Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional valve, in particular for fuel dispensing systems, to recover fuel vapor to the gas station tank. According to the invention the valve member is defined by a tandem piston arrangement to increase safety and accuracy in controlling the vapor volume to be recovered. The invention further relates to a valve arrangement for fuel dispensing systems having a plurality of fuel nozzles.

Abstract: An adapter for a gasoline pump nozzle which is equipped with a gasoline fume return hose that extends over the rigid tubular portion of the nozzle. The hose has an outer open end which is normally aligned with the other open end of the rigid tube. The hose is resiliently compressible so that the outer end of the hose can be moved relative to the tube beyond a protuberance on the tube which is located between the outer end of the tube and the housing of the nozzle. The housing contains a valve in a trigger mechanism and a control mechanism which prevents the valve from being opened by the trigger mechanism when the hose is in its extended state but is effective to enable the valve to be opened by the trigger mechanism when the hose is compressed. The adapter has a handle in a main body portion which contains a slot in an outer opening to the slot.

Abstract: A locking bracket for a valve actuator is disclosed in which a bracket element slips over the rotatable input shaft of the actuator and has an arm extending over the surface of the actuator. A locking plate is affixed to the input shaft which may be interconnected to the bracket element. When so interconnected, rotation of the input shaft is prevented by contact between the arm and the surface of the valve actuator. The locking bracket is easily and economically installed due to the lack of any positive physical interconnection between the bracket and the actuator housing.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a hot/cold water mixing faucet structure and a mounting structure therefor, which are installed on a lavatory sink and enabled to joint and integrate a control knob and a faucet body directly and to control the separate two at a remote position by a control cable. The faucet body (15) housing a control unit (30) for controlling the temperature and/or flow of hot water to be spouted can be integrated into the hot/cold water mixing faucet device by separating the faucet body (15) and a control knob (16) and by jointing the two directly into the integral hot/cold water mixing faucet device through the meshing of the threads (29a and 26b). The faucet body (15) can be disposed in a different position by separating the control knob (16) and the faucet body (15) and connecting them to the ends (17a and 17b) of a removable control cable (17), and by mounting the control knob (16) on the lavatory sink (9) and so on.

Abstract: A control device, which is interposed between a modulating motor and a valve, includes a control arm which is mounted on the shaft of the valve and a roller follower that is on the arm. In addition, the control device includes a bracket which is mounted on a fuel line adjacent to the valve, a cam which rotates on the bracket about an axis that is parallel to the shaft and an operating arm which rotates with the cam and is connected to the modulating motor, so that the modulating motor moves an air damper and cam in unison. The cam has an arcuate element which curves eccentrically about the axis of rotation and screws which are threaded into the arcuate element such that their ends form a cam profile. The roller follower bears against this profile, riding over the ends of the screws as the cam rotates.

Abstract: A bottom outlet valve for a tank on a vehicle, especially for a railway tank car. The valve comprises a valve body including a valve seat, a valve stem spring biased toward the closed position against the seat and an operator assembly for mechanically opening and closing the valve stem. The operator assembly may be removed from the valve body in an improved facile manner by means of bolts all located exterior of the operator housing. A lost motion linkage allows the stem to seat under spring pressure even though the stem seals have become worn. The assembly has been uniquely designed to permit easier and safer installation and maintenance of the valve due in part to an improved stem cage assembly.

Abstract: Improvements relating to fire hydrant closures are disclosed in which a cap-shaped cover for the outflow port from a fire hydrant, and a tool for locking and unlocking the cap on the hydrant, is provided. The cap includes a septum-like strong plate which is freely rotatable with the cap, but which is fixed against axial movement relative to the cap. Such septum-like plate, including means for mating engagement with corresponding means at the outflow spigot. The plate further includes means constructed to become engaged by the tool; the tool having a grip portion and a mating portion with a corresponding portion provided on the cap.

Abstract: A fluid powered valve actuator is disclosed for a valve having a valve body and a threaded valve stem for connecting to the actuator to be reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to open and close the valve. The actuator includes an actuator housing for attaching to the valve body, a fluid motor mounted on the housing having a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and a piston rod having one end attached to the piston. To connect the valve stem to the piston rod, a connecting block having a threaded opening in one end is screwed onto the threads on the valve stem. An opening in the other end of the block receives the end of the piston rod.

