Abstract: A device for preparing pipe segments for joining with mechanical pipe fittings in a piping network is disclosed. The device has a fixed support with support surfaces engageable with the pipe segment, and a movable support, facing the fixed support, on which tools, such as grooving rolls, chamfering rolls, marking rolls and cutting blades are rotatably mounted. The tools engage the outer surface of the pipe to form a circumferential groove, a marking pattern, a chamfer or a cut through the pipe when the movable support is moved toward the fixed support. A collar or cup having a circumferential side wall sized to receive the pipe is mounted on the fixed support adjacent to the support surfaces and radially reinforces the pipe to prevent it from collapsing or going out of round during groove formation.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator having AND gate logic characteristics is disclosed. The actuator has three chambers each divided into two chamber portions by respective flexible diaphragms. One of the diaphragms acts as a valve closing member and controls the flow of a pressurized fluid through the actuator to actuate an associated device when fluid flow is permitted. The other two diaphragms are in mechanical contact with one another and in hydraulic communication with the one diaphragm and thereby control its motion, keeping it normally closed and preventing fluid flow but allowing it to move into an open position permitting fluid flow and actuation of the associated device only when each of the two diaphragms are subject to separate, concurrent drops in pressure which allows both of them to deflect away from the one diaphragm.

Abstract: The present assembly relates to a series of successively sized segmented pipe couplings in which an anti-mismatch is provided to prevent the inadvertent connection of two different, but closely, sized arcuate coupling segments together. The anti-mismatch is provided by members on the ends of the arcuate coupling segments which (a) will nest when the proper coupling segments are brought together, but (b) will be in an interference non-nested relationship when a mismatch is attempted. This will prevent the fully bolt tightened connection of the size mismatched coupling segments, as well as a visual indication to the workman that a size mismatch is being attempted.

Abstract: A segmented pipe coupling includes traction bolts that permit movement of shanks of the traction bolts into an attitude in which the head and nut of the traction bolts engage their respective bolting faces in continuous engagement, thus to eliminate a drop in tensile stress in a shank of the traction bolt due to shifting of the head of the bolt or the nut subsequent to initial torquing down of the nut.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low-pressure actuator, for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized gas, liquid fire control and suppression sprinkler system, with a pneumatic/electric double interlock mechanism, which requires that two separate events, such as discharging air pressure from the sprinkler system, and an electrical detection, must occur in order for the sprinkler check valve to be activated, thereby allowing water into the sprinkler system, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a low-pressure actuator is utilized in series with a liquid flow valve equipped with a solenoid and an electrical detector/sensor for detecting an event such as the occurrence of smoke, heat, or a high rate of temperature rise. In alternative embodiments, the low-pressure actuator itself is equipped with the solenoid and detector/sensor.

Abstract: An open end of a standard pipe fitting is enlarged in diameter to coaxially receive an O-ring and a retainer having a cylindrical surface. A plurality of locking teeth project from the cylindrical surface and are engageable with both the inner surface of the fitting and an outer surface of a pipe end inserted coaxially into the fitting open end. Each of the locking teeth have oppositely disposed edges facing obliquely inwardly and outwardly to engage both the pipe end and the fitting and resisting motion of the pipe end relatively to the fitting. In an alternate embodiment, a first plurality of teeth each have an edge facing obliquely inwardly of the fitting to engage the pipe end and resist motion tending to withdraw the pipe end from the fitting. A second plurality of teeth each have an edge facing obliquely outwardly of the fitting and resist motion tending to withdraw the retainer from the fitting.

Abstract: A combined alarm test and drain device for a fire protection sprinkler system is disclosed. The apparatus is based on a globe valve and has certain specific modifications for the purposes of draining the system and allowing for flow through a specifically sized orifice under conditions simulating the flow through a sprinkler head having the same orifice size. Fluid flow through the apparatus occurs alternatively under a first set of conditions in a system alarm test mode of operation of the apparatus, and under a second set of conditions in a system fluid drainage mode of operation of the apparatus. A combination of mechanical and hydraulic forces are utilized to control opening and closing of the valve in both the alarm test and system fluid drainage modes of operation. The mechanical force is provided by a spring and the hydraulic force is provided by a fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: A tool and a method for indicating that a circumferential groove of a desired outer diameter has been formed in a pipe are disclosed. The tool has an arm pivotally mountable adjacent to the pipe for rotation about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the pipe's longitudinal axis. The pipe and the arm are relatively rotatable to one another about the longitudinal axis, the arm being biased toward the pipe. A feeler surface, engageable with the outer surface of the pipe within the groove, is mounted on the arm. The geometry of the arm and the position of the feeler surface is such that the arm moves to a predetermined angular position when the diameter of the groove reaches a desired value. The feeler surface is variably positionable along the arm to accommodate pipes or grooves of various diameters.

Abstract: A knife gate valve having modular ends for attachment to pipe ends is disclosed. A knife gate is movable transversely to a fluid flow path and constrained by guide plates positioned along opposite edges of the gate. Pairs of spacer rings each supporting a respective valve seat are positioned on opposite sides of the guide plates, the seats sealingly interfacing with the knife gate and the guide plates. Modular ends formed from tubes with flanged ends extend outwardly from the valve in opposite directions for connection to the pipe ends. The flanged ends of the tubes interface with the seats. End plates are attached on opposite sides of the guide plates. The end plates have openings which receive the tubes and surfaces around the openings which engage the flanged ends of the tubes and capture the modular ends, seats and spacer rings against the knife gate and the guide plates.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling is provided for connecting a branch pipe to a main pipe at a hole through the main pipe. The coupling includes an elastomeric sealing gasket which has a plurality of generally parallel extending, but radially spaced, circumferential seals to effect a secure sealing engagement between the main pipe and the branch pipe in a minimal size coupling. Further, there is increased retention of the gasket within the coupling during on-site assembly which facilitates such assembly.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.