Abstract: A pressure vessel safety relief includes one or more recesses on a bottom wall section of the vessel. The thickness of the bottom wall section in areas directly over each recess is less than the thickness of remaining areas of the bottom wall section. Once the bottom wall section has corroded to a significant degree, the wall section ruptures in areas over the recesses to safely relieve pressure within the vessel. Preferably, the recess decreases in cross-sectional area as the top of the recess is approached, such that the escaping air emits a high-pitched whistling noise that functions as an alarm to notify the user that the vessel is corroded and should be replaced.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements to toroidal-shaped L.P.G. tanks (1) which, due to their particular shape, may be easily placed inside the spare wheel compartment (10). In the toroidal-shaped tank described herein, the hollow center of the tank is used for positioning the valve group connection rings (3), which may either project or be flush-mounted and also for allowing the passage of the pipes (4, 5) for connecting the tank with the engine fuel supply system and the filler. The valves are placed between a lid (6), at the top, and a bottom plate (7) tide to each other in such a manner as to constitute an airtight chamber.

Abstract: A system, a portable propellant loading tank and loading method for bipropellant spacecraft servicing to load propellant into a spacecraft. The spacecraft has a propellant storage tank with a propellant input and a vent output. The system comprises a portable propellant loading tank for storing and transferring propellant that is couplable to the propellant input of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The propellant loading tank is a stainless steel tank that is electropolished on its interior surface. A portable weighing system having a plurality of load cells provides output signals indicative of the weight of the propellant loading tank. A load cell readout device is coupled to the portable weighing system for providing an output indicative of the weight of the propellant storage tank. A receiver tank is coupled to the vent output of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically actuated twin-valve system wherein the respective valves are series-connected within a single housing and in a single generally axial line of fluid flow from an upstream or inlet end to a downstream or outlet end, and wherein an annular electrical winding is operative to concurrently operate both valves for a like change of state in each valve. A generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements is provided by generally cylindrical housing structure which includes annular end-closure elements and wherein the core path is completed by magnetic armature and pole-face features. The annular winding is magnetically coupled to the armatures and is contained within the generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements. Separate springs axially preload the armatures in their valve-closed direction of engagement with annular valve-seat formations along the path of flow.

Abstract: A gas flow and pressure regulation and control station to be connected directly between a distribution line of an urban gas distribution network and a user service line, the station including an inlet connector to be connected directly to the distribution line, an outlet level connector disposed in fluid flow communication with the inlet connector and having an axial flow through passage wherethrough controlled levels of gas pass, and an intermediary connection having a flow regulator member which pivotally moves between a normal flow stopping orientation that prevents gas from passing from the outlet level connector to the intermediary connection, and a flow passage orientation, pivotal movement occurring if the pressure of gas flowing through the outlet level connector and contacting a stopper end of the flow regulator member is sufficient because predetermined gas flow and pressure levels which are to be maintained in the intermediary connection have sufficiently dropped such that a regulator diaphragm, wh

Abstract: A valve and sensor arrangement includes a valve which has a valve member. A sensor such as a sensor for detecting a flow of water through the valve is provided within the valve member and is preferably aligned with a turning axis of the valve member. The sensor is preferably a flow sensor which is rotated by flow through the valve and the sensor arrangement may be provided in a valve of general utility.

Abstract: An integral gas regulator and flowmeter unit. The unit has a housing body with a high pressure gas inlet, a low pressure gas outlet, and a receptacle. A passage communicates gas to a valve seat in the receptacle. A differential pressure piston having seals at each end is slidably received within the receptacle and is spring biased away from the valve seat. A first end of the piston cooperates with the valve seat for controlling gas flow into the receptacle. A bore within the piston communicates gas from the first end to a second end of the piston. A floating inner flow tube mounted on the second end of the piston receives gas from the bore. A ball is slidably received within the inner flow tube. An outer flow tube overlies the inner flow tube. Both tubes are arranged for being positioned in a normally vertical position and may be marked with graduations for indicating the ball position.

Abstract: A retrieving device for the assembly and disassembly of probes into process pipes and tanks comprising a hydraulically activated cylinder attached to a nipple and ball valve mounted on the wall of a pipe or tank and the cylinder may be operated by applying a suitable pump. A pair of pistons are inserted within the cylinder and these pistons are arranged in telescoping fashion. A piston rod attached to one of the pistons is constructed so that it can securely attach to a probe or other device. a fluid pressurizing means which includes a pair of hydraulic tubes are attached to the upper and lower ends of the hydraulic cylinder so that hydraulic pressure can be applied to extend the pistons and insert the probe or retract the pistons and remove the probe. The ball valve is closed and the retrieving device can then be removed from the valve to service and replace the probe. When the probe is inserted within the nipple a sealing device seals the probe against fluid leakage from the pipe or tank.

