Spring Loaded Ball Valve Handle

Abstract

The spring loaded ball valve includes a spring, a first pin, a second pin, and a handle. The spring is configured to exert pressure on the first pin and the second pin when the ball valve is in both a fully open and a fully closed position. When the ball valve is in the fully open or fully closed position, the spring exerts a maximum torque to ensure that the valve remains in the fully open or fully closed position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to ball valves, and more particularly to ball valves with improved springs for use in ball valve assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] A ball valve is a flow control device that uses a hollow rotating ball to control the flow of liquid through the valve. It opens when the hole or opening in the ball is aligned with the inlet and closes when the ball is rotated 90 degrees by the valve handle, blocking the flow of fluid. There are various types of ball valves, each used to allow or block fluid from flowing through the ball valve. Some conventional ball valves have a spring that is utilized to continuously hold the ball valve in a closed position, while others only open when the operator holds the valve in an open position. Additionally, conventional ball valves do not have features to ensure that the valve is either in a fully open or fully closed position during use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a ball valve assembly includes a base, a first pin, a second pin, a handle, and a spring. The first pin and the second pin extend perpendicular to a top surface of the base. The handle is disposed adjacent to the base and is coupled to the base. The spring includes a first coupler, a second coupler, and a continuous curved portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler and connecting the first coupler to the second coupler. The first coupler is coupled to the first pin, and the second coupler is coupled to the second pin. The continuous curved portion has a variable thickness.

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a spring for use in an assembly is disclosed. The spring includes a first coupler disposed at a first end of the spring, a second coupler disposed at a second end of the spring, and a continuous curved portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler and connecting the first coupler to the second coupler. The continuous curved portion has a variable thickness between the first coupler and the second coupler. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical ball valve. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a top view of a ball valve with some components shown transparently. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ball valve with some components shown transparently. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve of FIGS. 1A to 1C. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring for a typical ball valve. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top view of the spring of FIG. 2A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a ball valve 10. FIG. 1B is a top view of the ball valve 10 with some components shown transparently. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the ball valve 10 with some components shown transparently. FIG. 1D is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve 10. FIGS. 1A-1D will be described together. Hereinafter, it should be understood that the ball valve 10 may be interchangeable with a ball valve assembly 10, an assembly 10, or a valve 10, each of which refers to the representative ball valve 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and described below.

[0007] Ball valve 10 is a flow control device that uses a hollow pivoting ball (not shown) to control the flow of liquid through the ball valve 10. Ball valve 10 opens when an opening through the ball is aligned with the fluid flow and closes when the ball is rotated 90 degrees by the valve handle, blocking the flow of fluid. Ball valve 10 can be used in any fluid system where the flow of fluid through a conduit needs to be controlled. Conventional ball valves require an operator to actuate the ball valve to a fully open and fully closed position to allow or block the flow of fluid through the valve, respectively. If the operator does not actuate the valve to the fully open or fully closed position, and the valve is left partially open or partially closed, the flow of fluid can suddenly close the valve, creating a pressure spike in the fluid system. A pressure spike is a sudden increase in pressure that is pumped back through the fluid system and can cause damage to components of the fluid system, such as fluid pumps, pressure sensors, valves, or other components of the fluid system. Ball valve 10 includes an improved spring to ensure that ball valve 10 remains in the desired fully open and fully closed positions.

[0008] The ball valve 10 includes a shaft 12, a base 14, a cover 16, a first pin 18, a second pin 20, a handle 22, a fastener 24, and a spring 26. The shaft 12 is coupled to the base 14 of the ball valve 10, and the shaft 12 passes through a conduit 28, which is a component of a fluid system through which fluid flows. The ball valve 10 is in a fully open position when fluid can flow through the ball valve 10 with minimal resistance. The ball valve 10 is in a fully closed position when fluid is blocked or prevented from flowing through the ball valve 10. The conduit 28 includes a first detent 30 and a second detent 32 (FIG. 1D), which are catches, notches, or grooves configured to help secure the ball valve 10 in the fully open and closed positions, as described below. In the illustrated example, the shaft 12 passes through the conduit 28 and is coupled to a bottom surface of the base 14.

