Abstract: Various embodiments of flexible plastic tubing are disclosed for connection to an endoscopic instrument having suction, irrigation and electrocautery capabilities, with the electrocautery capability requiring connection to an electrical wire. Generally, the tubing is an integral, extruded flexible plastic tube having a first suction portion with a first interior cylindrical passageway, a second irrigation portion with a second interior cylindrical passageway, and a third portion with a third passageway for the electrical wire. The third portion joins the other portions. The third portion has a substantially cylindrical interior passageway with first and second flexible lips defining a peripheral opening which is narrower than the electrical wire such that the electrical wire is inserted past the lips and held in the passageway and is removable from the passageway.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing spout for use in a fuel dispensing nozzle is provided. The fuel dispensing spout includes an inner cylindrical member and a concentric outer cylindrical member. The inner and outer cylindrical members are joined by a series of ribs which divide the space between the inner and outer members into a plurality of longitudinally and continually extending subchannels. Some of the subchannels are utilized for vapor recovery during operation of the spout, while one of the subchannels is utilized in detecting pressure increases in captured air contained therein as fuel dispensation takes place. The inside passageway defined by the inner cylindrical member is used for carrying fuel that is to be dispensed.

Abstract: A conduit tube is arranged to include intersecting partition walls dividing the associated conduit tube into four compartments to permit transport and positioning of cable within each compartment in a discrete relationship. The first and second ends of the conduit tube include locking blades, with each locking blade arranged for reception within an associated slot of a second tube member to secure a plurality of the conduit tubes together.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated flexible tube with an oblong cross section. The tube has two opposed long sides and an elongated partition wall extends parallel with the opposed long sides. The elongated partition wall defines a slot within the same, into which an iron pipe of elliptical shape in cross section is inserted.

Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal pressure while providing low bending stiffness, an inner smaller centrally located core member located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular member and containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness. One or more web members contain fibers oriented to resist shear stress, and connect the outer cylindrical member and the inner core member to form at least two separate cells within the composite tubular member. The web member forms a major and minor moment of inertia within the tubular member to create a preferred bending direction. Conductors are formed integral to the connecting web member for transmitting energy signals through the tubular member.

Abstract: A cable-guide assembly of particular utility in ground subsidence regions consists of three tubes extruded simultaneously with the connecting webs and abutting at hexagonal segments form with two angularly adjoining surfaces. A subsequently applied sealing strip or a sealing strip formed on one of the tubes not interconnected by a connecting web can bridge between the two tubes which are not interconnected by such webs when the bundle is formed.

Abstract: A system of tubes and connector blocks to contain electrical, telephone and television cables. The tubes and the blocks are divided by walls which create separated cavities to contain the cables.

Abstract: An irrigation tube having a polymer peripheral wall can be constructed so that the peripheral wall is composed of an even number greater than 2 of substantially rigid panels connected at their side edges by the same number of line like flexible areas. Water flow from such a tube can be regulated through the use of holes in such panels of various different shapes. Because of the use of such panels and line like areas the tube can be easily collapsed to a lay flat configuration in which it can be easily coiled, stored and handled until it is used and can be easily expanded to a normal configuration when it is used.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed invention a desirable, elongated irrigation tube having a plastic or polymer peripheral wall in which there are a series of dispensing holes leading from the interior of said tubing to the exterior of said tubing is constructed so as to include at least one of the following: (1) all of said holes having a cross-sectional shape along a section taken perpendicular to the length of said holes such that the ratio of the length of the perimeter of the interior of the wall of each hole to the cross-sectional area of the hole is greater than that of a circle; (2) that said wall includes a body of a plastic material containing an effective amount of a root inhibitor to preclude root growth within said holes and adjacent to said holes at the exterior of said wall; and (3) said wall consisting of an even number of elongated panels and line like areas of reduced thickness which are more flexible than said panels joining said panels, said areas permitting said tubing to automatically fold

Abstract: A transfer boom adapted for suspension from a reciprocal shuttle carriage comprises a boom arm having a plurality of interior passages extending the length of the boom arm. These passages define air passages, thereby eliminating the need for exterior hoses. A T-shaped cavity is provided within the exterior walls of the boom arm. A boom mount, having Venturi cups or grippers is detachably mounted to the boom arm within the T-shaped cavity by a T-bolt. This enables the boom mount to be mounted anywhere along the length of the boom arm. The T-bolt provides for easy removability of the boom mount from the boom arm.

