Abstract: A water hydrant is provided with a number of valves operable to eliminate freezing problems and to prevent backflow into potable water, thereby precluding the danger of contamination. Water and air valves operate in conjunction such that trapping of water in the hydrant is averted by the admission of air after each closing of the water valve. By a somewhat different arrangement in outlet spout valving, air is also admitted to the spout after each closing of the water valve or other reduction in water pressure, the spout valving having the additional feature of blocking backflow, all of which meets the anti-contamination requirements of the hydrant.

Abstract: A winch includes a direct current reversible motor operable to drive a gear train to wind or unwind cable from a drum and also includes first and second clutch mechanisms in the gear train that provide respectively (1) internal loading of the winch to prohibit undesirable unwinding of cable and (2) infinite clutch control between free wheeling operation and direct gear train drive of the winch. The first clutch mechanism is a sprag clutch which is operated against a brake load built into the winch. The second clutch mechanism includes clutch plates which are engaged proportional to the force of a thrust bearing controlled by a manually operated handle.