Abstract: A cover for a single lever faucet having a body with a spout extending therefrom and a control handle for controlling the amount and mixture of water flowing out of the spout. The faucet includes a threaded opening extending into the body and through an unthreaded opening of the control handle. The cover includes a decorative cap having a threaded pin extending therefrom and adapted to be threaded into the threaded opening of the body. The cap includes a lateral opening therein for permitting receipt of a tool for tightening and removing the cap on the faucet. The cap is essentially non-removable by ordinary hand manipulation.

Abstract: A faucet handle assembly is described for replacing a handle on a faucet valve stem, which can mount on a wide variety of types of stems. The assembly includes a pair of jaws (30, 32, FIG. 1) having inner surfaces for engaging opposite sides of the periphery (22) of the valve stem and having outer camming surfaces (42, 43) that can be pushed together. The assembly also includes a faucet handle (12) with a hole in the top for passing a screw (28) that screws into a threaded hole of the valve stem, and having a cavity (44) for receiving the jaws. The cavity has camming surfaces (54, 56) that engage the jaw camming surfaces, so as the screw is tightened the jaws are pressed tightly against the valve stem peripheral surface.

Abstract: In a valve apparatus comprising a controlling arrangement which is for controlling a flow of a beverage in a beverage path, the controlling arrangement comprises a valve member which is movable between an open and a close position for opening and closing the beverage path and which is urged to the close position through a force transmission member by a compression spring. When the force transmission member is moved against the urging arrangement, the valve member becomes movable towards the open position. However, movement of the valve member is restricted at the open position by a stopper. Preferably, the stopper has a position which can be adjusted by operating of an operator or a user.

Abstract: The valve has a residual pressure valve (14) which is known per se, in which however the gas container can be filled through the residual pressure valve. The residual pressure valve (14) is mounted on a stem (32) which is axially displaceable as a result of a cam configuration in such a manner that it assumes a stable operating position under the influence of its spring (24) and an unstable open position under manual action on a filling apparatus (52) counter to the influence of its spring (24).

Abstract: A disconnection apparatus (88) comprises two disconnect members (12,14) which are interfaced to define a continuous channel (28,29) extends therethrough, and two cylindrical cartridges (84,86) slidably disposed in the channel (28,29). The channel (28,29) intersects two flow paths (70,72) formed in the disconnect members (12,14). The cartridges (84,86) are positionable in the channel (28,29) to block both flow paths (70,72) and are operative to re-direct fluid in order to prevent leakage when the members (12,14) are disconnected.

Abstract: A reusable emergency gas shutt-off valve for terminating the supply of fuel to a dwelling is adapted for fluid pressure actuation at a location outside of the dwelling, manual actuation on the valve itself, and thermal actuation from heat in the vicinity of the valve or via a signal received from a temperature-sensing device at a location remote from the valve. The valve is resettable only by utilizing a specially-constructed reloading tool.

Abstract: A gate valve comprising housing walls secured together in face to face relationship, a gate plate reciprocable between an upper open position wherein the gate plate is oriented for allowing the flow of fluid and a lower closed position wherein the gate plate is oriented for precluding the flow of fluid. Locking components are provided and comprise a first arm laterally offset from one housing wall and a second arm laterally offset from the gate plate for movement therewith. Each arm has a hole therethrough, the holes being in alignment when the gate plate is in the lower closed position. A pad lock is positionable through the holes for securing the gate plate against being raised to the upper open position when the gate plate is locked in the lower closed position.

Abstract: A metering device for adjusting a flow rate of a flow of liquid comprises a flow-rate adjusting device including a rotatable adjusting member, and an actuating member for rotating the adjusting member. The actuating member is connectable with the adjusting member and may be disengaged therefrom in a respective adjusted position in order to avoid unintentional or incomplete adjustment of the metering device. A hexagonal head and a mating hexagonal recess are provided on either the adjusting member or the actuating member to effect engaging and disengaging of these members.

Abstract: An air control apparatus for a forced air central air conditioning system of the type having an air conditioning unit for conditioning air and a duct for conducting the conditioned air from the unit to a living area of a building. The air control apparatus includes a frame having a border and an air passage defined by the border, the border having a first surface for attachment to a first portion of the duct and an opposite second surface for attachment to a second portion of the duct, and an air seal slidably disposed in the frame between the first and second surfaces of the border, the air seal being movable in and out of the air passage to open and close the air passage and thereby regulate the flow of air therethrough. A handle is removably attached to the air seal and extends away from the frame for allowing the air passage to be manually opened and closed from within the living area of the building.