Abstract: An in-line sight indicator structure for a fluid system wherein a chamber defining flow-through sight housing includes a sight glass in one wall portion thereof and a support member extending from an opposite wall portion in spaced relation to the sight glass to support an indicator element mounted thereon within a fluid stream passed through the chamber, the housing being hermetically sealed from ambient.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller and meter including a metering tube with a bore formed axially therein having a slit-like orifice axially disposed and intersecting the bore along the length thereof. Flow through the meter is controlled by a valve member which moves in the passage of the metering tube and across the slit-like orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the slit-like orifice is in fluid communication with a site tube which contains a flow sensitive element which is responsive to the flow induced. The slit-like orifice achieves a linear flow response to changes in the relative position of the valve member.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator which includes a valve stem over-pressure indicator and a valve stem cap under-pressure indicator. The valve stem includes an air porting scheme that releases over-inflation air for escape through a whistling reed configuration. The valve stem cap includes a top translucent panel for coaction with a diaphragm spring contained therebelow. Normal tire pressure distends the diaphragm spring to an upward convex attitude in contact with the underside of the translucent panel to project a visual indicator.

Abstract: A universal valve that can be converted into either a service valve or an emergency valve by merely removing or retaining a plug in an air outlet port. The valve is constructed of a material that will not easily corrode and therefore will extend the useful life of the valve. In addition, the valve has an elongated valve handle that permits better leverage when opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: The invention herein described relates to devices used to test the integrity of fire sprinkler systems. The present device incorporates a control panel which allows a single operator to electrically activate a test valve within a specific sprinkler network. The interval between the initiation of water flow and the resulting alarm signal is timed by the operator using the control panel. The operator can test any of the building's sprinkler networks simply by adjusting a rotary switch located on the control panel. In this manner, the time and expense associated with sprinkler testing may be greatly reduced by having a single operator perform dependable tests of the entire automatic sprinkler system from one location.

Abstract: A supply valve and an arrangement for supplying, testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a supply valve which has a valve member with at least first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member varies communication between the inlet of the valve and one or more outlets for the valve. A sensor for detecting a flow of water through the supply valve is provided within valve member and has a member which is generally aligned with a turning axis of the valve member. The flow sensor arrangement may be provided in a valve of general utility.

Abstract: A fluid sensor for heat exchanger system includes a supporting device such as a tubular hose fitting for mounting the sensor in the system so that heat exchanging fluid circulated in the system comes into contact with the sensor. A window or sight glass is mounted in the supporting device along with corrodible separating means interposed between the sight glass and the heat exchanging fluid. A visual indicator such as a movable flap or a colored ball can be viewed through the sight glass when the separating means is ruptured or broken by corrosion. The viewing of the indicator provides an indication that the heat exchanging fluid has reached a certain corrosive state and requires replacement or treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the separating means is a metal diaphragm spaced from the sight glass.

Abstract: A drum lid for a ventable drum has a depression formed in the surface of the lid. A vent valve is placed in the depression and extends through the lid. The valve has a valve outlet which opens into the reservoir in the lid. During venting the reservoir is filled with water and the valve stem is slowly opened. The gas escapes into the water in the reservoir in the form of bubbles. When the bubbles stop the tank is vented and the lid can be removed.

Abstract: A vapor recovery process signals to customers the presence of flow of gasoline or other liquid fuel and the return flow of vapors. In the preferred process, a customer's tank is fueled with a vapor recovery nozzle. Vapors emitted during fueling are collected by the nozzle and passed to a vapor return hose and then into a storage tank. A vapor flow indicator on the nozzle signals flow of vapors passing through the nozzle. A separate fuel flow indicator in the nozzle signals fueling, i.e., passing a fuel through the nozzle into the customer's tank.

Abstract: A valve extension actuator subassembly for rotating an extending valve stem of an HVAC valve, having a rotational, polymeric, cylindrical, hollow projection body extending on a central axis coaxial with the valve stem, having an inner end and an outer end, and defining a central space therein, a transverse polymeric handle on the outer end of the projection body, a metal valve plate at said inner end of the projection body, rotatable therewith, and receiving the extended valve stem to rotate it, a removable thermal insulative plug in the central space for thermally insulating the subassembly, and a removable cap closing the outer end of the body. Connection of the body to the valve plate preferably includes snap-on detents. The body preferably has drive lugs interfitting with the valve plate. One embodiment has an adjustable memory stop plate serving as the valve plate, the stop mechanism being accessible with a tool extended through the central space of the body after removing the insert and cap.

