Abstract: A check valve assembly is disclosed which is inserted in a fluid flow conduit leading from a source of fluid flow to a mechanism utilizing the fluid flow. The check valve assembly comprises a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port that communicate with a central chamber in the housing, and a valve disposed in the central chamber adapted to permit fluid flow from the inlet port through the chamber to the outlet port and prevent fluid flow from the outlet port through the chamber to the inlet port. The housing comprises a first attachment piece associated with the inlet port and adapted to be attached to the fluid flow conduit leading from the source of fluid flow, and a second attachment piece associated with the outlet port and adapted to be attached to one of several adapter elements. Various types of adapter elements are disclosed which include sections for connecting the adapter element to the second attachment piece and to the fluid flow conduit leading to the mechanism utilizing the fluid flow.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a fluid transfer line to a resterilizable port. The connector assembly includes a two-position connector coupled at one end to one side of an on-off valve. At the other end, the connector has a means, e.g. threaded nut, for coupling the connector to the resterilizable port which is shown as a resterilizable spool valve. The output of the spool valve is a nipple that can be coupled to a fluid passage in the connector when the connector is placed in a first position. When so coupled, a fluid transfer passage will extend from the on-off valve through the connector and through a passage in the spool valve. The connector may be placed in a second position wherein the nipple is decoupled from the fluid passage in the connector. In this position, the assembly, i.e. spool valve and connector, can be sterilized by passing a sterilization medium, e.g. pressurized steam, through the assembly.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed herein having an open-ended passageway with a movable gate inbetween its opposite ends for selectively opening and closing the passageway. The opposite valve ends defining the passageway include a threaded fitting or cap carried on a valve body defining a tapered gland occupied by a frustro-conical resilient seal cooperating with the gland to seal between a conduit and the valve body. The valve body is adapted for installation in a situation joining opposing ends of separated conduit or pipes.

Abstract: A heat resistant fluid sealing member comprising an annular slide contact member of impermeable carbonaceous material whose raw material is mesocarbon microbeads.

Abstract: An annular shoulder on a valve body is clamped between opposite end portions of adjacent pipes locked together by a single clamp. Sealing is provided by O-rings positioned on the valve body on opposite sides of the annular shoulder between the valve body and the pipe sections.

Abstract: In a plug-and-socket coupling, particularly between a spout of a portable liquid gas container and a regulator mounted thereon, in which the first coupling part has a discharge outlet adapted to receive a stud or protrusion of the second coupling part, leakage to the surroundings from a pressure fluid passage through the coupling is impeded by an annular gasket movably disposed within an annular chamber between the stud and a surrounding skirt. Between the gasket and the stud there is a passge for pressure fluid to the annular chamber behind the gasket for loading the gasket to closely but against the internal surface of the skirt and a surface on the first coupling part.

Abstract: An improved faucet connector has a flexible braided metal hose assembly with a water supply fitting assembly at one end and a universal faucet fitting assembly at the other end to readily connect a faucet to a water supply pipe, tubing, or shutoff valve in an efficient, safe, and structurally sound manner.

Abstract: A flow regulator for high-pressure fluids at elevated temperatures includes a body having a flow passage extending between inlet and outlet openings. First and second orifice members are arranged in the flow passage so at least one of the orifice members can be moved transversely in relation to the flow passage between one operating position where the two orifice openings are aligned for establishing a maximum flow rate of fluids flowing through the flow passage and at least one other operating position in which the two openings are moderately misaligned with one another for establishing a predetermined reduced flow rate of fluids flowing through the flow passage.

Abstract: A segmented pipe coupling provides a housing for a butterfly valve, and preferably is provided with oppositely angled end faces of saw tooth configuration at the respective ends of the coupling segments, thus allowing the inclined end faces to emerge at the axial end faces of the coupling at or closely adjacent to the X-Z plane of an axially long coupling. A slow motion rotary drive for the butterfly valve also is provided.

