A seal with a wedging element for adjustably compressing the seal. The seal abuts a surface, such as a gate of a gate valve, to seal against the surface with a sealing force that prevents fluid flow therebetween. The sealing force of the seal may be increasing or decreasing compression by adjusting the wedging mechanism. For example, as the seal wears away due to friction between the seal and a sliding gate, the compression may be increased in the wedging mechanism to increase the sealing force to a low threshold.

A seal with a wedging element for adjustably compressing the seal. The seal abuts a surface, such as a gate of a gate valve, to seal against the surface with a sealing force that prevents fluid flow therebetween. The sealing force of the seal may be increasing or decreasing compression by adjusting the wedging mechanism. For example, as the seal wears away due to friction between the seal and a sliding gate, the compression may be increased in the wedging mechanism to increase the sealing force to a low threshold.

Valves having a sprung gate of various constructions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The first endless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open space oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passage through the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic band in positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottom defined by the first endless elastic band.

A screen valve (210) to control fluid flow comprising at least one multi-apertured valve plate (220) movable laterally relative to a multi-apertured valve seat (230) between a closed configuration whereby the apertures are not registered to prevent fluid flow, and an open configuration whereby the apertures are registered to permit fluid flow, wherein the valve plate is supported by a multi-apertured carrier plate (240) that moves laterally in synchrony with the valve plate (220) to maintain a predetermined lateral registration between their respective apertures as the valve plate moves between the open and closed configurations, the valve plate being movable relative to the carrier plate so as to be able to lift off and return into contact with the valve seat. The co-moving carrier plate shields the valve plate so as to minimize pressure locking. Aerodynamic features may be incorporated to urge the valve plate (220) towards or away from the carrier plate (240).

A screen valve (210) to control fluid flow comprising at least one multi-apertured valve plate (220) movable laterally relative to a multi-apertured valve seat (230) between a closed configuration whereby the apertures are not registered to prevent fluid flow, and an open configuration whereby the apertures are registered to permit fluid flow, wherein the valve plate is supported by a multi-apertured carrier plate (240) that moves laterally in synchrony with the valve plate (220) to maintain a predetermined lateral registration between their respective apertures as the valve plate moves between the open and closed configurations, the valve plate being movable relative to the carrier plate so as to be able to lift off and return into contact with the valve seat. The co-moving carrier plate shields the valve plate so as to minimize pressure locking. Aerodynamic features may be incorporated to urge the valve plate (220) towards or away from the carrier plate (240).

In one embodiment, an annular isolation device for a riser includes a tubular body connectable to the riser. A closure member is rotatable between a closed position isolating fluid communication in the tubular body and an open position permitting fluid communication through the tubular body. The annular isolation device further includes an actuator disposed outside the tubular body and operable to rotate the closure member between the open position and the closed position.

Valves having a sprung gate of various constructions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The first endless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open space oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passage through the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic band in positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottom defined by the first endless elastic band.

Valves having a sprung gate of various constructions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The first endless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open space oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passage through the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic band in positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottom defined by the first endless elastic band.

A seal assembly for selectively sealing an open end of a liquid supply cartridge is provided. The seal assembly includes a seal body having an annular sidewall that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, a base wall having an opening defined by an annular sealing member, and a yoke that projects from the base wall so as to be coaxial with the opening and a central axis of the seal assembly. The seal assembly further includes a shuttle movably retained within the seal body by the yoke and having a plunger configured to seal closed the opening and a biasing element located between the shuttle and the yoke for biasing the shuttle in a direction toward the opening formed in the base wall of the seal body. The shuttle being movable between at least a parked position, an open position, and an intermediate closed position.

A seal assembly for selectively sealing an open end of a liquid supply cartridge is provided. The seal assembly includes a seal body having an annular sidewall that extends between a first end and an opposite second end, a base wall having an opening defined by an annular sealing member, and a yoke that projects from the base wall so as to be coaxial with the opening and a central axis of the seal assembly. The seal assembly further includes a shuttle movably retained within the seal body by the yoke and having a plunger configured to seal closed the opening and a biasing element located between the shuttle and the yoke for biasing the shuttle in a direction toward the opening formed in the base wall of the seal body. The shuttle being movable between at least a parked position, an open position, and an intermediate closed position.