Abstract: A rotary slide valve for controlling the flow of molten material from a discharge opening of a holding vessel into an inlet of a rotatable casting mold has three valve plates which are in face-to-face contact. A first valve plate at the inflow side of the valve is fixed and is designed to abut the holding vessel peripherally of its discharge opening. A second valve plate at the discharge side of the valve is designed to engage the mold peripherally of the mold inlet and to rotate with the mold between two terminal positions. The third valve plate is sandwiched between the others and can be driven in rotation relative to both. Each of the valve plates is provided with a through opening. The valve is designed so that, at least in the two terminal positions of the discharge valve plate, the openings of all the valve plates can be brought into register and the openings of two of the valve plates can be brought out of register.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a main body defining first and second lumens and a connection structure which includes coupling means attaching the structure to the main body. First and second channels extend from the respective first and second lumens for attaching the catheter to equipment, and first and second rotary valves are positioned in the respective first and second channels. The valves include operators rotatable in generally the same plane to operate the valves and to provide a ready visual indication of the positions of the valves.

Abstract: The Eccentrically Rotatable Sleeve Valve is comprised of a housing having a central, vertical bore retaining therein a flexible, tubular sleeve whose central portion can be eccentrically motivated towards or away from a valve seat which is located perpendicularly towards and at the center of the vertical bore, by a core element positioned inside the sleeve and which is capable of being radially displaced by a stem having eccentric cam means.

Abstract: A surface valve with pressure energized seals and having gear actuation. The valve comprises a body with a rotating valve plate therein. The pressure energized seals provide sealing engagement between the valve plate and body. An actuation gear with a geared surface having a cam-shaped pitch line is positioned adjacent to the valve plate. An eccentrically rotated pinion gear is engaged with the actuation gear for providing rotation of the actuation gear and corresponding movement of the valve plate between open and closed positions thereof.

Abstract: An on-off valve is provided for a rockdrill which is operable by a hydraulic fluid under pressure and which is controlled by a hydraulically biassed valve. The rockdrill is turned on and off by opening and closing the on-off valve. When the valve is turned off hydraulic pressure from an inlet line and a supply pin line to a valve line of the hydraulically biassed control valve is cut off, thereby eliminating the pressure on the supply pin. This interrupts the operating cycle of the control valve and thereby shuts off the operation of the hydraulic drill. When the on-off valve is opened the hydraulic pressure from the inlet line via the supply pin line is re-established to the valve line and to the supply pin, and the operating cycle of the control valve is re-established.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use between a water source and a livewell in a boat, capable of use with a boat in either moving or stationary states in the water source, and including means for operating the water distribution system in any one of three modes: a recirculate-only mode, a dual fill and recirculate mode, and a drain without refilling mode. Means are also provided, by utilization of an apparatus achieving tactile feedback, for apprising the operator of when the system is operating properly in a drip-tight, recirculation-only mode.

Abstract: Device for closing off large pipelines, particularly hot gas pipelines, having at least one pivoted flap, the flap shaft of which is mounted for turning by a drive on a frame. The flap shaft is rotated by a double-armed swing lever connected to the flap shaft. The swing lever has two arms upon which actuating elements pivotally act. The swing lever is connected to the flap shaft through at least one intermediate element so that the swing lever is movable in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of the flap shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.

Abstract: A stop valve (1) comprises a housing (2) having a passage (15) for a reversible medium flow, which can be stopped by means of a valve body (20) having an annular portion of a sphere as a sealing surface (25) and a flat end portion (26). The transfer area between said sealing surface (25) and said flat end portion (26) having a very small bending radius (r) and the spherical radius (r1) of said sealing surface (25) is smaller than the turning radius (r2) of said valve body. The valve body (20) cooperates with a sealing ring (36), which is annular and surrounds the passage and has an annular body (37), which via a constriction (38) merges into a seat ring (39). The sealing ring (36) is, in the closing position of the valve, exposed with a smaller portion to that passage section, which houses said valve body, and with a larger portion to the other passage section.