Abstract: A segmented pipe coupling provides a housing for a butterfly valve, and preferably is provided with oppositely angled end faces of saw tooth configuration at the respective ends of the coupling segments, thus allowing the inclined end faces to emerge at the axial end faces of the coupling at or closely adjacent to the X,Z plane of an axially long coupling. A slow motion rotary drive for the butterfly valve also is provided.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a carbon dioxide cylinder to a carbonation apparatus includes a female part having a cylindrical recess for receiving a male part carried by the carbonation apparatus. An axially movable actuator extending through the male part projects through a central passage at the bottom of the cylindrical recess to engage a valve member for opening the valve. The actuator is in three parts and the center part itself forms a valve which is closed when the actuator is depressed for supplying carbon dioxide from the cylinder to a carbonation chamber but which, when the actuator is released, may open response to pressure in the carbonation chamber for supplying carbon dioxide therefrom to another part of the apparatus, such as a concentrate supply device.

Abstract: A sealer (10) for vacuum containers comprises a valve unit (12) and a removable vacuum-pump head (14). The valve unit consists of a valve housing (24) which can be connected to a vacuum container to be evacuated, for example through a flange (16), and a cylindrical valve element (42) inserted into the valve housing. The valve element has a top transverse opening (46) for interaction with a driving tool, a middle transverse hole (48) for connection to a source of vacuum through the above-mentioned vacuum pump head when the latter is fitted onto the valve element, a bottom transverse hole (52), and an axial bore (50) which connects the middle transverse hole to the bottom transverse hole. The valve element also has a threaded portion (44) which engages an inner thread (36) formed in the valve housing, so that the valve element can be screwed into the valve housing, and can interact with saddle (40) in the valve housing.

Abstract: A connection for connecting an end hub (22) of a valve (10) to the flange (32) of an associated conduit (26). A bolting ring (36) has a threaded end portion (64) adjacent the valve (10), and a cylindrical smooth end portion (68) remote from the valve (10) extending radially inwardly from the threaded end portion (64). A shoulder (70) between the smooth portion (68) of the ring (36) and the threaded portion (64) acts as a stop to accurately position the bolting ring (36) onto the hub (22). Upon connection of the assembled valve structure to adjacent conducts (26), tensioning of the threaded studs (42) results in torque loads exerted by the smooth surface (68) on the locking ring (36) against the smooth surface (60) on the hub (22) for transmitting loads to the hub (22) as shown particularly in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A vacuum probe (20,120) with an upwardly and inwardly sloping frustoconical outer sidewall (26,126) incorporates a connector (50,150) which forms the male half of a vacuum line quick connect/disconnect fitting. An axial passageway (48,148) extends through the probe (20,120) and has an automatic shutoff valve positioned therein. Attachment of a vacuum line to the connector (50,150) opens the passageway (48,148). Sealing tape (66,166) is positioned around the outer sidewall (26,126), and the probe (20,120) is positioned between a vacuum pressure bag (8) and a workpiece (4,6). A vacuum is applied between the bag (8) and the workpiece (4,6) to seal the bag (8) around the tape (66,166) and to evacuate air between the bag (8) and the workpiece (4,6). The probe body (120) may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the probe body (22) may be formed separately from a vacuum line fitting (34,36) which defines the axial passageway (48) and is received into an axial opening (28) in the body (22).

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for fluid conduits having an outer cylindrical member and an inner conduit fitted within the outer cylindrical member including a continuous circular gripper ring seated in the outer cylindrical member and having radially inward gripper teeth bent axially forward toward the outer cylindrical member in a generally conical plane, each tooth has a twist in a common direction whereby the inner conduit can be slid into the gripper ring but removed from the gripper ring only by unscrewing from the gripper ring.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel rotary joint which seeks to equalize exterior-interior pressure. This rotary joint is useful in permitting free rotary motion between two components connected by the joint in conditions where unequal pressures exist at the interior and exterior of the joint.

Abstract: Two components, such as a support tube and handset of a herbicide delivery lance, are interconnected in a manner which provides an electrical connection between leads in the tube and the handset respectively. Fluid communication is also provided between a flexible tube in the tube and a passage of the handset. The leads on the tube are connected to two terminal plates situated on the outer surface of the tube. These terminal plates move into positions opposite bosses on a sleeve provided on the handset when the tube is pushed into the sleeve. Screws, engaging bushes accommodated in the bosses, are then screwed into contact with the terminal plates to secure the tube in position. The screws also complete the electrical circuit between the leads. One of the components includes a valve which includes an operating member. Displacement of the operating member against the action of a spring not only opens the valve, but also actuates an electrical switch.