[0009] The base 14 is the main rotating part of the ball valve 10 to which other components are coupled. In the illustrated example, the base 14 has an irregular semicircular shape, but in alternative embodiments, the base 14 can have a generally circular shape or any other shape. The base 14 includes a plurality of openings 34 extending therethrough. At least one of the plurality of openings 34 is located adjacent to a center of the base 14, and at least one of the plurality of openings 34 is aligned with an opening in the shaft 12 such that the base 14 can be coupled to the shaft 12 using a fastener. The base 14 is coupled to the shaft 12 to allow the base 14 to rotate from a fully open position to a fully closed position, or vice versa, during operation of the ball valve 10. More specifically, the base 14 is configured to rotate about the axis of the ball valve 10 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, or vice versa. In some examples, the base 14 can be constructed from a metallic material, such as aluminum, aluminum bronze, steel, Inconel, and titanium, among other options. In other examples, the base 14 may be constructed from a non-metallic material, such as a composite or polymer-based material.

[0010] At least one of the plurality of openings 34 extends through the base 14 adjacent the outer edge of the base 14. The opening 34 adjacent the outer edge of the base 14 is configured to receive the fastener 24 for securing the cover 16 to the base 14. Referring to FIG. 1A, the cover 16 is a circular component configured to cover and protect the internal components of the ball valve 10 from the environment. The fastener 24 extends through an opening in the cover 16, and the fastener 24 is coupled to the opening 34 adjacent the outer edge of the base 14. The fastener 24 allows the cover 16 to be removed to access the internal components of the ball valve 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 24 is a plurality of threaded bolts, screws, or the like. In another embodiment, the fastener 24 may be a latch, lock, hook, or other element capable of securing the cover 16 to the base 14. Because the cover 16 is coupled to the base 14, the cover 16 rotates with the base 14 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, or vice versa, during operation of the ball valve 10. In some examples, the cover 16 can be constructed from metallic materials such as aluminum, aluminum bronze, steel, Inconel, and titanium, among other options, while in other examples, the cover 16 can be constructed from non-metallic materials, such as composite materials or polymer-based materials.

[0011] 1B-1D, the first pin 18 is coupled to the conduit 28 and the second pin 20 is coupled to the base 14. The first pin 18 and the second pin 20 are disposed to extend vertically outward from the top surface of the base 14, respectively. The first pin 18 and the second pin 20 may be metal dowels fixed to the conduit 28 and the base 14, respectively, and extending outward from the conduit 28 and the base 14, respectively. In other words, the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 may be cylindrical rods constructed of a metal material, respectively. In some examples, the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 may have the same length and the same diameter. In other examples, the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 may have different lengths and different diameters. The first pin 18 and the second pin 20 may be coupled to the conduit 28 and the base 14, respectively, by one or more of a press-fit operation, a welded joint, an adhesive, and a threaded connection, among other options. Thus, during operation of the ball valve 10, the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 remain coupled to the conduit 28 and the base 14, respectively.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, the first pin 18 remains fixed in position and does not rotate or translate to a different position relative to the shaft 12 or the conduit 28 while the ball valve 10 is actuated from the fully open position to the fully closed position (or vice versa). Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the second pin 20 translates with the base 14 such that the position of the second pin 20 changes relative to the conduit 28 while the ball valve 10 is actuated from the fully open position to the fully closed position (or vice versa). In other words, when the ball valve 10 is in the fully closed position, the second pin 20 is in a first position relative to the conduit 28. When the ball valve 10 is actuated from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the second pin 20 translates with the base 14 such that the second pin 20 moves relative to the conduit 28. When the ball valve 10 is in the fully open position, the second pin 20 is in a second position (different from the first position) relative to the conduit 28. Thus, the first pin 18 remains fixed in position during operation of the ball valve 10, and the second pin 20 translates relative to the conduit 28 during operation of the ball valve 10. Similarly, the base 14 and associated cover 16 rotate relative to the conduit 28 during operation of the ball valve 10.

