Abstract: A valve arrangement for a vacuum pump includes a valve head displaceable substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid through the valve arrangement, a valve seat, and a valve spring for biasing the valve head into a flat abutment engagement with the valve seat, with the valve spring being formed of at least one substantially hollow body made of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A control valve (1) comprises a housing (2) manufactured by a pressure die casting process, whose housing edges of upper semicircular bore hole are located exactly vertically above housing edges of lower semicircular bore hole and for this reason, the mold slide that forms the control edges (21) no longer has any contact point with the housing (2) and, as a consequence, symmetrical control edges (21) arise.

Abstract: A pushbutton valve assembly for regulating water flow from a water supply to a point of use such as a bubbler head of a drinking fountain. The valve assembly includes a valve body adapted for mounting onto a suitable housing panel or the like, and includes an internal valve cartridge for on-off control of water flow. A pushbutton is rotatably carried by an escutcheon ring mounted rotatably onto an exposed outboard end of the valve body, and this pushbutton is axially movable between depressed and non-depressed positions for on-off operation of the valve cartridge. The pushbutton and the escutcheon ring include respective pairs of axially open wrench ports which can be axially aligned upon appropriate pushbutton rotation to accommodate reception of a tool such as a spanner wrench for rotatably removing the escutcheon ring from the valve body, thereby exposing the valve cartridge for service or replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer is provided. This liquid sprayer comprises a bottle having an opening and a sprayer housing attached to the bottle. This sprayer housing includes an electric motor, a voltage source for powering the electric motor, a pump driven by the motor, a switch for completing an electrical circuit, a nozzle mechanism attached to the sprayer housing for spraying a liquid. The liquid sprayer also comprises a venting mechanism. This venting mechanism comprises a vent housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a translating piston disposed in the vent housing.

Abstract: A valve 6 fixed on a tip 5a of a rod 5 as a moving part, abuts a sealing part 9 of a fluid passage 8 when the rod 5 moved to the left, and interrupts a flow of fluid, is made, for instance, of elastic materials such as rubber. This absorbs an impact generated when the valve is sealed (at the time of collision), and reduces loudness of an actuating sound caused by a collision between the valve 6 and the sealing part 9.

Abstract: A valve device (200) for a closed system for endotracheal aspiration of a patient via a catheter. The device (200) comprises a valve chamber (220, 222) that can be connected to a vacuum source and to the catheter, a valve body (250) arranged in the valve chamber (220, 222), a manually operated actuator button (210) for the valve body (215), a coupling (260) engaging the valve body (250) and to the actuator button (210) for transmitting a movement of the actuator button (210) to the valve button (250), a spring device for holding the valve body (250) in the first position. The device is characterised in that the wall (216) that delimits the valve chamber (220, 222) comprises an opening (219) for receiving the valve body (250), that a resilient membrane (253) forms a sealing of the opening (219) within the valve housing (215), that the resilient membrane is connected to the valve body and the valve housing (215), respectively, and that the coupling (260) extends exteriorly relative to the valve housing (215).

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body with a bore formed therein. A valve spool is slidably disposed in the valve body. The valve spool has a plurality of valve lands that closely engage the valve bore to form substantially leak-free interfaces. The leading land has a diameter less than the land immediately adjacent thereto in a range of 0.34 mm to 0.17 mm, and a recess formed between the leading land and the first adjacent land. The recess has an inner diameter at least 0.75 mm less than said diameter of said leading land.

Abstract: A pin valve assembly includes a spring biasing a piston against a seal to seal an opening of a gas cylinder. The spring compresses a length determined by a distance between the insert and the plunger. The insert is pressed into an opening opposite the plunger and held in place by at least one barb extending inward from an inner diameter of a body of the insert. The insert includes an opening to allow communication of gas pressure to a rear portion of the piston. The inner diameter of the pin valve assembly includes at least one barb to secure and prevent removal of the insert.