Abstract: A tamperproof construction for preventing actuation of the actuating nut of a fire hydrant comprising a nut actuating body for receiving the hydrant nut in turning relationship, set screws locking the nut actuating body to the actuating nut, a shroud permanently secured on the nut actuating body by means of a snap ring so that it covers the set screws but is rotatable on the nut actuating body, a bore in the shroud for permitting selective access to the set screws, a key-operated plug in the bore, a cap permanently and rotatably mounted on an end of the nut actuating body which protrudes through an opening in the shroud, and a limited axial portion of the nut actuating body exposed between the cap and shroud for receiving a specialized wrench.

Abstract: There are provided coned disc springs and an intermediate transmission member in order between a thrust threaded member for generating the valve closing thrust and a valve body, and the intermediate transmission member is adapted to be urged by means of the coned disc springs toward the valve closing side with respect to the thrust threaded member. A contact receiving means is so arranged as to limit the movement of the thrust threaded member toward the valve closing side, and a contact receiving position of the contact receiving means is set at a midway position of the compression range of the coned disc springs. Wherein, the handle is adapted to be changed over between the handle held condition and the handle released condition by the relative movement of the intermediate transmission member with respect to the thrust threaded member.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for draining a viscous material, such as a molten polymer, from a vessel that contains the material. A ram-type valve is mounted on the outside of the vessel in line with a drain opening in the vessel. The valve is enclosed in a removable housing mounted on the outside of the vessel. During a process run, the valve piston closes off the drain opening, and an inert atmosphere inside the housing prevents oxygen from forming polymer "gels" that can plug the drain opening. When it becomes necessary to drain the vessel, a remote control valve actuator moves the valve piston out of the drain opening, so the polymer can flow out of the vessel.

Abstract: The purge valve assembly is designed for use with a constant pressure sample cylinder for purging of the cylinder prior to installation in the field for collection of spot and composite samples. The purge valve assembly can be installed in newly manufactured constant pressure sample cylinders or can be added as an after market item. The purge valve assembly consists of a retainer which compresses a sealing element into engagement with an end cap to prevent fluid from bypassing the retainer. A valve element is urged into engagement with the sealing element by a spring thus closing the valve and preventing the escape of any fluid from the sample cylinder. To open the valve a valve actuator is manually depressed thus dislodging the valve element from sealing engagement with the sealing member thus allowing fluid to be vented to atmosphere or purged. An alternative embodiment combines the valve element and valve activator into an integral element.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive valve comprises a pair of wax-filled thermal actuators connected in series and set to expand at different temperatures respectively at the high and low limits of a temperature range. In one version, a valve element is movable by the actuators through an orifice form one side thereof to the other, closing the orifice when in an intermediate position, and opening the orifice when one actuator expands and when the other actuator contracts. The actuators are both in contact with the fluid controlled by the valve in the first version. In a second version, one of the actuators is isolated from the controlled fluid and responsive to the ambient temperature. In a third version, the valve is a snap-action valve, in which the series actuators operate a cam which normally holds latching balls in a projecting condition in which they engage a detent to hold the valve element closed.

Abstract: A push-type, lightning-protected fuel tank drain valve has a non-conductive plastic poppet that cannot be pushed upwardly axially far enough to open its port until the poppet is first rotated about its axis.

Abstract: An elongate handle for attachment to the stem of a valve provided with a clamp for receiving the stem and a bolt and nut for drawing the clamp into clamping engagement with the stem.

Abstract: A decorative faucet handle mounting apparatus includes an adapter having a first bore complimentrally shaped to the shape of a faucet stem. A second bore formed coaxially in the adapter cooperates with a fastener to attach the adapter to the faucet stem. A decorative handle has a longitudinal bore extending inward from one end which is engageable over the adapter. A perpendicular bore formed in the handle receives a threaded fastener engageable through the perpendicular bore with the adapter to secure the handle to the adapter.

Abstract: A gate valve actuator which can be quickly and easily refitted to manually operable holding tank gate valves on recreational vehicles to convert to remote operation. The actuator includes a housing with clamping flanges and a clamping plate which are used to clamp the actuator housing to the slide gate housing. A traveler block having a fork to engage and move the valve handle is threadably connected to a threaded drive shaft which is selectively rotated by an electric motor to move the valve handle between its open and closed positions. Limit switches terminate power to the motor when the fully open or closed positions are reached. The actuator can be easily removed to again permit manual operation.

