Abstract: A preassembled gas well blower assembly includes a platform which supports a blower above the ground. An inlet pipe had an outlet end connected to the blower inlet and extends downwardly through the support surface to an inlet end. An outlet pipe has an inlet end connected to the blower outlet and extends downwardly through the support surface to an outlet end. The preassembled is moved to a position over first and second gas pipeline sections. The inlet pipe inlet end is coupled to the first gas pipeline section, and the outlet pipe outlet end is coupled to the second gas pipeline section, permitting the blower to cause gas to be blown through the pipeline sections.

Abstract: A cover for in-ground meter enclosures used in traffic loading conditions employs a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy and is dimensioned to extend laterally across a top opening of an in-ground meter enclosure. A plurality of relatively thick rib members of the ductile iron alloy are formed with and extend generally normal from the bottom side of the plate member. The plate member and the rib members together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least about 20,000 pounds on the top side of the plate member.

Abstract: An arrangement intended for a stop valve (1) comprises a tubular member (9). The stop valve (1) is located in the ground (2) and has a valve housing (11) and a valve bonnet (12) fixed thereto with the aid of a fixing means (14), said valve bonnet having a valve spindle (15) supporting a movable stop means (16), such as a slide. The tubular member (9) extends from the valve (1) up to ground level to enable operation of the valve spindle (15). A collar means (10′) is tightly connected with and supported by the valve housing (11). The collar means (10′) has a collar portion (32) which surrounds the valve bonnet (12) and the fixing means (14) and is tightly connected with the lower end of the tubular member (9), the diameter of the tubular member (9) essentially corresponding to the diameter of the collar portion (32). Moreover, the arrangement comprises a pipe access means (12′), which instead of the valve bonnet (12) from ground level is tightly mountable on said valve housing (11).

Abstract: A cover for in-ground meter enclosures used in traffic loading conditions employs a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy and is dimensioned to extend laterally across a top opening of an in-ground meter enclosure. A plurality of relatively thick rib members of the ductile iron alloy are formed with and extend generally normal from the bottom side of the plate member. The plate member and the rib members together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least about 20,000 pounds on the top side of the plate member.

Abstract: A valve housing assembly for use with permanent watering systems for yards, gardens, etc. The watering system includes underground substantially rigid conduits for supplying water to the system and delivering water to the delivery units. The valve assembly interconnects the supply and delivery conduits. The valve assembly includes a housing supporting a control valve and having outlet and inlet pipes which interconnect with the valve and the inlet and outlet conduits. The inlet and outlet pipes are flexible which allows connection with conduits which are slightly misaligned. The pipes also have quick release connectors which provides quick connect and disconnect with the valve and inlet and outlet conduits. The valve mount is interchangeable between other valve mounts to accommodate a plurality of value case structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve lock for blocking access to a valve mounted in an access pipe. The valve lock includes a key housing and a key for actuating a valve lock mechanism. The key housing has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the access pipe. The valve lock mechanism includes semi-cylindrical closure wedges having inclined surfaces that are engaged by wedges. The valve lock mechanism is activated by reducing the distances between the wedges forcing the closure wedges radially outwardly so that the outer semi-cylindrical surface of the closure wedges engage the inner wall surface of the access pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for elevating a cover for a meter enclosure that may be buried in the ground. The apparatus includes first and second coaxial, right circular cylinders, the first cylinder including a protruding member extending from its outer surface, with the second cylinder having a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the first cylinder and including a pair of spaced apart notches formed in the inner sidewall thereof. The first cylinder may be attached to the meter box, with the protruding member generally securing the apparatus to the enclosure and the enclosure cover may then be attached to the top of the second cylinder.

Abstract: A dirt free valve with a valve (12) of assorted sizes inside of a molded casing (16) with inlet (24) and outlet (26) to accomodate various sized pipe for the flow of different materials, with drainage holes in the bottom (20) and a cover (10) that can be removed by hand.

