Abstract: A low pressure, low operating force valve, for applications where automated valves are used, having reduced power requirements for an associated actuator. A low torque ball valve of a fixed ball valve configuration for low to medium pressure applications, such as for an electric motor actuated residential shutoff valve where pressures are typically below 100 psi, and commonly less than 60 psi, for example. The valve can be open or shut using a smaller electric motor than would be required for a conventional residential floating ball shutoff valve of a similar size. As such, the power requirements of the electric motor or other actuator are reduced allowing for the use of smaller motors, smaller power supplies and overall more efficient operation.

Abstract: An actuator mounting kit and method for mounting an automatic valve actuator to a manually operated valve. The mounting kit includes a mounting bracket and a stem driver. The mounting bracket is connectable to the valve and has a bottom portion with a stem aperture through which a valve stem is extendable and a tongue matingly engageable with a slot of the valve body. The mounting bracket has an upper portion with a driver aperture aligned with the stem aperture. The stem driver has a first end matingly engageable with the valve stem and a second end extendable through the driver aperture in a way that the actuator is matingly engageable with the second end of the stem driver when the actuator is connected to the upper portion of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described herein that allow a tap handle to be quickly and easily reoriented or replaced after being attached to a spigot. In an embodiment, an adjustment mechanism for a beverage tap handle includes a connecting element and a housing. The connecting element includes a stem and a first mating feature, and the housing includes an aperture to receive the stem and a second mating feature configured to mate with the first mating feature. The housing and the connecting element are (i) rotatable with respect to each other about a central axis of the stem when the first mating feature and second mating feature are not mated, and (ii) prevented from rotating with respect to each other about the central axis of the stem when the first mating feature and the second mating feature are mated.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for operating a valve assembly includes an actuator body that selectively couples to the valve assembly and an actuator stem that has an end that extends into the actuator body. The valve assembly has having a valve body, a valve member in the valve body, a valve stem attached to the valve member, and a profile on an end of the valve stem distal from the valve member. The actuating apparatus also includes an adapter assembly in the actuator body having a threaded end that engages the actuator stem, and a profiled end distal from the threaded end that engages the profile on the valve stem and couples to the valve stem, so that selectively applying axial forces to the adapter assembly moves the valve stem and the valve member.

Abstract: Examples of automatic valve shutoff systems are described which may include an actuation device including an actuator and a valve attachment portion. The valve attachment portion may be configured for attachment with an existing valve in a fluid or compressible gas supply line. The system may further include a controller coupled to the actuation device, wherein the controller is configured to initiate a valve shutoff process in response to a wireless signal. Wake-up circuitry may be coupled to the controller and configured to monitor the supply line for vibrations and activate the controller in response to the vibrations.

Abstract: A device has a shaft adapted to be rotated. The device has a handle adapted to be operatively coupled to the shaft and adapted to be grasped by a user and twisted in a first rotational direction, turning the shaft. An assembly is provided between the shaft and the handle. The assembly has lower end, formed with an opening and jaws, coupling the assembly to the shaft. The assembly has an upper end attached to the handle. In this manner the assembly rotates with the handle. The assembly has a nut rotatable with respect to the upper end and the handle. A threaded interface is provided between the nut and the jaws. In this manner rotation of the nut with respect to the upper end and the handle will radially constrict and extend the jaws. Further in this manner the handle will coupling and uncouple with the shaft.