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: A plumbing box mounted in fluid communication with fluid pipes within wall structure is arranged to provide for threaded bores for securement of the pipes thereto, with a front wall of the box or housing structure having a plug member frictionally retained within a front wall smooth bore. Upon freezing of fluid within the box structure, the plug member is displaced relative to the box indicating pipe freezing, with the plug member arranged with its cap portion coplanar with a wall surface for visual indication of a freezing condition within the pipe structure directed into the box.

Abstract: An improved railroad train braking system causes automatic braking of cars which have been isolated from the braking control of the engineer. A safety apparatus (18), having structure permitting discharge of pressurized air from the system at a predetermined rate, is coupled at the rearmost end of a train brake pipe (26). Pressurized air from the braking system of cars located rearwardly of a closed aircock is permitted to discharge from the system through the safety apparatus. Air distribution control valves (40) in the affected cars (14, 16) sense the reduction in pressure, and active the brakes (42).

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring gas pressure in a drain line including a housing, a liquid trap within the housing interior, a liquid collector for collecting liquid displaced from the trap when gas pressure in the drain line exceeds a predetermined level, and a valve for introducing air into the housing when a negative gas pressure exists in the drain line.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an actuator prevents the unauthorized operation of the actuator and also permits a viewer to determine whether the actuator is in a locked open, locked closed or unlocked position. The invention utilizes a clear cover guard which is positioned and locked on an actuator body which is attached to a housing. The actuator body comprises threaded bores which permit a bolt to be inserted into the actuator body until it contacts an integral locking cam and driver arm rotatably disposed within the actuator body. The bolt contacts the locking cam in order to selectively lock the integral locking cam and driver arm in a desired position.

Abstract: A measuring tank capable of providing accurate measurement of liquid contained therein even when not in an upright position having a rear wall connected to left and right side walls and a front wall connected between said side walls and having a generally concave shape with a sight glass affixed thereto adjacent its closest approach to the rear wall. The volume of the tank to the left and right of a plane passing through the centerline of the sight glass being equal and the volume of the tank to the front and rear of a plane passing through the centerline of the sight glass parallel to the rear wall being equal.

Abstract: A fluid sensor for heat exchanger system includes a supporting device such as a tubular hose fitting for mounting the sensor in the system so that heat exchanging fluid circulated in the system comes into contact with the sensor. A window or sight glass is mounted in the supporting device along with corrodible separating means interposed between the sight glass and the heat exchanging fluid. A visual indicator such as a movable flap or a colored ball can be viewed through the sight glass when the separating means is ruptured or broken by corrosion. The viewing of the indicator provides an indication that the heat exchanging fluid has reached a certain corrosive state and requires replacement or treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the separating means is a metal diaphragm spaced from the sight glass.

Abstract: A roof draining system including a series of portable siphon heads which can be placed anywhere on a flat roof where there is a ponding area that no longer can be drained by any pre-existing water drainage system, a series of upstanding pipes, and a second series of roof top pipes each connected at one end to one of the siphon heads and each connected at an opposite end to one of the upstanding pipes. A control valve structure is connected to the upstanding pipes. The control valve structure has a series of solenoid operated valves each connected to one of the upstanding pipes at one end. Manual discharge valves are each connected at an opposite end of one of the pipe tees. An electrical timer is operatively connected to each of the solenoid operated valves. Siphon pumps are each positioned in line with and operatively connected between one of the solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic, non-recycling pumping system for combining at least one chemical agent with a liquid carrier to produce a mixture for spraying on a target. Included in the subject device is a pump having an adjustable pressurized output line and an adjustable vacuum containing primary suction input line. A carrier reservoir supplies the primary suction line with the carrier that is mixed with a variable amount of chemical agent added through a secondary suction line connected to the primary suction line.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition has occurred. In a first embodiment the valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The elastomeric valve member allows normal the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply. As the pressure downstream increases, the elastomeric valve member is forced in the upstream direction over a plurality of steps in the check seat body. The position of the elastomeric valve member may be observed through a sight glass body which has a line marking the normal position of the elastomeric valve member.

