Abstract: A diverter valve (10) for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets (132, 136) includes a fixed ceramic disk (14) fixed to a housing (12) and a rotating ceramic disk (16) retained in the housing against the fixed disk by a retainer (24). An accessory mount (20) is adhered to the rotating ceramic disk to facilitate connection to accessories and to direct fluid from the valve. Flow passages (88, 90, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112) in the disks cooperate with flow passages (54, 64, 66, 68) in the housing and flow passages (116, 118, 122) in the accessory mount to balance the pressure of fluid flow within the valve against the disks to minimize leaks and prolong durability.

Abstract: A diverter valve for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to one of several fluid outlets includes a fixed ceramic disk fixed to a housing and a rotating ceramic disk retained in the housing against the fixed disk by a retainer. An accessory mount is adhered to the rotating ceramic disk to facilitate connection to accessories and to direct fluid from the valve. Flow passages in the disks cooperate with flow passages in the housing and flow passages in the accessory mount to balance the pressure of fluid flow within the valve against the disks to minimize leaks and prolong durability.

Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid between a fluid source and a fluid outlet has a valve body with a rotatable ceramic disk and fixed ceramic disk. A biasing element is disposed between the rotatable ceramic disk and the valve body for biasing the rotatable ceramic disk against the fixed ceramic disk. The fixed ceramic disk is additionally secured against the valve body to retain it independently of the biasing element, thus effectively removing the fixed ceramic disk from the stack up.

Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to a fluid outlet, the valve cartridge comprising a valve body having a first body portion and a second body portion. A valve cartridge comprising a fixed ceramic plate and a moveable ceramic plate is mounted within the body. A biasing element is disposed between the moveable ceramic plate and the second body portion for biasing the moveable ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate. The first and second body portions are coupled together such that a portion of the second body portion biases the fixed ceramic plate against the first valve body portion to compressibly retain the first ceramic plate there against and independently of the biasing element biasing the rotating ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate.

Abstract: A water faucet assembly comprises a spout, a water supply port, a filter, and a valve. Fluid flow is stopped, between the water supply port and the filter inlet, before fluid communication is closed, between the filter outlet and the spout, as the valve is moved from on to off position when the water supply port is connected to a water source.

Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid source to a fluid outlet, the valve cartridge comprising a valve body having a first body portion and a second body portion. A valve cartridge comprising a fixed ceramic plate and a moveable ceramic plate is mounted within the body. A biasing element is disposed between the moveable ceramic plate and the second body portion for biasing the moveable ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate. The first and second body portions are coupled together such that a portion of the second body portion biases the fixed ceramic plate against the first valve body portion to compressibly retain the first ceramic plate there against and independently of the biasing element biasing the rotating ceramic plate against the fixed ceramic plate.

Abstract: An in-line valve for a fluid line preferably in the environment of a hydrant, comprising a casing to which is mounted an attachment device and in which is disposed a rotatable stem. The attachment device and stem both have dividing walls in which are formed corresponding fluid ports through which fluid flows when the ports are aligned.

Abstract: The socket member for mounting within a faucet and special fittings for water leads are disclosed which enable the fittings on the water leads to be quickly and easily mounted to the socket member within the faucet without the use of tools is disclosed. The socket member comprises a generally cylindrical or semicylindrical body which mounts a conventional valve assembly in the faucet. The socket member further contains several sockets on one axial end which mount corresponding fittings on a water lead via a resilient locking ring located within an annular groove within each socket which abuts against a shoulder located on each fitting to provide a locking engagement between the water lead and the socket member. A fitting is also disclosed having a polygonal circumference which prevents the installed water leads from rotating within the sockets via the abutment of the polygonal circumference against a fitting on another water lead or against upstanding walls adjacent the sockets.