Abstract: A powered valve actuator assembly converts a manually operated valve without removal of the valve handle for automated valve operation in response to detection of a preselected condition. The design incorporates a motor, motor control circuit, drive shaft, valve handle engaging member and anti-rotation member. The motor is supported by its drive shaft, which is mounted on the valve handle via an adaptor. The motor, when operated, applies rotational torque to the drive shaft, and is secured from counter rotation about the drive shaft by the anti-rotation member, which extends between the motor and a fixed reference point with respect to the valve body such as the conduit or an extension thereof. The control circuit may incorporate a monitoring sub-circuit and power regulator, which operates at reduced power levels depending on the sensed state of the sensor or sensors.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: There is a key for use with pressurized gas cylinders. The key includes a sleeve configured to fit over a lever arm of a gas cylinder. The key includes a handle extending from the sleeve, and having a body. The handle includes a first slot and a second slot extending through the body of the handle and configured to fit over a valve toggle of a gas cylinder. The handle includes a washer storage device extending substantially orthogonally from the body of the handle. The handle includes a flange coupled to an end of the washer storage device, opposite the body. The handle also includes a recess portion disposed about a base of the washer storage device of the handle and sized and shaped to receive a plurality of gas cylinder washers.

Abstract: A valve unit, having a housing, a flap, which is rotatably arranged in the housing and connected to a flap shaft supported in the housing, an electric motor for driving the flap shaft, and a transmission arranged between the electric motor and the flap shaft. A coupling, which consists of a flap-side component, an intermediate piece, and a transmission-side component is arranged between the flap shaft and a shaft of the transmission. At least one of the three coupling parts has at least two first holes of a same radial orientation. At least two second holes are arranged perpendicular to the first holes. Molded elements of an adjacent component of the coupling engage in the holes and the holes have a greater extension with respect to the radial orientation of the holes than the molded elements that engage in the holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automating the operation of a manual control valve upon the occurrence of a specified condition includes a valve handle engaging member mounted on an operating shaft turned by a motor held by a housing or support which is mountable to the manual valve body or associated conduit. The motor is operated by a motor control circuit when a sensor detects the condition. The structure and method of mounting may include a quick disconnect mechanism. The control circuit may operate at different power levels depending on the state of the sensor.

Abstract: A device and method restricting water flow from a bathroom fixture is provided herewith. A preferred embodiment of the improved flow restrictor assembly comprises a metallic fitting or housing that accommodates an interior ring assembly and a flow-restrictor disk. The fitting is substantially tubular with a top section, a bottom section and an intersection. The top section of the fitting is defined by an opening, a hollow interior and a ledge upon which the interior ring assembly and flow-restrictor disk are positioned when the flow restrictor assembly is installed and in use. The bottom section features a pair of gripping planes which can be gripped by a specialized tool for purposes of uninstalling the improved flow restrictor assembly.

Abstract: A method implemented by a valve operating apparatus for hands free exercising of an in ground utility valve, which may include repeatedly opening and closing the utility valve without requiring the use of a computer program or a physical human manipulation. A valve operating apparatus may include a bi directional hydraulic powered motor which may be coupled to a utility valve stem for the purpose of rotating the valve stem of the utility valve in a closing direction or an opening direction. The direction of rotation, of a hydraulic motor, may be reversed in response to detecting an opening of a preset pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A vehicle with devices thereon for exercising the valves of a municipal water system includes a first arm with a valve turning machine at its outer end. A second arm is also attached to the vehicle, the second arm having a torque multiplier head having an input end and an output. A connector connects the valve turning machine to the input and the output of the torque multiplier applies increased torque to the stem of a valve.

Abstract: A system includes a set of valves and a handle, in which one valve in the set of valves is to be open at one time, and the handle is configured to move the valve between an open position and a closed position. The handle is configured to engage and disengage with the valve only when the valve is in the closed position such that the handle is not removed from the valve when the valve is in the open position. Thus, the system facilitates the sequential opening of valves in a set of valves by generally allowing a limited number of valves to be open at one time.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body and a bonnet. The valve body has a cylindrical access channel with adjoining at least one radial keyway. At least one coupling cavity adjoins and is out of register with the at least one radial keyway. The bonnet has a cylindrical body with at least one radially extending lug. The at least one lug is configured and sized to be accepted by the at least one radial keyway and to be housed within the at least one coupling cavity when the cylindrical body is twisted so that the at least one lug is out of register with the at least one radial keyway.

