Abstract: An improved mechanical coupler which is utilized in systems for tapping kegs of fluids which are kept under pressure. The improvement consists of a probe head which is fixed relative to the probe of the coupler and a large flexible fluid seal which is designed in three sections such that the two uppermost sections enable the seal to fold in on itself while the lowermost section lies substantially flat against the valve assembly to thereby form a very secure sealing means between the probe and the valve assembly of the container when the seal is compressed against the valve assembly at the time the improved coupler is locked in place.

Abstract: A separable connector for use in conveying beverage concentrate from a pressurized source to a dispenser has the bias springs for valve actuation isolated from the concentrate. This feature, coupled with a removal of areas that can cause a congregation of concentrate and the use of relatively large flow path areas, provides a connector that has a minimum of blockage problems. Other important aspects of this connector include poppet valve structure, sealing arrangements, easy cleaning by back flow, a simple and effective engaging of connector sections, easy disassembly of connector sections and an interlock arrangement to insure a proper sequence for valve actuation.

Abstract: A fuel system for a dual fuel outboard motor having a fuel connector in position to have a second connector connected to it to enable fuel to be transfered to the motor from a remote fuel tank via a hose leading to the second connector. A small tank of starting fuel is mounted on the motor and has a vent and a vent conduit leading to a valve in the motor-mounted fuel connector. The valve opens and closes the vent in response to connection and disconnection, respectively, of the connectors.

Abstract: A hand tool for opening and holding a check valve in an open position to release hydraulic fluid in a hose. One lever has a yoke with a pair of ears accommodating a portion of the hose to locate the coupling in a pocket formed by a U-shaped collar mounted on the other lever. A finger located in the pocket of the U-shaped collar engages the check valve and holds the check valve in an open position to release the pressure of the fluid in the check valve assembly and hose. The operator is shielded from the fluid flowing from the check valve by the generally U-shaped collar.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling comprises a coupling device and a connector. The coupling device has a casing which houses a plurality of plug pins. The plug pins are held in place in the casing by means of a retaining disc. The connector is provided with a plurality of bores which define sockets for receiving the plug pins. When the coupling device and the connector are connected together, the plug pins and the bores define fluid passageways through the coupling. One of these passageways is provided with a non-return valve for preventing fluid flow through that passageway when the connector is separated from the coupling device. The non-return valve is housed within one of the bores of the connector, and the coupling device is provided with a valve-opening member for opening the non-return valve when the connector is attached to the coupling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for retaining a valve body in secure engagement with the valve neck of a pressurized container. The apparatus assembly of the present invention incorporates a unique design which makes the retaining arrangement tamperproof since the retaining ring or rings which keep the valve body in place within the valve neck cannot be removed through the use of any ordinary tool. It will take a special tool designed especially to remove the retaining ring or rings in order to accomplish the removal process. As a result, product safety is assured with a significant reduction in product liability.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, to movable using devices, includes a feed line having tap points spaced along it, with a tap valve at each tap point. A connection unit for connecting the feed line to the user is movable along the feed line and can receive fluid at any tap point. As the connection unit slides into place at the tap point, the tap valve automatically opens to supply fluid. Each valve has a rotary or slide-type valve member movable between open and closed positions, which is always exposed to equal fluid pressure all about it so as to require only a small force to actuate the valve. The valve member is tubular and open-ended and extends parallel to the feed line. Both mechanical and magnetic means for actuating the valve member are disclosed.

Abstract: A connector used in resupplying refrigerant is adaptable to provide a leakproof connection with either a Schroeder-type valve or a standard or service-type valve fitting.