Abstract: A valve socket for a gas bottle valve of compressed gas containers made of high-alloy chrome-nickel steels consists of a cylindrical neck piece welded-in in the upper cap of the container. An insert is provided with a threaded opening for the vlave. The insert is connected gas-tight and detachable with the neck piece whereby the inside diameter of the neck piece is larger than the diameter of the threaded opening of the insert.

Abstract: A control valve in which the bonnet is removably fixedly attached to the valve body by a retained bolt and slot arrangement in such a way as to fix the marginal edge of the diaphragm main valve therebetween. The diaphragm defines with the bonnet a control chamber having an inlet control passage leading thereto from the valve body inlet and an outlet control passage leading therefrom to the valve body outlet. A control valve seat in the outlet valve seat is controlled by a solenoid plunger valve element in such a way as to afford either manual or electrical solenoid operation by virtue of a manually movable member mounting the solenoid assembly on the bonnet. An adjusting knob member is mounted by a snap fit on the bonnet in laterally offset relation with respect to both the main valve and the solenoid assembly.

Abstract: A new packing arrangement is provided for improved sealing and limiting potential for extrusion of one packing member relative to another. The stem packing arrangement is disclosed with particular reference to a ball valve assembly having a body housing a selectively rotatable valve member. An actuating stem extends from the body through a stem passage and the packing assembly is received in the passage around a portion of the stem. First, second, third, and fourth members progressively increase in hardness to limit extrusion of one member relative to another. A predetermined compression is also applied to the packing assembly and is independent of the actuating stem so that bearing member life is increased. The second member includes a tapered external surface that cooperates with the stem passage to provide a wedging action along the inner and outer diameter portions thereof.

Abstract: A tubular body supports a fluid actuated tubular piston connected to operate a coupling mechanism for releasably securing the body to a valve or inlet fitting on a refrigerant or coolant receiving system. The body encloses components which define a center passage connected to the fitting for first evacuating air from the system and then for directing liquid refrigerant or coolant into the system. In one embodiment, the passage receives an elongated valve opening member which is fluid actuated to a position opening the valve fitting, and a movable valve member closes the passage to the flow of refrigerant. The fluid actuated coupling mechanism provides for convenient and simple insertion of the tool assembly onto the fitting with no insertion force and also for automatic release of the tool assembly from the fitting after charging is completed. A fluid actuated valve member minimizes the loss of coolant or the volume of residue refrigerant which vaporizes when the tool assembly is removed from the fitting.

Abstract: An end member of a valve body is provided with first, second, and third passages to define an integral tee fitting. Two of the passages are generally aligned for receipt in the flow path of a main processing line. The third passage extends generally perpendicular to the first and second passages and communicates with the valve chamber. The first and second passages also include threaded regions to facilitate interconnection with the main processing line.

Abstract: A flat plate is die cut into a desired shape that is then bent into the shape of a closed loop yoke for mounting a pressure regulator on the end of a compressed gas cylinder. The yoke is clamped in that shape by a threaded bushing extending through holes in overlapping end segments. Index pins formed in the die cut plate are bent from the plane of the plate to extend into the interior of the yoke.

Abstract: A post mix dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, in the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers each are of rigid box member construction having supported therein a liquid-type bag member with an outlet member. The containers are coupled to a beverage discharge assembly by a concentrate pump and a concentrate control valve that provides for quick-disconnect operation.

Abstract: A dual disk valve system which may be quickly, easily and inexpensively repaired. The system comprises (i) a central conduit, (ii) a pair of end conduits securely yet detachably coupled to each end of the central conduit to form a single continuous conduit, (iii) a bearing ring, constructed of a pliable material, occupying an inner annular cavity at the junction of each of the end conduits with the central conduit, and (iv) a rotatable disk valve at the junction of the end conduits and the central conduit which may be rotatably or sealingly engaged against the bearing ring to prevent flow therethrough.Normal wear of the system is limited to the bearing rings which may be quickly, easily and inexpensively replaced by separating the central and end conduits.

