Abstract: An adapter is provided for connecting a dome-shaped high pressure butane gas container and a portable gas stove, the adapter comprising: a connecting body having a first opening, a gas delivery passage extending from the opening, a gas volume controller, and a nozzle body; a pressing member inserted in the first opening, and having a gas flow hole and a groove for leading gas discharged through the gas outlet into the gas flow hole; a supporting plate rotatably arranged at the lower surface of the connecting body, and having a handle, a plurality of elastic sections having stoppers and claws formed integrally from the elastic sections, and two arc-shaped holes; and a cam arranged inside the elastic sections and fixed to the connecting body by bolts, the cam having a third opening for holding the gas outlet of the high pressure butane gas container, a plurality of protrusions, and two holes for inserting the bolts.

Abstract: A freeze-proof hydrant has a hollow, tubular housing adapted to be buried in the ground in a vertical orientation so that its upper end is approximately even with the surface of the ground and its lower end is below the local frost line. A base fitting at the lower end of the housing is connected to an underground pipe and has an internal shut-off valve for controlling the flow of water out of the underground pipe. The lower end of a removable standpipe has a threaded fitting which mates with the base fitting in a manner that opens the shut-off valve when the standpipe is screwed into connection with the base fitting. The standpipe projects upwardly through the housing to a point above ground level and terminates in a faucet. When the standpipe is inserted downwardly into the housing and screwed into connection with the base fitting, the shut-off valve in the base fitting automatically opens so that water flows upwardly into the standpipe and the faucet may be operated to deliver water as desired.

Abstract: A device for connecting at least a discharge tube and return tube to a bung connection of a container for liquids and the like, said connection being embodied with inner screw thread, which device comprises a cylindrical insert with screw thread arranged on the cylinder outer wall and co-acting with the bung, in addition to a bottom provided with at least two openings, a tube connecting bung for placing with the lower surface on this bottom and provided with passages for the discharge tube and return tube aligned with these openings, and a clamping piece for fixing the connecting bung in the cylindrical insert via connectors wherein there are arranged lugs placed in a determined pattern and recesses receiving these lugs, wherein the clamping piece is connected non-slidably in axial direction to the bung but freely rotatable relative thereto, and wherein the connectors in the insert are arranged at a distance from the bottom in order to form a chamber, the recesses are placed above the chamber in the insert an

Abstract: A collapsible fuel-burning stove includes a burner assembly and a collapsible frame for supporting the burner assembly, the frame including a plurality of support members, the support members being pivotal relative to one another about a common axis on which the burner assembly is supported.

Abstract: A connection system for a pressure cylinder (5) comprises a check valve (4) located in the neck (15) of the pressure cylinder (5) and which is equipped with a gas removal connection opening and can be operated from the outside by means of a valve tappet displaceable along a central axis (6), as well as a connecting device (2), which is connectable in gastight, detachably locking manner with the check valve (4) and contains means for valve tappet operation. In such a connection system an easy and rapid replacement or connection of cylinders is made possible, whilst leading to a high security against incorrect operation and faults and reliable handling and storage of the cylinders in that the pressure cylinder (5) with the check valve (4) and connecting device (2) are mechanically couplable in a common pivoting axis (34) located at right angles to and outside the central axis (6) and in the coupled state are connectable by a pivoting relative to one another about the pivoting axis (34).

Abstract: Valve actuating hand tools for inflating and deflating an air bag having a valve with a valve head and movable valve stem is disclosed. Each hand tool includes a first elongated member having a gripping portion at one end thereof and a valve head engaging member at an opposite end thereof. A second elongated member is pivotally coupled to the first elongated member with the second elongated member including a gripping portion at a first end thereof and a valve stem engaging member at an opposite end thereof. A spring is connected to the first and second elongated members to bias the valve head engaging member toward the valve stem engaging member. With the hand tool in an operative position, the valve head engaging member engages the valve head with the valve stem engaging member engaging the valve stem to position the valve in an open position.

