Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method, system, and mechanism for a reader mechanism for a container-based approach for monitoring the history and/or quality of a consumable product. According to one approach, a monitoring mechanism is affixed to a wine container (e.g., a wine bottle) to monitor the handling/storage history and/or the drinkability of the wine inside the container. One or more environmental sensors are associated with the monitoring mechanism which tracks environmental conditions that may affect the wine. The tracked environmental conditions are analyzed to determine and/or indicate the drinkability of the wine. A reader mechanism is used to access and/or control the monitoring mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel release mechanism for Roman Blinds or similar window treatments, whereby a cord release comprising a lift ball releasably attached to a spring release allow for effective operation of a Roman Blind or similar window treatment under normal operation, but allow release of a lift cord from the hem rail and through lift cord guides in the event that a child becomes entangled therein, or in the event that a user wishes to remove the shade material from the head rail.

Abstract: A cassette system for window treatment includes a head rail with a base, end brackets attached to the base in a facing relationship and at least one roller blind with a mandrel and a decorative panel that is wound on the mandrel. The panel can be selectively drawn off the mandrel by rotation thereof. The end brackets are identical and mate with end plugs on the mandrel to rotationally support the roller blind. In an alternate embodiment, two or more roller blinds are supported by intermediate brackets or by an intermediate bracket and an end bracket. The end plugs on the madrel(s) have identical shapes to mate with respective legs on the end brackets.

Abstract: A bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing such as a roller shade includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a stationary structure, a gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the operation of an elongated operating member such as a cord, and an antirotational member that prevents the undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to the window dressing. The gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated operating member, a planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed to transmit motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated operating member, at a predetermined mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing such as a roller shade includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a stationary structure, a gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the operation of an elongated operating member such as a cord, and an antirotational member that prevents the undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to the window dressing. The gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated operating member, a planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed to transmit motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated operating member, at a predetermined mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A tensioning device for the cord loop of a window treatment apparatus includes a cord guide disposed in a housing, a biasing element such as a spring and a locking member that locks the cord guide into an installation position. During installation, the cord guide is fixed so that it cannot move and does not affect the tensioning of the cord. After installation, the locking member is removed and the cord guide can move in one direction or another to properly tension the cord.

Abstract: An improved roller shade tube assembly is provided. The assembly includes a roller or tube member having an outside surface around which a fabric shade is wound. The fabric shade has outside and inside sheets between which are a series of fabric slats. The assembly also includes an extension wing element having one end that is pivotally connected to the outside surface of the roller member and a second opposite end to which one of the fabric sheets is attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light transmission adapted for use in a reflective belt, safety vest, or similiar devices requiring visibility of a bright and/or reflective material where a light source of one or more lighting elements is positioned to transmit light along a self-supporting elongated light transmitting member of a hot-melt adhesive thermoplastic material and a flashing circuit for the light source which includes a battery pack or any other power source convertable to D.C. voltage. The hot-melt adhesive is of a high clarity, highly flexible material which transmits light in a highly visible manner within an elongated casement of material formed of a light-colored backing material and a front strip of a translucent material adapted to transmit the light driven along the member by the light-emitting source. Any light-emitting source, either visible or invisible would be suitable for the transmitting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for light transmission adapted for use in a reflective belt, safety vest, or similar devices requiring visibility of a bright and/or reflective material where a light source of one or more lighting elements is positioned to transmit light along a self-supporting elongated light transmitting member of a hot-melt adhesive thermoplastic material and a flashing circuit for the light source which includes a battery pack or any other power source convertible to D.C. voltage. The hot-melt adhesive is of a high clarity, highly flexible material which transmits light in a highly visible manner within an elongated casement of material formed of a light-colored backing material and a front strip of a translucent material adapted to transmit the light driven along the member by the light-emitting source. Any light-emitting source, either visible or invisible would be suitable for the transmitting device.

Abstract: A stiff fabric comprises a woven synthetic fabric coated with a latex compound aerated to provide a weight upon application to the fabric of between 0.63-0.89 gms./ml. The compound is pressed into the fabric by a knife blade having a rounded convex lower edge whereby the compound applied to one side of the fabric passes into the interstices but remains substantially clear of the face side. The compound is cured on the fabric in an oven at approximately 149.degree. C. for 45-60 seconds.

Abstract: The top treatment includes a fabric sleeve having a pleating tape sewn along a backside with sections of one of hooks and loops spaced one from the other along the pleating tape and forming a part of a Velcro.TM.-type fastener. A header is secured to a headrail of a vertical blind and includes along an outer face an elongated strip of the other of the hooks and loops of the Velcro.TM.-type fastener. The fabric sleeve has a drawstring to form a pleated valance which is applied to the header by engaging the hooks and loops one with the other. In another form, a groover valance receives short lengths of slats having tapes containing another of the hooks and loops of the fasteners. By inserting the slats along the groover valance, the fabric valance may be applied to the groover valance. The slats and fabric sleeve may be provided separately in small soft packages.

Abstract: A stiff fabric comprises a woven synthetic fabric coated with a latex compound aerated to provide a weight upon application to the fabric of between 0.63-0.89 gms./ml. The compound is pressed into the fabric by a knife blade having a rounded convex lower edge whereby the compound applied to one side of the fabric passes into the interstices but remains substantially clear of the face side. The compound is cured on the fabric in an oven at approximately 149.degree. C. for 45-60 seconds.