Abstract: A method of sealing a metal retainer to a metal valve body that includes the steps of applying a soldering paste in a predetermined amount to the threads of a threaded retainer and threading the retainer into the threads of a threaded opening in the valve. The retainer is heated to a temperature sufficient to liquefy and disperse the soldering paste into spaces between the threads of the retainer and the threads of the opening in the valve to thereby achieve an adhesive seal.

Abstract: A pinch clamp removal tool that includes a tool body having a slot extending partially across a top portion of the tool body and adapted for receiving a nub extending radially-outwardly from a pinch clamp to be removed from a pipe and a stop positioned at an end of the slot for engaging the nub when the nub is positioned in the slot. The tool body is adapted for being rotated to impart a twist to the pinch clamp nub sufficient to break the nub in order to loosen the pinch clamp and permit removal of the clamp from the pipe.

Abstract: A push-to-connect fitting removal tool that includes first and second handles pivotally-connected for being grasped and manually moved towards and away from each other, a first guide bar connected to both the first and second handles, and a second guide bar connected to both the first and second handles and cooperating with the first guide bar for converting pivotal movement of the first and second handles into non-pivoting, translation motion of the first and second guide bars. A push fitting jaw is attached to the first guide bar and a pipe jaw is attached to the second guide bar for being moved towards and away from each other as the first and second handles are moved towards and away from each other. The push fitting jaw is adapted for at least partially encircling the push fitting and the pipe jaw adapted for at least partially encircling the pipe.

Abstract: A backflow preventer that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to be mounted in a liquid flow configuration in a liquid supply circuit. An upstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream of the inlet, and includes an upstream check plate supporting a downstream diaphragm. An upstream check disc is positioned downstream of the diaphragm and integrally formed with an upstream stem mounted in an aperture in a central hub formed in the check plate for movement between an normally open, flow position and a closed position preventing backflow of liquid through the inlet. A downstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream from the upstream check disc assembly. A vent discharges liquid to atmosphere upstream of the downstream check disc assembly.

Abstract: A spill-resistant vacuum breaker valve that includes a check assembly positioned in a valve body and is movable between an open position for allowing water to flow into the valve body through the water inlet and out of the valve body through the water outlet, and a closed position for preventing water from flowing out of the valve body through the water outlet. The check assembly cooperates with a float assembly movable by movement of the check assembly between an open position allowing air to enter the valve body through the air inlet and a closed position sealing the valve body against flow of air into the valve body through the air inlet. The float assembly is adapted to pivot sufficiently to level the float and seal against ejection of water from the valve in the event of non-axial movement of the check assembly in the valve body.

Abstract: A backflow preventer that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to be mounted in a liquid flow configuration in a liquid supply circuit. An upstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream of the inlet, and includes an upstream check plate supporting a downstream diaphragm. An upstream check disc is positioned downstream of the diaphragm and integrally formed with an upstream stem mounted in an aperture in a central hub formed in the check plate for movement between an normally open, flow position and a closed position preventing backflow of liquid through the inlet. A downstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream from the upstream check disc assembly. A vent discharges liquid to atmosphere upstream of the downstream check disc assembly.

Abstract: A relief valve for relieving pressure in a fluid conduit that includes a cradle positioned in the relief valve conduit and having a ball support surface and a ball mounted on the ball support surface and adapted for sealing against the valve seat of the pressure relief port. A spring support surface and a spring positioned in the pressure relief conduit urges the cradle and the ball into sealing position against the valve seat of the pressure relief port.

Abstract: A ball valve including a valve body having a valve chamber, a ball member positioned in the valve chamber and defining first and second internal passages in fluid communication, and first and second seat rings, the first seat ring allowing fluid to flow past and through the second passage when the ball valve is in a life-sustaining flow operating position.

Abstract: An improvement for a backflow release valve of the type used for a backflow event in a supply line is provided. The improvement includes an air-liquid separator in fluid communication with the release valve and the supply line for reducing the amount of air entrained within a liquid solution entering the release valve, thereby reducing the total volume of liquid solution entering the release valve and minimizing the entrainment of water into air breaking a vacuum condition in the supply line.

Abstract: A valve handle assembly for a valve having an outwardly extending rotatable stem for opening and closing the valve by rotation of the stem includes a stop plate for engaging the stem, a handle for rotating the stem by engaging and rotating the stop plate, and a cup washer for engaging the handle and retaining the stop plate and handle on the stem upon placing a nut on the stem and tightening of the nut. The handle has an internal lip for retaining the handle and the cup washer has a raised flange for engaging the lip to retain the handle upon tightening of the nut.

