Abstract: A centrifugal parts cleaner having a housing, a hub disposed within the housing rotatable about a vertical axis, a driver to rotate the hub, at least two radial arms extending from the hub and a cradle pivotally connected to the at least two radial arms configured to receive a porous container for retaining parts to be cleaned. As the hub is rotated, the cradle pivots away from the hub to retain the parts in the porous container while allowing fluid on the parts to be extracted by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises a replacement valve assembly and stem sufficiently long enough to enable the replacement stem to be cut and readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants of different lengths.

Abstract: Decorative caps for various fixtures that are easy to install, customizable, and interchangeable. The decorative caps can have custom decorations thereupon and when installed are held in proper alignment by mechanical locking such that the custom decoration does not change alignment.

Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises a replacement valve assembly and stem sufficiently long enough to enable the replacement stem to be cut and readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants of different lengths.

Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A diverter valve (10) for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets (132, 136) includes a fixed ceramic disk (14) fixed to a housing (12) and a rotating ceramic disk (16) retained in the housing against the fixed disk by a retainer (24). An accessory mount (20) is adhered to the rotating ceramic disk to facilitate connection to accessories and to direct fluid from the valve. Flow passages (88, 90, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) in the disks cooperate with flow passages (54, 64, 66, 68) in the housing and flow passages (116, 118, 122) in the accessory mount to balance the pressure of fluid flow within the valve against the disks to minimize leaks and prolong durability.

Abstract: A diverter valve for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets includes a fixed ceramic disk fixed to a housing and a rotating ceramic disk retained in the housing against the fixed disk by a retainer. An accessory mount is adhered to the rotating ceramic disk to facilitate connection to accessories and to direct fluid from the valve. Flow passages in the disks cooperate with flow passages in the housing and flow passages in the accessory mount to balance the pressure of fluid flow within the valve against the disks to minimize leaks and prolong durability.

Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A diverter valve (10) for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets (132, 136) includes a fixed ceramic disk (14) fixed to a housing (12) and a rotating ceramic disk (16) retained in the housing against the fixed disk by a retainer (24). An accessory mount (20) is adhered to the rotating ceramic disk to facilitate connection to accessories and to direct fluid from the valve. Flow passages (88, 90, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) in the disks cooperate with flow passages (54, 64, 66, 68) in the housing and flow passages (116, 118, 122) in the accessory mount to balance the pressure of fluid flow within the valve against the disks to minimize leaks and prolong durability.

Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid between a fluid source and a fluid outlet has a valve body with a rotatable ceramic disk and fixed ceramic disk. A biasing element is disposed between the rotatable ceramic disk and the valve body for biasing the rotatable ceramic disk against the fixed ceramic disk. The fixed ceramic disk is additionally secured against the valve body to retain it independently of the biasing element, thus effectively removing the fixed ceramic disk from the stack up.

Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to a fluid outlet, the valve cartridge comprising a valve body having a first body portion and a second body portion. A valve cartridge comprising a fixed ceramic plate and a moveable ceramic plate is mounted within the body. A biasing element is disposed between the moveable ceramic plate and the second body portion for biasing the moveable ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate. The first and second body portions are coupled together such that a portion of the second body portion biases the fixed ceramic plate against the first valve body portion to compressibly retain the first ceramic plate there against and independently of the biasing element biasing the rotating ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate.

Abstract: A water faucet assembly comprises a spout, a water supply port, a filter, and a valve. Fluid flow is stopped, between the water supply port and the filter inlet, before fluid communication is closed, between the filter outlet and the spout, as the valve is moved from on to off position when the water supply port is connected to a water source.

Abstract: An in-line valve for a fluid line preferably in the environment of a hydrant, comprising a casing to which is mounted an attachment device and in which is disposed a rotatable stem. The attachment device and stem both have dividing walls in which are formed corresponding fluid ports through which fluid flows when the ports are aligned.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to fluid valves and, more particularly, to water supply hydrants. The hydrant (40) according to the invention comprises a handle assembly (60) which is operationally mounted to a valve (100) which, in turn, is fluidly interconnected to a source of pressurized fluid. The handle assembly is configured so that a limited amount of rotation of the handle assembly actuates the valve. In one embodiment, the handle assembly is provided with an axial conduit which is adapted to dispense fluid delivered from the valve. In another embodiment, a flexible conduit is located between the handle assembly and a body portion of the hydrant so that the fluid dispensed from the hydrant can be aimed in a particular direction.

Abstract: The socket member for mounting within a faucet and special fittings for water leads are disclosed which enable the fittings on the water leads to be quickly and easily mounted to the socket member within the faucet without the use of tools is disclosed. The socket member comprises a generally cylindrical or semicylindrical body which mounts a conventional valve assembly in the faucet. The socket member further contains several sockets on one axial end which mount corresponding fittings on a water lead via a resilient locking ring located within an annular groove within each socket which abuts against a shoulder located on each fitting to provide a locking engagement between the water lead and the socket member. A fitting is also disclosed having a polygonal circumference which prevents the installed water leads from rotating within the sockets via the abutment of the polygonal circumference against a fitting on another water lead or against upstanding walls adjacent the sockets.

Abstract: A frost-resistant hydrant includes a conduit or body tube connected with a fluid source, a valve, an actuator stem connected with the valve, and a flow-through stem defined by a fluid passage through the valve and the actuator stem. The valve preferably includes a ceramic disk stack rotatable between an open position and a closed position. A combination back-flow preventer and vacuum breaker is positioned in the flow-through stem. The actuator stem has a rotation limit enabling the valve to move between fully open and closed positions within 90 degrees. A cartridge body incorporating the valve includes an anti-rotation key engaging the conduit and fixing the rotational position of the valve cartridge relative to the conduit.

Abstract: A valve cartridge is disclosed which includes ceramic discs and a retainer force-fit and positively located on the end of a valve cartridge body. The retainer frictionally secures valve elements within the valve body.