Abstract: A method for measuring a corner travel index for a vehicle. The method includes elevating a first tire on the vehicle and a second tire on the vehicle from a horizontal plane defining a ground level, where the first tire is opposite the second tire. The method further includes ceasing to raise the first tire and the second tire at the highest point at which any non-elevated tires remain on the ground level and measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the first tire. The method additionally includes measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the second tire and calculating a corner travel index.

Abstract: A method for measuring a corner travel index for a vehicle. The method includes elevating a first tire on the vehicle and a second tire on the vehicle from a horizontal plane defining a ground level, where the first tire is opposite the second tire. The method further includes ceasing to raise the first tire and the second tire at the highest point at which any non-elevated tires remain on the ground level and measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the first tire. The method additionally includes measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the second tire and calculating a corner travel index.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes a first blade. The first blade includes at least some of the light fixtures in the first array of light fixtures. The system additionally includes a second blade. The second blade includes at least some of the light fixtures in the second array of light fixtures. The system moreover includes a support. The support configured to receive the first blade and connect the first blade to a power supply.

Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an inner elastomer. The inner elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. The flexible joint insert further includes an outer elastomer. The outer elastomer is harder than the inner elastomer. An interface between the inner elastomer and the outer elastomer is fused and a portion of the outer elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The outer elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.

Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an inner elastomer. The inner elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. The flexible joint insert further includes an outer elastomer. The outer elastomer is harder than the inner elastomer. An interface between the inner elastomer and the outer elastomer is fused and a portion of the outer elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The outer elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.

Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing, where the housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a joint insert. The joint insert includes a first section and a second section attached to the first section at an attachment point. The joint insert also includes an inner sleeve, where the inner sleeve includes a first portion in the first section of the joint insert and a second portion in the second section of the joint insert. The inner sleeve also includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device and an external surface. The joint insert further includes an elastomer, where the elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve, a portion of the elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing, and the elastomer is not permanently attached to the internal surface.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream and an upstream shutoff valve, wherein the upstream shutoff valve is configured to allow a user to control water flow through the housing. The backflow prevention device further includes a downstream shutoff valve. At least on one of the shutoff valves includes an obstruction, wherein the obstruction is configured to prevent water flow at a first position, allow water flow at a second position and rotate from first position to second position about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the direction of the water flow stream as the water flow stream passes the obstruction and positioned such that the water flow stream passes the obstruction at openings spaced about the axis when in the second position.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes three or more plants in a grow area, wherein the centers of least three of the three or more plants are not substantially coincident to a line located on any plane. The system also includes a first array of light fixtures and a second array of light fixtures. Each of the light fixtures in the first array of light fixtures and second array of light fixtures are positioned vertically such that at least a portion of each of the light fixtures is below the top of the three or more plants, are located such that each plant is exposed to the light from at least two of the light fixtures and are arranged in a flanking pattern around each plant. The system further includes a spacer, the spacer configured to maintain a desired distance between the first array of light fixtures and second array of light fixtures.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes a first power supply, the first power supply configured to supply power to the first array of light fixtures and a second power supply, the second power supply configured to supply power to the second array of light fixtures. The system additionally includes a daisy chain, the daisy chain configured to receive power from the first power supply and supply power to the second power supply and including a plug, the plug configured to insert into a socket in the second array of light fixtures.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes a first blade. The first blade includes at least some of the light fixtures in the first array of light fixtures. The system additionally includes a second blade. The second blade includes at least some of the light fixtures in the second array of light fixtures. The system moreover includes a support. The support configured to receive the first blade and connect the first blade to a power supply.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes two or more plants in a grow area. The system also includes an array of light fixtures. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are positioned vertically such that at least a portion of each of the light fixtures is at or below the top of the two or more plants. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are also located such that each plant is exposed to the light from at least two of the light fixtures. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are further arranged in a flanking pattern around each plant. At least one of the light fixtures is positioned between at least two of the two or more plants.

Abstract: A flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing, where the housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a joint insert. The joint insert includes a first section and a second section attached to the first section at an attachment point. The joint insert also includes an inner sleeve, where the inner sleeve includes a first portion in the first section of the joint insert and a second portion in the second section of the joint insert. The inner sleeve also includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device and an external surface. The joint insert further includes an elastomer, where the elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve, a portion of the elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing, and the elastomer is not permanently attached to the internal surface.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device. The backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a water flow stream. The housing includes an inlet configured to connect to a water supply and an outlet configured to connect to a system that uses water. The backflow prevention device also includes an upstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and an upstream indicator post. The upstream indicator post is substantially parallel to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is closed and is substantially perpendicular to the water flow if the upstream butterfly valve is open. The backflow prevention device further includes a downstream butterfly valve configured to allow a user to control the water flow stream through the housing and a downstream indicator post.

Abstract: An adjustable shear key for connecting a first element to a second element. The adjustable shear key includes a body. The body includes a first portion configured to mate with a keyseat in a first element and a second portion configured to mate with a keyway in a second element. The body is configured to prevent relative motion in at least one direction of the first element relative to the second element. The adjustable shear key also includes a designed flaw passing through the body, where the alignment of the designed flaw is parallel to the interface of the first element and the second element. The designed flaw is configured to allow the body to shear at a predetermined shear force.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an elastomer. The elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. A portion of the elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.

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.