With Closure Patents (Class 137/800)
  • Patent number: 5957154
    Abstract: A fire hydrant adaptor and cover for attachment to the uncovered outlet pipe of a fire hydrant. The fire hydrant adaptor and cover includes an adaptor pipe having a first end with internal threads of attachment to the fire hydrant outlet, and a second end having external threads to connect a fire hose and internal threads to secure a cover plate. The cover plate is formed from a metallic material and is inserted into the second end of the adaptor pipe. The cover plate is removed by magnetized elements or by engaging a rectangular hole formed on the cover face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Anderson E. Olaker
  • Patent number: 5738285
    Abstract: A secondary seal in the form of a plug member insertable in the open end of a pneumatic discharge nozzle of a covered hopper car carrying granular material, such as plastic pellets, wherein the plug member includes means for maintaining the pellets in spaced relation to the open end of the nozzle to prevent spillage when the plug member is removed, and having retaining means connecting the plug member to the nozzle when it is removed from the open end of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Zeftek, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5727590
    Abstract: A tamper resistant construction for preventing unauthorized actuation of the hydrant nut of a fire hydrant by causing any lateral pounding or upward forces applied to the tamper resistant construction to be transmitted directly to the hydrant body cover of the fire hydrant including a packing nut threaded into the hydrant body cover proximate the hydrant nut, a hydrant nut actuating body located within the packing nut and mounted on the hydrant nut in turning relationship therewith, a shroud permanently or removably rotatably mounted on the packing nut in closely spaced relationship to a cap rotatably mounted on the hydrant nut actuating body, and a configuration on the hydrant nut actuating body between the cap and the shroud for receiving a special wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Julicher, Thomas R. Lanham
  • Patent number: 5722450
    Abstract: A tamper resistant construction for a fire hydrant including a hydrant nut actuating body for mounting on a hydrant nut, a shroud rotatably mounted on a first end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a cap rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body, a spring mounted within the hydrant nut actuating body and secured to the cap for biasing the cap over the wrench-receiving portion, and a specialized wrench for retracting the cap and engaging the wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body to thereby turn the hydrant nut actuating body and a hydrant nut coupled thereto. The shroud may be removably mounted on the hydrant nut actuating body to permit access to set screws which secure the hydrant nut actuating body to the hydrant nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Julicher
  • Patent number: 5682917
    Abstract: An overflow and isolation valve is disclosed. The overflow and isolation valve includes a valve body having a chamber defined therein, and an integral leg member formed as part of the valve body having a proximal end on the valve body and a distal end extending away therefrom. A bore is defined within the leg member extending from the distal end to the proximal end thereof, and is in generally fluid-tight communication with the chamber formed within the valve body. An integral float assembly is provided as a part of the valve for sealing the distal end of the leg member in response to the liquid level within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: John Curving, III
  • Patent number: 5632301
    Abstract: A tamper resistant construction for a fire hydrant including a hydrant nut actuating body for mounting on a hydrant nut, a shroud rotatably mounted on a first end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a cap rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body, a spring mounted within the hydrant nut actuating body and secured to the cap for biasing the cap over the wrench-receiving portion, and a specialized wrench for retracting the cap and engaging the wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body to thereby turn the hydrant nut actuating body and a hydrant nut coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Julicher
  • Patent number: 5630442
    Abstract: A tamper resistant construction for preventing unauthorized actuation of the hydrant nut of a fire hydrant by causing any lateral pounding or upward forces applied to the tamper resistant construction to be transmitted directly to the hydrant body cover of the fire hydrant including a packing nut threaded into the hydrant body cover proximate the hydrant nut, a hydrant nut actuating body located within the packing nut and mounted on the hydrant nut in turning relationship therewith, a groove in the packing nut, a plurality of studs extending between the hydrant nut actuating body and the groove in the packing nut, a shroud rotatably mounted on the hydrant nut actuating body in closely spaced relationship to a cap rotatably mounted on the hydrant nut actuating body, and a limited space between the cap and the shroud for receiving a special wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Julicher