Abstract: A system for the filling, transport and emptying of liquid containers which include a novel coupler mechanism for interconnection with a coupler operated extractor valve provided on the liquid container. The coupler includes a novel coupler flow control assembly for preventing liquid trapped within the coupler body from leaking back into the container to which the coupler is connected. More particularly, the coupler includes a novel one-way valve mechanism which permits liquid to be pumped from the container to which the coupler is interconnected, but positively blocks the flow of liquid in the opposite direction toward the container reservoir.

Abstract: A sanitary coupling device and a method for its use are described. The sanitary coupling device taps a vessel, such as a brewery tank, without exposing the fluid to the atmosphere. The device can include a coupler that prevents the collected fluid from exposure to the atmosphere. The method for tapping a vessel can include engaging a nipple with a coupler. Then, collecting a sample and disengaging the coupler from the nipple is performed. The invention is desirable for a brewery tank sampling with a clean-in-place connection system.

Abstract: A connector for a guarantee tap (1) provided with a pull piston (2), is actuated by appendages (3) secured to the piston (2). A body (4) mounts the tap (1), and a device (5) for sealed connection of the outlet end of the tap (1) is provided. A device (6) holds the tap (1) and actuates the dispensing piston (2). There is a coupler (7) to a dispensing conduit. The connector is more particularly applicable to the field of distribution of liquids, particularly comestible liquids.

Abstract: A tool for tapping a container and removing fluid from the container includes a modified bit having a tip configured to bore a hole through a wall of the container, such as an oil filter casing or a tank wall, and a threaded frustoconically-shaped shank configured to engage the wall material defining the hole and to draw the tool into sealing engagement with the wall. A valve assembly is attached to the tip remote end of the modified bit. The valve assembly includes a hex-shaped surface for engaging a drill socket so that the tool can be rotated as it is pressed against the wall. A passageway extends through the shank for communicating fluid from the container, and a valve is located in the valve assembly in communication with the passageway to control fluid flow through the passageway. A cap fits over the valve assembly at the tip remote end of the tool during non-use and when the tool is being used to bore through the wall to protect the tool.

Abstract: An automatic valving unit for a pressure vessel that holds a cartridge, loose media, and the like for conditioning and/or purifying a fluid, comprises a valve head having a first passageway extending through it and being adapted to be connected to a fluid transmission line, an outlet port formed at an outlet end portion of the first passageway in the valve head, a first valve member positioned in the first passageway of the valve head for blocking flow of fluid through the first passageway of the valve head when the pressure vessel is not connected to the valve head, a fluid inlet member formed on the pressure vessel for providing a passageway for fluid into the pressure vessel, said fluid inlet member including a first valve actuating member for opening the first valve member when the pressure vessel is connected to the valve head, and connecting/disconnecting members formed on the outlet port of the valve head and on the fluid inlet member of the pressure vessel for connecting the pressure vessel to the val

Abstract: A tap assembly, method of installing it and a method of replacing it are provided in which the tap assembly comprises a tap body and a connector, the connector being connectable to a fluid supply pipe and being releasably connectable to the tap body, the tap body to the connector connection being effected by inserting at least a portion of one of the tap body or the connector into the other and subsequently twisting the tap body and/or the connector relative to one another. The assembly is easier to instal and replace offering increased versatility and reduced costs.

Abstract: In a double valve (4) for transportable containers (1) for distribution a liquid under pressure of a gas, a safety arrangement is adapted for preventing a person, who tries to dismount a valve while there is an over-pressure in the container, to be injured. The double valve has a housing (5a,5b) for detachable fixing the valve in a vertically mounted neck ring (2) in the container. In the housing a displaceable riser pipe (8), acted on by a pressure spring (10), is mounted having an elastomere valve ring (9) partly for closing a gas passage between the housing and the valve ring, partly a liquid passage between the opening in this and a valve plug (13) loaded by a second pressure spring in the riser pipe. Furthermore in the housing under the neck ring there is a catch (17) with a vertically, downwardly converging wedge (19) the narrow edge (21) of which is tiltingly supported by the lower edge (27) of a window (15) in the wall of the housing (5b).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tapping device for a keg tap with a holding element (17) for a socket (1) having a keg connection and therein beer pipe (2) sealed off against a pressure chamber with tap valve and tapping element (9) in which, according to the invention, the socket (1) has a spiral-shaped slot (3) with a pitch corresponding at least to the opening path of the valve opening element (9), into the socket (1), a bayonet collar can be introduced from above which has its own slot (3') which can be brought into congruence with the slot, as well as an opposite-lying guiding edge (26) of the same pitch, whereby a downwardly open entrance is associated with the guiding edge (26). Between the bayonet collar (4) and the socket (1) is movable held an inwardly hollow tapping plunger (6) with a valve opening element (9) and connected with a circumferential lifting lever (7) passing through the slot (3, 3'), lying opposite which is arranged a counter spigot (8) guided on the guiding edge (26).

