Abstract: A pressure valve includes a housing having bottom portion defining a bottom opening configured to be in communication with a vessel and a sidewall defining an internal cavity. The housing includes a vent aperture configured to provide fluid communication between the internal cavity and ambient air surrounding the pressure valve and an accessory aperture configured to couple an accessory to the housing. A seal seat is positioned within the internal cavity fluidly between the vent aperture and the bottom opening. A pressure control assembly is coupled to the housing. The pressure control assembly breaks a sealing engagement with the seal seat to provide fluid communication between the vessel and the vent aperture in response to a desired positive pressure being reached within the vessel or in response to a negative pressure being reached in the vessel. The accessory aperture is positioned between the bottom opening and the seal seat.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for operably releasing condensate received from a condensate-producing unit toward a drain without allowing a substantial quantity of gas to flow through the system, machine, device, and/or manufacture, those embodiments including a float and/or a housing.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a fluid tank extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a cover at an external end, the cover including a flange that extends radially outward of the longitudinal axis, an insertable end opposite the external end along the longitudinal axis, and a rotatable arm that is flexible such that, when the rotatable arm is resiliently bent such that the rotatable arm has a radial extent, from the longitudinal axis, that is less than the flange, the sender assembly is in a compact state in which the insertable end and the flange would be able to move straight along the longitudinal axis, which is coaxial with a center axis of an opening of the fluid tank, from a position where the insertable end initially enters the opening to a position where the flange engages the fluid tank.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a valve including a body, a valve element arranged within the body to selectively inhibit flow through the body, and a seal assembly that includes a gasket, a cutter seat, and a retaining ring. The cutter seat includes a cutter that is arranged to cut the body gasket during installation. A two-plane seal is formed by cutting the body gasket between the retaining ring and the body.

Abstract: A turret-type cleaning apparatus including a cleaning chamber; a center post; a turret head turnably supported by the center post; tool support members arranged in the turret head; tool support shafts rotatably supported in the respective tool support members; cleaning tools to be attached to the respective tool support shafts; a spindle shaft rotatably supported in the center post; a spindle drive device to rotate one of the cleaning tools; a turret drive device to turn the turret head; and a joint device having a groove portion formed in the spindle shaft, and a key provided on each of the tool support shafts and to be inserted in the groove portion so as to be capable of sliding in the groove portion, the joint device allowing engagement between the spindle shaft and one of the tool support shafts, and allowing turning of the turret head.

Abstract: A shut-off device for a pipe in a pipeline for operation in response to ingress of water, has a valve for installation in a pipe of the pipeline. The valve has a valve member moving between an open position, when the valve is open, to permit passage of fluid through the pipe, and a closed position, when the valve is closed, to shut off a passage extending through the pipe. A buoyant member associated with the valve member moves the valve member to the closed position automatically in the presence of ingress water in the vicinity of the buoyant member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid, such as a drilling fluid or drilling mud, is disclosed. The apparatus may include: a valve member; and a float member mechanically coupled to the valve member and configured to operate on the valve member when fully submerged in a fluid. The coupled float member is configured to increase flow through the valve member as a density of the fluid decreases and to restrict flow through the valve member as the density of the fluid increases.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward.

Abstract: A shut-off device for a pipe in a pipeline for operation in response to ingress of water, has a valve for installation in a pipe of the pipeline. The valve has a valve member moving between an open position, when the valve is open, to permit passage of fluid through the pipe, and a closed position, when the valve is closed, to shut off a passage extending through the pipe. A buoyant member associated with the valve member moves the valve member to the closed position automatically in the presence of ingress water in the vicinity of the buoyant member.

Abstract: A system for collecting and accumulating excess water from one or more in-building sources and delivering it to one or more flushing toilet tanks and possibly also to one or more other in-building consumption devices, such as washing machines or utility faucets. The in-building sources may include any of condensate from an air conditioner, cool water in a hot water supply pipe emerging during initial flow, treated waste water and collected rain- or snow water. At the heart of the disclosed system is an accumulation tank of large capacity, having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. One of the inlets is connected to the main water supply system and includes a valve, configured to let fresh water flow into the main tank whenever the level of the water stored therein falls below a given height.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to laboratory systems that employ fluids, such as deionized water or other aqueous media. In particular, in certain embodiments, the invention provides automated systems for supplying fluids to laboratory equipment and uses thereof.

Abstract: In a float type drain trap, drain water separated from gas-liquid mixture is discharged from a discharge opening. The float type drain trap is provided with a float, an valve and a spring. The float and the valve are connected by the spring. The spring is compressed by a buoyancy of the float. A valve seat is opened and closed by a force of the compressed spring so as to intermittently discharge the drain water from the discharge opening.

