Abstract: A faucet having a base that is mountable to a support, a spout moveably coupled to the base and having an outlet for dispensing water, and a valve that controls a flow of water to an outlet, where the valve is opened in response to the spout being moved relative to the base to a first position, and the valve is closed in response to the spout being moved relative to the base from the first position toward a second position.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a housing which includes a first faceplate defining a first and second opening which extend through the first faceplate and spaced apart and a seal member on the first faceplate which surrounds the first and second openings. A cartridge assembly positioned within an opening in the housing which includes a second faceplate, which abuts the seal member and forms a seal between the second faceplate and the seal member. Second faceplate defines third opening which extends through the second faceplate. With rotation of the second faceplate, third opening changes position relative to first faceplate to include the third opening positioned in one of: alignment with a portion of first opening and a portion of second opening, alignment with the first opening or alignment with the second opening.

Abstract: Fluid delivery systems and methods for using fluid delivery systems are rotatable around two axes. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system has a reduced swing radius and/or a reduced clearance area needed to rotate the fluid delivery device about one of the axes. The reduced swing radius and/or reduced clearance area allow for a more compact footprint of the fluid delivery system and a larger ratio of flow rate of fluid per unit of required clearance area.

Abstract: Fluid delivery systems and methods for using fluid delivery systems are rotatable around two axes. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system has a reduced swing radius and/or a reduced clearance area needed to rotate the fluid delivery device about one of the axes. The reduced swing radius and/or reduced clearance area allow for a more compact footprint of the fluid delivery system and a larger ratio of flow rate of fluid per unit of required clearance area.

Abstract: A faucet includes a sprayhead removably supported by a positioning arm. The positioning arm is articulated to provide multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A fluid system includes a loading arm connected to a swivel joint. A counterbalance mechanism is connected between the loading arm and the swivel joint. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the counterbalance force applied by the counterbalance mechanism to the loading arm. The adjustment mechanism includes a guide plate connected to the swivel joint and includes a guide slot and a straight bore guide. A bracket is movably connected to the guide plate and has one or more apertures and a threaded bore guide. Fasteners extend through the guide slot and the one or more apertures to selectively secure the bracket to the guide plate. A lead screw is disposed at least partially within the straight bore guide and the threaded bore guide. Rotation of the lead screw causes the bracket to move along a length of the lead screw and thereby adjust the counterbalance force.

Abstract: A water supplying extension arm for supplying water from a water source to a showerhead has an elongated hollow extension arm element extending along its axis and having a first end connectable to the water source and a second end spaced in a direction of its axis and connectable to the showerhead, and a water regulating element operatively connected with the second end of the elongated hollow extension arm element and adjusting an amount of water issuing from the second end of the elongated hollow extension arm element to the showerhead.

Abstract: A rotary valve is disclosed having a rotor and stator that utilizes at least one compression spring to provide contact between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) is configured to oppose the pressure forces that urge the rotors and stators apart and reduce the amount of torque necessary to turn the rotors in the valve while preventing leakage from between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) may be positioned within the valve by a spring locating features.

Abstract: A fluid coupler comprises a ball valve a through hole provided between a female coupler body and a valve holding casing connected to the female coupler body and surrounding the ball. The ball valve has a first flat sliding surface formed on a spherical outer surface of the ball valve which extends in a direction normal to a rotational axis of the ball valve, and a flat stop surface raised from the first flat sliding surface and reaching said spherical outer surface of said ball valve, the first flat sliding surface and the flat stop surface together defining a recess. The valve holding casing has an alignment portion formed on and raised from an interior surface thereof. The alignment portion has a second flat sliding surface slidably engaged with said first flat sliding surface. The flat stop surface is adapted to engage with the alignment portion to limit the rotational movement of the ball valve.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket having a ball valve in which a through bore having one end that allows insertion of a plug is formed and a casing supporting the ball valve for rocking motion. The casing has a slot extending from its flank to the top. The slot has a flank opening and a top opening. The flank opening is wider than the top opening. A lock element is located for movement in the through bore of the ball valve. When the one end of the through bore of the ball valve is aligned with the flank opening, the lock element advances into the flank opening, thereby preventing the ball valve from rocking. When the lock element is pushed into the through bore of the ball valve by the plug, it is disengaged from the flank opening, whereupon the ball valve is allowed to rock.

Abstract: A fluid coupler comprises a ball valve a through hole provided between a female coupler body and a valve holding casing connected to the female coupler body and surrounding the ball. The ball valve has a first flat sliding surface formed on a spherical outer surface of the ball valve which extends in a direction normal to a rotational axis of the ball valve, and a flat stop surface raised from the first flat sliding surface and reaching said spherical outer surface of said ball valve, the first flat sliding surface and the flat stop surface together defining a recess. The valve holding casing has an alignment portion formed on and raised from an interior surface thereof. The alignment portion has a second flat sliding surface slidably engaged with said first flat sliding surface. The flat stop surface is adapted to engage with the alignment portion to limit the rotational movement of the ball valve.

Abstract: This invention primarily relates to means to convey fluid from a moving location to a fixed location formerly achieved by the utilization of such means as a flexible hose. The invention has particular relevance to desludge systems where settled sludge take up means is caused to traverse the floor of a settling tank or vessel and transmit the sludge via a hose to a disposal point. The invention provides improved means replacing flexible hoses and further can provide means to motivate the traveling sludge take up means.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket including a cylindrical main body having an axial bore for a fluid, an annular valve seat at the forward end, a ball type valve body rotatable relative to the valve seat and having a through hole and a casing fitted over the main body and rotatably retaining the ball valve in cooperation with the valve seat, and a plug inserted in the through hole. The casing has a long hole including a wider area and a narrower area. The ball valve communicates the through hole with the axial bore when the through hole is aligned with the narrower area and closes the axial bore when the trough hole is aligned with the wider area. The coupling comprises a guide for guiding the ball valve along the long hole from a position in which the through hole is aligned with the wider area.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket including a cylindrical main body having an axial bore for a fluid, an annular valve seat at the forward end, a ball type valve body rotatable relative to the valve seat and having a through hole and a casing fitted over the main body and rotatably retaining the ball valve in cooperation with the valve seat, and a plug inserted in the through hole. The casing has a long hole including a wider area and a narrower area. The ball valve communicates the through hole with the axial bore when the trough hole is aligned with the narrower area and closes the axial bore when the trough hole is aligned with the wider area. The coupling comprises a guide for guiding the ball valve along the long hole from a position in which the through hole is aligned with the wider area.