Abstract: A writing instrument that includes a sleeve-like housing, a reservoir axially extending in the housing, a push button positioned in the rear portion of the housing, a latching device for latching the push button in a writing position with a latch recess in the housing and a latch lug positioned at the free end of a transversely elastically bendable spring arm extending from the push button. The writing instrument also includes a shift device for releasing the latching device and returning the latch lug into a parking position, and a support member disposed at the push button that includes a support surface which stops the latch lug from lateral movement into the latch recess when being moved back from a position moved forward beyond the writing position. In order to enhance the arrangement of the support member in the writing instrument, the support member is disposed at a peripheral wall portion of the push button.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ironing shoe with a fastening device for fastening and releasing the fastener of a pressing surface of an electric steam iron, with a soleplate base having soleplate openings for the discharge of steam, the underside of which is used for ironing the article needing to be ironed and the upper side of which has disposed thereon an insert arrangement having insert openings for the passage of steam from the steam iron to the soleplate openings. In order to improve the utility characteristics of the ironing shoe and in particular of the insert arrangement, it is proposed providing the insert arrangement with a capillary layer made of a moisture-absorbing material on the side close to the upper side of the soleplate base, and with an impermeable layer on the side close to the steam iron.

Abstract: A water proportioning device for steam irons, has a valve (52) arranged between a water reservoir (1) and a steam-generating chamber (2). The valve includes a valve member (5) having a valve opening (7) and a valve pin (9) in sealing engagement within the valve opening (7) and provided with a longitudinal groove (15). The valve pin (9) is rotatable within the valve opening (7) and movable from a closed position into an open position and vice versa by a rotary motion. The valve member (5) includes a skirt (6) encompassing the valve pin (9) and having a radial opening (18). In the closed position, one end of the longitudinal groove (15) is within the skirt (6), while in the open position the end of the longitudinal groove (15) is in communication with the opening (18) in the skirt (6).

Abstract: A power window system employs a computer based control that receives signals from a window position sensor. As the window moves, the position sensor produces periodic signals as an output. The computer cyclically looks for a change in the frequency of the signals as an indication that the window is obstructed and decelerating. Based on the instantaneous deceleration, the computer recalls a stored value for motor force. The recalled forces are accumulated in synchronism with the position sensor output during the deceleration, manifesting the force applied to the obstruction as the window presses on it. The window is reversed when the accumulated force exceeds a stored value. The uppermost window position is a stored value for the position sensor output obtained when the window is closed for the first time. Each time the window is closed thereafter, an offset is added to that value, the sum defining the point at which the window engages the window seal.

Abstract: The structure includes a container having a bottom wall with slotted apertures having thin parallel side edge members through which tennis balls can be squeezed. At least one edge member of each aperture includes a roller to reduce the frictional resistance to the entry of the ball through the aperture. A support is provided for supporting the container with the bottom wall spaced above the supporting surface to prevent wear on the bottom wall.

Abstract: Heat and/or mass exchanger operating by direct contact between a liquid and a gas comprising a cooling tower, of the type having a casing in which is disposed a filling through which the liquid and the gas circulate. The filling is constituted of a plurality of independent tubular elements whose cross-section varies along the length of the tubular elements. The tubular elements are preferably disposed with their axes vertical and parallel to define internal and external passages of variable section. The tubular elements vary in cross-section in continuous manner throughout their length and the section variations recur periodically along the length of the tubular elements.