Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for creating an electrofused union between a plurality of thermoplastic members, with at least one of the members having an embedded electrically resistive element. The method includes the steps of generating a direct current voltage from a direct current power supply and transmitting the direct current voltage to the electrically resistive element. The present invention also contemplates an electrofusion system.

Abstract: An electrofusion coupling having an encapsulated electrical resistance heating element for fusing together the ends of polyethylene conduit is converted into a valve body by drilling a bore through the wall of the coupling into the flow passage which forms a valve chamber. A valve stem is inserted through an open end of the coupling and upwardly through the bore. A lower end of the stem is retained in the valve chamber and an upper end is connected to an actuator cap for rotating the stem. A ball closure member is then inserted through an open end of the coupling into the chamber for connection to the lower end of the valve stem. Rotation of the stem in the coupling moves the valve member between open and closed positions in the chamber. Polyethylene pipe fittings supporting spring biased valve seats are pressed through the ends of the coupling to capture and center the ball closure member between the seats in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A valve body pressure formed from pipe components includes an annular portion for receiving a ball closure member. A pair of conduit portions are connected to the annular portion and the ball. A stem housing for rotatably supporting a valve stem extends up from the annular portion. The stem housing, annular portion, and conduit portions are welded to form the unitary valve body. The conduit portions are integrally connected to end fittings adaptable to connect identical or different grades of polyethylene pipe or metal pipe to polyethylene pipe. The internal surface of the conduit portion includes gripping teeth and O-ring seals that frictionally and sealingly engage the surface of the polyethylene end fitting. The valve can include a metal end fitting and a polyethylene end fitting. The polyethylene end fitting is connected by butt fusion or electrofusion coupling to polyethylene conduit, generally 6 inches in diameter or larger for use in a natural gas distribution system.

Abstract: A polyethylene plastic valve has a molded cylindrical body portion with an internal chamber with inlet and outlet openings. A unitary plastic plug member is rotatably positioned in the chamber. The plug member has an actuator portion formed of impact resistant plastic material, and a plug portion formed of dimensionally rigid plastic material with a flow passage therethrough. The plug member has open and closed positions. Dual durometer valve seats are positioned on the plug member to close the inlet and outlet openings in the valve body. The actuator portion of the plug member extends upwardly through the chamber and seals the internal chamber at the top by means of a circumferentially extending flange portion. A bottom cover plate is fused to and seals the lower end of the internal chamber. The bottom cover is arranged to disengage from the valve body and relieve excess pressure build up in the lower end of the chamber.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic valve includes a generally cylindrical major body portion which is at least partially formed of a plastic material. The major body portion has an axially extending interior chamber. A pair of flow lines intersect the major body portion and the interior chamber thereof. A plug is mounted in the chamber and is selectively rotatable to control flow of fluid through the flow lines. The major body portion includes a reinforcing sleeve formed of metal which is encased within the plastic major body portion to surround the interior chamber.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic valve includes a generally cylindrical major body portion which is at least partially formed of a plastic material. The major body portion has an axially extending interior chamber. A pair of flow lines intersect the major body portion and the interior chamber thereof. A plug is mounted in the chamber and is selectively rotatable to control flow of fluid through the flow lines. The major body portion includes a reinforcing sleeve formed of metal which is encased within the plastic major body portion to surround the interior chamber.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and outlet thereto. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the chamber for rotation between an open position and a closed position to open and close the chamber. An actuator is rotatable about an axis coaxially aligned with the valve member axis. A lower end portion of a valve stem is connected to the valve member and an upper end portion is connected to the actuator. The valve stem upper end portion is displaced angularly from the valve stem lower end portion. The valve stem lower end portion has an axis aligned with the rotational axes of the valve member and the actuator. The axis of the valve stem upper end portion is positioned in spaced parallel relation to the axes of the actuator and the valve member.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and outlet thereto. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the chamber for rotatable movement between an open position and a closed position to open and close the chamber. A bent valve stem extends between and is connected to the valve member and a rotatable valve actuator. Rotation of the actuator moves the valve member by rotation of the valve stem between the open and closed positions. The valve stem upper end portion is displaced from the valve stem lower end portion to provide the valve stem with a bent configuration. A bellows surrounds the valve stem to provide a hermetic seal around the stem between the valve body and the actuator. The bellows has a bent configuration corresponding to the bent configuration of the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and an outlet thereto. The chamber includes an upper portion with an opening therethrough and a lower portion including a valve seat between the inlet and outlet. A bonnet is positioned in the chamber upper portion and is connected to the valve body and extends upwardly therefrom. The bonnet includes a passageway, and a stem is positioned in the passageway for longitudinal movement into and out of sealing relation with the valve seat. An air operator is connected to the upper end of the stem and is connected to a source of fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, which is supplied by remote control to the air operator to control reciprocation of the stem to open and close the valve. The air operator includes a base connected to the bonnet in surrounding relation with the stem and positioned in spaced relation with a piston connected to the upper end of the stem to thereby form a fluid chamber.