Abstract: A valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve. The valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face. The plunger is provided with a groove sized and dimensioned to partially receive the inner surface of the ring.

Abstract: A control valve (1) comprises a housing (2) manufactured by a pressure die casting process, whose housing edges of upper semicircular bore hole are located exactly vertically above housing edges of lower semicircular bore hole and for this reason, the mold slide that forms the control edges (21) no longer has any contact point with the housing (2) and, as a consequence, symmetrical control edges (21) arise.

Abstract: Actuated bypass valves for use in swimming pool systems are disclosed. The valves automatically bypasses a swimming pool heating unit except when the heating unit is placed into service. The disclosed valves reduce the energy requirements of the circulation pump when the heating unit is bypassed. The valves comprise a tee-shaped valve body. Flow within the valve body is controlled by a sliding plate which slides relative to a stationary plate, where the sliding plate and the stationary plate each has a plurality of openings. Means for actuating the valves may comprise a 24 VAC solenoid. Minimal travel of the sliding plate is necessary for the valve to open from a minimum flow area to a maximum flow area. Methods for utilizing the disclosed valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body with a bore formed therein. A valve spool is slidably disposed in the valve body. The valve spool has a plurality of valve lands that closely engage the valve bore to form substantially leak-free interfaces. The leading land has a diameter less than the land immediately adjacent thereto in a range of 0.34 mm to 0.17 mm, and a recess formed between the leading land and the first adjacent land. The recess has an inner diameter at least 0.75 mm less than said diameter of said leading land.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face. The plunger is provided with a groove sized and dimensioned to partially receive the inner surface of the ring.

Abstract: The problem of flow induced instability in a control valve for a vehicle damper is solved by a generally tubular shaped valve spool having an open, bridged, flow-through end, rather than side flow openings. The flow-through end of the spool has a narrow flat edge oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the spool, with an inside surface of the spool forming a 55 to 90 degree angle with the flat edge, and meeting the flat edge in a sharp corner.

Abstract: An assembly including a pump attachment particularly adapted to form an nonaerosol pump sprayer, and a method of using the same. The apparatus desirably includes an attachment having a pump sprayer which is pressurized on the upstroke enabling the sprayer to be shipped and stored in a relaxed position. The attachment includes a body, a coupling, a shaft, a piston, an inlet valve and a biasing member. The body defines an elongate chamber having the first end, second end, and an interior wall extending between the first end and second end. The coupler is sized and shaped to secure the body to the neck of a container. The shaft extends through the opening in the first end of the chamber and defines an internal flow channel. The piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber and includes an inner annular surface surrounding the shaft and an outer annular surface sized and shaped to form a sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body.

Abstract: A pressure compensating element (8) for a control valve (3) for controlling an overflow of a medium from a first pressure space (1) into a second pressure space (2) has a diaphragm (9) separating the pressure space (1, 2) from one another. The pressure compensating element (8) compensates forces acting on a valve body (5) of the control valve (3) and generated by pressure differences in the pressure spaces (1, 2). However, an overflow of a medium from one pressure space (1) into the other pressure space (2) takes place solely in the region of the control valve (3).

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes an inlet for the fuel being pumped, a spout for dispensing of the fuel, a poppet valve between the inlet and outlet, and a handle which is operable to move the poppet valve between an opened position in which fuel can flow from the inlet to the and a closed position in which fuel is prevented from flowing from the inlet to the spot. The poppet valve includes a valve member having a cap, a seal received on an under side of the cap, and a skirt, which is movable relative to the cap. The seal engages and is disengaged from the valve seat to close and open the valve. The valve member skirt has a sloped surface which engages the seal. The valve skirt is lifted by a valve stem, and when lifted, the valve member skirt engages the seal to progressively lift the seal off the valve seat.

