Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure fluctuation in the shower waterway.

Abstract: A flush actuator device with a foot pedal for actuating a flush action at a toilet is provided. The flush actuator device may replace or supplement a manual handle on a conventional toilet and allows flushing action to be initiated by depressing a foot pedal on a floor surface adjacent the toilet. With the flush actuator device, a flush action can be performed using the foot pedal without necessitating any contact with the other parts of the toilet which may be deemed dirty or unsanitary, particularly in public restroom settings. A method of installing the flush actuator device onto an existing toilet is provided. Further, a method for actuating flushing of a toilet using a flush actuator device having a foot pedal is described. The ability to retroactively fit the flush actuator device to an existing toilet eliminates the need for complicated and expensive plumbing fixture replacement.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for extending a valve stem. The systems include an extender, a securing apparatus, a cover, and a handle. The extender is placed on and around the valve stem and the cover over and around the extender. The handle is secured to an upper surface of the extender by the securing apparatus. The methods include configuring the extension onto a valve stem by removing a securing apparatus and a handle and affixing the extender and cover to a lower surface of a valve. The securing apparatus secures the handle to an upper surface of the extender.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for engaging a closure valve. The apparatus includes an extension shaft having a first end and a second end and a handle attached to the first end of the extension shaft. The apparatus also includes a handle attachment device attached to the second end of the extension shaft and adapted to fit over and around a rotatable knob of the closure valve. The handle attachment device includes a housing having a first non-pivoting catch and a second pivoting catch on an underside thereof that each extend radially inward toward a center of the housing such that each catch is configured to engage a lower surface of the rotatable knob when the housing is fit over and around the rotatable knob. A method is also provided for using the apparatus to engage a closure valve.

Abstract: An unload tee has a tee body with a front side and a rear side. The unload tee further includes a door rotatably connected to front side of the tee body; a catch pin mounted on and projecting from the door; a latch assembly connected to the door, and wherein the latch assembly is positioned towards the front side of the unload tee, and further wherein the latch assembly comprises a latch tab having an ear; and a catch defined as a curve in the ear of the latch tab, wherein the catch is configured to engage the catch pin when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A drive system for an exhaust gas flap of a vehicle exhaust gas system includes a drive element that is connected to an adjustment drive and an output element that is connected to an exhaust gas flap spindle. A resilient element is arranged between the drive element and the output element and comprises a center section and two end sections. The center section is used to transfer torque between the drive element and the output element, and wherein the center section and two end sections are coupled to the drive element or to the output element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve opening/closing device for an intermediate bulk container. the container comprises a base, side plates, and a valve provided on the base. Wherein the valve opening/closing device comprises a handle, a motion-transferring device, and a valve opening/closing mechanism, wherein the handle is mounted on the side plate and connected to the motion-transferring device, and the motion-transferring device is used to transfer the force applied on the handle to the valve, so as to open or close the valve. For the valve opening/closing device of the present invention, the operating handle is provided at an appropriate position at the side plate of the container, thereby avoiding bending over or squatting on the ground, etc when opening or closing the valve, facilitating use. In addition, the operating moment can be adjusted through adjusting the transmission ratio of the motion-transferring device, which makes it easy to control the operating force.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for operatively coupling a source of rotary torque to the rim of a valve handwheel comprises a coupling hub, to which three attachment arms are connected by hinge-type joints. The three attachments arms are equidistantly distributed around the perimeter of the coupling hub and extend radially downward and outward from the hub at an acute extension angle to the hub's central axis. The distal end of each attachment arm comprises a clamp, which is releasably attachable to the rim of the valve handwheel. A coupling stem extends upward from the coupling hub in alignment with the hub's central axis. The coupling stem is configured to connect to the source of rotary torque, so as to transmit the torque through the attachment arms to the rim of the valve handwheel. The length of the extension arms and/or their extension angle can be adjusted for various sizes of valve handwheels to be engaged.