Abstract: A valve device includes a valve body having an inlet bore formed therein, the valve bore having a bore axis. A first semi-circular plate having a first axis is disposed within said inlet bore. Rotation of the first semi-circular plate about the first axis results in incremental displacement of the first semi-circular plate between an open and a closed position. A second semi-circular plate having a second axis is disposed within said valve bore. The first and the second axis are substantially coaxial wherein rotation of the second semi-circular plate about the second axis results in incremental displacement of the second semi-circular plate between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: A flow-control valve has a housing, a valve plate fixed in the housing and formed relative to a direction of flow through the valve with a flat upstream face and with an outlet port opening at the face, and a control plate fixed in the housing and formed relative to the flow direction with a flat downstream face riding on the valve-plate face and with a throughgoing inlet port opening at the face. This control plate is slidable on the valve plate for alignment of the ports and flow through the valve from the inlet port to the outlet port and for misalignment of the ports for restricted flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. A shield plate is fixed in the housing immediately upstream of the control plate and formed with an aperture aligned in the direction with and of generally the same shape as the port of the valve plate. Thus incoming flow will always be confined to a stream aligned with the outlet port of the valve plate.

Abstract: In a tandem fan gas turbine engine two fan compressor stages are provided connected by a flow duct housing a diverter valve which can be used to admit the flow from the first fan to the second fan or to divert it to exhaust through an auxiliary outlet in which case the second fan draws ambient air in through an auxiliary inlet. The connecting duct is annular in cross section because an inner cylindrical wall surrounds the shaft driving the front fan. The diverter valve which therefore has to operate in the annular duct comprises a pair of flat side lobes connected by curved plates which straddle the inner wall. The valve is operated by a rotary actuator in synchronism with closure means which obstruct or open the auxiliary outlet and inlet.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a stem (28) to rotate a ball member (20) with a lower key or lug (29) received within a slot or opening (26) forming a keyway in the ball member (20). As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, relieved or cutaway surfaces (52, 54, 56) are provided between lug (29) and the outer spherical surface (24) of ball member (20) so that a torque exerted by rotation of the stem (28) contacts surfaces (34, 36) of the slot (26) along opposed corners (48) which are spaced a distance T1 from the outer spherical surface (24) of ball valve member (20) thereby removing or minimizing any stress concentrations adjacent outer spherical surface (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of overlapping ceramic disks for the opening and closing of screw type valves, where there is a fixed disk (11) with lateral slots inside the valve body and another disk (12) which rests on top of the fixed one (11) and where the fixed disk (11;31) has at least one segment like slot (11a;31a) closed at the perimeter and the movable disk (12;32) has at least one lateral opening (12;32a) which is open both at the bottom towards the fixed disk and radially towards the lateral slots (13a) of the valve body, and closed at the top by a spoked surface so as to improve the water flow conditions.

Abstract: A screw type valve for the delivery of water in hydrosanitary installations with superimposed ceramic sealing disks, a fixed one (13) and a rotating one (15). The valve also comprises a sleeve (11) fitted into an externally threaded ring (10) and with a bottom ring (12) bearing the fixed ceramic disk (13), a driving spindle (14) with said movable ceramic disk (15) on its bottom rotating inside said sleeve, while on its top end a control handle is fitted, said sleeve, ring and spindle being made of a plastic material, while the threaded ring is made of metal to allow a safe installation of the valve.

Abstract: A disk valve construction having relatively movable face to face disk upstream of a sleeve member at an outlet chamber of the valve. The sleeve member includes a truncated conical portion to produce a desired pressure drop, while, at the same time reducing the turbulence of the fluid flow during operation of the valve. The sleeve member is maintained in position by way of pressure of the fluid, thereby avoiding the necessity of epoxy to hold the sleeve member to the valve body. The sleeve can be provided with an end wall with a discharge opening of a predetermined size at the downstream end of the sleeve for producing a predetermined fluid pressure drop.

Abstract: A fixed plate of hard material for a hydraulic valve, of the type, mainly used in the socalled screw type faucets, which has a passage opening asymmetrically located with respect to the center of the plate, and has, on the lapped working face, a surface portion opposite the passage opening with respect to the plate center, which is situated at the same level as the surface portion surrounding the passage opening, and has another surface portion which is recessed; this recessed surface portion is open towards the periphery of the plate. Preferably the recessed portion of the plate working face is limited, with respect to the non recessed portion, by rims which, at least in part, are not concentric with respect to the geometrical center of the plate, and more preferably these rims are directed substantially radially with respect to the geometrical center of the plate.

