Abstract: An external weld bead removal system for removing and chopping an external weld bead from a tube includes a weld bead cutting apparatus and a weld bead chopper apparatus for chopping the removed external weld bead. The weld bead cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool operative to cut and remove an external weld bead from a tube. The weld bead chopper apparatus, the weld bead chopper apparatus includes a first blade member, a second blade member mounted adjacent the first blade member, and a chopper actuator operable to forcibly rotate the first blade member about a rotation axis relative to the second blade member such that the first and second blade members cooperatively cut the removed external weld bead into smaller weld bead segments as the removed external weld bead is advanced through the chopper apparatus.

Abstract: An external weld bead removal system for removing and chopping an external weld bead from a tube includes a weld bead cutting apparatus and a weld bead chopper apparatus for chopping the removed external weld bead. The weld bead cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool operative to cut and remove an external weld bead from a tube. The weld bead chopper apparatus, the weld bead chopper apparatus includes a first blade member, a second blade member mounted adjacent the first blade member, and a chopper actuator operable to forcibly rotate the first blade member about a rotation axis relative to the second blade member such that the first and second blade members cooperatively cut the removed external weld bead into smaller weld bead segments as the removed external weld bead is advanced through the chopper apparatus.

Abstract: The invention includes an unbalanced horizontal blind with a spring means to provide a lifting or retraction force for the slats of the blinds. A brake means prevents undesired movement of the slats that would otherwise result from the continuous retraction force of the spring means when the slats are set in a desired position. Controls for the release of the brake means and tilting are also provided in an embodiment of a blind of the invention. An embodiment of the invention permits the blind to be operated by a single wand that can be used to either raise the slats or tilt the slats. This eliminates the need for a loose cord or bead chain that would traditionally be used as the user interface for controlling the movement of the slats of the blind.

Abstract: The invention includes an unbalanced horizontal blind with a spring means to provide a lifting or retraction force for the slats of the blinds. A brake means prevents undesired movement of the slats that would otherwise result from the continuous retraction force of the spring means when the slats are set in a desired position. Controls for the release of the brake means and tilting are also provided in an embodiment of a blind of the invention. An embodiment of the invention permits the blind to be operated by a single wand that can be used to either raise the slats or tilt the slats. This eliminates the need for a loose cord or bead chain that would traditionally be used as the user interface for controlling the movement of the slats of the blind.