Abstract: A valve box for accessing a utility valve, the valve box having a box housing with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have a plurality of fins, and the inner surface may have a plurality of keyways configured to receive a plurality of keys. The inner surface may additionally have threading. The box housing may have an access opening in some embodiments, and the valve box may include a threaded valve box cover configured to be arranged over the access opening. In some embodiments, the box housing may have a plurality of modular rings. A valve box tool may have a driving portion, a valve box engaging portion, and a stem portion. The valve box engaging portion may have a plurality of keys configured to engage the plurality of keyways. The stem portion may be configured to extend between the driving portion and a valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides shortening prevention sleeves for adjustable underground utility boxes, underground utility boxes including such sleeves, and methods of preventing shortening of underground utility boxes with such sleeves. A sleeve comprises a substantially rigid elongate tube that defines an internal cavity. The tube is configured to allow a stem portion of an adjustable underground utility box to extend fully therethrough via the internal cavity. The sleeve also comprises an opening that extends along the length of the tube and provides a passageway into the internal cavity. The tube is configured to allow the stem portion of the box to pass through the opening and into the internal cavity. The sleeve is configured to extend over and along the stem portion and between enlarged top and bottom portions of the box to prevent the stem portion, and thereby the box as a whole, from shortening.

Abstract: An integrated access box for providing surface access to a curb box or other structure, and tracer wires in a single unit. The integrated access box generally includes a body having a first end and a second end and a first chamber (e.g., a curb box chamber or cleanout chamber) extending into the first end toward the second end of the body. The body may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and may include a first opening near the first end of the body and a first chamber access opening in the first chamber near the top of the body, and a tracer wire chamber extending into the body. The tracer wire chamber includes a second opening near the first end of the body. The integrated access box may further include a tracer wire access opening in the tracer wire chamber near the top of the body.

Abstract: A valve box for accessing a utility valve, the valve box having a box housing with an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have a plurality of fins, and the inner surface may have a plurality of keyways configured to receive a plurality of keys. The inner surface may additionally have threading. The box housing may have an access opening in some embodiments, and the valve box may include a threaded valve box cover configured to be arranged over the access opening. In some embodiments, the box housing may have a plurality of modular rings. A valve box tool may have a driving portion, a valve box engaging portion, and a stem portion. The valve box engaging portion may have a plurality of keys configured to engage the plurality of keyways. The stem portion may be configured to extend between the driving portion and a valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides shortening prevention sleeves for adjustable underground utility boxes, underground utility boxes including such sleeves, and methods of preventing shortening of underground utility boxes with such sleeves. A sleeve comprises a substantially rigid elongate tube that defines an internal cavity. The tube is configured to allow a stem portion of an adjustable underground utility box to extend fully therethrough via the internal cavity. The sleeve also comprises an opening that extends along the length of the tube and provides a passageway into the internal cavity. The tube is configured to allow the stem portion of the box to pass through the opening and into the internal cavity. The sleeve is configured to extend over and along the stem portion and between enlarged top and bottom portions of the box to prevent the stem portion, and thereby the box as a whole, from shortening.

Abstract: A water shut-off valve tool is configured to be deposited entirely within an in-ground enclosure housing a water shut-off valve. The handle of the tool extends laterally to opposing sides of a shaft of the tool, and includes four separate finger apertures along its lateral extent. Each finger aperture is configured to receive a different one of a user's fingers. The handle includes four, converging arched portions. An exterior of each arched portion defines a partial arch on an outer edge of the handle and an interior of each arched portion defines a perimeter of a different one of the finger apertures.

Abstract: The combination of an underground valve, for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line, and a conduit assembly defining an access passage through which above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly further has a cap that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap blocks an entry opening; and b) a second state wherein above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator through the entry opening and access passage. A part of the cap and another part of the conduit assembly interact and are relatively moved as the cap is changed between the first and second states. At least one of: a) the part of the cap; and b) the another part of the conduit assembly is made from a non-metal material.