Abstract: A drain valve assembly is mounted in the bottom of a fuel tank (10) to allow draining of condensate. The tank (10) is drained of fluid by the use of a tool (27) pushed upward against the piston (18) of the valve assembly separating it from its seat (15) in the valve housing (12) allowing liquid which has entered the housing (12) from the tank (10) through openings (16 ) to exit around the periphery of the unseated valve. If the valve assembly base is struck by lightning, a blast pressure occurs that can drive the poppet of a standard valve open allowing the electrical energy to enter the tank (10) causing a potential explosion. With the present valve assembly the pressure is allowed to pass through passage (20) in the piston (18) to apply a closing force on the surfaces (21, 22) and the inner end of the piston (18) which is greater than the opening force due to the area difference and the valve assembly remains closed.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of inadvertent removal from an internally-pressurized cask or keg of a valve-type closure through which the contents are discharged, the valve body (15, 16) has rotationally-mounted on it an axially-trapped sleeve (23) which is threaded into the usual fixed socket (11) on the cask or keg. As the sleeve is screwed in, a peg (24) on the body enters a channel (25) in the socket to guide the body axially into the socket. On attempted removal of the sleeve (23) without a special tool to restrain rotation of the body in the unscrewing direction, the body tends to rotate in the unscrewing direction and the peg (24) enters a blind-ended passage (27) so preventing removal of the closure. However, the body moves axially sufficiently to open a gas-relief passage from the cask or keg to atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention contemplates removable structure to facilitate keg-tapping, and pressurized dispensing of liquid contents of the keg. A so-called Barnes neck forms part of the keg and has a bore with an elastomeric ring seal and flange at its lower end, and a valve-and-tube subassembly is inserted through the neck, to the point of valve-body compression of the seal, when secured by a removable retaining ring. In the course of such insertion, one or more radially inward lugs on the neck flange track corresponding slot formations in the subassembly. Each such slot formation has a first upward longitudinal course, leading to an angular bayonet-like offset course, and then to a second upward longitudinal course. The location of the angular offset is such that the valve body cannot compressionally load the seal ring in the absence of the partial rotation needed to develop lug alignment with the second upward longitudinal course.

Abstract: A combined manual and pressure-responsive shut-off valve, intended particularly for use with high pressure gas cylinders, is disclosed. The valve includes a single seat and a single plug, the plug having a first sealing surface for closing against a low residual pressure in the cylinder and a second sealing surface for closing against a relatively high cylinder pressure. A pressure-responsive actuator engages the first sealing surface against the seat whenever pressure in the cylinder falls below a predetermined minimum. A manual actuator engages the second sealing surface against the valve seat to close against a wide range of pressures. The seat is specifically configured to conform to the plug. Means are provided for refilling the cylinder without removing the combined valve. In one embodiment, a special tool is provided for opening the pressure-responsive actuator. In a second embodiment, a bypass check valve is provided to allow gas to flow into the cylinder.

Abstract: A valve for a pressurized dispensing container comprises a valve housing (11) defining a valve chamber (15) and having at its lower end an inlet for pressurized material. An annular flexible seal (12) closes the upper end of the chamber, there is a cup-shaped valve member (13) within the chamber, and a hollow actuator stem (16) extends in sliding, sealed relation through the seal (12) and engages the valve member (13) at its lower end. A spring (14) urges the valve member (13) upwardly into sealing engagement with the seal (12), the actuator stem (16) being manually moveable downwardly against the action of the spring (14) to unseal the valve member (13) and open the valve. The wall of the actuator stem (16) includes at least one radial, aperture (24) adjacent to but spaced from the lower end of the actuator stem and defining a lip portion (25) adjacent the lower end of the actuator.