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure relief tool including a quick coupler component, either male or female, which has been modified by removing the valve and substituting a screw threaded member threaded in the quick coupler component oriented in the same position as the removed valve. This enables the screw threaded member to engage and open the valve in the quick coupler component connected with the hose when the tool is connected thereto to relieve hydraulic pressure in the hose. The screw threaded member is provided with a T-handle for ease of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A fluid container draining device for draining fluid from a fluid container, such as an oil filter, in a controlled manner. It has a front threaded screw with a sharpened drill tip. It has an internal channel communicating between an opening at the forward end of the screw and a rear region of the threaded screw. A fluid valve is positioned at the rear region of the screw in fluid connection with the channel. The fluid valve provides fluid flow control between the interior of the fluid container and the outside of the fluid container. The fluid valve has an internally threaded front region which screws into the externally threaded rear region of the screw, and an externally threaded rear region, onto which a fluid evacuation line is to be attached. A turning portion for turning the device into the wall of the container is located on the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid transfer including a valve assembly, receivable by a container, having a check valve for unidirectional flow of material, and a release valve having a closed position, and an open position, a coupler, receivable by the valve assembly to move the release valve to an open position, having a sliding valve.

Abstract: A valve arrangement is so adapted that it can be used for a transportable container (1) for storing and distribution of a liquid under pressure from a propellant gas. The arrangement comprises a stub (2) secured in an opening upwardly in the container (1) and a double valve (12) with both a gas and a liquid passage (33, 35). The valve (12) substantially consists of a valve housing (3), which can be detachably mounted in the stub (2), as well as a riser pipe part (15), which is mounted co-axially with an upper reception area in the valve housing (3) and which can be displaced from an upper closed valve position to a lower open valve position against the pressure of a spring (10). The riser pipe part (15) can moreover be displaced additionally a distance downwardly from the lower open valve position to a lower bottom position.

Abstract: A tap head for keg fittings having an actuating lever pivotally mounted on a housing and connected to a slide movable in the housing and detent members positively engaging in one another to lock the actuating lever and with one of the detent members directly biased toward the stop position and in which the detent members are formed of plastic and are made up of an elastically self-biasing tongue cooperating with a detent edge with one of the tongue and detent edge formed integrally on the housing and the other of the tongue and detent edge integrally formed on the actuating lever and with connections for gas and liquid connectable via the slide with corresponding passages in the keg fittings.

Abstract: A quick release faucet joint comprises a first circular flange provided on the rear of the faucet head with a cylindrical coupling sleeve extending rearwards therefrom, and a coupling ferrule with a second flange provided on the front thereof and having an internally threaded rear portion for securement to a water outlet pipe. A set of roughly L-shaped locking grooves, formed on the periphery of the terminal end of the coupling sleeve, engage corresponding locking pins in the coupling ferrule which protrude radially inwards from the inner periphery thereof when the coupling sleeve is inserted into and rotated within the coupling ferrule, releasably securing the two together. A spring loaded positioning rod on the first flange engages a selected positioning hole on the second flange when rotated into registry to prevent further rotation of the first flange until the position rod is manually retracted.

