Abstract: A ball valve assembly including a valve body having opposing ends and an inside wall extending between the opposing ends. The inside wall forms a central passage and includes capturing portions disposed along the inside wall adjacent each of the opposing ends. The assembly also includes a valve ball rotatably supported within the central passage of the valve body and a valve stem extending through the valve body into the central passage and interengaging a ball valve for transmitting rotational motion thereto. The ball valve has an inside wall that forms a fluid passage therethrough. A pair of retainers is positioned within the central passage on opposing sides of the valve ball. Each of the retainers forms a fluid-tight seal between the valve ball and the valve body. A pair of press rings, captured at least partially within the central passage, is each in abutting engagement a different one of the retainers.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling (10) for connecting a conduit in fluid communication with a fluid receiving article or another conduit includes a coupling body (12) having an internal recess (16). A stiffener assembly (34) is positioned in the recess (16) and includes a tubular member (36) for insertion into a bore (CB) of a conduit (C) inserted into the recess (16). The stiffener assembly (34) also includes a radially enlarged retaining and spacing member (48) connected to the tubular member (36) and located in an axially inner region of the recess (16). The retaining and spacing member (48) includes a conduit end receiving channel (74) defined therein for receiving a conduit end (T) therein. The retaining and spacing member (48) also includes an integral gripping element (76) that engages an outer surface (S) of a conduit (C) seated in the groove (74) to prevent its withdrawal therefrom.

Abstract: A conduit coupling having a body with an axially extending bore formed therethrough from a first end to a second end. The bore is defined by an inner wall including a frusto-conical surface converging toward the body first end. A radially constrictible and generally annular retaining collet is positioned in the bore. The collet includes an outer frusto-conical surface mating with the frusto-conical surface defined by the inner wall and is axially movable relative thereto. The collet has an inner toothed surface defining a collet inner diameter and at least two radially inwardly extending bite-teeth defining therebetween a distance less than the collet inner diameter and less than an outer diameter of a conduit inserted into the bore so that the bite-teeth engage an outer surface of the conduit. In this manner, upon axial outward movement of the conduit, the frusto-conical surface of the collet bears against the frusto-conical surface of the body inner wall to radially constrict the collet.

Abstract: A field assembled gas riser includes an adapter having plural inner grooves that receive the outer surface of a plastic gas line as it is plastically deformed by axial insertion of a stiffener into the gas line. The gas line is terminated at a desired location, the adapter slid over the terminated end, and a stiffener manually inserted into the gas line. Continued axial advancement of the stiffener acts as a mandrel to plastically deform the gas line into the grooves and provide a secure, sealed arrangement.

Abstract: A ball valve construction particularly suited for forming large diameter ball valves includes a main valve body formed from extruded plastic pipe and having a central through passage with a valve ball mounted centrally therein. An operating stem extends from the ball outwardly of the main body. First and second separate seat retainer rings are positioned on opposite sides of the valve ball. Each retainer ring has an outer surface carrying a seal for engaging the wall of the through passage for preventing fluid flow between the retainer rings and the wall of the through passage. Each retainer ring further defines a spherical seat surface positioned and sized to sealingly engage the valve ball. Adjustable tie rod members join between the retainer rings to cause the seat surfaces to engage the valve ball with a predetermined sealing force.

Abstract: An improved gas riser comprises a pipe nipple, casing, adaptor sleeve, tube, and stiffener. The adaptor sleeve features an internal stop which accurately positions an end of the plastic tube before the tube is plastically deformed into grooves in an internal surface of the adaptor sleeve. Each of the first and second ends of the adaptor sleeve can be manufactured in different diameters to fit pipe nipples and casings that are required by different code regulations.