Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inlet and an outlet, and a passageway for flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. An attachment member is in removable engagement with the valve body at one of the inlet and the outlet. A pipe coupler is releasably secured to the valve body by the attachment member. The pipe coupler is adapted for attachment to a pipe end by sweating. The pipe coupler defines one, two or three inlets and one outlet. The attachment member is threadedly attached to an internal wall or an external wall of the valve body. The valve assembly is, e.g., a ball valve, a check valve, or a gate valve.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A backflow preventer assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first mounting assembly configured to removably secure a first check valve at a region of first end of the housing, and a second mounting assembly configured to removably secure a second check valve at a region of the second end of the housing. The housing includes a wall having an inner surface defining a through bore extending between the first and second ends. Each mounting assembly has a wall with an inner surface defining a through bore in fluid communication with the housing through bore. A first coupling secures the first mounting assembly to the housing, and a second coupling secures the second mounting assembly to the housing.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A valve stem extension for extending the length of a valve stem, the valve stem extension including an extension member and a rotation resisting member. The extension member has a first end for engaging the valve stem and defines an opening which exposes two opposing flat sides of the valve stem when the extension member is engaged with the valve stem. The rotation resisting member includes two opposing flat sides and is configured to be insertable within the opening of the extension member after engagement of the extension member with the valve stem. When positioned in the opening of the extension member, the two opposing flat sides of the rotation resisting member engage the two opposing flat sides of the valve stem to resist rotation of the extension member relative to the valve stem.

Abstract: A thermostatic steam trap for use in sanitary environments has a steam trap body defining a steam trap cavity and consisting of an inlet body portion defining an inlet port in communication with an inlet cavity portion and an outlet body portion defining an outlet port in communication with an outlet cavity portion. The inlet and outlet cavity portions are disposed in communication to define the steam trap cavity. A centering member is disposed generally between the inlet and outlet body portions. A thermostatic bellows/plug assembly mounted to the centering member moves within the steam trap cavity between a first position in engagement with a seat defined by the steam trap body, thereby to resist flow of fluid between the steam trap cavity and the outlet port, and a second position spaced from engagement with the seat, thereby to permit flow of fluid between the steam trap cavity and the outlet port.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A check valve assembly mounted for engagement with a valve seat includes a flapper valve and a lever arm. The flapper valve includes a bracket pivotably mounted along a first hemisphere of the valve seat, a valve plate mounted to the bracket along a region generally spaced from a periphery of the valve plate, and a mounting assembly adjustably joining the valve plate to the bracket. The flapper valve has a closed position with the valve plate in sealing engagement with the valve seat about the periphery of the valve plate. The lever arm is pivotably mounted to the valve seat along a second hemisphere of the valve seat opposite the first hemisphere. The lever arm includes a lever surface disposed for moving contact with an engagement surface of the bracket and a biasing means for biasing the lever surface toward contact with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A backflow preventer assembly includes a housing, a first mounting assembly configured for assembling by insertion with a first end of the housing, and a second mounting assembly configured for assembling by insertion with a second end of the housing. The housing and mounting assemblies include through bores in fluid communication. Securing material secures opposed surfaces of the first mounting assembly and the housing, and opposed surfaces of the second mounting assembly and the housing. Plating material is located on the inner surfaces of the housing and mounting assemblies. The plating material forms a wall restricting migration of the securing material into the housing and mounting assembly bores. Ball valves and check valves are attached to the mounting assemblies. The housing wall defines a port providing access to the check valves.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly has thin-walled tailpieces of a high thermal conductivity material, e.g., copper. The tailpieces are removably mounted to the body, allowing the valve body and heat sensitive components to be removed from thermal contact during sweating.

Abstract: An electrically actuated flow control device for use with an electrical household appliance includes a single body defining first and second flow passages. Inlet ends of the flow passages connect to pressurized sources of hot and cold water, and outlet ends of the flow passages connect to hoses for delivery of hot and cold water to the appliance. Hot and cold water actuators are each adapted to move between a first position resisting flow through the flow passages and a second position permitting flow through the flow passages. A sensor detects whether current is being drawn by the appliance, and a controller controls the positions of the actuators dependant upon whether current is being drawn. The inlet ends of the flow passage each include a connector arranged at a desired spacing from each other corresponding to the connector spacing in a mechanical flow control device.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly includes a valve element mounted for movement along a valve axis between a sealing position and a relief position. A spring arm engaged with the valve element urges the valve element toward the sealing position. The spring arm has a free end engaged upon a cam surface. Movement of the valve element between the sealing and relief positions causes movement of the free end of the spring arm along the cam surface. Movement of the valve element toward the relief position causes movement of the free end of the spring arm along the cam surface increasing spacing of the free end of the spring arm from the valve axis and increasing spring force of the free end of the spring arm upon the cam surface. This maintains a substantially constant, predetermined spring force component urging the valve element toward the sealed position.