  • Patent number: 5588460
    Abstract: A hydrant protector for preventing unauthorized use of the hydrant includes an internally threaded tubular shleld around the valve stem. To prevent a collection of trash in the shield and to provide more security for the hydrant a threaded plug fits completely into the shield and against the end of the valve stem and has, in the flat exterior end, a pentagonal keyway of deep grooves. A wrench having a pentagonal tubular socket to fit the keyway will also fit the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Aaron B. Meneses
  • Patent number: 5549133
    Abstract: A security device and system for preventing unauthorized access to and operation of fire hydrants. The security device includes a first end portion for coupling the device to a portion of a fire hydrant. The first end portion preferably is coupled to the hydrant by clamping it between an outlet port of the hydrant and a cap for covering the outlet port. A second end portion covers a valve control device of the hydrant to control access to the valve control device and thereby prevent unauthorized persons from activating it. An intermediate portion integral with the first and second end portions extends vertically from the first end portion to the second end portion. The system for preventing unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant includes the security device described above, a bonnet for protecting a valve control device of the hydrant, and a locking cap for closing an outlet port of the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: George Sigelakis
  • Patent number: 5535784
    Abstract: A drain valve assembly for positively sealing an aircraft waste system drain line to prevent waste fluid leakage and the formation of so-called "blue ice" due to such leakage during high altitude flight. The valve assembly has an inlet for connection to the drain line, an outlet for connection to a waste drain hose of an airport waste disposal facility, and an outer valve cover and inner ball valve between the inlet and outlet which provide truly redundant seals for the drain port in flight, can be opened with relative ease when frozen, are relatively immune to improper sealing due to obstruction by waste, enable removal of a frozen waste blockage in the waste flow path without a sudden large waste dump, and permit inspection and easy replacement, if necessary, of the valve seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Pneu-Draulics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Saville, Raymond S. Hunt, Jr., William R. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5464114
    Abstract: A cap member for fitment over a gas outlet nozzle having a plurality of serrations on the exterior thereof, is disclosed. The cap member comprises a peripherally disposed main body portion spanning between an open first end and a closed second end. The main body portion has an outer surface defining the periphery of the cap member and an inner surface defining a nozzle receiving recess. A lock member having a arcuately shaped central portion terminating in opposed outwardly projecting first and second end tabs having a key-receiving gap therebetween is retained within an annular slot within the nozzle receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Garrey D. Green
  • Patent number: 5392826
    Abstract: A drain valve assembly for positively sealing an aircraft waste system drain line to prevent waste fluid leakage and the formation of so-called "blue ice" due to such leakage during high altitude flight. The valve assembly has an inlet for connection to the drain line, an outlet for connection to a waste drain hose of an airport waste disposal facility, and an outer valve cover and inner ball valve between the inlet and outlet which provide truly redundant seals for the drain port in flight, can be opened with relative ease when frozen, are relatively immune to improper sealing due to obstruction by waste, enable removal of a frozen waste blockage in the waste flow path without a sudden large waste dump, and permit inspection and easy replacement, if necessary, of the valve seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventors: Eric J. Saville, Raymond S. Hunt, Jr., William R. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5303741
    Abstract: A temporary pipe plug comprised of a lightweight main body encircled by an outer sealing surface. The outer sealing surface has a rounded edge which contacts the gasket on the bell end of a sewer or water pipe. A boss is affixed to the main body which provides attachment of a chain to the plug. The chain is used for easy removal of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Michael Gauger
  • Patent number: 5072750
