Abstract:
A gauge adaptor apparatus allows easy connection and removal of a gauge to a hydronic system or other fluidic piping system for taking a pressure or temperature reading. The gauge adaptor apparatus is compatible with standard hose connections and can be used to quickly and easily add a gauge onto a hydronic system without requiring extensive labor and without needing to halt the operation of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses can be used to take one-time readings, or they can be left permanently installed for ongoing readings of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses take up little space, are highly compatible with existing fluid valves and system configurations, can be installed quickly and easily without requiring much labor, and can be easily removed for system draining, servicing, or replacement.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/175,033, filed Jun. 12, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention generally relates to hydronic systems, and more specifically to gauge adaptors for connecting a gauge to a hydronic system for taking pressure or temperature readings from the system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hydronic heating and cooling systems have gained popularity due to the comfortable average temperature they provide and uniformity in heating. Hydronic systems use water, or water-based solutions, to move thermal energy from where it is produced to where it is needed. Thermal energy is absorbed by the water at a heat source, conveyed by the water through the distribution piping, and finally released into a heated space by a heat emitter. 
         [0004]    During use, different parts of a hydronic system will experience fluctuations in pressure or temperature. Monitoring pressure and temperature at various locations and time intervals is needed for controlling the heating output of the system and for regular system maintenance to ensure proper function and efficiency. The use of purge valves, for example, can lead to pressure differentials that can affect the operation of the system. 
         [0005]    Hydronic systems typically have gauges built in to a boiler unit to provide temperature or pressure readings. These can take up much space and involve additional piping. Failure of a gauge may require replacement of an entire boiler or involve extensive maintenance and significant system downtime. Also, such gauges may not provide an accurate view of the overall system operation, since temperature and pressure may vary throughout the system. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides easily connectable and removable gauge adaptor apparatuses that can connect a gauge to a hydronic system or other fluidic piping system for taking a pressure or temperature reading. The gauge adaptor apparatus is compatible with standard hose connections and can be used to quickly and easily add a gauge onto a hydronic system without requiring extensive labor and without needing to halt the operation of the system. Apparatuses of the present disclosure can be temporarily added to a hydronic system while in operation to take a one-time reading from the gauge, or the gauge adaptor apparatus can be permanently installed for ongoing temperature or pressure readings. The disclosed gauge adaptor apparatuses take up little space, are highly compatible with existing fluid valves and system configurations, can be installed quickly and easily without requiring much labor, and can be easily removed for system draining, servicing, or replacement. 
         [0007]    Gauge adaptor apparatuses of the present invention generally include a gauge adaptor apparatus body with a fluid channel running therethrough. At one end of the fluid channel is a valve fitting that is generally compatible with standard drain valves, such as ¾″ fittings. At another end of the fluid channel is a gauge fitting configured to receive a temperature gauge, a pressure gauge, or a combination temperature and pressure gauge. The fluid channel is also typically in fluid communication with a bleeder, which can be used to bleed pressure from the apparatus, such as during removal of the apparatus. 
         [0008]    To connect the gauge adaptor apparatus to a hydronic piping system, the apparatus includes a valve fitting typically such as a threaded union fitting. The gauge adaptor apparatus is thus compatible with existing fluid systems that include a drain valve or port. The fitting can be threaded onto a drain other external connection of a valve. Typically the fitting is connected while flow to the drain is off, or the valve is otherwise in an unpressurized condition. The fitting opens up to a fluid channel that runs through the apparatus. Once connected, the valve can be turned on to direct fluid to the drain valve and to the gauge adaptor apparatus, thereby to incorporate the gauge adaptor apparatus into the fluidic system. When so connected, the fluid channel of the gauge adaptor apparatus is thereby in fluid communication with the hydronic system. The gauge is configured to take readings from the fluid channel of the apparatus. When connected to the hydronic system, the gauge can thus take a pressure reading and/or a temperature reading of the system. 
         [0009]    For removal of the gauge adaptor apparatus from the system, fluid is diverted away from the drain valve, and therefore away from the gauge adaptor apparatus. Residual fluid and pressure in the fluid channel can be released via a bleeder. When the pressure returns to ambient levels, the adaptor can be easily disconnected from the hydronic system. 
