Abstract: Supporting assemblies for supporting a suspended load and processes relating thereto are described. An exemplar supporting assembly includes: (i) an area-narrowing feature including a first inner surface defining a first aperture; (ii) a main tube including an interior-main surface defining a cavity having disposed therewithin the area-narrowing feature; (iii) an area-expanding feature including a second outer surface; and (iv) a telescoping rod including an outer-telescoping surface having disposed thereon the area-expanding feature. In an assembled state of the supporting assembly, the outer-telescoping surface slidably passes through and establishes a first frictional contact with the first inner surface, and the second outer surface slidably engages and establishes a second frictional contact with the interior-main surface.

Abstract: A curb stop device for aligning a curb stop box and a valve is disclosed herein. The curb stop device may include a side wall and a bottom wall, with the bottom wall including one or more flexible tabs and an inner aperture. The inner aperture may be configured to receive the valve, such as a water shut-off valve.

Abstract: A valve rod isolation apparatus for reducing valve rod exposure to moisture and debris in a subsurface environment, wherein the valve rod is housed within an isolation sleeve that is sealed top and bottom.

Abstract: A printer having a vacuum system to hold down material being printed is provided. The vacuum system includes a number of vacuum holes in the printer table. Each one of these vacuum holes is individually controllable such that variously sized materials may used on the printer table and vacuum may be applied only underneath the particular material being printed on.

Abstract: A valve box system is disclosed for providing operators with access to utility lines such as municipal water and gas systems. This valve box system provides alignment between its multiple sections and a four-notched upper section for a better interface with an adjustment tool. The result is an efficient system which may serve as a stand-alone product or may serve to retrofit existing valve box systems.

Abstract: A component for connection to a substantially identical component wherein the connected components form an alignment device for a gate valve assembly. The component includes a generally semi-circular 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 generally semi-circular body has a diametrical edge wherein the diametrical edge contains an opening that receives a part of the gate valve assembly when the components are connected together. The peripheral wall has an exterior surface. The exterior surface has a pair of acutely disposed surfaces that intersect at an apex and the apex defines a flat surface, and at least a portion of the apex is in contact with the interior surface of the valve bonnet.

Abstract: A septic leach line control apparatus comprising a hollow housing with tapered continuous sidewalls extending from a top to a wider base at the bottom. The hollow housing includes a flange extending outwardly from the base and a wider inner flange extending inwardly from the base within the housing. The inner flange defines a vertical elongated opening conformed to engage a pipe or similarly configured conduit, which has a top end and a bottom end. Also provided is a gate valve assembly, including a gate valve, a gate valve housing, and a gate valve handle assembly with a handle attached to an elongated rod at one end and to the gate valve at the other end. The rod with the attached handle extends through the pipe into the hollow housing. The bottom end of the pipe at least partially, if not entirely, encloses the gate valve assembly, or at the very least, the uppermost section of the gate valve housing.

Abstract: A valve box, a valve control device, an assembly thereof and a method are provided for accessing an underground valve and indicating presence and position of the underground valve. The valve box includes a support member having a tubular section; and a resilient tubular member telescopable slidably into the tubular section of the support member. An upper end of the resilient tubular member is extendable above the ground. Various elements are disclosed for stiffening the tubular member against deformation due to forces applied to it. The valve control device comprises a control rod having one end attachable to the underground valve and a control key including a key head, a key handle and a key stem. The key head has a cone-shaped cavity and a recess portion at the top of the cavity, the recess portion being dimensioned to engage a projection at the other end of the control rod.

Abstract: An assembly mounts between the drain pan that collects condensate water from an air conditioner and the drain line. It includes a housing with a first end connected to the pan. A second end connects to the drain line. A shut off valve shuts off the passage to the pan while maintenance is performed. A connector is mounted on the housing between the valve and the second end. It is a female member of a quick-connect coupling. A male member of the coupling may be plugged in with a single motion to seal it in place. Male members have different terminations, including a barbed tube for resilient tubing, a compressed air tire valve for delivering gas, a female water hose coupling, a tapered funnel for the nozzle of vacuum/blower, and a water sensor.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly including a valve member, having inlet and outlet bores, for sliding movement within a valve body bore portion, having a cylindrical sleeve portion, journalled via a cylindrical sleeve bearing for substantially the entire axial extent thereof, with a valve member head portion having a plurality of equally spaced apertures, connecting the inlet bore and a sleeve portion central cavity with the outlet bore. An annular resilient seal, having a flat-faced sealing surface is retained in the valve member head portion for sealingly engaging a valve body valve seat portion. A compression member, for biasing the valve member to a closed position, is operatively interposed between an adjustment member piston portion and a valve member sleeve cavity, the adjustment member having an adjustment stem for external adjustment of the compression member. A radial end thrust bearing, is interposed between the compression member and the adjustment member.