Abstract: An auxiliary operative handle of a rotational bathing faucet includes an operative handle including a conjugating end having a plurality of conjugating protruding hooks extending from the conjugating end; an elongated end extended from the one side of the conjugating end; and a circular wedging slot defined between the conjugating protruding hooks and the elongated end, wherein the operative handle is coupled with a knob of the faucet through the wedging slot and forms a secure position when the conjugating protruding hooks are conjugated with an outer periphery of the knob, so that the elongated end is used as a lever arm to rotate towards left or right, and a user is able to operate the faucet with less force. Also, the user gets to know whether the water is on or off by the position of the elongated end to precisely control the amount of the water.

Abstract: A conventional rotary valve in which is provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the degree of aperture so as to prevent misoperation and reduce accidents caused thereby, and even a previously installed valve can be converted to a valve having a locking mechanism, simply by replacing the handle alone. In a rotary valve wherein a valve element that is engaged with a stem is turned by turning the stem, which is connected to a handle, so as to open and close the valve, and having a top flange that is provided on a neck of a valve body that supports the stem, a notch is formed at the peripheral edge of the top flange, and a locking member, having a protrusion that can be latched in the notch in the top flange by way of a torsion spring, is pivotably supported at the center of the handle or on a grip portion thereof.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system having a rotating reservoir insert and a cartridge body. The rotating reservoir insert having a plurality of reservoirs in communication with ports on the external surface of the insert. The ports are positioned such that upon rotation the port is in-line with a fluid extracting device, such as a syringe, capable of extracting fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a flow restrictor, which is positionable between a valve open position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and outlet is open and a valve closed position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is closed. A slow-close actuation sub-assembly includes a stem for engaging the flow restrictor, and includes a handle and plurality of annular members disposed around a shaft for resisting rotation of the shaft via the handle.

Abstract: There is a key for use with pressurized gas cylinders. The key includes a sleeve configured to fit over a lever arm of a gas cylinder. The key includes a handle extending from the sleeve, and having a body. The handle includes a first slot and a second slot extending through the body of the handle and configured to fit over a valve toggle of a gas cylinder. The handle includes a washer storage device extending substantially orthogonally from the body of the handle. The handle includes a flange coupled to an end of the washer storage device, opposite the body. The handle also includes a recess portion disposed about a base of the washer storage device of the handle and sized and shaped to receive a plurality of gas cylinder washers.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly may include a valve having a mounting adapter and an actuator housing configured to releasably and non-rotatably attach to the mounting adapter without tools. The actuator housing may be attached at any one of a plurality of discrete radial orientations. In some instances, the actuator housing may include a spring retainer clip configured to engage the mounting adapter, and a button element configured to engage the spring retainer clip to release the spring retainer clip from the mounting adapter.

Abstract: A device is described for mechanically coupling an actuator to a valve which is adjustable by a plunger that is displaceable along a z-axis. The device has (a) a retaining element which can be mounted on a connecting chassis of the actuator and which is embodied for engaging on two opposite sides of a connection piece of a valve body in a recess incorporated in the connection piece, and (b) a clamping device which is disposed on a section of the retaining element and which is embodied in such a way that when the clamping device is actuated the section of the retaining element is displaced parallel to the z-axis relative to the connecting chassis such that the connecting chassis bears against the connection piece. An actuator having a coupling device of said kind and a method for mechanically coupling an actuator to a valve are also described.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a body having at least one waterway, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the at least one waterway, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water through the at least one waterway and a stem operably coupled to the moveable valve member for movement therewith, and a handle coupled to the stem for movement therewith. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the handle and the stem, and at least one magnet is supported by the other of the handle and the stem that is configured to magnetically attract the magnetically attractive element to couple the handle to the stem.

