Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a product is produced by a method including the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: A method of producing crosslinked reformed products provides such products which are, in one embodiment, produced by the monosil process and suitable for use in potable water applications. In a described embodiment, a method includes the steps of introducing a reduced level of silane in a feed throat of an extruder, extruding a product, reforming the extruded product, and then curing the reformed product for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A tube reforming apparatus provides efficient mass production of reformed tube end portions. In a preferred embodiment, a tube reforming apparatus has a loading station, two heating stations, a forming station, and an unloading station. The loading station permits rapid loading of a series of laterally spaced apart tubes into clamping fixtures, and accurately meters a downwardly extending end portion of each tube. The heating stations permit accurate and evenly distributed heat to be applied to the end portions to make them pliable. The forming station reforms the end portions between a mating die pair, while compensating for any volume variation in the end portions. The unloading station automatically unloads the tubes from the clamping fixtures. Automation features of the apparatus permit these operations to be efficiently accomplished.

Abstract: A molded cross-linked polyethylene article is formed using cross-linked polyethylene scrap generated in a previous extrusion process. The scrap is used, either by itself or mixed with essentially virgin cross-linkable polyethylene and a master batch mixture, to define a partially cross-linked moldable plastic material having a gel percent higher than that of the essentially virgin polyethylene used in the extrusion process. The mold used to form the scrap-based polyethylene end product has, for the essentially virgin polyethylene, a maximum acceptable plastic inflow rate.

Abstract: A method of producing reformed crosslinked polymer articles provides reformed crosslinked articles free of visible and objectionable folds, seams, and interfaces on reformed surfaces thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes the steps of extruding a silane-grafted polyethylene tube, heating an end of the tube, reforming the end of the tube to produce a radially enlarged sealing surface thereon, cooling the reformed tube, and curing the reformed tube to produce an increase in the degree of crosslinking of the polyethylene material.

Abstract: A stop valve has a valve body, a stem, and a handle. The valve body has a cylindrical cavity, which has a side wall and a first end wall, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, both of which communicate with the cylindrical cavity. The outlet opening has a side wall that intersects with the cylindrical cavity side wall; the intersection of which is chamfered. The valve stem has a cylindrical cavity portion which is located in the valve body cylindrical cavity and a handle portion which protrudes from the cylindrical cavity portion through an opening in the first end wall. The stem has an outlet seal ring and a stem seal O-ring. The stem seal O-ring is retained on the stem by a flange portion having a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the O-ring. The stem has retaining ears to retain the stem in position in the valve body independently of the handle.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved pop-up drain assemblies for lavatory basins, with unique structure involving the removable inner seat and compression nut receiver portion, the removable inner seat member for the rod bearing part, and the drain conduit portion.

Abstract: An improved faucet valve utilizes a static diagonal sealing ring which coacts with a control member cylindrical flow control portion having a tapered lower end portion in a relationship that provides: substantially 180 degrees of control member rotation from full open to full close and vice versa, with metering of fluid flow taking place over a major portion of the control member rotational range; contact of nearly all of the sealing ring inner periphery with the control member flow control portion during initial opening and final closing stages when differential pressure is high, so there is no tendency for the sealing ring to be forced out of its grooves; the diagonal sealing ring does not move past a fluid discharge opening or vice versa, so the diagonal sealing ring is not subjected to chafing which would result in excessive wear.

Abstract: There is disclosed tub-shower diverter apparatus that includes a diverter chamber having a planar annular surface that is pierced by a first opening or openings to provide communication with an inlet water supply, and is further pierced by second and third oppositely disposed openings or series of openings that communicate respectively with a tub outlet and a shower outlet. The second and third openings are centered on a diameter of the planar annular surface and are spaced radially from the first opening. Diverter seal means disposed within the diverter chamber is an elastomeric washer sized to overlay the second and third openings, but not the first opening. A diverter cam underlies a portion of the elastomeric washer to prevent that portion from engaging the diverter chamber planar annular surface. Rotation of the cam permits selection of the portion of the elastomeric washer that will not be engaged with the diverter chamber planar annular surface.

Abstract: A tub-shower diverter valve of the type having a valve body with a cylindrical cavity having inlet and outlet openings and a valve stem having a cylindrical rotatable core portion is provided a seal sleeve made of elastomeric material and incorporating a metal insert. The seal sleeve further incorporates ribs integral with its interior surface and surrounding each of the two seal sleeve outlet openings. The rotatable core portion is provided a bleed opening in a rear end wall.

Abstract: Improved faucet valve bonnet locking arrangement locks the valve control assembly to the valve body and utilizes a bonnet locking ring to lock the valve control assembly to the bonnet and consequently bonnet rotational movement relative to the valve body is prevented. In addition, the bonnet locking ring interengages the valve control assembly and the bonnet in a manner such that locking of the bonnet relative to the valve body may be accomplished regardless of the assembled rotational position of the bonnet relative to the valve body.

Abstract: In a single handle faucet valve of a type wherein a stem is interconnected with a control member so that movement of the stem moves the control member to vary hot and cold water mix and flow rate and wherein the stem includes a stem ball and there is provided bearing means for the stem ball, there is disclosed stem sealing means that is novel and advantageous.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improved single handle mixing valves suitable for use in back to back installations, as for example tub/shower valves in an apartment building or hotel. In such installations it is important to provide for proper orientation of valve water mix control parts so as to prevent the water mix from being uncomfortably or dangerously hot in the initial phase of valve opening. The invention provides structure and arrangement such that proper orientation can be achieved by a simple re-orientation or reversal of a part or parts exteriorly of the valve body.