Abstract: A crimp tool including first and second handles pivotally connected to first and second jaw members, respectively, first and second crimping inserts engaging the first and second jaw members, respectively, each of the first and second crimping inserts having a catch protruding from a non-crimping surface thereof, and first and second hooks slidably attached to the first and second jaw members, respectively, the first and second hooks releasably engaging the protruding catches to retain the crimping inserts on the jaw members.

Abstract: A crimp tool including first and second handles pivotally connected to first and second jaw members, respectively, first and second crimping inserts engaging the first and second jaw members, respectively, each of the first and second crimping inserts having a catch protruding from a non-crimping surface thereof, and first and second hooks slidably attached to the first and second jaw members, respectively, the first and second hooks releasably engaging the protruding catches to retain the crimping inserts on the jaw members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuator for a valve that includes a cylindrical body that is thermally nonconductive and configured to engage a valve stem. A cylindrical adjuster is positioned coaxially with the body. A shaft extends through the adjuster and the adjuster is axially movable between a first position and a second position such that when the adjuster is in the first position a first engaging means engages a second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body. When the adjuster is in the second position the adjuster is radially movable relative to the body. A spring is aligned with the shaft and configured to bias the adjuster toward the first position such that the first engaging means engages the second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuator for a valve that includes a cylindrical body that is thermally nonconductive and configured to engage a valve stem. A cylindrical adjuster is positioned coaxially with the body. A shaft extends through the adjuster and the adjuster is axially movable between a first position and a second position such that when the adjuster is in the first position a first engaging means engages a second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body. When the adjuster is in the second position the adjuster is radially movable relative to the body. A spring is aligned with the shaft and configured to bias the adjuster toward the first position such that the first engaging means engages the second engaging means thereby fixing the position of the adjuster relative to the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end cap sealing system for sealing an open piping end. The end cap sealing system includes an end cap having an end cap core. The end cap core has a generally cylindrical end with a circumferential groove formed around the exterior thereof and a closed end that defines a generally circular rim. An o-ring is positioned within the groove for sealingly engaging an interior wall of the piping open end. The end cap sealing system also includes a generally circular clamp having a channel formed therein for capturing the rim and a flange formed on the check valve. The o-ring being spaced-apart from the rim of the end cap core.

Abstract: A poppet-type check valve for controlling fluid flow, and including a valve housing having an interior and first and second ports therein communicating with the interior of the valve housing for permitting fluid flow from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof. At least one valve assembly is disposed within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve seat positioned in the interior of the valve housing and a seal retainer positioned in the interior of the valve housing downstream from the valve seat and mounted on a stem. The seal retainer and the stem are axially moveable away from the valve seat in response to fluid flow in a downstream direction at a predetermined flow rate, and axially moveable towards and into sealing engagement with the valve seat in response to a downstream fluid flow at a flow rate less than the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A cover seal system for a valve housing with an access port, such as those found on backflow prevention devices. The invention generally includes a generally U-shaped gasket positioned on a peripheral edge of an access port located in a lateral wall of a valve housing and an arcuate cover for closing the access port. The geometry of the arcuate cover creates a clamping force which is more uniform across a surface of the gasket enabling the cover to seal at an elevated test pressure. The gasket is made relatively hard to prevent extrusion from the joint between the valve housing and the cover under elevated pressures.

Abstract: A poppet-type check valve for controlling fluid flow, and including a valve housing having an interior and first and second ports therein communicating with the interior of the valve housing for permitting fluid flow from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof. At least one valve assembly is disposed within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve seat positioned in the interior of the valve housing and a seal retainer positioned in the interior of the valve housing downstream from the valve seat and mounted on a stem. The seal retainer and the stem are axially moveable away from the valve seat in response to fluid flow in a downstream direction at a predetermined flow rate, and axially moveable towards and into sealing engagement with the valve seat in response to a downstream fluid flow at a flow rate less than the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A water supply failure protection valve is connected to hot and cold water supplies. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of cold water supply pressure to shut off all water flow. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of hot water supply pressure to permit cold water flow through both a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path so as to ensure a substantial flow of water to a downstream fixture. The supply failure protection valve may be integrated with a thermal mixing valve to provide water at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A tempering valve is connected to hot and cold water supplies. The tempering valve has first and second thermal valves, each of which mixes hot and cold water flows to produce a tempered flow at a selected temperature. the mixed flow from the first thermal valve bypasses through the second thermal valve. A small valve assembly is responsive to the flow rate therethrough. At low flow rates, direct hot and cold water flow paths to the second thermal valve are blocked. At or above a selected transition flow rate, the small valve assembly opens to permit direct hot and cold water flows from hot and cold water inlets to the second thermal valve. The tempering valve may include a failure protection valve which shuts off all flow in case of a cold water supply failure.