Abstract: Apparatus for controlled removal of surplus material from one or more tows of tobacco particles, filter material for tobacco smoke or the like employs at least one belt conveyor for each stream. The outer side of such belt conveyor is provided with recesses which receive particulate material at the stream forming station or stations. Each stream is equalized by a discrete trimming device which employs a pair of cooperating rotary knives having circular cutting edges and serving to remove the surplus prior to compacting and wrapping of the thus obtained rod-like filler or fillers into web(s) of cigarette paper of the like. The material which has entered the recesses of the belt conveyor(s) contributes to greater density of the corresponding portions of the fillers or fillers, and such densified portions are severed by a cutoff to be located at the ends of plain cigarettes or at the tobacco-containing ends of filter cigarettes.

Abstract: The distributor of a cigarette rod making machine employs a zig-zag sifter which receives a mixture of tobacco ribs and shreds from a reservoir by way of a duct or an elevator conveyor. The shreds leave the uppermost stage of the sifter and are conveyed, by a Coanda separator, into an upright gathering duct which discharges shreds for delivery onto the concave surface(s) of one or more guides serving to direct one or more streams of shreds against the underside(s) of one or more foraminous belt conveyors which advance the stream(s) past one or more trimming devices serving to remove the surplus and to thus convert each stream into a rod-like filler which is ready to be draped into a web of cigarette paper. The removed surplus is returned into the reservoir or directly into the zig-zag sifter.

Abstract: The components of cigarette smoke, known until now, do not explain the overwhelming hazardous effects of smoking; this invention describes the isolation, identification and procedures for determination of the structure, properties and assay of a relatively stable major harmful oxidant (cs-oxidant) present in the cigarette smoke, the content of which is about 190±10 &mgr;g per cigarette; the cs-oxidant alone almost quantitatively accounts for the oxidative damage of proteins produced by the aqueous extract of whole cigarette smoke, it is also responsible for the oxidative damage of DNA; since the cs-oxidant is relatively stable, it further explains the deleterious effects of the side stream smoke and passive smoking; a number of chemical compounds/agents including vitamin C have been found to prevent the cs-oxidant induced protein oxidation in vitro.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes which involve the use of manganese oxide mixtures that include nanoparticle manganese oxide and other nanoparticle additive(s) capable of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or converting nitric oxide to nitrogen. The compositions, articles and methods of the invention can be used to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide present in mainstream smoke reaching the smoker and/or given off in secondhand smoke. The manganese oxide can be co-precipitated with the additive(s), or mechanically mixed with the additive(s) to form the manganese oxide mixture. The manganese oxide may have a lower light-off temperature than the additive, such that during smoking of the cigarette, the heat generated from the oxidation of carbon monoxide by manganese oxide is capable of activating the additive. The additive may include iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions.

Abstract: A method of decorating fingernails is disclosed. An applicator having a foam brush on one end and a bristle brush on the other end is obtained. The foam brush has a non-uniform cell structure and the bristle brush is adapted to apply a uniform coating of nail polish. The bristle brush is used to apply a uniform coating of nail polish of one color. Then, the foam brush is partially saturated in nail polish of a color different from the color of the uniform coating. The foam brush is repeatedly pressed against the nail. Due to the non-uniform cell structure of the foam brush, pools of nail polish of different sizes and thicknesses are deposited onto the nail. Some of the pools are thin to allow the color of the uniform coating to be visible therethrough. The uniform coating is left exposed in several locations. Thus, a mottled effect is produced on the fingernail.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one hydroxide compound and at least one complexing agent effective for dissociating the at least one hydroxide compound in sufficient quantity to effect lanthionization of keratin fibers. The at least one complexing agent is chosen from compounds comprising at least one group of formula (I) and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a method for lanthionizing keratin fibers to achieve relaxation of the keratinous fibers and a multicompartment kit comprising an activating composition and at least one hydroxide compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a decorative ribbon into braided human hair. The apparatus is of a needle configuration having an elongated shaft pointed at one end and a ribbon-retaining eyelet at the opposite end. The eyelet has a progressive engagement and retaining insert to selectively engage and hold a ribbon within. A ribbon can therefore pass through the weaves of the braid in a variety of decorative repetitive patterns.