[0013] The handle 22 is the component of the ball valve 10 that an operator / user interacts with to actuate the ball valve 10 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, or vice versa. The handle 22 is disposed adjacent to the base 14, to which the handle 22 is coupled. As best shown in FIGS. 1C-1D , the handle 22 includes a bolt 36 and a second spring 38 that are at least partially located within the handle 22. The bolt 36 and the second spring 38 are also at least partially located within the base 14. The bolt 36 is configured to contact and engage the second spring 38, which is configured to exert a force against the bolt 36, urging the bolt 36 inwardly toward the center of the base 14. When the handle 22 and bolt 36 are in the proper position, the inward force exerted on the bolt 36 by the second spring 38 causes the bolt 36 to engage the first detent 30 and the second detent 32 of the conduit 28. The bolt 36 may be any bolt, pin, dowel, latch, bar, or other component configured to contact the first and second detents 30 and 32 of the bracket 12 .

[0014] More specifically, when the ball valve 10 is in the fully closed position, the handle 22 is positioned perpendicular to the conduit 28 and the bolt 36 is engaged in a first detent 30. The first detent 30 is a notch, groove, catch, etc. that the bolt 36 fits within to hold the bolt 36 and handle 22 in the fully closed position. To transition the ball valve 10 from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the operator pulls the handle 22 outwardly from the base 14, pulling the second spring 38 with the attached bolt 36 outwardly from the first detent 30. The operator can then rotate the handle 22 90 degrees to the fully open position so that the handle 22 is parallel and aligned with the conduit 28. The operator can then release the handle 22, which allows the second spring 38 to push the bolt 36 inwardly toward the center of the base 14 and into the second detent 32. The second detent 32 is a notch, groove, catch, etc. that the bolt 36 fits within to hold the bolt 36 and handle 22 in a fully open position. The bolt 36, second spring 38, first detent 30, and second detent 32 thus hold the ball valve 10 in either a fully open or fully closed position and prevent the ball valve 10 from changing position without operator action. The bolt 36, second spring 38, first detent 30, and second detent 32 thus provide a safety measure to ensure that the ball valve 10 remains in a fully open or fully closed position based on user input and action.

[0015] The spring 26 is located between and coupled to both the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 of the base 14. The spring 26 is a component of the ball valve 10 configured to apply a force to the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to assist in fully opening and closing the ball valve 10. Additionally, the spring 26 is configured to apply a force to the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to maintain the ball valve 10 in a fully open or fully closed position depending on the orientation of the handle 22. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the spring 26 of the ball valve 10. FIG. 2B is a top view of the spring 26 of the ball valve 10. FIGS. 2A and 2B are described together. The spring 26 includes a first end 40, a second end 42, a top surface 44, a bottom surface 46, a first coupler 48, a second coupler 50, a continuous curved portion 52, and a central axis 54. Further, the continuous curved portion 52 includes a first section 56, a second section 58, a third section 60, a fourth section 62, and a fifth section 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 26 is formed as a monolithic, integral structure, meaning that the spring 26 is formed from a single material. In other embodiments, the spring 26 may not be formed as a monolithic, integral structure. Furthermore, the spring 26 may be constructed from one or more of a titanium alloy, an Inconel alloy, a Hastelloy X alloy, a Monel alloy, or other nickel-based superalloys, to name a few non-limiting examples. In other examples, the spring 26 may be constructed from a non-metallic material, such as a composite material or a polymer-based material.

