Abstract: A retractable awning is provided with a multiple position pivot support adapted-for mounting the awning in different installations. A flange of a mounting bracket fits in one of several slots in the support according to a wall and awning rail structure. A roller is provided with a notch into which is wedged a rope in a hem pocket of the awning. The notch retains the rope and holds the awning taut. Rafter arms a pivotably attached to slides held in slideways on external faces of support arms. A stop and latch mechanism hold the rafter in an extended position so that pivoting of the support arms does not change tension of the awning. An improved roller lock uses a pair of pawls engaging a gear. A spring biases the lock to either of two engaged positions.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable shelf for a refrigerator includes a mounting assembly which cooperates with a pair of vertically extending tracks to position the adjustable shelf at a plurality of predetermined positions, a support assembly is carried by the mounting assembly and movable relative to the mounting assembly so that the support assembly can be positioned at each position between the plurality of predetermined positions, and an encapsulated shelf carried by the support assembly. The mounting assembly has a pair of vertical rack gears and a pair of track mounting brackets which engage the tracks. The support assembly includes a knob centrally located at a forward end of the shelf and a gear box connecting the knob with the rack gears so that the support assembly moves relative to the mounting assembly when the knob is turned.

Abstract: An ice maker water supply line is provided with a heater. The heater is controlled by a thermally operated switch. The temperature sensor of the switch senses ambient temperature and operates the heater to prevent freezing of the water supply line. The ice maker is provided in an absorption refrigerator in a recreational vehicle. The supply line runs up the back of the refrigerator in a passage for cooling air flow.

Abstract: A water filter assembly mounted to an inner surface of a refrigerator and accessible from within a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a replaceable filter cartridge. The first and second housing parts cooperate to define a fluid-tight chamber for receipt of the filter cartridge. The first housing part includes an inlet port through which unfiltered water may be introduced into the chamber and an outlet port through which filtered water may exit the chamber. The second housing part surrounds a portion of the first housing part and provides a volume sufficient to hold the filter cartridge and any water within the chamber when the second housing part is released from the first housing part to replace the filter cartridge, and thereby prevents or minimizes spillage of water from the filter assembly during filter cartridge replacement.

Abstract: An industrial textile processing machine having a washing chamber supported by a support structure secured to a pedestal support. The support structure is provided with a piezoelectric dynamic sensor used to sense stress on the support structure caused by vibrations of the washing chamber that result from an unbalanced load. The sensor is electrically connected to a signal conditioner which is, in turn, connected to a microprocessor that controls the machine. The sensor produces an output signal that is conditioned by a signal conditioner and then used by a microprocessor to extrapolate a control decision for the machine. The sensor is used to sense the presence of an unbalanced when the machine is operating at low speeds. If an unbalanced condition is sensed, the washer will redistribute the load so that it is sufficiently balanced before entering into high speed operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a temperature regulation system for providing heating and cooling for an interior of a truck. The temperature regulation system may be operated for an extended period of time without relying on the truck's engine or start battery for power. Therefore, the apparatus is ideal for heating and cooling a sleeping compartment within the truck while the engine is not running. The temperature regulation system comprises a climate control unit having a power control board, a control terminal having operator adjustable controls, a power inverter having a direct current input and an alternating current output, and a secondary battery.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine. The fuel delivery system includes a carburetor housing having an air passage with a throttle valve disposed therein. The air passage has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is in communication with the engine. Means are provided for simultaneously opening the throttle valve, restricting air flow into the air passage and injecting a predetermined volume of fuel into the air passage before the engine is started. Other means are provided for automatically adjusting the restriction of air flow and the predetermined volume of fuel to compensate for changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from an outlet of the dispensing tank to a floor cleaning spray nozzle through a supply tube which is controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle which is controlled by a trigger valve. A valve is provided in the outlet of said dispensing tank. The valve has a stem moveable between a closed position sealing the outlet and an open position providing fluid communication between the dispensing tank and the nozzle.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a deck having an inner surface forming a cutting chamber, a cutting blade disposed within the cutting chamber, a drive motor for rotating the cutting blade within the cutting chamber, and a separate wear-resistant liner removably attached to the deck and covering at least a portion of the inner surface of the deck. The liner conforms to the shape of the deck and is formed of a wear-resistant plastic material which substantially increases the life of the deck under abrasive conditions such as sandy soil. Other embodiments are disclosed wherein an integral layer of wear-resistant plastic is formed directly on the inner surface of the deck and wherein a separate rigid liner having an integral layer of wear-resistant plastic formed directly thereon is removably attached to the inner surface of the deck. The wear-resistant plastic is preferably a urethane polymer or a polyurethane elastomer.

