Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method and apparatus, associated with a self-piercing valve assembly for mounting the self-piercing valve on a pipe and for constraining movement of the valve on the pipe. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a self-piercing valve assembly comprises a clamping assembly and a crimping member associated with the clamping assembly, which crimping member "automatically" crimps a pipe and forms a recess therein when the self-piercing valve clamping assembly is tightened about the pipe, and simultaneously effects a crimping member/recess interface (much like a key-and-keyway interface) which inhibits relative angular rotation between the pipe and valve. The crimping member is, preferably, a rigid, projection or tab.

Abstract: An self-regulating quarter turn faucet valve is fabricated entirely of non-metal parts for use in purified and distilled water dispensing faucets. The valve has wall dimensions that are designed to withstand the torque and tensile forces generated when the valve is threaded into a faucet receptacle and has key operational components located in non-stressed areas of the valve to prevent destructive shear forces during operation. A stacked polished ceramic disc arrangement is used to shut the valve on and off through rotation of the discs relative to each other to align and misalign wing-shaped openings formed in the discs.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a first member defining a socket, a second number such as a tube defining a spigot inserted into an open end of the socket, and a locking device received within an annular gap defined between an inner wall of the socket and an outer wall of the spigot. The locking device comprises circumferentially spaced load-bearing members, each load-bearing member extending within the annular gap from a first end which is relatively close to the open end of the socket and a second end which is relatively remote from the open end of the socket. Each load-bearing member is resiliently biased such that the first end engages the socket and the second end engages the spigot, and each load-bearing member is dimensioned such that it acts substantially as a beam in compression to resist withdrawal of the spigot from the socket.

Abstract: An improved garbage disposal assembly with an apparatus and related method for selectively varying the sink-side appearance of the garbage disposal assembly. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a decorative flange mask for covering a sink flange of a garbage disposal. A sink flange includes an open cylindrical body portion for insertion through a drainage hole of a sink bottom and an annular lip portion extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical body portion for location above the sink bottom. The decorative flange mask, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes an open cylindrical mask body for insertion into the cylindrical body portion of the sink flange and an annular mask lip connected to and extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical mask body for covering the annular lip portion of the sink flange.

Abstract: An improved garbage disposal assembly with an apparatus and related method for selectively varying the sink-side appearance of the garbage disposal assembly. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a decorative flange mask for covering a sink flange of a garbage disposal. A sink flange includes an open cylindrical body portion for insertion through a drainage hole of a sink bottom and an annular lip portion extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical body portion for location above the sink bottom. The decorative flange mask, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes an open cylindrical mask body for insertion into the cylindrical body portion of the sink flange and an annular mask lip connected to and extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical mask body for covering the annular lip portion of the sink flange.