Abstract: An apparatus for controlling energy from a skylight of a structure including a plurality of vanes positioned beneath the skylight and angularly adjustable to control solar radiation entering the structure through the skylight. The vanes are substantially S-shaped. A first light sensor is disposed proximate the skylight side of the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the skylight side of the vanes, and a second light sensor disposed proximate the structure side the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the structure side of the vanes. A control assembly is operably connected to the vanes for automatically controlling the angle of each of the vanes in response to the signals of the first and second light sensors which signals vary due to changes in incident solar radiation over time.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling energy from a skylight of a structure including a plurality of vanes positioned beneath the skylight and angularly adjustable to control solar radiation entering the structure through the skylight. The vanes are substantially S-shaped. A first light sensor is disposed proximate the skylight side of the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the skylight side of the vanes, and a second light sensor disposed proximate the structure side the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the structure side of the vanes. A control assembly is operably connected to the vanes for automatically controlling the angle of each of the vanes in response to the signals of the first and second light sensors which signals vary due to changes in incident solar radiation over time.

Abstract: A shredder assembly for a food waste disposer that includes an impact mechanism for freeing jams. The impact mechanism uses the stored energy in the rotating portion of the disposer's rotating elements to be transmitted from the rotor shaft via an impact member to a part of the rotating shredder assembly. The shredder assembly includes a rotatable shaft and an impact member fixedly attached to the shaft to rotate therewith. A shredder disk is attached to the shaft via a clutch allowing the shredder disk to slip relative to the shaft when the shredder disk jams, wherein the impact member strikes the shredder disk to transfer rotational energy to the jam.

Abstract: An inspection tool for measuring the true of metal door frames uses a plumb bob. The plumb bob is suspended from a holder which may be attached to a door frame by magnets in the body of the holder. The relationship of the holder dimensions models the relationship of the dimensions of a metal door frame. The point indicated by the plumb bob will have the same dimensions from the door frame if the frame is true. If the frame is not true, the point will have different measurements.

Abstract: Energy control system for a window comprises fenestration blinds, horizontal or vertical, disposed at the window and adjustable in angle to control solar radiation entering the window. First and second photovoltaic sensors are disposed proximate respective exterior and interior sides of the fenestration blinds for providing a signal representative of incident solar radiation at the respective exterior and interior sides. An electrical motor is can be disposed proximate the window and is operably connected to the fenestration blinds in a manner to controll the angle thereof. A microprocessor control device is provided for providing control signals to the motor to adjust the angle of the fenestration blinds.

Abstract: A process for bleaching fabrics or garments which produces a uniformly colored product with relatively few, less pronounced streaks is disclosed. The process requires fewer steps and increases efficiency over previous processes, while at the same time decreases the number of excessively streaked products which do not satisfy quality control standards. A preferred embodiment of the process, suited to denim fabrics or garments, comprises the steps of desizing the fabric or garment, and thereafter, without turning garments, immersing the fabric or garment in an aqueous solution containing from about 0.01 to about 10 grams per liter of a polyacrylic acid, and then adding a bleaching agent to the aqueous solution to produce a bleach bath. The fabric or garment is maintained in the bleach bath for a time sufficient to bleach the fabric or garment.