first passageway having a cross-sectional area substantially the same as the inner cross-sectional area of each material flow conduit and being positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with both the first and second cylinder wall openings in a first one of the at least two operative positions and to not be in such flow communication in a second one of the at least two operative positions; and,

(c) piston actuating means for moving the piston between the at least two operative positions.

2. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular.

3. A valve as in claim 2, wherein the rectangular cross-section is defined by four sides of equal length.

4. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are circular, and wherein a transverse member is fixed to the cylinder to extend thereacross and a guide member is non-rotatably connected to the piston to extend through an opening in the transverse member, the cross-section of the guide member and the cross-section of the opening in the transverse member being such that the piston is thereby substantially prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder.

5. A valve as in claim 2, wherein each cylinder wall opening is positioned in a respective one of a first parallel pair of the walls, both openings are in a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the piston passageway extends parallel to that plane.

6. A valve as in claim 2, wherein each cylinder wall opening is positioned in a respective one of a first parallel pair of the walls, both openings are in a plane extending at an angle to the direction of slide, and the piston passageway extends at an angle parallel to that plane.

7. A valve as in claim 5 or 6, wherein the first parallel pair of cylinder walls have a sealant material thereon, the sealant material preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces. „

8. A valve as in claim 5 or 6, wherein those surfaces of the piston adjacent to the first parallel pair of cylinder walls have a sealant material thereon, the sealant material preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces.

9. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the flow passageway is circular in cross-section and defines a cavity in an otherwise solid piston.

10. A valve as in claim 2 or 3, wherein the piston is constructed of a series of connected plates, and wherein the flow passageway is defined by the surfaces of a portion of the plates.

11. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the cylinder wall has a third opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough, the second passageway being positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with the third opening and with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in the second operative position.

12. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the cylinder wall has a third opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough, the second passageway being positioned in the piston such that the second passageway is in flow communication with the third opening and with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in a third operative position, the first and second piston passageways having no flow therethrough when the piston is in the second operative position.

13. A valve as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the two material flow passageways are both circular in cross-section and define cavities in an otherwise solid piston.

14. A valve as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the piston is constructed of a series of connected plates, and wherein the flow passageways are defined by the surfaces of a portion of the plates.

15. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough, the second passageway being positioned in the piston such that one end of the second passageway is on the face of the piston that slides against the cylinder wall and the other end of the second passageway is on an end face of the piston, and such that the second passageway is in flow communication with one of the ^'first and second openings when the piston is in the second operative position.

16. A valve as in claim 15, wherein the cylinder has a cylinder end member extending across that end of the cylinder that faces the end face of the piston on which is the other end of the second passageway, the cylinder end member having an opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit.

17. A valve as in claim 1,' wherein the piston has a second material flow passageway extending therethrough, the second passageway being positioned in the piston such that one end of the second passageway is on the face of the piston that slides against the cylinder wall and the other end of the second passageway is on an end face of the piston, and such that the second passageway is in flow communication with one of the first and second openings when the piston is in a third operative position, the first and second passageways having no flow therethrough when the piston is in the second operative position, and wherein the cylinder has a cylinder end member extending across that end of the cylinder that faces the end face of the piston on which is the other end of the second passageway, the cylinder end member having an opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit.

18. A valve as in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the two material flow passageways are both circular in cross-section and define cavities in an otherwise solid piston.

19. A valve as in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the piston is constructed of a series of connected plates, and wherein the flow passageways are defined by the surfaces of a portion of the plates.

20. A valve as in claim 16 or 17, wherein the cylinder end member has the shape -of a funnel, the large end of the funnel being connected to the cylinder wall and the small end of the funnel being adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit.

21. A valve as in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular.

22. A valve as in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular, and wherein each of the first and second cylinder openings is positioned on a respective one of a first parallel pair of the cylinder walls, and wherein the surfaces of the piston adjacent to that first parallel pair of cylinder walls have a sealant material thereon for preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces.

