Abstract: An automatic tank clean out system provided in the slurry collection tank a soil reduction system. When the slurry collection tank becomes full, the vacuum system is automatically shut down to prevent the slurry mixture from being drawn into the vacuum pump. When it becomes necessary to empty the slurry collection tank, the liquid contents can be drained through a valve in the tank. A series of nozzles, such as fan nozzles, are provided which are connected to a water supply pipe running axially through the tank. These fan nozzles are actuated to deliver high pressure water to automatically clean the tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher sanitation cycle includes sampling a temperature of rinse water inside a dishwasher, executing a heating cycle to keep water temperature at optimal levels, and executing a heat sum cycle to ensure that dishes are sanitized according to accepted standards.

Abstract: A storage vessel (1) for liquid substances which are supplied to a consumer is provided with a device for cleaning the connecting pieces (7, 8, 13, 18) when the storage vessel (1) is changed, the storage vessel (1) having a connecting piece (13) provided with a shut-off device (15) and a coupling (16) for connection to a connecting piece (7) provided with a coupling (10) to a pressure gas line (3) with a shut-off device (5). The storage vessel (1) has a connecting piece (18) provided with a shut-off device (19) and a coupling (21) for connecting a discharge line (17) in the storage vessel (1) to a connecting piece (8) provided with a coupling (11) and a shut-off device (6) for supplying the substance subjected to the pressure gas in the vessel (1) to the consumer.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning a die by using electrolysis and ultrasonic vibration which has in combination a degreasing processing system, an electrolytic-cleaning system with an electrolyte circulator system, and a rinse system. The die, in a container, is dipped into an electrolytic liquid tank with an ultrasonic vibrator, and it is electrolyzed in a cleaning medium for large sized dies and die components.

Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body, a filter screen coupled to the body; and a pressure relief tube. The pressure relief tube includes a substantially vertical portion having an open top for regulating pressure conditions in the filter body, thereby forming a standpipe that regulates pressure in the filter body. A column of fluid in the relief tube balances the operating pressure in the fine filter assembly. Pressure may be regulated in the fine filter assembly up to a maximum pressure determined by the height of the vertical portion of the tube.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a wafer cleaning apparatus for cleaning wafer that have received various processing such as copper plating and chemical mechanical polishing. An apparatus for cleaning front and back surfaces of a wafer with solution while rotating the wafer that hag been subjected to a fabrication process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises cleaning nozzles for spraying a cleaning solution, respectively, onto a front surface of the wafer that has been processed and onto a back surface thereof and also comprises an etching nozzle for spraying an etching solution onto a vicinity of the outer periphery of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid material and a method for forming a hybrid material comprising actuator made from a stimuli responsive polymer mounted in a porous framework. The present invention also provides devices employing the actuator of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow within a microfluidic circuit using external valves and pumps connected to the circuit is disclosed. The external valves and pumps, which are not a part of the microfluidic substrate, control fluid pumping pressure and the displacement of air out of the fluid circuit as fluid enters into the circuit. If a valve is closed, air cannot be displaced out of circuit, which creates a pneumatic barrier that prevents fluid from advancing within the circuit (under normal operating pressures). Applications of this method of fluid control are explained.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow control actuator capable of exciting a fluid via the coupling of edge tones generated along a wedge and resonance generated within a cavity. The invention consists of a resonance cavity and ejector port separated by a wedge with fluid flow provided by a pressurized cavity and directed through a throat over the wedge. Several actuators may be arranged independently or in a coupled arrangement to generate a pulsed fluid field of desired shape.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (i) an inlet, (ii) an outlet, (iii) a central cavity, and (iv) a component access opening, wherein fluid advancing into the valve body through the inlet must pass through the central cavity before exiting out of the valve body through the outlet, and further wherein the component access opening is configured so that a valve component may be advanced into the central cavity through the component access opening. The water valve assembly further includes a retaining bracket having a retaining portion positioned in relation to the valve body so as to block advancement of the valve component from the central cavity to a location outside of the valve body through the component access opening.