Abstract: A single-piece flow-control assembly is configured to be disposed within a pit assembly in a manner which allows the flow-control assembly to be easily and quickly removed and replaced. The flow-control assembly includes one or more rigidly connected regulators disposed between two coupling mechanisms and includes a bracket that mounts the flow-control assembly at a fixed location within the pit assembly. The coupling mechanisms provide a sealed engagement between the ends of the flow-control assembly and a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe when the flow-control assembly is properly installed within the pit assembly. A fluid passageway with a 180 degree bend therein may be provided as part of the flow-control assembly so that the coupling mechanisms simultaneously couple to or decouple from the fluid inlet and outlet pipes by movement of the flow-control assembly in one direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor having one end for activating a valve and another end for connection to a rod said adaptor including a socket at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve, and including a slot at said other end for receiving and pivotally connecting to said rod. The invention also teaches a pin removal tool for removing pins underground from the surface.

Abstract: A molded, polyethylene wastewater chamber assemblage to be assembled and placed below ground level to receive, collect, and transfer wastewater to a treatment plant. The chamber has pipe spigots extending horizontally from its opposing bottom ends that receive input or output pipes of commercially available pipe design, and a riser base on top of the chamber with riser spigot attached thereto that receives a riser of conventional design, and a molded polyethylene lid to seal the riser to be watertight. Two chamber spigot extensions for attachment to the chamber extend the capability of the chamber to accept input and output pipes of various outside diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ball valve assembly which is adapted to be fitted into a water delivery device such as a spigot or fire hydrant. More specifically, the ball valve assembly is specifically installed and adapted for remote control. Such remote control enables the ball valve to be positioned at a location within the water delivery device to avoid damage. Thus, the remote control enables the ball valve to be resistant to cold weather or physical damage to the delivery device. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A curb box locking device has a core unit with a head at its upper end and a foot at its lower end. A sleeve surrounds and is shiftable axially in relation to the core unit. Claw members are carried on the core unit for pivotal movement through side openings in the sleeve. The locking device is externally configured and dimensioned to be lowered into the curb box to a position at which the foot of the core unit is at rest on a valve or the like at the bottom of the curb box. The sleeve is engageable with the claw members during upward displacement of the sleeve relative to the core unit to pivotally urge the claw members radially outwardly into extended positions engaging the interior of the curb box to thereby resist upward removal of the locking device. The locking device is upwardly removable from the curb box by employing a tool specially designed to pull upwardly on the core unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, the adaptor includes a socket at one end thereof to register with the valve, the socket including at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve when the socket is urged against the valve for operating the valve. The invention also relates to a service box assembly for a water valve disposed in the ground which utilizes the adaptor as well as the method of exposing a water valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a water valve below ground level. The invention also teaches installation tools to locate and maintain a service box rod within a service box assembly.

Abstract: A modular valve service box having a modular element cooperative with variable sized valve housings in order to secure variable sized valve housings beneath the ground and provide a conduit for access to same.

Abstract: A manhole cover and frame assembly includes an outer frame having a support surface and a side wall that extends upward from the support surface and has a recessed portion. An inner frame is supportable on the support surface. The inner frame has a protrusion extending from the outer peripheral surface. The inner frame also includes an adjustable joint for adjusting the inner frame in its peripheral dimensions to expand to engage the protrusion with the recessed portion, thereby preventing upward movement of the inner frame, and to contract to remove the protrusion from the recessed portion. The inner frame also includes a cover support surface. A manhole cover is supportable on the cover support surface.

Abstract: A medication infusion pump is provided for use in the programmable delivery of a selected medication to a patient, wherein the pump includes a fluoropolymer valve seat engageable with a nonmetallic valve member. The fluoropolymer valve seat defines a substantially inert and nonadherent surface to prevent accumulation of medication deposits thereon. Such deposits are believed to occur as a result of shear denaturation and/or precipitation in the vicinity of the valve seat, in response to relatively high compression forces applied to the medication as the valve member opens and closes. The fluoropolymer valve seat provides a surface which is particularly nonadherent to protein based medications, such as insulin.

Abstract: In order to prevent the penetration of surface water into a shaft or manhole, the latter is fitted with an insert (5) consisting of a dish-shaped section (9) of impermeable material and the interior space of this dish is connected via connecting ducts (11) with the portion of the shaft or manhole located below the dish (9). The connecting ducts (11) are provided with shut-off devices (12) in the form of spherical floats which act in conjunction with a valve seat (13) to seal off the connecting ducts (11) when the level of liquid in the dish rises (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A valve box adapter formed of plastics material is provided by molding as a unit an interior member. The valve box cover is elevated by the adapter from the old pavement level to a new pavement level. Plastics are utilized which will not melt at the application temperature of asphalt but will soften somewhat to conform more precisely to the configuration of the adapter cover. A plurality of adapters may be used in multiple applications to enable the continuous use of the original valve box cover as a plurality of asphalt levels are added over a period of time.