Abstract: A spiral-wound tube formed of a hollow section 1 is provided wherein the hollow section is joined together by extruder welding or gluing. The hollow section is coextruded and comprises an outer layer (2) of pastic with a homogenous surface and good weldability. An intermediate layer 3 is provided of a modified polymer and an inner layer (4) is also provided. The interior space defined by the tubular layers (2, 3, 4) is preferably rectangular in cross-section.

Abstract: Plastic pipe has a cylindrical body having longitudinally extending concentric walls spaced from the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The walls are connected by ribs extending generally radially between the walls and longitudinally of the pipe. The pipe is provided with a generally annular resilient axially extending sealing ring entrapped at the end of the pipe by removing an end portion of the ribs, heating and bending an end wall portion so as to entrap a portion of the sealing ring, while permitting a second portion of the ring to axially project beyond the end of the pipe to provide impact resistance to the pipe end. A further embodiment involves omission of the sealing ring and welding the small gap remaining after heating and bending an end wall portion to seal the pipe end.

Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal pressure while providing low bending stiffness, an inner smaller centrally located core member located near the neutral axis of composite tubular member containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile stremgth and low bending stiffness and web members containing fibers oriented to resist shear stress, connecting the outer cylindrical member and the inner core member to form at least two separate cells within the composite tubular member.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone separators of the type used to separate contaminants from pulp suspensions in paper mills are connected to feed, accept, and reject conduits using a conduit apparatus in which both feed and accept portions are preferably bent from smooth plate material. The feed and accept portions preferably include generally flat surfaces through which holes are drilled for making connections to the feed and accept nozzles of the hydrocyclones. The smooth plate material eliminates the tendency of pulp to build up on the conduit walls and in the nozzles, thereby avoiding the problems that can occur when such build ups break loose. The nozzles of the hydrocyclones are preferably attached by placing a resilient sealing member around the circumference of the nozzle, and inserting the nozzle into an aperture formed in a generally flat wall of the conduit until the sealing member engages the inside wall of the aperture.

Abstract: A method of forming a chamfered and sealed end on a spiral wound plastic pipe of the type including at least a pair of radially spaced circumferential side walls connected by an intermediate wall which joins generally radially between the side walls and extends in a helical path axially of the pipe. The method includes determining the desired axial length of the chamfer and removing the intermediate wall which lies between the side walls axially inwardly of the end of the pipe a distance substantially equal to the desired length to define an outwardly open channel between the side walls. Thereafter one of the side walls is permanently deflected to bring it substantially into engagement with the end of the other of the side walls circumferentially about the pipe to thereby form a chamfer on the end of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated flexible tube with an oblong cross section. A plurality of longitudinal partition walls are formed along the elongated tube. A plurality of slots are formed between the partitions into which are inserted a plurality of metal plates so as to strengthen the elongated tube. The tube is to be used to make furniture.

Abstract: An extruded buckling-resistant longitudinally insertable drain or venting hose of PVC or a similar thermoplastic material which can be mounted in inaccessible hollows of a conveyance, especially a motor vehicle body, has longitudinally-extending radial ribs coextruded with the PVC body and composed preferably of chlorinated polyethylene. As a result, the hose has improved sound-damping properties and can be more readily inserted into place.

Abstract: A large-caliber pipe consisting of thermoplastic, constructed from an extruded hollow plastic profile having helical turns welded along a helical contact seam. The hollow plastic profile is a multi-cell profile having a rectangular overall cross section and a rectangular cross section of the cells. The plastic has an integrated reinforcement consisting of embedded fibers in a quantity of 5 to 30% by weight, preferably about 10% by weight, based on the total weight. At least a proportion of the fibers is oriented in the direction of the turns. The orientation of the fibers results in an anisotropic modulus of elasticity and hence an increased annular rigidity and stability.

