Abstract: This invention is a dual shutoff key which is a single tool for shutting off both gas and water utilities. This capability is important in emergencies, such as approaching hurricanes or after an earthquake. The key consists of a main bar having a U-channel at one end for main water valve shutoff, and a skew slot for main gas valve shutoff. Hinged to the main bar is a lever bar which can swing out at right angles to the main bar to provide leverage when turning a normally tight or even corroded water valve. The main bar is long enough to reach down to below-ground water valves, and the lever bar is long enough to provide a torque of 150 foot-pounds. This enables persons with limited manual strength--such as children, the handicapped and the elderly--to shut off water.For gas shutoff the main bar provides sufficient leverage and the lever bar is placed in the folded position adjacent to the main bar. The lever bar is held in place by detents in the folded position.

Abstract: A readily detachable automatic programmable water shutoff device for stopping the flow of excess water in plumbing pipes of a plumbing pipe system. This device requires no plumbing pipe system modifications for installation and use. The device comprises a detachable acoustic flow sensor which is placed externally on existing plumbing pipe, a detachable valve actuator which consist of a high torque motor attached to existing plumbing pipe valve stem, and a microprocessor based control circuit which a) monitors state of flow sensor, b) provides an operator control interface to the device, c) determines excess water flow conditions, d) provides an output signal to the high torque motor which shuts off the water for an excess water flow condition.

Abstract: A valve actuator with an arcuate piston disposed within a housing including a side wall having a partition and two end plates whereby when joined, the housing forms a first and a second compartment. An arcuate piston travels between the compartments via an opening in the partition in an oscillating manner. A removable piston assembly enables removing the arcuate piston, output shaft and lever arms supporting the piston in order to remove the output shaft or to engage a spiral spring connecting the output shaft with the housing. The spiral spring may be pretensioned by winding before inserting the piston assembly into the housing. Fluid pressure applied to either compartment urges movement of the arcuate piston into the opposite compartment.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus includes a bracket fixed to the housing of an air motor and an actuator mechanism fixed to the rotary output shaft of the air motor for coupling the air motor in driving engagement with a handwheel-operated valve for remote power actuation thereof. The apparatus is freely movable into and out of coupling engagement with the valve in directions axially of the valve stem without the use of tools, a retaining bar being pivotal between a release position accommodating movement of the apparatus into coupling engagement with the valve and a retaining position preventing movement from coupling engagement.

Abstract: These is disclosed apparatus for monitoring the rotative position of a rotary closure member of a valve, wherein a shaft is rotatably mounted in a housing for connection to a part exterior of the housing which rotates in response to rotation of the closure member, and cam rings are assembled for rotation about the shaft through pinion gears rotatable with the shaft to cause cam surfaces about the rings to engage and activate switches in the housing.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus includes a bracket fixed to the housing of an air motor and an actuator member fixed to the rotary output shaft of the air motor for coupling the air motor in driving engagement with a handwheel-operated valve for remote power actuation thereof. The apparatus is freely movable into and out of coupling engagement with the valve in directions axially of the valve stem without the use of tools, the actuator legs being movable into rotating engagement with the handwheel for rotation thereof simultaneously with movement of the bracket into non-rotatable engagement with the valve body for anchoring the motor housing and preventing rotation thereof with its output shaft. Two embodiments are disclosed, one for use with a valve having a solid handwheel and a yoke and the other for use with a valve having a spoked handwheel and no yoke.

Abstract: A manual/automatic operation interchangeable connecting seat of ball valve is disclosed. The connecting seat is formed with a central shaft hole through which a controlling lever of a ball valve body extends. Two ear sections are formed on two sides of the connecting seat. Each of the ear section has a central through hole corresponding to a connecting hole of a top flange of the ball valve body. A thread rod goes through the through hole of the ear section and the connecting hole of the top flange to secure the concectins seat on the ball valve body and seal the same. Each ear section has two wing portions on two sides thereof and each wing portion has an opening for engaging a driver with the connecting seat in automatic operation mode of the ball valve, whereby the controlling lever can be associated with a grip in manual operation mode of the ball valve or alternatively associated with a driver to change the manual operation mode into automatic operation mode of the ball valve.