Abstract: A hydrant comprising a chamber forming a reservoir, an inlet configured to supply fluid to the hydrant and a sleeve configured to force static fluid out of an outlet, wherein a first portion of the chamber containing the reservoir is configured to be located in the ground below a frost line and a second portion of the chamber is configured to be located above the frost line, wherein the static fluid is forced to exit the outlet above the ground and residual fluid is trapped in the reservoir inhibiting freezing when the sleeve moves to a first position, and when in a second position the sleeve is configured to allow supply fluid to exit the outlet through the reservoir, thereby purging the reservoir of residual fluid.

Abstract: A device and method for installing yard hydrants which renders the yard hydrant easily installed and replaced. The device includes a buried adapter, a sleeve, and a cap. The buried adapter has an inlet for attachment to a buried water system pipe, an outlet for attachment to a valve body of a yard hydrant, a peripheral wall for attachment to a vertical sleeve, and a drain hole. The sleeve is preferably a pipe sized to receive the valve body of a yard hydrant. The cap illustratively includes an internally threaded collar screwed onto the top of the sleeve and two cover pieces locked to the collar against rotation, each cover piece having an upturned flange with semi-cylindrical recesses which clamp the standpipe of the yard hydrant between them. The device is attached to an underground water pipe, the yard hydrant is then inserted into the sleeve and removably screwed onto the adapter, and the cap is applied to lock the yard hydrant in place.

Abstract: An overall valving system is situated generally between a source of water and a habitable structure; a main valve is selectively openable and closable to permit and terminate flow from such source of water to the habitable structure; a conduit is provided for supplying pressurized air to an area downstream of the main valve when the main valve is closed.

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 lockout device is designed for preventing unauthorized use of a valve located below ground level, the valve having a rotatable valve actuator. The device includes an elongated tubular housing of a length to have a lower end at the valve actuator and an upper end accessible generally at ground level. An encapsulating mechanism including a trap door are provided at the lower end of the tubular housing for securing the lower end to the valve and encapsulating the rotatable valve actuator, with the tubular housing being freely rotatable relative to the actuator.

Abstract: The chemical stick storage and delivery system includes a chemical stick delivery tube in communication with a well which supports a rotatable chemical stick storage device on the uppermost end of the delivery tube. The delivery tube includes an upper opening and the chemical stick storage device rotates to position chemical sticks sequentially over the delivery tube opening. Within the delivery tube is a first valve positioned directly beneath the delivery tube opening and a second valve spaced below the first valve for a distance sufficient to form a chamber between the first and second valves to receive a chemical stick. A timer controls the operation of the first and second valves so that after a predetermined timed interval, the first valve is opened while the second valve is closed to drop a chemical stick into the chamber.

Abstract: A security device for a utility shutoff valve and a tool for inserting and removing the security device. The security device and tool are utilized for water and gas shutoff valves located underground that are accessed through a vertical access pipe. The invention is a cylindrical plug which is placed inside the access pipe, resting on top of the valve. The plug includes a grip resistant dummy valve handle which, when turned, causes the plug to rotate without having any effect on the valve. The plug is also very difficult to remove without the insertion/removal tool, comprising an inverted cup with a long handle, wherein the inside of the cup is lined with horizontal steel bristles. When the cup is placed over the top of the plug, the bristles enter corresponding holes in the dummy valve handle, allowing the plug to be lifted.

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: This application discloses apparatus for logging the operation of a valve (10) of the type having a spindle (16) rotatable by a key (20) to effect opening and closing thereof, the apparatus including operative means (36) which are in use carried on a key (20), the operative means being operable independently of any other apparatus or electronic equipment to detect rotary motion of the key during operation of the valve. Preferably, the operative means includes sensor means (40, 42) sensitive to the earth's magnetic field, and is operative to determine rotation of the key by analysis of signals generated by the sensor means. By detecting valve operation with operative means on a key, the expense of providing detection apparatus for each valve is avoided (the total number of keys being much less than the total number of valves), as is the need to provide potentially delicate equipment in the hostile environs of the valves.

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: 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 positioning member for a curb stop box which extends into the ground over an underground valve to hold the passageway through the curb stop box in alignment with the operating member of the underground valve so a tool can be extended down into the stop box passageway for turning the valve on and off. The positioning member comprises a cylindrical sleeve made of a durable rigid plastic material, having securing means such as internal threads to engage external threads on the neck of the valve body. The outer diameter of the cylindrical sleeve corresponds to the inner diameter of the facing portion of the curb stop box passageway when in position over the underground valve.

Abstract: A wear resistant, reduced stress at increased injection pressure fuel distributor assembly for distributing high pressure fuel to the fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine is provided. The assembly includes a fuel distributor rotor with a surface profile configuration that effectively and efficiently distributes high and low pressure fuel to the fuel injectors without internal fuel distribution channels. The rotor is preferably formed from a high thermal expansion, wear-resistant ceramic or coated metal material.

