Abstract: An adaptor is threaded to a threaded nipple on a water shutoff valve in a water supply system. The adaptor has a surface for being captured by a quick connect fluid coupling. The quick connect fluid coupling is in turn connected to a flexible tubing. In this manner, the adaptor can connect the flexible tubing to the threaded surface on the nipple of the shutoff valve, such that the existing shutoff valve design can be utilized with flexible tubing having quick connect fluid couplings.

Abstract: A valve stem construction for a manipulable valve member used to control fluid flow through a valve. The valve stem extends externally of the valve housing for engagement by a valve handle used to manipulate the valve member between open and closed positions. The valve is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced concave splines extending longitudinally on the outer surface of the valve stem. The splines are spaced so as to maximize transmission of rotational torque while minimizing flexure and twisting of the valve stem. The spacing and configuration of the individual splines also ensure a strong mating fit with the valve handle.

Abstract: A stop valve includes a valve body, a multishot resilient control sleeve, O-ring and handle. The control sleeve is molded to the valve stem to create an integral but separately molded fluid control member. Inlet line pressure resiliently biases the side walls of the control sleeve and a circumferential sealing flap formed thereon into sealing engagement with the valve bore to prevent leakage. The control sleeve consists of a hard plastic cylinder and a flexible barrel member molded as one consistent piece by a multishot molding process. The O-ring also serves as a backup seal to prevent leakage to atmosphere. A valve handle is secured to the valve by either a screw or a snap protrusion.

Abstract: A stop valve includes a valve body, a multi shot resilient control sleeve, O-ring and handle. The control sleeve is molded to the valve stem to create an integral but separately molded fluid control member. Inlet line pressure resiliently biases the side walls of the control sleeve and a circumferential sealing flap formed thereon into sealing engagement with the valve bore to prevent leakage. The control sleeve consists of a hard plastic cylinder and a flexible barrel member molded as one consistent piece by a multishot molding process. The O-ring also serves as a backup seal to prevent leakage to atmosphere. A valve handle is secured to the valve by either a screw or a snap protrusion.

Abstract: A shield for preventing unauthorized manipulation of a fluid valve which can be retrofitted by the end user in place of the valve handle. The shield assembly includes a cylindrical shield member which is held on the valve assembly by a key adapter fastened to the valve stem in place of the valve handle. The key adapter includes a cavity for matingly receiving the valve stem such that rotation of the key adapter is transmitted to the valve stem for operation of the valve. The key adapter is positioned within the cylindrical shield preventing manipulation with a hand tool. The key adapter has a specially configured knob which is matingly engaged by a key for rotation of the key adapter and valve stem to selectively move the valve between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: A stop member and an invertible quarter turn insert for the stop member for allowing ready interchangeability of knob handles and lever handles on quarter turn two handle faucet valves. The stop member includes a stop detent and an arcuate groove bounded by the side edges of the stop detent. The invertible quarter turn insert comprises a generally annular member having a ring portion and a stop tab having a section extending above the plane of the ring portion and a section extending below the plane of the ring portion. One section of the stop tab is inserted into the groove on one side of the stop tab with the other section of the stop tab cooperating with the stop detent to extend the arc of the stop detent in one circumferential direction.

Abstract: A retainer ring for a container of low twist welding wire which container includes a cylindrical outer wall, a lower partition and an upper opening through which the welding wire is drawn from a hollow, cylindrical spool of welding wire formed from a multitude of convolutions of wire in layers provided in the container wherein the retainer ring comprises a generally flat outer portion with an outer periphery fitting into the outer wall of the container, minimally contacting the wire surface, and comprising a number of projecting lobe portions whereby the outer periphery of the ring contains alternate areas first being closer to and then being farther from the outer walls of the container when the retainer ring is resting upon the hollow spool of welding wire in the container and an inner bell mouthed portion extending upwardly and defining an innermost wire extraction opening with a diameter substantially smaller than the spool of wire in the container.