Abstract: A lawn irrigation nozzle having a cylindrical body with a vertically disposed axis with two discharge ports on opposite sides of the body adapted to produce a horizontal spray from each discharge port, a manually rotatable disc adjacent each discharge port adapted to throttle the amount of water flowing outwardly from the discharge port, an inlet port at the bottom of the body, a threaded portion adjacent the inlet port for attaching the nozzle to an irrigation pipe, and a central axial threaded shaft means with a valve plug attached thereto and adapted to open or close the inlet port.

Abstract: A one-hand operable valve comprises a housing and an actuator which is mounted in the housing. The actuator includes a pair of driving members, and the housing includes a pair of support members. These members provide two pairs of pressure application surfaces oriented to permit the operational state of the valve to be changed using two fingers of one hand. The valve preferably includes a locking mechanism which selectively locks the actuator and housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween. In the preferred embodiemnt, a system of indicia is employed to designate the operational state of the valve.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing forming a compartment traversed by an axis and having a radially opening outlet port and an axially open inlet port, a valve plate fixed in the housing and formed relative to a flow direction therethrough with a flat upstream face and with an axially throughgoing valve orifice opening at the face, and a control plate in the housing formed relative to the flow direction with a flat downstream face riding on the valve-plate face, with an axially throughgoing control orifice opening at the face, and with an axially open socket. This control plate is pivotal on the valve plate about the axis for alignment of the orifices and flow through the valve and for misalignment of the orifices for restricted flow through the valve.

Abstract: A valve has a housing forming a compartment traversed by an axis and having a radially opening outlet port and an axially open inlet port, a valve plate fixed in the housing and formed relative to the flow direction with a flat upstream face and with an axially throughgoing valve orifice opening at the face, and a control plate in the housing formed relative to a flow direction through the valve with a flat downstream face riding on the valve-plate face, an axially throughgoing control orifice opening at the face, and an axially open and radially elongated socket on the face adjacent the respective orifice. The control plate is pivotal on the valve plate about the axis for alignment of the orifices and flow through the valve from the inlet port to the outlet port and for misalignment of the orifices for restricted flow from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: A control element for a fluid valve includes a main body having a rounded outer surface on a first side, an inner base surface and first and second opposed inner side surfaces adjacent the inner base surface on a second side. First and second ears are joined to the main body at spaced locations and extend away from the main body on the second side thereof. The ears include opposed inner surfaces adjacent the inner side surfaces of the main body. The inner surfaces together form opposed passage surfaces which diverge from one another at first and second ends to improve flow efficiency.

Abstract: A shut-off valve mechanism for a shut-off and control valve has a generally cylindrical housing with inner and outer annular shoulder against which a valve seat disk is placed to prevent distortion of the valve seat disk. The valve control disk is pressed by spring forces against the valve seat disk from its upstream side and is entrained in rotation by a spindle passing through the inner annular shoulder and the valve seat disk.

Abstract: A leak-tight rotatable plug valve for controlling water flow to and from a fish livewell in a fishing boat. The valve body has opposite ends connected with an inlet hose for fresh water intake and a drain hose extending from the livewell drain. A pump inlet passage in the valve body intersects with the valve flow passage and mounts a pump having its discharge connected with a supply hose leading to the livewell. When the valve is open, fresh water can be pumped to fill the livewell when the pump is active and the livewell can be drained when the pump is inactive. When the valve is closed, the pump recirculates water through the drain hose and supply hose to avoid stagnation and provide aeration for the livewell.

Abstract: A simply constructed, inexpensively manufactured rotary valve includes a molded plastic valve body having a seat on which is received a molded plastic rotary valve cover, the underface of the valve cover having an elongate flow groove therein, that groove being encircled by another groove in which a seal is disposed. The ends of the valve cover flow groove can be registered with a circularly spaced pair of openings in the valve body seat to establish communication through the valve between an evacuation space and a vacuum producing means, these seat openings in turn leading to valve body passages that are in communication with respective ones of a pair of integrally formed nipples on the body. The nipples which extend laterally from the valve body, serve as receptive mounting locations for tubes connected to the evacuation space and vacuum producing means.