Abstract: A valve body includes a passageway for the flow of fluid therethrough. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the passageway for rotatable movement about a first rotational axis between an open position and a closed position to open and close the passageway. An actuator orbits about the first axis to move the valve member between the open and closed positions. A bent unitary valve stem extends between the valve member and the actuator. A lower end of the unitary valve stem is aligned with the first axis and is connected to the valve member for rotation with the valve member. An upper end of the unitary valve stem is aligned with a second axis angularly displaced from the first axis. A bearing assembly retained in the actuator connects the stem upper end to the actuator. A bellows bent to follow the curvature of the valve stem surrounds the valve stem to form a primary pressure boundary hermetically sealing the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and an outlet thereto. The chamber includes an upper portion with an opening therethrough and a lower portion including a valve seat between the inlet and outlet. A bonnet is positioned in the chamber upper portion and is connected to the valve body and extends upwardly therefrom. The bonnet includes a passageway, and a stem is positioned in the passageway for longitudinal movement into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat. An actuator is rotatably positioned in the bonnet passageway above the stem. A micrometer operating handle is nonrotatably connected to the upper end portion of the actuator to facilitate fine adjustment of the stem position to provide incremental adjustments in the flow rate of fluid between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A valve includes a molded plastic body portion having an internal chamber with upper and lower portions. Fittings connect the valve to conduits of a piping system. A valve seat surrounds inlet and outlet openings in the chamber lower portion. A plastic plug member is rotatably positioned in the valve seat. The plug member is a molded unitary element. The valve body portion and plug member have a substantially uniform wall thickness throughout. The plug member includes an integral plug portion and an actuator portion which facilitates ease of disassembly of the valve for repair. The plug portion has a flow passage which communicates with the inlet and outlet openings in the valve seat and is rotatable between open and closed valve positions. Seals retained on the plug portion engage the valve seat in the closed position. The actuator portion includes shearable stops which permit 360.degree. rotational operation of the plug member upon failure of the stops under excessive torque.

Abstract: A valve includes a molded plastic body portion having an internal chamber forming a valve seat having inlet and outlet openings. A plastic plug member is rotatably positioned in the valve seat and has a flow passage which in the open position of the valve communicates with the inlet and outlet openings. Pipe fittings of the valve body communicate with the valve seat and are aligned with the inlet and outlet openings. Each fitting is coupled to a conduit of a piping system by a nut threaded into the respective fitting to urge a wedge-shaped collar into frictional engagement with the conduit. The nut surrounds the collar which is advanced by the nut into the fitting until a radial shoulder on the nut abuts the end of the fitting so that the end of the nut in the fitting applies a controlled compressive force upon a gasket seal to effect a fluid tight connection of the conduit to the fitting.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and outlet thereto. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the chamber for rotation between an open position and a closed position to open and close the chamber. An actuator is rotatable about an axis coaxially aligned with the valve member axis. A lower end portion of a valve stem is connected to the valve member and an upper end portion is connected to the actuator. The valve stem upper end portion is displaced angularly from the valve stem lower end portion. The valve stem lower end portion has an axis aligned with the rotational axes of the valve member and the actuator. The axis of the valve stem upper end portion is positioned in spaced parallel relation to the axes of the actuator and the valve member.