Abstract: A check valve assembly mounted for engagement with a valve seat includes a flapper valve and a lever arm. The flapper valve includes a bracket pivotably mounted along a first hemisphere of the valve seat, a valve plate mounted to the bracket along a region generally spaced from a periphery of the valve plate, and a mounting assembly adjustably joining the valve plate to the bracket. The flapper valve has a closed position with the valve plate in sealing engagement with the valve seat about the periphery of the valve plate. The lever arm is pivotably mounted to the valve seat along a second hemisphere of the valve seat opposite the first hemisphere. The lever arm includes a lever surface disposed for moving contact with an engagement surface of the bracket and a biasing means for biasing the lever surface toward contact with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive safety valve assembly includes a housing for mounting at a faucet outlet and a safety valve element consisting of a rigid cap and an elastic bellows containing a body of temperature sensitive material. Below a predetermined temperature, the bellows has a first condition permitting flow of water towards the faucet outlet. Above the predetermined temperature, the bellows has a second condition restricting flow of water. The bellows also has a third condition, actuated by loss of at least a portion of the body of temperature sensitive material, in which a seal surface of the cap engages with an opposed seat surface of the housing to restrict flow of water towards the faucet outlet.

Abstract: A backflow prevention test assembly for a backflow preventer has a test valve in fluid communication with a conduit of the backflow preventer and a test kit. The test valve has a body defining an axial bore, and a piston defining a test conduit is disposed within the axial bore for movement between a first position permitting test flow through the test conduit and a second position resisting test flow. The piston is biased toward the second position. The test kit includes a test apparatus and a fitting for attachment upon the test valve body in sealing engagement. The fitting defines a displacement surface for engagement, after sealing engagement of the seal with the test valve, with an opposed surface of the piston to urge the piston toward its first position, thereby to establish fluid communication between the test apparatus and a region of the backflow preventer conduit. A method of testing fluid within the flow conduit of the backflow preventer is also described.

Abstract: A poppet check valve for resisting fluid flow through an orifice in a backflow direction includes a valve element, a valve seat defining a valve orifice, and at least first and second torsion springs mounted to apply a pre-determined closing force to bias the valve element toward sealing engagement upon the valve seat. The pre-determined closing force applied by each torsion spring has an axial component, applied in the axial direction, and a lateral component, applied generally transverse to the axial direction. The axial component has a first value with the valve element in a first position and a second value with the valve element in a second position more spaced from the valve seat, the first value being greater than the second value. The lateral component also has a first value in the first position of the valve element and a second value in the second position, the first value being less than the second value.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved system of plumbing for transportation conveyances including over-the-road, domestic vehicles, railway cars and yachts. The system includes a compact, unitary water distribution manifold for distributing water from an external supply of water. The manifold defines a system of conduits having inlets and outlets for connecting the conduits alternatively to a pressurized external water supply, or, where the external supply is not pressurized, to a pump, with a valve for draining water from the manifold and connected piping, e.g. for cold weather storage.

Abstract: A rotary valve has a valve housing with a wall defining a flow passageway, a closure member journalled within the valve housing and mounted for movement between a first position for permitting flow of fluid within the flow passageway and a second position for ceasing flow of fluid within the flow passageway, and a flexible seating ring disposed at least partially within the flow passageway in a position for sealing engagement with the closure member in second position. The flexible seating ring has a flow-through section sized to fit within the flow passageway with a clearance fit, and a flanged seating section extending outwardly from the flow-through section and positioned for sealing contact with the closure member to seal the valve. A seating ring support member is positioned to support the seating ring in a manner to permit the seating ring to move axially and radially within the flow passageway to provide improved tolerance to dimensional variation in manufacture.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved system of plumbing for over-the-road, domestic vehicles. The system includes a compact, unitary water distribution manifold for distributing water from an external supply of water. The manifold defines a system of conduits having inlets and outlets for connecting the conduits alternatively to a pressurized external water supply, or, where the external supply is not pressurized, to a pump, with a bypass valve for controlling the flow of water to the pump inlet. The system of plumbing further includes drain valves coupled to a cold water conduit and to a hot water conduit for draining water from the manifold and connected piping, e.g. for cold weather storage.

Abstract: A temperature control flow valve has a body defining conduits for connection to sources of cold and hot water, a chamber for mixing the water, and a thermostat element for maintaining the temperature of the mixed water at or below a predetermined maximum temperature. The cold and hot water are combined through a mixing valve in a ratio adjusted continuously by means of the thermostat element to provide the mixed water at the predetermined temperature. The flow valve includes cold water and hot water pressure regulators responsive to the ratio of cold water to hot water pressures to substantially balance the pressure of the hot water and the pressure of the cold water delivered through the regulator.