Abstract: Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid.

Abstract: Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid.

Abstract: Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for joining the ends of the retainer band that does not damage the band ends may help prevent separation of the ends as the band is compressed, and corrosion of the band when it is exposed to a chemically-charged environment. A retainer structure for use in a fluid-holding tank comprises a main band body having a first end portion and a second end portion and a connecting member for receiving the first and second end portions so that the main band body forms a loop shape. The connecting member is configured to directly secure the received first and second end portions without deforming the first and second end portions.

Abstract: Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for joining the ends of the retainer band that does not damage the band ends may help prevent separation of the ends as the band is compressed, and corrosion of the band when it is exposed to a chemically-charged environment. A retainer structure for use in a fluid-holding tank comprises a main band body having a first end portion and a second end portion and a connecting member for receiving the first and second end portions so that the main band body forms a loop shape. The connecting member is configured to directly secure the received first and second end portions without deforming the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A valve is provided having a housing defining first and second flow areas. First, second and third flow ports open into the first flow area, while fourth and fifth flow ports open into the second flow area. A flow passage is provided having one end opening into the first flow port and another end opening into the second flow area. First and second flow control gates are disposed in the first and second flow areas, respectively, and are rotatable between first and second positions. With the first and second gates in the first position, the first gate seals off the third flow port opening such that the first and second flow ports are in fluid communication via the first flow area, and the second gate seals off the flow passage opening such that the fourth and fifth flow ports are in fluid communication via the second flow area.

Abstract: A manifold for a heat exchanging appliance is disclosed. The manifold may include an externally adjustable bypass valve, a compression fitting for connecting a conduit to the manifold, a flow cup for adding passes to the heat exchanging appliance, an apparatus for conveying the temperature of a medium in a nonconductive manifold to a temperature sensor, a blind threaded hole for engaging an insertion apparatus to the manifold, and an integrated thermostatic valve assembly. Methods for controlling the pressure in a pressure chamber, for connecting a conduit to a manifold, for adding passes to the heat exchanging appliance, for conveying the temperature of the medium to a temperature sensor, for engaging an insertion apparatus to the manifold, and for controlling the flow of a medium through the manifold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve is provided having a housing defining first and second flow areas. First, second and third flow ports open into the first flow area, while fourth and fifth flow ports open into the second flow area. A flow passage is provided having one end opening into the first flow port and another end opening into the second flow area. First and second flow control gates are disposed in the first and second flow areas, respectively, and are rotatable between first and second positions. With the first and second gates in the first position, the first gate seals off the third flow port opening such that the first and second flow ports are in fluid communication via the first flow area, and the second gate seals off the flow passage opening such that the fourth and fifth flow ports are in fluid communication via the second flow area.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed. The valve has a housing that defines a central area and has at least two flow ports therethrough. A cover is provided that has a flapper assembly pivotally attached thereto. The cover is removably attachable to the housing in a plurality of orientations to selectively orient the flapper assembly adjacent any one of the ports such that fluid is permitted to flow into the central area of the housing through the adjacent port. The flapper assembly prevents the fluid from flowing back out of the central area through the adjacent port. The cover may have a transparent portion to permit the flapper assembly to be viewed and inspected during operation. A double seal arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steam shield for controlling the flow of steam and condensate in the vicinity of a steam head. The steam shield has a generally flat portion with a hole of appropriate size and shape to accommodate a steam head, an inner lip portion formed around the flat portion, and an outer lip portion formed around the inner lip portion. The inner lip portion incorporates a reservoir for retaining condensate. The outer lip portion incorporates a surface with a drip barrier rail for directing the flow of condensate away from the wall upon which the steam shield is disposed.

Abstract: An improved drive shaft seal including a first sealing ring to be mounted within a housing, a second sealing ring to be mounted within the housing in contact with the first sealing ring in such a manner that one ring rotates relative to the other, and a thermally conductive cup having an end portion to be mounted in contact with one of the rings within the housing and a wall portion extending outside the housing. Heat is dissipated from the rings through the cup to the atmosphere surrounding the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the wall portion of the cup is perforated and ring-shaped so as to have large surface area and a large surface area-to-volume ratio. In another preferred embodiment, a fan is mounted outside the housing so as to blow air past the wall portion of the cup. The invention may be embodied in a pump, in which the first sealing ring is attached to the pump drive shaft so as to rotate with the drive shaft.