Abstract: An apparatus for making expandable honeycomb structures suitable for use as window coverings. In one embodiment, folded tubular strips with adhesive lines are fed continuously through a cutter which cuts them into predetermined lengths. The cut strips are then accelerated to a stacker for further processing before the next cut strip arrives. In another embodiment, webs of material are fed continuously in a downstream direction, adhesive lines are applied, a middle web is slitted into strips, and the strips bonded along opposite edges to the outer webs. By choosing for the outer webs transparent or porous material, and for the middle web opaque material, a light or air controlling honeycomb structure results.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for an automotive vehicle includes a universally mounted mirror system having a flat mirror component and a convex mirror component which are uniquely combined in several embodiments to enhance the rear view vision of an operator of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the convex mirror is pivotally positioned in overlying relationship with the flat mirror portion and adjustable laterally relative to the flat mirror portion. In another embodiment, the flat and convex mirror portions are contiguous in a horizontal direction while in a third embodiment the flat and convex mirror portions are horizontally aligned with the convex portion being universally mounted for adjustment relative to the flat mirrored portion.

Abstract: A three dimensional cellular shade 20 attached to a roller. The cells 28 of the shade expand outward as the shade is unrolled. The shade is made from two sheets of fabric. One of the fabrics is decorative 24, the other fabric 22 is more functional. The decorative fabric 24 is longer in length than the functional fabric 22. The two fabrics are joined together along a plurality of joints 26 extending down the length of the shade. These joints are uniformly displaced from one another. The ratio of decorative fabric to functional fabric between any two joints is greater than one. This ratio is important for ensuring that the cells will expand outward as the shade is unrolled.

Abstract: An intravenous fiber membrane oxygenator is disclosed in several embodiments wherein the fibers either run at a transverse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the oxygenator and/or are of a reduced length to optimize the gas transfer efficiency of the oxygenator. Various helical or spiral wraps of fibers are disclosed. One embodiment utilizes two sets of longitudinally extending fibers wherein the oxygen gas is moved in opposite directions from a central location of the oxygenator.

Abstract: A window covering is described wherein at least one translucent or transparent sheet is suspended vertically and has a plurality of parallel vanes projecting rearwardly therefrom. The vanes are formed from fabric material which has either been rigidified with a rigidifying compound or rigidified by the formation of a pocket into which a rigid slat is inserted. Variations are provided for varying the flexibility of a hinge defined along a juncture line between the vanes and the fabric sheet.

Abstract: A panel is provided including multiple rows of parallel cells extending transversely of the rows and with the cells of adjacent rows of cells staggered longitudinally of the rows relative to each other, two, three, four and five cell row panels being disclosed. The panels are formed by folded film strips stacked one upon the other with each film strip having portions thereof glued together and adjacent film strips in each stack of strips glued together such that each film strip forms at least one complete cell of one row of cells and at least three-quarters of an adjacent cell in an adjacent row of cells. Also, a support system is provided for supporting the upper margin of a vertically disposed multi cell row panel wherein an upper cell or cells has one or two horizontal stiffening strips disposed therein and spaced beneath a stationery support strip.

Abstract: A panel system, particularly a false ceiling is constructed from a plurality of elongate panelling members arranged side by side. Each panelling member comprises three elongate slats arranged side by side and joined by flexible tape along adjacent edges. When laid out flat the panelling member may be coiled or easily stored but for installation in a ceiling the outside slats are folded perpendicular to the cental slat so as to provide the necessary rigidity.

Abstract: A sheet material having a textured surface coating thereon. The sheet material is formed by a substrate having on at least one face a cured, heat-dried or heat-cured lacquer layer formed by a lacquer having fibers incorporated therein. The fibers extend into the surface to form a textured surface.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a covering including a pair of parallel fabric sheets interconnected by a series of spaced vanes forming joints with the sheets along their marginal edges. A roller is inserted into the space defined between a pair of adjacent vanes and a clip is resiliently mounted on and cooperates with the roller to capture a portion of at least one of the sheets and one of the pair of vanes, The roller and clip define collectively a roll-up surface for the covering that defines a base circle and has at least three projections projecting outwardly from the base circle to create a plurality of unobstructed recesses to receive portions of the covering when rolled up around the roller and clip.