Abstract: A method for protecting a passivation layer during a solder bump formation process including providing a semiconductor process wafer having a process surface including at least two metal layers comprising an uppermost metal layer and a lowermost metal layer said lowermost metal layer overlying a passivation layer including metal bonding pad regions; photolithographically patterning and anisotropically etching through a first thickness portion of at least the uppermost metal layer to form a first patterned metal layer portion disposed over the metal bonding pad regions and reveal a second thickness portion including the lowermost metal layer; forming a solder bump over the first patterned metal layer portion according to at least a first reflow process; and, anisotropically etching through the second thickness portion surrounding the completely formed solder bump to reveal the passivation layer.

Abstract: In a ring shaped part washing method an ultrasonic vibration plate 33 is disposed in a washing tank 23 filled with a washing fluid 31, and ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic vibration plate 33 are applied to ring-shaped parts 27 disposed in the washing tank 23 to thereby remove foreign substances stick to the ring-shaped parts 27 therefrom. The ring-shaped parts 27 are disposed inclinedly with respect to the ultrasonic vibration plate 33 in such a manner that the axes 27a of the ring-shaped parts 27 intersect with the plate surface 33a of the ultrasonic vibration plate 33 at an angle &thgr; other than a right angle.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided which uses a combined circulation/drain pump and an improved filtering system to enhance cleaning capability. The circulation section of the pump provides pressurization and supplies wash water to a spray arm of the dishwasher, while the drain section discharges the wash water. This single pump reduces space requirements, as well as manufacturing costs. A two stage filtration system may be used in the water collection area of the dishwasher to filter out unwanted material, and a third filter may further filter wash water prior to recirculation. Self cleansing mechanisms associated with each of the filters may be used to keep the filters free from obstructions and allow for the unobstructed flow and discharge of wash water.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a microelectronic substrate includes a pressure chamber, a supply of a process liquid including dense phase CO2 fluidly connected to the chamber and a distilling system. Distilling system includes a still fluidly connected to the chamber and operative to separate CO2 from the process fluid. The distilling system is operative to re-introduce the separated CO2 into the chamber or a further chamber.

Abstract: A sulfuric acid recycle apparatus capable of concentrating sulfuric acid, which is lowered in concentration upon completion of a wafer cleaning process, to a level to be recycled is provided. The sulfuric acid recycle apparatus for recycling sulfuric acid in a wafer cleaning fluid prepared by mixing sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution comprises a reaction bath having two openings formed of at least an introduction port and a discharge port for obtaining concentrated sulfuric acid by concentrating sulfuric acid in the wafer cleaning waste fluid introduced from the introduction port upon completion of a wafer cleaning process, then discharging the concentrated sulfuric acid from the discharge port, a wafer processing bath for processing wafers, and a supply unit for supplying the concentrated sulfuric acid to the wafer processing bath.

Abstract: A long retracting sootblower device for conducting different cleaning media types to the interior of a heat exchanger having a lance tube assembly (12), a feed tube, a carriage assembly (1), a first cleaning media supply, and a second cleaning media supply. The lance tube assembly includes a manifold (25), a hub (21) mounted to the manifold (25), a tube section (13) extending outward from the hub (21), and a nozzle assembly (18). The nozzle assembly includes nozzles (50, 52) adapted for directing a stream of cleaning media. The manifold (25) includes at least one cylindrical tube (32) with first and second ends, the first end (34) being permanently mounted to the manifold (25), and the second end (35) engaging the nozzle assembly (18). The manifold (25) and cylindrical tube (32) define a first high pressure passage for conducting cleaning media from the first cleaning media supply to the nozzle assembly (18).

Abstract: The present stick is comprised of first and second tubes telescopically connected together. The tubes are biased away from each other by a coaxial coil spring. A shaft is positioned within the first tube, and is biased outwardly from an outer end of the first tube by another coaxial coil spring. A cam is attached to an inner end of the shaft. Holes are arranged on the first tube adjacent the cam. Balls are positioned inside the first tube between the cam and the holes. Detents are arranged along the second tube. When the shaft is released, the balls are forced outwardly through the holes and into detents which are aligned with the holes to lock the first and second tubes together. When the shaft is depressed, the balls are retracted by the cam away from the detents and allow the first and second tubes to telescope.