Abstract: An existing straight pipe 1 is cut off at two locations by rotating two seal-up housings 2 each mounted with a cutter 3, to form two cutoff groove 12C. A straight pipe portion 1p between the two cutoff grooves 12C remains left without retrieval, to impart a flexibility and contraction and expansion properties to a pipeline.

Abstract: A coupler which is used in coupling plastic conduit through a separation in a building has plastic end regions for an overlapped accurately positioned sealed coupling with the plastic conduit to each end of the coupler. The plastic end regions are separated by an intermediate region formed by a wall of plastic based intumescent material which defines a fluid flow passage through the coupler. The fluid flow passage wall has a sufficient thickness of the intumescent material to produce a complete blockage of the passage when the coupler is subjected to conditions which cause an intumescing of the intermediate region wall material.

Abstract: A dispensing system allows cryogenic liquid to be dispensed from either a primary bank manifold and associated cylinders or a secondary bank manifold and associated cylinders. Each manifold includes a gas header and a liquid header. The associated cylinders communicate with the gas header through flexible lines and excess flow check valves and the liquid header through flexible lines and spring-loaded check valves. An automatic control system selects between dispensing from the primary bank manifold or the secondary bank manifold. A pressure gauge detects the pressure of the cryogenic liquid from the dispensing manifold. The pressure gauge is in communication with a controller which opens and closes the appropriate valves to begin dispensing cryogenic liquid from the originally idle manifold if the detected pressure drops below a predetermined minimum. After the manifold is switched over, the controller checks the pressure in the non-selected manifold.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a float for a liquid waste disposal apparatus having a simple structure for enabling the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allowing a faster and steadier solidification of an absorbed liquid waste. A water-absorptive material 6 is retained inside a spherical float 5 in a manner where a water-absorptive material 6 is wrapped by a water permeable sheet 22 inside a hemispherical primary structural portion 5a and a secondary structural portion 5b capable of being separated into two portions, and thus structured, a circle shaped hole 5c or a square shaped hole 5d of the float 5 serving as a flow path for flowing downward a liquid waste 21 absorbed from an upper portion into a lying member L is formed at the surface of the float 5. The float 5 is contained inside the lying member L in a floatable manner permitted to revolve in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).

Abstract: A pool cleaner reed valve for a pulsating submersible swimming pool cleaner which has a valve body (22) configured to fit into a pulsating valve enclosure. The body includes a rectangular inlet end (24) and an round outlet end (26) with a pair of fulcrum points (30) and restricting boundaries (32) for retaining and confining valve movements. A pair of opposed rigid valve plates (50) are angularly juxtaposed within the valve inlet end contiguously engaging the fulcrum points and respective restricting boundaries such that each opposed blade rotates inwardly on the fulcrum point until the distal ends intimately engage as influenced by negative fluid pressure applied by a pool pump. A pair of torsion springs (70) surround each restricting boundary and interface with each valve plate returning them to a parallel position when fluid pressure is terminated. A resilient sleeve (72) is positioned on each spring for eliminating a metal to metal contact with the spring to the valve plate.

Abstract: This invention concerns a high rate discharge valve for high pressure gas cylinders provided with two separate openings, one for discharging and the other for refilling gas so that the empty cylinders can be refilled quickly and easily without disconnecting the valves from the gas discharge hose. This would indirectly make it possible to refill the cylinders on site, namely in the same room where the bank of cylinders is installed.

Abstract: A hydraulic power assembly (10) includes an electric motor (30) disposed on a removable top (26) outside a tank (12) defining a chamber (25). A first pump (32) depends from the removable top (26) and into the chamber (25) and includes a first inlet (34) and a first outlet (35) to deliver fluid to a fluid line (36) and a fluid distribution manifold (38) disposed on the removable top (26). A leakage line (52) extends from the pump (32) and through the removable top (26) and back through the removable top (26) and drains into the chamber (25) for determining if the pump (32) is operating efficiently. A heat exchanger (78) is adjacent the motor (30) for cooling the hydraulic fluid as it is returned into the chamber (25) thereby cooling the fluid in the chamber (25). The tank (12) also includes a liner (74) for reducing the noise of the pump (32).