Abstract: A fuel rail for an engine fuel injection system comprises a pair of main tubes on opposite sides of the engine. A baffle is disposed within each main tube, dividing the tube into first and second flow channels. Injectors are fed from the first flow channels. A pair of closely adjacent transverse tubes intercept the main tubes at one end of the main tubes. One transverse tube introduces fuel into the first flow channel of each main tube. The fuel flows through these channels and returns via the second flow channels. The other transverse tube carries return fuel from one main tube to the other main tube where it joins the return flow from the other main tube and the flows enter a pressure regulator. The one main tube contains a twist in its baffle so that its injectors are properly communicated to the inlet fuel entering via the one transverse tube.

Abstract: A conduit assembly for cabling has a multiplicity of plastic tubes with outer polygonal cross sections having more than three sides and is intended for direct insertion in the ground in a compact bundle in which there is practically no free space which can serve for water drainage. The tubes are connected with webs which are flexible and are so oriented that they are linearly aligned in an open array of the tubes so that the tubes are coplanar and can be coiled or coiled onto a drum or uncoiled from a drum.

Abstract: A multilumen vascular catheter for the delivery of therapeutic fluids, e.g., containing thrombolytic agents, to a patient's blood vessel. The catheter has a plurality of flow passageways in the wall of the outer tubular member in which the discharge openings thereof increase in diametrical dimensions so that a desired, e.g., uniform, flow of treatment fluid is delivered exteriorly of the catheter body. The flow passageways preferably are formed by means of lasers. A first rectangularly shaped passageway is formed in the catheter wall and then a second rectangularly shaped hole is made in the wall, overlapping the first hole to form the final rectangular shape. The catheter is particularly adapted to deliver small quantities of thrombolytic agents, such as urokinase, streptokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator.

Abstract: An extruded conduit structure for conveying several different fluids is provided comprising a cluster of at least three tubes connected by webs extending between adjacent pairs, the tubes and webs being formed by simultaneous extrusion of a suitable plastic through a suitable die. The outer surface of each of the webs is convexly curved in an arc that is substantially tangential with the outer surfaces of the adjacent pair of tubes. The inner surface of each of the webs is flat relative to the outer surface and forms a cord of such arc whereby each of the webs will be of minimum thickness along each of its junctures with the adjacent webs.

Abstract: A double-containment thermoplastic pipe assembly is provided to prevent against potentially hazardous spills or leaks of chemicals and the like. The double-containment pipe assembly comprises a containment pipe and at least one carrier pipe disposed therein. The carrier pipe is retained in spaced relationship to the containment pipe by support clips with outwardly extending radially aligned legs. Restraint couplings may be disposed at selected locations along the double-containment pipe assembly. The restraint couplings include a carrier portion, a containment portion and a connecting portion extending therebetween. Double-containment pipe fittings also are provided to ensure complete double-containment protection throughout an entire double-containment pipe assembly.

Abstract: A hose assembly, clip means therefor and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having fluid passages therein for respectively conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining an inner one of the passages, a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around said inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining an outer one of the passages, a coupling fixed to one end portion of the outer hose, a tubular fitting fixed to an end portion of the inner hose, and a clip holding the fitting and the end portion of the inner hose substantially concentrically within the coupling and the outer hose to define a continuation of the outer passage, the clip comprising a generally cylindrical member having substantially concentric inner

Abstract: A rinsing water supply system for supplying water to a rinsing unit of a developing apparatus in which photosensitive materials are processed and rinsed. The water supply system includes a pipe having a water supply passage through which water is introduced into the rinsing unit from a water source, a solenoid valve for opening and closing the water supply passage, and signal lines arranged along and integrally with the pipe and adapted for transmitting signals for operating the solenoid valve. This arrangement eliminates the necessity for installation of a signal transmission line independently from the water supply passage, for the purpose of transmitting signals for operating the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A bar for electric induction devices is in the form of a lengthwise rolled-up strip of an insulating material, having at least one layer, the figure obtained in the cross-section of this rolled-up strip being a polygon.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that has been created to maintain a constant level of saturation of water near the foundation of houses, buildings, or the like. The maintenance of such a level of moisture is essential to the structural integrity of foundations especially in those geographic locations where the level of soil moisture varies significantly from season to season. Soil, when it absorbs water, expands. This soil can exert tremendous pressure on the foundation of a house. To prevent cracking of foundations, and thus, to prevent the need for costly repairs, the apparatus described herein provides sufficient moisture to the soil surrounding the foundation of a house such that additional moisture (i.e. rain) does not cause the soil to expand dramatically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bundled strands protector of a type of a U-shaped housing. The protector comprises a partition member upstanding from the bottom wall of the housing, a locking member provided on the free end of the partition member, and a retaining member hinged to one of the side walls of the housing and releasably engageable with the other side wall, the retaining member being provided with an engaging hole engageable with the locking member.

