Abstract: A three-way wet barrel fire hydrant includes an enlarged intermediate barrel section, which effectively reduces pressure loss in the fire hydrant. The hydrant barrel is formed by an improved sand molding process which requires the mold parting line of the barrel to be selected to coincide with the centerline of the upper nozzle opening. In this manner, a pattern which forms the sand mold may be removed cleanly from the molding sand, thereby eliminating the need of multiple side cores during the casting process.

Abstract: A three-way wet barrel fire hydrant includes an enlarged intermediate barrel section, which effectively reduces pressure loss in the fire hydrant. The hydrant barrel is formed by an improved sand molding process which requires the mold parting line of the barrel to be selected to coincide with the centerline of the upper nozzle opening. In this manner, a pattern which forms the sand mold may be removed cleanly from the molding sand, thereby eliminating the need of multiple side cores during the casting process.

Abstract: A three-way wet barrel fire hydrant includes an enlarged intermediate barrel section, which effectively reduces pressure loss in the fire hydrant. The hydrant barrel is formed by an improved sand molding process which requires the mold parting line of the barrel to be selected to coincide with the centerline of the upper nozzle opening. In this manner, a pattern which forms the sand mold may be removed cleanly from the molding sand, thereby eliminating the need of multiple side cores during the casting process.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant valve stem coupling for use in selected fire hydrants whose water valves are frequently opened and closed. The valve stem coupling is coated with a compressible, non-oxidizable, corrosion protection coating which does not oxidize and is not worn off in situations of repeated use. In one embodiment, the compressible coating is a nylon coating applied to the valve stem coupling with a fluid-bed, powder coating method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball valve member for cooperation with a valve and a ball valve member includes utilizing a cutting tool having first and second annular cutting surfaces with one of the cutting surfaces having a smaller radius than the other cutting surface whereby a slot is cut in the surface of the ball valve member to a greater depth than heretofore possible for permitting greater penetration of a valve stem into the ball valve member and recess is formed adjacent the slot for the ball valve stem for receiving a lug member mounted on the stem to increase torque transmission to the ball valve element when the operation step is rotated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball valve member for cooperation with a valve and a ball valve member includes utilizing a cutting tool having first and second annular cutting surfaces with one of the cutting surfaces having a smaller radius than the other cutting surface whereby a slot is cut in the surface of the ball valve member to a greater depth than heretofore possible for permitting greater penetration of a valve stem into the ball valve member and a recess is formed adjacent the slot for the ball valve stem for receiving a lug member mounted on the stem to increase torque transmission to the ball valve element when the operation stem is rotated.

Abstract: A valve body having an opening and a cover for closing the opening is provided with confronting sealing surfaces each having a circumferential recess of a specific shape to receive an elastic sealing ring; the sealing ring is provided with a tab which projects externally of the valve when assembled to indicate to proper positioning of the seal ring upon assembly; a process for manufacturing mold parts using a lost foam method includes replicating a valve part in styrene, forming a sand mold about the styrene and then pouring molten metal into the mold to destroy the styrene and fill the mold cavity thus formed.

Abstract: An improved compression type valve for a fire hydrant or the like includes an improved resilient valve member for sealingly engaging a seating ring in order to control the passage of fluid through the valve. The improved valve member is provided with a first bevel extending from a side surface thereof toward the top surface of the valve member, and with a second bevel which extends from the first bevel to the top surface. The second bevel prevents pressure which is applied to the valve element from causing the top surface of the valve element to deform around its circumference and break off, as was the case with prior art valve members of this type.

Abstract: A flangible ring, for securing together the adjacent flanged ends of the upper and lower barrel sections of a fire hydrant, has two weakening grooves therein instead of the usual one. One of the grooves is conventional and located in one face of the ring just inside the circular array of bolt holes in the ring. The other weakening groove is formed in the other face of the ring and is of greater mean diameter but of smaller, width and depth than the first groove. Preferably the sides of the other groove are straight in radial section, disposed at an angle of the order of 60.degree. to the face of the ring and an extension of the inner side thereof intersects the intersection of the bottom of the larger groove with a side thereof.

Abstract: A tool for inserting a plastic pipe in a substantially axial direction into a stab-type coupling joint fitting or the like without damaging the exterior of the plastic pipe. The coupling joint fitting may be of the type having means therein for gripping the plastic pipe upon insertion of the same therein and also of the type wherein insertion of the plastic pipe activates closure means in the fitting to open the same and provide service. The means for attaching the tool to the fitting and to the plastic pipe are detachable from the tool whereby other means may be substituted therefor depending upon the sizes of the fitting and the plastic pipe upon which the tool is to be used. The actuating means for moving the attaching means for the pipe toward and away from the attachment means for the fitting is screw operated to provide ease of operation of the tool with a lever system providing a large mechanical advantage.