Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a valve plug apparatus for use with control valves. An example valve plug apparatus disclosed herein an upper plug segment, a middle plug segment, and a lower plug segment, the middle plug segment positioned between the upper plug segment and the lower plug segment, the upper plug segment, the middle plug segment and the lower plug segment defining an overall length of the valve plug, the middle plug segment removably coupled to the upper plug segment and the lower plug segment.

A valve assembly for controlling a flow of a substance through the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a volume therebetween and a sleeve disposed in at least a portion of the volume, an interior of the sleeve having a first opening in fluid communication with the inlet and a second opening in communication with the outlet. The valve assembly also includes a seat ring releasably held in place in the valve body by the sleeve at at least one of the first opening or the second opening. The valve assembly further includes a stem disposed in the sleeve and a plug releasably engaged to the stem and configured to contact the seat ring to control the flow of the substance through the valve assembly.

A plug assembly that is configured to secure a plug tip to a valve stem. These configurations may include a clamp that secures to an end of the valve stem. The clamp encloses at least part of the plug tip. In one implementation, the design may include a spring assembly that generates a pre-load on the top of the plug tip, as well. The clamp is useful because it accommodates plug tips made from ceramics and like, brittle materials. Its features can prevent certain mechanical failure, for example, cracks or breaks that can occur during manufacture or assembly. As an added benefit, the device can maintain alignment of the plug tip with the valve stem. This feature can ensure proper engagement with a seat in a flow control, like a control valve.

A cap member is used in a shut-off valve including a valve head in which a through hole is formed, the cap member including: a cap member main body screwed into the through hole; a first engaging portion for engaging with a first tool for screwing the cap member main body into the valve head; a second engaging portion formed inside the cap member main body to engage with a second tool for unscrewing the cap member main body from the valve head; and a wall portion covering the second engaging portion so that the second engaging portion is not exposed when the cap member is viewed from the first engaging portion toward the second engaging portion.

A method of manufacturing a valve with a corrosion-resistant barrier includes providing a valve body defining a first end, a second end, and a body bore extending from the first end to the second end, the valve body further defining a channel co-annular with the body bore, the channel comprising an outer edge defining a seat retention groove; and thermal spraying a corrosion-resistant barrier over the seat retention groove, the corrosion-resistant barrier defining a first edge and a second edge, the first edge oriented between the seat retention groove and the first end of the valve body, and the second edge oriented between the seat retention groove and the second end of the valve body.

The “factory installed” pressure regulator valve of an automotive transmission is replaced by a pressure regulator valve having two separate valve components conjointly movable together in a bore. A protrusion or protuberance extending from the center of one end of one of the valve components defines a fulcrum which abuts against an adjacent end of the other valve component as the two valve components move conjointly and in direct contact with each other within the bore during operation of the pressure regulator valve. Preferably, an opening is provided in a land in one of the valve components to vent hydraulic fluid (transmission oil) to prevent a pressure build-up in the bore which might separate the two valve components from each other during reciprocating movement of the valve components in the bore.

Example aspects of a valve are disclosed. The valve can comprise a valve body defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a body bore extending from the first end to the second end and a channel extending radially outward from the body bore, the channel defining a seat retention groove; a metal barrier applied to the inner surface and covering the seat retention groove, the metal barrier defining a first edge and a second edge, the first edge oriented between the seat retention groove and the first end, and the second edge oriented between the seat retention groove and the second end; and a valve seat positioned within the channel.

A valve stem retainer device may include a housing that holds a valve stem. The housing may prevent the valve stem from closing without control. The device may include at least one bracket that holds on to the housing. The device may include a steel rod that holds on to the housing. The steel rod may support the at least one bracket. The device may include a double set of a washer and a nut that ensures a tight and secure connection between the at least one bracket and the housing.

A mixing valve for a water heater appliance includes a valve body that defines a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber being in fluid communication with a cold water inlet conduit and a hot water inlet conduit. A plunger valve is mounted within the valve body and is moveable along a translation axis to regulate a flow of water from the hot water inlet conduit and the cold water inlet conduit. A controller periodically initiates a cleaning cycle wherein the plunger valve is moved through a full range of motion (e.g., full hot to full cold). The cleaning cycle may only be performed if there is no water flowing through the mixing valve, e.g., as determined by temperature sensor measurements.

A flow regulating switch valve includes a valve core that includes a switch assembly configured to drive a diaphragm assembly to open or close a water outlet, and also includes a flow regulating assembly that comprises a rotating ring, a sliding block, and a magnet. A control key is configured to control the switch assembly. The rotating ring is connected to the control key and includes an inclined plane that transitions from high to low and is configured to drive the sliding block to slide up and down such that the sliding block drives the magnet to move up and down. The magnet is configured to control the diaphragm assembly to regulate a size of the water outlet.