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

Abstract: A tamperproof rotary valve which includes a valve body having a fluid flow passage extending therethrough. The passage is intersected by an actuator opening in the body and defining a valve chamber thereat. A rotary valve is disposed in the chamber for opening and closing the fluid flow passage. An actuator is journaled in the actuator opening and is coupled to the rotary valve for rotating the valve. A groove is formed about the actuator, and a contractible/expandable locking ring is disposed in the groove and projects outwardly of the groove beyond the bounds of the actuator when in a free, expanded condition. The locking ring is contractible into the groove to allow assembly of the actuator into the actuator opening. A locking groove is formed in the actuator opening in the valve body and into which the locking ring expands when the actuator is in a proper assembled position in the actuator opening.

Abstract: A faucet valve is operated by a rotatable stem which is inserted in a tube-shaped housing. The valve, preferably composed of brass, is screwed into a standard size plumbing fixture. The body of the stem is disposed between a washer preferably made of teflon and an "O" ring, which exerts a pressure between said body of the stem and the tube. The pressure does not generally vary according to the fluid pressure therein or fluid flow therethrough enabling the valve to be used in high pressure applications. A stationary valving member within the housing mates with a cooperating rotatable valving member which is driven by the stem. The operating end of the stem is thick relative to the housing into which it fits; this thickness allows the operating part of the stem to be able to handle relatively large operating force without bending or breaking. A pin and cooperating slot provide a 90.degree. limit on stem rotation.

Abstract: A plastic spring loaded shut-off valve for drains in live wells of boats seals without the presence of fluid pressure. This effect is achieved by a biasing spring urging sealing flaps against the valve ports. The flaps are curved and have ribbed edges to accomplish such sealing and prevent jamming of the ports. The biasing spring is secured to a rotating member through slots while the flaps are secured to the member by buttons. The spring and flap are also secured by a bar across the flap, which has a bearing pad where it is contacted by the spring. The rotating member is rotatable on the underside of the valve top screwed to the valve body. Stops on the inside of the valve top limit its rotation.

Abstract: A ball valve of the type comprising a housing having a ball mounted for 90.degree. rotation therein between open and closed valve positions utilizes a ball whose exterior surface is shaped to define two noncoaxial hemispherical surface portions of like size and shape that are integrated with one another and offset from one another along a plane that is oriented at substantially 45.degree. to an axially directed bore in the ball. The hemispherical surface portions of the ball are in touching engagement with a pair of annular seat rings in the housing in the open position of the valve, and engage the seat rings with increasing force as the ball is rotated from the open position to the closed position of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a `breech-block` valve for the delivery of cold or hot water with ceramic sealing plates in which a ring which is capable of independent axial displacements is fitted on the base of the valve body in order to take up and compensate for machining play and to stabilize the compacting force on the sealing ceramic plates by means of annular elastic packings independently of the force with which the valve is tightened within the tap body.

Abstract: A disk valve construction having a unitary valve body. The valve is opened and closed by rotation of a drive shaft which is maintained in geared connection with a rotator spool positioned in an internal cavity of the valve body. The drive shaft extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body. The drive shaft may be supported in a housing assembly to allow pressurization thereof for valve operation with steam and hazardous materials.

Abstract: A sea-going vessel has mounted on its deck a clam processing plant which includes in sequence a steamer, a clam crusher, a seawater washer, a brine separator, an eviscerator and a chill tank. Special valves are constructed to feed and discharge clams from the steamer which prevents the hot high pressure steam in the steamer from being discharged when the valves are open to the steamer interior. The chill tank includes a special construction to minimize the effects of pitch and roll of the deck while the ship is at sea.