Abstract: A molded polyethylene valve body has a flow passage connecting an inlet with an outlet of the valve body. A valve seat formed integral with the valve body surrounds the passage and a plastic valve disc is rotatably positioned in the passage for movement into and out of sealing relation with the valve seat to effect closing and opening of the passage between the inlet and outlet. A valve stem is nonrotatably connected at one end to the valve disc and extends through the valve body and projects upwardly therefrom to an upper end portion. An actuator cap is nonrotatably connected to the valve stem upper end portion. An external valve neck portion surrounds the upper end portion of the valve stem and is positioned on the outer surface of the valve body. The neck portion is adapted to rotatably receive and support the actuator cap. A pair of clamp-like leg members of the neck portion extend circumferentially around the surface of the valve body to connect the neck portion to the valve body.

Abstract: A valve body includes a chamber for the flow of fluid between an inlet and outlet thereto. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the chamber for rotatable movement between an open position and a closed position to open and close the chamber. A bent valve stem extends between and is connected to the valve member and a rotatable valve actuator. Rotation of the actuator moves the valve member by rotation of the valve stem between the open and closed positions. The valve stem upper end portion is displaced from the valve stem lower end portion to provide the valve stem with a bent configuration. A bellows surrounds the valve stem to provide a hermetic seal around the stem between the valve body and the actuator. The bellows has a bent configuration corresponding to the bent configuration of the valve stem.

Abstract: A valve body includes a passageway for the flow of fluid therethrough. A valve member, such as a ball valve member, is positioned in the passageway for rotatable movement about a first rotational axis between an open position and a closed position to open and close the passageway. An actuator orbits about the first axis to move the valve member between the open and closed positions. A bent unitary valve stem extends between the valve member and the actuator. A lower end of the unitary valve stem is aligned with the first axis and is connected to the valve member for rotation with the valve member. An upper end of the unitary valve stem is aligned with a second axis angularly displaced from the first axis. A bearing assembly retained in the actuator connects the stem upper end to the actuator. A bellows bent to follow the curvature of the valve stem surrounds the valve stem to form a primary pressure boundary hermetically sealing the valve stem.

Abstract: A connection between two pipes of a pipeline includes a pair of coupling members having externally threaded ends with sealing surfaces projecting from the ends. The threaded ends are advanced into opposite ends of an insulating sleeve fabricated of electrically nonconductive material. Internally threaded end portions of the sleeve are separated by an annular recessed portion. A resilient, nonconductive annular spacer is retained within the annular recessed portion. The spacer includes a pair of inclined inner sealing surfaces positioned in overlying sealing relation with the coupling member sealing surfaces and an outer sealing surface sealingly engaging the insulating sleeve to form a fluid and pressure tight seal around the annular space between the coupling members and the insulating sleeve in addition to electrically insulating the coupling members from each other.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body is welded to a distribution pipeline in surrounding relation with a cut-out portion of the pipeline. A plug assembly is inserted through an opened gate valve attached to the tubular body and into engagement with the tubular body. The gate valve is removed and an operator device is attached to the plug assembly. The plug assembly includes an expandable portion and an insert portion. The expandable portion includes an enlarged first chamber and a reduced second chamber. A plug assembly guide is positioned between the expandable portion and the insert portion. A nonrising actuating stem is rotated to nonrotatably move the plug assembly guide to advance the expandable portion through the tubular body and the cut-out portion to a position abutting the bottom of the pipeline for expansion of the expandable portion.

Abstract: A valve body has a chamber with a lower portion provided with inlet and outlet openings and an upper portion that includes a diaphragm seat having a surface with a presclected degree of roughness. An assembly of individual flexible metallic diaphragms is positioned in a stacked arrangement a graphite gasket positioned on the roughened diaphragm seat. A bonnet bolted to the valve body applies a downward bearing force upon the outer annular edge of the diaphragm assembly to secure the diaphragm assembly and gasket in sealing relation with the valve body to seal the chamber upper portion from the chamber lower portion. A yoke member is secured to the valve body in surrounding, spaced relation with the bonnet. A valve member has a disc portion arranged to move into and out of abutting relation with a valve seat of the valve body to control the flow of fluid under substantial pressure through the chamber.