Abstract: The irrigation hose comprises two tubes disposed one within the other, at least one of the tubes being grooved. The ungrooved tube forms with the groove or grooves of the other tube continuous secondary ducts over the entire length of the hose. Inlet ports and outlet ports delimit in the secondary ducts sections of a predetermined length, each yielding a flow capable of continuously drip-irrigating a plant in the area to be irrigated. The outlet ports and the inlet ports are distributed along spiral lines if the secondary ducts are straight and along straight lines constituting generatrices of the hose if the secondary ducts run along spirals.

Abstract: An improved culvert drainpipe and method of utilizing the same is disclosed characterized by use of an elongate thin wall extruded drainpipe element formed having a generally S-shaped configuration defining a pair of main flow channels and including plural curvilinear projections extending axially along the exterior of the element. The distal edges of the drainpipe element cooperate with one or more elongate wall extensions formed on the interior of the drainpipe element which prevent radial compression and/or collapse of the drainpipe element and deter debris from entering into the main the flow channels. In use, multiple drainpipe elements are bundled together in a generally parallel axis orientation whereby the curvilinear projections serve as secondary flow channels, improve debris segregation, and maintain space between adjacent drainpipe elements.

Abstract: A fluid handling duct for an automotive vehicle has a channel section having a base and integral, upstanding interior and exterior wall elements and a closure cap which is friction welded to each of the wall elements. The closure cap has several V-shaped projections depending therefrom which are sized such that during friction welding according to the method disclosed herein the wall elements contacted by each of the V-shaped projections will be deflected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the duct whereby the V-shaped projection and a corresponding wall will be held together with a force of deflection having sufficient magnitude to cause welding of the V-shaped projection to the wall when the closure cap is moved relative to the channel section during friction welding.

Abstract: An improved multi-lumen catheter having lumens which do not extend in a straight line down the length of the catheter is disclosed. The twisting of the catheter provides that side holes which extend into the lumens of the catheter are not aligned in a straight line. Accordingly, when the catheter is inserted into a patient's vessel, the side holes cannot be aligned in a manner which causes all of the side holes of a particular lumen to be occluded by the wall of the patient's vessel.A catheter of the type disclosed can be manufactured by an extrusion process in which the catheter is twisted during the extrusion, or by heating a non-twisted catheter and then twisting it in order to impart an appropriate twist therein.

Abstract: A fluid handling duct for an automotive vehicle has a channel section having a base and integral, upstanding interior and exterior wall elements and a closure cap which is friction welded to each of the wall elements. The closure can has several V-shaped projections depending therefrom which are sized such that during friction welding according to the method disclosed herein the wall elements contacted by each of the V-shaped projections will be deflected in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the duct whereby the V-shaped projection and a corresponding wall will be held together with a force of deflection having sufficient magnitude to cause welding of the V-shaped projection to the wall when the closure cap is moved relative to the channel section during friction welding.

Abstract: A conduit system for cables adapted for mounting in a vehicle including constant cross-sectional elongate conduit elements 1 having one or more channels 3 formed therein and retention and locking members for holding the cables within the or each channel at intervals along their lengths. The conduit system may comprise a plurality of straight conduit elements 1 connected end to end, for example in an aircraft fuselage. Alternatively, where a change of direction and/or elevation is necessary, the straight conduit elements may be interconnected by curved joining conduit elements 2.