Abstract: A fluid sensor for heat exchanger system includes a supporting device such as a tubular hose fitting for mounting the sensor in the system so that heat exchanging fluid circulated in the system comes into contact with the sensor. A window or sight glass is mounted in the supporting device along with corrodible separating means interposed between the sight glass and the heat exchanging fluid. A visual indicator such as a movable flap or a colored ball can be viewed through the sight glass when the separating means is ruptured or broken by corrosion. The viewing of the indicator provides an indication that the heat exchanging fluid has reached a certain corrosive state and requires replacement or treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the separating means is a metal diaphragm spaced from the sight glass.

Abstract: A sight glass includes a solid acrylic ring-shaped body with a glass tubular liner mounted to the interior cylindrical surface of the body with a fuel and fuel-additive resistant sealant. The liner has a diameter slightly less than the interior diameter of the body so as to form an annular air space therebetween. The sealant is also an adhesive which connects the liner to the body. O-rings at the forward and rearward edges of the liner maintian the annular air space between the liner and body. The adhesive/sealant is a flexible resilient material which will permit the liner to move slightly longitudinally.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition exists or has occurred. The backflow valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The backflow valve also comprises top and base connectors for connecting the backflow valve to the fluid carrying line and a shut-off/flush valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the device. The elastomeric valve member allows the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet when the fluid pressure at the supply exceeds the pressure at the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply.

Abstract: An apparatus including a body tube coaxially mounting an internally threaded lower cylindrical skirt at a lower terminal end thereof for securement to a valve member of a conventional automotive tire. An apertured cylindrical web is mounted adjacent an intersection of the tube and cylindrical skirt, including an axial rod fixedly mounted projecting coaxially of the skirt for projection and depressing of a central displacement needle seat, as utilized in automotive valves. A flexible web formed of memory retentent material is mounted adjacent an upper terminal end of the tube below a translucent viewing lens. The web includes a rigid boss member mounted thereon, whereupon proper inflation within an associated tire permits projection of the boss against the translucent lens for viewing of the boss' indica of proper inflation, whereupon deflation permitting the web to deflect and displace the boss relative to the lens provides visual indication of underinflated condition.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at one or two preselected flow rates. The valve is provided with a pressure relief valve with an outlet of the pressure relief valve preferably communicating with the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A thermoplastic valve assembly for use in controlling the flow of corrosive fluids comprising a transparent housing having a passageway through which fluid may flow, a transparent ball disposed in the passageway for rotation between an open position and a closed position, and transparent connector means for connecting the valve housing to a pipeline thereby enabling an operator to visually detect alignment of the ball, turbulence in the through passageway and wear and corrosion of the valve components.

Abstract: A valve with an O-ring, a disk seal, and a replaceable valve seat. A groove n the bottom of the valve seat flange forms an inner and outer drip ledge with the inner and outer periphery of the flange. If leakage occurs at the valve seat O-ring, fluid droplets will form on the outer drip ledge. If leakage occurs at the disk seal, fluid droplets will form on the inner drip ledge. A visual inspection of these drip ledges through an access port, or by a borescope placed in an inspection port, can discriminate between a leak which originates in the O-ring and a leak which originates in the disk seal.

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 and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports which are coplanar. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at two different preselected flow rates.

Abstract: Method for testing a pressurized water system to determine the water pressure at a predetermined location in the system. A water pressure testing meter is fluidly coupled to the normally closed outlet of a pressure reducing valve coupled to a water reservoir. A water flow meter is fluidly coupled to the testing meter and the flow meter is fluidly coupled to a shut-off valve coupled to a water reservoir. The static pressure of the first mentioned reservoir is determined and the reducing valve and flow is fully opened to determine the water pressure at the testing meter. The water flow through the shut-out valve is adjusted so that the pressure on the testing meter reads between a predetermined desired range. In this manner, the operator can quickly and easily determine if the reducing valve was set properly for the desired water pressure at the location and, if not, the system can be shut down, the reducing valve can be readjusted and the system retested to arrive at the proper desired pressure.

Abstract: A fractional flow indicator system by which flow in a fluid dispensing conduit is visually indicated using an improved fractional flow diverting element which utilizes a venturi effect rather than a check valve to create a fractional flow pressure differential to induce a fractional fluid flow through a flow indicator. The flow diverting element of the present invention has no moving parts, is easy and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and does not restrict or reduce the pressure of the main fluid stream flowing therethrough. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the flow diverting element is constructed from standard elbow components and a short length of copper tubing. The flow indicator system further includes an improved flow indicator having a compact construction with few working parts, which is easy to manufacture, less expensive to produce, and which provides a longer service life than conventional indicators.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports which are provided at right angles to one another. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at two different preselected flow rates.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a thinly walled valve member for allowing fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet of the valve. The thinly walled nature of the valve member provides for economical fabrication of the valve. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at two different preselected flow rates. The first preselected flow rate permits a drainage of the sprinkler system and the second preselected flow rate permits a testing of the sprinkler system.