Abstract: A key for operating a regulator-flow meter assembly used with medical gas cylinders. The regulator-flow meter assembly includes a main valve having a flat stem and a rotatable yoke. The key comprises an elongated metal block having a first elongated opening adapted to fit over the main valve stem. The elongated opening is disposed at an angle to the axis of the block and is located adjacent to one end of the block. The block also includes a second opening of circular cross-section adapted to fit over the yoke and a third opening adapted to receive a key chain.

Abstract: A valve handle adaptor formed on one end with a shank configured for complemental telescopical receipt in a pocket formed in a valve handle and formed on its opposite extremity with an adaptor socket. A plurality of extenders, each formed on one end for receipt within such adapator socket and formed on the opposite end with an extender socket capable of receiving the shank of another extender or, in the alternative, a spud. A plurality of spuds are formed with external configurations for complemental receipt in the spud socket, adaptor socket or extender socket. The handle may be mounted directly from a valve stem through such spud, or through the adaptor by inserting the shank in the spud socket and a spud in the adaptor socket for receipt over a broach formed in the end of the valve stem, or through any number of extenders fitted between the adaptor and spud. The kit can therefore adapt a handle to a wide variety of broach sizes and offset distances.

Abstract: A safety device for vessels of compressed gases is disclosed which comprises a cap enclosing the valve of the vessel, a port formed in the wall of the cap for passing a nozzle attached to the valve, a handling member for rotating the handle of the valve from outside of the cap, a purge gas introducing and exhausting ports formed in the wall of the cap, and a detector disposed in the middle of the exhausting pipe coupled to the purge gas exhausting port. The handling member comprises a shaft vertically extending through and slidably supported by the ceiling of the cap, a horizontal disk secured to the lower end of the shaft, and four circumferentially equally spaced vertically extending fingers fixedly secured to the circumferential portion of the lower surface of the disk, which disengagably engage with the grooves formed on the circumference of the handle.

Abstract: A protective device for fire hydrants comprises a generally domed shaped member having a shape conforming to the bonnet of a fire hydrant and including a socket configured to receive an operating nut thereof. The protective device has a diameter too great to be engaged by readily available pliers, wrenches and the like but may be actuated by use of a chain wrench or a friction wrench. The device includes no separate moving parts which may freeze or jam and may be retrofitted to existing fire hydrants by welding or brazing.

Abstract: The handle for sanitary apparatus is intended to be fixed by clipsing on the free end of a control shaft and comprises a thin metallic envelope (1) defining the outside shape and appearance of the handle, a supple insert (2) comprising a dome (9) to which are attached several deformable flaps (11), the lower flange of said flaps cooperating in service position, with a flange (7) of the envelope, and a lock (3) comprising parts applying the flaps of the supple insert against the inside face of the envelope, a lower edge resting on the flange of the envelope. A mounting mechanism is provided on the inside face of the supple insert and the outside face of the lock permitting through their cooperation the assembly of the three parts in assembled service position.

Abstract: A tube shaped sleeve apparatus which includes two cylindrical components adapted to be connected to each other and sections of tubing string by cooperating threads formed at the ends thereof. At spaced intervals in the periphery of the sleeve are a plurality of radial holes or ports and formed in the sleeve bore at opposite ends thereof are stops shoulders. Adapted to be inserted in slidable relation inside the bore of the tubing sleeve is a mandrel which includes a plurality of resilient O-rings or gaskets that are secured in the periphery of the mandrel inside annular grooves formed therein. Formed in the bore of the mandrel and at opposite ends thereof are a second set of stop shoulders. When positioned opposite the holes in the sleeve, the periphery of the mandrel and the gaskets form a tight seal with the wall of the sleeve bore to prevent fluids and gases from the well bore from entering and escaping the tubing sleeve.

Abstract: The valve handle adaptor kit for use with a conventional handle and escutcheon, such kit including an adaptor formed on one end with a shank configured for complemental telescopical receipt in a socket formed in the handle and formed on its opposite extremity with an adaptor socket. A plurality of spuds are formed with external configurations for complemental receipt in either the spud socket or adaptor socket, such that the handle may be mounted directly from a valve stem through such spud, or through the adaptor by inserting the shank in the spud socket and a spud in the adaptor socket for receipt over a broach formed in the end of the valve stem.