Abstract: A liquid appliance (1) has a liquid reservoir (20), a liquid inlet (24) for supplying liquid to the liquid reservoir (20), a float system (3) provided with a float (2) and a valve system (5). A transport lock (8) switchable between a first position in which the transport lock (8) blocks the float system (3) relative to the liquid reservoir (20), and a second position in which a cooperation between the float (2) and the valve system (5) for opening and closure of the liquid inlet (24) is unimpeded by the transport lock (8). The transport lock (8) is switchable between said first and second positions by an installation prevention element (12). The element (12) can be switched to a prevention position, wherein installation of the appliance into an operational position is impeded by the element (12). In the prevention position the first position of the transport lock (8) is established.

Abstract: A vertical float valve for use in a fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve able to open and closed based upon the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve having a body portion. The body portion attached to a float portion via a four bar (4-bar) linkage.

Abstract: An auxiliary actuator for a toilet fill valve comprises a plunger oriented under an arm of the toilet fill valve to lift the arm to close the toilet fill valve when the plunger is in a raised position. A spring or hydraulic mechanism urges the plunger into the raised position. A solenoid mechanism is normally de-energized and engages a latching mechanism of the plunger when the plunger is in a lowered position. An electronic sensing circuit has at least one sensor and a power source. The electronic sensing circuit is electrically connected with the solenoid mechanism to energize the solenoid mechanism upon detection of a fault condition based on the input of the at least one sensor. Fault conditions may include a flush valve leak, a stuck-open flush valve, a plugged toilet, and a leaking fill valve.

Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. A pressure compensating drip emitter allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The emitter comprises a labyrinth structure having a plurality of serpentine pathways formed in its outer surface.

Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.

Abstract: The toilet water tank refilling system includes an inlet pipe adapted for installation within the toilet water tank and adapted for connection to a water supply, a valve connected to the pipe, a float operably connected to the valve to open the valve when the water level falls below a predetermined level and to close the valve when the water level in the tank reaches the predetermined level, and a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply into the tank when the valve is open. The system does not have a valve outlet discharging water from the water supply through the overflow tube directly into the toilet bowl. The only paths for discharging water from the water supply to the toilet bowl in the toilet water tank refilling system are through the tank's flush valve when the toilet is flushed and through the overflow tube when the water level in the tank exceeds the predetermined level.

Abstract: A toilet flush water supply device for supplying flush water to a flush water tank of a flush toilet is disclosed. The toilet flush water supply device comprises a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source, a water supply valve for switching between spouting and stopping of flush water supplied from the water supply pipe into the flush water tank, a float for switching between the spouting and stopping of the above water supply valve by a vertical movement thereof linked to fluctuations in the flush water level within the flush water tank, and a float guide disposed on the outer surface of the water supply pipe for guiding the vertical motion of the float.

Abstract: The invention concerns a regulating valve for the discharge of liquid from a container comprising a movable main valve body for opening and closing an outlet opening for the liquid to be discharged, and a movable pilot valve body for controlling the main valve body, characterized in that the main valve body and the pilot valve body are mechanically coupled together at least in one position relative to each other.

Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to support a valve housing assembly for operation of a toggle valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a float rod when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the valve housing. The other extreme of the float rod is attached to a rod holder to hold the float rod. The rod holder passes through an outlet apertured valve seat wherein a valve washer attached to the rod holder within the toggle valve cavity is urged against the outlet valve seat by water pressure from a water hose.

Abstract: A pilot fill valve includes a float that is separated into upper and lower cavities by an angled partition through which a drain outlet and an overflow outlet are disposed. When the level of the float drops, a portion of the water supplied to the fill valve is diverted to a tank to raise the float, while the remainder is diverted to the upper cavity increasing the weight of the float. As the float begins to rise, the water in the upper cavity drains through the drain outlet and overflow outlet, making the float lighter, and causing the float and pivot arm to rotate with increased velocity, allowing the pilot cap carried by the pivot arm to fully shut off the valve.

Abstract: An overfill protection device includes a piston (5) comprising a main seal or semi-sphere packing (3) on its tip and a V-shaped packing (4) on its side, a retracting spring (2) for pushing the piston back to its original position, a main valve (7) with an o-ring that drops into the inner hole of the retainer (10) to block off the gas flow, a level arm consisting of a rising faced section (28) and a U-shaped section (29), whereby no gas will be allowed to flow through the overfill protection device when the gas reaches the predetermined 80 percent level.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show an adjustable water level controller that includes a stanchion. The stanchion is mounted to a base. A sleeve is included that is movably adjustable on the stanchion. A water delivery device is attached to the sleeve. The base and stanchion are rotationally positioned in relationship to the sleeve to achieve the proper water level in a container in which the adjustable water level controller is positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing filtered rainwater during wet weather, storing the filtered rainwater in an elevated storage tank, conveying the filtered rainwater by gravity to a toilet tank and controlling its introduction into the toilet tank. The apparatus preferably comprises an inline filter for installation in a horizontal or sloping section of a rain gutter, a storage tank that is mountable at an elevation higher than the elevation of the toilet tank, water transfer tubing or piping for conveyance of filtered rainwater to the storage tank, water supply tubing or piping for conveyance of stored water to the toilet tank, and a control valve for introducing the stored water into the toilet tank when it is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the apparatus are provided to the consumer in the form of an easily installed kit.