         [0010]    In certain aspects, the invention includes an apparatus connecting a gauge to a hydronic system. The apparatus includes a body defining a flow channel, a union fitting at one end of the flow channel connectable to a drain valve of a hydronic system, a bleeder valve in fluid communication with the flow channel, and a gauge fitting in fluid communication with the flow channel, wherein the gauge fitting is configured to connect with a gauge. The union fitting may be a ¾″ threaded female union fitting, and it may further include a gasket, o-ring, or washer for creating a seal between the body and the drain valve. The bleeder valve can be configured to bleed fluid from the flow channel. The bleeder valve may include a bleeder cap and a gasket, o-ring, or washer for creating a seal between the body and the bleeder cap. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the gauge includes a pressure gauge. In some embodiments, the gauge further includes a temperature gauge. The gauge may include a temperature probe configured to fit inside the flow channel. The gauge fitting may be a ¼″ NPT threaded female fitting. 
         [0012]    In related aspects, the invention includes a method for taking a reading from a hydronic system. The method includes providing a gauge adaptor apparatus. The gauge adaptor apparatus includes a body defining a flow channel, a union fitting at one end of the flow channel connectable to a drain valve of a hydronic system, a bleeder valve in fluid communication with the flow channel, a gauge fitting in fluid communication with the flow channel, and a gauge connected to the gauge fitting. The method further includes connecting the union fitting to a drain valve of a hydronic system having a fluid flow, directing the fluid flow to the drain valve to incorporate the gauge adaptor apparatus into the hydronic system, and taking a reading from the gauge. 
         [0013]    The union fitting comprises a ¾″ threaded female union fitting. The union fitting may further include a gasket, o-ring, or washer for creating a seal between the body and the drain valve. The bleeder valve comprises a bleeder cap and a gasket, o-ring, or washer for creating a seal between the body and the bleeder cap. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, the gauge is a pressure gauge and the reading is a pressure reading. In certain embodiments, the gauge further includes a temperature gauge and the reading further includes a temperature reading. The gauge may include a temperature probe configured to fit inside the flow channel. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the method further includes removing the gauge adaptor apparatus from the hydronic system by diverting fluid flow from the drain valve, using the bleeder to bleed fluid from the flow channel, and disconnecting the union fitting from the drain valve. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a gauge adaptor apparatus with a pressure gauge. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view of a gauge adaptor apparatus with a pressure gauge. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the body of a gauge adaptor apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a gauge adaptor apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a gauge adaptor apparatus installed on a drain valve. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a view of a gauge adaptor apparatus with a combination pressure and temperature gauge installed on a drain valve. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a cross-section view of a gauge adaptor apparatus with a combination pressure and temperature gauge installed on a drain valve. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of the body of a gauge adaptor apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8B  shows a cross-section view of the body of gauge adaptor apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  shows gauge adaptor apparatuses with combination pressure and temperature gauges installed on drain valves of a hydronic system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows an example of a purge valve. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-section view of a purge valve. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  shows a cross-section view of a purge valve with a gauge adaptor apparatus installed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a hot water isolation valve. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a hot water isolation valve with a gauge adaptor apparatus installed. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  shows a method for taking a gauge reading from a hydronic system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The present disclosure involves gauge adaptor apparatuses for connecting a temperature or pressure gauge to a hydronic or other fluidic system. The apparatus is configured to be connectable to a standard drain valve, such as a ¾″ threaded hose drain connection. In that sense, the apparatus is interchangeable and movable between different hydronic systems or different locations within a system. The apparatus can be used as a portable tool for quickly taking a temperature or pressure reading from an unoccupied drain valve. In other uses, the apparatus can be installed as a permanent fixture on a hydronic system for taking pressure or temperature readings during normal use of the system. 
         [0033]    Apparatuses of the invention are particularly useful with hydronic systems. Hydronic systems utilize a liquid fluid to shift energy (i.e. BTUs) from one location to another. Typically this is accomplished by heating up (or in cooling applications, cooling) a liquid, such as water, or a mixture of water and other fluids (such as glycol antifreeze) to elevate the boiling point and lower the freezing point, and pumping the liquid to another location where the captured energy in the fluid is released. The hydronic solution can be heated through the use of a boiler, solar energy, geothermal pump, or any other means. The hydronic solution can be cooled by use of a heat pump, geothermal pump, or other such means of cooling the solution. 