Abstract: A multi-angle butterfly valve extension assembly is disclosed which comprises a universal joint for attachment to a stem of a butterfly valve, a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the universal joint, and an extension housing for supporting the shaft with the second end of the shaft extending out of the extension housing.

Abstract: A butterfly valve for use with a tank trailer includes housing, a lateral extension, a shaft provided through the extension, the back end of the shaft having a seat for accommodating a handle thereon, and further extensions may connect with the first mentioned extension. The handle turns the butterfly valve between opened and closed positions.

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: 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 mounting adaptor for a valve actuator includes a driver aperture configured to receive a valve actuator driver. The mounting adaptor further includes a plurality of mounting posts configured to engage a thermal riser or a valve attachment pad.

Abstract: A multi-angle butterfly valve extension assembly is disclosed which comprises a universal joint for attachment to a stem of a butterfly valve, a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the universal joint, and an extension housing for supporting the shaft with the second end of the shaft extending out of the extension housing.

Abstract: Provided is a gas valve key having a valve engagement body including a stem receiving cavity sized and configured to receive a gas valve stem. The key includes a first elongate member including a first body having first proximal and distal end portions. The first distal end portion defines a first end face. A second elongate member is connected to the valve engagement body and includes a second body having second proximal and distal end portions. The second elongate member is slidably connected to the first elongate member. The gas valve key further includes a locking element having a hook portion being disposable within an aperture formed within the first body to mitigate movement of the second elongate member relative to the first elongate member when the second elongate member is in an extended position.

Abstract: A wall-mounted faucet control module comprises: two control handles, three joints and a panel set. Each control handle has a containment space for accepting the joints. The joint has an insertion aperture, the insertion aperture of each joint has a different cross-sectional shape such that the control handle can be installed with the various control rod. The panel set has an assembling panel and two ornament covers, the ornament cover engages with the connecting slot of the assembling panel, and the two ornament covers respectively have an assembling hole with different diameter such that the assembling panel can be installed with the main body of the various water valve. The joints, the sleeves and the ornament covers can be correspondingly alternated for the various water valves, the control handles and the panel set can be installed with the various water valves, which can provide variety and convenience.

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 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: Valve controllers and methods of their use are described. Valve controllers of the type described herein can be used to operate valves that are out of manual reach by the operator. One embodiment of a valve controller includes proximal and distal controller heads connected to each other via a hollow elongate shaft. Each of the proximal and distal controller heads includes a rotatable pulley wheel that is connected to a valve control engagement member for engaging a handle of a valve operable to shift the valve from a first position to a second position. The rotation of the proximal and distal pulley wheels, and thereby the proximal and distal engagement members, is coupled via a cord that runs through the hollow elongate shaft and around a circumferential portion of each pulley wheel.

Abstract: A valve handle for a bulk commodity hopper valve, the handle including an extended handle bar member, with a valve stem socket opening near its distal end, a shorter lock lever member positioned to extend the handle bar member, the members have various bends to provide clearance from interfering with the equipment to which the handle mounts, and a lock lever member having a lever tip that can enter into engagement, or release, with valve lock notches at the end of the handle bar member.

Abstract: A butterfly valve for use with a tank trailer includes housing, a lateral extension, a shaft provided through the extension, the back end of the shaft having a seat for accommodating a handle thereon, and further extensions may connect with the first mentioned extension. The handle turns the butterfly valve between opened and closed positions.

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: A valve handle assembly for a valve having an outwardly extending rotatable stem for opening and closing the valve by rotation of the stem includes a stop plate for engaging the stem, a handle for rotating the stem by engaging and rotating the stop plate, and a cup washer for engaging the handle and retaining the stop plate and handle on the stem upon placing a nut on the stem and tightening of the nut. The handle has an internal lip for retaining the handle and the cup washer has a raised flange for engaging the lip to retain the handle upon tightening of the nut.

Abstract: Apparatus to connect a valve stem to a valve member are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a valve stem having a laterally extending opening, a valve member having a laterally extending opening, and a coupling having adjacent one end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve stem and adjacent an opposite end an extension received in the laterally extending opening of the valve member. A resilient member is located between the valve stem and the valve member.

