Alfred M. Moen,died April 17 at his home in Destin, Fla. He was best known for his invention of the single-handle mixing faucet. Its creation eventually led to the formation of Moen Inc. His business card identified him as "inventor." He headed Moen's research and development group until his retirement in 1982. Moen held 75 patents, including the replaceable cartridge (eliminating washers), the screen aerator, push-button shower valve diverter, swivel spray, pressure balancing shower valve and flow control aerator. He also held many patents in fields unrelated to plumbing. Moen's headquarters in North Olmsted, Ohio is located on Al Moen Drive.
Ron Crowell, national sales manager for Pearl Baths for the past 11 years, died April 6 of bladder cancer. He spent most of his 36-year plumbing industry career as a salesman for Moen, but also served for brief periods with Grohe and two Minneapolis area wholesalers.
