Abstract: A non-rotational fitting assembly (10; 110; 210) is provided to prevent torsional forces of a nut (12, 112; 212) from being transmitted to a sealing face (16; 26; 246) of a fitting component (12; 22; 248). The assembly (10; 110; 210) includes at least one fitting component (22; 248) having a bearing face (28; 246) aligned orthogonal to the axis of the fitting component (22; 248). The assembly (10; 110; 210) also includes a nut (12; 112; 212) having a bearing face (36; 118) aligned orthogonal to the threads of the nut (26; 112; 212) and dimensioned for engagement with the bearing face (28; 246) of the fitting component (12; 22; 248).

Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem that is rotatable through 90.degree. for opening and closing the valve. A lever sleeve is securely mounted to the exterior end of the valve stem, and includes at least one pair of diametrically opposite threaded apertures. An indicator cap includes a side wall that is mountable over the lever sleeve. The side wall includes an aperture. The indicator cap is mounted on the sleeve such that the aperture aligns with a selected one of the threaded apertures in the lever sleeve. A handle then is passed through the aperture in the indicator cap and is engaged in the threaded aperture of the lever sleeve for selectively rotating the valve stem. If an obstacle near the valve restricts rotation of the handle, the handle is removed, the indicator cap is rotated 180.degree. and the handle is positioned in the diametrically opposite threaded aperture of the lever sleeve.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is provided with a valve housing having an inlet passage extending into a chamber and an outlet passage extending from the chamber. A diaphragm is mounted to the valve housing for covering the valve chamber. The diaphragm is provided with an aperture extending centrally therethrough. A valve stem is mounted adjacent the diaphragm externally of the valve chamber, such that movement of the valve stem deflects the diaphragm. A valving element is disposed in the valve chamber and is threadedly engaged with the valve stem through the aperture in the diaphragm. A toroidal sealing bead on the valving element is sealingly engaged with portions of the diaphragm surrounding the aperture therein.

Abstract: An all metal diaphragm valve is provided. The valve includes a housing having an inlet passage and an outlet passage each of which communicates with a valve chamber. Portions of the inlet passage in the valve chamber are surrounded by a toroidal sealing bead. The valve further includes a resilient metallic diaphragm which is dished and in an unbiased condition projects away from the toroidal sealing bead. Thus, fluid may flow through the inlet passage, through the valve chamber and out of the outlet passage. Actuation of a valve stem will cause the metal diaphragm to deflect toward and into sealing engagement with the toroidal sealing bead. The surface of the diaphragm that engages the toroidal sealing bead is formed from a very hard metallic alloy. However adjacent layers of the diaphragm are formed from softer metals.

Abstract: A gasket assembly is provided for fluid couplings. The gasket assembly includes a gasket having an outer circumferential surface including arc segments defining a minor outside diameter and a plurality of ears projecting outwardly from the arc segments to define a major outside diameter for the gasket. The gasket assembly further includes a split cylindrical sleeve having a plurality of slots disposed and dimensioned for loosely receiving the ears of the gasket. The sleeve and the gasket are dimensioned such that the ears project outwardly beyond the tube to define gripping protrusions that facilitate mounting and removal of the gasket assembly onto the coupling component.

Abstract: An all metal diaphragm valve is provided. The valve includes a housing having an inlet passage and an outlet passage each of which communicates with a valve chamber. Portions of the inlet passage in the valve chamber are surrounded by a toroidal sealing bead. The valve further includes a resilient metallic diaphragm which is dished and in an unbiased condition projects away from the toroidal sealing bead. Thus, fluid may flow through the inlet passage, through the valve chamber and out of the outlet passage. Actuation of a valve stem will cause the metal diaphragm to deflect toward and into sealing engagement with the toroidal sealing bead. The surface of the diaphragm that engages the toroidal sealing bead is formed from a very hard metallic alloy However adjacent layers of the diaphragm are formed from softer metals.

Abstract: A gasket retainer is provided for a fluid coupling. The gasket retainer is machined or molded from plastic, and defines a short tubular shape with a gasket mounting end and an opposed coupling mounting end. A positioning flange extends inwardly intermediate the opposed ends of the retainer. Portions of the retainer between the positioning flange and the gasket retaining end define a gasket seat with a chamfered entry for securely receiving a gasket therein. Portions of the retainer between the positioning flange and the coupling mounting end define a coupling seat dimensioned to grippingly engage the coupling. The coupling mounting end of the retainer may include slits to facilitate the resilient deflection of the retainer that is required for secure gripping of the coupling component, and to permit leak testing. The retainer may be transparent to permit visual checking for the presence of the gasket.

Abstract: A gasket assembly is provided for fluid couplings. The gasket assembly includes a gasket having an outer circumferential surface including arc segments defining a minor outside diameter and a plurality of ears projecting outwardly from the arc segments to define a major outside diameter for the gasket. The gasket assembly further includes a split cylindrical sleeve having a plurality of slots disposed and dimensioned for loosely receiving the ears of the gasket. The sleeve and the gasket are dimensioned such that the ears project outwardly beyond the tube to define gripping protrusions that facilitate mounting and removal of the gasket assembly onto the coupling component.