Abstract: An improved manually operated slide valve, particularly adept for use with a dental aspirator assembly, which valve is characterized by being formed from a number of components removably associated with one another to permit the valve to be disassembled for cleaning purposes. The improved value is also characterized by including means for preventing the slide member to move from an open to a closed position due to variations in pressure within the interior of the valve.

Abstract: Structure supporting apparatus which for a particular nominal size can be interchangeably sealingly clamped and centered between bolted flanges of varying pressure rating and design standard. The apparatus includes at least one support member having opposite parallel sides for sealingly engaging the seating surfaces of the flanges, a centrally positioned opening extending through the member and through the sides thereof for positioning structure supported thereby in alignment with the flow passageways in the flanges, the periphery of the support member being substantially square shape and including a pair of spaced apart recesses disposed in each of the four sides forming the substantially square shaped periphery thereof.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a housing which has a spherical plug arranged in a chamber. The housing has an internal thread into which a support element for a sealing member is screwed. On the outer end face of the support element is supported a flange bushing by means of a retaining nut. The pitches of the internal thread and of an external thread for the retaining nut are directed in opposite directions, so that the support element cannot be loosened when the retaining nut is unscrewed.

Abstract: A butterfly valve has a housing formed from two stamped sheet parts. The shaft of the valve flap is located in shaped-out parts of the housing halves. The two flanges of the housing halves are held together by a clamp, which has an inwardly open, U or V-shaped cross-section and can be secured in articulated manner by two semicircular parts and presses by chamfered inner faces on tori on the flanges. Thus, the valve can be assembled and disassembled by loosening a single screw.

Abstract: A motor-driven regenerative type fuel pump is provided with an overflow mechanism disposed adjacent to a discharge pipe. The overflow mechanism includes a plug hole in a pump housing and a plug member disposed in the plug hole. The pump housing is formed with an axially inclined recess circumferentially extending around the plug member and communciated with an axial groove formed in the plug member. The rate of overflow of fuel and thus the upper limit of the pump discharge can be adjusted by rotating the plug member relative to the plug hole to compensate for any insufficiency of pressure regulating ability of a pressure regulator in an engine fuel injection system. The overflow mechanism further includes an adjustment-locking member attached to the pump housing and the plug member after the overflow-adjustment by the manufacture has been completed.

Abstract: An improved beverage-making device, particularly useful for brewing coffee, provides a safety thermostat arrangement for quickly detecting excessive temperatures of a hot water container generally near a heating element arranged therein. A running thermostat provides a self-supporting sensing tube means in cooperation with a capillary tube and thermostat which detect the mean temperature of the hot water and are responsive to a narrow range of temperature variations within the hot water container. The improvement further includes a tap-off hot water system which provides hot water separately and independently of the brewing water heated in said container. The system is connected upstream of the cold water inlet valve of the device and directs cold water into a water coil means residing within the hot water container. Outlet pipe means convey heated water from the coil to an outlet faucet projecting exteriorly of the device.

Abstract: An injection valve for a mixture-compressing internal combustion engines which is retained in the mounting bore in the suction pipe by way of a sealing ring. In order not to damage the sealing ring during the insertion of the injection valve into the mounting bore of the suction pipe, an axially displaceable sleeve is proposed according to the invention which slides on a cylindrical section of the injection valve. The sleeve includes a conical forward section that surrounds the sealing ring. During the installation of the injection valve, the sleeve is supported at the walls of the suction pipe and guides the sealing ring into the mounting bore without contact with the edges of the mounting bore.

Abstract: A sleeve-like component 1 is adapted to welded to a plastic bag containing a liquid to be dispensed such as wine or beer. The sleeve has an outer tubular part and an inner tubular part defining an annular space adapted to receive one end of a tube mounted on a tap assembly. The tube on the tap assembly has a peripheral rib which engages a recess formed on the outer tube part of the sleeve thus ensuring that a very good seal is provided and also helping to ensure that the tap will not be separated from the sleeve even if subjected to high pressure from the liquid within the bag which may be a carbonated beverage or a fermenting liquid.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body having a first driving fluid connection. On the valve body a rocking part is pivotally mounted which has a second driving fluid connection. In the valve body a valve cartridge is placed functioning as a 3/2 way valve controlling the flow path between the first and second fluid connections. The solenoid valve may be fitted with a venting muffler and chokes upstream and/or downstream therefrom.