Abstract: A top cartridge for an individual, sanitary, dual-control, shut-off valve is provided. The cartridge includes an upper stationary and a lower rotatable disk, each disk including port apertures. The disks are arranged with a defined clearance in the longitudinal direction of a driver pin. A driver is welded to the pin and includes a finger which engages the rotatable disk. The upper end of the pin is pressed within a spindle. The spindle is positioned within a bushing to prevent calcination and corrosion thereof. A seal is provided near the bottom end of the pin between the driver and the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A tap for liquids comprises a cylindrical hollow body in which are a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A fixed disk comprising a single opening for liquid to pass through is disposed in the tap body between the liquid inlet and outlet. A rotary disk comprising a single opening is disposed in contact with the fixed disk, between the latter and the liquid outlet. The rotary disk is rotated relative to the fixed disk by an operating rod between a closed configuration in which each disk closes off the opening in the other disk and an open configuration in which the openings in the disks are at least partially superposed. The opening in the fixed disk has an elongate shape which widens gradually from a relatively narrow first end to a relatively wide second end which is angularly offset relative to the first end by more than 180.degree.. The second end is delimited externally by a circular arc concentric with the disk.

Abstract: In a hydraulic antivibratory support for insertion between two rigid elements (1 and 3), and comprising a work chamber (A) and a compensation chamber (B) separated by a dividing wall (6) and joined together by a restricted passage, this restricted passage, defined at both ends by two fixed orifices (31, 32) opening respectively into the two chambers (A and B) is defined over at least a portion of its lateral periphery by a flat or cylindrical face (25) of a rigid rotary valve (26) housed jointingly between the two orifices and connected angularly to the rotor of a small electric motor (19).

Abstract: A gasketless seal is provided for fluid-tightly containing a pressurized fluid. The seal comprises a projection extending integrally from a first surface, a groove formed into a second surface and adapted to receive and fluid-tightly, sealingly engage the projection when the first and second surfaces are engaged, and a method for connecting the first and second surfaces together in an engaged relation. The first and second surfaces are constructed of molded plastic, and the groove is tapered so as to narrow inwardly of the second surface.

Abstract: A flow-control valve including a separable body and fitting which define a cavity to house a seal assembly having a rotatable seal member with flow ports and a stationary seal member with corresponding flow ports. The rotatable seal member is selectively positionable by means outside the body to position the flow ports into or out of alignment to regulate or shut-off the flow of fluid, as desired.

Abstract: In a rotary valve assembly including a housing having a valve chamber and a removable cover member defining an end wall of the chamber, a drive shaft journaled in the housing and having an end portion projecting into the valve chamber and a rotary valve disposed in the valve chamber and slidably mounted on the drive shaft end portion whereby the rotary valve may be removed from the housing by removing the cover member and sliding the rotary valve off of the drive shaft end portion and passing it through the opening provided by the removal of the cover member, means for detachably securing the rotary valve on the drive shaft end portion generally consisting of the drive shaft having an opening therein, the rotary valve having an opening therein registrable with the drive shaft opening, a pin inserted in the rotary valve and drive shaft openings when the openings are in registry, and cooperative means disposed on the pin and one of the drive shaft and the rotary valve for yieldably retaining the pin in the open

Abstract: A faucet valve is operated by a rotatable stem which is inserted in a tube-shaped housing. The valve, preferably composed of brass, is screwed into a standard size plumbing fixture. The body of the stem is disposed between a washer preferably made of teflon and an "O" ring, which exerts a pressure between said body of the stem and the tube. The pressure does not generally vary according to the fluid pressure therein or fluid flow therethrough enabling the valve to be used in high pressure applications. A stationary valving member within the housing mates with a cooperating rotatable valving member which is driven by the stem. The operating end of the stem is thick relative to the housing into which it fits; this thickness allows the operating part of the stem to be able to handle relatively large operating force without bending or breaking. A pin and cooperating slot provide a 90.degree. limit on stem rotation.

Abstract: A sanitary valve includes a valve body having a straight-through cylindrical valve chamber terminating in flanges with a valve element support intersecting the valve chamber at a right angle. The valve element is cylindrically shaped with a hemispherical tip that is covered with an elastomeric material which includes a raised circular seal that extends around the circumference of the valve element and a raised U-shaped seal that extends over the tip. The circular seal always engages the supporting means in both the rotatable and sliding versions of the valve to preclude any environmental exposure of the valve chamber.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use with a spread set plumbing fixture wherein a casing is to be secured to a mounting surface in a precise, predetermined spatial relationship to a handle.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use within a valve fixture such as a kitchen faucet, lavatory faucet or shower/tub control includes a body and a seal support positioned within the body and connected thereto. The seal support has an inlet and an outlet and the body has a discharge which is in alignment with the seal support outlet. There is an annular space defined between an interior wall of the body and an exterior wall of the seal support with there being a piston movable within this annular space and being in substantial contact with the interior wall of the body and the exterior wall of the seal support. The piston has an opening movable into alignment with the body discharge and the seal support outlet to provide a water passage from the seal support inlet to the discharge. There is a valve closing seal extending peripherally about the seal support outlet and in contact with the interior of the piston.

