Abstract: The present technology relates to inorganic compounds having an argyrodite-type structure based on an alkali metal obtained by a preparation process comprising a step of grinding the sulfide of the alkali metal, the sulfate of the alkali metal, phosphorus pentasulfide and a halide of the alkali metal. Also described are electrode materials, electrodes, electrolytes comprising said inorganic compound having an argyrodite-type structure and their uses in electrochemical cells, for example, in electrochemical accumulators, particularly in all-solid-state batteries.

Abstract: The invention consists of an assembly for capping one or more exposed ends of a moulding, in particular where two elongate moulding pieces meet at a corner. The assembly consists of upper and lower rims and a web portion extending between the rims. The rims each incorporate snap-lock engagement members to releasably engage an underlying linear moulding in a sliding-type engagement. The engagement members each consist of a curved elongate flange extending from the rim, having a generally hook-shaped cross section adapted to mate with a corresponding rib extending from a linear moulding. The assembly may consist of two generally platelike separable portions that mate at the midline of the assembly to form a generally L-shaped member for installation at a room corner. The invention also consist of a combination of the corner assembly and a linear moulding having sliding engagement members adapted to mate with corresponding engagement members within the corner member.

Abstract: The invention is a decorative molding characterized by an elongate channel recessed into its front face and adapted to releasably retain an elongate strip-like panel in either a concavely-flexed position or a flat or convex position. Retention means for the releasable retention of the panel are incorporated into the channel. The retention means comprise two pairs of elongate, spaced-apart flanges that extend towards the floor of the channel and partly occlude the mouth of the channel. The flanges are shaped to retain a panel in a concave position within the channel by means of the upper and lower side edges of the panel being retained between respective pairs of flanges, or in a flat or convex position by means of retention between the free edges of the flanges and the floor of the channel.

Abstract: The invention is a decorative valance, consisting of a box-like structure made up of rigid front and side panels. The panels are canted outwardly an upwardly away from the vertical by about 45 degrees. The panels may each consist of generally channel-shaped retainer member adapted to releasably receive a decorative insert within the channel. The corners of the structure may be each capped with a corner cap that snap locks to the retainer members. The invention further consists of mount for the valance, adapted to mount the valance to a window blind support bracket, with the mount being slideably engaged to a corresponding panel.

Abstract: A cord retractor is provided to take up the dangling cords of a window blind. The retractor comprises a sliding cord engagement member housed within a hollow wand. The wand has an axial slot extending the length of its sidewall. A handle outside the wand is linked to the engagement member by an arm connecting the respective members and extending through the slot. A cord fastening means fixedly engages an end of the window blind cord to the wand. The sliding engagement member retracts a loop of cord into the interior of the wand when the handle is displaced downwardly along the wand to retract the cord into the wand. The wand may be removably engaged to the head rail of a window blind when not in use by means of a hook.

Abstract: A housing to enclose the exposed portion of the cord loop of a window blind or other window covering includes an integral drive arrangement to cycle a cord loop through the headrail of the blind, in order to open or close the blind. The cord loop is retained within the housing by a cord guide, such as a pulley, mounted at the lower end of the housing. A cord grip member displaceable between upper and lower ends of the housing permits the user to drive the cord loop. The cord grip member is provided with first and second clamps within the housing and first and second actuators external to the housing, each clamp being linked to a respective actuator through an elongate slot within the housing. The clamps may be actuated to releasably grip a first or second strand of the cord, respectively, to drive the cord loop in one direction or the other when the cord grip member is drawn downwardly along the housing.

Abstract: A cord retraction device specifically adapted for use with window blinds is provided, having cord attachment member adapted to engage a cord loop to a take up spool, wherein the loop is free to slide through the attachment member when the cord is in the unretracted position.