Abstract: A sewer pipe gas exhaust filter apparatus includes a sewer vent valve unit connected to a sewer pipe and including a valve member moved into and out of engagement with a valve seat by a float member, a gas filter unit connected to the sewer vent valve unit and including a gas filter medium, and a gas flow valve arrangement to cause gases from the sewer to flow through the filter medium while bypassing air drawn into the sewer pipe past the gas filter unit. The filter medium of the gas filter unit removes chemical components from air and gas exhausted from the sewer pipe, thereby improving the odor of such exhausted gases.

Abstract: Fluidizing transport apparatus comprises a hopper, a pressure vessel and a valve element which controls a port between the hopper and the vessel. The valve element is retained closed against the port under pressure within the vessel. A fluidizing nozzle receives transport fluid, such as water from a fluid line. Water supplied through the fluid line thus fluidizes solids in the vessel and raises the pressure to maintain the valve element in the closed position. The fluidized solids material is then supplied to a transport pipeline from the vessel. Solids material loaded into the hopper depress the valve element when pressure within the vessel is relieved, so allowing a fresh charge of the solids material to enter the vessel for a subsequent cycle. The position of the valve element within the vessel is influenced by a float which responds to the water level within the hopper.

Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.

Abstract: An automatic pressure-relieving apparatus for a suction pump comprises a pipework provided at the cap. A first rod positioned in the pipework has an upper sealing ring arranged around the top periphery thereof, whereby the first rod can detachably seal the upper opening of the pipework. Moreover, the first rod is coupled with a second rod, which is pierced through the lower opening of the pipework and extending into the oil reservoir of the cylinder. The second rod further has a sealing component arranged at the periphery thereof for moving. upward and detachably sealing the lower opening of the pipework. Also, a control device is fastened to the bottom of the second rod so that when the raising oil surface lifts a float of the control device, the float can in turn drive the first and second rods to move upward. Thereby, the upper and lower openings of the pipework are opened and closed respectively, and the pressure in the pump can be automatically released through the opened upper opening.

Abstract: A flow control device for the drain lines of a septic system interrupts the flow in the event the proximate water table rises to a level of over-saturation resulting in the effluent flow being directed to the remaining drain lines. Each drain line is provided with a control box having a float controlled inlet valve having an open position allowing flow to the drain line. When the drain line cannot handle the required flow rate or when the proximate water table rises, the float shifts the valve toward a closed position, thereby redirecting the flow to the remaining lines.

Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to support a valve housing assembly for operation of a toggle valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a float rod when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the valve housing. The other extreme of the float rod is attached to a rod holder to hold the float rod. The rod holder passes through an outlet apertured valve seat wherein a valve washer attached to the rod holder within the toggle valve cavity is urged against the outlet valve seat by water pressure from a water hose. When the water level in a pool or spa, and thus the float, is lowered, the one extreme of the float rod will also be lowered lowering the other extreme of the float rod and the attached rod holder to cause the attached valve washer to tilt away from the valve seat and permit water from the hose to enter the pool.

Abstract: The device to adjust and control water levels is an apparatus that functions to secure a float valve at the bottom of an outdoor fountain without permanent installation involving screws, nuts, bolts and the like. The device includes a solid body, a bracket and a decorative float. The bracket is easily assembled to the solid body and retains the body of the float valve submerged in the fountain.

Abstract: An automatic degassing valve has a chamber with a float positioned therein to provide for automatically venting gas from a fluid system. The degassing valve includes an actuator lever having on one end a closure for sealing a vent and being attached at the other end to the float. Upward and downward movement of the float causes the actuator lever to close and open the vent. The degassing valve is made of corrosion resistant material and is readily disassembled and assembled for modification and repair.