Abstract: A spacer type pressure reducing valve for adjusting a fluid pressure is mounted between a solenoid valve, which switches a flowing direction of pressurized fluid, and a base, which supplies pressurized fluid to the solenoid valve. First and second pressure-reducing portions are integrally accommodated in a valve body of the spacer type pressure reducing valve. The spacer type pressure reducing valve is compact and is capable of adjusting pressure in two output ports.

Abstract: A spool valve includes a groove defined in the spool and a notch. A line A is drawn to extend through a communication zone a provided upon communication of the notch which is disposed at a distal end of the line A and defined in a step of a spool with an input port to form a 69° angle with respect to an L-axis. Fluid flowing into the groove through the communication zone a upon communication of the notch with the input port, does not collide with other portions of the spool before colliding with a bottom of the groove. Therefore, the flow of the fluid along the L-axis causes a flow force applied to the spool to be suppressed resulting in a decreased load on an actuator. The notch makes it is possible to ensure the stable operation of a spool valve, while preventing the self-induced vibration of the spool.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a solenoid, a control valve having a spool, a seat member having an oil hole whose one end communicates with a control pressure chamber between the seat member and the spool, a supply passage through which a second supply port communicates via a control orifice with the control pressure chamber and a drain passage through which the other end of the oil hole is able to communicate with the second drain port. A second orifice or a slit, whose cross sectional opening area is smaller than that of the control orifice, is formed in the supply passage at a periphery of the seat member that comes in contact with the spool so that a flow amount of the oil supplied to and ejected from the control pressure chamber through the supply and drain passages after the spool contacts the seat member is smaller than that before the spool contacts the seat member.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating gas components that combines together, either in an in-line or modular fashion, at least two gas components used in a gas stick for flowing a gas from a first point to an end point. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to combine a pressure transducer, a filter, and a display into a single unit that will reduce the gas stick size along the gas flow axis of the gas stick. The gas components can be integrated using VCR connections for an in-line use of the present invention. In the modular form, the present invention can use a number of different connections to connect the gas components vertically on a modular base block (i.e., stacked approximately perpendicular to the modular base block). Thus, the gas components will stack vertically with respect to the traditional horizontal gas flow path axis.

Abstract: An on-off device disposed at each of the inlet and the outlet of a fluid controller is one of five kinds of on-off devices, i.e., on-off device having a two-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and a three-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and two three-port valves, on-off device having two three-port valves, and on-off device having three three-port valves, The main bodies of two-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each have an inlet and an outlet in a bottom face thereof. Main bodies of three-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each formed in a bottom face thereof with an inlet, an outlet always in communication with the inlet, and an inlet-outlet subopening.

Abstract: A flow translocator disposed within a conduit for transferring and separating laminar fluid flow during translocation of the fluid core to the outer perimeter of the conduit and the outer perimeter flow to the center of the conduit. The flow translocator includes a disk disposed transverse the length of a conduit and having an outer profile conforming to the inner profile of a conduit to form a sealed fit. Arrays of slots extend about the disk for simultaneously directing the fluid core to the inner profile of a conduit and the outer perimeter flow toward the fluid core. The slots are staggered to maintain separation of the fluid core and the outer perimeter fluid during translocation.

Abstract: A choke valve for an automatic transmission is formed from a valve hole having a circular section that runs through a valve body in its thickness direction and a columnar valve main body that is fitted in the valve hole. The valve main body has a pair of annular channels formed on the outer periphery of the valve main body at opposite ends and a small diameter section formed between the two annular channels, the small diameter section together with the valve hole forming a choke. An inlet port and an outlet port formed between two separator plates and oil channels formed on opposite faces of the valve body communicate with the pair of annular channels, respectively. Thus, the structure of the choke valve for an automatic transmission is simplified, thereby reducing the cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost effective means by which pressure reduction in a fluid flow control device is optimized. The pressure reduction achieved according to the present invention also minimizes valve wear and presents new solutions in reducing, attenuating, eliminating, damping, redirecting, or otherwise defeating valve noise. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flow control device is provided including a valve trim assembly comprising a plurality of valve trim disks defining a plurality of flow paths along a fluid passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the flow control device. Respective flow paths defined by the valve trim disks comprise an expansion/contraction mechanism, a velocity control mechanism, an acoustic chamber, and frequency shifting passages. The expansion/contraction mechanism has a cross section including rapid increases and decreases in cross-sectional flow area.