Abstract: A test in place poppet valve and fitting assembly having a minimal air volume internal configuration is provided for attaching a portable hydraulic test system to a snubber internal hydraulic line. The valve fitting includes structure for connection to the test system. After the valve fitting has been attached to the poppet valve, but before the poppet valve has been opened, a passageway and the interior of the poppet valve are evacuated and filled with hydraulic fluid. A remotely actuated, spring biased probe extends from the fitting through the passageway to engage a poppet for selectively opening the poppet valve. When actuated to an open position, a prong on the probe is inserted into a cavity, and the poppet is supported on the probe. Using the poppet valve and valve fitting, the test system may be attached to a snubber internal hydraulic line 12 without introducing an appreciable amount of air.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a conduit carrying a pressure medium having a plurality of discharge valves disposed spaced apart from each other along said conduit. Each of the valves has a discharge opening, and a closing element for each of said openings. A coupling device has the orifice disposed therein and is longitudinally displaceable along the conduit and connectable with the conduit by opening one of the discharge valves. The coupling device has a coupling element which is guided on the conduit and an automatically sealing coupling in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator effective to actuate a respective one of the discharge valves in the coupling position of the coupling element.

Abstract: The invention contemplates removable structure to facilitate keg-tapping, and pressurized dispensing of liquid contents of the keg. A so-called Barnes neck forms part of the keg and has a bore with an elastomeric ring seal and flange at its lower end, and a valve-and-tube subassembly is inserted through the neck, to the point of valve-body compression of the seal, when secured by a removable retaining ring. In the course of such insertion, one or more radially inward lugs on the neck flange track corresponding slot formations in the subassembly. Each such slot formation has a first upward longitudinal course, leading to an angular bayonet-like offset course, and tnen to a second upward longitudinal course. The location of the angular offset is such that the valve body cannot compressionally load the seal ring in the absence of the partial rotation needed to develop lug alignment with the second upward longitudinal course.

Abstract: A lubricant fitting (10) for connection to a valve (V) in which the fitting bore (20) has a pair of spaced apart inner (44) and outer (26) annular shoulders therein. A pair of spaced apart inner (52) and outer (54) seating elements are positioned within the bore (20) for movement between a normal seated position and an unseated position relative to their respective shoulders (44, 26) to thereby either prevent or allow communication between the valve interior and the atmosphere. The outer seating element (54) moves to the seated position independently of the inner seating element (52) so that even if the inner seating element (52) is sufficiently contaminated so that an effective seal cannot be formed, the outer seating element (54) will still move to form an effective seal and thereby isolate the valve interior from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable key tapping unit for a keg having a conventional valve assembly comprises concentric inner and outer body members, the latter cooperable with lugs on the keg to provide a bayonet connection. A small diameter lower portion of the inner body member is surrounded by the outer body member and has a cam connection therewith. A concentric larger diameter upper portion of the inner body member comprises a cylindrical upwardly opening pump chamber wherein an upwardly biased plunger is reciprocable vertically. A liquid passage in the inner body member has a concentric inlet at the bottom thereof and opens laterally to one side of it. A vertical gas passage through the inner body member, spaced from its axis, opens downwardly to its bottom and upwardly to the pump chamber.

Abstract: An improved 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. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship with the keg neck and to allow access to the fluid contained by actuation of the valves. More specifically, the valve neck has a groove in its inner surface to receive a resilient retainer ring which maintains the valve assembly in place. In addition, a safety feature is provided to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the valve assembly should the retainer ring be dislodged while the keg is pressurized. A siphon tube extends from the valve assembly to a position adjacent the bottom of the keg when the valve is secured within the keg neck.

Abstract: In combination with a valve having a biased opening mechanism; a connector for receiving fluid from said valve comprising: a connector body with a nut spaced there around; a cylinder; a tubing attached at one end thereof to the connector body and at a second end to the cylinder; an elongated spring extending through the connector body, tubing and into the cylinder; a piston spaced within the cylinder with a bore extending axially therethrough; and a mechanism to advance the piston against the spring which forces the spring against the valve opening mechanism which opens said valve.