Abstract: The combination of: a) an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which the state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and b) a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a cap that can be selectively changed between: a) a first state wherein the cap blocks the entry opening; and b) a second state wherein above ground access can be gained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has an upper conduit part and a lower conduit part. The upper and lower conduit parts are interconnected and configured so that they move axially guidingly against and relative to each other so as to vary an effective combined axial length of the upper and lower conduit parts in response to forces generated by the ground material.

Abstract: A method of repairing an existing conduit assembly embedded in ground material. The conduit assembly has an axial length and defines an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to an underground valve actuator. The method includes the steps of: removing a portion of the length of the conduit assembly to expose an upper edge defined by a remaining portion of the conduit assembly; providing a repair assembly with a conduit piece having an entry opening; engaging the conduit piece and the remaining portion of the conduit assembly; moving the conduit piece guidingly in an axial direction against the remaining portion of the conduit assembly to thereby situate the entry opening at a desired axial location; and placing a cap on the conduit piece to thereby block the entry opening.

Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.

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: A top operating telescoping adjustable valve box and valve stem assembly that incorporates a telescoping valve stem actuating system which, when coupled to a service valve, allows for the operation from ground level without the removal of a plug or lid. The system has a large range of vertical adjustability. The upper and lower sections of the assembly are in frictional connection with each other, which allows no transmittal of force to the lower section when any upward force to the upper section is applied, thus reducing damage to the buried valve and pipeline. The assembly provides a tracing block terminal, located on the top base, to allow for the connection of tracing wire from the valve top to the service pipe for service line location. The assembly also incorporates the placement of a tamper proof cap for the prevention of unauthorized operation of valve stem system.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided for the extension of access conduits to access underground valves and the like. A valve can extension comprising a tubular member having an extension riser portion at one end and an inwardly tapered portion at the other end. The extension riser portion has a substantially constant inner and outer diameter defining a substantially uniform wall thickness. The inwardly tapered portion is adapted to be inserted into and frictionally engage a valve can bell housing. The valve can extension and valve can bell housing assembly form a conduit from grade level to the bell portion having a substantially uniform inner and outer diameter. A simple friction fit joining method is provided to negate the need for complex mechanical coupling devices.

Abstract: A valve cover for enclosing an underground area surrounding the actuating mechanism of a flow control valve. The valve cover includes a body having a structure configured to position the valve cover in a desired orientation relative to the flow control valve. This positioning structure may be at least partially elastomeric, and configured to resiliently deform and urge against the flow control valve when the valve cover body is placed over the valve actuating mechanism. This maintains the valve cover body seated in a centered, leveled orientation relative to the valve actuating mechanism. The positioning structure may also be formed as a spacer configured to contact the valve actuating mechanism itself and space the actuating mechanism from the valve cover body. The valve cover body is configured so that, when it is installed, a valve tool may be freely inserted into the enclosed underground area and operatively engaged with the valve actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable anti-freeze water delivery assembly for connecting with a water main buried in the ground comprises a body section with an inner bore and a water outlet. A water supply section couples to a water main below the ground surface and has an inner bore wherein the body section and supply section are telescopically engaged for delivering water from the water main to the water outlet. A valve mechanism is movable between an open and a closed position to control water flow therethrough. A telescoping control stem extends between the body section and the valve mechanism for opening and closing the valve mechanism. The control stem is operable for telescoping in length when the assembly length is adjusted so that water is contained at a sufficient depth below the ground surface to reduce the possibility of freezing in the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basement sewer backflow control valve with adapter. A valve such as a ball valve is positioned a sewer line under the floor of a basement with an adapter extending vertically through the basement floor providing a means for opening and closing the valve as needed to ensure flood waters do not backflow into the basement during flooding. The valve and adapter may also be utilized in combination with an in-line check valve. The adapter provides a flush surface with the basement floor.