Abstract: Governor valve device for a pressure fluid operated tool having a ball valve (23, 24), the valve ball (24) of which is provided in a cavity (25), open towards the seal ring (23) of the valve, in a movable piston (26). A spring-loaded member (30) urges the valve ball against the seal ring. By movement of the piston, the ball can be moved out of and into, respectively, a sealing position against the seal ring in order to permit and to prevent, respectively, the passage of pressure fluid to a drive chamber (17) in the tool.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face. The plunger is provided with a groove sized and dimensioned to partially receive the inner surface of the ring.

Abstract: A globe valve system for controlling the flow of fluid in a pipe comprises a pipe receiving body having within a fluid passage, a valve seat and a globe valve plug movable between an open position allowing fluid flow through the passage and seat a closed position blocking the fluid flow as actuator have the valve plug between the open and closed positions and a spring assists the valve plug in moving from the open to the closed position.

Abstract: An assembly including a pump attachment particularly adapted to form an nonaerosol pump sprayer, and a method of using the same. The apparatus desirably includes an attachment having a pump sprayer which is pressurized on the upstroke enabling the sprayer to be shipped and stored in a relaxed position. The attachment includes a body, a coupling, a shaft, a piston, an inlet valve and a biasing member. The body defines an elongate chamber having the first end, second end, and an interior wall extending between the first end and second end. The coupler is sized and shaped to secure the body to the neck of a container. The shaft extends through the opening in the first end of the chamber and defines an internal flow channel. The piston is reciprocally mounted within the chamber and includes an inner annular surface surrounding the shaft and an outer annular surface sized and shaped to form a sealing engagement with the interior wall of the body.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face.

Abstract: An inflatable shoe with a deflation valve designed to limit inadvertent operation of the valve and thereby limit inadvertent deflation of the shoe. The deflation valve has a shortened plunger, a collar to prevent tilt of the plunger, and a conformable ring on the valve face. The plunger is provided with a groove sized and dimensioned to partially receive the inner surface of the ring.

Abstract: Fill valve 10 controls the flow of propane from a fill line FL to a control valve CV mounted on a propane use tank T. The fill valve includes a valve body 12 having a propane inlet 20, an elongate sleeve 24 and a discharge housing 22 surrounding the elongate sleeve and having a thread 30, 19 for interconnection with a mating thread in the control valve. The sleeve 24 may be secured to the body 12 by a swaging operation. A nose tip 26 is secured to the elongate sleeve and has an external surface 68, an annular seal 70 for sealing engagement with the control valve, and a fill valve seat 100 defining a portion of a flow passage 92 therethrough. Valve stem 18 extends through the valve body and the elongate sleeve and is axially moveable between opened and closed positions. A lower end of the valve stem is positioned within the nose tip. A fill valve seal 76 is carried on the valve stem for sealing engagement and disengagement with the fill valve seat 33.

Abstract: A vacuum-actuated tool for handling of small articles, such as electronic devices or lenses, having an improved valve mechanism including a valve stem located at an angled position that is less than 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of a body of the tool, a pivotable shell, a grip and angled handle for comfortable control and manipulation of the tool. A spring coil biases the valve stem into an upward position such that a first O-ring fixed to the stem seals a forward passageway to the atmosphere and such that evacuation occurs from said forward passageway to a co-axial rearward passageway permitting retrieval of an item. When the pivotable shell is depressed the spring bias is overcome and the first O-ring moves downward permitting atmospheric air into the forward chamber releasing the retrieved item. A second O-ring blocks fluid communication between the forward passageway and the rearward passageway and vacuum source when the pivotable shell is depressed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an improved ventilation valve (8), especially for ventilating a mold (5) in the production of umbrella type insulators (1), so that harmful deformation of the molded body can be avoided during removal from the mold (5). This is achieved by providing the ventilation valve with a rod-like or pin-shaped housing (8.2) with an orifice (8.5) on one of its front faces and by providing a valve body (8.3) on the other front face which is detachably mounted in an axial extension of the valve housing (8.2).