Abstract: A window blind material and window blind assembly is formed by a front sheet and a rear sheet, both of translucent or transparent light transmitting material. A plurality of spaced, intermediate, parallel, preferably opaque or semi-opaque, vanes are secured between the sheets. The vanes can be positioned to control the transmission of light by movement of the sheets relative to one another. A tilt member connected to the sheets is rotated to position the sheets and vanes. A bottom rail is secured to the sheets.

Abstract: The blind has first pairs of planar members 21,22 hinged together at 23, and second pairs at 25,26 hinged together at 27, the members of one pair being connected to the members of the other pair by connectors 28,29 to form a zig-zag array and operating cords 42,43 pass through apertures 40,41 in the members, the cords passing freely through alternate members and physically engaging the other alternate members so that when longitudinal movement is between the cords 42,43 in one direction the first and second members are folded towards one another and the third and fourth members away from one another and when in the opposite direction the first and second members are folded away from one another and the third and fourth members folded towards one another to give two entirely distinct visual appearances. At least some of the members may be translucent to give an effect similar to that of a venetian blind.

Abstract: A technique for measuring mechanical force by exploiting the static electric polarization developed by piezoid elements in response to application of mechanical pressure, the magnitude of the polarization being representative of the magnitude of the mechanical force applied to one or more piezoid elements by disposing the piezoid elements adjacent to an electron transmission medium capable of sustaining an electric field internally, in which the polarization developed by the piezoid elements repel particles of like charge from the adjacent surface of the transmission medium and attract particles of opposite charge to the adjacent surface. By supplying a current of charged particles to one end of the transmission medium and separately collecting the charged particles toward different surfaces of the transmission medium, the strength of the polarization, which is representative of the strength of the applied mechanical forces, can be measured.

Abstract: A system establishing a leak resistant connection between a retractable awning and a support surface includes an elongated slat with male and female connection elements along opposite longitudinal edges, and an intermediate downwardly extending trough portion between the longitudinal edges to catch and drain water laterally away from the retractable awning.

Abstract: A retractable awning includes a weather protective articulated slat system for protecting the awning when in a retracted position with a solar cell panel incorporated into an articulated slat and connected to a battery for charging the battery.

Abstract: The temperature compensating pressure regulator (TCPR) allows a modified constant output pressure regulator to change its output pressure in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the changes in the ambient temperature are extrapolated to estimate the changes in a mass which is in the same ambient environment. The best mode teaches a beer keg application. A wax filled container expands in relation to the temperature changes in a cold storage room. The thermal expansion coefficient of the wax and impurities therein simulate the temperature changes in a keg of beer in the same cold storage room. Upon responding to a temperature change, the TCPR adjusts the keg pressure to the brewer's predetermined pressures, thereby maintaining the proper CO.sub.2 solution in the beer.Further embodiments include controlling a quarter turn valve with a wax element having a controllable heating coil and controlling the TCPR with a controllable heating coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base plate assembly for use in mounting a die-stone dental replica, the assembly including a base plate that has a configuration commensurate with at least one dental quadrant, and having a planar upper surface characterized by an array of transverse elongate rectangular sockets. A plurality of mounting blocks are assembled in side-by-side relationship along the plate planar surface, each block having a downward projection adapted to frictionally and releasably hold the block on the base plate, and extending from the tops of the blocks are anchoring tabs designed to be embedded in the wet positive mold of a dental impression and affixed therein when the mold material cures. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has a modular configuration and is interconnectable with an identical modular unit to form a combined base plate having a configuration commensurate with full bilateral upper or lower dental quadrants.