Abstract: Arrangements and methods for connecting and mounting decorative ornaments, for example, beads, crystals, or gems, are disclosed. The arrangements and methods are particularly useful in mounting ornaments in decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided that includes a first ornament having two mounting apertures and a second ornament having at least one mounting aperture; and at least one connector for connecting the first ornament to the second ornament whereby when hung the two apertures of the first ornament are laterally disposed from each other. Multiple pre-formed connectors are disclosed for use in connecting ornaments, such as ornament chains. Mounting hooks, mounting devices, and mounting arrangements are also provided for attaching ornaments to a support. Aspects of the invention may be used for large fixtures, such as large chandeliers, to minimize or prevent the twisting of long chains of ornaments and to support the loading of larger ornaments.

Abstract: Arrangements, braces, and methods for supporting an arm of an ornamental fixture, for example, chandeliers, are provided. The arrangements and braces include elongated elements having first ends adapted to be mounted to a support, a second free end, and a platform located between the first end and the second end for supporting the arm of the fixture. Aspects of the invention may be used to support fragile arms of chandeliers, for example, glass arms. Aspects of the invention allow for the use of longer arms, for example, for use in chandeliers over 10 feet in diameter, or for arms having higher loadings, for example, having heavier or more numerous ornaments and light fixtures.

Abstract: Aluminum-silicon diffusion coated alloy products have a surface of aluminum-silicon diffusion coating of greater than 180 microns thick formed on workpieces made from an iron, nickel, cobalt or copper base alloys. Preferably the diffusion coating has a thickness of at least 200 to 250 microns.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for mounting decorative ornaments and fixtures having decorative ornaments are disclosed. The decorative ornaments may be, for example, beads, crystals, or gems. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided including a frame having an aperture and the aperture having an internal surface, and at least one ornament mounting post projecting from the frame, wherein the ornament is retained by the mounting post and the internal surface of the aperture when the ornament is mounted on the mounting post. According to the disclosed method, the ornament is mounted to the post by first deflecting the post to a first position, mounting the ornament, and then deflecting the post to its original position whereby the ornament is retained by the post and the aperture. No mounting hardware or special tools are required. The arrangements and methods may be used for ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers and lamps.

Abstract: Arrangements, braces, and methods for supporting an arm of an ornamental fixture, for example, chandeliers, are provided. The arrangements and braces include elongated elements having first ends adapted to be mounted to a support, a second free end, and a platform located between the first end and the second end for supporting the arm of the fixture. Aspects of the invention may be used to support fragile arms of chandeliers, for example, glass arms. Aspects of the invention allow for the use of longer arms, for example, for use in chandeliers over 10 feet in diameter, or for arms having higher loadings, for example, having heavier or more numerous ornaments and light fixtures.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for connecting and mounting decorative ornaments, for example, beads, crystals, or gems, are disclosed. The arrangements and methods are particularly useful in mounting ornaments in decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided that includes a first ornament having two mounting apertures and a second ornament having at least one mounting aperture; and at least one connector for connecting the first ornament to the second ornament whereby when hung the two apertures of the first ornament are laterally disposed from each other. Multiple pre-formed connectors are disclosed for use in connecting ornaments, such as ornament chains. Mounting hooks, mounting devices, and mounting arrangements are also provided for attaching ornaments to a support. Aspects of the invention may be used for large fixtures, such as large chandeliers, to minimize or prevent the twisting of long chains of ornaments and to support the loading of larger ornaments.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for mounting decorative ornaments and fixtures having decorative ornaments are disclosed. The decorative ornaments may be, for example, beads, crystals, or gems. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided including a frame having an aperture and the aperture having an internal surface, and at least one ornament mounting post projecting from the frame, wherein the ornament is retained by the mounting post and the internal surface of the aperture when the ornament is mounted on the mounting post. According to the disclosed method, the ornament is mounted to the post by first deflecting the post to a first position, mounting the ornament, and then deflecting the post to its original position whereby the ornament is retained by the post and the aperture. No mounting hardware or special tools are required. The arrangements and methods may be used for ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers and lamps.

Abstract: A skin package according to this invention is formed by providing a backing sheet and positioning an article on the backing sheet at an appropriate point. An intermediate sheet of porous substantially inelastic material is then overlaid on the article. The intermediate sheet is then covered with a skin sheet that becomes elastic and adheres to the backing sheet at predetermined locations upon exposure to predetermined conditions. These predetermined conditions do not substantially alter the inelasticity of the intermediate sheet so that the intermediate sheet prevents the skin sheet from encapsulating the article.

Abstract: The invention provides a two piece chandelier securable at two discrete positions. An upper and lower framework are moveable with respect to one another along a displacement axis and are securable in an access position and a decorative position, whereby access to an internal component of the chandelier such as a lighting element is facilitated in the access position relative to the decorative position.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining an overall dimension of an electrically conductive object includes a support surface for receiving the object, an electrically conductive plate movable toward and away from the support surface along a path normal to such surface, the plate having a facing surface which faces the support surface and a voltage source for applying first and second electrical potentials to the object and the plate, respectively, to establish a voltage therebetween. A transducer is provided for developing a distance signal representing the distance between the facing surface and the support surface. A motor moves the plate toward the object while the object is received by the support surface and circuitry is provided for detecting when the voltage between the object and the plate disappears due to contact of the plate with the object whereby the distance signal at such time is representative of the overall dimension.