Abstract: A seismic safety apparatus has a housing having an internal space and an external surface. A seismic safety activating mechanism is provided inside the housing for activating a seismic safety device. The seismic safety activating mechanism includes an inertia ball recess located in the internal space, an inertia ball in the housing that has an unactuated position on the recess and an actuated position displaced from the unactuated position on the recess. The inertia ball recess is formed so that when the inertia ball is in the valve member recess, vibrations or seismic shocks of a predetermined magnitude cause the inertia ball to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position. An engagement component inside the housing is provided as part of the seismic safety activating mechanism at the actuated position for engagement with the inertia ball when the inertia ball is displaced from the unactuated position.

Abstract: A single piece hat-shaped catchment device for preventing machine parts and tools from falling into the inaccessible interior of a mechanism during the servicing thereof. The catchment device includes an inner section defining a central hole and a plurality of radially disposed segments, and an outer section defining a stop for limiting the depth to which said inner section can penetrate into the interior of said mechanism. During servicing the device is pushed downwardly over the exposed part of the mechanism to form an annularly disposed catchment trough for machine parts and tools. After servicing has been completed and any dropped parts or tools have been removed from said trough, the device is quickly and easily pulled upwardly off of said exposed part to permit the mechanism to resume normal operation.

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 stabilizer bar (26) is employed to stabilize an elongated valve stem extension (22) for a buried valve (11). The stabilizer bar includes telescoping sections (27, 28) providing adjustment to accommodate different diameter manholes (14). A bearing member (36) engageable with the valve extension is laterally movable to accommodate misalignment between the valve and the manhole.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to be used in performing said method, wherein easy cut-off, or de-activation, of a water supply to a residence, or the like, and turn-on, or re-activation, of a turned off water supply may be easily accomplished by an unskilled person, particularly in emergencies such as freezing weather, earthquakes, fires, or other emergency situations. The method involves installation of a special shut-off valve with an extension and a properly labeled guide plate incorporated within the system together with a comprehensive set of references, and cross-references, maintained at a central location as well as in the particular individual establishment.

Abstract: A valve stem support assembly is provided to prevent excessive loads on valves caused by very long heavy valve stem extensions. The support assembly includes a support casing surrounding the valve stem extension. A support bracket is rigidly mounted to the casing and extends into proximity with the valve stem extension. A bushing is engaged by the bracket and substantially surrounds the valve stem extension. A support collar is rigidly mounted to the valve stem extension and is disposed in supporting relationship to the bushing and the bracket. The weight of the elongated valve stem extension is transmitted to the bracket through the collar and the bushing to avoid excessive loads on the valve.

Abstract: An improved post assembly for operating an inaccessible valve having upper and lower connecting shaft portions within respective upper and lower column sections wherein each of the shaft portions and column sections are connected by breakaway means enabling the parts to be separated by impact, and replaceable, at a level above grade, and also having an attachment between the lower connecting shaft and a valve shaft.

Abstract: A self-contained, operative, valving unit which includes a valve body having inlet and outlet ports, and a rotatable valve plug is securely though removably housed within a valve housing having inlet and outlet ports which are permanently secured to pipes through which the fluid media to be controlled is conveyed to and from the housing, and wherein the entire valving unit, per se, is received within a valving-unit-receptive bore of the valve housing with its inlet and outlet ports in cooperative, aligned, fluid tight relationship with respect to corresponding inlet and outlet ports interiorly of the valve housing whereby the flow of fluid media through the valve housing is controlled by the removable valving unit.

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: The operating stem of a rotary valve is rotationally displaced via a detachable valve cap mounted on the stem and to which rotational operating torque is applied. Depending internally from the cap into a rotational interfit with slots provided on a stem lug are a pair of frangible shear pins adapted to shear off and prevent valve damage in response to excessive rotational torque exerted against the cap.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing interruptible fluid flow to consumers is disclosed wherein a consumer distribution system for a fluid, such as natural gas, includes somewhat flexible plastic pipe with that pipe passing through buried access receptacles, such as curb boxes, at strategic locations for easy access to a short section of the supply line at each receptacle location. Each receptacle is adapted to receive a removable shut-off tool having a generally C-shaped frame with a slidable intermediate member for spanning the buried resilient service line within the access enclosure and having a threaded coupling arrangement for collapsing the service line between one end of the C-shaped member and the intermediate slidable member to squeeze the line sufficiently to interrupt fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A sprinkler and valve operator is disclosed that enables a single rotatable sprinkler head to be mounted coaxially to an upright irrigation pipe valve. The operator is comprised of two independently coaxially rotatable pipe sections that include a central valve operating mechanism. The lower pipe section includes mechanisms for releasably attaching the operator to a standard upright irrigation pipe valve. The valve operating mechanism engages and rotates the irrigation pipe valve actuator in response to rotational movement of the upper pipe section. A removable tripod may be provided to brace the pipe sections against operating forces produced through rotatable sprinkling head attached to the upper pipe section.

Abstract: A movable obturator provided with two flow orifices is placed between an abutment member and two nozzles for the admission of hot water and cold water. The obturator is capable of sliding over the nozzles and provided with a plastic shoe covered by a metallic shell on which the nozzles are applied in leak-tight manner. That face of the shell on which the nozzles are applied is covered with a coating of self-lubricating polymer.