Abstract: A valve has a valve body having a passage including a hole in which gas flows, a valve seat surrounding a port of the hole. A valve disc is provided for closing the port of the hole, and an actuator is provided for operating the valve disc in a sine curve motion. The valve includes an inside heater for heating the valve disc.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid shaft and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular, and is injection molded around a portion of the shaft. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity with a press fit against an inner surface of the valve cavity to seal the valve cavity against leakage.

Abstract: A valve gear controls a gas exchange in an internal-combustion engine with a valve spring which holds a valve in its required position at all times and is clamped between a valve head and a valve-spring support. The valve spring support is adjustable in the direction of the valve axis. The adjustable valve-spring support includes two nested setting rings (2, 3) which are rotatable in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention is a pin valve having a detachable valve body cover which makes the valve stem assembly accessible from the end of the valve in which the valve stem protrudes. The removable valve body cover can be replaced independently if this end of the valve is damaged. The valve body cover also has a valve seat which is more accessible and is more easily machined. The valve body cover is typically adapted to accommodate an allen wrench type tool to simplify removal and reattachment. The invention eliminates the need to disconnect the valve at the second open end when replacing the valve stem assembly.

Abstract: A pressurized gas flow controlling microvalve having a casing and cap which together define a valve chamber having gas flow inlet and outlet ports and a plunger positioned within the valve chamber moveable from a closed position sealing the outlet port to an open position permitting gas to flow through the valve, the plunger having mounted thereon an O-ring which provides the seal for the outlet port.

Abstract: A portable dispensing apparatus in which a fuel containing chamber is pressurized by a hand operated air pump. The fuel is dispensed by a pickup tube whose receiving end is within the chamber where it is joined to a flexible hose equipped with a bellows; the opposite end being connected to a valved handle outside the chamber and includes a nozzle for dispensing the fuel. An actuation lever pivotally mounted to the handle allows the operator to control the flow rate and velocity of emitted fuel so that even incremental amounts can be dispensed without difficulty. The flexible hose can be stored in a skirt on the handle.

Abstract: A manually operated flow control device has a frame with a first part and a second part connected to one another for relative motion alternately towards and away from one another along a line of action. A flow guide is connected to the frame, while a flow modification component is mounted to the frame and is operatively connected to the flow guide for changing a state of flow through the flow guide in accordance with relative positions of the first part and the second part along the line of action.

Abstract: A bidet apparatus for washing of the vagina wall and the pudendum of a woman is disclosed. The bidet includes a contoured grip section that allows a user to easily grasp and operate the apparatus. A spout nozzle is connected to a water supply conduit for spouting water from a faucet or water supply. A valve mechanism is connected between the faucet or water supply and the washing water conduit and allows a user to control the flow of water from the spout nozzle. The valve mechanism includes a first chamber connected to the faucet or water supply and a second chamber connected to the washing water conduit. The second chamber is located within the first chamber. A valve core is provided that seals the first chamber from the second chamber. A valve shaft is provided that allows the user to selectively connect the first chamber with the second chamber and control the water flow from the spout nozzle.

Abstract: An assembly including a pump attachment particularly adapted to form an nonaerosol pump sprayer, and a method of using the same. The apparatus desirably includes an attachment having a pump sprayer which is pressurized on the upstroke enabling the sprayer to be shipped and stored in a relaxed position. The spray nozzle, includes a grip, a nose having a spray end, a valve housing defining a closed end, an inlet port and an outlet port and a valve mounted within the housing. The valve has a flow portion, a first seal on one side of the flow portion and a second seal on another side of said flow portion. The valve has a first position wherein the valve prevents the flow of fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port and a second position wherein the valve permits the flow of fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Abstract: A bleed valve for bleeding fluid from a hydraulic circuit comprises a valve body having a valve passage therethrough adapted for fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit, a valve seat on the valve body, and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly has a valve closure connected to a valve stem and adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing assembly is moveable between a closed sealing position in which the valve closure sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the valve passage and an open position in which the valve closure is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the valve passage. A valve fitting on the valve body has an outlet port for exhausting fluid from the valve passage. The fitting is moveable relative to the valve body for selectively positioning the outlet port with respect to the valve body. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the valve passage regardless of its relative position with respect to the valve body.

