Abstract: A fabric processing method is provided to enhance the thermal performance of window treatments while maintaining their light and sheer decorating value and aesthetic appearance. The method uses heat and pressure to enhance the ability of the fabric to reduce thermal transfer therethrough while preserving overall hand, feel and appearance of the fabrics allowing even sheer fabric window treatments to provide enhanced energy efficiency. The fabric, preferably containing a polymeric component such as polyester or the like, is subjected to pressure and increased temperature to create a material fusion that resists thermal transfer as compared to the unprocessed fabric itself.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to mechanically secure in position a magnetic linear position sensor that includes a support (4) equipped with detection cells that are sensitive to magnetic induction and a target slide (5) fitted with magnetic elements and mounted to slide on the support in relation to the detection cells. According to the invention, the device includes: mechanical locking resources (12) between the target slide and the support, in order to place the target slide in a reference position in relation to the support, and resources (13) for controlling the locking resources so that the latter can pass from a locked position to an unlocked position of the target slide (5) in relation to the support (4), and vice versa.

Abstract: An excavation assembly, an apparatus and method of operating the same. At least a portion of the assembly is attachable to a vehicle including a frame and an arm supported on the frame, the arm having one end supported on the frame and an other end movable relative to the frame. The assembly includes an excavation head supportable on the other end of the arm for movement relative to the frame. The head may be substitutable with a hard-tooth excavation component, such as a backhoe bucket. The head includes a support member having a support surface positionable adjacent a surface to be excavated, the support member being attachable to the other end of the arm, a nozzle, and a vacuum. The assembly further comprises a source of pressurized fluid connected to the nozzle so that fluid is provided through the nozzle to cut the surface to be excavated and a source of vacuum pressure connected to the vacuum so that material cut from the surface is removed from the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a casting having a curved internal passage includes die or mould means and core means including at last three parts, said parts being dimensioned and arranged to abut one another so that at least part of the joint line on the surface of the curved passage lies on a surface of revolution accessible from one end of said passage, two of said parts being capable of withdrawal along their respective axes from the ends of the passage, the third core part being of metal, and being arranged to define the inside portion of the curve of the passage, and being dimensioned so that its width is less than the diameter of the curved portion of the passage, whereby said third core part may be withdrawn from said passage.