Abstract: Apparatus for minimizing water hammer and/or shock waves resulting from closure of a valve member disposed for movement into and out of closing arrangement in valve means included within a fluid flow system. The apparatus comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement having a circular path of travel, the cylinder being formed in part as an incised channel means in a body means, within which body means a rotatable sleeve means is disposed in a longitudinal bore. The inner portion of the cylinder is the outer surface of the rotatable sleeve, and a fluid chamber is formed by said combination. The piston means projects outwardly from the sleeve and is disposed within the channel means, so that the piston means sweeps the cylinder volume as the sleeve is rotated. An adjustable orifice is provided in the cylinder means to constrict the flow of fluid in said cylinder on rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: Ball and socket members having cooperating fluid flow passages therethrough are connected for universal pivotal movement by a connection located entirely interiorly of the members within the fluid flow passages therein. A brake band interposed between the ball and socket members is selectively operable to releasably secure the ball and socket members against movement relative to one another.

Abstract: A swivel coupling having two independent inlets, each communicating with a separate outlet for connection to a dual-flow discharge nozzle. Both outlets swivel about a common axis relatively to the inlets and the pair of inlets are free to swivel about a common axis at right angles to the first axis. One of the inlets is "floating" so as to have both rotational and longitudinal movement for adjustably connecting it to the discharge nozzle.