A flow control device includes a stack of annular discs positioned in a flow path. Each disc includes fluid passageways extending between inner and outer perimeters of the disc, with each passageway defining a flow axis extending out of the disc and radially offset from a central axis of the discs. A plug is moveable relative to the discs between closed and open positions. In the closed position, a cylindrical section of the plug is positioned to block fluid flow through the annular discs. In the open position, the annular discs and a tapered section of the plug collectively define an annular vortex chamber. The fluid passageways in the annular discs and the tapered section of the plug collectively impart a rotational flow when the plug is in the open position and as fluid exits the annular discs.

A flow control device includes a stack of annular discs positioned in a flow path. Each disc includes fluid passageways extending between inner and outer perimeters of the disc, with each passageway defining a flow axis extending out of the disc and radially offset from a central axis of the discs. A plug is moveable relative to the discs between closed and open positions. In the closed position, a cylindrical section of the plug is positioned to block fluid flow through the annular discs. In the open position, the annular discs and a tapered section of the plug collectively define an annular vortex chamber. The fluid passageways in the annular discs and the tapered section of the plug collectively impart a rotational flow when the plug is in the open position and as fluid exits the annular discs.

A valve comprising a rotor, the rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allowing for controlling air flow between four directions. The valve can be capable of operating in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotor. The valve design can include a valve-housing with three ports in plane with a first plane and one port normal to the first plane. A rotary valve provides a plurality of predetermined flow modes between four ports. The valve comprises an outer layer and a rotatable inner layer. The inner layer allows for a number of different flow configurations between four ports.

A valve comprising a rotor, the rotor comprising two passageways and two or more sealing faces. The valve allowing for controlling air flow between four directions. The valve can be capable of operating in a number of operation modes depending on a position of the rotor. The valve design can include a valve-housing with three ports in plane with a first plane and one port normal to the first plane. A rotary valve provides a plurality of predetermined flow modes between four ports. The valve comprises an outer layer and a rotatable inner layer. The inner layer allows for a number of different flow configurations between four ports.

A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is a rotatable ball having a fluid passage that extends through the ball and includes an opening at the end of the ball. The fluid passage is substantially oval-shaped when viewed at the opening in a direction parallel to the fluid passage. The valve assembly further includes a valve stem that is coupled to a valve member and has a first end that extends from the valve body.

A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is a rotatable ball having a fluid passage that extends through the ball and includes an opening at the end of the ball. The fluid passage is substantially oval-shaped when viewed at the opening in a direction parallel to the fluid passage. The valve assembly further includes a valve stem that is coupled to a valve member and has a first end that extends from the valve body.

A gas tap for a gas burner that includes a gas inlet conduit for the entry of gas at a nominal pressure, at least one outlet conduit suitable for conducting gas to the burner through an outlet hole, and a rotating regulating element for regulating the incoming gas flow from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit. The outlet conduit conducting a variable flow rate gas flow to the outlet hole when the regulating element rotates along an angular path. The gas tap also includes at least one constant flow outlet conduit for conducting a minimum constant flow rate gas flow (Qc) at nominal pressure (Pn) to the burner through a constant flow outlet hole when the regulating element rotates along the angular path.

A gear train is contained within the housing of an actuator, is coupled to a movable component outside the housing, and includes a first gear and a second gear. A bend shaft is fixed to an internal surface of the housing and supports the first and second gears. The bend shaft includes a lower portion, a crosspiece, and an upper portion. The lower portion has a first end coupled to the housing and a second end offset from the first end, and extends from the first end to the second end along a first direction. The crosspiece is oriented orthogonal to the first direction and extends from the second end of the lower portion. The upper portion has a third end coupled to the crosspiece and a fourth end offset from the third end, and extends from the third end to the fourth end along the first direction.

A gear train is contained within the housing of an actuator, is coupled to a movable component outside the housing, and includes a first gear and a second gear. A bend shaft is fixed to an internal surface of the housing and supports the first and second gears. The bend shaft includes a lower portion, a crosspiece, and an upper portion. The lower portion has a first end coupled to the housing and a second end offset from the first end, and extends from the first end to the second end along a first direction. The crosspiece is oriented orthogonal to the first direction and extends from the second end of the lower portion. The upper portion has a third end coupled to the crosspiece and a fourth end offset from the third end, and extends from the third end to the fourth end along the first direction.

Fluid regulators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a vale body, a valve seat, and protrusions. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The valve seat is located within the valve body and is positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The protrusions are formed by and extend along an inner wall of the valve body between the valve seat and the outlet, and end adjacent the outlet. At least one of the protrusions is spaced relative to others of the protrusions. The protrusions are to increase a uniformity of a flow pattern of fluid flowing through a cross-section of the outlet. Each of the protrusions has a central axis oriented perpendicularly to a corresponding surrounding portion of the inner wall.