Abstract: In an electrical continuous flow heater for an appliance such as a coffee machine, a tubular heater member has a jacket tube in heat conducting contact with a pipe for carrying the fluid to be heated, with the pipe and jacket tube disposed in horizontal side-by-side relationship. The jacket tube or the pipe, or both, have a wall thickness which varies over the periphery thereof, the thickest portion of the pipe wall being lowest in the horizontal position during use and the thickest portion of the jacket tube contacting the pipe. In one arrangement, the thickest portion of the tubular jacket and/or pipe is provided by a strip of sheet metal attached to such pipe or tubular jacket. In another arrangement, the pipe and jacket tube are constructed as a unitary extruded member.

Abstract: The irrigation hose comprises two tubes disposed one within the other, at least one of the tubes being grooved. The ungrooved tube forms with the groove or grooves of the other tube continuous secondary ducts over the entire length of the hose. Inlet ports and outlet ports delimit in the secondary ducts sections of a predetermined length, each yielding a flow capable of continuously drip-irrigating a plant in the area to be irrigated. The outlet ports and the inlet ports are distributed along spiral lines if the secondary ducts are straight and along straight lines constituting generatrices of the hose if the secondary ducts run along spirals.

Abstract: A hose assembly, clip structure therefor and method of making the same are provided, the hose assembly having fluid passages therein for respectively conveying a volatile liquid in one direction to a container and returning the vapors of the volatile liquid from the container, the assembly comprising a flexible inner hose having an outer peripheral surface and defining an inner one of the passages, a flexible outer hose having an inner peripheral surface and being disposed around said inner hose, the inner peripheral surface of the outer hose and the outer peripheral surface of the inner hose defining an outer one of the passages, a coupling fixed to one end portion of the outer hose, a tubular fitting fixed to an end portion of the inner hose, and a clip holding the fitting and the end portion of the inner hose substantially concentrically within the coupling and the outer hose to define a continuation of the outer passage, the clip comprising a generally cylindrical one-piece C-shaped member that extends in

Abstract: A dual containment channel for fluids comprising a plurality of channel segments defining a channel run. Each of the channel segments comprises two spaced apart opposing channel segment side walls connected by a bottom wall for carrying a fluid. A cover is positioned between and supported by the side walls to enclose the open top of the channel run. A conduit support is positioned along the channel run along its length for supporting at least one fluid carrying conduit. An elastomeric sealing strip is positioned in two U-shaped grooves to form with grooves in the opposing channel segment side walls a continuous seal with the underside of the cover.

Abstract: A new jacketing construction for use with coaxial cables provides an improved level of crush and impact resistance. The jacketing construction comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced tubes each having a nonsymmetrical cross-sectional geometry such that under load, a portion of any radially transmitted force will be dissipated.

Abstract: An underground electrical conduit hexagonal in cross-section and having internal partition walls subdividing the conduit into a plurality of longitudinal ducts. The internal partition walls are symmetrically disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the conduit and serve as bracing structure to strengthen and support the outer walls of the conduit.

Abstract: A waveguide having reduced windloading yet a relatively wide bandwidth for the dominant mode of propagation comprises an elongated cylinder having substantially parallel plates forming an interior waveguide portion which in cross-section is a doubly-truncated circle. The plates are symmetrically disposed about the central axis of the elongated cylinder.

Abstract: A portable liquid dispenser suitable for use by persons while performing an activity comprises a thermally-insulated container for liquids having a fastener for releasably attaching the same for access by the user. A single flexible dispensing tube having a pair of parallel longitudinal passages is connected at one end connected to the filling cap of the container and at the other end to a dispensing valve for discharging liquids from the container. The container is pressurized by a compressible bulb sealed end around the distal end of the dispensing tube in communication with the interior of the container through one longitudinal passage in the tube. A check valve is disposed in the air inlet of the fitting and another check valve is disposed in the air inlet of the dispensing valve which cooperate with the bulb to force air into the container.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a plurality of fluid and electrical lines between adjacent coupled vehicles wherein a plurality of elongated flexible fluid lines and electrical lines are grouped together to form a single elongated flexible group line with one end of the group line connected to respective fluid and electrical sources on one vehicle and the other end of the group line connected to respective fluid and electrical loads on the other vehicle through a single hybrid or combination fluid and electrical plug and socket arrangement. The plug and socket arrangement is comprised of a mounting bracket for the plug and a mounting bracket for the socket, one of which is secured to the second vehicle. The mounting brackets are adapted such that one bracket is readily hung on the other bracket and thereby automatically prealigns the plug and socket for engagement.