Abstract: A combination of a pressure vessel for pneumatic fluids at pressures above 200 kilograms per square centimeter and a stationary mounting therefor, the pressure vessel having a neck which fits into a socket in the mounting and is retained therein by a locking mechanism, for example, a bayonet coupling or a polygonal flange on the neck passing through an aperture of the same shape in a flange in the socket. The neck contains a valve and the combination includes a mechanism for controlling the valve. Such mechanism may be in the neck or in the mounting and preferably comprises an axially movable valve operating member mounted by an external screw thread in a second member and coupled to a third member, such as a manually operable knob, by a coupling which transmits rotation, but not translation.

Abstract: In a device for dosing a liquid effective substance into flowing water, a housing forms a flow path for the water and contains a drive mechanism arranged to be driven by the water. A disposable tank unit is mounted on the housing and includes a dosing pump and an injection valve. The dosing pump is driven by the drive mechanism and withdraws the liquid effective substance from the tank and directs it into the injection valve for introduction into the water flowing through the housing.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid from a container. The container is pressurized by supplying gas into the container thereby forcing the fluid out of the container through a siphon tube and an outlet valve in the container. The system utilizes a valve assembly having two valves, one for enabling the flow of the gas into the container and the second for allowing the flow of the fluid out of the container. The valve assembly is mounted in a neck member that is secured to an opening in one of the walls of the container. Arranged within the neck is a deformable seal that is compressed between a body portion of the valve assembly and an inner surface of the neck member. A non-threaded retaining ring holds the valve body portion of the valve assembly within the neck member and serves to apply the force to the valve body portion for compressing the seal.

Abstract: A portable drinking fountain for use with an existing water supply system for irrigating land. The water supply system includes a pressurized water supply, an underground water supply conduit fluidly connected to the water supply, and at least one outlet valve fluidly connected to the conduit and projecting upwardly to the surface of the ground. The portable drinking fountain comprises coupling means for fluidly interconnecting with the outlet valve, a drinking fountain head comprising an elongate, closed-end tubular member having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures in the upper, axial walls thereof for providing a plurality of upwardly directed streams of water for drinking, and an upright tubular leg member fluidly interconnecting the drinking fountain head and the coupling means for supplying water to the fountain head and supporting the fountain head in a vertically spaced relation above the ground.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a line carrying a pressure medium and having a plurality of discharge valves spaced apart from each other in the line wall, the coupling being carried out by means of a coupling device which is movable over the length of the line and contains the orifice and opens one of the discharge valves. The discharge valves are mounted in the line with magnetically actuating opening members and the coupling device is provided with a coupling element guided thereon and is provided with an automatically sealing coupling member in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator which magnetically cooperates with the opening member and the coupling member.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a conduit carrying a pressure medium having a plurality of discharge valves disposed spaced apart from each other along said conduit. Each of the valves has a discharge opening, and a closing element for each of said openings. A coupling device has the orifice disposed therein and is longitudinally displaceable along the conduit and connectable with the conduit by opening one of the discharge valves. The coupling device has a coupling element which is guided on the conduit and an automatically sealing coupling in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator effective to actuate a respective one of the discharge valves in the coupling position of the coupling element.

Abstract: In a keg tapping system, a keg unit in each keg has coaxial gas and liquid valves, and a tavern unit, detachably connectable to the keg unit, has a lever actuated plunger that is depressed to open the valves in the keg unit and to open a gas valve in the tavern unit. The keg unit has a well in its top in which the tavern unit is rotatably received and diametrically opposite lugs projecting into that well to cooperate with a flange on the tavern unit body in providing a bayonet connection between the units. Affixed to the lever on the tavern unit is an abutment carrier having abutment portions cooperable with said lugs. If the bayonet connection is not fully engaged, one abutment portion engages an upper surface on one of the lugs to prevent the lever from being swung down to its valve-open position; with the lever down, an abutment portion engages a lug to prevent rotation of the tavern unit to a position at which the bayonet connection is disengaged.