Abstract: A rain shield device includes a housing for attaching onto various vehicles, and a shield extendible out of the housing for shielding the upper portions of the doors of the vehicles and for allowing the drivers and the passengers to easily open or receive the umbrella while boarding or moving out of the vehicles. The shield may be extended out of the housing with two links and two racks and a motor. A shaft is rotatably received in the housing for winding and receiving the shield, and may be rotated relative to the housing by a motor.

Abstract: A portable and reversible collapsible structure that contains a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels. Each of the side panels contains a fabric material attached to at least one frame with each frame foldable between an expanded position and a recoiled position. At least two side panels are hingedly connected to opposing sides of the bottom panels. At least one detachable side panel is further attached to the bottom panel and in a position that is in between the opposing side panels. The connection between the detachable side panel and the bottom panel is reversible and detachable by a user. The connection between the detachable side panel and one of the opposing side panels is also reversible according to the needs of a user.

Abstract: A time based mass flow controller controls the volume flow and mass flow accurately based on time.

Abstract: A gas recirculation flow control method and apparatus for use in an evacuation system having a vacuum chamber into which a gas is introduced, a first vacuum pump for exhausting the gas from the vacuum chamber and reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a desired pressure, a second vacuum pump for performing evacuation to lower the back pressure of the first vacuum pump below an allowable back pressure, and a gas recirculation line for returning a part of gas exhausted from the first vacuum pump to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: A matric potential responder which includes a liquid absorbing swellable nonliquid material (115) held within a housing (114) of a ceramic material environ such as soil, to the material (115), being subject to a compressive force such as a spring (116). This uses balance of compressive force as compared to tension of the soil matric potential being used to control a position of a valve (119) which is arranged to effect an output such as control of a mains water valve (110).

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for selectably delivering hydraulic fluid from a supply of hydraulic fluid to one of a first hydraulic operator and a second hydraulic operator is disclosed. The assembly includes first and second supply ports which communicate with the supply and four operator ports. First and third ports communicate with the first hydraulic operator. Second and fourth ports communicate with the fourth hydraulic operator. First and second chambers are provided. The first chamber communicates with the first supply port and first and second operator ports. The second chamber communicates with the second supply port and third and fourth operator ports. Two selection valves operating in unison are each located in each chamber. The selection valves operate between a first position at a first hydraulic fluid pressure and a second position at a second hydraulic fluid pressure.

Abstract: A vent valve for use in controlling discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The vent valve includes a housing for attachment to the fuel tank includes a wall defining a cavity therein. The float is contained in the cavity of the housing and is responsive to the level of liquid in the fuel tank. The level in the fuel tank rises, the float rises within the housing. When the level of liquid in the fuel tank drops, the float moves downwardly in the housing. A passage is provided in the housing which communicates with an external portion of the tank. The vent valve includes at least one vent positioned proximate to and communicating with the passage for providing venting passage of vapor therethrough and to the passage. The vent valve includes a vent assembly having a flexible diaphragm which is displaceably positioned proximate to the passage to control the flow of vapor through the vent and through the passage.

Abstract: In a throttle assembly for a flowing medium having an inlet and outlet and having two throttle devices disposed between them coaxially to one another, which each have at least one flow window for the passage of a flow of the medium flowing from the inlet to the outlet and are rotatable relative to one another for controlling the flow of the medium, in order to avoid friction and wear between the throttle devices and to assure a closing position without leakage flows, the throttle devices are embodied as hollow cones, with a cone jacket including at least one flow window, and the cones are disposed concentrically to one another in such a way that in the closing region of the throttle assembly, they are displaced axially toward one another by displacement means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for refilling individual cells of a multi cell monobloc lead-acid battery wherein each battery cell is fitted with a refill control valve. The system includes a manifold and a swivel connector fitting. The manifold has (i) a plurality of outlet bosses positioned at a predetermined spacing to permit the manifold to be assembled to the battery with each outlet boss in sealed fluid communication with one of the refill control valves, (ii) at least one inlet port adapted to receive the swivel connector fitting, and (iii) a longitudinally extending passageway for fluid communication between the inlet port and each outlet boss. The swivel connector fitting has an outlet boss which is mounted within the manifold inlet port in sealed fluid communication and is rotatable within the inlet port through 360 degrees. The swivel connector fitting also includes ports to communicate with other components of the single point watering system.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel discharge structure is used in a vehicle including an airtight cover disposed within a trunk thereof. The airtight cover covers a gaseous fuel containing tank. The structure includes an air introducing pipe and a gas discharging pipe both connected to the cover. If gaseous fuel leaks from within the tank, the structure is operated to discharge the gaseous fuel out of the vehicle. The air introducing pipe is provided with a fan. The air introducing pipe has an air intake flap while the gas discharging pipe has a discharge flap.