Abstract: A connector for use in establishing a flow path for a control fluid between a pressurized source and a hydraulically controllable device located at a subsea well head. The connector includes a control valve assembly which is reciprocal to establish a seal about a control port on the controllable device prior to coupling the source to the port and to isolate the source from the port prior to breaking the seal pursuant to the separation of the connection from the controllable device.

Abstract: An assembly means for the standardized mechanical joint when used on pipeline appurtenances such as gate valves, fittings, etc., wherein the design or dimensions of said appurtenances prevent the insertion of the standardized T-bolt in one or more bolt holes. An improved fastener is inserted and tightened from the gland side facilitating the rapid assembly of said joint. Said improved fastener eliminates the need for slots on gate valves, fittings and the like, and prevents failure of the cast-iron valve body during compression of the gasket.

Abstract: A pinch valve in which a sleeve is contained in a housing, the motive fluid is sealed between the sleeve and the housing interior, and the sleeve is fixed in position in the housing. Also, the process fluid can be sealed between the sleeve and the line piping.

Abstract: A male valve member for disposable use with a female member in a fluid T coupling in which a first bore extends from an inlet to outlet and a second bore communicates the first bore with a fluid flow opening in the female member. A sleeve preferably extends in the first bore to cover the opening of the second bore into the first bore to form a one-way valve. The valve member preferably includes parts at least which are resilient and positively lock the male and female members together upon insertion.

Abstract: A plumbing connection is disclosed to connect a supply conduit to a faucet. A supply conduit has a main cylindrical body portion with an expanded, end portion. The supply conduit is received in a valve mounting body having a commensurate throughbore and counterbore which are adapted to respectively engage in slidable contact the cylindrical main body portion of the supply conduit and the expanded end portion of the supply conduit. A resilient seal member with projections having throughbores is received in wedged contact within the expanded end portion of the supply conduit. A valve is removably secured to the valve mounting body and in contact with and in communication with the throughbores of the supply conduit and the seal member.

Abstract: A coupling for a fire hydrant-fire hose connection includes a first coupling member attached to the fire hydrant and a second coupling member attached to the fire hose wherein both the first and second coupling use a Storz connector. A butterfly valve is mounted within the first coupling to prevent access to the interior of the hydrant and a readily removable cover is placed over the first coupling member to shield the member when the hydrant is not in use.

Abstract: Hose connector adapter apparatus for an evaporative cooler float valve includes an integral ferrule for sealing the float valve to the adapter and an internal hexagonally configured passageway through which the water flows and which passageway receives a hex wrench or the like for securing the adapter to the float valve when there is insufficient external clearance for manually securing the adapter to the float valve. The adapter apparatus is able to be secured to evaporative cooler float in virtually any location on a cooler housing, regardless of the cooler housing configuration either by manually securing the adapter or by using a wrench internally.

Abstract: A valve manifold is provided of the type commonly referred to as an instrument manifold and used in systems designed to detect pressure differential. The manifold includes first and second passageways interconnecting a pair of input ports and a pair of output ports. Removable flanges are provided on the input and/or the output ends of the manifold. Each flange may be structurally secured to the valve manifold body by special nipples, and is provided with apertures for receiving bolts to mount the flanges to related process-side or instrument-side equipment. A threaded end of the nipple is adapted for sealing engagement with the manifold body, while the other end of the nipple is adapted for sealing engagement with elliptical-shaped flanges or a differential pressure transmitter. The versatility of the valve manifold is substantially increased, since the removable flanges allow the same manifold body to be used for either direct or remote mounting.

Abstract: An improved tubing head adapter contains a ball valve with special actuation provisions. The tubing head adapter is placed immediately atop a tubing spool in a standard oilwell makeup. The ball valve within the tubing head adapter provides a full positive closure of the pressure opening and yet on a full open position, allows complete workthrough of the tubing. Standard back pressure valves may be installed in a hanger nipple, housed within the tubing head adapter; the christmas tree is installed above adapter. An optional stem lock or similar theft resistant, actuation resistant locking means on the ball valve stem permits the ball valve to be secured open to the full open position on a production christmas tree. This reduces the chances of theft of the christmas tree by preventing pressure shutoff, which is necessary before any components can be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fire hose to a fire hydrant and for facilitating remote operation of the hydrant actuator stem. A water supply module containing a length of conduit is coupled between a hydrant port and a fire hose. An articulated boom supports an upper motor assembly coupled to the actuator stem of the hydrant. A remote transmitter can be used to broadcast control signals to the water supply module to operate the motor assembly. The motor assembly rotates the actuator stem of the hydrant between fully closed and fully open positions. The apparatus frees a fire fighter normally stationed at the hydrant, permitting the fire fighter to engage in the initial fire fighting activities at the scene of a fire.