Abstract: A no-spill fluid security system for couplings for use with fluids producing environmental impact wherein the coupling permits unidirectional flow for consumer use and bidirectional flow to permit the refilling of containers with specially designed mating coupling parts. The primary coupling part includes a valve located adjacent the primary part end to prevent spillage and a normally operative check valve prevents fluid flow into the primary coupling part while a secondary coupling part of special construction opens the normally closed check valve permitting unidirectional flow through the primary part. Pressure relief means are incorporated into the primary part to permit trapped fluids within an uncoupled primary part to be bled into the associated receptacle upon a predetermined pressure existing to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a check valve for a gas container has a check valve chamber formed in such a portion of a circumferential wall of a stop valve chamber within a valve box as being adjacent the portion on the side of a stop valve opening and closing manipulation assembly and the portion on the side of a gas outlet port. Within the check valve chamber a check valve body is resiliently urged to a check valve seat for valve closing by means of a checking spring. A check valve body opening member for opening the check valve body is arranged so as to face the check valve body from the side of the check valve seat and is adapted to be advanced toward the check valve chamber so as to be changed over to the valve open position for opening the check valve body and to be retreated from the check valve chamber so as to be changed over to the valve opening cancellation position.

Abstract: An apparatus for bleeding or purging fluid from a fluid line includes a bleed valve permanently affixed to the wall of the fluid line and a valve actuator releasably connected to the bleed valve which is operative to move a spring-biased, one-way valve member in the bleed valve between a valve open and valve closed position. The valve actuator is movable to a valve open position relative to the one-way valve member in response to the spring force exerted by a coil spring or the like, which avoids damage to the biasing spring associated with the one-way valve member. The valve actuator also includes a guard to prevent assembly or disassembly of the valve actuator and bleed valve with the valve actuator in a valve open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve and container provided with such a valve, which can be used with portable apparatus using fuel gas, normally operating with piercable cartridges. The valve according to the invention is characterized by the presence of a concave surface on the top of the axial boss of the cup. The corresponding transverse seal assumes the same concave shape as the top of the boss.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a carbon dioxide cylinder to a carbonation apparatus includes a female part having a cylindrical recess for receiving a male part carried by the carbonation apparatus. An axially movable actuator extending through the male part projects through a central passage at the bottom of the cylindrical recess to engage a valve member for opening the valve. The actuator is in three parts and the center part itself forms a valve which is closed when the actuator is depressed for supplying carbon dioxide from the cylinder to a carbonation chamber but which, when the actuator is released, may open response to pressure in the carbonation chamber for supplying carbon dioxide therefrom to another part of the apparatus, such as a concentrate supply device.

Abstract: A valve (20) has a valve housing (22) with a central passage (28) extending axially through the valve housing (22). Aperture (40) in the valve housing connect a second passage (38) to the central passage (28) to extend through the valve housing. A poppet valve member (24) is configured for sealing engagement of the central passage (28). The valve member (24) is urged into sealing engagement with the central passage (28) by internal pressure in a container (36) on which the valve (20) is provided. The valve member (24) and the valve housing (22) are configured so that the valve member (24) will drop away from sealing the central passage (28) when the pressure in the container (36) is insufficient to hold the valve member (24) in sealing position against the central passage (28) to leave the valve (20) in a permanently open state. An annular valve member (26) seals the second passage (38 ) in the same manner.

Abstract: A bubbler container for containing and transporting ultra-pure corrosive and poisonous liquid reagents which must be protected from exposure to air and from transmission of gas or vapor through containment walls, means for using the same in connection with unique valving and multiple layer seals for conduits is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve mechanism (2) for a re-fillable gas cartridge (1) comprising a body member (3) having a passage therethrough and adapted to engage in the neck of the cartridge. The passage comprises first and second bores (5, 6) extending from opposite ends of the body member and meeting at a step, the first bore having a diameter less than that of the second bore, the step defining a tapered valve seat (8). A valve member (10) having a head (10a) and a stem (10b) projecting therefrom is provided which is located in the passage so that the head of the valve member sealingly seats on the tapered valve seat with the stem located in the first bore. Means (11) are provided for biassing the valve member into its sealing postion.