Abstract: A flow control nozzle for dispensing bakery mix material includes an elongated member having a flow channel formed therein. A cross member has a channel in flow communication with the flow channel of the elongated tubular member. A plunger having an actuating portion is slidably disposed in the cross member channel and is slidable between a flow blocking position to a position where material is allowed to flow from the tubular member outlet. A handle is positioned for contacting the actuating portion of the plunger to control plunger movement.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser assembly (10) for personal hygiene liquids includes a container (14) and a dispenser valve (16). Each valve includes a valve plunger (60) with a head (62) having a flexible peripheral skirt (64) that provides increased bypass of liquid upon harder pressing and faster motion of the plunger. The valve (16) has an annular seat (85) that has a tapered seat surface (88) that presses the flexible skirt (64) against the valve inner cylindrical wall (54) of the valve bore (52) at the end of the return stroke.

Abstract: A hand held apparatus for dispensing fluid from a fluid supply. The apparatus includes a housing with a first body portion and a second body portion, a conduit assembly coupled to the fluid supply, and a substantially balanced valve assembly interconnecting the conduit assembly and a nozzle. The valve assembly is actuatable by first and second independent triggers disposed on same side of the housing and protectable by a common trigger guard. The first trigger is usable to actuate the valve assembly when the first body portion of the housing is used as a hand grip, and the second trigger is usable to actuate the valve assembly when the second body portion of the housing is used as a hand grip. A connector assembly couples the fluid supply conduit to the conduit assembly. The connector assembly includes a conduit connector with a ball portion disposed in a ball socket having a sealing member disposed about a circumference of the ball portion.

Abstract: A valve, especially for use in a paintball gun which includes a pressure chamber bore for receiving gas from a source, an exhaust bore which leads to a barrel, and a valve chamber bore between the pressure chamber bore and exhaust bore. The valve includes a body mounted in the valve chamber bore with a flow path between the pressure chamber and exhaust bores, and a cupseal seat on the upstream side of the flow path. A valve stem passes through a portion of the flow path and is slidably supported by a support nose, and presents an actuation surface at one end, and supports a cupseal to mate with the seat at the other end. The cupseal has radial guide legs to closely and slidably contact the pressure chamber bore to aid alignment. The cupseal will normally be held against the seat by gas pressure and/or a spring; to open the valve, the gun may be provided with a hammer which is released to strike the actuation surface of the valve stem, to unseat the cupseal and allow gas to flow into the barrel.

Abstract: A connector for a guarantee tap (1) provided with a pull piston (2), is actuated by appendages (3) secured to the piston (2). A body (4) mounts the tap (1), and a device (5) for sealed connection of the outlet end of the tap (1) is provided. A device (6) holds the tap (1) and actuates the dispensing piston (2). There is a coupler (7) to a dispensing conduit. The connector is more particularly applicable to the field of distribution of liquids, particularly comestible liquids.

Abstract: A suction tube assembly for a wet/dry cleaner comprising a suction tube (60), a shampoo delivery conduit (44,45) extending along the suction tube, a valve forming a part of the conduit and operating means (50) for the user to operate the valve whilst manipulating the suction tube, the valve comprising a valve body (18) having a tubular portion within which is located a generally tubular portion of a valve piston (38), said tubular valve piston portion having a bore in its wall to provide communication between the interior and exterior of the tubular piston portion, means (37) biasing the piston towards a position in which sealing means (32,34) between the piston and the body prevent flow of fluid beyond said piston, said piston being movable axially by the operating means against said biasing means to release said sealing means and thereby allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A faucet includes an upper portion having an extension extended in a bore and includes a rear portion having four chambers of different sizes. The upper portion includes an inlet and an outlet for allowing water to flow into the bore. A barrel is engaged in one of the chambers and includes a notch communicating with the inlet and includes a valve seat. A valve stem is slidably engaged in the barrel and includes a plug for engaging with the valve seat of the barrel. A knob is secured to the valve stem for disengaging the plug from the valve seat.

