Abstract: A rotary valve has a wiper member formed from an elastomeric material, the wiper member extending circumferentially of the valve seat, and, in an unstressed condition of the wiper member, extending radially inwardly of said valve seat, the wiper member being operatively positioned for it to wipe clean an outer circumferential surface of the valve member as the valve member is moved from an open position to a closed position, the wiper member being supported for limited movement relative to the valve seat, whereby, upon stressing of the wiper member by the valve member, the wiper member can retract into the valve seat.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed actuator for a rotary valve is provided in which a valve operator is operative to move a stem axially, axial movement of the stem, in turn, producing rotation of a rotary cam member that is operatively connected to rotate a valve spindle, the axially movable stem being hermetically sealed by a bellows mechanism, thus hermetically isolating the rotary cam member from the valve operator, the maximum angular extent of rotation of the cam member being determined by the ramp cam angle and angular extent of helical slots formed in the rotary cam member and which are engaged by trunnions fast with the stem.

Abstract: A quick connect branch connector includes a saddle to which one end of a spring clip is hingedly connected, a traction device being provided at the opposite end of the spring clip for cooperation with the saddle, whereby the spring clip can be placed under tensile hoop stress in encircling relation with a pipe.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed actuator for a rotary valve is provided in which a first camming member is operative to move a stem axially, axial movement of the stem, in turn, producing rotation of a second rotary cam mamber that is operatively connected to rotate a valve spindle, the axially movable stem being hermetically sealed by a bellows mechanism, thus hermetically isolating the second camming member from the first camming member.

Abstract: A dry-break pipe coupling includes a valve body and a quarter turn rotary valve such as a butterfly valve, plug valve, ball valve and the like, the valve body and the contained valve having been split transversely in a direction intersecting the Y--Y axis of rotation of the valve into two separate valve body and valve portions that are rotatable about an axis concentric with or closely proximate to the Y--Y axis of the body, the valve portions being separable one from the other when the valve is in a closed position, the respective valve body portions each providing rotational support for the valve portion associated with that valve body portion.

Abstract: A segmented pipe coupling provides a housing for a butterfly valve, and preferably is provided with oppositely angled end faces of saw tooth configuration at the respective ends of the coupling segments, thus allowing the inclined end faces to emerge at the axial end faces of the coupling at or closely adjacent to the X,Z plane of an axially long coupling. A slow motion rotary drive for the butterfly valve also is provided.

Abstract: A segmented pipe coupling provides a housing for a butterfly valve, and preferably is provided with oppositely angled end faces of saw tooth configuration at the respective ends of the coupling segments, thus allowing the inclined end faces to emerge at the axial end faces of the coupling at or closely adjacent to the X-Z plane of an axially long coupling. A slow motion rotary drive for the butterfly valve also is provided.

Abstract: A retaining collar for an elastomeric seal includes an annulus and a skirt depending from the annulus and which is outwardly flared to promote resilient deformation under axial compressive loading and ovalization of the skirt to bring its free edge into intimate seating engagement with the outer surface of a pipe positioned transverse thereto.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting is formed integrally with a quick connect coupling, the coupling having a recessed shank portion permitting a locknut and a gasket receiving collar to be assembled onto a threaded shank of the coupling by passing them over a saddle of the coupling the plumbing fitting being connected to a pipe wall by the clamping cooperation between the saddle and collar.

Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus, e.g.

Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus comprising a main frame adapted for connection to a conduit in a position generally in registry with the conduit, a movable blade slidably mounted in the frame, means for moving the blade back and forth between an open position in which the blade is outside the conduit and a closed position in which the blade blocks the conduit, a slot-like port through which the blade slides when it is moved between its open and closed positions, and an inflatable sealing ring that is operable, when inflated, to press against the face of the blade at the blade's periphery when the blade is in the closed position, thereby creating a seal between the blade and the frame, is improved by having the main frame define a channel which holds the edges of the blade when in the closed position, and having the inflatable ring being carried by a second frame, smaller than the main frame, which slidably fits in the channel of the main frane and which can be withdrawn from the main frame through the blade port