         [0034]    For both maintenance and in the regular operation of a hydronic system, it may be necessary to take readings to determine the pressure or the temperature in different parts of the system. The invention therefore involves gauge adaptor apparatuses that can be added to an existing hydronic system using a standard hose connection. Apparatuses of the invention can be quickly and conveniently added to any standard hose connection and use that connection as a gauge port. The adaptor can be installed temporarily, for example to take a one-time reading, or it can be permanently installed. Apparatuses of the invention can be configured to connect a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, or a combination of both. The apparatuses can fit with bottom or center back mounted gauges. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a gauge adaptor apparatus  100  of the invention. The apparatus  100  includes a body  110 , which defines a flow channel (not visible) therein. The body  110  is made of a resilient material suitable for plumbing such as brass. At a proximal end of the body  110  is a union fitting  120  which can connect to a hose drain connection of a hydronic system (not shown). The union fitting  120  can be for example a ¾″ union hose drain adaptor. When connected, flow channel of the apparatus  100  is in fluid communication with the hydronic system. The body  110  also includes a gauge fitting  130  for connecting a gauge  140  to the body  110 . One branch of the flow channel runs through the gauge fitting  130  so that when the gauge  140  is connected, the gauge  140  can take a pressure reading from inside the flow channel. Also in fluid communication with the flow channel is a bleeder valve, covered by a bleeder cap  150 . The bleeder cap  150  can be activated to release pressure from inside the flow channel. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  shows a cross section of the apparatus  100 . The flow channel  160  extends from a drain connection port  170  at a proximal end of the body  110 . The union fitting  120  includes a union nut  125  with threads  122  for connecting to a hose drain. The threads  122  can be, for example, ¾″ female thread. The union fitting  120  includes a snap ring  124  made of steel or another similar material. A washer  126  is located inside the union thread nut  125  for creating a seal between the body  110  and the hose drain when connected. The washer  126  can be made of a rubber material such as EPDM or other elastomeric materials known in the art. 
         [0037]    At a distal end of the flow channel  160  is the bleeder valve  180  covered by the bleeder cap  150 , which may be made of brass or other metal. A gasket  182  creates a seal between the body  110  and the bleeder cap  150 . The gasket  182  can be made of a rubber material such as EPDM or other elastomeric materials known in the art. To bleed pressure from the fluid channel  160 , the bleeder cap can be twisted, or in some embodiments pushed in. The flow channel  160  also is in fluid communication with the gauge  140 . The gauge  140  can be a pressure gauge and is connected to the body  110  via the threaded gauge fitting  130 . The gauge fitting  130  can include a gasket or o-ring (not shown). The fitting  130  can have, for example, a ¼″ NPT female thread for receiving a pressure gauge  140 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  shows the body  110  of apparatus  100 . The bleeder cap  150  is removed to show the threading and the opening of the bleeder valve  180 . The gauge  140  is removed to show the threading of the gauge fitting  130 . The union thread nut  125  is removed to show the groove  121  where the snap ring  124  can be seated. The union thread nut  125  as shown in  FIG. 2  has a lip that fits over the snap ring  124  to hold the union thread nut  125  in place, while allowing it to rotate.  FIG. 4  shows another view of the apparatus  100  assembled with the bleeder cap  150  and the union fitting  120  in place. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows the apparatus  100  connected to a drain valve  510  of a hydronic system. The drain valve includes a drain/venting valve portion  580  extending from a valve body  560 . The drain/venting valve portion  580  includes a drain port  583  with a male threaded portion (not shown) receivable within the union fitting  120 . A purge valve handle  591  is connected to a purge valve flow diversion device (not shown) via a purge valve actuator (not shown). The flow diversion device can be a ball valve or other similar valve, as would be known in the art. The purge valve handle  591  is retained to the purge valve actuator by a screw  593 . The purge valve handle  591  enables a first and second position of the purge valve flow diversion device. In one position, flow is diverted away from the drain/venting valve portion  580 , and in another position, flow is directed to the drain/venting valve portion  580 . 
         [0040]    The apparatus  100  can be threaded onto existing drain products, such as the valves sold under the trademarks Isolator®, Hydro-Core™, and Purge &amp; Fill™ and made by Webstone Company, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.), and including the valves described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,412; 6,779,561; 7,621,295; 7,631,662; 7,681,596; 7,789,106; 7,857,002; 8,316,886; and 8,770,223, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. An apparatus with a ¾″ hose thread union connector can be used with any product having a compatible ¾″ drain valve. When connected to a fluidic system, the gauge provides a reading of the pressure inside the system. 