Abstract: A valve assembly for selectively and variably communicating fluid between an auxiliary sump volume and a main sump volume, each defined by a transmission, is provided. The valve assembly includes a float member operatively connected to a valve member and disposed within the main sump volume of the transmission. The valve member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The float member is configured to be buoyed by the fluid within the main sump volume to move the valve member from the open position toward the closed position thereby variably restricting the flow of the fluid between the auxiliary sump volume and the main sump volume as the amount of the fluid within the main sump volume increases. A transmission incorporating the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level controller including a pilot valve switchable between snap and throttle modes. A displacer translates changing liquid level in a tank into movement that is transferred to the pilot valve which will provide output gas to a control valve to allow or to prevent the discharge of fluid from the tank. The pilot valve has a throttle supply inlet and a snap supply inlet and a single output passage. When the pilot valve is in the throttle mode, the snap supply inlet is a vent passage and when the pilot valve is in the snap mode, the throttle supply gas inlet is a vent passage.

Abstract: Auxiliary fuel tank systems for aircraft and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, an aircraft can include a fuselage, at least one engine, and a fuel system configured to distribute fuel to at least one of the engine and an aerial refueling manifold. The aircraft can further include an auxiliary fuel tank system operably coupled to the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tank system can include a master tank assembly and at least one slave tank assembly. The master tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage, and can include a master tank body configured to hold fuel. The master tank body can be configured to pass through a door in the fuselage without disassembly. The slave tank assembly can be removably installed in the fuselage at least proximate to the master tank assembly, and can include a slave tank body configured to hold fuel.

Abstract: A shut off valve (10) is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system (70) during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage (20) in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage (30) and a magnetic flapper body (40) movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator (60) whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved form the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

Abstract: A fill valve for a toilet tank includes a multi-piece shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a first hollow member coupled with a second hollow member using a snap joint. The first hollow member has a tortuous outer surface, which together with the second hollow member forms a plurality of flow paths. The flow paths are configured to reduce water noise. The first and second hollow members are provided separately, resulting in simplified molding process and improved assembly automation.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, sequential, and cyclic, if desired, liquid feed to a processor from a plurality of containers, which comprises feeding the liquid from a first of the containers through a first conduit to a reservoir having a float valve, to keep the level of the liquid in the reservoir high enough to maintain the float valve in an upper floating position that closes the float valve. The first conduit is uncontrolled by the float valve. The float valve controls a second conduit which connects with a second container. As liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir for processing, liquid from the first conduit and container replenishes the reservoir until it is exhausted. Then, the liquid level drops, and the float valve opens the second conduit for replenishing the reservoir with liquid from the second container. A crossover valve may be used so that the float valve controls flow from either container connected to the second conduit.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid through or from a fluid line. The assembly comprises: a body attachable to or within a fluid line and having a chamber therein with inlets and an outlet for fluid from the fluid line; a valve seat that provides the outlet; a baffle arrangement including a baffle housing; a valve member having a sealing member movable between a shielded position, whereby the sealing member is substantially shielded by the baffle housing from a fluid stream moving from the inlets to outlet, and an unshielded position, whereby the sealing member can be forced by the fluid stream against the valve seat to seal the outlet; and a solenoid-spring drive for moving the sealing member between the shielded and unshielded positions.

Abstract: Provided is a steam trap, in which an inlet and an outlet in a body are formed collinearily and a float for opening/closing the outlet is included. The steam trap having a float within a case includes the case, a cover, a strainer, the float, an arm, a gate, a lever, and a valve plug. The case includes therein an inlet through which condensate and water flow in and an outlet through which the condensate flow out. The cover is bolt-coupled to the case. The strainer is formed in the inlet and filters foreign substances. The float is formed within the case. The arm is formed at the bottom of the float. The gate is screw-engaged with one side of the case and has an orifice formed therein. The lever connects the gate and the arm. The valve plug is formed in the lever and opens and closes the outlet.

Abstract: A drop tube segment includes a conduit with a first end portion and a second end portion. The drop tube segment further comprises a valve assembly with a valve member associated with the first end portion, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment further includes a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment. The fastening section comprises a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment.

Abstract: There is provided a float type steam trap having a casing having a float chamber formed with an inflow port and an outflow port. A holder has a flow path communicating with the outflow port. A valve seat on the holder communicates with the outflow port. A float has a float body and a lever with a valve element. One end of the lever is fixed to the float body, and the other end is supported by the holder. The valve element slides with the up-and-down movement of the float body to open and close the valve seat 5.

Abstract: A fuel storage tank includes an overfill protection device for shutting off the flow of fuel into the tank via a fuel fill tube when the contents of the tank reach an intended maximum fill level. The overfill protection device includes a butterfly valve located within the fuel fill tube and a float, slidably mounted outside the fuel fill tube and operatively linked to the butterfly valve. The float rotates the butterfly valve towards the closed position in response to an increasing fuel level in the tank.

Abstract: An intelligent seal support management system includes a device for automatically compensating for increased heat or decreased heat in a vessel.

Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.