Abstract: A quick-connect cylinder valve and connector provides a tank connector half mounted in a high-pressure tank containing liquefied carbon dioxide and a base connector half mounted in an upright position. Each connector half provides a valve which is closed when the connector halves are not connected. The connector operates to support the tank in a vertical position and is arranged to provide easy installation and removal of the tank even in confined locations in which access is limited. The two connector halves provide cylindrical telescoping surfaces which align the connector halves during initial assembly. After the connector halves are aligned, a probe on the base connector half enters a seal on the tank connector half to form a fluidtight joint therebetween. Thereafter, at full assembly, the probe opens the valve contained ijn the tank connector half. The weight of the tank and its contents opposes the blowoff force created by the pressure within the assembled connector.

Abstract: An attachment for a syrup container for a post-mix beverage apparatus permits syrup to be dispensed while the container is in an upright condition. Conduits are provided in the attachment for supplying carbon dioxide gas under pressure into the container to propel the syrup therefrom.

Abstract: A valve assembly (52) has a valve housing (64) which fits in neck (76) of container (50). Valve member (88) is slidably movable in housing (64). Housing (64) has a plurality of grooves (86) and apertures (80), which interact with flanges (92, 94, 96) to define flow paths in the valve assembly (52). The flanges (92, 94, 96), inside surface (84), apertures (80), slots (86) and valve member (88) provide a flow path through the valve assembly (52) when the valve member (88) is in its downward position inside housing (64) and seal the flow path when the valve member (88) is in its upward position. A spring (102) urges the valve member (88) to its upward position.

Abstract: A valve for use in changing automatic transmission fluid, obviating the need of removing the oil pan. The valve is interposed in the hose line connecting the transmission fluid outlet to the cooler inlet. The valve has an interior, control slide to allow, in its first state thereof, the normal flow of the fluid from the transmission to the cooler, and, in the second state thereof, diverts the flow from the transmission to a drain outlet for deposit of the old oil in a container for eventual disposal. In using the valve, a desired amount of old oil is drained, and simultaneous therewith new oil is added to the transmission. The control slide is held in its first state by a spring, and is held in its second state by a hollow push-rod connected to the dispensing outlet of a container, the push-rod and its associated mounting element allowing for the through-flow of the old oil directly to the container.

Abstract: An improved coupler or tapping mechanism and valve system for obtaining access to a container of fluid. In a container of fluid, and particularly a keg for beer, a valve assembly receiving member or keg neck extends from the top of the container. This keg neck receives a flat top, dual valve system which is operated by the coupler. The improved coupler is placed over the keg neck and is positively secured thereto and sealed relative to the valve assembly by a two point locking mechanism which engages the external surfaces of the keg neck. A safety locking mechanism is provided which prevents removal of the coupler from the keg neck as long as the dual valves are in an open fluid tapping position.

Abstract: A tap for a beer keg having a Sankey-type fitting with radially inwardly extending lugs which normally are used to hold a conventional tap in a locked position on the keg. To prevent the locking lugs of the fitting from being damaged or to permit use of the keg after the lugs have become worn or damaged, the present tap includes a radially expandable and contractible collar adapted to lock onto the external lip of the fitting. The collar is formed by two camming clamps connected to swing about a hinge and adapted to float angularly relative to the body of the tap in order to permit the clamps to center themselves on the fitting. As the clamps are closed, they cam against the external lip of the fitting and force the tap downwardly to open the valves of the fitting.

Abstract: A concentric well-type extractor tube having two concentric valves retained in a valve neck for filling containers, such as beer kegs, with pressurized beverages. The length of the valve neck is reduced so that the bottom of the valve neck is horizontally aligned with the top of a movable first valve assembly. The side openings of the depending basket portion of the extractor tube are raised to a position adjacent the first valve assembly. Therefore, beer filling an inverted keg can pass directly between a first valve seat and movable first valve member of the first movable valve assembly and thereafter through the openings in the basket and into the keg. This substantially shortens the beer flow path and eliminates the passage of beer through a constricted area found in prior art extractor tubes. Also, a transverse deflector plate serves to deflect beer from the center of the keg to the sidewalls, thereby substantially reducing turbulence during filling.

Abstract: A coupler and air pump for pressurizing a sealed beverage container having a valve, such as a beer keg, and for dispensing a beverage from such a container. The Handpowered air pump housing is joined to a metallic coupler by a threaded collar. Cams on the lower end of the coupler lock into the container valve and a handle actuates a probe in the coupler to open the valve of the container.