Abstract: Apparatus for controllably transferring fluid from a pierceable pressurized container includes a valve body, a stem member which is threadably connected to the valve body at one end and a fluid-conducting hose at the other end, and an elastomeric valve ball disposed in a cavity between the body and the stem member. The valve ball controls fluid flow from the container through the valve body and stem member to the hose in response to rotation of the valve stem relative to the body. Simultaneously, the valve balls acts as a check valve to prevent flow of fluid to the container. An O-ring seal between the stem and the valve body is adapted to leak at high pressure and bleed off fluid.

Abstract: A fuel system, particularly adapted for boats, includes a releasable coupling for connecting a tube or hose between the fuel tank and the engine. The coupling includes a fuel valve and a vent valve both adapted to automatically open and close respectively upon connecting and disconnecting mating parts of the coupling. The vent valve is adapted to open before the fuel valve is opened for venting any pressure head within the tank which is likely to cause leakage in the fuel hose or tube, such venting taking place through both mating parts and through the hose to a location remote from the tank.

Abstract: A container for holding and from which chemicals are capable of being selectively dispensed either by hand pouring or by means of a closed system, such container having a built-in probe assembly involving a recessed area in one wall, the recessed area having a central opening to receive a probe, and openings about said central opening, for discharge of the container contents when hand pouring, and a closure for sealing the recessed area for shipping of the container and its contents.

Abstract: A water discharge valve designed to be coupled by means of an automated irrigation system. The water discharge valve comprises an enlargement having spherical surfaces at the upper end of a vertical riser and housing a ball that opens or closes the valve in response to the water or in response to an actuating member mounted on the movable irrigation system.

Abstract: A self-flushing ball seal disconnect coupling assembly for use in field irrigation systems, or other fluid distribution systems, comprises two parts which mate together axially. The first part, which contains a valve ball, is connected to the lateral, or field supply line, or other fluid supply line. The ball is urged by spring fingers and fluid pressure toward a sealing position, which it assumes when the first part is disconnected from the second part, the latter having a nose member which, under coupling conditions, pushes the ball off its seat thereby releasing flow of fluid through the coupling assembly. A clamping ring assembly surrounds the abutting ends of the first and second parts and locks said parts in axially aligned mating positions. The second part is connected to an upright, or irrigation head, or other element to be supplied with fluid.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a first pipe end and a second pipe end, one of which leads from a pressurized source, wherein a normally closed valve member is provided in the pipe from the pressurized source and an axially movable valve stem extends from the pressurized pipe and wherein the valve mechanism includes a spring normally urging the valve stem into a first position in which the valve is closed and the second pipe includes an axially movable member for axially moving the valve stem to open the valve when the pipes are interconnected together and wherein seals are provided and are effective to define a closed flow path through the pipes when the pipes are connected together.

Abstract: An improved 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. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship with the keg neck and to allow access to the fluid contained by actuation of the valves. More specifically, the valve neck has a groove in its inner surface to receive a resilient retainer ring which maintains the valve assembly in place. In addition, a safety feature is provided to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the valve assembly should the retainer ring be dislodged while the keg is pressurized. A siphon tube extends from the valve assembly to a position adjacent the bottom of the keg when the valve is secured within the keg neck.

Abstract: An improved 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. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship with the keg neck and to allow access to the fluid contained by actuation of the valves. More specifically, the valve neck has a groove in its inner surface to receive a resilient retainer ring which maintains the valve assembly in place. In addition, a safety feature is provided to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the valve assembly should the retainer ring be dislodged while the keg is pressurized. A siphon tube extends from the valve assembly to a position adjacent the bottom of the keg when the valve is secured within the keg neck.