Abstract: A valve extension actuator subassembly for rotating an extending valve stem of an HVAC valve, having a rotational, polymeric, cylindrical, hollow projection body extending on a central axis coaxial with the valve stem, having an inner end and an outer end, and defining a central space therein, a transverse polymeric handle on the outer end of the projection body, a metal valve plate at said inner end of the projection body, rotatable therewith, and receiving the extended valve stem to rotate it, a removable thermal insulative plug in the central space for thermally insulating the subassembly, and a removable cap closing the outer end of the body. Connection of the body to the valve plate preferably includes snap-on detents. The body preferably has drive lugs interfitting with the valve plate. One embodiment has an adjustable memory stop plate serving as the valve plate, the stop mechanism being accessible with a tool extended through the central space of the body after removing the insert and cap.

Abstract: A fire hydrant locking arrangement which is intended for utilization on a conventional fire hydrant. Moreover, also disclosed is a method of producing a fire hydrant locking arrangement through a heat-meltable locking ring which will inhibit the unauthorized opening of fire hydrants while facilitating the ready servicing of the internal components of the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A ground hydrant includes an elongated hollow water flow pipe positioned from above the ground to below the frost line in the ground, a flow control valve, and a housing which mounts the flow control valve at a position below the frost line in the ground. The flow control valve has a spherical body with an approximately right angle flow bore through it and a hollow extension tube disposed in flow communication with the flow bore and projecting outwardly from the body and coupled in flow communication with the lower end of the flow pipe. The housing mounts the flow control valve extension tube and spherical body for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the flow pipe between opened and closed positions in which flow communication is respectively permitted and prevented from a pressurized supply of water to the flow tube via the flow bore and extension tube. The flow control valve is rotatable between the opened and closed positions by rotating the flow pipe about its longitudinal axis.

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 tamper-proof valve which includes a valve body fitted with a transverse bore, an entry port and outlet port communicating with the transverse bore and an inner body seat for receiving a tapered inner body having a notch adapted for manipulation in alignment with the entry port and outlet port in open configuration and transverse to the entry port and outlet port, in closed configuration. A plug is provided on the top of the inner body for seating one end of a spring which is slidably encased in a collet. A square key is also slidably disposed in one end of the collet and is adapted to seat in a key seat provided in a top valve assembly which mounts on the valve body.

Abstract: A locking construction for addition to an existing valve having a valve body, a flange on the valve body, a valve member in the valve body, a valve stem coupled to the valve member and extending through the flange for moving the valve member between various positions, the locking construction including a locking plate securely locked to the flange by bolts which can be removed only with a specialized kay, a plurality of tapped bores in the locking plate, an operating plate slidably mounted on the locking plate and keyed to the valve stem, bores in the operating plate for alignment with the tapped bores in the locking plate, and locking bolts extending through the bores in the operating plate and received in the tapped bores in the locking plate for locking the valve stem in position, the last-mentioned locking bolts capable of being manipulated only by a specialized key.

Abstract: A valve system is provided which enables the opening and closing of a valve to be controlled from outside a hermetically-sealed container such as a glove box. The system also is capable of adjusting the packing nut of the valve from outside the container.

Abstract: The coupling between a sub-sea pipeline valve and its actuator is brought about by the adoption of a device (4) associated rigidly with the housing of the valve and provided with a hollow shaft (6) into which the valve shaft is keyed. The top of the hollow shaft affords a ring of dogs (7) designed to engage matching dogs (8) carried by a sleeve (9) driven by the pistons of the hydraulic actuator through a mechanical linkage, so that the movement which opens and closes the valve is transmitted through an easily coupled and decoupled dog-clutch; the stationary part of the device (4) is provided with torque reaction lugs (20, 21) which occupy sockets (22) formed in the casing of the actuator.

Abstract: Several high pressure gas cylinders are attached together in a pack, each container having a valve at one end that controls flow of gas from the cylinder and each valve having a removable valve control handle, the cylinders being arranged coextensive and contiguous in the pack with all cylinder valves at the same end of the pack, a gas manifold at that end of the pack having a gas input for each cylinder and a gas output for feeding gas to a utilization device, a gas line from each cylinder valve to one of the manifold inputs and a manifold valve at the manifold output, so arranged that the manifold valve controls gas flow from the pack of cylinders to the utilization device and the cylinder valves control gas flow from each cylinders to the utilization device.

