Abstract: A venetian blind assembly is provided in which each of the slats are provided with at least two pairs of holes, with the pairs of holes being spaced from each other along the lengths of the slats and with the holes of each pair being located across the width of the slat from each other and adjacent to opposite edges of the slats. Each of the holes is connected to adjacent edges of the slat by a slit, whereby the rung cords of the ladder assembly supporting the slats may be inserted through the slits into the holes to retain the slats in a predetermined position. The lifting cords for the blinds are located beyond the edges of the slats, such that when the vertical cords of the ladder assemblies are vertically adjusted with respect to each other, the slats may be moved to a closed position wherein the lower edge of one slat engages the top surface of the other to more completely prevent the infiltration of light or sound or the movement of air therebetween.

Abstract: A skylight window covering has a frame affixed to the room vertical or ceiling walls with a central opening lying opposite the skylight. A length of pleated fabric has one end secured to the frame and an opposite end held by a movable rail with ends sliding along the frame. A helically grooved rod has its ends journaled at one end to a 90.degree. gear box and is threaded within a nut on the end of the movable rail such that rod rotation adjustably positions the rail and pleated fabric. Resilient supports prevent the rod from drooping and are temporarily moved aside as the rail moves therepast and immediately spring back to supporting position. Adjustment driving of the rod can be accomplished manually or by a handheld electric motor.

Abstract: The adjustment cords of a window blind extend downwardly over a first pin fixedly located within a headrail. A second pin in the headrail adjacent the fixed pin has its ends slidably received in a slot enabling movement in a plane closely adjacent to the first pin. The second pin is in continuous contact with the cords and the relative dimensions of the pins and the cofining constraints of the headrail are such that for the standard diameter of the cord, locking engagement will be obtained when the two pins are located in the same horizontal plane. The guide slot for the second pin allows the pin to move to a point past the horizontal plane of normal locking engagement and closer to the fixed pin enabling locking engagement even if the cord diameter is less than normal. The second pin is constructed of a leaded steel subjected to sandblasting which produces a rough and pitted surface on the pin enhancing frictional engagement with the cord.

Abstract: A venetian blind tilter mechanism housing has a first surface which bears against the front wall of the headrail, and a longitudinally extending slot on the surface facing the headrail back wall forming a spring plate which fits under a downwardly turned headrail back wall edge securing the housing within the headrail. The tilter mechanism has a spur gear received onto a control axle for common rotation. The spur gear has a smooth peripheral portion extending for a substantial angular extent that lacks gear teeth with conventional gear teeth over the remainder. An elongated shaft with a worm gear extends upwardly into the housing through an opening in the headrail bottom wall for meshing engagement with the spur gear.

Abstract: A cord lock having a first movable pin at one side of the cord, the other side of the cord being supported by a fixed pin, the movable pin pinching or clamping the cord against the fixed pin. The movable pin has toothed end portions and splines in the central portion. The toothed end portions mesh with racks within a housing to maintain a constant attitude for the moving pin and the splines engage the cords. A rectangular guide slides into the open end of the headrail with a first molded plastic part fitting over the open end of the headrail and end of the guide. The cord lock housing fits onto the molded plastic part and is free to rotate within the part providing self adjustment of the cord during use.

Abstract: A siphon for transferring fluid from a container to either another container at lower elevation or to a disposal area. The siphon includes a tube having an improved one way check valve which valve is inserted into the first container and, by merely shaking the tube up and down, fluid flows by gravity into the second container or disposal area. The valve includes a valve housing having a throughbore with one end of the housing coupled to the tube and the other end mating with an internal movable cup-shaped element to thereby prevent fluid flow past the element when seated in the other end of the valve housing while permitting fluid flow through the valve housing and into the tube when the element moves away from its seating position.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus interconnects with a venetian blind slat ladder assembly for positioning the blind slats at any desired angular relationship and includes a detent that is moved during slat positioning and when a limit stop is reached exerts a back pressure onto the drive apparatus. When the back pressure exceeds a predetermined amount, this causes the drive shaft to overcome a retarding leaf spring pressure and thereby slip rather than drive the slat ladders.