Abstract: A device and method restricting water flow from a bathroom fixture is provided herewith. A preferred embodiment of the improved flow restrictor assembly comprises a metallic fitting or housing that accommodates an interior ring assembly and a flow-restrictor disk. The fitting is substantially tubular with a top section, a bottom section and an intersection. The top section of the fitting is defined by an opening, a hollow interior and a ledge upon which the interior ring assembly and flow-restrictor disk are positioned when the flow restrictor assembly is installed and in use. The bottom section features a pair of gripping planes which can be gripped by a specialized tool for purposes of uninstalling the improved flow restrictor assembly.

Abstract: A shaft connection is provided between a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft having a longitudinal axis about which the first shaft can be rotated. The first shaft has a free end which engages into a coupling part which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second shaft. The free end of the first shaft is provided with an external profile which engages releasably into an internal profile of the coupling part. The external profile and/or the internal profile are/is configured in each case as a dihedron with two side surfaces which extend substantially parallel to one another. At least one side surface of the external profile and/or one side surface of the internal profile are/is configured in a convex manner in the longitudinal direction of the first shaft and/or the second shaft.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A locking Y-valve has branches that can be independently locked open or locked closed. Each branch has a ball valve connected to a rotating valve column. The valve column extends through a lock plate and attaches to a housing that contains a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a retractable lock pin that cooperates with two recesses in the lock plate to keep the housing, valve column, and ball valve locked in place. The locking mechanism is attached to a rotatable handle outside the housing. Rotating the handle retracts the lock pin from a recess so that the handle can be moved. Releasing the handle extends the lock pin into a recess, securing the handle in place. One or more of the lock plate and housing may be integral with the Y-valve. In the preferred embodiment, the lock plate is configured to be retrofit onto existing Y-valves, so that a non-lockable Y-valve may be converted into a lockable Y-valve.

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

Abstract: Collets for coupling rotary actuators to valves are disclosed. An example collet includes a first plurality of flexible members configured to be coupled to an elongated member and each having a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface and the first outer surface define a first cross-sectional shape. The example collet further includes a second plurality of flexible members configured to be coupled to the elongated member and each having a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second inner surface and the second outer surface define a second cross-sectional shape that is different from the first cross-sectional shape of the first plurality of flexible members.

Abstract: A system includes a ball valve with a housing having a fluid passage, a ball disposed within the housing along the fluid passage, and a stem coupled to the ball. The stem is configured to move the ball between an open position and a closed position relative to the fluid passage. The stem is disposed in a first opening on a first side of the housing. The stem is removable from the first opening, through at least one opening in the ball, and out through a second opening on a second side of the housing.

Abstract: A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable across the underlying ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine.

Abstract: A faucet apparatus has a bolt assembly with a brake shaft lever extending therefrom, a handle lever, and a handle holder lock having one end affixed to the handle lever, a handle holder having an axial hole extending therethrough, and a handle lever assembly positioned in the axial hole. The handle lever is connected to the brake shaft lever. The handle lever assembly is sleeved over the handle holder lock. An elastic locker is positioned in a radial slot of the handle holder lock so as to engage with a notch in the handle lever assembly.

Abstract: Recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers and bottom loading couplers comprising the same are disclosed. The recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers may include a lever portion comprising a first lever arm, a second lever arm and a lever bar oriented in a substantially u-shaped configuration. A handle portion may be joined to the lever portion with a first pivot block and a second pivot block, the handle portion comprising a first connecting leg, a second connecting leg, and a bail. The first connecting leg and the second connecting leg may be positioned in a first plane and the bail is non-coplanar with the first plane. A first base plate may be pivotally coupled to the first pivot block. The first base plate may include a first body guide member and a first sleeve guide member. A second base plate may be pivotally coupled to the second pivot block, the second base plate comprising a second body guide member and a second sleeve guide member.

