Abstract: A fluid valve has a housing formed by first and second halves which combine at mating surfaces to form a cavity with an inlet in the first half and an outlet in the second half. The mating surface of each half includes a notch extending between an outer edge of mating surface and the cavity, and includes an annular recess around the cavity. A pad is formed on each mating surface between the cavity and the annular recess, and has a groove that forms a bushing when the first and second units are connected. A butterfly valve member is located within the cavity and is mounted on a valve stem. The valve stem has an end that rides in the bushing and a portion that passes through the notches in the housing halves. An annular seal fits within the recesses to prevent fluid leakage between the two housing halves and also seals around the valve stem portion. In addition the butterfly valve member engages the seal in a closed state of the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure-compensated mixing valve of the diaphragm and reciprocating piston type, wherein a flexible connection between the diaphragm and the pistons is provided. This flexible connection affords a self-alignment of the pistons in water inlet passages. In a preferred manner, this is used with a mixing valve providing alignment of a ported ring member that also provides in part an internal stop feature.

Abstract: A self closing valve assembly is disclosed. A retainer member provides support for a spring for biasing the valve actuating cam members as well as providing a valve seat. The component parts are housed in a cartridge for easy placement in a faucet as well as for conversion of other faucets to the self closing type. Opening of the valve is accomplished by only a rotary motion of the valve stem without an axial handle motion.

Abstract: A snowblower includes an auger having a generally horizontal auger cylinder and at least a pair of spaced apart planar elastomeric auger flights surrounding the auger cylinder. The auger flights extend outwardly from the surface of the auger cylinder and from opposite ends of the cylinder toward each other. The auger also includes an impeller blade extending radially from the auger cylinder surface and having opposite ends, one of the impeller blade ends being connected to one of the auger flights and the other of the impeller blade ends being connected to the other of the auger flights. The auger further includes an auger frame rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and the auger frame includes two frame halves secured together at a parting plane including the longitudinal axis.