Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a flat card to sanitizing radiant energy, has an enclosure that has an exposure chamber having a source of sanitizing radiation. A first insert slot and a second insert slot, disposed along an input surface of the enclosure are each configured to accept insertion of the flat card. A transport apparatus defines a first transport path to convey the flat card from the first insert slot, and through the exposure chamber, to emerge from a first output that opens on a first side surface of the enclosure and a second transport path to convey the flat card from the second insert slot, and through the exposure chamber, to emerge from a second output that opens on a second side surface of the enclosure that is opposite the first side surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing an article to radiant energy has a rotating carousel having an article support in a support sector defined between a first energy-blocking feature of the rotating carousel and a second energy-blocking feature of the rotating carousel. An actuator is energizable to rotate the carousel and to revolve the article support along a circular transport path. An enclosure has a stationary hood that defines an enclosed sector of the transport path and an unenclosed sector of the transport path. There is at least a first radiant energy source energizable to direct the radiant exposure energy toward the carousel along the enclosed sector of the transport path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that the spring(s) is extended or retracted when the pole angle of the umbrella is adjusted. The apparatus also comprises a pivot between an umbrella holder and a bracket that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that the spring(s) is extended or retracted when the pole angle of the umbrella is adjusted. The apparatus also comprises a pivot between an umbrella holder and a bracket that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that the spring(s) is extended or retracted when the pole angle of the umbrella is adjusted. The apparatus also comprises a pivot between an umbrella holder and a bracket that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that operation of the spring(s) moves the umbrella pole so as to adjust the pole angle of the umbrella. The apparatus also comprises a pivot for the umbrella pole that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella and an outdoor table. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that the spring(s) is extended or retracted when the pole angle of the umbrella is adjusted. The apparatus also comprises a pivot between an umbrella holder and a bracket that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for holding and tilting an umbrella. The apparatus comprises at least one spring connected to an umbrella pole so that operation of the spring(s) moves the umbrella pole so as to adjust the pole angle of the umbrella. The apparatus also comprises a pivot for the umbrella pole that allows angular motion of the umbrella pole. The apparatus also comprises a rotary bearing capable of rotating around an axis of the umbrella pole. The spring(s) and the pivot can be connected to the rotary bearing. The present apparatus can also include a shade umbrella and an outdoor table. Methods for tilting an umbrella are also provided.

Abstract: A positioning system utilizes a shot pin to fix the position of a grooved pallet at stations in a production line. The pallet travels along the production line under the influence of advancing feed pins. When the pallet arrives at a station, the head of the shot pin is positively urged toward the groove in the pallet until the head locks the pallet in the desired position. Simultaneously, the feed pin disengages from the pallet. When work is completed at the manufacturing station, the head of the shot pin moves away from and releases the pallet. Simultaneously, the feed pin engages the pallet. The feed pins and the shot pin operate in tandem, by moving in-phase along parallel lines in the same direction to accomplish their individual functions. The feed pins and the shot pin can operate relatively quickly without applying unnecessary torque to the conveyor or the pallet.

Abstract: A device for aligning a garment for a sewing machine provided with a device for moving the garment towards the sewing machine, and a device for aligning the garment to a lateral window along the moving device to obtain precision in alignment of the garment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and transporting workpieces from a pickup location to a seaming location on a worksurface. Workpieces are rotated through a user-determinable seaming angle so as to re-position the workpiece for sewing a pure straight/angled seam at the seaming location. The device includes a self-compensation system wherein seaming of the workpiece will commence at the leading edge thereof regardless of the initial position of the workpiece at the pickup location.