Abstract: A faucet handle includes a handle having a containment space, the containment space having an assembly aperture on a top surface, the assembly aperture accepting a limiting member, with two limiting ribs disposed adjacent to two opposite sides of the assembly aperture. A plurality of adjusting members respectively have a through aperture and two engaging columns adjacent to sides of the through aperture. Each engaging column is inserted between the two limiting ribs of the handle. The adjusting member also has two engaging slots adjacent to another side of the through aperture and an assembly device having an assembly base. The assembly base has an assembly space and two positioning columns adjacent to the assembly space, and each positioning column engages with an engaging slot of the adjusting member.

Abstract: A sensor and powered valve actuator assembly adaptable to fit on and operate a manual valve, the sensor for detecting a valve operating trigger event such as a fluid leak, the actuator for automatically operating the manual valve in response to the triggering event. The assembly includes a motor, motor control circuit, operating shaft, and manual valve engaging member, in a housing mountable to a manual valve body. A sensor which may be remote to the housing is connected to the motor control circuit. When mounted, the valve engaging members extend from the shaft into flexible, rotational engagement with the manual valve shaft, such as with tines spanning or piercing the valve handle. The control circuit controls the motor based on a signal from the sensor, or other control means, such that the motor can actuate valve operation.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method couple an actuator to a valve or damper. The mounting apparatus includes five primary parts: a base which attaches to the valve or damper, an actuator mount which attaches to the actuator, a rotational coupler, a handle and a bail. The base and the actuator mount encircle the rotational axis in a mating relationship. The bail slides into aligned holes on the base and the actuator mount to secure the two together, preferably with legs on opposite sides of the rotational axis.

Abstract: A control handle assembly for a plumbing fitting has a first control member having a bore and a ledge within the bore extending radially inward to an inner dimension, and a second control member having a mounting post with a ledge extending radially outward to an outer dimension. A deformable clip is captured by the control members between the ledges and has a radial outer dimension greater than the inner and outer dimensions of the ledges so as to rotatably couple the control members. A spout coupling assembly has a lower adaptor defining a lower passageway for housing a diverter and an upper adaptor coupled to the lower adaptor defining an upper passageway. An annular recess is formed in the upper adaptor and a collar is axially restrained in the annular recess. A spout is coupled to the collar so that the spout and collar rotate simultaneously.

Abstract: An actuator (1) is fixed on a valve (2) through a fixing joint (3) which comprises a tubular sleeve (32) on which a tightening nut (30) is screwed; the nut (30) and the sleeve (32) are provided with a conical thread connection (34, 300); by screwing the nut (30), a plurality of longitudinal prolongations (40), arranged in a crown around the axis of the sleeve (32), tightens on a fixing head (20) of the valve (2), firmly fixing the actuator (1) to the valve (2); the joint at issue provides an alternative to a flange connection, equally solid and resistant to unscrewing due to vibrations; by resting against a mechanical stop surface (24) the nut (30), being unscrewed, can act as an extractor that easily removes the joint (3) from the head (20).

Abstract: An axial locking of a valve shaft to be non-turnably attached to a closing element of a valve, an end of the shaft to be attached to the closing element being machined on two opposite sides in order to fit into a pivot recess formed in the outer perimeter of the closing element. A collar part is provided to be fitted to the end of the shaft and to be turned into a locking position, one of the end surfaces of the main part of said collar part having at least one axial projection that fits into the pivot recess of the closing element of the valve when the collar part is in the locking position and the end of the shaft is positioned into the pivot recess of the closing element.

Abstract: A filter cartridge and spool valve manifold assembly includes a filter cartridge and a spool valve manifold. The filter cartridge includes a filter element and inlet/outlet portion in fluid communication with the filter element. The inlet/outlet portion has a cartridge inlet port and a cartridge outlet port. The spool valve manifold includes a housing and a body. The housing has a housing inlet port and a housing outlet port adapted for fluid communication with a fluid supply system. The body is located within the housing and configured to rotate around a first axis relative to the housing. The inlet/outlet portion of the filter cartridge is fluidly coupled to the body via insertion of the inlet/outlet portion into the body in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: Rotary actuator lever apparatus having an annular recess are described. An example rotary actuator lever includes a cylindrical body that has a first opening and a second opening axially aligned with the first opening, and sized larger than the first opening. The lever arm extends a predetermined distance from the body and has a first arm member spaced from a second arm member. Each of the first and second arm members includes an aperture to receive a fastener to operatively couple the lever to a stem of an actuator. The body includes an annular recess adjacent the first arm member of the lever arm to enable the first arm member to flex relative to the second arm member when the lever couples to the actuator stem.

