Abstract: An improved load cell block (40) having a pair of slots (56) extending inwardly from first and second ends (46 and 48) to form an upper pair of beams (58), a lower pair of beams (60) and a central portion (62). The lower wall (66) of the slots (56) have a groove (72) formed therein for concentrating bending forces in the lower beams (60). The slots (56) terminate at an end wall (68) that is comprised of a bore (52) formed by drilling to have machining marks that are lateral to the longitudinal axis of the block to reduce the formation of stress cracks.

Abstract: A rotary wand construction for use with vertical slat Venetian blinds, the vanes of which pivot about a vertical axis under the influence of a horizontally oriented ball chain which engages individual vane elements and passes about a vertically positioned rotating shaft at one end of the blind header. The shaft supports a pivotal joint supporting the upper end of the wand, and includes a slipping clutch preventing damage to the blind structure in the event an obstruction is met or the wand is rotated in either direction past the permissible limit of travel of the ball chain.

Abstract: An improved valance construction for use with a horizontally disposed track element supporting a vertical louver venetian blind. The same material used for the fabrication of the fabric louvers may be bonded to a rigid planar backing, the backing in turn being supported by a plurality of clips secured to the track element at convenient intervals.

Abstract: An improved vertical venetian blind construction incorporating means for assuring that the individual blind slats will be uniformly oriented when in a closed condition so as to present a uniform appearance and provide for even light control. The novel construction includes the suspension of each slat within a rectilinear channel by a hemispherically shaped supporting member, the surface of which is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed flat surfaces which exert a camming action under the force of gravity to urge individual slats to the same angular relation relative to the plane of the window in which the blind is installed.