Abstract: A device for regulating the discharge of bones and other hard, objectionable material from processed food includes a flow control device contained within a housing applied to the discharge line downstream of a grinding apparatus. The device has a reciprocating valve element having an elongated cylindrical valve head with a groove formed therein at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the valve element. This groove is constantly contacted by the discharge product flow stream in open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting mechanism for connecting a vessel (5) through the intermediary of a connecting element (3) to a liquid container (6) of an anaesthetic liquid vaporizing apparatus (1), the connecting element including two ducts (23, 24) extending therethrough, the anaesthetic liquid being carried along one (23) of said ducts between vessel (5) and liquid container (6) and the gas displaced by the liquid being carried along the other duct (24) between vessel and liquid container in the direction opposite to that of the liquid, and the connecting mechanism including an attachment point (2) for fixing said connecting element (3) and a transmission element (10) for operating a shut-off device (13), the shut-off device being capable of closing or opening a flow communication between vessel (5) and the liquid container.

Abstract: A poppet valve comprising a ball supported within an axial bushing, the ball being urged onto the valve seat by an operating element and being lifted off the valve seat by the force of a spring, wherein pressure is applied to the ball surface within the valve seat, is characterized in that the end of the bushing facing the valve seat protrudes in tangential direction beyond the periphery or equator of the ball and defines together with the ball surface in this region a space for fluid flow inversion to thereby further improving the lifting aid achieved by the bushing with respect to a further decrease of the switching delay together with an increase of the flow rate while maintaining the same flow losses as prior art poppet valves with such bushing.

Abstract: A vacuum manipulator, comprising an elongated body with two segments of longitudinal ducts one of which opens at one end for connection to a suction source and the other one of which is adapted to be fitted with a suction nozzle, openings communicating the duct segments with a longitudinal guide channel, a spool valve mounted for longitudinal sliding in the guide channel, the bottom of the channel being flat with the face of the spool valve adjacent to the bottom having three contact zones for elevating the face relative to the bottom, one of the contact zones being central and being formed by a support wall which defines a generally enclosed area, the other two of the zones being located at opposite ends of the spool valve, a piston having an endless wall defining an enclosed space and being mounted for sliding engagement with the bottom of the guide channel for selective communication with the openings, a spring operable with the piston to urge the endless wall of the piston in generally sealing engagement

Abstract: A stretch valve which achieves precise control of fluid flow rates through the use of a cylindrical elastomeric valve element. This elastomer element is installed within the cylindrical flow path of a valve body. The flow path has a diameter that is slightly smaller than that of the elastomer element, which is therefore constrained within the flow path. Longitudinal stretching of the elastomer element causes the diameter of the elastomer element to decrease. As a result, a flow path is opened. The further the elastomer element is stretched, the larger is the fluid path that is created. Therefore, precise control of the fluid flow rate is made possible.

Abstract: A tap assembly includes a body with a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and a seat therebetween. A clapper is disposed for movement relative to the seat between a first position engaged upon the seat for resisting flow of fluid toward the outlet, and a second position of for permitting flow. The tap assembly also includes a reciprocal positioning assembly with a rod mounted for axial movement between a first position for allowing the clapper to engage upon the seat and a second position for precluding the clapper from engaging upon the seat; a cylindrical housing; and an elastically deformable elongated element which forms a split ring positioning unit for the rod. The positioning unit has an inner ring and an outer ring.