Abstract: It is known to form one or more faucet mounting holes in the deck portion of a metal sink. To separate the sink deck from the underlying countertop, a gasket is inserted between the sink and countertop in alignment with the holes. This method of construction sometimes results in a skink of inadequate strength to resist bending or warping of the deck around the holes when a faucet is secured on the deck, In addition, such holes often have sharp edges, which may cut through the brass supply tubes of a faucet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum breaker and backflow prevention device for a faucet comprising a body member having a tubular outlet portion integrally joined by a web to a tubular inlet portion of larger diameter than the outlet portion, the web having a plurality of vent holes therethrough and peripherally supporting a flexible, resilient diaphragm and overlying plate member. The plate member has an outer region provided with a plurality of through holes and a central depending shank portion extending through a central hole in the diaphragm. The tubular inlet portion has internal screw threads for attachment to a faucet outlet member whereby the plate and diaphragm are retained in the tubular inlet portion by the outlet member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proportioning valve which is of simple design compared to prior art arrangements and is easily constructed. The valve comprises lower and upper body members, the lower body member having a chamber region closed off by a flexible diaphragm of elastomeric material or, in an alternative arrangement, two diaphragms. The bottom of the chamber region has first and second inlets and the wall of the chamber has at least one outlet. Two cam followers are secured above the diaphragm, for axial movement only, in alignment with the inlets and they co-operate with a face cam which is movable both axially and rotationally. Rotation of the face cam results in one cam follower moving up, while the other moves down, thus resulting in movement of one portion of the diaphragm towards its associated inlet while the other moves away from its associated inlet, thereby controlling the relative rates of flow of liquid into the chamber region from the inlets.

Abstract: A clamp which comprises a metal band adapted to be wrapped around a pipe over a suitable gasket. The longitudinal edges of the band are secured to lug bars, one having fingers secured to it and the other having threaded bolts secured to it. The free ends of the bolts are each provided with a nut and washer soldered together to form a nut/washer combination. Each finger is generally U-shaped including a base portion and two leg portions. The bottom edges of the legs adjacent their free ends are welded to a lug bar. The legs converge over a part of their length from a first spacing in the region of the base portion sufficient to accommodate a nut/washer to a second spacing in the region of the lug bar sufficient to accommodate a bolt but not a nut/washer. The top edges of the converging parts of the legs slope outwardly with respect to the bottom edges. The legs have flat ends to accommodate a nut/washer and tabs adjacent the top edges restrain the nut/washer against outward movement while the nut is tightened.

Abstract: There is a requirement when using toilets to prevent and/or remove the accumulation of odor-causing substances from the sidewall of the toilet bowl. This can easily be accomplished with ceramic toilets where the water is directed to swirl around by angled holes formed in the flushing rim. However, in stainless steel toilets, the material is too thin to form angled holes and the water has previously simply entered a flushing rim and run vertically down the wall of the toilet. This invention is an improvement in the flushing rim portion of a stainless steel toilet which causes the water to swirl around as in ceramic toilets, to effectively clean the inside of the toilet bowl. Instead of drilled holes, the rim has upturned notches in its lower wall which cause the flushing water to spray the toilet bowl wall in an overlapping pattern. The notches also contribute to the swirling action of the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable cartridge for a fluid valve which uses a simple O-ring to seal with the housing in which the cartridge is received. The valve comprises a body member having an axial inlet opening at one end and at least one transverse outlet opening. A valve seat is secured in the inlet opening and a valve means is positioned in the body member for axial movement toward and away from the seat. The seat extends beyond the body member and has a circumferentially extending groove to receive an O-ring for providing a seal with a housing in which the cartridge is received.

Abstract: A pulsating spray head is provided for attachment to a source of fluid under pressure, e.g. water, which is of simple construction and provides for effective pulsations. The head comprises a housing in which is mounted a body portion which is closed off by a primary plate having a plurality of rows of radially extending perforations. A pulse disc is retained within the body portion and has a conical face resting on the primary plate. Fluid flow through the body portion causes the disc to roll around on the primary plate and sequentially block the rows of perforations in the primary plate whereby pressure fluctuations are caused in fluid exiting the primary plate. In a preferred embodiment, an orifice plate is secured in spaced relation to the primary plate to form at least one pressure chamber therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement which enables highly efficient and convenient food preparation. The arrangement comprises a sink having two adjacent basins. A colander and a cutting board are arranged in one of the sinks in such a way that the cutting board is supported by the top edge of the sink while the colander is slidably supported on rails beneath the cutting board. The colander is conveniently storable beneath the cutting board but, in use, is simply slid out from beneath the cutting board whereby food chopped up on the cutting board can be scraped off into the colander for rising or draining. An overflow region may be provided in the dividing wall between the two sinks so that if one sink becomes blocked, water overflows into the second sink, and hence to the drain, rather than overflowing onto the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid metering valve unit, particularly for water. The unit uses a dash-pot mechanism filled with metering liquid such as water, silicone oil or a mixture of water and glycerine. The dash-pot mechanism is a closed system. The unit comprises a sleeve member having an axial bore and a transverse bore communicating with the axial bore. One end of the axial bore connects to a liquid supply and the transverse bore connects to an outlet. A valve stem in the axial bore is slidable between an open position and a closed position in which a resilient seat washer seals the end of the axial bore. A spring biasses the stem toward the closed position and the stem can be manually moved to the open position. Movement of the stem to the closed position is controlled by a dash-pot mechanism or regulating means comprising a cup washer secured to the stem and disposed within a liquid-filled chamber betwen the stem and sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter for use in a faucet of the type having a removable cartridge member receivable in an underbody member, the cartridge member carrying a cam member, at least one cam follower member and a valve member actuated by the cam follower member upon movement of the cam to control fluid communication between a spout and a source of water. The filter member is removably attached to a projection on the valve member and moves with it within a passage in the underbody member through which water flows from the source. By this means, large particles are prevented by the filter from entering the faucet. The filter comprises an inner annular member, an outer annular ring member, and a plurality of flat web connecting members extending radially between the inner and outer annular members. The inner annular member has a through hole which tapers from a first diameter to a second diameter so that the inner annular member can be forced over a head portion on the projection whereafter it is latched thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a discharge drain assembly (for use in a sink) including a drain body and a plug assembly adapted to fit in the drain body which features limited rotational movement between an open and a closed position. The plug includes a stainless steel strainer with an integral hollow knob having opposed sides which are inwardly concave. The knob securely but releasably retains a slotted head portion of a spindle. The spindle has a neck portion for receiving a sealing washer and a lower body portion including three leg portions. The leg portions support the plug in the open position, restrain rotation in a first direction beyond the open position, and cam the plug to the closed position when rotated in a direction opposite said first direction. The structure substantially eliminates a "finding" problem common in prior art arrangements and provides a good seal in the closed position.