Abstract: An inner liner is installed in an outer shell. A breaker panel assembly has four panels and four corners that form a rectangle. The assembly closes an insulation space around the front door opening between the liner and shell. Retainers on the panels engage the liner and shell. Retainers on the corners engage the panels an permit slight movements of the panels. Foam insulation is injected in the insulation space. The breaker assembly complements the inner door contour to minimize the air gap and exposed surface of the door gasket.

Abstract: A pair of support assemblies for an upper rack of a washer. Each of the support assemblies includes an arm, a bracket, a carriage, and a lever. The arms each have a plurality of vertical teeth. The carriages are movably disposed within the tracks. The carriages are respectively joined to the arms and each have a pair of wheels rotatably mounted thereto. The brackets are respectively attached to opposing side structures of the upper rack. The brackets each define a passage through which one of the arms extends. The brackets are movable along the arms so as to permit the upper rack to be movable between a plurality of vertical positions. A pair of levers are respectively joined to the brackets and each have a detent. The detents are engaged with the arms so as to lock the brackets to the arms at a first one of the vertical positions.

Abstract: A washer having a pair of offset legs. In addition to the offset legs, the washer includes a tub, a front frame and a rear frame. The tub defines a wash chamber with a front opening and includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The front frame has a pair of legs respectively disposed adjacent to the opposing side walls of the tub toward the front opening. The rear frame has a pair of horizontal legs with outer ends and a pair of vertical supports. The vertical supports are disposed rearward from the legs of the front frame. The horizontal legs are secured to the vertical supports and extend forward therefrom to the outer ends. The offset legs each have a neck and an upright member. The necks are offset forward of the upright members and are respectively secured to the legs of the front frame. The upright members are respectively secured to the horizontal legs toward the outer ends.

Abstract: A lock assembly for an awning roller adapted for having an awning rolled thereon and rotationally supported by a rod includes first and second pawls. The first pawl prevents relative rotation between the roller and the rod in one direction and the second pawl prevents relative rotation between the roller and the rod in the other direction. An end cap is mounted on an end of the roller and forms a gear which rotates with the roller. The gear has teeth forming stops. A cup-shaped housing faces the end of the roller at the gear and is secured to the rod to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The first and second pawls are pivotally mounted to said support for engaging the stops and engaging generally opposite sides of the gear. A leaf spring biases the first and second pawls toward engagement with the stops.

Abstract: A method of washing objects in a dishwasher having upper and lower spray arms within a wash chamber and a sump filter. Wash liquid entering a sump from the wash chamber to be recirculated by a pump is filtered the filter to prevent soils from entering the sump and being recirculated. When the lower spray arm is operating, wash liquid is directly sprayed onto the filter from a clean-out nozzle on the lower spray arm to clean soils off the filter and prevent the filter from clogging. During a pre-wash cycle and at least one pre-rinse cycle, wash liquid is continuously sprayed from only the lower spray arm to prevent the filter from clogging when heavy soils are removed. During a wash cycle and at least one rinse cycle, wash liquid is alternately sprayed from the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm when the heavy soils have already been removed and it is less likely the filter will become clogged.

Abstract: A power-driven lawn mower including a push-pull cable having a core connecting a bail arm pivotally supported on the handle and a clutch mechanism which engages and disengages the drive system. A control case is secured to the handle between the bail arm and the clutch assembly and has a side wall which forms a longitudinally extending groove with an open outer side. The handle engages the control case adjacent the outward side of the groove. A self-adjusting mechanism for the cable includes a slider longitudinally movable within the groove of the control case, a spring element, and a lock pin. The slider engages a rear end of a conduit of the cable and has a rack of longitudinally spaced ratchet teeth thereon. The spring element forwardly urges the slider toward the rear end of the conduit.

Abstract: An industrial textile processing machine having a washing chamber supported by a support structure secured to a pedestal support. The support structure is provided with a piezoelectric dynamic sensor used to sense stress on the support structure caused by vibrations of the washing chamber that result from an unbalanced load. The sensor is electrically connected to a signal conditioner which is, in turn, connected to a microprocessor that controls the machine. The sensor produces an output signal that is conditioned by a signal conditioner and then used by a microprocessor to extrapolate a control decision for the machine. The sensor is used to sense the presence of an unbalanced when the machine is operating at low speeds. If an unbalanced condition is sensed, the washer will redistribute the load so that it is sufficiently balanced before entering into high speed operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator-freezer unit having upper and lower storage compartments which are separated by a divider member. The lower compartment functions as a freezer and the upper compartment is selectively operable as either a freezer or a refrigerator.