Abstract: A testing device (22) for a non-flowing pilot valve (20) controlling a main relief valve (13) and simulating the action of the relief valve (13). The testing device body (84) has a test fluid source (42) releasably connected thereto and includes a piston valve element (112) mounted in a valve chamber (106) for movement to an unseated vent position upon the test fluid pressure reaching a predetermined high which is usually similar to the set point operating fluid pressure at which the main relief valve (13) will actuate. For return of piston valve element (112) to a seated position after a reduction of the test fluid pressure by venting, a relatively large diameter end face (128) is exposed to fluid pressure from an intermediate fluid chamber (78) of the pilot valve (20) which is in fluid communication with the dome (14) of the pressure relief valve (13). A relatively small fluid pressure responsive area of piston (113) outwardly of small diameter O-ring (120) is exposed to test fluid pressure.

Abstract: A plug for closing an opening in a container also allows connection of a pipe to the container without removal of the plug, thereby substantially reducing the risk of leakage of fluid from the container.

Abstract: A marine propulsion installation comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be pivotally mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an engine connected to the propeller, a fuel conduit having a first end communicating with the engine for supplying fuel thereto, and a second end, a fuel tank defining a fuel chamber adapted to contain fuel, and a coupling apparatus including a first member mounted on the fuel tank and including an air ventilation passage communicating with the fuel chamber, a valve member movable between a closed position and an open position for respectively closing and opening the air ventilation passage, a pivotal lever movable between a first position and second position for respectively moving the valve member from the closed position to the open position, a spring for biasing the lever to the first position, and a first fuel pasageway including a first

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement coupling for fluid systems, for taking working pressures or temperatures of the fluid media, consisting of a coupling bushing which is under duct pressure in the built-in state, and in the bore of which is arranged a spring-loaded and mechanically actuatable check valve, the check valve being constructed as a valve body provided with a cylindrical bore and a closed bottom face, the end of the coupling bushing facing the fluid system being prolonged beyond the valve body. A radial transverse bore or a radial slot is located in the wall of the valve body. In a further embodiment of the invention, the radial transverse bore or the transverse slot is formed in the wall of the guide part of the valve body and a flow slot channel is formed between the valve body and the coupling bushing as far as the radial transverse bore or transverse slot.

Abstract: An aircraft safety fuel tank is provided and consists of a safety seal fuel filler neck secured to an inlet opening of a housing, a quick coupling engine fuel line holder secured to an outlet opening of the housing, a protective covering wrapped around the housing and at least one strap for supporting the tank to the aircraft.

Abstract: A ball valve seat is provided which comprises two separate reinforcement members, preferably of metal, embedded in an annular resilient body. The interior of the resilient body defines at one end a part-hemispherical ball valve seat and at its other end, of greater wall thickness, an outlet controlled by the ball valve. One of the reinforcing members has a flared skirt extending into the narrower wall thickness end of the resilient body and a narrower neck located in the wider wall thickness end of the resilient body, where it is received in an annular groove in the second reinforcement member. A portion of the second reinforcement member extends within the wider wall thickness end of the resilient body radially of the first reinforcement member over its skirt portion.

Abstract: A measurement coupling with two end connections and a check valve which opens and closes a through bore of the measurement coupling in a controlled manner. The measurement coupling being constructed in two portions both of metal. The two portions be detachably connected to one another in such a way that they contact one another in a metal-to-metal relationship. A seal member being disposed between the two portions. The metal-to-metal seal prevents overloading of the seal member.