Abstract: A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric (100) material having first and second fibers (112, 122). The second fibers comprise chopped fibers in substantially parallel alignment for being positioned substantially about the circumference of a pipe, so the fabric can be elongated in a direction parallel to the second fibers. The liner may includes a stitching material (130) that is used to couple the first and second fibers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn.

Abstract: A hose includes a tube assembly surrounded by a textile reinforcement that is surrounded by a cover assembly. The tube assembly includes an inner non-foamed layer that is surrounded by a foamed layer that is surrounded by an outer non-foamed layer. The textile reinforcement surrounds the outer non-foamed layer of the tube assembly and preferably consists of a first spiral threading and a second mesh threading. The cover assembly includes an inner non-foamed layer that is surrounded by a foamed layer that is surrounded by an outer non-foamed layer. The adjacent relationship of the outer non-foamed layer of the tube assembly and the inner non-foamed layer of the cover assembly provide a substantial increase in adhesion between the two assemblies. Further, this configuration reduces the tendency for water seepage between the layer or plies that can cause bubbles and separation.

Abstract: A multilayer tubing for conveying liquid, especially motor vehicle fuel in a motor vehicle is extruded with an outer layer composed of nylon 12, an intermediate layer composed of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and an electrically-conductive inner layer composed of nylon 6 or nylon 12 and compounded with at most 30% by weight of conductive carbon black or graphite fibril.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method intended for heat insulation of a pipe (1), comprising the following successive stages of depositing, on the outer surface of the pipe moving longitudinally, a thickness (3) of an insulating material made of elastomer having an elastic type behavior, substantially without irreversible plastic deformation, forming at least one circumferential slot (4) in the thickness of the material substantially orthogonally to the axis (2) of the pipe, and coating the insulating material thickness with a sealed sheath. In a variant, the slot is machined in the thickness of the insulant. The invention further relates to a heat-insulated pipe.

Abstract: Tool for binding a band (4) around an object, having a lock mount (2) for a lock which secures the band ends, a band-tensioning device (5, 6) and, if appropriate, a band-tensioning-measuring device (10). Provided between the lock mount (2) and the band-tensioning device (5, 6) is a band-tensioning-measuring device (14) which deflects the band (4) laterally and establishes the relationship between the deflection and the force necessary for this purpose.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: A filling device of a dual-layered filling and packing device having a cotton paper device within the packing device which guides cotton paper via a guide rack to fold the paper and to fill a paper bag with fixed amount of tea leaves, by means of a roller, the paper bag with tea leaves being sealed at the edges thereof, and by means of a gripping structure, the tea bag being held to a funnel tube of the folding structure, a plurality of rollers delivered packing foil from an insertion section through space between a folding slot and the funnel tube, characterized in that the gripping structure composes a magnetic cylinder interconnected to a Y-shaped pneumatic cylinder and the gripping section is extended with two corresponding folding board and the folding structure comprises a folding slot covered a gap outside the funnel tube, the cross-section of the funnel tube has a flat body and the folding slot is a U-shaped plate body having a top end folded outward to form the insertion section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for receiving contents from another container. The container has a receptacle and a head. The receptacle has a chamber therein. The head has a neck. The neck has a receiving orifice therein and a bore therethrough. The receiving orifice communicates with the chamber through the bore. The neck further has an inner surface contiguous to the receiving orifice and/or the bore. The inner surface has a plurality of splines extending therefrom and generally directional to the longitudinal extension of the neck. Further disclosed is a tube container. Still further disclosed is a method for introducing the contents of one container into another container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a debarking shaft (3) for a debarking machine (1). The debarking shaft (3) has its teeth (4) designed as a number of annular tooth rims (20), each of said tooth rims comprising two or more releasably connected elements (21, 22), having the outer periphery provided with the teeth (4) and said elements being adapted to be fitted around a body member (25) of the debarking shaft (3) by way of press clamping.

