Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining valves in a water distribution system is the subject matter. A description is prepared of each valve in the system. An individual identifying symbol is assigned to each valve. The identifying symbol and the valve individual description and location, is loaded into a computer database. A group of valves in the system is selected to define an inspection route. A portable computer is loaded with the information regarding each valve along the inspection route. A valve turning machine is positioned adjacent to a selected valve. The valve turning machine includes an identification reader, a timer and the portable computer. A reader identifies a select valve by means of its symbol and the symbol is recorded in the portable computer. The turning machine is connected to the stem of the selected valve to turn the stem in a selected direction. The number of revolutions of the valve stem is counted and recorded in the portable computer.