Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an underground valve is provided. The system includes a valve having an actuator operable to open and close the valve. The system includes a first housing having a recess, the recess being sized to fit at least partially over the actuator. A second housing is removably coupled to the first housing, the second housing having a hollow interior disposed to have an open end enclosed by the first housing, the second housing further having a handle feature opposite the open end. A sensor is disposed in the hollow interior, the sensor generating a first signal in operation in response to a movement of the second housing.

Abstract: An actuator system for a fluid playground including a first elongated tubular member defining a first axially extending enclosure and having a first inlet connectable to a fluid source, and a second elongated tubular member positioned within the first tubular member, the second tubular member defining a second axially extending enclosure, and having a second inlet in fluid communication with the first enclosure and an outlet traversing the first tubular member. The outlet is connectable to at least one fluid playground device. A plug element is shaped to removably and sealably close the second inlet of the second tubular member. A resilient member urges the plug element towards sealing engagement with the second tubular member. A pressure exerted on a movable actuating element connected to the plug element causes its displacement away from sealing engagement with the second inlet, thereby allowing fluid flow to the fluid playground device.

Abstract: A protective assembly for an operating nut of an actuator for a valve in an underground pipe system is comprised of a guide assembly and a mounting assembly. A riser pipe is used to access the operating nut from above ground. The protective assembly maintains alignment of the riser pipe at installation and as the ground shifts over time. The guide assembly is formed of a guide structure and a mounting collar that juts outwardly from the guide structure forming a flange. The mounting assembly has a first portion for attaching the mounting assembly to the flange, and a second portion for attaching the mounting assembly to the actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.

Abstract: An alignment device for maintaining the relative alignment between a gate valve assembly and a valve bonnet positioned over the gate valve assembly wherein the valve bonnet has an interior surface. The alignment device includes a pair of substantially identical components wherein the components are securely connectable to each other when the alignment device is attached to the gate valve assembly. Each one of the components includes a body that has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is adjacent to the interior surface of the valve bonnet when the valve bonnet is positioned over the gate valve assembly. The body also has a transverse edge wherein the transverse edge contains an opening that receives a part of the gate valve assembly when the components are connected together.

Abstract: A self-aligning curb box assembly is provided. The curb box includes a cylindrical conduit extending from the ground surface downwardly and has a detachable cover at its upper, surface end. The conduit has an inverted “U” shaped passageway formed at its lower end through which a generally horizontally oriented supply line, such as for water or gas, passes. The supply line has a valve body and an “open-to-shut” valve cock located in the line positioned within the passageway at the lower end of the curb box, the valve cock extending upwardly. The assembly includes a positioning insert placed within the curb box at its lower end thereof. The insert limits lateral movement of the valve body in any direction throughout 360° in the plane about the valve when the insert is installed.

Abstract: A water meter box bottom is disclosed for fastening a meter setter upright and centered within a water meter box. The water meter box bottom has a raised, contoured base, and vertical legs affixed to each side of the base. Nuts and bolts extending between the legs, pull the vertical legs together to secure the meter setter in a vise like grip. Inlet and outlet pipes may be supported by additional vertical legs positioned at outer perimeters of the meter box bottom.

Abstract: A kit for forming a valve service box (10). The kit includes a plastic service valve housing (24) and a cover box assembly (22). The cover box assembly includes a plastic cover housing (32). Each of the housings (24 and 32) is provided with a cylindrical smooth wall bore (24.21 or 32.21) which may closely receive one end of a length of polyvinyl chloride pipe (26) of an appropriate uniform diameter. The housings (24 and 32) can be bonded by a conventional solvent welding process to the piece of plastic pipe (26) to form the valve service box, the plastic pipe (26) having been cut in the field to be of a correct length.

Abstract: A valve box for use with a water valve from an aqueduct branch pipe. The valve box comprises a pair of endwisely connected elongated coaxial cylinders, a cover removably mounted to the top of the upper cylinder and having a downturned cylindrical flange depending therefrom within the main cylinders, and a floor wall having an upturned cylindrical flange exteriorly of the main cylinders. Cross-sectionally V-shape, elastomeric, annular, self-tightening gaskets ensure liquid-tight interconnection of the two main cylinders, of the upper cylinder with the upper flange and of the lower cylinder with the lower flange. The rotatable shaft of the valve extends through the floor wall, wherein the cross-sectionally square head thereof can be accessed from ground level by removing the cover. The two flanges are moreover releasably locked to the cylinders by bayonet joints.

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: The invention pertains to a synthetic plastic underground valve curb box utilizing a removable base which may be assembled to the primary curb box casing by a "snap-on" motion, and wherein the curb box supports and encompasses a synthetic plastic service valve and holds the valve in a firm manner preventing the valve from twisting or disorienting itself relative to the curb box. Further, the valve employs an operating head capable of accommodating the two primary types of operating wrenches, and the valve head cleans itself of foreign matter.