Abstract: A heat trap assembly for providing a thermal dam within piping associated with water heaters is disclosed. The heat trap includes an elongated housing, a fin and a flap member. The housing includes first and second ends, and an interior opening extending therethrough to define an internal passage. The fin has a multi-sided body and is fixedly inserted into the housing. The flap member has a flexible disk-shaped body with first and second faces, an outer peripheral edge and an aperture disposed inward of the outer peripheral edge. A portion of the fin is inserted through the aperture. The outer peripheral edge is essentially contiguous with an interior wall surface of the housing in the absence of water flow within the internal passage, and is bendable in a direction of flow when water is flowing toward the first face or the second face.

Abstract: A plug valve includes a molded polymeric valve body having a bore extending therethrough. Inlet and outlet branch passages are integrally molded with the valve body and communicate with the bore. A valve member is received in the bore and is adapted for rotation between open and closed positions for regulating fluid flow through the plug valve. The valve body includes a metal reinforcing member molded therein. Centering rings formed from substantially the same polymer as the valve body are received on opposite ends of the reinforcing member to completely encapsulate the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is received concentrically around the bore to maintain close dimensional tolerances between the valve member and valve body.

Abstract: A valve for regulating fluid flow between a pair of angularly disposed passages. A valve body closely receives a valve member therein and both components are preferably formed of a polymeric material for corrosion protection. The valve member includes first and second grooves spaced therealong, and has a handle disposed at one end thereof. The first groove is of a generally elliptical conformation having a pair of arcuate portions disposed axially and approximately 180.degree. circumferentially from each other. A pair of interconnecting portions extend between the arcuate portions. A stiffener is included in the valve member for limiting deformation and deflection thereof during high fluid pressure conditions.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling apparatus adapted to receive an associated pipe end in a body thereof and prevent its withdrawal therefrom. The coupling apparatus includes an elongated hollow stiffener received in a coupling body recess and providing internal support for the associated pipe end. A retaining ring retained between the body and stiffener has a radially inward extending toothed portion that grippingly engages the external surface of the associated pipe end. A seal means is disposed on an axially inner side of a collet retainer to seal along a peripheral portion of the pipe end. The collet retainer includes a toothed internal surface that selectively engages the pipe end during attempted withdrawal from the coupling body. A generally frustoconical member cams the collet retainer into gripping engagement with the pipe end. A gasket is radially and axially compressed at an outer end of the recess and disposed on an opposite side of the collet retainer from the seal means.

Abstract: An improved stab-type coupling of the type used for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe or tube to fittings or other pipes or tubes wherein the coupling body has a first end area including an internal recess adapted to receive the end portion of a smooth walled non-metallic pipe. An elongated hollow insert is disposed within the recess for receiving the pipe end portion axially thereover. At least a pipe gripping member is disposed within the recess in a radially spaced surrounding relationship with a portion of the insert to retainingly engage the pipe end portion as it is inserted axially therepast. The improvement comprises a closing structure associated with the body first end area for closing the recess and thereby protect the coupling interior. The closing structure accommodates selective removal of a portion thereof from the body to expose the recess prior to receipt of a pipe end portion thereinto.

Abstract: A no-hole insertion joint and method for the repair or relining of fluid conduits such as gas service lines and the like. The joint structure and method are particularly adapted for use in the repair or relining of gas service lines from a building in order to eliminate the requirement of exterior digging or excavation. A tubular conduit is provided which includes, at the free and thereof, a joint and sealing structure. The tubular conduit and the attached joint and sealing structure are inserted into the existing service line a distance so as to be in proximity with the tee at the main. Once in place, the joint and sealing structure is activated by means of heat producing a melting of a low melting point alloy which, in turn, causes a gasket to be brought into sealing contact with the internal wall of the service line.

Abstract: The angle cock valve has all plastic parts to prevent galvanic corrosion when used in hot water tanks and the like. The valve includes a valve body, a valve stem and a stem retainer. The valve body has an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a valve stem receiving bore disposed in fluid communication with each other. The inlet and valve stem receiving bores taken together form a linear bore for allowing a rod to pass into the water tank to dislodge accumulated sediment. An annular seat is disposed between the inlet and outlet bores. The valve stem has an enlarged handle portion at one end and a detent for mounting a seat seal at the other end. The valve stem and the stem receiving bore are threaded to enable the seat seal to be selectively moved longitudinally against the annular seat. A pair of annular ridges receive an annular seal. Facing the handle portion, the ridges have a generally transverse surface. The stem retainer is mounted on the exterior of the valve body.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe to fittings or other pipes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, annular spacer rings, seal rings, a collet ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface which is complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by a back-up ring molded within the coupling body. The coupling is made up as by inserting the end of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe into the coupling body such that the pipe is received about the generally elongated hollow insert and within the retaining collet. The toothed internal surface of the retaining collet is adapted to engage the non-metallic pipe.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe to fittings or other pipes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, annular spacer rings, seal rings, a collet ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface which is complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by a back-up ring molded within the coupling body. The coupling is made up as by inserting the end of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe into the coupling body such that the pipe is received about the generally elongated hollow insert and within the retaining collet. The toothed internal surface of the retaining collet is adapted to engage the non-metallic pipe.

Abstract: A shutoff valve particularly suited for use with fluid pipelines such as natural gas mains or the like constructed from plastic which allows the valve to be selectively opened and closed from a remote location. The valve has a valve body which includes a mounting surface for mounting the valve to the pipeline. A first passageway extends through the valve body into communication with the mounting surface and a second passageway communicates with the first passageway intermediate the ends thereof. Fluid passing outwardly of the valve through the second passageway may be conveyed to the area of useful application. A punch arrangement is included in the first passageway which is conveniently used after valve installation to punch a hole in the side wall of the pipeline to provide fluid communication between the pipeline and valve.

Abstract: A pipe fitting comprising interconnected threaded male and female members. A fitting element in the form of a non-metallic ring is defined by a tubular body, a radial flange and a sealing portion extending from the radial flange. The tubular body of the ring is adapted to be inserted into the male member such that the radial flange overlies the end wall of the male member. The outer periphery of the sealing portion of the ring has a diameter greater than the minor diameter of the threads of the female member. As a result, a part of the sealing portion is caused to be captured between opposed thread flanks of the male and female members upon make-up of the fitting thus providing for enhanced sealing at the threads of the fitting. In addition, the ring serves to isolate the end wall of the male member from contact with fluid thus making the fitting advantageous in the embodiment in which a non-metallic lining is provided in the male member.