Abstract: The sealing element of a butterfly valve includes a rigid support ring, and an elastically yieldable sealing ring which partially embeds the support ring within itself. The sealing ring has an inner portion which is juxtaposed with the inner periphery of the support ring, and two end portions which emerge with the inner portion and extend therefrom in the radially outward direction in juxtaposition with respective axial end faces of the support ring. At least one of the end portions of the sealing ring terminates before it reaches the outer peripheral surface of the support ring, so that it exposes an annular zone of one of the axial end faces of the support ring. An annular, circumferentially complete, projection of the valve body extends into the passage at the downstream end thereof as considered in the direction of fluid flow through the passage in the fully open position of the valve member.

Abstract: A rupture disc apparatus comprises a rupture disc holding cartridge and a fixed receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The receptacle is positioned in a vent so as to communicate on opposite sides thereof with the vent. The cartridge is removable from and replaceable into the receptacle when no pressure exists within the vent so as to position the rupture disc to block passage of fluid through the vent when the disc is unruptured. A first of the receptacle or cartridge includes circumferential seating rings on opposite sides thereof and the other of the receptacle or cartridge includes seats for the rings. The seats and rings are positioned adjacent to the vent. The rings are urged into locking position in the seats by pressure from within the shaft and are manually removable when substantially atmospheric pressure exists within the vent.

Abstract: A sensor base structure (24) for supporting high and low pressure sensors (20,22) having autoclave type connectors (44) and communicating pressurized fluid from the main flowline (10) to the sensors. The sensor base structure comprises a cylindrical manifold (52) having a longitudinal passage (54) therein and including a plurality of lateral bores (58) extending therethrough intersecting the longitudinal passage. One end (60) of each lateral bore threadably receives the autoclave connectors of the respective pressure sensors. The opposite end (61) of the bore (58) threadably receives a plug (62) having an externally threaded portion (64) and a reciprocal autoclave connector (66) facing the pressure sensor to provide a high pressure metal-to-metal seal upon contact with the respective autoclave connectors.

Abstract: A lockable valve having features which impede unauthorized removal of the valve from a conduit to which the valve is connected. The housing of the valve has a passageway. A valve element is movably mounted to the housing for occluding the passageway. A structure operatively associated with the valve element impedes disengagement of the valve from the conduit when the valve element is in a first position. Preferably, the housing of the valve is attachable to the conduit by a fitting which is movably mounted to the housing and such fitting is accessible only through the passageway of the housing when the valve is mounted to a conduit. When the valve element occludes the passageway, it blocks access to the fitting and hence serves as part of the disengagement-impeding structure. The valve may include lugs for connecting the fitting to the housing for movement therewith when valve element is in a second position.

Abstract: A quick attachable and detachable multiple connection between fluid conduits provided in a stepped cylindrical socket and remote actuated valve controlled fluid conduits in a stepped cylindrical plug hydraulically locked therein, the connection between the conduits comprising seal tube means extendable from within each plug conduit to abut against the inner periphery of the socket around the outside of the adjacent socket conduit and form a face seal therearound.

Abstract: A detachable valve and slip joint structure is provided to permit removal of a basin pump. The structure includes an elbow joint attachable to the pump and having a lifting eye and a check valve to prevent backflow into the pump. The horizontal outlet from the elbow has a downwardly opening U-shaped flange and a pressure seal to engage a lip on a tubular outlet pipe which contains a 90.degree. plug or ball valve. The stem of the 90.degree. valve is attachable to a handle and carries a locking tab movable between stops. The tab engages the elbow when the 90.degree. valve is in its open position, preventing disengagement of the flange and lip slip joint until the valve is rotated to its closed position.