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

Abstract: A spigot control system is disclosed herein comprising: an attacher assembly; and a torquer that attaches to an existing water dispensing system. The attacher assembly comprises male and female mated portions that interlock to a spigot handle. The attacher assembly substantially prevents rotation of the torquer in circumferential relation to the spigot by attaching around or to the spigot handle. The torquer provides a torque increasing means whereby a user may rotate and manipulate the spigot handle between open and closed conditions with relative ease. The torquer further comprises a securer providing securement means between the torquer and the spigot handle via the attacher assembly. The torquer may comprise durable material with appropriate strength, wear and fatigue characteristics suitable to withstand user-applied torque over a wide range of temperature variations within diverse environmental conditions. The spigot control system may also be attached to an existing beverage dispensing system.

Abstract: A security mechanism for a flow control device on a railcar and method of coupling the security mechanism to the flow control device are provided. A support member is coupled to the railcar. An extension handle has a first end operatively coupled to the flow control device on the railcar. An opposing second end of the extension handle forms a handle member. The extension handle is slidably coupled to the support member. A securement member is provided for coupling the support member to the extension handle to prohibit movement of the extension handle relative to the support member. The securement member is coupled to the extension handle proximate to the second end.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly comprises a housing with ball valve rotatably disposed in a valve chamber in the flow passage. The ball valve is rotatable between open and closed positions by a valve stem that is connected to the ball valve at one end. The ball valve has an open ended slot in which the end of the stem is received. During assembly the stem may be inserted into the housing first and then the ball valve introduced into the housing with the slot facing the stem and then moved in the direction of the slot so that that the stem is received in the slot. The arrangement enables the conventional bonnet in a ball valve assembly to be eliminated and therefore provides for a compact design.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in turning the handle of a spigot. The apparatus comprises a first substantially flat member having a first predetermined shape and made of a predetermined material. The first member has a plurality of apertures disposed therein. There is a second member which has a second predetermined shape and is engageable with the first member adjacent an outer edge thereof, such second member is disposed at substantially a right angle to the first member and a means engageable with the first member and such handle for attaching the first member to such handle of such spigot.

Abstract: An extension handle is coupled to a flow control device of a railcar. The extension handle includes a first rod having a first end operatively coupled to the flow control device, an opposing second end forming a handle, and a midsection slidably coupled to a support member coupled to the railcar.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for the mixing of hot and cold water and delivery at a selected flow rate is described wherein an upper housing and lower housing are clamped together by a snap-fit connection thereby enclosing other fluid control valve component parts. A ball stem is manually movable in two separate and independent directions of motion. There is frictional loading on the ball stem such that movement in one direction to control the water temperature has a frictional loading that is higher than the frictional loading in the other direction to control the flow rate. A spring-biased guide pin is used to increase the frictional loading in the one direction.

Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.

Abstract: An alignment device for maintaining the relative alignment between a gate valve assembly and a valve bonnet positioned over the gate valve assembly wherein the valve bonnet has an interior surface. The alignment device includes a pair of substantially identical components wherein the components are securely connectable to each other when the alignment device is attached to the gate valve assembly. Each one of the components includes a 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 body also has a transverse edge wherein the transverse edge contains an opening that receives a part of the gate valve assembly when the components are connected together.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes flexible coupling between a handle and a valve stem which allows the components of the assembly on one side of a wall to be angularly misaligned with the components on the opposing side. Because the components adjacent to the room side of the wall can be mounted perpendicular to the wall, a decorative escutcheon can be mounted flush against the mounting wall when the wall or the valve is out of plumb.

Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.

Abstract: A quarter turn valve includes a tubular body having a bore flow passage, a valve element having a through flow passage, the valve element being supported in the through flow passage for rotation about an axis transverse to the through flow passage. The through flow passage is aligned with the bore flow passage to permit flow when the valve element is positioned at a first end of the quarter turn and is misaligned with the bore flow passage to prevent flow when the valve element is at a second end of the quarter turn. A motion multiplication device is included for facilitating a slow operation of the valve element. A tool engaging configuration is provided on the handle for facilitating a remote operation of the handle.

Abstract: A valve tester assembly is disclosed that includes an articulated arm assembly having a first end and a second end, with the second end of the articulated arm assembly being movable away from and toward the first end such that when the first end of the articulated arm assembly is connected to a vehicle, the second end of the articulated arm assembly is movable away from and toward the vehicle. The assembly includes a rotation mechanism that is mounted on the articulated arm assembly toward the second end of the articulated arm for rotating a shaft for exercising a valve. The assembly further includes a moving mechanism that is mountable on a vehicle for moving the first end of the articulated arm assembly away from and towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.

Abstract: A faucet with temperature control having a replaceable handle comprises a movable conversion mechanism connecting a hollow conversion sleeve thereof, wherein a water passage is hidden. The conversion sleeve further includes a section of teeth that is engaged with a water control knob, and the passage of the conversion sleeve is provided with an inner screw thread for connecting the bottom end of a spindle. The other end of the spindle is connected to a knob or a switch handle. Thereby, the conversion sleeve and the spindle facilitate the replacement of the switch handle, in which only the conversion rod of the switch handle is needed to be changed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves a method for servicing a choke valve that includes disconnecting a choke actuator and at least one internal valve component engaged therewith from the choke valve body of the choke valve and moving the same in a generally linear path away from the choke valve body along the axis of the choke valve body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum gate valve for closing off an opening. The vacuum gate valve can have a valve plate that can be turned so that the alignment of the valve plate will adapt to a valve seat when the valve plate is pressed against the valve seat.

Abstract: A tool for shutting off water supplies is disclosed. A variety of water supply valves can be controlled with a single too. The tool has different fittings on each end, such as wrenches. The wrenches may be of variable width to accommodate a large number of water supply valves. A bar is inserted into rings provided on the tool to provide substantial torque to open and close the water supply valves. The tool can be readily stored and carried on utility or fire trucks.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a fire hydrant. The system includes an actuator extension having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. The first end is configured to be mounted on an exterior location on the fire hydrant, so that the first end is operatively engaged with a valve actuator of the fire hydrant, the valve actuator being selectively rotatable to cause a valve of the fire hydrant to open and close. The second end is spaced from the first end and is configured to facilitate application of an externally-applied force and transmission of such force to the first end of the actuator extension.

Abstract: A valve wrench comprising a telescoping shaft assembly further comprising an inner shaft and an outer shaft, a handle pivotally attached to a first end of the shaft assembly, and a work coupling element fixed or mounted on a second end. The inner shaft may include a spring loaded button that engages the outer shaft to hold the inner and outer shaft in an operation position or alternatively in a storage position. The handle pivots to form a compact linear assembly in a storage configuration and is shaped conformal to the telescoping shaft to minimize occupied space in the storage configuration. The inner and outer shafts may be constructed from a number of complementary cross section shapes including rectangular, hexagonal, and spline to assist in the transfer of torque from the handle to the valve. A number of alternative valve coupling elements are provided for different valves.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use with utility control valves is disclosed. The control apparatus is in the form of an extension attached to the utility control valve in a variety of applications, such as the water shutoff valve in a toilet tank, sink, or water heater, or a gas valve to a dryer. The extension allows the user to turn off the utility valve without bending, stooping are trying to fit within tight or limited spaces. The extension has provisions to adjust the length to fit a particular application.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use with utility control valves is disclosed. The control apparatus would be an extension attached to the utility control valve in a variety of applications, such as the water shutoff valve in a toilet, sink, or water heater. The extension would make it much easier for a user to turn on and off the water supply to a particular item in a quick fashion, or alternatively, make is much easier for disabled or elderly people to turn off the water supply if the need may arise. Alternatively, the utility control valve could also be a gas valve or another type of utility control valve.