The improved GATE VALVES includes a body having horizontal inlet and outlet fluid flow passageways that are coaxial and that intersect a valve body cavity. A first annular seat is positioned in the body cavity surrounding the inlet fluid flow passageway, and in like manner, an opposed second or outlet valve seat is positioned in the body cavity surrounding the outlet fluid flow passageway. The inlet and outlet valve seats have sealing surfaces that are paralleled to each other. The terms "inlet" and "outlet" to identify the flow passageways are for convenience only since the valve of this invention is, in all respects, bi-directional.

A vertical stem is rotatably supported by a bonnet that is attached to the valve body. The stem extends downwardly into the body cavity.Gate Valves Exterior of the valve bonnet there is provision for rotating the stem, either manually or by a valve actuator to move the valve between open and closed positions. A gate is positioned within the valve body between the first and second seats. The gate is vertically displaceable by action of the valve stem between an upper valve open position and a downward valve closed position. The gate is formed of first and second segments. Each segment has an internal and an external face. The external face of each of the first and second segments is planar, or at least substantially planar and is configured to engage a valve seat sealing surface.

Each of the gate segments has a lower portion having an opening therethrough, the openings in the segments being aligned with the body fluid flow passageways when the gate is in an upper, open position. Safety Valves The openings in the segments are out of alignment with the body fluid flow passageways when the gate is in a lower, closed position.

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