Abstract: An adjustable-height extension stem and valve box assembly is provided for use with buried valves that is lightweight, readily adjustable to a large range of heights, and is capable of absorbing loads and impacts such that the loads and impacts are substantially not transmitted to the buried valve or surrounding pipeline. The valve box is made up of a valve box base, a valve box lower section, a valve box upper section that telescopes within the lower section, and a valve box top. An upper section of the extension stem extends from the interior of the valve box top through a bottom opening, and an extension stem lower section extends downwardly from the upper section, with the two sections being made from square hollow metal tubing such that the upper section telescopes within the lower section. A grit washer having grooves cut in a bearing surface is attached to the extension stem upper section and supports the upper section in place within the valve box top.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable valve box for providing access to underground valves includes a first member having a tubular section with a bell and a peripheral flange disposed at a distal end, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the first member is oriented vertically. The invention further includes a second member having a tubular section with a bell and a flange disposed at a distal end. The tubular section of the second member is telescoped over the tubular section of the first member, wherein the respective bells and flanges are disposed on opposite ends of the assembly and the central longitudinal axis of each is vertical and substantially in alignment.An O-ring gasket is positioned circumferentially around the exterior of the tubular section of the first member. The lower end of the tubular section of the second member contacts the O-ring gasket. The O-ring is stretch-fit over the first member and prevents the second member from telescoping downward on first member past a desired insertion position.

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: The present invention relates to a basement sewer backflow control valve with adapter. A valve such as a ball valve is positioned a sewer line under the floor of a basement with an adapter extending vertically through the basement floor providing a means for opening and closing the valve as needed to ensure flood waters do not backflow into the basement during flooding. The valve and adapter may also be utilized in combination with an in-line check valve. The adapter provides a flush surface with the basement floor.

Abstract: An indicator post for indicating an open or closed condition of a valve in a piping system has a post which has a rotatable operating nut at the top of a post head. The post head is attached on its lower end to an upper barrel having a telescoping lower barrel within it. The operating nut is also attached to a solid upper stem. A hollow lower stem surrounds the lower end of the solid stem and has a lower end attached to a valve assembly socket for mating with a valve stem. The hollow stem is freely slidable along a large portion of the solid stem so that the assembly may accommodate a large range of valve stem-to-operating nut distances. The operating nut carries a threaded sleeve which is preferably constructed of molded, engineering-grade plastic.

Abstract: An underground access box and valve operating and protecting means are disclosed. The access box comprises a pair of valve enclosing members adapted to be fitted together to enclose a valve and present an upward extension through which the valve can be reached. The valve enclosing members have a generally planar bottom, an open side, and an upwardly extending side portion. The bottom projects beyond a side portion and a flange extends upwardly from the bottom portion along a side portion. The valve operating means comprises a high-head comprising an elongated central portion, an upper operating nut portion, and a lower valve nut socket portion, at least one of which is melt fused to the central portion so as to be severed from the central portion if the high-head is exposed to torque which would damage the valve or the line to which the valve is connected. Further, an adapter is provided which enables one to use a square head valve operating socket on a flat head valve nut.

Abstract: A post assembly for a remotely placed valve and valve actuator includes a post with a hinged cover cap and multiple windows evenly spaced below the cap and a target axially movable past said windows on an operating stem fully contained within the post and with the operating nut on said stem below the cover cap and substantially within the target.

Abstract: A surface box for covering over and guarding the operating rod of a gate or other valve in underground piping has a tube-like supporting frame and a rod guard sleeve mounted therein so that it may be moved upwards and downwards in translation for adjustment, for which purpose it is supported by a thrust screw on the supporting frame. To keep the sleeve from being tilted sideways and the operating rod of the valve damaged, the rod guard sleeve is keyed in the supporting frame and is guided by at least one guide ridge in the frame.

Abstract: An extended vertical and parallel squeezing device for plastic pipe in a plastic pipe distribution system for fluent materials such as gas and water. According to the invention, height adjustable valve boxes are provided at predetermined squeeze-off points. The plastic pipe squeeze device comprises a pair of squeeze bars which are rotated about a common axis from above the ground via the valve box. A hollow circular shaft and a second shaft internally therein have pipe engaging members at the lower ends thereof, respectively, and a drive means is provided at the opposite ends of the vertical shaft for relatively rotating same so that the pipe engaging members rotate towards each other to squeeze the plastic pipe therebetween. Stop means are provided to limit the amount of squeeze and avoid damage to the plastic pipe and a spacer, offset from the point of engagement of the pipe engaging members provide space for distortion of the pipe from round to oval as it is squeezed.