Abstract: A plug valve includes a body having an interior wall and fluid passages therethrough with the interior wall having raised ridge portions thereon located in a selected pattern for cooperation with a resilient sealing cover which is molded on a plug body so that when a selected plug body having the cover is inserted into the body the raised surfaces will engage and compress the resilient material to prevent fluid leakage therebetween; the plug member has a fluid passage which, upon rotation of the plug member in the body will be brought into and out of alignment with the fluid passages in the body; the body may have a plurality of fluid pathways which are selectable by selecting a plug member having a selected pathway for providing registry between a desired path of fluid travel.

Abstract: A flangible ring, for securing together the adjacent flanged ends of the upper and lower barrel sections of a fire hydrant, has two weakening grooves therein instead of the usual one. One of the grooves is conventional and located in one face of the ring just inside the circular array of bolt holes in the ring. The other weakening groove is formed in the other face of the ring and is of greater mean diameter but of smaller, width and depth than the first groove. Preferably the sides of the other groove are straight in radial section, disposed at an angle of the order of 60.degree. to the face of the ring and an extension of the inner side thereof intersects the intersection of the bottom of the larger groove with a side thereof.

Abstract: A removable key operated locking device for a rotary valve includes a locking member having a tip having a selected diameter connected by a throat having a smaller diameter to a body portion which may have a slightly larger diameter than the tip portion and a predetermined length whereby the locking element is completely insertable within a specially designed receiving bore located at one end of the valve housing so as to be completely isolated from access from the exterior except by means of a plunger-type key; a locking cage is disposed within the receiving bore and is held in a predetermined locking position by cooperation with a conically-shaped annular surface formed on the surface of a portion of the locking bore; the locking cage cooperates with one end of cylinder portion of the key whereby, upon insertion of the cylindrical portion, the locking cage will be moved completely out of the path of travel of the tip portion of the locking element but will automatically engage under a spring force the neck

Abstract: A tamperproof fire hydrant which can only be operated with use of a special operating means or tool thus preventing the opening of the hydrant by unauthorized persons for unauthorized use. The hydrant is provided with the usual polygonal end portion of the rotatable operating nut extending out of the top closure member. A dome shaped cap is mounted on the polygonal end portion of the operating nut for free rotation relative thereto, the dome shaped cap having a skirt with the lower edge thereof spaced from the tubular hold down nut or top closure member of the fire hydrant to provide a limited access space to the polygonal end portion for reception of the special operating means. The special operating means is also capable of being used as a tool to remove the nozzle cap off of the usual nozzle and to install the hose coupling on the nozzle.

Abstract: A water meter service installation including both a water meter and a backflow protection device, both utilizing the same water meter box. The present installation can be retrofitted to existing meter boxes in the field as an elongated tubular extension is detachably connected to the water meter box in alignment with an opening therein, the extension extending therefrom and being capable of housing a cartridge insert member telescopingly positioned therein, the cartridge insert member having a pair of check valves in series to prevent backflow of water through the meter. By utilizing the tubular extension bolted to the exterior of the meter box, very little, if any area is taken up within the meter box and, thus, an existing meter box can still accommodate the conventional water meter while being provided with a backflow protection device in the form of a double valve cartridge insert.

Abstract: A tamperproof fire hydrant which can only be operated with the use of a special operating tool thus preventing the opening of the hydrant by unauthorized persons for unauthorized use. Additionally the tubular hold-down nut for the operating nut is so designed to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the hydrant by unauthorized personnel. To prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized disassembly the polygonal shaped operating nut is concealed by a dome shaped cap covering both the hold-down nut and the operating nut, the cap being freely rotatable with respect thereto. The dome shaped cap permits only limited access to the operating nut. Additionally the hold-down nut for the operating nut is also protected in this manner and is provided with a specifically shaped outer surface which requires a special tool usable only when the dome shaped cap for the operating nut is removed.