Abstract: A multiaxial pipe system is provided particularly for use in underground fuel transfer between a fuel storage tank and one or more dispensing pumps. The pipe system includes a primary fuel flow line and a vapor recovery line mounted within a common outer containment conduit. Adapter fittings are provided on the ends of the fuel flow and vapor recovery lines for quick and easy connection to biaxial pipe fittings located respectively at the fuel storage tank and at each dispensing pump.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a safety lockout device for use with a domestic on-off natural gas valve of the type buried underground, sometimes referred to as a curb service valve. In order to prevent the inadvertent and/or unauthorized operation of the valve once it has been closed, a safety lockout device is provided comprising a U shaped bracket that is inserted into the valve box associated with the valve arranged at ground level above the valve. The bracket is of a dimension that prevents it from inadvertently falling through the valve box opening and has tabs that engage the ring of the valve box, which engagement prevents the bracket from moving relative to the valve box. To prevent removal of the bracket from the valve box a bell is arranged over the inserted bracket having a cover that prevents access to the valve by a tool used to operate the valve. The bell is of a dimension that prevents it from inadvertently falling through the valve box opening.

Abstract: Shielded assembly for the delivery of fuel entirely disappearing into the ground and adapted to be used as gasoline pump in civil, in particular military, airports and heliports, bus stations, garages, gas station, said assembly comprising a gasoline pump vertically displaceable between an operative position and a concealed, shielded rest position in which it is entirely received in a casing buried in the ground and closed by a rugged manhole cover which is effraction-free, the vertical movements of the displaceable pump being controlled by a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly coaxial with the telescopic pipes supplying the gasoline pump with the fuel of the tank.

Abstract: A protective cage for provisional engagement with a pit valve casing during a transfer of a fluid such as a liquid fuel through the pit valve and into a transfer conductor. A framework protrudes above the valve casing and includes a plurality of force deflecting members which are fixed to a base plate thereby defining a deflector which avoids the inadvertent damage to the pit valve or to the transfer conductor's coupling.

Abstract: A resetter device is for described use in a water supply system having a meter box and, extending therewithin, a system outlet from a water supply system and a system inlet to a water consumer system aligned on a main water supply axis and spaced apart by a predetermined distance selected to receive a water flow meter in connection therebetween. The resetter has a body defining first and second conduits, and first and second horns. The first conduit has a inlet for connection to the system outlet and an outlet connected to the first horn. The first horn defines a flow path from first conduit to a horn outlet. The second conduit has an inlet at which there is connected, via a joint, the second horn which defines a flow path from horn inlet to the second conduit. The horn inlet and outlet are opposed to each other and disposed along a water meter axis spaced from and lying at an acute angle to the main water flow axis.

Abstract: Transition conduit piping arranged between an underground fuel flow pipe and an above-ground fuel pumping unit, includes a forty-five degree elbow attached to the side wall of a liquid spill-containment casing and a semi-flexible hose connected between the underground flow pipe and the forty-five degree elbow. Orientation of the transition piping is such that conduit pipe joints are readily accessible for observation or repair of leaking joints. The invention avoids earth contamination problems associated with undetected underground gasoline leaks.

Abstract: A subsurface pit for servicing aircraft on the ground and having walls with an opening into which a refueling conduit extends is provided with both a ground moisture seal and a pressure seal located about the moisture seal. Together the ground moisture seal and the pressure seal define a fluid tight cavity therebetween which is pressurized with air to approximately three pounds per square inch above atmospheric pressure. A pressure gauge is coupled to the pressure seal by means of a disconnectable fitting to allow pressure within the cavity between the seals to be externally monitored.

Abstract: A valve cover assembly and support member having opposed slots extending downwardly from the upper end thereof and extending into the lower end of a conventional valve cover to lock the valve against rotation and hold the valve in an upright position.

