Abstract: An apparatus for ice slab making and maintaining is comprised of a plurality flat flexible base sheets laid side by side. Each sheet has a plurality of integral parallel vertical webs projecting upwardly thereof, the webs being in turn formed, at their upper edges with integral tubes running from end to end of the sheets. The full exterior surface areas of the tubes are exposed to the forming ice for maximum freezing efficiency. Low temperature fluid is circulated through the tubes by a refrigeration system. The sheets can be rolled without a reel into a cylindrical form of precise dimensions to allow for easy transportation and storage.

Abstract: A faucet valve comprised of a valve body having a valve seat onto which is adapted to movably and freely rest a disc-shaped valve plug. An operant shaft having a central cam surface is journalled within the valve body, being arranged with the cam surface lying adjacent to the valve plug so that rotating or sliding the shaft causes the plug to tip off the valve seat. The plug is held in closed position solely by upstream pressure. A novel check valve is also disclosed for replacement of the standard washer in a faucet and for use with a "speedway" connection according to another embodiment. The faucet valve is adapted to be fixed to the spout of a tap assembly having hot and cold water, in combination with the check valve, the latter preventing backflow between the two faucet conduits in the event of a pressure differential. The faucet valve may be used independently as may the check valves.

Abstract: A connector sealingly engageable within the end of a flexible tubing or hose carrying a pressurized fluid. The connector is a rigid tubular body having peripheral gripping barbs. The outer, tapered end of the connector is fitted with an O-ring sealing the tubing over the connector. The end portion of the tubing surrounding the barbs is preferably vented to the outside.