Abstract: A tamperproof fire hydrant which can only be operated with use of a special operating means or tool thus preventing the opening of the hydrant by unauthorized persons for unauthorized use. The hydrant is provided with the usual polygonal end portion of the rotatable operating nut extending out of the top closure member. A dome shaped cap is mounted on the polygonal end portion of the operating nut for free rotation relative thereto, the dome shaped cap having a skirt with the lower edge thereof spaced from the tubular hold down nut or top closure member of the fire hydrant to provide a limited access space to the polygonal end portion for reception of the special operating means. The special operating means is also capable of being used as a tool to remove the nozzle cap off of the usual nozzle and to install the hose coupling on the nozzle.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly for use in backflow preventers having at least one check valve, the relief valve assembly being operable in response to changes in differential pressure across the check valve and in fluid connection downstream of the check valve for discharging liquid therefrom to atmosphere when a backflow condition occurs. The at least one check valve prevents backflow from a service pipe to the supply pipe but when the at least one check valve is fouled, and a backflow condition occurs, the relief valve assembly operates to permit the discharge of the liquid from the service line and prevent contamination of the supply line.

Abstract: A backflow preventer apparatus designed for connection between a supply pipe having liquid under pressure and a service pipe, the backflow preventer apparatus comprising a pair of check valves in series and defining a zone therebetween, a relief valve operable upon a change in differential pressure across the upstream check valve, and a vacuum breaker operable upon a drop in pressure in the zone to a predetermined pressure supply above atmospheric pressure. The differential pressure operable relief valve, when opened upon certain operating conditions, causing the zone to drain to atmosphere. The vacuum breaker operates independent of supply pipe pressure or service pipe pressure but solely on a drop in pressure in the zone.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly for use in backflow preventers having at least one check valve, the relief valve assembly being operable in response to changes in differential pressure across the check valve and in fluid connection downstream of the check valve for discharging liquid therefrom to atmosphere when a backflow condition occurs. The at least one check valve prevents backflow from a service pipe to the supply pipe but when the at least one check valve is fouled, and a backflow condition occurs, the relief valve assembly operates to permit the discharge of the liquid from the service line and prevent contamination of the supply line.

Abstract: A backflow preventer apparatus designed for connection between a supply pipe having liquid under pressure and a service pipe, the backflow preventer apparatus comprising a pair of check valves in series and defining a zone therebetween, a relief valve operable upon a change in differential pressure across the upstream check valve, and a vacuum breaker operable upon a drop in pressure in the zone to a predetermined pressure supply above atmospheric pressure. The differential pressure operable relief valve, when opened upon certain operating conditions, causing the zone to drain to atmosphere. The vacuum breaker operates independent of supply pipe pressure or service pipe pressure but solely on a drop in pressure in the zone.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for use in backflow preventer apparatus or the like, the check valve assembly being of the poppet valve type. The assembly includes a body member having a flow passage therethrough with an inlet and an outlet, the body member further having an annular valve seat in said passage and an opening in its wall opposite and coaxial with the valve seat. A tamperproof preloaded valve module is inserted through said opening for coacting with the valve seat and the module is retained in position within the body by a cover plate closing the opening.

Abstract: A pipe clamp for use in encircling a pipe or main as either a pipe repair clamp or a service side outlet clamp. The pipe clamp comprises a flexible metal band made of sheet metal or the like having a gasket liner which seals with a section of the exterior of the pipe, the band being split and made of at least one section and having at least a pair of lugs attached to each of its opposed end portions. Bolts are used to draw the lugs together and cause the band to tightly encircle the pipe. An improved retention of the band ends in the lugs is provided, the lugs being of the type having ductile jaws initially cast in an open position, one of the jaws having a projection thereon and the other jaw having a recess for cooperating with the projection when the jaws are closed on the band end.