Abstract: An easily manipulable, high mechanical advantage latching-actuator apparatus for high pressure gas cylinders is provided which employs a single, bidirectionally rotatable operating collar for latching, on-off gas valve operation, and delatching, so as to facilitate gas therapy and cylinder replacement by patient users. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a slotted valve body affixed to a gas cylinder, along with a separate actuating assembly including a rotatable operator and a reciprocable valve actuator; locking tabs are secured to the operator, and a cam mechanism is used to couple the operator and the valve actuator. Rotation of the operator in a latching direction serves to first move the tabs into latching engagement with the body slot, whereupon, after further rotation of the operator in the same direction past an intermediate "off" position, the valve actuator is cammed into an "on" position for opening the valve carried by the body, thus permitting gas flow from the cylinder.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying consumers, particularly mobile consumers, with pressure fluids such as pressure air or pressure liquid, particularly in underground excavations, has a composite rail track for guiding a pressure fluid, a plurality of nipples arranged at a predetermined distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the rail track, and at least one fluid withdrawing unit which cooperates with the nipples to open the latter and has a length selected with respect to the distance between two neighboring nipples so that one nipple is always located in the effective region of the withdrawing unit to be opened by the latter.

Abstract: A beverage tube cleaner especially applicable as a permanent installation for cleaning draft beer distribution systems includes automatically controlled valves and a centrifugal pump for sequentially draining, cleaning, rinsing and draining conduits along the full length from their pressurized beverage sources to their spigots. The standardized fittings normally connecting the conduits to the kegs or other beverage sources are removed from the sources and connected end-to-end in pairs via unions mounted directly on the cleaner casing. Water pressure and pump vacuum force the cleaning and rinsing solutions through the conduits and the connecting unions, and under control of a sequence controller, treat the entire length of each conduit.

Abstract: A valve assembly has an outer body with an internal passageway for gas containing a valve seat and a valve member which can be lifted from the valve seat by rearward pressure. An inner body is threaded in the passageway, and itself includes an internal passage and a plunger within the passage. The plunger has a forward hollow sleeve portion and two arms extending rearwardly at diametrally opposite positions, the arms being linked at their rearward ends by a bridge from which extends an activating member adapted to hold the valve member away from the valve seat. The plunger has a sealing member forwardly of the activating member for closing the internal passage when the plunger is in a forward position. The inner body has two opposed grooves to receiving the arms, thus interlocking the plunger and the inner body so that rotation of the one requires rotation of the other. The bridge portion can be engaged by a forked tool for rotating it.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved attachment for a propane/butane fuel container of the aerosol type to provide torches, burners, heaters, lanterns, and the like. In one embodiment the attachment itself includes a torch and control valve, while in other embodiments it is an adaptor to connect conventional or separate devices to the container. The attachment has a cylindrical boss with a central well which screws onto the threaded stem portion of the fuel container to an assembled position in which an actuator pin opens a self-sealing outlet valve in the container. The attachment has a first O-ring seal seated inside the well and a second O-ring seal seated around the inlet boss just below an outwardly extending shoulder. As the assembly is tightened into position on the fuel container, these two O-ring seals are simultaneously compressed, the first against the upper surface of the stem portion and the second against the annular rim of the container.

Abstract: The invention contemplates improved safety interlock mechanism incorporated in a keg-tapping assembly which is removably attachable to a standard beer keg or the like, via a bayonet-type engagement between lugs on the keg and a slotted flange on the keg-tapping assembly. The keg-tapping assembly is of the variety in which a handle is depressed to gain beverage-dispensing access to the keg and in which the handle is raised to close the keg and to shut off supply of gas pressure to the keg. A guide formed in the keg-tapping assembly locates a vertically displaceable locking leg, having articulated connection to the handle, such that in a downward actuation of the handle, the guided locking leg will be in a position to deny lug displacement into or through one of the slots of the slotted flange, before handle displacement can either begin to open the keg or to admit gas pressure thereto.

Abstract: A manually operable valve apparatus capable of temporary attachment at one end directly to a refrigeration apparatus which is to be charged with a pressurized refrigerant, such as from a portable source of refrigerant, the present valve apparatus can be attached at its opposite end to a hose or the like to communicate with a pressurized source of refrigerant. The valve comprises an internal spring-loaded valving element having pins at each end which each contact a needle element at opposite ends of said valving element. One of the needle elements is directly biased by a cam twisted by finger manipulation against one of the pins of the valving element to displace against spring pressure the other pin, thereby displacing the other needle element to allow pressurized refrigerant to flow from the refrigerant source through the valve apparatus.