[0016] The first end 40 is a first side of the spring 26, and the second end 42 is a second side of the spring 26 that is located on the opposite side of the spring 26. The top surface 44 is an upper surface of the spring 26, and the bottom surface 46 is a lower surface of the spring 26 that is located on the opposite side of the spring 26. Referring to FIG. 1B, the bottom surface 46 of the spring 26 is adjacent to the top surface of the base 14. The top surface 44 and the bottom surface 46 are flat surfaces that are offset from each other by a distance. Thus, the top surface 44 and the bottom surface 46 are disposed parallel to each other. The distance between the top surface 44 and the bottom surface 46 is the height of the spring 26. As shown in FIG. 2A, the spring 26 has a constant height, which means that the first coupler 48, the second coupler 50, and the continuous curved portion 52 have the same height over the entire length and width of the spring 26.

[0017] The first coupler 48 is disposed at the first end 40 of the spring 26 and the second coupler 50 is disposed at the second end 42 of the spring 26. The first coupler 48 is a curved feature of the spring 26 having a cross-section that mates with the first pin 18. Thus, the first coupler 48 is configured to receive the first pin 18 such that the first coupler 48 is coupled to the first pin 18. The second coupler 50 is a curved feature of the spring 26 having a cross-section that mates with the second pin 20. Thus, the second coupler 50 is configured to receive the second pin 20 such that the second coupler 50 is coupled to the second pin 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupler 48 has the same cross-sectional shape as the second coupler 50. In another embodiment, the first coupler 48 may have a different cross-sectional shape than the second coupler 50.

[0018] The continuous curved portion 52 extends between the first coupler 48 and the second coupler 50 and connects the first coupler 48 to the second coupler 50. Referring to FIG. 2B, the continuous curved portion 52 has a generally circular outer cross-sectional shape when viewed from the top or bottom of the spring 26. Thus, the continuous curved portion 52 includes a central axis 54 that extends through the center of the continuous curved portion 52. In addition, the spring 26 has a complex internal shape that includes several curves and connects the first coupler 48 to the second coupler 50 while bending back and forth. More specifically, the continuous curved portion 52 has a generally helical shape that extends from the central axis 54 to each of the first coupler 48 and the second coupler 50.

[0019] The continuous curved portion 52 begins at the central axis 54 and spirals outward in a first direction, continuously and gradually widening the curve before contacting and connecting with the first coupler 48. Similarly, the continuous curved portion 52 begins at the central axis 54 and spirals outward in a second direction, continuously and gradually widening the curve before contacting and connecting with the second coupler 50. Thus, the continuous curved portion 52 spirals outward in both directions from the central axis 54, with each spiral being coupled to either the first coupler 48 or the second coupler 50. The outward spiral of the continuous curved portion 52 forms and defines an approximate yin-yang shape (i.e., a circle divided into two teardrop shapes) between the first coupler 48 and the second coupler 50. Furthermore, the outward spiral of the continuous curved portion 52 provides the spring 26 with 180 degree rotational symmetry about the central axis 54. In other words, the spring 26 can be rotated 180 degrees about the central axis 54 and the spring 26 will look exactly the same as it did before being rotated 180 degrees.

[0020] The continuous curved portion 52 includes a plurality of sections located between the first coupler 48 and the second coupler 50. The continuous curved portion 52 includes a first section 56, a second section 58, a third section 60, a fourth section 62, and a fifth section 64. The first section 56 is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the second section 58. The second section 58 is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the third section 60. The third section 60 is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the fourth section 62. The fourth section 62 is disposed adjacent to and coupled to the fifth section 64. The sections 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 are interconnected to form a continuous helical curve from the first coupler 48 to the central axis 54 and define one half of the continuous curved portion 52. Although not specifically described, the remaining half of continuous curved portion 52 has a substantially similar configuration, and the description of one half of continuous curved portion 52 applies equally to the remaining half of continuous curved portion 52.