         [0041]    To connect the apparatus  100 , the union fitting is threaded onto a drain valve while the valve is in the “off” position, i.e., when fluid is not flowing to the drain port. After the apparatus is threaded onto a hose drain connection of a hydronic system, the drain valve (such as a ball valve) can be actuated, allowing fluid to flow to the gauge and thereby introducing the pressure gauge into the system. The gauge would then output a pressure that is currently in the system. 
         [0042]    The apparatus can either be left in the system to constantly provide a pressure reading, or the apparatus can be removed once again. To remove the apparatus, the drain valve is first closed to isolate the gauge adaptor apparatus from the rest of the system. To release the residual pressure inside the flow channel of the apparatus, the bleeder valve can be actuated. Once the pressure is relieved from the flow channel, the apparatus can be safely removed from the drain. The cap on the drain may then be threaded back into place. 
         [0043]    The gauge adaptor apparatus can include a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, or a combination of both. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  shows a gauge adaptor apparatus  200  with a combination pressure and temperature gauge and a union hose drain adaptor. The apparatus  200  operates in substantially the same way as apparatus  100 . The apparatus  200  includes a body  210 , which defines a flow channel (not visible) therein. The body  210  is made of a resilient material suitable for plumbing such as brass. At a proximal end of the body  210  is a union fitting  220  which can connect to a hose drain connection  510  of a hydronic system. The union fitting  220  can be for example a ¾″ union hose drain adaptor. When connected, flow channel of the apparatus  200  is in fluid communication with the hydronic system. The body  210  also includes a gauge fitting  230  for connecting a gauge  240  to the body  210 . The gauge can be a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, or both. One branch of the flow channel runs through the gauge fitting  230  so that when the gauge  240  is connected, the gauge  240  can take a pressure or temperature reading from inside the flow channel. Also in fluid communication with the flow channel is a bleeder valve, covered by a bleeder cap  250 . The bleeder cap  250  can be activated to release pressure from inside the flow channel. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a cross section of the apparatus  200 . The flow channel  260  extends from a drain connection port  270  at a proximal end of the body  210 . The union fitting  220  includes a union nut  225  with threads  222  for connecting to a hose drain  510 . The threads  222  can be, for example, ¾″ female thread. The union fitting  220  includes a snap ring  224  made of steel or another similar material. A washer  226  is located inside the union thread nut  225  for creating a seal between the body  210  and the hose drain  510  when connected. The washer  226  can be made of a rubber material such as EPDM or other elastomeric materials known in the art. 
         [0046]    A bleeder valve  280  is in fluid communication with the flow channel  260 . The bleeder valve  280  covered by the bleeder cap  250 , which may be made of brass or other metal. A gasket  282  creates a seal between the body  210  and the bleeder cap  250 . The gasket  282  can be made of a rubber material such as EPDM or other elastomeric materials known in the art. To bleed pressure from the fluid channel  260 , the bleeder cap  282  can be twisted, or in some embodiments pushed in. The flow channel  260  also is in fluid communication with the gauge  240 . The gauge  240  is a combination pressure and temperature gauge. The gauge  240  includes a temperature probe  245 , which fits axially within the flow channel  260  and extends through the drain connection port  270 . When the apparatus  200  is connected to the hose drain  510 , the temperature probe  245  is positioned to take a temperature reading from within the hose drain  510 . The gauge  240  is connected to the body  210  via the threaded gauge fitting  230 . The gauge fitting  230  can include a gasket or o-ring (not shown). The fitting  230  can have, for example, a ¼″ NPT female thread for receiving a pressure gauge  140 . 
