Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting apparatus having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a support structure and a distal end extending from the support structure, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member connecting each of the pair of arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the support structure and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment upwards. The support structure may be separate from the paint mixer and may include sliding as well as pivoting movement between the arms and the support structure.

Abstract: A lifting attachment for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting attachment having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of the paint mixer, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the paint mixer and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment vertically upwards.

Abstract: A keyed paint container holder for paint mixers having a pivoting interlock key movable with respect to a paint container receptacle of the holder for orienting a rectangular footprint paint container to have a handle of the paint container in a corner of the holder adjacent the interlock key. The interlock key has first and second portions and is pivotable with respect to the holder to at least first and second positions and, optionally, to a third position. The holder accepts a cylindrical paint container as an alternative to the rectangular footprint paint container.

Abstract: A paint mixing machine having at least two axes for spinning either of a cylindrical or rectangular paint container to mix the paint in the container. The machine includes a stationary base frame carrying a mixing apparatus and an intermediate frame between the stationary base frame and the mixing apparatus. The intermediate frame is connected to the mixing apparatus and the stationary base frame by a plurality of vibration isolators. The intermediate frame includes damping weight to balance the deflection of the damping isolators. The base may also include one or more damping weights.

Abstract: A keyed paint container holder for paint mixers having a pivoting interlock key movable with respect to a paint container receptacle of the holder for orienting a rectangular footprint paint container to have a handle of the paint container in a corner of the holder adjacent the interlock key. The interlock key has first and second portions and is pivotable with respect to the holder to at least first and second positions and, optionally, to a third position. The holder accepts a cylindrical paint container as an alternative to the rectangular footprint paint container.

Abstract: A lifting attachment for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting attachment having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to the paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of a paint mixer, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the paint mixer and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment vertically upwards.

Abstract: An actuator having a housing with a pivot opening therein. An actuator handle has a pivot pin extending from an end thereof for connecting the handle to a crank which includes a drive pin. The handle is assembled to the housing with the pivot pin extending through the pivot opening. A bushing may be disposed between the pivot pin and the pivot opening to take up tolerances between the parts and provide smooth handle rotation. The drive pin on the crank extends into a drive slot on a slider which translates within the housing to actuate a window locking mechanism. The drive slot is generally pear-shaped with, preferably symmetrical, opposed curved sidewalls along which the drive pin rides during rotation of the handle. The slider may further include a pair of fulcrum tabs disposed on a top thereof adjacent opposite sides of the drive slot for contacting a side surface of the crank during rotation of the handle to provide mechanical advantage at the handle.

Abstract: A non-handed actuator for window locks, including a base securable to the window frame, a handle secured to the base for pivoting about a first axis through an angle of approximately X degrees, an oppositely extending drive link secured for pivoting with the handle, and a connecting link securable to the lock control member of a window lock. The connecting link is pivotable relative to the drive link and includes a spacing member and a connecting member. The connecting member is securable to the lock control member and pivotable relative to the spacing member between limit positions approximately 180 degrees apart. Tabs on the spacing member abut the connecting member when the connecting member is at either of the limit positions, with the connecting link being pivotable relative to the drive link through an angle of approximately 2X degrees, where X is between 140 and 180.

Abstract: A motorized operator drive is used with a window having a fixed frame and a movable sash, and a manually driven window operator mounted to the frame. The window operator includes an operator shaft rotatable to drive a linkage mechanism fastened to the sash to selectively move the sash relative to the frame to open or close the window. The drive comprises a housing having a motor end and an opposite nose end. A motor is mounted in the housing at the motor end and has an output shaft. A gear set is mounted in the housing including an input gear driven by the motor shaft and an output gear at the nose end. An adaptor is operatively engaged with both the output gear and the operator shaft to rotate the operator shaft in response to energization of the motor. A bracket is fixedly mounted to the window frame. A rubber grommet resiliently mounts a stud at the housing motor end to the bracket to provide isolation between the drive and the window.

Abstract: A skylight operator includes a chain drive driven by a motor. Polarity of power applied to the motor is controlled to selectively open or close the window. Polarity is controlled by an H-bridge switching circuit driven by a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives commands from any one of a plurality of control devices The operator includes a feedback circuit using a hall effect sensor in connection with a ring magnet on the motor shaft for sensing incremental movement of the motor, representing movement of the window. A potentiometer control device allows unattended full or partial opening of the window. A user need only turn the potentiometer knob to a desired amount of opening. The microcontroller in response to such a command compares the command to the feedback signal and controls the motor to minimize the difference between the two.