Abstract: A handle assembly which is attachable to a conventional valve stem and includes a decorative handle member is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter element has an interior splined surface that mounts on the valve stem. The adapter also includes external splines and an annular flange. The adapter is positioned within a central opening in an escutcheon. A mounting screw fastens the adapter to the valve stem, with the escutcheon trapped beneath the adapter due to the presence of the annular flange. A post member has internal splines which engage the external splines of the adapter so that the parts rotate together. In addition, the post member has external splines which engage a splined opening in a handle. The handle comprises a bottom lever bar and a top lever bar. A strap cap is positioned over the handle and has a threaded hole to receive an upwardly-directed bolt. The bolt presses the handle between the strap cap and the post member.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the fully open and fully closed positions of a system having a valve and a rotary valve actuator for controlling the opening and closing of the valve. A sub base is provided which serves as an adaptor and is fixedly mounted to the valve bonnet of a standard quarter turn valve. The sub base has threaded fasteners which fit through open or raised portions of a convoluted ring fixed to the actuator housing. A cover plate above the ring has holes to receive the studs and nuts or other suitable means are used to fasten the cover plate, convoluted ring, and sub base. The raised portions of the convoluted ring have pusher screws which push against the threaded fasteners of the base flange. Rotation of the convoluted ring and the actuator relative to the sub base can occur by selectively rotating the pusher screws thereby resulting in fine adjustment of the fully open and fully closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: A water delivery control system that may be retrofitted to an existing water delivery fixture by simply removing the existing valve handles and then mounting the control system over the existing valve stems. The control system includes an external housing, a control panel on which an operator may select a desired temperature and pressure, and a valve actuator assembly including at least one electromechanical valve actuator and valve actuator linkage for coupling the valve actuator to an existing valve stem. The spatial arrangement of the valve actuator assembly is such that the valve actuator linkage will couple with an existing valve stem when the control system is surface mounted on the wall or countertop that surrounds the existing water delivery fixture.

Abstract: A valve for a bulk container containing fluid or semi-fluid material permitting draining of the container by gravity including a valve body with a throughopening therethrough, an annular flange at one end of the valve body to be sealingly secured to a plastic bag in the container containing the material and permitting flow of the material from the bag through the throughopening of the valve, an annular recess spaced from the flange a distance generally equal to the thickness of the side wall of the container for receiving a handle securing the valve body in the container side wall, and a butterfly in the throughopening to selectively open and close the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for close positive coupling of an actuator to a ball valve utilizes a bracket plate assembly fixing the valve and actuator bodies together with the bracket plate in fitted engagement with the valve body annularly about its valve stem gland screw to apply reactive loads generated by valve actuation forces to the valve body rather than the valve stem, whereby essentially only torsional actuation forces are applied to the valve stem. The bracket plate assembly is affixed to the valve and actuator bodies, respectively, at opposite axial sides of the gland screw drive periphery for easy tightening access thereto without disassembly of the bracket assembly.

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: An operator for remotely opening and closing the valve on a gas cylinder includes a metal frame having an enclosed upper portion, a support plate extending across the upper portion and a mounting wall extending downwardly from a side of the upper portion. On the mounting wall is a C-shaped clamp which is adapted to extend around and be secured to a non-cylindrical portion of the cylinder valve to secure the frame to the cylinder. On the mounting wall below the clamp is an additional clamping means which extends around a cylindrical portion of the cylinder to further secure the frame to the cylinder. A pneumatic activator is mounted on the support plate and has a shaft extending through an opening in the support plate in alignment with the valve stem of the cylinder valve. A coupling member is on the shaft and connects the shaft to the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve/actuator torque overload protector is disclosed as operably associated relative to driving and driven members which are pre-set to transmit limited torque during relative rotary movement between the members. A plurality of spring-loaded tapered rollers are mounted on one of the members for driving engagement with complementary detents on the other of the members. The spring-loaded tapered rollers are pre-set relative to the complementary detents*** in order to permit limited torque engagement of the driving and driven members during relative rotation thereof. However, upon encountering torque exceeding pre-set limits, the spring-loaded tapered rollers disengage from the complementary detent*** to interrupt the transmission of torque between the driving and driven members.

Abstract: There is provided a stop valve-carrying rotary nozzle for a machine tool designed to eject a fluid onto the portion of a work which is being worked thereby improving the work-cooling and cutting efficiency of the machine tool.The present rotary nozzle consists of a nozzle body having a throughbore and a spherical member having a throughbore that is in turn fitted within the fluid outlet side of said throughbore of the nozzle body with a sealing O-ring being interposed between the spherical member and the throughbore of the valve body, while allowing a free rotation of the spherical member on its own axis therein.

Abstract: A water hydrant specifically adapted for use in domestic and non-domestic water systems for commercial, institutional and residential use with the water hydrant including a unique valve structure incorporating ceramic components and a unique actuating structure requiring only a quarter turn of a valve operator in order to move the valve from a fully open to a fully closed position. The valve operating mechanism includes an elongated operating rod extending through a casing installed in a wall of a building and having a fitting for a garden hose. The valve structure itself includes a valve body having an arcuate slot-like structure therein to receive a projection on the valve actuator to limit the rotational movement to one-quarter turn when moving the valve components from fully open to fully closed position.

Abstract: A filtered stop including a seal assembly having a rotary seal member with flow ports and a stationary seal member with corresponding flow ports, the rotary seal member being selectively positionable by indexing means which are operable from outside the stop so that the flow ports of the rotary seal member may be positioned either into or out of alignment with the ports of the stationary seal member to automatically shut off the flow of fluid before removal of the filter can be accomplished.

Abstract: A fluid control valve stem extension and locking device includes a rod member to extend the valve stem with a lower end bored and threaded to threadably engage the exposed end of the valve stem with set screws extending horizontally into the bore opening to bear on the sides of the valve stem, the upper of the extension rod shaped to duplicate the shape of the exposed end of the valve stem and a detached plate having a hole shape to interfit over the exposed end of the valve stem coupled to move with turning of the valve stem and including a stop device duplicating the function of the stopping device used in the valve with a locking mechanism including a cylindrical tube sized to interfit over the stem extension device with an attachment plate structurally attached to the lower end of the tube with a horizontal radial plate structurally attached to the outside surface of the upper end of the tube with two holes corresponding to the valve positions and a locking plate with an opening to interfit over the shape

Abstract: The passage of ore through a pass is controlled by means of a rotatably mounted arcuate door which is orientated so that a convex face of the door faces oncoming material flow. When the rate of material flow is so high that the door is forced open, fins on a concave face of the door react with the material flow and a force is generated which rotates the door to a blocking position at which the rate of material flow is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A fluid control valve stem extension and locking device includes a rod member to extend the valve stem with a lower end bored and threaded to threadably engage the exposed end of the valve stem with set screws extending horizontally into the bore opening to bear on the sides of the valve stem, the upper of the extension rod shaped to duplicate the shape of the exposed end of the valve stem and a detached plate having a hole shape to interfit over the exposed end of the valve stem coupled to move with turning of the valve stem and including a stop device duplicating the function of the stopping device used in the valve with a locking mechanism including a cylindrical tube sized to interfit over the stem extension device with an attachment plate structurally attached to the lower end of the tube with a horizontal radial plate structurally attached to the outside surface of the upper end of the tube with two holes corresponding to the valve positions and a locking plate with an opening to interfit over the shape

Abstract: A ball valve device for subsea applications, capable of being dismantled for inspection and maintenance without disrupting normal operations of the pipeline and without causing leakage into or out of the pipeline is disclosed. The ball arrangement of the valve has an upper ball member (3), and a lower ball member (4) in which its upper ball member (3), includes the main packings of the valve. The lower ball member (4) includes two axial withdrawable sleeves (13). When the valve is open, the sleeves (13) can be withdrawn outwardly for intervention with guiders in the valve housing (1) and thereby form a tight, continuous passageway which extends from one of the openings in said valve housing (1) to the second opening in said valve housing (1). The axial withdrawable sleeve (13) can be moved inwards to a position where it stands free from its other guiders when said ball arrangement rotates during closing of said valve.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a rotatable stub such as the operating shaft of a fluid flow control valve has a main body 10 connected to a drive member 12 adapted for mounting on the rotatable stub. A locking sleeve 17 is adapted to fit closely to the machine (e.g. valve) on which the mechanism is fitted so as to be held against rotation, and mounted in the body are two key-operated lock members 25 engageable with the sleeve 17 to lock the body against rotation. Associated with each lock member 25 is a control plate 56, movement of which can be blocked by a stop member 53 so preventing operation of the associated lock member 25. The two stop members 53 are threaded on studs 55 fixed in the body 10, and are moved linearly on being rotated by respective toothed wheels 46, driven by a peg 62 on sleeve 17 as the body 10 is rotated.

Abstract: Apparatus for close positive coupling of an actuator to a ball valve utilizes a bracket plate assembly fixing the valve and actuator bodies together and supporting the hexagonal alignment bushing in fitted engagement with the valve stem gland screw to apply reactive loads generated by valve actuation forces to the gland screw rather than the valve stem, whereby essentially only torsional actuation forces are applied to the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve and handle assembly is disclosed for controlling the flow of breathing oxygen from lightweight oxygen cylinders. The valve provides a stem extending from the valve formed with a plurality of barbs which provide ramps and shoulders. The stem also provides opposed wrenching flats. A handle formed of polyvinyl chloride or the like is provided with a through bore having ramps and shoulders proportioned to mate with ramps and shoulders on the stem. The handle also provides opposed flats. The handle is sufficiently elastically deformable to allow it to be assembled on the stem by axial movement. After assembly, the shoulders on the handle engage shoulders on the stem to permanently secure the handle in position. When installed, the handle returns to a substantially unstressed condition so that crack-inducing stresses do not exist in the material forming the handle and a permanent, strong connection is provided between the handle and the stem.

Abstract: A handle for use in association with a fluid valve is disclosed. The handle includes a base member securely mounted to a spindle of the valve to be actuated. The base member includes at least one slot therein. A drive spindle having at least one hook-like extension fitted thereto is positioned in part within the base member. The hook extension is biased out of contact with the slot by a spring means. In operation, the user must depress the drive spindle thereby inserting the hook extension into the base member slot in order to activate the valve. The handle includes means of locking the drive spindle into an actuating contact with the base member.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes a housing with a quarter-turn closure mechanism disposed within the housing for adjustment of a spool-sleeve. The mechanism consists of two cam members rotatably supported in the housing on the opposite sides of the sleeve and connected to a hub via drive links. The hub is disposed proximate an opening in the housing and is rotated manually by a handle, or automatically by an actuator. Each cam member includes a first portion which is rotatable across the sleeve and a shank portion which is eccentrically disposed on the first portion and traverses the sleeve profile. As the cam members are rotated the shank portions move transversely of the sleeve longitudinal axis, toward and away from one another for pinching the sleeve and thereby selectively throttling or stopping the flow through the system.

Abstract: A ball valve in which the ball of the valve is positively prevented from blowing out of the valve body in both directions, even if the valve is connected in the wrong direction or the fluid pressure is applied to the valve in the opposite direction. The ball is arranged in a valve body to selectively open and close a fluid passage in the body, and annular seals abut against the ball from both sides of the fluid passage, the annular seals being pushed towards the ball by seal carriers. In one embodiment, one of the seal carriers has a flange on the periphery of one end thereof, and the flange is locked to a step from inside which is formed on inner surface of one end portion of the valve body. In a second embodiment, the ball additionally has two grooves with abutting walls in respective ones of which a spindle and a pin coaxial with the spindle are fitted with the abutting walls positioned on the side of the one seal carrier.

Abstract: A butterfly valve includes a body having pipe connecting parts forming two opposite ends thereof and a cylindrical flow path interconnecting the pipe connecting parts, a stem attached rotatably at the central part of the body diametrically across the cylindrical flow path, a lever handle connected non-rotatably to the external leading end of the stem, and a disc formed by joining two substantially circular metallic plates in a mutually opposed manner, coating the entire outer surfaces of the metallic plates with a corrosionproof, resilient material, and boring a stem-insertion hole between the two joined metallic plates in the central diametric position thereof and disposed inside the cylindrical flow path of the body for accommodating the stem non-rotatably within the stem-insertion hole thereof. An externally open groove having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed in the joint periphery of the two joined metallic plates of the disc.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical auxiliary knob structure, releasably attachable to a rotatable knob of a valve, to annunciate an open condition of that valve operated thereby. The auxiliary knob pivots relative to its attachment structure to switch electric circuitry carried within the auxiliary knob to annunciate last knob motion in the direction causing valve opening. The auxiliary knob is particularly adapted for use on valves of compressed gas tanks used in gas welding.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.

Abstract: A mixing faucet assembly especially adaptable for frostfree installation has a casing with a mixing chamber containing valve means for controlling the flow of hot and cold water into the chamber. The mixed water is conveyed from the mixing chamber to a tubular member having a nozzle spaced from the casing. A control rod is connected to the valve means and extends through the tubular member to a single handle control adjacent to the nozzle so that upon rotation of the control rod hot and cold water is selectively metered into the mixing chamber and from there communicated to the nozzle. The control rod may be detachedly connected to the valve means at the casing and the casing may be detachably connected to the tubular member for servicing the faucet assembly from the inside of a building.

