Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body defining an internal chamber and a valve seat disposed within the internal chamber adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the valve body. A poppet is mounted for linear movement along a poppet axis within the internal chamber between the first and second ends of the valve body and has a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the poppet axis, a peripheral rim defining a movement guiding surface, a frustoconical surface provided in one axial end of the poppet and oriented in a direction toward the one end of the valve body, a sealing bead disposed on the frustoconical surface, and a predetermined plurality of passages formed in a predetermined pattern through at least one of the peripheral rim and the frustoconical surface in open communication with an opposed axial end of the poppet.

Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body defining an internal chamber and a valve seat disposed within the internal chamber adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the valve body. A poppet is mounted for linear movement along a poppet axis within the internal chamber between the first and second ends of the valve body and has a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the poppet axis, a peripheral rim defining a movement guiding surface, a frustoconical surface provided in one axial end of the poppet and oriented in a direction toward the one end of the valve body, a sealing bead disposed on the frustoconical surface, and a predetermined plurality of passages formed in a predetermined pattern through at least one of the peripheral rim and the frustoconical surface in open communication with an opposed axial end of the poppet.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting conduits within a sanitary environment. Some supports are configured so as to avoid the formation of surfaces that might collect dust, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. when installed. In one embodiment, the support includes a pair of opposing support members that may be releasably and sealingly secured together. The upper support member may have a substantially uninterrupted convex surface that has a desired texture. The lower support member may be sized and shaped such that no portion thereof protrudes outwardly beyond the upper member to form any surfaces, pockets, etc. wherein dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. may accumulate. A seal or grommet may be employed to establish a seal between the conduit and support to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc., between the conduit and the conduit support.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting conduits within a sanitary environment. Some supports are configured so as to avoid the formation of surfaces that might collect dust, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. when installed. In one embodiment, the support includes a pair of opposing support members that may be releasably and sealingly secured together. The upper support member may have a substantially uninterrupted convex surface that has a desired texture. The lower support member may be sized and shaped such that no portion thereof protrudes outwardly beyond the upper member to form any surfaces, pockets, etc. wherein dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. may accumulate. A seal or grommet may be employed to establish a seal between the conduit and support to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc., between the conduit and the conduit support.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting conduits within a sanitary environment. Some supports are configured so as to avoid the formation of surfaces that might collect dust, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. when installed. In one embodiment, the support includes a pair of opposing support members that may be releasably and sealingly secured together. The upper support member may have a substantially uninterrupted convex surface that has a desired texture. The lower support member may be sized and shaped such that no portion thereof protrudes outwardly beyond the upper member to form any surfaces, pockets, etc. wherein dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. may accumulate. A seal or grommet may be employed to establish a seal between the conduit and support to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc., between the conduit and the conduit support.

Abstract: A self cleaning and self draining valve. The valve may include a valve body that has an inlet port and an outlet port and a flow control chamber between the inlet and outlet ports wherein a flow control member is operably supported. The inlet and outlet ports may or may not be coaxially aligned. The valve body may have a bottom surface that is substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of the outlet port. The flow control member may have a flow passage that curves downwardly to the bottom of the flow control chamber. The valve may further include a movable seat member that is movably supported within the valve body such that a fluid passage is established between the seat and the flow control member when fluid is flowing through the valve and the passageway is closed when the flow control member is closed. The valve may further have an adjustable bonnet for selectively adjusting the position of the flow control member within the valve body.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for a valve that has a valve body and an actuator stem protruding therefrom for selectively rotating a flow control member within the valve body between open and closed positions and a handle attached to the valve stem that defines a first axis. The lock apparatus includes a slider plate that is movably supported on the valve stem and is selectively slidable along a second axis that is substantially transverse to the first axis to a position wherein said slider plate contacts a portion of the valve body when the flow control member is in either of the open and closed positions to retain the flow control member therein and another position wherein the slider plate does not contact the portion of the valve body to permit the valve stem to be rotated. An opening is provided through the slider plate for receiving a portion of a locking device therethrough.

Abstract: A ball valve adapted to be used in applications where the temperature of the liquid medium is subjected to various swings in temperature. The valve includes a valve body which is retained between a pair of end connectors to create a valve chamber therebetween. A flow control member having a passage therethrough is rotationally supported within the valve chamber. A valve stem extends into the valve body and is operatively connected to the flow control member. O-rings are affixed in annular fashion to a neck portion of each end connector for creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the end connectors. Flanged packing seals extend around the valve stem within the valve body and are spring biased to provide axial support to the valve stem while creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the stem. A handle member is connected to the valve stem for rotating the flow control member within the valve chamber.