         [0047]    The hose drain  510  is part of a hydronic system and is operably connected to a flow diversion device  503  which controls flow to the hose drain  510  from the valve body  560 . The flow division device  503  is shown in its closed position in which fluid in the system is prevented from flowing from the valve body  560  to the drain port  583 . In this illustrative embodiment, the flow diversion device  503  is a ball valve. The ball  541  has a through hole  543  extending through its center. The ball  541  is rotatable on an axis of the purge valve actuator (not shown) which extends through its center and normal to the plane of drawing in  FIG. 7  by movement of purge valve handle (not shown, but similar to the handle shown in  FIG. 10 ) and the purge valve actuator retained thereto. The ball forms a seal with sealing portions  548 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a perspective view and a cross-section view of the body  210  of apparatus  200 . The bleeder cap  250  is removed to show the threading and the opening of the bleeder valve  280 . The gauge  240  is removed to show the threading of the gauge fitting  230 . The union thread nut  225  is removed to show the groove  221  where the snap ring  224  is seated when fully assembled. The union thread nut  225  as shown in  FIG. 7  has a lip that fits over the snap ring  224  to hold the union thread nut  225  in place, while allowing it to rotate. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows two gauge adaptor apparatuses  200  and  200 A attached to a hydronic system. Both apparatuses  200  and  200 A are substantially the same, and so only apparatus  200  will be described herein. Apparatus  200  is connected to a drain valve  810  of a hydronic system. The drain valve  810  includes a drain/venting valve portion  880  extending from a valve body  860 . The drain/venting valve portion  880  includes a drain port  883  with a male threaded portion (not shown) receivable within the union fitting  220  of the apparatus  200 . A purge valve handle  891  is connected to a purge valve flow diversion device (not shown) via a purge valve actuator (not shown). The flow diversion device can be a ball valve or other similar valve, as would be known in the art. The purge valve handle  891  is retained to the purge valve actuator by a screw. The purge valve handle  891  enables a first and second position of the purge valve flow diversion device. In one position, flow is diverted away from the drain/venting valve portion  880 , and in another position, flow is directed to the drain/venting valve portion  880 . A main actuator  885  extends from the valve body  860  enabling a first and second position of the main valve flow diversion device (not shown here). The main valve flow diversion device is connected to a main handle  887  via the main actuator  885 . The main handle  887  is retained to the main actuator with a nut  889 . 
         [0050]    The apparatus  200  can be threaded onto existing drain products, such as the valves sold under the trademarks Isolator®, Hydro-Core™, and Purge &amp; Fill™ and made by Webstone Company, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.), and including the valves described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,412; 6,779,561; 7,621,295; 7,631,662; 7,681,596; 7,789,106; 7,857,002; 8,316,886; and 8,770,223, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. An apparatus with a ¾″ hose thread union connector can be used with any product having a compatible ¾″ drain valve. When connected to a fluidic system, the gauge provides a reading of the pressure and temperature inside the system. 
         [0051]    To connect the apparatus  200 , the union fitting is threaded onto a drain valve while the valve is in the “off” position, i.e., when fluid is not flowing to the drain port. After the apparatus is threaded onto a hose drain connection of a hydronic system, the drain valve (such as a ball valve) can be actuated, allowing fluid to flow to the gauge and thereby introducing the combination temperature and pressure gauge into the system. The gauge would then output a temperature and pressure that is currently in the system. 
         [0052]    The apparatus can either be left in the system to constantly provide temperature and pressure readings, or the apparatus can be removed once again. To remove the apparatus, the drain valve is first closed to isolate the gauge adaptor apparatus from the rest of the system. To release the residual pressure inside the flow channel of the apparatus, the bleeder valve can be actuated. Once the pressure is relieved from the flow channel, the apparatus can be safely removed from the drain. The cap on the drain may then be threaded back into place. 
         [0053]    The apparatus can be attached to standard hose connections, such as drain valves. A drain valve may include a ball valve for prohibiting or directing flow to the drain. 
         [0054]    One of the benefits of the gauge adaptor apparatuses described herein is their compatibility with a wide variety of valves. They can be connected to t-drains, ball drains, union ball drains, expansion tank ball drains, any ball valve with a hose end, or any product generally with a compatible hose drain. 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  shows an example of a purge valve to which gauge adaptor apparatuses of the present disclosure can be connected. The purge valve includes a valve body  60  containing a first primary loop port  62 , a second primary loop port  64 , a first secondary loop port  66  and a second secondary loop port  68 . The secondary loop ports  66 ,  68  are disposed at respective ends of a linear secondary loop portion  70  of the valve body  60 . A primary loop portion  72  of the valve body  60  is formed by a pair of “closely” spaced tees  74 ,  76  extending from the secondary loop portion  70 . At least one main valve portion  78  is disposed in at least one of the tees  76  between the secondary loop portion  70  and a primary loop port  64 . A drain/venting valve portion  80  extends from the main valve portion  78 . An end cap  81  is affixed to the valve body  60  at a drain port  83  of the drain/venting valve portion  80 . To connect a gauge adaptor apparatus to the purge valve, end cap  81  is first removed. A portion of the secondary loop portion  70  between the tees  74 ,  76  is shared with the primary loop portion in which flow in a primary loop and a secondary loop are “hydraulically separated.” 
