Theft-resistant valve

摘要

A removable key operated locking device for a rotary valve includes a locking member having a tip having a selected diameter connected by a throat having a smaller diameter to a body portion which may have a slightly larger diameter than the tip portion and a predetermined length whereby the locking element is completely insertable within a specially designed receiving bore located at one end of the valve housing so as to be completely isolated from access from the exterior except by means of a plunger-type key; a locking cage is disposed within the receiving bore and is held in a predetermined locking position by cooperation with a conically-shaped annular surface formed on the surface of a portion of the locking bore; the locking cage cooperates with one end of cylinder portion of the key whereby, upon insertion of the cylindrical portion, the locking cage will be moved completely out of the path of travel of the tip portion of the locking element but will automatically engage under a spring force the neck portion of the locking element upon removal of the cylindrical portion of the key.