    Abstract: Improvements relating to fire hydrant closures are disclosed in which a cap-shaped cover for the outflow port from a fire hydrant, and a tool for locking and unlocking the cap on the hydrant, is provided. The cap includes a septum-like strong plate which is freely rotatable with the cap, but which is fixed against axial movement relative to the cap. Such septum-like plate, including means for mating engagement with corresponding means at the outflow spigot. The plate further includes means constructed to become engaged by the tool; the tool having a grip portion and a mating portion with a corresponding portion provided on the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventors: Ariah Poms, Yaacov Poms
  • Patent number: 5033501
    Abstract: A fire hydrant cap and actuating tool for use therewith provide enhanced security for fire hydrants and increased safety when using the tool. The cap is forged of 8620 carbon steel; is provided with an internal steel lock washer of cadmium plate steel, and includes thereon a forged, external slip ring of 8620 carbon steel with lubrication between the slip ring and cap. The tool which is used in combination with the cap includes a gripper which fits under the slip ring to prevent the tool from slipping, a spanner wrench and a hexagonal socket with a screw for gripping rounded-off valve stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Hydra-Shield Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Stehling
  • Patent number: 4979885
    Abstract: A sealing plug has a stem portion inserted into an inlet of the compressor and contacted with a valve body of a check valve for forcing the check valve from closed position to maintain the check valve at open position. The sealing plug is also provided with a seal body for establishing a fluid tight seal at the sealing position. The seal body can be shifted from the sealing position to gas discharge position with maintaining the stem portion contacting the valve body of the check valve to keep the latter open. At the gas discharge position, the sealing plug permits the pressurized gas in the compressor to be discharged for lowering the internal gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Atsugi Motor Parts Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masao Yasuda, Hideo Kure
  • Patent number: 4936336
    Abstract: A tamperproof construction for preventing actuation of the actuating nut of a fire hydrant comprising a nut actuating body for receiving the hydrant nut in turning relationship, set screws locking the nut actuating body to the actuating nut, a shroud permanently secured on the nut actuating body by means of a snap ring so that it covers the set screws but is rotatable on the nut actuating body, a bore in the shroud for permitting selective access to the set screws, a key-operated plug in the bore, a cap permanently and rotatably mounted on an end of the nut actuating body which protrudes through an opening in the shroud, and a limited axial portion of the nut actuating body exposed between the cap and shroud for receiving a specialized wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventors: Durham S. McCauley, John K. Waite, John W. Erwin
  • Patent number: 4878515
    Abstract: A water access preventer for testable water backflow prevention assemblies wherein a means is provided to quickly, inconspicuously, and inexpensively prevent unauthorized access to potable water travelling within these assemblies throughout the differential pressure gradient of these assemblies, comprising, in part: a means for locking the valves which provide access to the potable water, and a means for preventing the shut-off of linepressure throughout the differential pressure gradient of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Robert B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4827969
    Abstract: A cover encompasses a hydrant having a bonnet mounted atop an upper barrel having two flanged ends. The cover has a domed annular hood shaped to correspond to the bonnet. The cover also has an externally convex skirt depending from the annular hood. This convex skirt is sized to overlay and underlie one of the flanged ends of the upper barrel to encase it. The cover may include an axially seamed, tubular jacket and positioned to meet the convex skirt from below. This jacket is sized to encompass the upper barrel of the hydrant. An optional tubular boot can encircle the barrel between one of its flanged ends and the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Peter Lyasko
  • Patent number: 4825898
    Abstract: A protective device for fire hydrants comprises a generally domed shaped member having a shape conforming to the bonnet of a fire hydrant and including a socket configured to receive an operating nut thereof. The protective device has a diameter too great to be engaged by readily available pliers, wrenches and the like but may be actuated by use of a chain wrench or a friction wrench. The device includes no separate moving parts which may freeze or jam and may be retrofitted to existing fire hydrants by welding or brazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Arthur D. Vis
  • Patent number: 4785484