23. A valve as in claim 1,'wherein the movement of the piston in the cylinder is limited by first and second stop means on the cylinder, and wherein the first and second operative positions are defined by the abutment of the piston against the first and second stop means respectively.

24. A valve as in claim 23, wherein the first stop means comprises a cylinder end member assembly positioned at one end of the cylinder.

25. A valve as in claim 24, wherein the piston actuating means includes a bias means to maintain the piston normally in the second operative position.

26. A valve as in claim 25, wherein the bias means is a spring member having one of its ends abutting on the piston and the other of its ends abutting on the cylinder end member assembly, and wherein the piston actuating means also comprises a lever member and a rod member, the lever member being pivotally mounted on the cylinder end member assembly and the rod member connecting the piston to one end of the lever member, whereby manual pressure on the other end of the lever member acts to move the piston against the spring member from the second operative position to the first operative position.

27. A valve as in claim 24, wherein the piston actuating means comprises a threaded rod member and a wheel member, the rod member being connected to the piston, the wheel member being mounted on the cylinder end member assembly and being threaded for receiving the rod member, whereby rotation of the wheel member results in movement of the piston between the first and second operative positions.

28. A valve as in claim 23, wherein the piston actuating . means comprises a hydraulic actuator means, one end of the hydraulic actuator means being connected through a rod member to the piston and the other end of the actuator means being connected to the cylinder, whereby actuation of the hydraulic actuator means results in movement of the piston between the first and second operative positions.

29. A valve comprising:

(a) an elongated cylinder of constant cross-section, the cylinder having a cylinder end member extending across one of its ends, the cylinder wall and the cylinder end member each having an opening adapted to be connected to a respective material flow conduit;

(b) a piston positioned within the cylinder, the piston being non-rotatable relative to the cylinder and being reciprocally slidable in the cylinder between at least two operative positions, the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide matching the interior cross-section of the cylinder on that plane, the piston having at least one material flow passageway extending therethrough, that first passageway having a cross-sectional area substantially the same as the inner cross-sectional area of each material flow conduit and being positioned in the piston such that one end of the passageway is on that face of^" the piston that slides against the cylinder wall and other end of the passageway is on that end face of the piston facing the cylinder end member, the passageway being in flow communication with both the opening in the cylinder wall and the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in the first operative position and not being in such flow communication when the piston is in the second operative position; and,

30. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular.

31. A valve as in claim 30, wherein the rectangular cross-section is defined by four sides of equal length.

32. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cross-section of -the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are circular, and wherein a transverse member is fixed to the cylinder to extend thereacross and a guide member is non-rotatably connected to the piston to extend through an opening in the transverse member, the cross-section of the guide member and the cross-section of the opening in the transverse member being such that the piston is thereby substantially prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder.

33. A valve as in claim 29; wherein the flow passageway is circular in cross-section and defines a cavity in an otherwise solid piston.

34. A valve as in claim 30 or 31, wherein the piston is constructed of a series of connected plates, and wherein the flow passageway is defined by the surfaces of a portion of the plates.

35. A valve as in claim 30, wherein the cylinder wall opening is in a first parallel pair of the cylinder walls, and wherein those surfaces of the piston adjacent to the first parallel pair of cylinder walls have a sealant material thereon, the sealant material preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces.

36. A valve as in claim 30, wherein the cylinder wall opening is in a first parallel pair of the cylinder walls, and wherein that pair of walls have a sealant material thereon, the sealant material preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces.

37. A valve as in claim 29, 30 or 31, wherein the cylinder end member has the shape of a funnel, the large end of the funnel being connected to the cylinder wall and the small end of the funnel being adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit.

38. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder also has a cylinder end member assembly, the cylinder end member assembly being at an opposite end of the cylinder from the cylinder end member, and wherein the piston actuating means comprises a spring member, a lever member and a rod member, the spring member being positioned between the piston and the cylinder end member assembly and acting to maintain the piston in the second operative position, the lever member being pivotally mounted on the cylinder end member assembly and the rod member connecting the piston to one end of the the lever member, whereby manual pressure on the other end of the lever member acts to move the piston against the spring member from the second operative position to the first operative position.

39. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder wall has a second opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston passageway is in flow communication with that second opening and with the Opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in the second operative position.

40. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder wall has a second opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston passageway is in flow communication with that second opening and with the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in a third operative position, the piston passageway having no flow therethrough when the piston is in the second operative position.

41. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder wall has a second opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston has a second passageway connecting to the first passageway, the second passageway having its outer end on the piston face that slides against the cylinder wall, the first and second passageways being positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with both openings in the cylinder wall and with the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in the first operative position and to not be in such flow communication when the piston is in the second operative position.

42. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder wall has a second opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston has a second passageway connecting to the first passageway, the second passageway having its outer end on the piston face that slides against the cylinder wall, the second passageway being positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with the second opening in the cylinder wall and with the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in the second operative position and to not be in such flow communication when the piston is in the first operative position.

43. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the cylinder wall has a second opening adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit, and wherein the piston has a second passageway connecting to the first passageway, the second passageway having its outer end on the piston face that slides against the cylinder wall, the second passageway being positioned in the piston so as to be in flow communication with the second opening in the cylinder wall and with the opening in the cylinder end member when the piston is in a third operative position, the first and second piston passageways having no flow therethrough when the piston is in the^' second operative position.

44. A valve as in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the two material flow passageways are both circular in cross-section and define cavities in an otherwise solid piston.

45. A valve as in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the piston is constructed of a series of connected plates, and wherein the flow passageways are defined by the surfaces of a portion of the plates.

46. A valve as in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular.

47. A valve as in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the cross-section of the piston on a plane extending normal to the direction of slide, and the matching interior cross-section of the cylinder, are rectangular, and wherein both of the cylinder wall openings are in a first parallel pair of the cylinder walls, and wherein those surfaces of the piston adjacent to the first parallel pair of cylinder walls have a sealant material thereon, the sealant material preventing material flow along the sliding surfaces.

48. A valve as in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the cylinder end member has the shape of a funnel, the large end of the funnel being connected to the cylinder wall and the small end of the funnel being adapted to be connected to a material flow conduit.

49. A valve as in claim 1 or 29, wherein the surface of the piston which slides against the cylinder is defined by the outer surface of a series of rings, each ring extending in a plane normal to the direction of slide.

50. A valve as in claim 1 or 29, wherein the internal surface of the cylinder on which the piston slides is defined by the inner surface of a series of rings, each ring extending in a plane normal to the direction of slide.

51. A valve as in claim 1, and also comprising a pair of material flow conduits each connected to a respective one of the first and second openings in the cylinder wall, wherein one of the conduits extends to the valve from the base of a body of water positioned at an elevation above, that of the valve and wherein the other conduit extends to the valve from a turbine means positioned at an elevation below that of the valve.

52. A valve as in claim 29, and also comprising a pair of material flow conduits each connected to a respective one of the openings in the cylinder wall and the cylinder end member, wherein one of the conduits extends to the valve from the base of a body of water positioned at an elevation above that of the valve and wherein the other conduit extends to the valve from a turbine means positioned at an elevation below that of the valve.

53. A ring assembly for preventing material flow along the sliding surface between a cylindrical piston and the cylinder through which the piston slides, the ring assembly having a cylindrical configuration and being adapted to be fitted to the cylindrical surface of the piston, the assembly comprising a series of open rings adapted to be fitted into circular grooves on the piston circumference, and also comprising a series of elongated brace members connected to the open rings so as to extend in an axial direction on the piston when the ring assembly is fitted to the piston.

54. A valve as in claim 1, wherein the piston face that slides against the surface of the cylinder wall is formed from a sealant material.

55. A valve as in claim 29, wherein the piston face that slides against the surface of the cylinder wall is formed from a sealant material.

56. A valve as in claim 54 or 55, wherein the surface of the sealant material that slides against the surface of the cylinder wall is smooth. .*

57. A valve as in claim 54 or 55, wherein the surface of the sealant material that slides against the surface of the cylinder wall is defined in the uncompressed state of the sealant material by a series of hemispherical nodules.