Abstract: A coupling joint for releasably coupling two telescoping tubular members in sealing relationship to one another, one of the tubular members being continuously urged inwardly relative to the other tubular member whereby a seal between said members may be maintained at all times. The coupling joint, which may be utilized in a valve or the like with the valve body representing one of the tubular members and a bushing representing the other of the tubular members inserted into the open end of the valve body, includes the use of a resilient ring such as an O-ring for retaining the two tubular members together, the ring being positioned in opposed grooves in the telescoped portion of the tubular members.

Abstract: A low profile pipe clamp for use as either a repair clamp or a service clamp with a side outlet. The pipe clamp comprises a flexible band, usually of sheet metal with a gasket material on the interior thereof, the flexible band having a pair of opposed looped ends which receive tubular trunnion loading bars. The trunnion loading bars receive at least a pair of T-bolt assemblies, each assembly including one T-bolt and a nut. The T-bolt assemblies are pre-assembled in one of the trunnion bars having apertures therethrough, this trunnion bar being made of a plurality of coaxial elements whereby the T-bolt may be independently pivoted into position during assembly. The other trunnion bar is provided with slots for receiving the head of the T-bolt and is temporarily held against rotation and axial movement in the loop prior to installation of the clamp.

Abstract: A low profile pipe clamp for use in encircling a pipe such as a main or the like, the clamp being either a repair clamp or a service clamp with a side outlet. The pipe clamp comprises a flexible band, usually of sheet metal with a gasket material on the interior and having at least a pair of opposed looped ends which receive cylindrical trunnion loading bars. At least one bolt extending through the loading bars is arranged to move the trunnion loading bars toward each other to cause the looped ends of the band to draw the flexible band tightly around the pipe. The relationship of the trunnion loading bars to the bolt extending therethrough is such as to give the clamp a use for a wide range of varying outside diameters of a particular size of pipe.

Abstract: An improved valve facing for one member of relatively sliding gate valve members. More specifically, the improved valve facing has foamed polymeric core and an impervious and solid polymeric outer surface. This combination provides the necessary resilient and deformable characteristics for effecting a long-life seal between the sliding members of the gate valve. When the valve is a drain valve of a fire hydrant most unexpected results are obtained.

Abstract: A pipeline stopper assembly of the expanding sleeve type for use in large diameter pipes having a transverse circular cut-out or opening therethrough. The pipeline stopper assembly cooperates with a stopper fitting secured to the pipeline so that when the assembly is inserted into the transverse opening in the pipeline and is properly oriented with the space between the split sleeve facing in the proper direction, it incapable of being rotated within the opening. The torque encountered in the expanding of the sleeve by the actuating means is transferred directly from the operating nut members to the sleeve without being transferred through the toggle arms. Stop means are provided which limit movement of the operating nut members toward each other and, thus, positively limit the amount of expansion of the sleeve and the pivotal movement of the arms to an angle no greater than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the stopper assembly.

Abstract: A service clamp for use as a fitting in tapping a hole in a main pipe and/or for supporting a branch pipe, the service clamp being particularly adapted for use when the main pipe is plastic such as polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) although it may be used with pipe made from other material including metal pipe. The service clamp comprises two saddle parts for encircling the main pipe, one of the saddle parts carrying a branch pipe extension with a throughbore, and each saddle part carrying, prior to assembly of the service clamp, at least one of the screws or bolts used during assembling the clamp about the main pipe.

Abstract: A fire hydrant having a generally elbow-shaped hydrant shoe with an improved interior bowl configuration and an improved hydrant valve for minimizing head or flow loss of the fire hydrant between the inlet opening of the shoe and the outlet nozzle positioned on the upper portion of the hydrant barrel. The interior bowl of the shoe, adjacent its inlet, is provided with a diverging transitional surface of rotation having a generally part frusto conical shape and, adjacent its outlet, is provided with a converging transitional surface of rotation having a generally part frusto conical shape, the transitional surfaces of rotation merging with the shoe's part spherical chamber.