Abstract: A pneumatic gas cylinder valve actuator that clamps to the threads on gas cylinder normally used for threading on a protective cap and is so designed that air pressure up to 100 psi admitted to the internal piston chamber in the valve actuator opens the gas cylinder valve while compressing the springs under the pistons in the internal piston chambers so that when air pressure is cut off the springs return the gas cylinder valve to the closed position; a torque indicator on top of the valve actuator shows proper positioning of the valve actuator clamp to adjust the closing torque exerted by the springs under the pistons to about 70 inch pounds.

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided which clamps to the axially extending assembly bolts of the valve or to ribs on the valve body simulating the bolts. The actuator has a support frame with ears which seat over a pair of the bolts or ribs and by means of stops formed by recesses in the ears seat the support frame on the bolts or ribs and threaded anchor members, when tightened, cause the ears to tightly clamp to the bolts or ribs, preventing either lateral or axial movement with respect to the valve body.

Abstract: A remote-control apparatus for opening or closing a container is disclosed, which includes a rotary drive mechansim, an operable shaft driven by the drive mechanism, and a drive wheel mounted on the operable shaft, the drive wheel being held on the operable shaft by a collar. The drive wheel has at one end teeth members which engage notches formed in the peripheral edge of a valve wheel of the container. When the drive mechanism is activated, the operable shaft turns the drive wheel, which causes the valve wheel of the container to turn, thereby causing the valve of the container to either open or close.

Abstract: A modular custard freezing machine housed in a cabinet that consists of interior support members whereto panels are releasably connected and supports components of the machine including: a deep pan in the cabinet top for receiving a custard mix poured therein to pass that mix, on demand, through a valve that directs the mix flow into a freezing barrel of a custard freezing chamber; the custard freezing chamber includes the freezing barrel, a coolant gas chamber therearound with a layer of insulation formed around that freon or other coolant gas chamber and contained within a housing that is mounted to a platform; the platform further includes mounted thereto, aligned bearing mounts whereto aligned bearings are secured to receive a shaft journaled therethrough, the shaft further including a pulley thereon that is turned through a belt by an electric motor, and connected to a collar whereto a shaft of a paddle assembly is splined; which paddle assembly is arranged for turning in the freezing barrel, congealing

Abstract: A ball valve having a valve body within which is provided a ball for opening and closing the valve. The ball valve is constructed with bushings and lock rings arranged for ease of assembly and disassembly for inspection of the wear of internal ring seals. An internal lock ring is provided with recesses in an end face for receiving a tool which is part of the operating handle of the valve.

Abstract: A non-rise faucet assembly including a shank having a lower end through which fluid is introduced and also having an upper end with a chamber in fluid communication with the lower end. A removable stem adapted for insertion into the chamber and having a lower end forming a movable valve in the chamber is provided to permit regulated flow of fluid through the faucet assembly. The stem has an axis of rotation about which the valve is movable in response to non-rising rotation of the stem within the chamber in the shank. One of the shank and the stem has a bore arranged generally transversely of the axis of rotation of the stem and the other of the shank and the stem has a pair of diametrically opposed slots in alignment with the bore after the stem has been inserted into the chamber in the shank. The slots and the bore define a continuous passageway through the shank and the stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device which discourages tampering with the operating or control element of a manually settable device of the type which has a window through which the control element is accessed. The security device has the form of a strap which surrounds the housing of the manually settable device and covers the access window. The ends of the strap are permanently connected such that the strap would have to be destroyed to be removed.

Abstract: A cradle device of integral construction provides stable support for an underground curb cock positioned at the bottom of a vertical curb box conduit. The device embraces the curb cock, thereby preventing its movement and maintaining its valve stem in an upright position so that it can be engaged by a long stemmed key. The device also provides secure footing for the curb box conduit.

Abstract: A handle assembly for attaching a decorative handle to a turning stem is disclosed. The handle can be placed on, as well as removed from the stem by a straight axial motion (without turning the handle). In one embodiment, the stem adapter is secured to a valve stem and has an angled shoulder surface and an undercut portion. An attachment screw is employed to secure the stem adapter to the valve stem. The handle adapter has a multiplicity of resilient finger members with terminal portions adapted to engage both the angled shoulder surface and the undercut portion of the stem adapter. A handle member of a generally U-shaped configuration has a retainer member secured therein with the retainer member having finger engaging portions.