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy spa having a water jet into which air is aspirated through a conduit and a control valve for varying the effective flow area to the conduit from space inside the spa. The control valve comprises two generally cylindrical valve body members fitted together and defining an inlet passage extending outwardly between the two, and an outlet passage extending inwardly through the inner member and containing a ball check valve for preventing a reverse fluid flow. A cup-shaped cap is snap-fitted on the outer end portion of the valve body and formed with a closure member on its underside for variably opening arcuate ports in the outer end of the body variably connecting the inlet and outlet passages through these ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Alopex Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Sargent
  • Patent number: 4727900
    Abstract: A tamper-proof cover for the operating nut of a hydrant. The cover includes a housing adapted to be positioned above the operating nut for covering the operating nut, the housing having an opening, a housing mounting device securable to the hydrant and engagable with the housing for securing the housing to the hydrant, and a locking device for removably securing the housing to the mounting device which includes a pin positionable in the opening in the housing and engagable with a recess defined in the mounting device, a locking member engagable with the pin and the recess in the housing, a frangible shoulder within the recess in the mounting device against which the locking member seats and which must be broken to remove the pin. Other forms of the tamper-proof cover and a tool for removing the cover are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: Joseph S. Dooling, Kenneth F. Vanek, Gene R. Vanek
  • Patent number: 4651771
    Abstract: A fire hydrant cap and cover assembly which is provided with a hydrant operating wrench therefor. The cap of the assembly has an interior threaded cap portion which attaches to the threaded portion of the hydrant water outlet discharge pipe. The exterior cover is rotatably attached to the cap (and rotates with respect thereto) through an annular groove on the cap, the groove engaging a ring bead fixed on the cover. A pentagonal shaped wrench is inserted into the pentagonal shaped recessed portion in the cap by way of a circular opening in the exterior of the cover to engage the cap. Through rotation of the cap, its interior threaded portion can be unscrewed from the threaded hydrant water outlet discharge pipe to enable the removal of the cap and cover assembly. This arrangement prevents tampering with the hydrant water discharge pipe. The cap recessed portion is provided with a fluid drain and vent aperture communicating with the hydrant valve and indication of leaking on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventors: Daniel W. Borenstein, Arnold L. Borenstein
  • Patent number: 4633896
    Abstract: An operating nut construction for a fire hydrant including a body member having a lower tapped portion for threadably receiving a fire hydrant valve rod, a sleeve rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a cap rotatably mounted on the body member against axial movement, a narrow gap between the sleeve and the cap, and a plurality of shallow depressions in the body member aligned with the gap for reception of a specialized wrench having narrow shoulders thereon to turn the body member. The rotation of the sleeve or the cap or both will not turn the body member because they are rotatably mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Bainbridge, Lewis D. McCauley, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4602654
    Abstract: A coupling for a fire hydrant-fire hose connection includes a first coupling member attached to the fire hydrant and a second coupling member attached to the fire hose wherein both the first and second coupling use a Storz connector. A butterfly valve is mounted within the first coupling to prevent access to the interior of the hydrant and a readily removable cover is placed over the first coupling member to shield the member when the hydrant is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Hydra-Shield Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Henry J. Stehling, George M. Hughes, Jr., Grady C. North
  • Patent number: 4566481
    Abstract: A tamperproof fire hydrant which can only be operated with the use of a special operating tool thus preventing the opening of the hydrant by unauthorized persons for unauthorized use. Additionally the tubular hold-down nut for the operating nut is so designed to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the hydrant by unauthorized personnel. To prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized disassembly the polygonal shaped operating nut is concealed by a dome shaped cap covering both the hold-down nut and the operating nut, the cap being freely rotatable with respect thereto. The dome shaped cap permits only limited access to the operating nut. Additionally the hold-down nut for the operating nut is also protected in this manner and is provided with a specifically shaped outer surface which requires a special tool usable only when the dome shaped cap for the operating nut is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventors: Wilbur R. Leopold, Jr., Dennis W. Humes
  • Patent number: 4556080