Abstract: A resilient wheel structure having a rim and a hub interconnected by spokes, wherein the rim is sufficiently stiff to distribute a load to all of the spokes, and wherein the wheel is able to absorb loads in both the radial and axial directions. The rim comprises an inner and outer rim portion supported by ribs, that are located co-radially with curved spokes that allow tension and compression. The wheel structure being optimally used on a mobile robot.

Abstract: A vehicle tire comprises a central tread portion divided into central blocks B0 by central oblique grooves (g); a lateral tread portion divided into four kinds of blocks B1, B2, B3 and B4 by first and second oblique grooves (ga and gb) extending from a circumferential groove (G) to a tread edge, and cross oblique grooves (gc) extending between the first oblique grooves (ga1) while crossing the second oblique groove (gb); the central oblique grooves (g) and the cross oblique grooves (gc) inclined reversely to the first and second oblique grooves (ga and gb); the number of each of the first to fourth lateral blocks B1 to B4 in each of the lateral land portions being equal to the number of the central blocks B0; and each of the first oblique grooves (ga) and two of the cross oblique grooves (gc) meeting with at axially different positions (P1 and P2).

Abstract: A tire having a crown which includes a ply of circumferentially oriented, helically wound reinforcing threads. This ply is arranged such that in sensitive zones, for example, beneath the grooves of the tread pattern, the laying pitch of the circumferential reinforcing threads is greatly increased. This substantially reduces the risks of damage to the circumferential reinforcing threads in these zones.

Abstract: A wheel-and-tire apparatus has a pneumatic tire with two or more circumferential tread sections, the relative diameters of which may be adjusted to select the tread sections in contact with the road. The tire may have one or more air chambers. The apparatus facilitates selective use of tire tread designs and compositions having different performance characteristics to suit particular road conditions and vehicle operating parameters. Adjustment of tread section diameters is accomplished using tread diameter adjustment means having a source of compressed air. Sensors monitor selected operational parameters of the vehicle and transmit corresponding signals to a computer, which selects an optimal configuration of tread section diameters to suit the data from the sensors. The computer sends a corresponding signal instructing the tread diameter adjustment means to adjust the diameter of one or more tread sections as required to achieve the selected configuration of tread section diameters.

Abstract: In a heavy duty radial tire, a reinforcement belt 8 outward in a radial direction of the tire and a high-strength belt 13 inward in the radial direction are arranged between a radial carcass 2 and a tread rubber 4, and an intersect angle between cord 6a of an innermost wide-width slant cord layer 6 in the reinforcement belt 8 and cord 12a of an outermost narrow-width slant cord layer 12 in the high-strength belt 13 is not less than 10° at an acute angle side, and narrow-width slant cord layers 11, 12 of the high-strength belt 13 in the tire mounted onto a rim and inflated under a maximum air pressure have a width corresponding to 20˜60% of a ground contact width of the tread rubber 4, and inclination angles of cords 11a, 12a with respect to an equatorial plane 5 of the tire are not more than 15°, and a rubber gauge t1 of a first rubber layer 14 between cord 6a of an innermost wide-width slant cord layer 6 and cord 12a of an outermost narrow-width slant cord layer 12 is 0.9˜3.

Abstract: A tape applicator for application of a double-sided adhesive tape to a member which can be cut and assembled to form a frame or sash for glazing for a skylight, a window or a door, or which can be used to form a muntin. The tape applicator includes a drive roller for advancing members sequentially through the apparatus. The tape applicator also includes a pressure roller for urging the tape onto the member, and for urging the member into engagement with the drive roller. A guide roller guides the location of the tape to the member so that it is applied to the proper location. A cutting mechanism is automatically actuated for cutting the tape adjacent the trailing end of each member at a desired location. The cutting mechanism is actuated by a switch which is engaged by the member.