Abstract: An assembly is described for securing a flow conditioning device such as a water meter between fittings of a fluid conduit along with another conditioning device such as a backflow preventer. The assembly includes a manifold including two fluid passageways pivotably connected to return bends that facilitate mounting of the meter along an axis parallel to the axis of the conduit. Fittings along the manifold enable one end of the manifold to be mounted to the conduit while the remaining end mounts the backflow preventer. The manifold ends are spaced such that the one manifold end and the remote end of the mounted backflow preventer are spaced by a distance substantially equal to the distance between mounting fittings on the meter. Additional provision is supplied for mounting of an accessory such as a pressure relief valve on the manifold.

Abstract: A surface box for a stop cock (25-29) and water meter (40) has a housing (1) of moulded plastics with ports (10, 11) in the base for the external connection of pipes. Another moulded plastics body (20) is screwed down to the base, inside the housing, and forms part of a passage from port to port. A stop cock (25-29) is carried by this body and can be operated through the top of the housing to close over the mouth of a duct formed within the base from the inlet port. Downstream of the stop cock, a screw cap (39) forming a wall of the passage can be removed and replaced by a water meter (40) which co-operates with the body in such a way that water has to flow through it. Further downstream, a non-return valve (37) or a further stop cock is carried by the body. There are no pipe connections made inside the housing, and the stop cock(s) and screw elements are operable within narrow confines, allowing a very compact box.

Abstract: A cleaner device for cleaning the valve box or cistern which provides remote access to a valve control body of a valve in an underground pipe line, the device having achieving the cleaning by compressed air passing through a tubular body member, and having an upwardly-open basket for catching the debris stirred up by the moving air. A downwardly-opening socket member at the foot of the device, the socket member being slightly oversize as to the valve's control body, both guides the air stream to give a cleaning impingement of the walls of the valve's control body and provides the mechanical component by which the valve-operating torque is applied to the valve's control body; and at the upper end of the tubular body member a deflector disc baffles moving debris back into the valve box or cistern for causing such debris to be collected in the basket.

Abstract: A cradle device of integral construction provides stable support for an underground curb cock positioned at the bottom of a vertical curb box conduit. The device embraces the curb cock, thereby preventing its movement and maintaining its valve stem in an upright position so that it can be engaged by a long stemmed key. The device also provides secure footing for the curb box conduit.

Abstract: An adaptor for supporting a key box on the valve actuator for an underground water main butterfly valve, the adaptor includes a mounting plate having guides arranged to align the base of the key box on the valve actuator and a stabilizing plate connected to the mounting plate in a spaced relation thereto and being adapted to be positioned below the butterfly to prevent tipping of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for attachment to the top of an input pipe communicating with a storage tank includes an open-ended cylindrical housing for mounting to the top of the input pipe, a valve assembly pivotally mounted in the housing with a valve activating axle protruding through an orifice in the housing, and a locking mechanism. The valve assembly includes at least one valve plate with a seal member provided around the edge of the valve plate for sealing the space between the edge of the valve plate and the cylindrical housing when the valve assembly is closed. The locking mechanism includes a latch pivotally attached to the protruding end of the axle, a lock flange attached to the outside of the housing and a tamper prevention flange above and in linear alignment with the axle and the latch to prevent unauthorized tampering with the axle and attached latch. The latch may be coupled to the lock flange and locked to maintain the valve in the closed position across the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A support for a utility box such as a valve box or the like which includes an annular member having a central opening with an upstanding flange on the upper surface of the annular member adjacent the central opening. The annular member is buried in the ground in underlying supporting engagement with a box so as to prevent sinking of the box into the ground under heavy traffic load, said box provides access to the buried utility the upper end of the box opening into the street.

Abstract: Valve apparatus for controlling the flow of irrigation water includes a valve plate in the irrigation water line, and a piston connected to the valve plate and movable in a cylinder, with fluid pressure in the cylinder opposing the movement of the valve plate to control the flow of irrigation water from the irrigation line.

Abstract: In the production and delivery of oil and/or gas from a well, a wellhead (10) is completely enclosed within a bunker (28) equipped with a sump line (30) and ladders (62). A top cover (36) encloses the upper end of the bunker (28) and is supported on structure (38). Vents (32) and (34) are included as a part of the top cover (36) to provide ventilation through the bunker (28).