Abstract: A system and method for installing and removing a flow restrictor assembly in a shower, while prevents tampering with the flow restriction system thus installed. Tampering is prevented by concealing the flow restrictor assembly behind a shower wall, attached directly to a water supply line. The system further prevents tampering by concealing the tool-hole necessary for its removal behind a flow restrictor disk, so that there are no visible means of removing the flow restrictor assembly. The flow restrictor assembly threads onto a showerhead arm and the flow restrictor assembly with the attached showerhead arm threads directly into the water line. When the showerhead arm is unthreaded, the flow restrictor assembly remains connected to the water line by an external screw thread. The flow restrictor must be removed to reveal the tool-hole which may only then be engaged by a tool for removal.

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

Abstract: An oxygen tank key includes an elongated substantially thin flat handle portion defining a first plane and having first and second ends that define the length thereof and first and second side edges that define the width. A socket, integrally formed with the handle portion between the two ends, has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the handle portion. The socket includes an aperture that opens adjacent one of the side edges and has a depth extending substantially the width of the handle portion. The aperture has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is adapted to fit onto the rectangularly shaped end of an oxygen tank valve control stem. A slot passes through the handle and is elongated in the direction of the length of the handle. The slot includes champhered ends and is adapted to fit over the lever of a regulator for the oxygen tank to help release the regulator from the tank.

Abstract: An anti-twist device retains an actuating motor (10), which is placed in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner onto the projecting driveshaft (22) of a pivotable shut-off flap (62) of a gas transport tube (34), in particular of an HVAC tube or flue gas tube for a building, in a longitudinally moveable manner. Arranged at an adjustable axial distance (a) from the driveshaft (22) is at least one clamp (36) which secures the actuating motor (10). The parallel limbs (46) of the preferably substantially U-shaped clamp (36) are of resilient design, wherein in each case one end-side, inwardly projecting latching lug (48) is formed for holding down the actuating motor (10).

Abstract: A two-part tool for reading and adjusting an implantable valve, and methods of use. The tool includes a locator-indicator component that, when placed matingly on the patient's skin over the valve, provides magnetic reading of the valve setting. The tool also includes an adjustor component that couples to the locator-indicator component and is rotatable to change a valve setting.

Abstract: A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable in a plane parallel to the ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine.

Abstract: Collets for coupling rotary actuators to valves are disclosed. An example shaft coupling assembly includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end, in which the first end includes a coupling portion having a first opening configured to receive a rectangular shaft. The coupling portion includes at least one flexible member having an arcuate outer surface and a first inner surface adjacent a second inner surface that at least partially define the first opening. At least a portion of the first inner surface is to engage a first side of the rectangular shaft and at least a portion of the second inner surface is to engage a second side of the rectangular shaft. The shaft coupling assembly further includes a sleeve having a second opening to receive the elongated member and a tapered third opening configured to receive the coupling portion.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve actuator and valve is provided. The valve actuator includes a mechanical hold arrangement configured to allow manually setting the position of the valve actuator and its drive gear and to oppose any loading provided by a return spring biasing the valve actuator and drive gear out of the set position. The valve actuator includes a spring lever and a recess in which the spring lever is secured to lock the position of the valve actuator and drive gear when the electric motor of the valve actuator is de-energized. The valve actuator can be reconfigured to provide mechanical holding for manually setting the orientation of the drive gear when a return spring load is provided in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.