Abstract: A lateral arm assembly and method of operation includes first and second articulating arms comprising first and second ends, the first ends of the articulating arms are mounted upon assembly to a support surface at separate lateral locations. The first ends each comprise separate pivoting mounting structures for forming a first pivotal connection with the first and second articulating arms. The lateral arm assembly also comprises a roller tube having spaced lateral ends supporting respective end brackets that provide a second pivotal connection to the second ends of the articulating arms. The roller tube supports a canopy coupled to a roller shaft, wherein one of the end brackets further supports a device that drives the roller shaft for furling and unfurling the canopy.

Abstract: An indicating assembly for a container in which pressurized fluid is stored comprises a valve assembly connected to the pressurized container and having a fluid passage for receiving the pressurized fluid and a piston movable within the valve assembly along a longitudinal axis in response to fluid pressure within the fluid passage. The assembly further comprises an indicating member movable in response to longitudinal movement of the piston between a first condition providing a first indicator portion representing fluid pressure below a threshold pressure and a second condition providing a second indicator portion representing fluid pressure above the threshold pressure.

Abstract: An information gauge apparatus and method for providing both visual and audio readings of pressure within a pressure vessel. The information gauge apparatus includes a digital display coupled to a printed circuit board in communication with a pressure sensor. The digital display illustrates indicia relating gas pressure levels provided by the pressure sensor to the printed circuit board during use. The gauge further comprises an audible indicator coupled to the printed circuit board, the audible indicator provides an audible signal relating to gas pressure levels sensed by the pressure sensor to the printed circuit board during use. The gauge also includes a mechanical sensor providing a mechanically sensed reading value to a visual indicia display on the information gauge apparatus relating to gas pressure levels during use.

Abstract: A head unit for a surface-treatment apparatus is provided and includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a dispensation unit, and at least one baffle. The fluid inlet receives fluid from a fluid reservoir. The dispensation unit defines a dispensation chamber and an input port in fluid communication with each of the dispensation chamber and the fluid inlet. The at least one baffle is configured to direct the flow of fluid through the dispensation unit and out of the elongated dispensation outlet.

Abstract: A rotary head comprising a longitudinally extending core comprising an outer surface and defining a longitudinal centerline axis, and a covering that is disposed on the outer surface of the core and that includes a radially extending material that is configured to interact with a fluid on a surface. The rotary head is configured to couple to a rotatable shaft of a floor-care system and rotate about the longitudinal centerline axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener driving device. In particular embodiments, the fastener driving device is a tool designed to drive fasteners into an associated work piece at an angle that includes at least a housing, seating member, magazine with fasteners and a striker. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to driving fasteners at predetermined, or adjustable, angles relative to a substantially planar work piece surface for securing cables and the like.

Abstract: A retractable motor-driven awning can be extended or retracted by energizing the motor in one direction or another. A manually operable system, however, is also employed for rotating the awning by hand in a direction to retract the awning in the event the motor drive becomes inoperable. The ability to hand rotate the roll bar to retract the awning is achieved by connecting the roll bar to the drive shaft of the motor with a manual override system. Implementations of a manual override mechanism include one-way bearings and various ratchet designs.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for discharging a fastener. In particular embodiments, the invention comprises a fastener-dispensing device comprising a fastener striker in operational communication with a striker driving means. The fastener-dispending device also includes a device body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion containing the striker driving means and the lower portion containing the striker, wherein the upper portion is pivotable in a sideways direction relative to the lower portion.

Abstract: A portable test apparatus is for performing a pressure test of a vessel into which a liquid is being forced by a pump. The test apparatus includes a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the vessel. A processor is configured to monitor, during the test, stroke counts communicated from the pump and the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor. A graphical user interface includes input fields to receive user-input of test parameter information, and further includes a graphical representation of the stroke counts and measured pressure in real time during the test.

Abstract: A handheld pneumatic tool includes an air supply port and a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is configured to regulate the pressurized air and discharge regulated, pressurized air at a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: A paint sprayer is configured for use with a paint container. The sprayer includes a housing having an air inlet and a nozzle located on the housing. Movable grip members are supported on the housing. The grip members are located in a circular array with an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the paint container. A ring extends circumferentially about the circular array of grip members, and is supported on the housing for rotation relative to the housing. When the ring rotates relative to the housing, it moves the grip members to a condition in which the inner diameter of the circular array is not greater than the outer diameter of the paint container.

Abstract: A shaft driven vacuum cleaner brushroll that can be mounted in the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner and directly connected to a shaft of the cleaner's motor drive shaft system. The brushroll features a two-piece drive assembly that simplifies its manufacture and can be engaged on a wood spindle to effectively transmit torque from the vacuum cleaner drive to the brushroll.