         [0056]    A main actuator  85  extends from the valve body  60  enabling a first and second position of the main valve portion  78 . A main flow diversion device (not shown here) is connected to a main handle  87  via the main actuator  85 . The main handle  87  is retained to the main actuator with a nut  89 . A purge valve handle  91  is connected to a purge valve flow diversion device (not shown here) via a purge valve actuator (not shown here). The purge valve handle  91  is retained to the purge valve actuator by a screw  93 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  is a sectioned view of the purge valve of  FIG. 10  in normal operating position prior to attachment of a gauge adaptor apparatus. The end cap  81  is in place and the purge valve flow diversion device  103  is in a position to prevent flow to the drain. A primary loop fluid flow path  82  is shown by arrows extending into tee  74 , through the secondary loop portion  70  and into tee  76 . Fluid can flow in either direction along the primary loop fluid flow path  82 . A secondary loop flow path  84  is shown by arrows extending into the first secondary loop port  66  through the secondary loop portion  70  and out from the second secondary loop port  68 . It should be understood that a common flow of both the primary loop flow path  82  and the secondary loop flow path  84  exists in the secondary loop portion  70 . 
         [0058]    The main valve portion  78  is shown in the normal operation position in which fluid in the primary fluid flow path  82  can flow from secondary loop portion  70  through the main valve portion  78  to the primary loop port  64 . The main flow diversion device  79  in the main valve portion  78  is shown in a first position to enable flow in the primary flow path between tee  76  and the second primary loop port  64  while preventing flow to the drain/venting valve portion  80 . In this illustrative embodiment, the main flow diversion device  79  is a first ball having a through hole  95  extending through its center and a blind hole  97  extending orthogonal to the through hole to its center. The first ball is rotatable on an axis of the main actuator  85  by movement of handle  87  (best seen in  FIG. 10 ) and main actuator  85 . The first ball forms a seal with sealing portions  99  and  101 . 
         [0059]    The purge valve flow diversion device  103  in the drain/venting valve portion  80  is shown in its normally closed position in which fluid in the primary flow path  82  is prevented from flowing between the main valve portion  78  and the drain port  83 . In this illustrative embodiment, the purge valve flow diversion device  103  is a second ball having a through hole extending through its center. The second ball is rotatable on an axis of the purge valve actuator (not shown) which extends through its center and normal to the plane of drawing in  FIG. 11  by movement of purge valve handle  91  (best seen in  FIG. 10 ) and the purge valve actuator retained thereto (not shown) by screw  93 . The second ball forms a seal with sealing portions  105  and  107 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a section view of the primary/secondary loop purge valve in a purge/drain position and with a gauge adaptor apparatus  100  connected. The primary loop fluid flow path  82  is shown by arrows extending into tee  74 , through the secondary loop portion  70  and into tee  76 . Fluid in the primary flow path flows into main valve portion  78  where it is diverted by the main flow diversion device  79  into the drain/venting valve portion  80 . Because the purge valve handle is in the purge/drain position, fluid entering the drain/venting valve portion  80  can flow through the purge valve flow diversion device  103  to the drain port  83  and to the gauge adaptor apparatus  100 . Protective cap  81  has been removed. 
         [0061]    While the apparatus  100  is in fluid communication with one of the flow paths, the gauge (not shown) can take a reading of the pressure inside the system. In an alternative embodiment, if a combination temperature and pressure gauge adaptor is connected, the gauge can take a temperature reading. In that embodiment, the temperature probe would extend down the flow channel  160  and through the drain port  83 . 
