Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.

Abstract: A gas sediment trap assembly includes a generally cylindrical length with a generally perpendicular tee and a vertically oriented capped portion. The gas sediment trap assembly is coupled to the gas supply line and the gas fired appliance. One or more gas ball valves can be coupled to the gas sediment trap assembly. The gas sediment trap assembly can be used with conventional gas piping, flexible gas piping, and/or other gas line components.

Abstract: A gauge adaptor apparatus allows easy connection and removal of a gauge to a hydronic system or other fluidic piping system for taking a pressure or temperature reading. The gauge adaptor apparatus is compatible with standard hose connections and can be used to quickly and easily add a gauge onto a hydronic system without requiring extensive labor and without needing to halt the operation of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses can be used to take one-time readings, or they can be left permanently installed for ongoing readings of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses take up little space, are highly compatible with existing fluid valves and system configurations, can be installed quickly and easily without requiring much labor, and can be easily removed for system draining, servicing, or replacement.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper or copper-silicon alloy having a thermal conductivity of ?45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ?6.4 mm from the interface and/or a heat affected zone that has an average width ?400 ?m and is spaced from the interface. The plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems.

Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper or copper-silicon alloy having a thermal conductivity of ?45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ?6.4 mm from the interface and/or a heat affected zone that has an average width ?400 ?m and is spaced from the interface. The plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems.

Abstract: A connection socket for a tubular press connection including a socket cup having a metal alloy composition and comprising: an O-ring portion defining an O-ring recess; a plurality of gripper arrays positioned equidistant along an internal surface of the socket cup; and a plurality of raised ridges positioned equidistant on an exterior surface of the socket cup. The raised ridges may extend over the gripper arrays.

Abstract: A connection socket for a tubular connection that includes: a socket cup having a metal alloy composition and a sealing portion, the sealing portion comprises a primary and a secondary sealing recess; a primary seal positioned within the primary sealing recess, the primary seal comprising an elastomeric material having a service temperature, and a secondary seal positioned within the secondary sealing recess, the secondary seal comprising a metal composition. Further, the secondary seal has a melting temperature at or above the service temperature of the primary seal.

Abstract: A pipe socket for making a threaded pipe connection that includes: a socket body defining a threaded portion, a cavity and a stop; an O-ring positioned within the cavity; and a plurality of interrupted series of tapping threads defined on an internal surface of the socket body in the threaded portion. The cavity is configured to receive a pipe and the stop is configured to stop a pipe received within the cavity. Each of the interrupted series of tapping threads is circumferentially equidistant from the adjacent interrupted series of tapping threads. Further, each of the interrupted series of tapping threads comprises threads arranged axially on the internal surface of the socket body for forming threads on a pipe received within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an isolation valve unit including a valve body comprised of a metal, such as brass, and having at least two ports, at least one of the ports including an overmolded thermoplastic end surrounding and enclosing the port. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic end is composed of a polypropylene random (PP-R) material and is securely formed over the port by way of an over molding technique. The valve unit further includes a ball valve accommodated within the valve body and a handle for actuating the ball valve. The isolation valve unit is configured to control the flow of fluids in a plumbing system via actuation of the ball valve.

Abstract: A push-to-connect modular cartridge for a plumbing fitting includes a cylindrical cup having an annular surface at one end and a cylindrical shoulder at an opposite end. A circular seal is positioned against the annular surface, and a circular backing ring is positioned against the seal on a side opposite the annular surface. A grab ring including inwardly projecting tines is seated against the backing ring on a side opposite the seal, and a containment ring contacts the grab ring on a side opposite the backing ring. The containment ring is engaged by the shoulder of the cup to hold the containment ring, grab ring, backing ring, and seal together. This modular push-to-connect cartridge can be welded to a plumbing fitting which uses significantly less material, thereby greatly reducing the cost to manufacture.