Abstract: A fire hydrant comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion contains a water inlet valve and an operating rod for selectively opening and closing the valve. The upper portion of the fire hydrant includes a bonnet and collar with apertures in them respectively. The valve is opened and closed by a removable tool which is threaded through an opening in the upper portion of the fire hydrant and engages the operating rod to move it and thereby open the valve.

Abstract: A valve manipulating apparatus adapted to be remotely controlled includes a support assembly having one end releasably attachable adjacent a pipeline valve and another end supporting a longitudinally shiftable actuating assembly. A remotely excited, bi-directional motor in the actuating assembly engages the stem of the valve and is operable to alternately open and close the valve by rotating same. As the valve is manipulated, its stem either extends or retracts and during this movement, a coupler on the motor shaft follows the valve stem displacement and produces a corresponding displacement of the actuating assembly. Switch devices on the actuating assembly cooperate with adjustable stop elements carried by the support assembly to provide for automatic stopping of the motor operation at prescribed points.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mixing valve assembly with a cold and hot water inlet, a mixing chamber, and a mixed water outlet, wherein the mixed water temperature is adjustable by rotation of the actuator, and wherein a constant water flow can be set by axial depression of the actuator. More reliable operation is achieved, along with simplifications in manufacture and installation, by having on the assembly a locking device for the actuator, so constructed that when the actuator is depressed it is held by the locking device in the new position but is released when again depressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrant comprising a trunk body in which novel valve means for opening the water main is positioned completely within the trunk body and wherein a novel assembly cap is required to activate the valve means.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel such as a tundish fitted with a slide gate at its underside for discharging its contents has the slide gate controlled by a drive that can be removed to another vessel when required. The drive comprises a hydraulic cylinder with a drive rod projecting from it and carrying a coupling releasably engageable with the slide gate. The cylinder and drive rod are clamped non-rotatably in use but when attaching or removing the drive they can be rotated about a common longitudinal axis to alternative angular positions in which the slide gate is coupled or uncoupled thereto. Changeover of the drive can be made quickly thereby. A double-ended drive constructed in this manner can be used with vessels having two controllable outflow devices and provides for an equally quick changeover.

Abstract: An air pressure regulator and an adjusting mechanism for a regulating device such as an air pressure regulator having a value body having a valve element and a diaphragm therein and a spring bonnet. The spring bonnet has a peripheral recess or circumferential groove and a external male thread. The adjusting mechanism has an outer sleeve knob removably mounted on the spring bonnet for rotating a threaded pressure-adjusting spindle or adjustment screw internally of the spring bonnet. The knob has axial internal elastic claws. Each claw has a projection elastically received in the groove of the spring bonnet when mounted in assembly therewith. The claws elastically bias the corresponding projections into the groove and hold the tubular know in axial assembly with the regulator. Rotation of the knob rotates the adjustment screw for adjusting spring pressure of a spring acting on the diaphragm for regulating air pressure to maintain it constant.

Abstract: A device is provided, designed to prevent unauthorized operation of fire hydrants by completely concealing the hydrant operating nut and weather shield within freely rotating sleeves, thereby rendering the hydrant inoperable. The hydrant is made operable by the use of a specially designed self-contained magnetic operating wrench. The hydrant again becomes inoperable when the magnetic wrench is disengaged. The device is externally mounted for easy, quick field installation with common tools, and requires no modification of the internal hydrant mechanism. The device is designed to be used on all hydrant makes and models having an operating nut extending vertically above the hydrant bonnet.

Abstract: An adapter bracket that can be attached to the exterior of a conventional gate valve and valve actuator converting the valve to a fire safety valve. The bracket can be clamped to the exterior of the valve/actuator housing without modification to the existing structure. The bracket includes an adapter plate with an externally threaded cylindrical extension. A hole through the adapter plate is coaxial with the aperture through the cylindrical extension to non-engagingly permit the valve actuator rod to pass therethrough. The threaded extension receives a standard lock-open cap to hold the valve in the open position to avoid severing of the cable in wireline operations due to a power outage, for example. The cap includes a portion made of fusible material which, in the event of fire, will melt permitting the valve to close under operation of a biasing spring.

Abstract: An improved push/turn tap and drain spout fitment for a multi-wall fiberboard container with a plastic retainer for retaining bulk flowable materials including a polygonal flange mounted within a similarly shaped opening in the fiberboard. A valve tube extendable through a spout assembly. The valve tube includes prongs for engaging a bung which is threadably connected to the spout assembly to seal an opening in the plastic retainer. The valve tube, though sealingly coupled to the spout assembly, can be moveably manipulated from the outside of the container to cause the bung to become disengaged from the spout assembly.