Abstract: A valve and tank enclosure assembly for use on a snowplow that includes a frame, a valve assembly, a tank, and a cover. The frame and cover of the enclosure cooperate to provide a seal from water spray. Hydraulic lines within the enclosure are routed such that moisture is prevented from contacting the valve assembly. The tank is mounted within the frame at three-locations and elevated so that forces from vehicle operation are isolated from acting upon the tank. The assembly also includes a pivoting shelf supporting the valve assembly, the pivoting shelf providing wide-open access to the valve assembly from a range of directions.

Abstract: A fuel system for a work vehicle such as a tractor includes a pair of fuel tanks located on either side of the vehicle that are connected by a cross feed fuel line. The fuel line permits fuel to flow from both tanks to a common fuel suction line, which, in turn, feeds the vehicle's engine with fuel. The fuel line includes a check valve that prevents the free flow of fluid through the cross feed line when the vehicle is driven across a slope. The check valve is disposed to prevent liquid fuel from flowing away from a fuel suction line and starving the suction line for fuel.

Abstract: An anti-drainback apparatus for a filter used in a vehicle transmission, allows fluid to keep the transmission pump primed when the engine is turned off. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a seal disposed in a neck member of the filter at its outlet, and a body having slanted sides, and a platform base. The body is disposed in the neck member such that the slanted sides of the body abut the seal, and the platform base covers the opening of the neck member, preventing fluid from draining back from the pump into the sump when the engine is turned off. Thus, the body is movable from an unsealed position which allows fluid flow to the transmission when the engine is turned on, and the sealed position which prevents fluid drainback into the filter when the engine is turned off.

Abstract: A valve device for a pressurised gas cylinder comprising a connector to be connected to a gas outlet orifice of a gas cylinder. A handwheel controls closing a gate valve or opening the gate valve to release gas from the cylinder. The output flow of gas released from the cylinder can be set.

Abstract: A revolving valve for an oxygen machine includes a motor, a cage, a motor secured in the cage, a valve linking to the motor and an air box secured on top of the cage. The valve has a semicircular recess. The air box comprises an air inlet on the top. The air box further comprises a main air passage, a main air outlet, a first secondary air passage, a first secondary air inlet, a second secondary air passage, and a second secondary air inlet, and they all are totally isolated from each other. The first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet are next to the main air outlet. When the motor drives the valve to turn, the recess conducts the first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet with the main air outlet in sequence.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (10) has a stack of annular discs (15) defining a central passageway (14) and a plug (16) reciprocable in the passageway for controlling fluid flow. Adjacent discs (15) in the stack have at least one fluid passageway (21A) formed in a major face (22A) of one disc closed by the abutting major face of the adjacent disc. The fluid passageway (21A) extends in a clockwise direction and has a linear inlet portion (23A) and a curved outlet portion (24A). The inlet portion (23A) is of constant cross-sectional area and the outlet portion (24A) is of increasing cross-sectional are in the direction of fluid flow. Other configurations of discs and/or fluid passageways are disclosed.

Abstract: A high-strength steel pipe excellent in formability and burst resistance wherein, when a high-strength steel pipe exceeding 850 N/mm2 in tensile strength is produced by a UOE method, a ratio (R/r) of an average radius of curvature in a range of 120 mm in a circumferential direction including a weld of the steel pipe before pipe expansion in a pipe expansion process (R) to the radius of the steel pipe after pipe expansion (r) is 0.65 to 2.0, and preferably the ratio (R/r) is 0.90 to 2.0. Preferably, Vickers hardness of the base metal Hv, the minimum Vickers hardness at the HAZ Hz, pipe wall thickness t, and a peaking amount at the weld of the steel pipe before pipe expansion in a pipe expansion process &dgr; satisfy the following expression, (1+0.005t|&dgr;|)Hz<0.03584Hv2−25.34Hv+4712.

Abstract: A pipe insulation system includes a tubular core of fibrous insulation that is coated with a pliable polymer. The coated tubular core has a first longitudinal slit extending completely through the wall of the core and a second longitudinal slit in the inner surface of the tubular core that is opposite the first slit and forms a hinge that permits the tubular core to be opened and closed to place the coated tubular core about a pipe. Preferably, the coating has a water vapor permeance rating of 0.02 perms or less and the system includes a seal for sealing the first slit so that an outer surface layer of the sealed coated tubular core formed by the coating and seal has a water vapor permeance rating of 0.02 perms or less for use on cold pipe systems.

Abstract: A woven fabric comprising warp fibers and a weft is provided. The weft may be of pick-and-pick or co-insertion constructions. The weft includes a spun staple yarn and a polyester bicomponent filament. The polyester bicomponent filament includes poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and has an after heat-set crimp contraction value of from about 10% to about 80%. A process for making such a fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a gas-supersaturated fluid and delivering the fluid at high delivery pressures to thereby prevent bubble nucleation is disclosed. The system comprises a housing for containing a removable fluid assembly for housing a fluid to be gas-supersaturated and a drive assembly for delivering the fluid to a delivery site. The housing assembly comprises a cylinder and a piston which may be advanced along the inner surface of the cylinder to pressurize and to deliver the fluid. To generate a gas-supersaturated fluid, the housing assembly is removed from the system housing, filled with a fluid, and gas is introduced at or slightly above the desired gas partial pressure into the cylinder.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there is disclosed herein a method and system of recovering concrete which includes admitting a concrete slurry to a tank, pressurizing the tank with a fluid under pressure, discharging through a discharge line the pressurized fluid-slurry from the tank, cleaning the tank by admitting a cleaning liquid into the tank after discharging fluid-slurry therefrom, and discharging the cleaning liquid from the tank through the discharge line for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A compact, hand carryable, closed-loop refilling, purging, and pressure testing device adapted for use liquid motor vehicle cooling systems. The disclosed device performs the full range of filling, removal of gasses and contaminants, and pressure testing, in a small unit that can sit on a workbench or the floor to perform the tasks. The device requires no removal or possible damage to any of the hose connections of the cooling system. Another advantage is the limitation of accidental spillage or leakage of the antifreeze fluid into the environment due to the closed nature of the system. Additionally, utility is provided by a surging and unloading valve which causes system fluid to surge toward an exit upon reaching a designated pressure, thereby purging gas from the cooling system by carrying it along in such surges.

Abstract: A can filler valve wiper mechanism for use with a can filler machine is disclosed. The can filler machine includes mechanism for moving a can along a predetermined can travel path, and a movable filler valve which moves along a predetermined filler valve travel path above at least a portion of the can travel path. A can wiper mechanism comprises a rotating wiper, which can be a common paint roller. The rotating wiper is disposed at a location between a moving can and a moving can filler valve located above the can so that the wiper engages and collects material located between the valve and can. Preferably, the wiper engages the bottom of the filler valve itself as the valve passes the wiper.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A process for increasing the strength of plywood. The process includes pressing the piece of plywood between two hard faces which have parallel ridges contacting the two outer sides of the plywood to be strengthened. The plywood is subjected to pressure which permanently impresses a series of parallel grooves in the two outer faces of the piece of plywood. This strengthens the piece of plywood so that it takes more force to break it than the same piece of plywood without such parallel grooves.

Abstract: An elastic wheel, comprising a disk (1) having a base rim (2) and a rim (3) pivotally supporting a tire (10), wherein a projected part (5) with a generally trapezoidal cross-section in the wheel axis direction is formed in a well of the rim (3), and a pair of elastic rubber bodies (6) are provided annually between the outer surfaces of a pair of wall parts (4a, 4b) formed by bending the both sides of the base rim (2) at a sharp angle and the rim inner peripheral surface of the generally trapezoidal projected part (5), whereby vibration can be absorbed by both the shearing deformation and compressive deformation of the installed elastic rubber bodies (6) so as to increase riding comfort, vibration proofing, and sound proofing performances in the area ranging from small input to large input, the sound proofing performance being very effective for sound in a high frequency area of 100 Hz or higher.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound, system, and method for retrofitting and converting standard bicycle rims and tires having tubes to be tubeless. Standard tube tires are retrofitted by installing either rim tape or a rim strip with integral valve stem around the inner channel of the rim, mounting the first bead of the tire, injecting a liquid sealing compound into the tire cavity, finishing mounting the tire, inflating, and installing the tire on a bicycle. The sealing compound may additionally contain propylene glycol or an aggregate material to encourage the sealing of the tires as punctures occur when the tire system is placed into use.

Abstract: A system and method for winding fibers onto an article is disclosed. The system includes a winding station having a controllable speed of rotation. The winding station has at least one fiber bobbin mounted on it. A rotation sensor is rotationally coupled to the winding station. The system includes a conveyor having a controllable speed and which is adapted to move the article axially through the winding station. A speed sensor, adapted to measure an axial speed of motion of the article through the winding station is positioned near the winding station. The system includes a controller adapted to operate the winding station at a rotational speed corresponding to the axial speed of motion, so as to apply the fibers to the article in a predetermined helical pattern. In one example, the helical pattern is held to a lay angle having a tolerance within one-half degree.

Abstract: A corrugator single facer of the type utilizing a large diameter bonding roll and a small diameter corrugating roll provides quick roll change capability by mounting three large diameter bonding rolls on a rotatable turret and carrying corresponding small diameter corrugating rolls in a magazine positioned laterally offset from the machine. By driving the corrugating rolls indirectly through the pressure belt arrangement which supports the lower corrugating roll, roll change is significantly simplified.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus has a single-sided transmitting and heating roller. A heating plate is used instead of a transmitting and heating roller at the opposite side of the transmission passage in order to heat the thin film in contact therewith and cooperate with the single-sided transmitting and heating roller to transmit the thin films to be laminated. The heating plate is efficient in heating the thin film and generally less expensive than the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: An automatic lateral arm awning system for a recreational vehicle includes awning material having a first and a second end, a roller secured to the material first end for wrapping said awning material thereabout and a header secured to the material second end. A frame is provided for enclosing the roller and awning material and sealing with the header in order to prevent wind-generated noise upon driving of the recreational vehicle. A pair of spring loaded arms interconnecting the frame and said header for urge the header away from the frame upon rotation of the roller in one direction and an electric motor, disposed within the roller, rotates the roller. The awning material unrolls from the roller and extends outwardly from the frame upon rotation of the roller in the one direction and wraps around said roller upon rotation of the roller in an opposite direction. Awning material stretch is accommodated in order to insure sealing between said header and said frame.

Abstract: A framed covering for an architectural opening includes a collapsible shade that is moveable between open and closed positions relative to the architectural opening with the collapsible shade being mounted within an enclosed framework that is adapted to be secured to a structural member having the architectural opening therein. In one embodiment of a flexible control cord system moves the shade between open and closed positions, with the control cord system being conveniently positioned adjacent the frame for easy manipulation. In a second embodiment a finger slide on the frame drives a cord lift system for moving the covering between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A control and suspension system for a retractable covering mounted on a rotating element includes an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-extensions of the covering and an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-retractions of the covering. The control and suspension system also includes an apparatus to compensate for any undesirable skewing of the covering that might occur. Finally, the control and suspension system also includes a bottom rail that attaches to the bottom of the covering by trapping a portion of the covering between a compression plate and a bottom plate.

Abstract: A plastic door is made from rigid plastic panels that hingedly secure to one another by a lateral slide interlock at adjacent edges of the panels. The panels are foldable at the interlock between a first panel position in which the panels are out of alignment with one another and a second panel position in which the panels are aligned with one another. The slide interlock has sufficient play to enable release and connection of the interlock when the panels are in the first panel position. One of the panel edges has a flex member which acts to form a weather seal between the panel edges and to also tighten the slide interlock to the extent that the play within the interlock is eliminated to block any lateral movement between the panels when the panels are in the second panel position.