[0021] 2B, sections 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 of continuous curved portion 52 can be further defined using a coordinate system in which central axis 54 of continuous curved portion 52 is the origin of the coordinate system (0,0 point). As shown, central axis 54 is the origin of the coordinate system, the negative X-axis is at 0 degrees, the negative Y-axis is at 90 degrees, the positive X-axis is at 180 degrees, and the positive Y-axis is at 270 degrees. As explained, sections 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 are interconnected to form a continuous helical curve from first coupler 48 to central axis 54. More specifically, the first section 56 extends between 0 and 90 degrees, the second section 58 extends between 90 and 180 degrees, the third section 60 extends between 180 and 270 degrees, the fourth section 62 extends between 270 and 0 degrees, and the fifth section 64 extends between 0 and 90 degrees. As shown, the radius or diameter of each of the sections 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 gradually and continuously decreases as one progresses from the first section 56 to the fifth section 64. In other words, the radius or diameter of each of the sections 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 gradually and continuously decreases as the continuously curved portion 52 approaches the central axis 54.

[0022] Additionally, the continuous curved portion 52 has a variable thickness between the first coupler 48 and the second coupler 50, meaning that the thickness of the sections of the continuous curved portion 52 are different or change as they go from the first coupler 48 to the second coupler 50. More specifically, the thickness of the first section 56 increases as it goes from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The thickness of the second section 58 decreases as it goes from 90 degrees to 180 degrees. The thickness of the third section 60 increases as it goes from 180 degrees to 270 degrees. The thickness of the fourth section 62 decreases as it goes from 270 degrees to 0 degrees. The continuous curved portion 52 has a strategically variable thickness to maximize the energy stored within the spring 26. The positions of the thicker continuous curved portion 52 are positions where the bending moment is higher when the spring 26 is in use within the ball valve 10. The positions of the thinner continuous curved portion 52 are positions where the bending moment is lower when the spring 26 is in use within the ball valve 10. Varying the thickness of the continuous curved portion 52 based on stress levels results in an optimized design that saves space and weight in the spring 26 and the overall ball valve 10. Additionally, the location of the thinner continuous curved portion 52 contributes to the deflection that maintains the spring force while the ball valve 10 is actuated from a fully closed position to a fully open position and vice versa.

[0023] 1B-1D, to actuate the ball valve 10 from a fully closed to a fully open position, the operator pulls the handle 22 outwardly away from the base 14, which compresses the second spring 38 and allows the bolt 36 to disengage from the first detent 30. The operator then rotates the handle 22 90 degrees to align the handle 22 with the conduit 28 and allow fluid to flow through the ball valve 10 and the conduit 28. When the operator releases the handle 22, the second spring 38 pushes the bolt 36 inwardly toward the center of the base 14, causing the bolt 36 to engage and lock within the second detent 32. During the transition from the fully closed to the fully open position (or vice versa), the spring 26 exerts a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20. The spring 26 is shaped such that the second coupler 50 is pulled away from the first coupler 48 during actuation of the ball valve 10. Thus, the generally yin-yang shape of the continuous curved portion 52 of the spring 26 creates a force pulling the second pin 20 toward the first pin 18. The spring 26 creates a tensile force that attempts to return the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to a relaxed configuration in which the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 are closest to each other. The distance between the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 is smallest when the ball valve 10 is in a fully open or fully closed position. In contrast, the distance between the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 is largest halfway between the fully open and fully closed positions. The relaxed configuration of the spring 26 occurs in both the fully open and fully closed positions. Thus, the spring 26 is configured to create a tensile force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 when transitioning from the fully closed position to the fully open position or vice versa.

[0024] The shape of the spring 26 allows the spring 26 to exert a force against the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to facilitate opening and closing the spring 26 depending on the position of the handle 22. When the handle 22 is in the fully closed position, the spring 26 exerts a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to pull the ball valve 10 toward the fully closed position. The spring 26 continues to exert a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to pull the ball valve 10 toward the fully closed position until the handle 22 rotates approximately 35 degrees from the fully closed position. Between approximately 35 degrees and 55 degrees from the fully closed position, the spring 26 is in a neutral zone, and the spring 26 does not exert sufficient force toward either the fully open or fully closed position. When the spring 26 reaches approximately 55 degrees from the fully closed position, the spring 26 exerts a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 to pull the ball valve 10 toward the fully open position. The spring 26 continues to exert a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 pulling the ball valve 10 toward the fully open position until the handle 22 rotates back toward the fully closed position and passes the 55 degree point from the fully closed position. Thus, depending on the angle of the handle 22 from the fully closed position, the spring 26 exerts a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 pulling the ball valve 10 toward either the fully open or fully closed position. The specific angles above are for one embodiment of the spring 26, but of course the specific angles will vary depending on the height, width, length and thickness of the spring 26.