Abstract: A boiler loop system including a primary-secondary piping loop interface apparatus including a flow diversion device, and a drain valve, and a drain port in branches from a circumferential sidewall. In an embodiment, supply branch piping and return branch piping connect the primary-secondary piping loop interface apparatus to a boiler and provide attachment points for auxiliary plumbing equipment. In an embodiment, the boiler loop is integrated into the primary loop.

Abstract: Copper alloys exhibiting enhanced oxidation resistance are provided by adding an amount of sulfur that is effective to enhance oxidative resistance. Such sulfur addition can be achieved by combining elemental forms of copper and sulfur and heating the mixture to form a molten alloy, or by forming a sulfur-rich pre-mix that is added to a base alloy composition. Forming a pre-mix provides improved homogeneity and distribution of the sulfur predominantly in the form of a metal sulfide.

Abstract: A valve system includes a spring-biased locking slide plate which extends in an axial direction parallel to and offset from the axis of the valve stem and selectively extends through a base plate mounted to the top of a valve to selectively engage stop tabs on the valve body. The locking slide plate also extends through the valve handle and through a locking member to selectively lock the valve in open or closed positions. In one embodiment, the locking slide plate comprises two sections which include a lower section having tines which selectively engage tabs on the valve body and a second upper section which is spring-biased to the lower section to float to allow the lower section to accommodate different diameter valve bodies.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting includes a housing defining a socket with an internal annular shoulder for sealably receiving a cartridge. A two-piece cylindrical cartridge has semi-cylindrical interlocking halves that lockably engage a grab ring positioned between the interlocking halves of the cartridge. The grab ring has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing and cartridge past the grab ring. The cartridge includes a ring seal positioned against the annular shoulder and internal wall of the socket for sealably coupling the cartridge to the socket and sealably coupling a fluid conduit to the cartridge. The cartridge may be held within the housing socket by a crimped-over end. Also, an integral release ring may be coupled to the cartridge, such that a separate tool is unnecessary to disconnect a fluid conduit from the fitting.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting that includes: a fitting body having a plurality of ends; and a cover element joined to the body with a weld in proximity to and spaced from an interface in contact with a potable or non-potable aqueous medium. The body and the cover element are fabricated from a lead-free or low lead, copper or copper-silicon alloy having a thermal conductivity of ?45 W/(m*K). Further, the weld has a centerline that is ?6.4 mm from the interface and/or a heat affected zone that has an average width ?400 ?m and is spaced from the interface. The plumbing fittings include but are not limited to ball valves, gate valves, elbows, check valves and other fittings without stems.

Abstract: A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results.

Abstract: A housing for receiving a fluid conduit has an internal annular shoulder. A cylindrical first cartridge is positioned in the housing and has an internal annular groove and an outer annular groove. An O-ring in the internal annular groove provides a seal with a fluid conduit. A second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing. A gripping ring is positioned adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing. A second cylindrical cartridge is positioned adjacent the gripping ring on a side opposite the first cartridge. The housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring against the annular shoulder in the housing.

Abstract: An indicator post has a head assembly for use with an underground post indicator valve or a wall mounted post indicator valve. The head assembly includes an upper body having a removable cap rotatably supporting an operating stem coupled to an operating rod for engaging the valve. A leading bogie assembly is threadably mated to a threaded sleeve of the operating stem and includes open and shut targets slideably supported on the bogie assembly to allow adjustment of the targets for valves that open and shut with different numbers of revolutions.

Abstract: A universal self-locking push-to-connect plumbing insert assembly provides flexibility to an installer to use the assembly in the field with a variety of different plumbing fittings for coupling conduits to such fittings. The assembly comprises first and second interlocking cartridges holding a dual function gripping ring. The gripping ring has inwardly projecting tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit and outwardly projecting tines for holding the assembly within a plumbing fitting. A sealing ring is captively held by the first cartridge and is positioned to seal the insert assembly to a plumbing fitting when inserted therein and also seal a conduit extended into the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly further includes a release ring held within the second cartridge for selectively engaging the inwardly projecting tines of the gripping ring to allow a fluid conduit to be removed from the insert assembly.