Abstract: A drum (1) for building tires (2), the drum (1) having two half-drums (12), each of which has an expandable bead clamping device (20), and at least one shaping bladder (27) and a turn-up bladder (33) fixed to an outer tubular body (16) of the half-drum (12) on opposite sides of the respective bead clamping device (20); each turn-up bladder (33) having an outer annular lip (34) extending, at rest, along the respective half-drum (12) and covering the respective bead clamping device (20) and substantially the whole respective shaping bladder (27).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A filter forming and joining apparatus of the present invention automatically forms a succession of metal-free cylindrical filter elements from a pleat block of pleated filter material, each pleat block having a first end pleat at a first end of the pleat block and a second end pleat at a second end of the pleat block. The apparatus including a pleat block isolator for isolating successive individual pleat blocks from other pleat blocks in a succession of pleat blocks in preparation for filter formation, a filter former that manipulates each isolated pleat block along a forming path into a hollow cylinder shape, the hollow cylinder-shaped isolated pleat block having a first end pleat and a second end pleat positioned adjacent each other, and a filter joiner that bonds together the adjacent first and second end pleats of each hollow cylinder-shaped isolated pleat block producing a metal-free cylindrical filter element.

Abstract: An accordion fire door is provided including an accordion member having interlocking panels formed of a fire retardant or fire proof material, a guide member positioned on at least one side of the accordion member for guiding the accordion member during movement between an opened position and a closed position, end locks arranged at interconnected ends of adjacent panels for maintaining panel contact and alignment, and a releasing member connected to the accordion member for releasing the accordion member in response to a predetermined condition of at least one of heat, fire, smoke, manual initiation and a drive. The panels are self hinged along the entire interlocking sides.

Abstract: An extruded plastic head rail for a blind of the type having blind elements suspended from such head rail, in which the head rail is reinforced to prevent sagging of the head rail under the load of the blind elements, and in which the head rail is suitable for trimming to length by a point of sale trim cutting apparatus, the head rail having a head rail extrusion extruded from plastic material and, a reinforcement member in the head rail, the reinforcement member extending along at least a median portion of length of the head rail, the reinforcement member supporting the head rail and the blind elements, to prevent bending of the head rail under the load of the blind elements.

Abstract: A storm shutter assembly for building openings where the several articulated contiguous blade assemblies are housed within a frame assembly and selectively moved between two extreme positions from approximately 4 degrees to 180 degrees. The frame includes a coextensive support surface. The contiguous blade assemblies are hingedly connected at their longitudinal complementary ends. One of the ends includes a longitudinal outer socket fold with two arched arms that journal a longitudinal inner fold at the other end of a contiguous blade assembly. One of the arms is smaller and is arched with a cooperative radius of curvature to receive the longitudinal inner fold. A stopper bay catches one of the arms when the contiguous blade assemblies extend out to a coplanar disposition. Reinforcement longitudinal folds are provided on the blade assemblies that coact with the support surface for transmitting the wind load to the frame assembly directly.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a spring on a shaft, such as for counterbalancing a roll-up door, includes a housing that carries a transmission which is positionable over the shaft. The transmission is configured to be coupled via a connector to one end of the spring, while the other end of the spring is fixed to the shaft. Rotation of the transmission results in a turning of the connector and a winding and/or elongation of the spring.

Abstract: A release mechanism for protecting a sectional door under impact allows one or more door panels to breakaway from its guide track without damaging the door. The release mechanism includes a snap-in pin that can be selectively repositioned to provide various operating modes. Examples of operating modes include unidirectional release, bi-directional release, and a disabled mode. In some cases, the breakaway threshold is greater in one direction than another. In the disabled mode, the release mechanism is not meant to release. Some embodiments include a door locking mechanism that still allows the release mechanism to operate.