Abstract: A housing for a high pressure fluid washer, for example, has mounted within it a fluid pump and a first tank. The first tank may be fully installed within the housing simply by pressing the tank upwardly within an entrance port of the housing. Visual observation of the fluid level within the tank is permitted due to a vertically oriented rib of the tank projecting into a recess window of the housing wall, with such rib being suitably translucent to transparent. The tank rib and recess window of the housing may cooperate to orient the tank within the housing. Where a second fluid tank is required, the housing may be placed atop and aligned to the second tank via respective, interfitting couplings mounted to the housing bottom and to the second tank top.

Abstract: The faucet assembly of this invention has the usual water inlet and outlet lines. The novel portion of the faucet assembly is the visibly clear water conduits or tubes that are attached to the handles of the faucet assembly. These visibly clear tubes are in water flow connection with both the water inlet and outlet lines and therefore provide a way to determine most water flow problems in the assembly. In addition, these visibly clear tubes are aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling fluid flow through at least three flowlines comprises a housing having a cylindrical central cavity with at least three ports opening therethrough, the housing further having at least three conduits for making fluid connection between the flowlines and a corresponding one of the ports. A flow control signal is rotatably mounted within the central cavity having at least three radial bores therethrough and intersecting therein for completing a fluid path between selected ones of the ports. A radial seal is supported by the spool and is configured to prevent fluid migration into the central cavity from non-selected ones of the ports. The spool can be positioned to complete a flowpath between any two or any three of the flowlines while the non-selected flowline is positively sealed. The housing and spool are composed of a non-opaque or transparent material to permit direct observation of the fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at one or two preselected flow rates. The valve is provided with a pressure relief valve with an outlet of the pressure relief valve preferably communicating with the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: The device includes a main receptacle (1) having an overflow pipe (2) and a secondary receptacle (9) mounted so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction inside the main receptacle (1). The inner space of the secondary receptacle (9) communicates with a drainage pipe (8) for fluid lost by the hydraulic installation. The secondary receptacle (9) floats in the fluid contained in the main receptacle (1). The immersion level of the secondary receptacle (9) increases, depending on the amount of lost fluid received by the secondary receptacle (9), and the supply of fluid from the main receptacle (1) is caused by the immersion of the secondary receptacle (9).

Abstract: A sight flow indicator for visually indicating fluid flow through a conduit including a housing that has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow passage between the two, the flow passage including a sighting region and a downstream restricted region that has a smaller flow area than said sighting region, a window in the housing providing viewing of the sighting region, and an elongated member that is located in the sighting region that is too long to move from the sighting region into the restricted region and is sufficiently smaller than the sighting region so as to be capable of vibrating about in the sighting region in response to flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A brake bleeder wrench is provided with a transparent bleeder tube having a magnifying lens along upper portion thereof to improve visibility of air bubbles leaving the bleeder valve when the wrench opens the bleeder valve. In a modified form the head of the wrench contains an interchangeable drive hex socket to compensate for different types of bleeder valves.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve is placed under axial compression in a pinch valve assembly. The axial compression of the sleeve eliminates any crevices with end members that engage opposed end walls of the valve body. Further, axial compression extends cycle life of the valve by maintaining the sleeve in a non-tensile relationship. Mechanical gripping of enlarged flanges defined at opposed ends of the sleeve is also enhanced through axial compression of the sleeve. A positive, visual indication of valve open and closed positions is provided by an indicator stem extending outwardly from an actuator body. In an alternate embodiment, the flanges are reinforced. Additionally, a casing member is interposed between the valve body and sleeve for ease of replacement and maintenance. In still another embodiment, a vent opening in the valve body eliminates pneumatic closure forces on the elastomeric sleeve that can arise when the pinch valve is heated.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at two different preselected flow rates. The valve may be constructed so as to permit its use in either of two orientations with respect to inlet and outlet openings of the apparatus. A sight glass arrangement may be provided in which two sight glasses are offset from one another by 90 degrees and are arranged in the arrangement in a manner permitting the easy visual observation of flow therepast.