[0025] The spring 26 ensures that the ball valve 10 remains locked in the fully open and closed positions by exerting a force on the first pin 18 and the second pin 20 depending on the orientation of the handle 22. The spring 26 eliminates operator error by pulling the spring 26 and the ball valve 10 to the fully open and closed positions. The maximum torque generated by the spring 26 occurs at the fully open and closed positions, and the spring 26 acts as a lock, holding the ball valve 10 in the desired fully open or closed position. Thus, the spring 26, used in conjunction with the first detent 30, the second detent 32, and the bolt 36, locks the ball valve 10 in the fully open and closed positions, providing a redundant safety measure to prevent the ball valve 10 from inadvertently switching from the fully open position to the fully closed position or vice versa. The spring 26 used in conjunction with the ball valve 10 ensures that the ball valve 10 remains in the desired position, preventing pressure spikes and damage to the entire fluid system.

[0026] Discussion of possible embodiments The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] 1. A ball valve comprising: a base with a first pin and a second pin extending perpendicular to an upper surface of the base; a handle disposed adjacent to and coupled to the base; a first coupler, a second coupler, and a continuous curved portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler and connecting the first coupler to the second coupler, wherein the first coupler is coupled to the first pin and the second coupler is coupled to the second pin, and the continuous curved portion has a variable thickness.

[0028] The ball valve of the previous paragraph may optionally and / or alternatively comprise any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0029] The base is coupled to the shaft, and the base is configured to rotate about the axis of the shaft during operation of the ball valve.

[0030] The cover is coupled to the base by a plurality of fasteners such that the cover rotates with the base during operation of the ball valve.

[0031] The bolt and a second spring are located at least partially within the handle and at least partially within the base, with the second spring urging the bolt toward a center of the base.

[0032] The ends of the bolt engage at least one detent to secure the ball valve in the fully open and fully closed positions.

[0033] The first pin is coupled to the conduit and the second pin is coupled to the base.

[0034] The first pin remains stationary during operation of the ball valve and the second pin rotates with the base during operation of the ball valve.

[0035] The distance between the first pin and the second pin is smallest when the ball valve is in a fully open or fully closed position.

[0036] The spring exerts a force on the first pin and the second pin, pulling the second pin toward the first pin as the ball valve moves from a fully closed position to a fully open position and as the ball valve moves from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

[0037] The continuous curved portion has a yin-yang configuration and the spring is formed as a monolithic, one-piece structure.

[0038] The following are additional non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] 1. A spring for use in an assembly, the spring comprising: a first coupler disposed at a first end of the spring; a second coupler disposed at a second end of the spring; and a continuous curved portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler connecting the first coupler to the second coupler, the continuous curved portion having a variable thickness between the first coupler and the second coupler.

[0040] The spring of the previous paragraph may optionally and / or alternatively comprise any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0041] The bottom surface is offset from the top surface, and the bottom surface is parallel to the top surface.

[0042] The first coupler, the second coupler, and the continuous curved portion have a constant height, the height being the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the spring.

[0043] The continuous curved portion includes a first section disposed adjacent to and coupled to the second section, a second section disposed adjacent to and coupled to the third section, a third section disposed adjacent to and coupled to the fourth section, and a fourth section disposed adjacent to and coupled to the fifth section.

[0044] The first section extends between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the second section extends between 90 degrees and 180 degrees relative to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the third section extends between 180 degrees and 270 degrees relative to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the fourth section extends between 270 degrees and 0 degrees relative to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, and the fifth section extends between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the central axis of the continuous curved portion.

[0045] The first section increases in thickness from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the second section decreases in thickness from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the third section increases in thickness from 180 degrees to 270 degrees, and the fourth section decreases in thickness from 270 degrees to 0 degrees.