Abstract: A valve box consisting of a generally vertically elongated tube, pipe or cylinder having formed on the body thereof a hollow housing adapted to receive and cover an underground valve, more particularly a valve fabricated of a synthetic material having a unitary valve body and inlet and outlet conduits in which the housing is provided with at least two inwardly projecting ribs adapted to engage the valve body thereby positively limiting its upward movement in the housing to preclude the inlet and outlet conduit from engaging the top of the opposed openings in the side of the housing through which the said conduits extend.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a synthetic plastic underground valve curb box assembly consisting of a vertically oriented casing adapted to enclose a buried valve wherein a base is associated with the curb box upon which the valve rests. The casing and base are locked together by "snap-on" connecting means wherein the casing may be pushed upon the base and automatically locks thereto by resiliently biased connectors, and the base permits a greater degree of valve support than previously attainable, the base being usable with both metal and plastic conduit valves.

Abstract: A curb box for underground gas and water services formed of a synthetic plastic material wherein the lower portion of the curb box is formed with a bell housing for receiving a service or distribution line valve. The bell housing includes valve engaging surfaces frictionally contacting the valve wherein such frictional engagement initially positions the valve upon the curb box and resists inadvertent displacement between the valve and curb box during installation, back filling and settling.

Abstract: A valve or curb service box having different sized pairs of opposed openings shaped to conform to the cross section of a valve body thereby securing the valve against substantial rotation from a desired vertical orientation, each opening being provided with a detachable cover which may be removed from any pair of opposed openings to accommodate a valve of complimentary shape and dimension and which when unremoved on adjacent openings provides bearing surfaces for back-fill thereby providing both structural strength for the valve housing against distortion and a barrier against intrusion of fill around the valve housed therewithin.

Abstract: A service connection between a water main and a meter within a building has a service conduit within a leakage conduit. The leakage conduit has a sealed connection with a casing sealed to the main and enclosing a corporation stop to which the service conduit is connected. The leakage conduit is sealed to the service conduit within the building and adjacent the meter and includes an outlet extending outwardly through the building wall above the ground so that leakage within the corporation casing or a leak in the service conduit may be quickly detected. In the event of a leak, the service conduit may be removed and replaced through the leakage conduit with excavation limited to exposing the corporation casing and the end of the leakage conduit connected thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid assembly having a lid support and cooperating lid constructed of structural foam molded synthetic polymeric material, the lid support including a base portion adapted for nontranslatable removable engagement with various diameter protective housings and having an upstanding wall portion defining a surface access opening, the closure lid having a construction adapted to fit within and close off the surface access opening. The lid support includes a plurality of circumferentially extending reinforcing ribs, selected ones of which are flat and thus define stacking ledges; and the lid includes a network of transversely intersecting ribs providing the principal structural support for the lid.

Abstract: A valve cover for covering a buried valve and permitting access thereto with a two piece, rigid plastic housing having a square cross section which resists rotation in the ground. The housing is capped with a cast iron collar which fits inside the top end of the housing and has apertures in the portions engaging the housing walls through which the plastic extends to lock the collar to the housing. Adjacent the lower end of the housing are opposing apertures in the housing walls through which the pipes extend from the valve. A plurality of fingers extend outward from the housing about each aperture to form a tapering passage which will accommodate different sizes of pipes.

Abstract: An alternator valve assembly particularly suited for use in septic systems for diverting flow from a single inlet to either of two separate outlets. The valve is comprised of a relatively thin walled, blow molded plastic housing which defines a valve chamber having an inlet and a pair of outlets. Valve plug seat areas are located in the housing adjacent the outlets and the outlets themselves each include a hollow sleeve-like collar extending outwardly of the valve housing and tapering slightly inwardly from adjacent the housing. A rubber valve plug is adapted to be received in the valve chamber and placed in one of the outlets to selectively block flow therethrough. The plug includes a sealing lip which is cooperable with the valve seat of the associated outlet and further includes an elongated handle protruding outwardly of the valve housing to facilitate selective movement of the plug between blocking positions with each of the outlets.

Abstract: A combination is disclosed of a meter box having a meter connected to service pipes within it. To position the service pipes and meter within the meter box, a tubular member is positioned within the meter box and has two parallel transaxial holes through which the service pipes pass. The tubular member is held in place either by an expansible portion which causes pressure against opposing sides of the meter box, by a stake which connects between it and the floor of the meter box, or by wires suspending the tubular portion from the side walls of the meter box.