         [0062]    Gauge adaptor apparatuses of the present disclosure can also be used with isolation valves. Isolation valves are used in plumbing and heating applications to control the flow of water or other fluid to and from an in-line appliance or piece of equipment for purposes of maintenance, replacement or repair. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , a hot water isolation valve  900  is shown and includes a first hot water port  902 , a second hot water port  904 , a hot water relief port  906  and a hot water drain port  908 . Hot water isolation valve  900  defines a hot water flow channel  901  and a hot water drain channel  903 . The hot water flow channel  901  provides fluid communication between the first hot water port  902  and the second hot water port  904 . The hot water drain channel  903  provides fluid communication between the first hot water port  902  and the hot water drain port  908 . The hot water isolation valve  900  includes a flow diversion device (not shown), such as a ball valve, disposed within a valve portion  910  disposed between first hot water port  902 , second hot water port  904 , hot water relief port  906  and hot water drain port  908 . Moreover, the flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration via a flow adjustment means  912 , such as a butterfly handle. In  FIG. 12 , the flow diversion device is shown in a first configuration wherein hot water flow is between first hot water port  902  and second hot water port  904 . No water flows to the drain port  908  in this configuration. A drain cap  914  is shown removed from the drain port  908 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 14 , the flow diversion device is shown in a second configuration wherein hot water flow is between first hot water port  902  and hot water drain port  908 . The flow adjustment means  912  is turned 90 degrees from the configuration shown in  FIG. 13 , directing the flow to the drain port  908 . It should be noted that hot water relief port  906  includes a threaded portion (female) for receiving a hot water relief valve. However, although hot water relief port  106  is shown having a threaded (female) portion, it should be appreciated that hot water relief port  106  may be configured for connecting with a hot water relief valve in any manner suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a threaded portion (male), a friction fit connector, a crimped connector, a clamped connector, a quick disconnect connector, or the like. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , a gauge adaptor apparatus  200  of the present invention is connected to drain port  908 . The flow channel of the apparatus  200  is in fluid communication with the water flow of the system. The apparatus is shown with the gauge removed, but it is to be understood that any gauge of the present disclosure, such as a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, or a combination pressure and temperature gauge could be connected to the gauge fitting. 
         [0066]    To attach the apparatus  200 , the drain cap  914  is removed and the union fitting of the apparatus  200  is threaded onto the drain port  908  until the washer (not shown) creates a seal between the body of the apparatus  200  and the drain port  908 . The flow adjustment means  912  is turned to redirect flow towards the drain port  908  and into the apparatus  200 , thereby incorporating apparatus  200  into the system and pressurizing it. The gauge (not shown) would then show a reading of the pressure inside the system. If the gauge included a temperature probe, it could also provide a temperature reading. 
         [0067]    The apparatus could be left in place to provide a permanent means of pressure and/or temperature readings, or it could be removed again if only a one-time reading is desired. To remove it, the flow adjustment means  912  is turned again to stop flow to the apparatus  200 . The bleeder is then turned to relieve the pressure built up in the flow channel. Once the pressure is released, the union nut can be safely twisted off to remove the apparatus. 
         [0068]    Certain aspects of the invention involve a method for taking a gauge reading from a hydronic system.  FIG. 15  shows generally the steps of the method  700 . A gauge adaptor apparatus is provided  713 . The apparatus has a flow channel running therethrough and is provided with a fitting at one end of the flow channel connectable to a drain valve of a hydronic system. The gauge adaptor apparatus includes another fitting for connecting to a gauge, also in fluid communication with the flow channel. The gauge can be a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, or a combination pressure and temperature gauge. The gauge adaptor apparatus also includes a bleeder valve in fluid communication with the flow channel. The bleeder valve is operable to relieve pressure from the flow channel. 
         [0069]    The method  700  further involves connecting  719  the union fitting of the apparatus to a drain valve of a hydronic system. The drain valve may include a drain cap, which is removed prior to connection with the gauge adaptor apparatus. The drain valve is operably connected to a flow control device, such as a ball valve, which controls fluid flow to the drain valve. While the flow control device is in a first position preventing flow to the drain valve, the gauge adaptor apparatus can be connected to the drain valve. 
         [0070]    Once connected, the flow control device can be moved to a second position, thereby directing  725  fluid the flow to the drain valve and thereby to the gauge adaptor apparatus, thus incorporating the gauge adaptor apparatus into the system. The method  700  further involves taking  731  a reading from the gauge. The reading may be a pressure reading, a temperature reading, or both. 
         [0071]    In embodiments of the method  700 , the gauge adaptor apparatus is then disconnected from the system. The flow diversion device is reoriented to its first position to once again block flow to the drain valve, effectively removing the gauge adaptor apparatus from the hydronic system. The bleeder is actuated to release residual pressure inside the gauge adaptor apparatus and return pressure to ambient pressure at which it is safe to remove the apparatus. The gauge adaptor apparatus is then disconnected from the drain valve. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0072]    Any and all references and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
       Equivalents 
       [0073]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein.