Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a housing that functions as a stop for an actuating mechanism of the valve cartridge to define a range of flow rates and/or temperatures for which the water flowing through the valve cartridge is delivered.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge includes a spring that isolates frictional forces between dynamic sealing elements in the valve cartridge and loads applied to the valve cartridge and transmitted to the dynamic sealing elements from an actuating mechanism of the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has one or more lobular keys formed on a housing of the valve cartridge. The lobular keys interface with keyways formed in a valve body.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has one or more lobular keys formed on a housing of the valve cartridge. The lobular keys interface with keyways formed in a valve body.

Abstract: A hygienic article having a first member (12) connected to a second member (18) to form a tooth brush. A protective cover member (52) is attached to the second member (18) to allow storage within a pocket or purse.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge includes a spring that isolates frictional forces between dynamic sealing elements in the valve cartridge and loads applied to the valve cartridge and transmitted to the dynamic sealing elements from an actuating mechanism of the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has one or more lobular keys formed on a housing of the valve cartridge. The lobular keys interface with keyways formed in a valve body.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge includes an actuating mechanism, wherein an amount of force required to operate the actuating mechanism is insensitive to a load applied to the valve cartridge during installation of the valve cartridge in a valve body. Accordingly, the valve cartridge can operate over a wide range of installation loads and can be properly installed without using a specialized tool or mechanism.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a low point of contact for installing the valve cartridge in a valve body. A retention nut bears down on the low point of contact to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a housing that functions as a stop for an actuating mechanism of the valve catridge to define a range of flow rates and/or temperatures for which the water flowing through the valve cartridge is delivered.

Abstract: One-handle and two-handle valve cartridges have an increased maximum flow rate and/or a decreased size (e.g., volume). Accordingly, the valve cartridges achieve an improved flow rate to volume relationship.

Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus or biopassage (A) includes a housing (20) dimensioned for receipt in a waterway during an increased flow event. The housing has a passage: (26) that provides a region of reduced flow generally irrespective of the flow external to the passage. A flow disrupter (50) disturbs laminar flow in the waterway above the passage. A preferred embodiment of the disrupter includes surfaces (52, 54) disposed in angled relation relative to a common apex (60) located above a longitudinal opening (30) of the passage. The surfaces include a series of peaks and valleys formed by angled planar portions (56) in one arrangement. A deflector (NC) is positioned upstream of an inlet end (40) of the passage to direct water away from the passage.

Abstract: An RFID device is embedded in a precise location in tires during manufacture. The RFID device can provide extensive data regarding the tire such as identification number, date of manufacture and rotational count of the tire in use. During manufacture, the RFID device is placed on the carcass, the carcass is then positioned within the band layer and is thereafter expanded into sealing engagement with the band layer.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing for supporting a spinning shaft in the radial direction and/or the axial direction includes a rotor formed on the shaft and a stator positioned around the rotor. Poles in the stator creates a magnetic field that supports the rotor. The number of poles is at least sufficient to produce a selected control force if there is an at least partial loss of current to one or more of the poles. The bearing also includes a set of permanent magnetic elements associated with the poles that create a homopolar, bias magnetic field. A controller connected to the poles is programmed with instructions to change the current to each pole in response to at least a partial loss of current to one or more of the poles and can include a current distribution matrix for determining a current value for each pole in such instances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing sediment from a waterway using a high pressure water spray and a suction line (22) is disclosed. The high pressure water is directed through a pressure line (20) that may be mounted inside the suction line (22). The high pressure water helps to suspend sediment that has settled in the waterway. Water and suspended sediment is then vacuumed up by the suction line (22) and deposited outside the water for further treatment or disposal. The apparatus (12) is designed to be hand-held by an individual situated in the waterway, such that great control over which specific locations within the waterway are being treated.

Abstract: A spray head for a faucet or the like has a wand body defining a flow path from an inlet to first and second outlets. Diverter seats are provided so a face seal on a diverter spool can direct flow to the first or second outlet. The spool is positioned by a trigger acting on cam surfaces formed on a toggle. A spring biases the toggle to one of two stable states. Movement of the spool by the trigger causes the toggle to change states so subsequent actuation of the trigger causes the spool to move in the opposite direction. The wand body also has a pause button that reciprocates in a chamber that is part of the flow path. The chamber includes a valve seat and the pause button has a spool having a face seal that is engageable with the valve seat to shut off flow through the spray head. A return spring causes separation of the pause button's face seal upon release of pressure on the pause button.