Abstract: A gear for use as the pinion in a rack and pinion gear includes spur gear teeth that have an upper portion of the face cut in a worm cut so the gear is effective as a worm wheel for a worm gear while retaining involute curved faces so it is effective as the pinion for the rack. The rack, pinion, and worm driver are connected. When the worm gear connected to a shaft, power is transmitted from the shaft to the rack via the worm driver and pinion with all gears making line contact instead of point contact. This improvement turns one gear piece into two gears. The rack pinion can be geared to a worm gear while it is also matched up with a straight cut rack. In this way the gear translates force between the two different types of gears.

Abstract: A telescoping seal uses a split resilient gasket surrounding the slide pipe at the bottom of the tank. The gasket has a slanting outer side, mating with a slanting seat in a lower flange which is attached to the bottom of the tank. An upper flange compresses the gasket downward into the seat, causing the gasket to be compressed inward around the slide pipe, thereby providing a watertight seal which still permits the vertical sliding motion of the slide pipe.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a double disk gate valve having two closure disks with a resilient material between. The resilient material and closure disks are enveloped in an outer harder coating. Closing the gate valve brings the disks into initial sealing contact with the bottom of the valve seat. Applying pressure to the gate valve after contact is made between the gate assembly and the valve seat causes the resilient central member to exert pressure against the closure disks, thus pressing the outer coating of the gate assembly against the sidewalls of the valve seat. This action creates a better sealing engagement with the seat surface to exclude flow. Wear on the gate assembly is significantly reduced since the gate assembly does not make contact with the sidewalls of the seat while being moved between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A combination air and vacuum valve comprises a valve body (20) including a fluid inlet (25) and gas outlet (26), a valve poppet (8) guided to open and close said outlet (26), a float (19) and rod (18) connected operatively thereto in a vertical orientation for allowing said valve poppet (8) to close and open said gas outlet (26), a seat frame (5) for guiding stem of said poppet (8), a fulcrum pivot lever mechanism to which said float rod (18) is attached and which also contains a valve poppet seat (9) for pushing said valve poppet (8) via its stem to close said outlet (26), a fulcrum pivot axis of said fulcrum pivot lever mechanism containing a torsion spring (11); said spring (11) providing an additional upward force which assists the buoyancy effect of the float (19) in closing the valve. As a result, a smaller float may be used to achieve the same buoyant effect which would normally require a larger float.

Abstract: A security hydrant cap having a domed body adapted to be removed only with a specialized tool, and a slip ring surrounding substantially all of the body and mounted thereto so as to be free to rotate about the body. The slip ring and, preferably, the body are formed of stainless steel. Preferably, the slip ring and body are made of a 400 series stainless steel, heat treated to a Rockwell "C" hardness of approximately 43-47.

Abstract: A mud valve having a plug seat which is made of a resilient material, and which forms the seal at an angle of approximately 28.degree. from the vertical. The valve seat is formed with a matching 28.degree. inclination to mate with the resilient seat.