Abstract: An outlet fitting construction for thin-walled, flexible plastic tubing for fluid distribution systems. The outlet fitting includes first and second outlet members that in the preferred embodiment are threadedly engaged and have aligned axial passageways. One outlet member is provided with an annular rim with a riding surface that facilitates insertion of the outlet fitting into an aperture in the flexible surface irrigation tubing. In an alternative embodiment a tube piercing member is provided that is engaged with the outlet members so that the outlet fitting may be inserted into a tube which does not have pre-existing apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into and stopping the flow of fluid in a plastic pipe including a cutting blade that is forced downwardly into a pipe by a hydraulic force. The blade is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe and thus when located within the pipe stops the flow of fluid in the pipe. The apparatus is constructed so that the cutting, flow stopping and the consequential withdrawal of the blade operation is carried out without loss of fluid from the pipe. Part of the apparatus is left on the pipe and encapsulated to complete the operation.

Abstract: A pipeline repair device is held in place against a pipeline while it is being welded. The device features an elongated body having a bottom surface provided with a recess to present a footprint surface which circumscribes the pipeline defect. The recess provides a stepped portion around the inner periphery of the footprint surface and a resilient gasket is received in this stepped portion. The thickness of the gasket is such as causes it to protrude below the footprint surface to provide a pressure tight seal between the repair device and the pipeline.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve for controlling flow of gas and for use with portable gas appliances such as picnic stoves, heaters or lamps. The valve is associated with an adaptor having a projection arranged for operating an outlet valve in a refillable gas container when the adaptor is threaded on to the container. The valve body has an inlet including a pin for operating the valve of a self-sealing gas cartridge.

Abstract: A coupling for attachment to air conditioning systems to prevent leakage of refrigerant fluid during testing and servicing thereof. The coupling includes an elongated outer housing adapted to be attached at one end to an air conditioning system. The housing is provided with an axial bore in which is positioned an inner cylindrical body member having longitudinal ducts, which member is movable longitudinally with respect to the outer housing. One end of the inner body member is adapted to be selectively engaged with testing equipment or a refrigerant fluid supply. A portion of the inner housing is aligned with a valve of the air conditioning system which is actuated thereby upon longitudinal movement of the inner body member, thereby permitting refrigerant fluid to flow through the ducts in the inner body member from the refrigerant supply to the air conditioning system. Means carried by the inner body member facilitate longitudinal movement thereof.

Abstract: This invention is for two probe hose connector fittings for tapping beer kegs that have a keg fitting with check valves for preventing flow of beer and gas until the probes are pushed down into position to open at least the beer valve. The probes are tubes, and in the prior art such tubes were cut diagonally across their lower end portions to form a valve engaging surface. This surface at the lower end of the tube was merely the end face of a part of the circumference of the tube and easily damaged because of its lack of inherent strength. The present invention makes the probes from bar stock and provides a construction that provides ample open area over part of its cross section for the flow of beer.

Abstract: A spray dispenser including a hollow casing, having sockets in each of which a pair of O-ring seals is mounted. A ball valve is urged toward one of the O-ring seals of each socket. A housing is removably mounted in the casing. Hollow lugs on the housing each having a cylindrical outer face are received inside O-ring seals in sealing relation therewith. Each lug unseats the associated ball valve. When the housing is removed, the ball valve seats against one O-ring seal when the housing is removed from the casing while the lug is in sealing engagement with the other O-ring seal. Compressed air and liquid under pressure are directed through the sockets to a dispensing valve member on the housing, and the pressure need not be released when the housing is removed.

Abstract: A method and means for connection of crosswisely extending pipe connections at a longitudinally extending transport pipe for fluid, gas or similar media. The method and the means involves the attachment of two separate parts in an embracing relationship to the transport pipe, thus forming a body for the connection means, said body including a guiding channel directed towards the transport pipe and in which a hole piercing member is movably arranged, the hole piercing member being arranged to take up a hole under the influence of an applied force.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for draining liquid from a container with a pressurized gas. A pipe extends into the container to permit flow of liquid to an outlet. A nut mounts other components of the valve mechanism into the container when the nut is secured in the container opening.A socket releasably connects the pipe and nut whenever the nut is not secured to the container. This allows the pipe, socket and nut to be manufactured separately and also permits replacement of a worn component without having to replace the entire valve mechanism.