Abstract: A post assembly for a remotely placed valve and valve actuator includes a post with a hinged cover cap and multiple windows evenly spaced below the cap and a target axially movable past said windows on an operating stem fully contained within the post and with the operating nut on said stem below the cover cap and substantially within the target.

Abstract: A device for terminating the flow of fluid from an overhead sprinkler equipped with a cut-off valve. A recess within said device accepts the sprinkler head and returns the cut-off valve to its original position. A biased locking means is also provided so that the device can be secured against any unintended resumption of fluid flow.

Abstract: A syphon package (12) incorporates a deformable, resilient plastic sealing member (42) which, in its normal position, blocks passageway (50) for dispensing seltzer water (32) stored under pressure in the package (12). Tube (30), valve sealing member (42) and insert (44) are assembled by bonding insert (44) to flange (40) with sealing member (42) in place. The resulting assembly is then bonded to interior wall (22) of necked opening (16). A syphon head (24) has a one-piece actuator (60) bonded to body (28), with actuating rod (62) supported on resilient diaphragm (64) for downward movement by lever (74) to deform sealing member (42) out of sealing engagement with passageway (50).

Abstract: A flushing valve arrangement for controlling the flow of a pressurized flushing liquid includes a housing unit including an inlet and an outlet for the flushing liquid and a housing which bounds a flow passage that connects the inlet with the outlet. The housing is outwardly spaced from the outlet to bound therewith an annular channel which surrounds the outlet and opens into a communication region of the flow passage. A flushing valve unit is interposed in the flow passage downstream of the communication region and controls the flow of the flushing liquid from the inlet to the outlet. An externally actuatable shut-off valve unit is integrated into the arrangement and includes a shut-off sleeve surrounding the outlet and movable into and out of the annular channel toward and away from its closing position in which it extends into the communication region of the flow path and prevents the flushing liquid from flowing from the inlet toward the flushing valve unit.

Abstract: A syphon head (10) is configured to fit over neck (17) of a bottle (19) in sealing relationship. A lever (22) is mounted to exterior surface (13) of body (12) by breakaway filaments (26, 28) and a spring strip (30). In use, the user pulls upward on handle (80) of lever (22) to rupture the filaments (26, 28). The strip (30) pivots end (48) on lever (22) through opening (78) in body (12) and into cavity (46) in actuating rod (38). Actuating rod (38) is attached to interior surface (20) of the body (12) by resilient diaphragm (40). Rod tip (57) seals opening (59) in syphon tube (56) until force on handle (80) moves rod (38) to allow dispensing of seltzer water (76). Head (10) may be fabricated in a single injection molding step.

Abstract: A cleaner device for cleaning the valve box or cistern which provides remote access to a valve control body of a valve in an underground pipe line, the device having achieving the cleaning by compressed air passing through a tubular body member, and having an upwardly-open basket for catching the debris stirred up by the moving air. A downwardly-opening socket member at the foot of the device, the socket member being slightly oversize as to the valve's control body, both guides the air stream to give a cleaning impingement of the walls of the valve's control body and provides the mechanical component by which the valve-operating torque is applied to the valve's control body; and at the upper end of the tubular body member a deflector disc baffles moving debris back into the valve box or cistern for causing such debris to be collected in the basket.

Abstract: An operating nut construction for a fire hydrant including a body member having a lower tapped portion for threadably receiving a fire hydrant valve rod, a sleeve rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a cap rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a narrow gap between the sleeve and the cap, and a plurality of shallow depressions in the body member aligned with the gap for reception of a specialized wrench having narrow shoulders thereon to turn the body member. The rotation of the sleeve or the cap or both will not turn the body member because they are rotatably mounted thereon.

Abstract: An inverted bellows valve has a two-piece stem interconnecting the valve and actuator for reciprocating axial movement of the stem tip. Tapered surfaces are advantageously utilized between cooperating elements for self-centering the valve assembly. An annular gland disposed along the exterior of the valve stem has concentric inner and outer O-rings which permit the stem to float and compensate for misalignment. A wobble collar is also disposed in abutting engagement with the stem to compensate for uneven spring forces which could otherwise cock the stem. The bellows subassembly is removable in one piece to facilitate maintenance and replacement.