Abstract: A mechanical-coupling device is described. The mechanical-coupling device includes a toggle bolt with a fixture in a bolt head that remateably mechanically couples to an attachment tool. The device may further include an anchor nut having an anchor wing or tab. During mechanical coupling of the anchor nut to the bolt with a mounting material, such as a wall, countertop or sink, between the bolt head and the anchor nut, the fixture may convey a pulling force, from the attachment tool, that results in fixing a position of the anchor nut with the anchor wing or tab in a deployed position. Moreover, the fixture may convey a rotational torque, from the attachment tool, about a symmetry axis of the bolt that rotates the bolt relative to the fixed position of the anchor nut so that a distance between the bolt head and the anchor nut decreases.

Abstract: A faucet assembly device which includes an adapter having a bolt with an axially extending internally threaded bore, and an anchor tab which extends axially from the bolt and includes a radially extending protrusion is disclosed. The adapter is configured to rotatably mechanically couple to an outer surface of a faucet fixture and mount the faucet fixture through a hole in a barrier such as a countertop or sink from a faucet side of the barrier so that the anchor tab may hold the faucet fixture securely on the barrier. The device may also include an alignment tool which allows measurement of a thickness of the barrier and provides alignment of the adapter on the faucet fixture at a position corresponding to the thickness of the barrier. Also disclosed are kits which include the adapter and alignment tool, and methods of use of the devices and kits.

Abstract: A backflow prevention apparatus of light weight, modular construction which provides quick and easy access to internal check valves. The backflow prevention apparatus generally comprises a tubular valve body having a lateral opening, at least one check valve positioned within the flow stream of the tubular valve body, a movable sleeve which fits over the valve body and is configured to cover the lateral opening in the valve body, and seals, associated with the sleeve valve body, for providing a fluid tight seal between the sleeve and valve body. The tubular valve body has openings at first and second ends, and the lateral opening is flangeless. Preferably, the backflow preventer includes a first, upstream check valve and a second, downstream check valve each having thereon a stop or ridge thereon.

Abstract: A check valve apparatus, usable in a double check valve backflow preventer apparatus, comprising a valve seat, a clapper pivotally coupled to the valve seat, a seal positioned to sealingly engage the clapper and valve seat when the clapper is closed against the seat, and a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism includes a first linkage element pivotally associated with the valve seat at a first pivot point located upstream from the seal, a second linkage element which is pivotally coupled to the first linkage element at a second pivot point, and which is pivotally associated with the clapper at a third pivot point, and a bias element associated with at least one of the linkage elements and configured to exert a closure force on the clapper.

Abstract: An image comparison apparatus and method for use in preoperative planning procedures which provides for superposition of a transparent medium with an image thereon, such as a medical x-ray, and a computer-interfaced display screen, and which allows a user to size, orient and spatially manipulate a digital image of on the display screen with respect to the superimposed medical transparency. A computer associated with the display screen periodically receives information updates for displayable images from product and advertising sources and electronic catalogs. The computer also transfers data to market services.

Abstract: A double check valve backflow prevention apparatus of lightweight modular construction. The apparatus comprises a primary housing component having a flangeless lateral opening, a first check valve module which fits within the lateral opening a second check valve module which also fits within the lateral opening a central housing component, with the central housing fitting within the lateral opening between the first check valve module and second check valve module. A first fluid tight seal is positioned between the first check valve module and central housing component, and a second fluid tight seal is positioned between the second check valve module and central housing component. A third fluid tight seal is positioned between the first check valve module and the primary housing component, and a fourth fluid tight seal is positioned between the second check valve module and the primary housing component.

Abstract: A dual check valve backflow prevention apparatus of lightweight, compact construction which provides low flow losses and which maintains a small positive pressure differential under static flow conditions via use of a magnetic valve closure mechanism. The apparatus comprises a main valve housing which contains two check valve assemblies. Each check valve assembly has a clapper valve which uses a low friction magnetic pull closure force and drip tight seals in the forward flow direction for maintaining a small positive pressure differential under static conditions. The magnetic bias for the closure force is preferably located in the center of the flow stream. An additional closure force may be provided by a spring or gravity assistance.

Abstract: A combination diaphragm and seal device for valves which replaces a conventional bolt down diaphragm, and which permits automatic control valves and other valves to be closured by an industry standard groove coupler rather than a plurality of bolts through an external flange on the valve body. The diaphragm portion has a flat circular section with a central bore. This portion may be reinforced by a fabric layer and may or may not include a convolute for extra flexibility. The diaphragm portion is overlaid within and across the interior diameter of the groove coupler seal portion at about the midpoint thereof.

Abstract: A valve actuator for an automatic fluid control valve actuator which fits an Ames Company predetermined size valve housing and which is also suitable for use in a Cla-Val automatic fluid control valve housing of the same predetermined size and which valve actuator is interchangeable with the actuator of each respective manufacturer. The valve actuators range from 4 inches up to 12 inches and can be used as the original actuator of a set size within the range in either manufacturer's housing. The actuator includes a main body disposed on a shaft with a diaphragm and a diaphragm disk plate adjacent the main body on the shaft, all of which are retained by nuts threadedly engaged to the shaft.