    Abstract: The casing of the invention comprises a fixed part 1 fixedly mounted to the post 10 below the zone to be protected, this fixed part comprising, on one side of post 10, a support structure 14; a mobile part 15 for covering, in the closed position, the upper part of the post; a mechanical connection mounted between the support structure 14 and the mobile part 15; and an assistance device 22 adapted to exert a force tending to drive the mobile part during its upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Societe Metallurgique Haut-Marnaise
    Inventor: Michel M. R. Picaud
  • Patent number: 4554944
    Abstract: A tamperproof fire hydrant which can only be operated with use of a special operating means or tool thus preventing the opening of the hydrant by unauthorized persons for unauthorized use. The hydrant is provided with the usual polygonal end portion of the rotatable operating nut extending out of the top closure member. A dome shaped cap is mounted on the polygonal end portion of the operating nut for free rotation relative thereto, the dome shaped cap having a skirt with the lower edge thereof spaced from the tubular hold down nut or top closure member of the fire hydrant to provide a limited access space to the polygonal end portion for reception of the special operating means. The special operating means is also capable of being used as a tool to remove the nozzle cap off of the usual nozzle and to install the hose coupling on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Daghe, Dennis W. Humes, Mervin D. Stanley
  • Patent number: 4526193
    Abstract: A disc-shaped inner member engages the valve stem. The inner member has a smooth uninterrupted exterior surface, except for a pair of spaced conical projections. An annular outer member is freely rotatably mounted around the inner member and has two peripheral slots. The actuator has a cap assembly receiving cavity including a pair of conical recesses adapted to engage the projections. Inwardly extending parts from spaced side portions are adapted to pass through the peripheral slots in the outer member and lodge thereunder to permit rotation of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Edward Drach
  • Patent number: 4484595
    Abstract: A tamper-proof cover for the operating nut of a fire hydrant comprising a housing and an operating member. The housing has an internal flange and is adapted to be positioned on the bonnet of the hydrant over and around the operating nut so that the operating nut is substantially concealed. The operating member has an opening therein for receiving the nut and is adapted to be placed on the operating nut within the housing. The operating member opening has a shape generally corresponding to that of the nut for preventing relative rotation between the operating member and the operating nut when the operating member is on the nut. A screw secures the operating member against removal from the operating nut. The flange of the housing is engageble with the operating member when the latter is secured to the nut for preventing removal of the housing from the bonnet. Also disclosed is a socket for turning the operating member and operating nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Vanek, Joseph S. Dooling
  • Patent number: 4418716
    Abstract: A two-way flow valve includes a valve body having a cavity and a stem longitudinally moveable therein which establishes two separate fluid flow paths through the cavity in the body from first and second inlet ports to a common outlet port. A spring biases the stem to a first position in which fluid flow is allowed along a first one of the paths and obstructed along the other. When a closure is applied to the valve, the stem is moved against the spring bias to a second position in which fluid flow is allowed along a second one of the paths and obstructed along the first path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Roy R. Starke
  • Patent number: 4398556
    Abstract: A cup-shaped cover for a fire hydrant includes an opening therethrough for rotatably receiving a special tool that opens and closes the fire hydrant valve. In order to provide for complete drainage, at least two channels are formed in the top surface of the cover. The channels slope downwardly from a location proximate the valve stem of the fire hydrant to a location opposite a portion of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventors: Eloy Pereira, Arnold N. Lefkowitz
  • Patent number: 4397332
    Abstract: Unauthorized removal of the cap from a standpipe, such as a fire line standpipe, is prevented through use of a bent metal bar and a nipple formed at the center of the standpipe cap. The bar has an opening to accept the nipple extending from the standpipe cap, and a slot to receive a metal pin which prevents movement of the standpipe cap, rotation of the cap being prevented by additional means formed on the cap and bar. The bar can be so formed as to also prevent unauthorized removal of the handwheel of the valve which permits liquid flow through the standpipe opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Louis J. Sample
  • Patent number: 4380245
    Abstract: A covering for exterior water faucets provides a cover assembly which is secured to the side of a home, for example, encapsulating the exposed water faucet with means being provided for securing the cover about the faucet, the means including a cap having internal threads for threadably attaching it to the external threads of the faucet with a cable being secured at one end to the cap and penetrating a provided opening in the cover wall. At the opposite end portion from the cap, the cable is secured to the cover wall with tensile force being utilized to anchor the cover assembly about the faucet. In the preferred embodiment the cable includes a ball chain and a plastic lock is provided for anchoring the cover to the ball chain by occupying a position between successive ball portions of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventor: Irving V. Hefner
  • Patent number: 4379469
    Abstract: A multilobe bonnet is provided for the upper end of a fire hydrant with the multiple lobes thereof projecting upwardly from the bonnet at points spaced about and radially outwardly from the conventional pentagonal upper terminal end of the hydrant valve control rod, the upper terminal end projecting above the upper surfaces of the bonnet disposed centrally between the upwardly projecting lobes disposed thereabout. In addition, the side outlet closure caps of the hydrant are formed in a similar manner with the lobes on the bonnet preventing the engagement of a convention wrench with the valve control rod upper terminal end and the lobes on the closure caps similarly preventing engagement of conventional wrenches with the central pentagonal projections on the caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Inventor: Arne J. Britz
  • Patent number: 4369807
    Abstract: The operating stem of a hydrant is protectively surrounded by a steel collar which upstands considerably above such stem so that only a special deep socket for a wrench can be used to engage and turn the stem. When the hydrant is without a weather guard the collar is fixedly welded directly to the bonnet and has side openings to permit solid objects and water to escape from within and not interfere with the turning of the stem. Where the hydrant has a weather guard, a flanged adapter is welded directly to the bonnet to cover the weather guard and the collar has a flanged lower end whereby it is held in place axially by the adapted but is free to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: John P. Camp
  • Patent number: 4356839
    Abstract: A tamper resistant valve actuator for a fire hydrant has a bullet shaped nose presenting a nongrippable conical surface. Three equally spaced shallow recesses are provided in the conical surface at a common elevation. A special wrench includes radially projecting set screws adapted for complementary fit within the recesses and adjustable tightening thereto for operating the valve stem. The actuator is designed for installation on conventional hydrant assemblies and in substitution of the existing pentagon head operating nut. In a modified embodiment, the valve operating nut is provided with a valve stem socket for compatibility with another form of hydrant assembly. In addition, the wrench receiving recesses are placed in a variant pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Inventor: Anthony Voynovich
  • Patent number: 4280525
    Abstract: A tamperproof cap assembly for a hydrant having a valve stem rod which in one embodiment is displaceable in elevation within the hydrant housing without rotation of the valve stem rod about its axis. The assembly includes a cap adapted to cover the outlet port in the hydrant housing. The cap is provided with a stem. A locking means secured to the valve stem rod engages the cap stem when the valve stem rod is in a first position and the cap stem is displaced toward the valve stem rod. The locking means releases the cap stem when the valve stem rod is displaced in elevation from the first position to a second position without rotation of the valve stem rod about its axis. The cap is provided with a pair of unthreaded facing annular walls which define an annular channel for receiving the hydrant nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Center Compression Lock Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis R. Byrnes
  • Patent number: 4261386
    Abstract: A sewer relief valve for placement in an existing sewer line connecting a residence or other facility generating sewage and the sewage collection system, the valve comprising connection means adapted to connect into a sewer line, an adapter means in turn operably attached to the connection means, and a cap means attached in air-tight and water-tight fashion to the adapter means, the adapter means also having O-ring sealing means whereby backing up sewage and water interiorly to the sewer pipe will forcibly eject the cap means and permit exterior ground flooding rather than flooding interiorly to the residence or other sewage generating facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Inventor: Jack W. Young
  • Patent number: 4199008
    Abstract: A wet seal standpipe cap to eliminate standpipe cap leakage includes a generally circular cap which has affixed to the underside of the cap a plurality of baffle rings. The cap is sized to enclose an opening in the top of a standpipe, and permit one of the baffle rings to penetrate a liquor contained in a canal placed around the standpipe opening providing a wet seal. The cap, in cooperation with the canal, entraps any leakage from around the standpipe opening between one of the baffle rings, underside of the cap and contained liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Bright
  • Patent number: 4194523
    Abstract: An easily sterilizable, low profile loading and unloading valve for mounting at the bottom of a tank includes a flange which is mounted adjacent to an opening in the bottom of the tank. A chamber extends through the flange, and a valve plug is mounted to one of the surfaces of the flange and extends into the tank opening. The valve plug normally closes the chamber in the flange, but is moveable to a position in which the chamber is opened to the tank. A cap is mounted to the other surface of the flange and closes the chamber. This cap may, alternatively, either take the form of a closure plate which closes the chamber during transport of the tank, or an adapter assembly which is mounted to the flange and which includes a connector for a loading and unloading conduit and a threaded biasing member for biasing the valve plug from its closed to its opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: North American Car Association
    Inventor: Eugene Lubieniecki
  • Patent number: 4188675
    Abstract: An improved lavatory drain plug includes a split hub structure, normally separated axially, upon which a cylindrical sealing member is mounted. Bringing the hub together exerts an outward radial force on the sealing member while the rim adjacent the hub exerts both radial and axial forces, resulting in a net outward movement of the member to sealingly engage the walls of a conduit into which the plug has been inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert H. Ast
  • Patent number: 4182361
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fire hydrant protection device which prevents unauthorized individuals from tampering with or operating fire hydrants. In one form the protection device provides an outlet cap member provided with a projection suitable for engagement by a special wrench such as for removal or installation of the cap and a cover member movably associated therewith which includes provisions preventing access to the cap member projection by conventional tools thus insuring that only authorized individuals will be able to remove the device. In another form, the device is designed to be installed over the valve actuating mechanism so as to similarly prevent access thereto by individuals not having the special wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Assignee: Hydra-Guard Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin J. Oakey
  • Patent number: 4164241
    Abstract: A cap of resilient material such as rubber or the like has a generally cup-shaped form for covering at least the head portion of a bleed screw which is mounted on a body of a hydraulic component such as a hydraulic actuator or the like to normally close an air bleed passage formed in the component. The cap comprises a generally cylindrical skirt portion depending integrally from the cup-shaped portion to abut with the surface of the body of the hydraulic component, and a projection formed on the inner circumference of the cap for engaging with a small diameter portion formed on the bleed screw, whereby the lower end of the skirt portion is urged resiliently against the body of the hydraulic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Kubo
  • Patent number: 4098427
    Abstract: A sealing cap assembly for aircraft lavatory drain ports includes first and second pivotal doors secured to the port in spaced sealing relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Inventor: Milton Donald Duckworth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4027701
    Abstract: A plug for an aircraft lavatory drain port having a radially expandable portion and a resilient sealing member covering the expandable portion. A locking portion is connected for securing the plug in sealing position. The resilient sealing member includes an axially extended face for enclosing an air space in axial relationship with the radially expandable portion. Also, the resilient sealing member includes a radially facing annular portion mounted on the radially expandable portion. The radially expandable portion urges the radially facing annular portion into sealing engagement with the port as a first sealing capability and the axially extended face can collapse due to pressure acting thereon for urging a portion of that axial face into sealing engagement with the port as a second sealing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Inventor: Milton Donald Duckworth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3954123
    Abstract: A plug for an aircraft lavatory drain port having a radially expandable portion and a resilient sealing member covering the expandable portion. A locking portion is connected for securing the plug in sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1976
    Inventor: Milton D. Duckworth, Jr.