Abstract: A cord locking system that allows easy, rapid, and effective locking/unlocking of any size or type lace in a single handed, swift motion. The device includes a pair of arms that freely rotate about a swivel point within a base housing in a scissors-like motion that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces from a spring. The arms protrude outside the base for easy disengagement, using a mechanical advantage of leverage to work against the spring force at the teeth on the lace to disengage the lock. Lifting finger upward on the arms to disengage the lock so that the teeth open allows the device to slide up and down the laces toward the preferred location. To lock, let go of the arms as the spring force presses the teeth into the lace at each side of the locking compartment to both lace ends within the device.

Abstract: A cord locking system is provided that allows a user to easily, rapidly, and effectively lock/unlock a lace in one single-handed, swift motion. The locking device includes a pair of arms that can freely rotate around a swivel point within a base that lock teeth against the lace by using compression forces controlled by a spring. The arrangement of the arms protrude outside the base for easy engagement/disengagement, with a mechanical advantage using leverage to reduce the required forces to act against the spring force at the teeth. The arms are configured in a curved scissors-like handle for an easy swift grasp contoured to the shape of your fingers with a single-handed motion. The most basic application is in outdoor sports, such as snowboarding. A snowboard rider can easily lock the boot laces with a swift motion and just as easily disengage the locking device under harsh, frozen, winter conditions while wearing gloves.

Abstract: A balanced tilt mechanism for use in a covering for an architectural opening includes an actuator cord having a weighted tassel that cooperates with a tapered bobbin in a tiltable headrail in the covering. A constant tension spring counterbalances the weighted actuator cord so the headrail can be easily tilted between open and opposite closed positions.

Abstract: A powered remotely actuated control system adapted for use in a covering system for an architectural opening and a covering system incorporating the control system are described. The control system includes: (1) a translational drive system for selectively moving a vertically-orientated vanes between extended and retracted positions, (ii) an angular drive system for selectively pivoting or rotating the vanes between an opened angular position and a closed angular position; and (iii) a logic system for determining the relative translational and angular positions of the vanes, as well as, decoding and executing commands received from a wireless remote control.

Abstract: A balanced tilt mechanism for use in a covering for an architectural opening includes an actuator cord having a weighted tassel that cooperates with a tapered bobbin in a tiltable headrail in the covering. A constant tension spring counterbalances the weighted actuator cord so the headrail can be easily tilted between open and opposite closed positions.

Abstract: A powered remotely actuated control system adapted for use in a covering system for an architectural opening and a covering system incorporating the control system are described. The control system includes: (1) a translational drive system for selectively moving a vertically-orientated vanes between extended and retracted positions, (ii) an angular drive system for selectively pivoting or rotating the vanes between an opened angular position and a closed angular position; and (iii) a logic system for determining the relative translational and angular positions of the vanes, as well as, decoding and executing commands received from a wireless remote control.

Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained.