Abstract: A coatings removal head assembly for mounting on a self-propelled apparatus and for connection to one or more fluid supplies and one or more vacuum containment systems. A spring mounting assembly maintains a constant nozzle stand-off distance from a surface to be cleaned. A positively driven rotary spray bar assembly is employed to control the nozzle pass rate in conjunction with the movement of the self-propelled apparatus. A specifically configured exhaust is provided to enhance collection and containment of waste fluid and removed material.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: An umbrella and article holder includes an umbrella having a shaft, a handle connected to one end of the shaft, and a fabric covering connected to an opposite end of the shaft and adapted to open up to provide a protective covering against rain, snow and sleet; at least one article holder connected with the handle of the umbrella for holding at least one article when the umbrella is held in an upright configuration; and a leg securing strap for securing the umbrella to a leg of a person such that the umbrella remains in the upright configuration whether the person is sitting or standing.

Abstract: A folded umbrella frame has a plurality of units each comprising a second pivot mechanism, a first pivot mechanism fixed to the lower rib, a first pivot connecting member pivotably coupling to the first pivot mechanism, a second pivot connecting member receiving the upper rib and pivotably coupling to the second pivot mechanism and a steel rod hooking the second pivot connecting member and the first pivot mechanism together. The spreader passes through the channels of the second pivot mechanism to receive in the first bore of the first pivot connecting member. The invention effects a smooth folding by employing no rivet and a reduced size after folded.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible sunshade apparatus which can be conveniently folded up and carried in a bag so that the sunshade apparatus can be easily transported to the beach or other locations for attachment to a beach chair or lounge chair through use of a novel attachment clip. The universal clip enables any type of sunshade apparatus to be attached to any type of beach chair or lounge chair at any desired height above the occupant of the chair and at any desired angular orientation relative to the chair.

Abstract: An electrical command signal to a direct drive valve is compensated by a digital signal processor to cause the output hydraulic fluid flow from the valve to conform to a desired predetermined flow. The compensation is accomplished by measuring flow from the valve using a standard direct drive valve code. This flow is compared to a desired flow and the difference is taken on a point to point basis. A compensation is then calculated to change the command signal so as to cause the flow to be according to the desired flow.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator is provided having a housing with an inlet and outlet for fluid, a valve located movably inside the housing and provided with a fluid transport member to allow passage of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The regulator also has a pressure setting member and a space defined by one end of the valve and an end wall of the housing. The valve is moveable relative to the housing in response to a change in pressure within the space between a first position which at least partially aligns the fluid transport member with each of the inlet and the outlet and a second position in which there is no alignment of the fluid transport member with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. A passage is provided in open communication with the space and one of the inlet, the outlet, and the transport member. Methods of using the pressure regulator are also provided.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism having elongated walls to provide additional leverage when the force strikes the trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: An automatically operating valve for use for example in a forecourt fuel pump has a body (10) defining a flow passage (20) within which is formed a valve seat (22), the body having a weakened zone (16) around the flow passage (20) such that an impact on the body will fracture the body at the weakened zone. A valve member (30) is mounted for movement within the flow passage (20) and is engageable with the valve seat (22) to close the valve. A closing mechanism effects movement of the valve member (30) to its closed position in the event that the body (10) is fractured at the weakened zone. Further, the valve member (30) is configured to move to its closed position under the influence of excessive flow of liquid through the flow passage (20).

Abstract: The subject invention is a valve for regulating the viscosity of fluid. The valve includes a housing defining a bore having a first inlet supplying “cold” hydraulic fluid at a first viscosity and a second inlet supplying “hot” hydraulic fluid at a second viscosity. A spool valve disposed within the bore has at least one land to proportionally control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the inlets. Hydraulic fluid from the first and second inlets mixes within the valve and exits the valve through an outlet at an optimum viscosity. A flow restrictor creates a pressure force on the spool valve that is proportional to the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic exhaust controller for use with a source of pressurized air comprises a manifold having a first portal coupled to the source of pressurized air, a second portal, and an exhaust portal. Two manifold embodiments are disclosed. Two regulator embodiments that operate to close the exhaust portal in response to pressurized air from the air source being communicated through the first portal and that operate to pass pressurized air from the pressurized air source to the second portal are disclosed. The regulators are situated in chambers of respective manifolds. A solenoid valve is coupled to each of the manifolds and is operable to block and unblock pneumatic communication between the respective first portal and the associated second and exhaust portals.

Abstract: A hose reel includes a reel and a movable curve tube disposed on the center of a tabular rack. A cover is fixed on a lateral side of the rack while a crank is positioned on the other lateral side. A multi-path hose connects to a movable curve tube by a coupling for being wound on the reel through the crank.

Abstract: A metering valve for metering dry powder material such as cement. The interior of the valve housing is expanded outward beginning at the sealing surface or lip located adjacent to the inlet opening, thereby forming an enlarged gap between the valve sleeve and housing to discourage powder accumulation in the gap and interference of large bulk particles and foreign materials with the sleeve and housing. An eccentric intermediate sleeve aligns the valve sleeve relative to the housing prior to rotation of the valve sleeve by either moving the valve sleeve away from or toward the valve inlet. The valve sleeve has a rubberized layer to seal with the housing's sealing surface or lip. A sleeve shield blocks entry of powder into the mouths of the vacuum breakers to prevent plugging of the vacuum breakers. Ball bearings are employed to suspend the valve sleeve within the housing, making the valve sleeve easier to rotate.

Abstract: In order to safely close a shut-off device (2) used in a gas supply line (1) in the case of danger, the closing part of said shut-off device is coupled with a pneumatic working cylinder (4) whose actuating piston (3) is maintained in the respective open position of the shut-off device (2) by the accessory pressure of CO2 liquid gas cartridge (5) and against the force of a lock spring (6). Under emergency conditions, a ventilating valve (8) which relieves the pressure form the actuating piston (3) is electronically triggered by a gas sensor (10) positioned in a sensor zone by the inactivation of a securing magnet and the shut-off device (2) is safety closed.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow-control device includes a housing defining a flow passage and first and second orifices installed in the passage, each orifice being tubular and having a seat, each seat having a plurality of circumferentially spaced flow-control channels, the seat of the second orifice being axially spaced from and facing the seat of the first orifice. A resiliently deformable diaphragm is disposed between the seats, whereby flow through the passage in a first direction urges the diaphragm against the seat of the first orifice and flow through the passage in an opposite second direction urges the diaphragm against the seat of the second orifice. The diaphragm in each case deforms into the channels in the seat to varying degrees as a function of pressure differential such that in either flow direction the flow is regulated to a substantially constant volumetric flow rate over a range of pressure differentials.

Abstract: A fluid flow control mechanism includes a crossover fuel assembly which controls fuel flow between tanks such that an engine fuel intake pipe remains submerged. It is for a work vehicle with a fuel system which has two tanks, three flexible couplings, a tube assembly and a valve assembly. The crossover fuel assembly includes a suction tube assembly, a check valve assembly, a connecting polymeric or elastomeric coupling and multiple clamping mechanisms. The engine fuel intake pipe fluidly connects the crossover fuel assembly to the engine.

Abstract: The pressure relief valve has a spring pressure-loaded diaphragm closing body (13), which in the closed position sealingly engages on a centrally positioned valve seating surface (10) surrounding a first valve opening (8). Its spring pressure loading takes place by means of a counterpressure body (13) positioned centrally over it. The valve seating surface (10) is surrounded by a channel-like valve chamber (11) in the valve housing body (2) and on which is provided on the overpressure side at least one second valve opening (9). To be able to dissipate high overpressures, the counterpressure body (30) is surrounded by a diaphragm support ring (17) held on the valve housing (6) and which has a circumferential recess (19), whose depth measured perpendicular to the diaphragm closing body (13) determines the maximum deflection of said body (13), so that when the valve is completely opened the diaphragm closing body (13) is supported in an area between the valve seating surface (10) and its outer edge.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve with a position sensor is described. According to various implementations, the valve has a cage with a set of radial holes, a spool assembly slideable within the cage, and a sensor, which may be a Hall effect sensor, that reacts to the movement of the spool assembly. In other implementations, the spool comprises one or more of the following: a spool, a pin that is mechanically coupled to the spool, a dampener, which may be a spring, having a first and a second end, the first end being in contact with the pin and the second end being in contact with the spool.

Abstract: A liquid diluting device, with a small and simple structure, is capable of reliably sealing and simply changing dilution concentration. Diluent passages are formed in a first body, and a connecting passage for introducing special liquid connects to these diluent passages. A cylindrical dial covering an opening section of the connecting passage is rotatably provided on an outer section of the first body, a plurality of jets passing through from the inside to the outside are formed in conjunction with this cylindrical dial, and the diameters of the plurality of jets are different. A liquid supply passage is set at a position opposite the connecting passage, so that the cylindrical dial is sandwiched between the liquid supply passage and the connecting passage, and the connecting passage and the liquid supply passage are connected by a jet having a diameter matching the dilution factor to introduce special liquid from the liquid supply passage to one of the diluent passages.

Abstract: A gas control valve with an integrated solenoid valve and gas pressure regulator for gas appliances is provided with a cast body having a casting configured to receive a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is received in the casting so as to be internally mounted within the control valve. A gas flow path is formed from the gas inlet of the gas control valve through the manual shutoff valve and the solenoid valve assembly to the gas outlet. The solenoid valve assembly controls flow of gas through this gas outlet.

Abstract: A delivery control device, intended to allow the control of the supply to several hydraulic apparatuses to achieve activation of these individually or in various combinations, including a pair of shutter plates, one fixed and one moveable, of which the fixed shutter plate offers a central inlet passage aperture and several peripheral delivery passage apertures, each of these having essentially the form of a sector of a circle and all of them together occupying no more than one third of the circle of the peripheral region of the fixed shutter plate, while the moveable shutter plate offers a central inlet passage aperture, a single peripheral delivery passage aperture, of a form which essentially corresponds to that of one of the delivery passage apertures of the fixed shutter plate and, in a position at least approximately diametrically opposite to this single delivery passage aperture, a collective delivery passage aperture of a form which essentially corresponds to the whole form of two or more delivery pass

Abstract: A pneumatic control assembly includes a valve forming a bore that is openably blocked by a spring-biased, first plug. An inner rod is movable in the bore with a lower end engageable with the first blockage plug and an upper end forming a second plug. The inner rod is spring biased to separate from the first plug. An intermediate rod forms a channel having an opening confronting and separated from the second plug by a basing spring. A vent hole is defined in the intermediate rod and in fluid communication with the channel. A piston is formed around the intermediate rod between the opening and vent hole. An outer rod is supported on the piston by a resilient member. When the outer rod is forced toward the intermediate rod, the resilient member is deformed, driving the intermediate rod toward the inner rod and the second plug blocks the opening of the intermediate rod. The engagement between the intermediate and inner rods drives the inner rod to urge the first plug to open the bore.

Abstract: A high efficient valve assembly of a compressor has a valve plate having more than one discharging valve; a discharging valve for opening and closing the discharging valve, one end of the discharging valve is settled at the valve plate between the valve plate and a cylinder head; a stopper for controlling the discharging valve to be placed at a right position, both ends of the stopper are settled at the valve plate at an upper part of the discharging valve; a rivet for settling the discharging valve and the stopper at the valve plate; and settlement units for positioning the discharging valve at the valve plate at the right position and supporting the discharging valve. According to the present invention, the high efficient valve assembly has the discharging settlement units capable of settling the discharging valve of which only one end is supported and supporting the discharging valve, thus the assemble of the valve assembly can be easily done.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accumulator comprising a cylindrical shell including a cylindrical portion, a partitioning member for partitioning the interior of the shell into a hydraulic chamber and a gas chamber, and a port including a hydraulic fluid flow path for communicating the exterior of the shell and the hydraulic chamber. The variation of the pressure of a hydraulic fluid flowing into the hydraulic chamber is accommodated by expansion and compression of a gas in the gas chamber according to expansion and contraction of the partitioning member. The port is approximately airtightly inserted into the cylindrical portion of the shell, and is welded to an outer circumference of the cylindrical portion by means of welding.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic pressure accumulator has an outer tube forming the accumulator housing. A flexible separating element is formed by a section of a hose, extends in the longitudinal direction inside of the outer tube and is anchored on the tube to form a seal. On the outside and inside of the hose, receiving spaces separated from one another are formed within the tube. A support body is surrounded by the hose and has fluid passages. At least in sections, the support body cross sectional shape is not round. The hose is closed on its one end and is anchored only on its other open end together with an adjacent end of the support body along the outer tube. The size of the outside surface of the hose is only slightly smaller than the size of the inside surface of the outer tube facing it. The size of the outside surface of the support body is slightly smaller than that of the inside surface of the hose facing it.

Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium-carrying hose, preferably for pressure medium and for use in, for instance, an engine unit, the wall of the hose comprising at least one wall portion (5). The wall portion (5) is connected with at least one expansion portion (4) to form a continuous hose casing, so that the circumference of the hose is variable between a minimum value, when the expansion portion (4) is unexpanded, and a maximum value, when the expansion portion (4) is maximally expanded. The expansion portion (4) extends in the transverse and the longitudinal direction of the hose, the wall portions (5) being displaced relative to each other both in the transverse and in the longitudinal direction of the hose as the circumference increases and the expansion portion (4) expands. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a hose.

Abstract: A heald frame for a weaving machine includes a stop (15, 16) made of a material with shock-absorbing properties associated with at least one end of the healds (10). A gap is provided between the hold ends and the stop, such gap ensuring that the healds can be moved along guiding and drive rails forming part of the heald frame while reducing noise and potentially damaging vibrations.

Abstract: A tire repair device is provided. A receptacle/port is in communication with the air flow path; the receptacle/port is adapted to sealingly receive a container of tire sealant. When the air compressor is activated and a container of tire sealant is received in or secured to the receptacle or port, air from the air compressor is forced into the container and pushes tire sealant out of the container, into and out of the receptacle, into the air flow path, and into a tire. Preferably, the receptacle includes a piercing projection disposed in the receptacle adapted to pierce a seal on a container of tire sealant secured in the receptacle. Preferably, the intake and the exhaust are configured in the receptacle so that both the intake and the exhaust are opposite substantially the same opening of a container of tire sealant received in or secured to in the receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting molten metal for the production of metal castings by “lost-foam” technology, comprises: a first container (15) of molten metal, a second container (1) having an upper mouth and containing a bath of granular material (2), immersed in which is a pattern (3, 3a) made of expanded material which can evaporate when contacted by the molten metal, and filling means (14) for supplying the molten metal from the first container (15) to the pattern (3, 3a) in the second container (1), and means for applying a partial vacuum to the second container (1), the means comprising a removable cover (7) which can seal the mouth of the second container (1) in a leaktight manner and which has a first opening (9) with which vacuum-generating means (10, 11) are associated and a second opening (13) with which the filling means (14) are associated in a leaktight manner so that, when the cover (7) is fitted on the second container (1) in a leaktight manner and the vacuum-generating means (10, 11) are ac

Abstract: This gas supply apparatus supplies a gas by vaporizing a liquefied gas filled in a gas container. This apparatus includes an installation stand having an upper surface on which the gas container is placed; at least one nozzle which discharges a beating medium towards a bottom surface of the gas container and is provided in a hole formed in the installation stand; and a heating medium discharge path which discharges the heating medium from a space between the bottom surface of the gas container and the upper surface of the installation stand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing leakage from a fitting coupling a first and second fluid supply line to an environment surrounding the fitting is generally provided. In one embodiment, a containment apparatus includes a body having a first, second and third aperture formed therethrough. The body defines interior volume that is adapted to substantially enclose the fitting. The interior volume is adapted to be maintained at a pressure less than the surrounding environment to prevent fluid that may leak from the fitting from being released into the surrounding environment. In another aspect of the invention, a method for preventing fluid leakage from a fitting coupling a first and second conduit from entering an environment surrounding the fitting includes enclosing the fitting in a volume defined between a first shell and a second shell, evacuating the volume, and drawing air into the volume from between the shells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid dispenser employing ultrasonic sensing to determine the level of a dispensed liquid with respect to the height of a container to be filled. In one aspect, the invention relates to a refrigerator with an automated liquid dispenser that utilizes ultrasonic sensing.

Abstract: A cover structure is provided for the end of a fuel system filler tube. The cover structure includes a closure mechanism that opens and closes as a refueling nozzle is inserted or removed. The cover structure is attached to the filler tube assembly by frangible connections, and will separate from the filler tube assembly in the event of a crash.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting submerged trees at an underwater logging site and for retrieving the cut trees. Once cut, each tree is retrieved to the water surface by an inflatable bag deployed from and inflated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit positioned on a surface vessel, such as a barge or large boat, and an underwater vessel connected together by an umbilical. Preferably the underwater vessel is a remotely controllable submersible including a grapple for releasably holding each tree to be cut, a saw, a gas supply connectable to a gas source located on the surface vessel, and an air bag deployment and inflation assembly for inflating the air bag and securely attaching it to the tree. The underwater vessel is initially loaded with a plurality of air bags which are stored in a magazine located in the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a support carriage movably mounted on a mounting frame for supporting a cutting shaft. A motor housing and a shaving collecting member are mounted on the carriage. The collecting member defines a shaving passageway in the vicinity of the cutting shaft and in fluid communication with an air conduit such that an air stream introduced from the motor housing can entrain wood shavings collected in the collecting member. A blower mechanism includes a drive shaft coupled to and driven by the cutting shaft for rotating an impeller for drawing wood shavings from the collecting member into the blowing mechanism and out of a discharge member.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the operation of gripping devices of a loader harvester bulk handling device. In the controller, the coupling of a valve with the operating device of the loader harvester's cross-cutting device, and with a tilting mechanism of a tilting frame, is arranged to operate in conjunction with the cutting device and felling so that the gripping devices are normally in the closed position. The gripping devices are arranged, at least in the felling position, to always open when the guide bar or equivalent cutting device is operating or when the harvester head turns to the delimbing position, and to close immediately after the operation in question.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tire for a vehicle wheel includes making a carcass structure, applying a belt structure to the carcass structure, applying a tread band to the belt structure, and applying at least one pair of sidewalls to the carcass structure. Making the carcass structure includes applying at least one first part of the at least one carcass ply on a toroidal support, applying at least one circumferentially-inextensible annular anchoring insert, and applying at least one stiffening element. The at least one annular anchoring insert includes a cross-sectional profile of flattened conformation, extending away from an equatorial plane of the tire. The at least one stiffening element includes at least one main portion with a cross-sectional profile tapering away from a rotation axis of the tire. The at least one main portion is located substantially at an axially-inner position relative to the at least one annular anchoring insert.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions each with a bead core and a bead apex therein, each sidewall portion provided on the outer face with means of escaping air between the tire and a mold for vulcanizing the tire, wherein the air escape means comprises a circumferentially extending vent emboss line disposed adjacently to a radially outer end of the bead apex and a circumferentially extending vent groove adjoining the radially outside of the vent emboss line and having a depth of at least 0.15 mm. Preferably, the vent groove has a width of from 5 to 10 mm and a depth of from 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and the vent emboss line and vent groove are disposed in a lower sidewall region having a substantially straight profile. The bottom of the vent groove may be substantially parallel to the straight profile of the lower sidewall region and the bottom may be provided with emboss marks.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for guiding the seam allowance of a seamed joint of a fabric into alignment longitudinally with a seam sealing tape applied to the seamed joint within a consolidation nip, all to effect a leakproof seal of the joint. The apparatus includes guide means positioned proximate the consolidation nip, adjacent the entrance thereof, the guide means having an opening therein to and through which the seam allowance is passed. The opening is of a size sufficient to accept and guide the seam allowance passing therethrough. The opening is preferably a slot, the open end of the slot being positioned adjacent the seamed joint and aligned with the tape as the tape and joint pass to and through the consolidation nip. The guide means optionally includes coacting shock absorbers.

Abstract: A combination hole punching and reinforcing device for punching holes in sheets of paper and other sheet materials applies flat reinforcement rings about holes formed in those sheets concurrently as the holes are formed. The device employs a die punch, which is preferably configured as a disposable item that is detachable from the lower end of the punching ram. The die punch is configured with a punching tip at its lower extremity and a shank that is preferably narrower than the punching tip. A plurality of reinforcement rings are stacked one atop each other and are carried upon a shoulder formed at the demarcation between the die punch tip and the die punch shank. A transverse pressure plate located atop the shank applies pressure to sequentially affix the lowermost reinforcement ring in the stack to a sheet of paper concurrently with the formation of an aperture through that sheet.

Abstract: A tape dispenser with a hidden blade includes a body, a press plate provided at a front side of the body and possible to be pressed to move rearward elastically to push down a blade fixed on a blade base to force the blade to protrude out of the body a little for cutting a tape. After the tape is cut and the press plate is released manually, the blade with the blade base together is raised up to the original position elastically and automatically, kept safe to use and prevented from damage by accidental collision by something.

Abstract: At least when an upper glass substrate 3 held by an upper retention head 10 and a lower glass substrate 4 held by a lower retention head 11 are abutted on each other through a sealing material 5, air cylinders 25, 25 apply a lifting force balancing with a dead weight of the upper retention head 10 to the upper retention head 10 to cancel its dead weight. In this state, the upper glass substrate 3 and the lower glass substrate 4 are abutted on each other through the sealing material 5.

Abstract: A curtain device includes a plurality of Venetian blind slats, a plurality of curtain units, a plurality of anchoring members, and a plurality of fastening members. Each of the anchoring members is mounted on a respective one of the curtain units. The anchoring members anchor the curtain units on top edges of the Venetian blind slats. Each of the fastening members fastens removably a curtain portion of a respective one of the curtain units to a curtain portion of an adjacent one of the curtain units.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch-controlled electric blind is constructed to include a blind body formed of a headrail defining a receiving chamber, a set of slats, and a bottom rail, a power drive, the power drive including a reversible motor and electromagnetic clutch apparatus connectable to the motor, an amplitude modulation set coupled to the motor for rotation with the motor to lift/lower the slats to the desired elevation, a frequency modulation set coupled to the motor through the electromagnetic clutch apparatus and adapted for controlling tilting angle of the slats.

Abstract: A lift lock for a blind is disclosed to include a casing holding a guide wheel, balls respectively received in respective sliding grooves around one side of the guide wheel, a shaft inserted through the casing and coupled to a lift rod of the blind, and a spring member sleeved onto the shaft for forcing an engagement portion of the shaft into engagement with a positioning opening of the casing. When the torque inputted into the lift rod surpassed the friction resistance between the casing and the shaft, the balls force the shaft to disengage the engagement portion from the positioning opening of the casing for enabling the lift rod to be freely rotated. When the input torque of the lift rod dropped, the spring member returns the shaft into engagement with the positioning opening of the casing to stop the lift rod in position.

Abstract: A door driving-mechanism torque transmission (20, 40, or 50) for transmitting torque from a door-driving motor assembly, especially a geared motor (36), to a shaft (33) connected to a door panel (31). A driving component rotates around an axis and can be engaged with the door-driving motor assembly. A driven component rotates around another axis and can be engaged with the shaft. A bearing assembly accommodates both components mounted on separated axes of rotation. There is a coupling connection (2) between both components. The object is to promote smooth operation and decrease frequency of repair. The bearing assembly (4 or 51) is accordingly provided with a driving-component bearing half (5 or 52) that the driving component (1) is mounted on and with, separated therefrom, a driven-component bearing half (6 or 53) that the driven component (3) is mounted on. The bearing halves (5 & 6 or 52 & 53) are connected elastically for the purpose of attenuating torsional vibrations and impacts.

Abstract: A multifunctional window covering system for securing various lengths, sizes and types of curtains and/or drapery or other fabric material in a wide variety of different window treatment styles and configurations with respect to a window structure includes at least one securing device with a securing section and a loop section. The securing device is configured to wrap around a fabric material and/or support structure disposed proximate the window, with the securing section capable of being inserted through the loop section to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the loop section so as to hold and maintain the fabric material in a desired configuration with respect to the window structure.

Abstract: A sliding screen door for facilitating access through an entryway by a child includes a frame and a screen mounted to the frame. In addition, an adult height handle having a bottom edge is mounted on the frame at a first height from a floor adjacent the door, and a child height handle is mounted on the frame at a height below the bottom edge of the adult height handle. It is also contemplated that the two handles can be combined into a single elongate handle. This ensures that a child, who cannot reach the adult height handle, has access to a door handle for opening and closing the sliding screen door.

Abstract: A process for producing aluminum sheet product having a controlled grain structure and texture using a continuous caster to cast molten aluminum into a slab comprising the steps of providing a source of molten aluminum and continuously casting the molten aluminum into a slab using a continuous caster; continuously rolling the slab into a sheet product and continuously annealing the sheet product in a controlled temperature range; measuring grain structure and texture of the sheet product to provide a grain structure and texture related signal on a continuous basis; and relaying the signal to a controller. In the controller, comparing the signal to previous signals reflecting grain structure and texture of the sheet product to provide a comparison; and in response to the comparison, maintaining or changing heat input to the process upwardly or downwardly to increase or decrease the temperature to produce aluminum sheet having the desired grain structure and texture.