[0046] The spring is rotationally symmetrical through 180 degrees about a central axis that extends through the center of the continuous curved portion.

[0047] The spring is formed as a monolithic, one-piece structure.

[0048] The springs are constructed from one or more of a titanium alloy, an Inconel alloy, Hastelloy X, Monel, or other nickel-based superalloys.

[0049] The continuous curve has a yin-yang shape between the first coupler and the second coupler.

[0050] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiment(s), those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and that elements of the invention may be substituted with equivalents. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but the invention is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. The base with a first pin and a second pin extending perpendicular to the upper surface of the base, A handle disposed adjacent to the base and coupled to the base, A spring including a first coupler, a second coupler, and a continuous curved portion extending between the first coupler and the second coupler to connect the first coupler to the second coupler A ball valve comprising: The first coupler is coupled to the first pin, the second coupler is coupled to the second pin, and the continuous curved portion has a variable thickness, Ball valve.

2. The base is coupled to a shaft, and the base is configured to rotate about the axis of the shaft during operation of the ball valve, the ball valve according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a cover coupled to the base by a plurality of fasteners, the cover rotating with the base during operation of the ball valve, the ball valve according to claim 2.

4. A bolt and a second spring are at least partially located within the handle and at least partially within the base, and the second spring pushes the bolt towards the center of the base, the ball valve according to claim 1.

5. The end of the bolt engages with at least one detent to fix the ball valve in the fully open and fully closed positions, the ball valve according to claim 4.

6. The first pin is coupled to a conduit, and the second pin is coupled to the base, the ball valve according to claim 1.

7. The first pin remains stationary during operation of the ball valve, and The second pin rotates with the base during operation of the ball valve, The ball valve according to claim 1.

8. The distance between the first pin and the second pin is minimized when the ball valve is in the fully open or fully closed position, The ball valve according to claim 1.

9. The spring applies a force to the first pin and the second pin, pulling the second pin towards the first pin while the ball valve operates from the fully closed position to the fully open position and while the ball valve operates from the fully open position to the fully closed position, the ball valve according to claim 1.

10. The ball valve according to claim 1, wherein the continuous curved portion has a male-female shape and the spring is formed as a monolithic integral structure.

11. The ball valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first coupler is disposed at a first end of the spring, and the second coupler is disposed at a second end of the spring.

12. The ball valve according to claim 11, further comprising a bottom surface disposed offset from the top surface, the bottom surface being parallel to the top surface.

13. The ball valve according to claim 12, wherein the first coupler, the second coupler, and the continuous curved portion have a constant height, the height being the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the spring.

14. The continuous curved portion is a first section disposed adjacent to a second section and coupled to the second section, a second section disposed adjacent to a third section and coupled to the third section, a third section disposed adjacent to a fourth section and coupled to the fourth section, a fourth section disposed adjacent to a fifth section and coupled to the fifth section The ball valve according to claim 11, comprising.

15. The first section extends between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the second section extends between 90 degrees and 180 degrees with respect to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the third section extends between 180 degrees and 270 degrees with respect to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, the fourth section extends between 270 degrees and 0 degrees with respect to the central axis of the continuous curved portion, and the fifth section extends between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the central axis of the continuous curved portion. The ball valve according to claim 14.

16. The thickness of the first section increases from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the thickness of the second section decreases from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the thickness of the third section increases from 180 degrees to 270 degrees, and the thickness of the fourth section decreases from 270 degrees to 0 degrees. The ball valve according to claim 15.

17. The ball valve according to claim 11, wherein the spring is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees about a central axis extending through the center of the continuous curved portion.

18. The ball valve according to claim 11, wherein the spring is composed of one or more of a titanium alloy, an Inconel alloy, Hastelloy X, Monel, or other nickel-based superalloys.

19. The ball valve according to claim 11, which incorporates claim 10, wherein the continuous curved portion has the male-female shape between the first coupler and the second coupler.

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