Abstract: An improved material for use in juvenile products has utility as a canopy covering, for example, a playyard structure or stroller. The improved material substantially blocks visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light from passing through to the child or infant and provides protection from this potentially harmful radiation. Blocking infrared radiation also advantageously prevents heat build up in the juvenile product. The preferred construction includes a fabric layer and a metalized layer to form a lightweight and flexible material.

Abstract: A canopy for providing shade and protection from the elements to persons is disclosed. The canopy includes a silent pivoting mechanism and a quick-release feature.

Abstract: A roll (110) sorter includes a pair (111) of counter-rotating rollers (112,114) separated by a gap (124). A sorting region (128) is defined by the gap and the facing roller surfaces (130,132). Particles (46) fed into the sorting region float on the rollers and are sorted into two groups, those that pass through the gap and those that cannot pass through the gap. The accuracy of the sorter is increased by associating a metering facility (220) such as a gate (222) with the sorting region. The metering facility limits the number of particles which can simultaneously enter the sorting region. Typically, the particles enter and move along the sorting region one-at-a-time and in single file.

Abstract: A roll sorter (110) includes two counter-rotating, circular cross-section, spaced rollers (112,114) defining a gap (124) therebetween. Particles 46 float on the rollers (112,114) within a sorting region (128) and are sorted by passing through the gap (124) or not so passing and being retained in the sorting region (128). The particles (46) are prevented from hopping or jumping out of the sorting region (128) by a circular cross-section rod 160 floating above the sorting region (128) on the rollers (112,114), so that sorting accuracy and throughput are not degraded.

Abstract: Particles (10) having a selected size are produced by placing oversized articles onto a support (12) having apertures (16) of the selected size. The supported particles (10) are subjected to an etchant (22) until they decrease in size sufficiently to pass through the apertures (16), following which the action of the etchant (22) is terminated and the particles are collected. If commingled particles (10) of the selected and/or larger sizes are placed on the support (12), those of the selected size immediately fall through the apertures.