Abstract: The tubular rotary body of a ball slide consists of components which transverse to its longitudinal axis bear on one another and are detachably connected with one another. The rotary body is preferably split in two in its axis of rotation plane. Reinforcement ribs screwed together in the joining plane and pivot pin flanges connected positively and nonpositively with the rotary body components ensure the coordination of said components. Splitting the rotary body circumvents hauling difficulties, without weakening the load capacity of the rotary slide.

Abstract: A valve for regulating fluid flow between a pair of angularly disposed passages. A valve body closely receives a valve member therein and both components are preferably formed of a polymeric material for corrosion protection. The valve member includes first and second grooves spaced therealong, and has a handle disposed at one end thereof. The first groove is of a generally elliptical conformation having a pair of arcuate portions disposed axially and approximately 180.degree. circumferentially from each other. A pair of interconnecting portions extend between the arcuate portions. A stiffener is included in the valve member for limiting deformation and deflection thereof during high fluid pressure conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve-controlled system, particularly for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a valve stem and a valve disc extending at an oblique angle to the axis of the valve stem. The valve disc is adapted to be lifted from an associated valve seat and is non-circular and preferably elliptical. By means of a turning drive the valve is adpated to be rotated to open and close chambers or passages which open into the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of particulate solid material, especially a hot, friable, granular material. The valve comprises a fixed vertical feed tube and a concavo-convex valve member mounted for rotation about an axis forming an obtuse angle with the axis of the feed tube. The rotatable valve member is positioned so that its dished inner surface confronts the lower end of the feed tube and is essentially perpendicular thereto to block flow of material through the valve when it is in its closed position. The rotatable member has one or more openings therein that can be positioned in registry with the bottom of the feed tube to open the valve and permit the solid material to flow therethrough.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a gate-like valve wherein a gate or carrier plate has upper and lower through bores movable into alignment with flow passages in the body. In the upper through bore is received a valve disc that is rotatable on the carrier between a closed position wherein it is in the plane of the gate to seal around the through bore and an open position wherein it is disposed along the axis of the through bore. A valve stem is coupled to the butterfly disc so that partial rotation of the stem operates the butterfly valve, and the stem is also engageable with the carrier plate so that when the stem is raised and lowered it raises and lowers the carrier plate to move the butterfly disc out of alignment with the flow passages.

Abstract: A solar heater control system is disclosed for use with a water reservoir and a solar collector. Forced circulation of water in the solar heater system is provided by a pump, and valve means provides direct control of water flow in various parts of the solar heater system. Both the pump and the valve means are collected by control means which accepts inputs in the form of temperatures sensed in the water reservoir and in the solar collector. The control means controls the pump and the valve means to cause circulation of water within the system when sensed conditions are suitable for heating, and automatic drainage of the solar collector is effected whenever freezing or over temperature conditions are sensed, or when a power failure occurs. When neither heating conditions nor drainage conditions are sensed, fluid communication between the solar collector and the remainder of the system is terminated by the valve means to isolate the water in the solar collector from the water in the remainder of the system.

Abstract: A rotary valve having a housing enclosing a drive shaft and a rotor assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet, an access end, and a detachable closure plate for closing the access end. The drive shaft, which is journalled in the housing, has a shaft end disposed generally between the inlet and the outlet and the rotor assembly is removably mounted on this shaft end. The rotor assembly has a surface including at least one recess, which is communicable with the inlet and with the outlet by rotating the drive shaft, for conveying material from the inlet to the outlet. The housing has an inwardly-disposed cylindrical surface generally concentric about the drive shaft. A teflon seal is positioned between the drive shaft and the cylindrical surface and has a seal outer surface engaging the cylindrical surface. The seal is formed of a plurality of adjacent rings configured so that they expand radially when axial pressure is applied.