Abstract: The operating stem of a rotary valve is rotationally displaced via a detachable valve cap mounted on the stem and to which rotational operating torque is applied. Depending internally from the cap into a rotational interfit with slots provided on a stem lug are a pair of frangible shear pins adapted to shear off and prevent valve damage in response to excessive rotational torque exerted against the cap.

Abstract: A tubular body includes an enlarged counterbore extending inward from at least one end to receive the pipe end of plastic pipe to be coupled. For coupling the received pipe, a tubular stiffener is seated against an inward radial shoulder of the counterbore and extends in a slip fit inward of the pipe end. A spacer retainer ring of generally U-shaped section surrounds the pipe end at the shoulder location while juxtaposed outward thereof are a complementary chamferred gripper ring and locking ring arranged in a ramping relation to each other. Inward threading of an end nut applies sealing pressure against a contained gasket while forcing the locking ring axially inward until stopped by engagement against the back face of the spacer ring. Concomitantly, the gripper ring is collapsed inward by the ramping force of the locking ring as to effect a controlled grip relation with the pipe periphery thereat.