Abstract: Water irrigation apparatus comprises a water supply pipe and means for moving it over the ground to be irrigated, the water supply pipe including a plurality of coaxial tubes, and a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced radial ribs supporting the inner tube within and spaced from the outer tube. Water is inletted into the inner tube, and outletted therefrom along longitudinally-spaced points.

Abstract: Substantially cylindrical and relatively thin-walled large volume containers such as silos are interiorly supported by means of a supporting structure in the form of a triangular supporting triangle, which is fixedly joined to the inner container wall. Thereby an essential amount of radial loads is converted into loads working in circumferential direction, i.e., working tangentially on the container wall, so that the risk of deformations is reduced when the load transmitting members such as pipes provided inside the container are joined to the supporting structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel integrated body of an elongated form capable of sustainedly releasing vapor of a vaporizable substance contained in the body into the atmosphere, such as an aromatic compound, pesticide, fungicide and a sex pheromone as a means for the control of a pest. The inventive sustainedly vapor-releasing integrated body is very advantageous in the high efficiency of shaping into desired configuration and setting or installation in the field in large numbers by virtue of the good shape-retainability as a result of the integrated structure composed of a capillary tubing of a polymeric material filled with the vaporizable substance and a metal wire with plastic deformability and a sufficiently large cross section and integrated side-by-side with the capillary tubing to retain the latter in the compulsorily deformed disposition. The inventive integrated bodies are suitable for mass production in a relatively simple process.

Abstract: An internally reinforced extruded plastic pipe which is adapted for use as an underground infiltration, collection, or transport conduit for liquids and gases. The pipe is provided with at least one integral reinforcing stem and the critical mode of failure is buckling rather than deflection. The pipe is not dependent upon surrounding backfill for lateral support as with conventional pipe or conventional reinforced pipe. The same amount of plastic is usable per lineal unit as is used in comparable conventional pipe sizes, however, the cross-section is redistributed, which achieves greater loading capacity.

Abstract: The subject matter of the application is a device for pneumatically or hydraulic feeding of dust-like, powdery or granulated bulk goods which has a feed line with an inner pipe mounted therein extending concentrically thereto, being provided with outlet and inlet openings. In order subject the bulk goods in the feed line of such a device to a continuous strong turbulence, so that no plugs of goods can form, but on the other hand to have the possibility to dissolve such plugs of goods if they form it is provided as a solution that a vertically disposed disk (5) is provided in the inner pipe (2) between an outlet and an inlet opening (3,4) which is provided with at least one opening (6) which preferably consists of a circular hole, being provided in the center of disk (5), or which consists of a slot (13). Thereby, the disk (5) may be eccentrically disposed between the outlet opening and inlet opening (3,4) and may be exchangeably mounted in inner pipe (2).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separation and separate flow of gas and liquid in a flow system, e.g. a tube system, wherein there is flowing a liquid or a liquid mixture containing gas or giving off gas as a function of time and/or variable pressure. The gas (10, 11) is permitted to separate continuously from the liquid phase (9) and thereby establish and maintain a pneumatic system in pressure equilibrium with the hydraulic system, by separation of the two phases by means of at least one permeable blocking layer (7), e.g. of textile material, which is so arranged along the length of the flow system that the heaviest medium (9) at all times will be located on that side of the blocking layer configuration (7) conditioned by gravimetrical forces, at the same time as the layer, or a configuration of layers, allows a change of the available cross-section for the essentially two phases (8, 9) along the length of the flow system, in order to compensate for variations in quantity between the phases.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for rolling and unrolling an articulated shutter curtain, the winding mechanism comprising a tubular drum with a plurality of integral, spaced-apart arms protruding from its exterior surface. The shutter curtain is attached to one of the arms such that rotation of the tubular drum rolls up the curtain from an extended position or rolls down the curtain from a rolled-up position. More particularly, each arm is alternatively provided at one end with either a rod-like or socket-like projection extending along an edge thereof for slidable interconnection with the rod-like or socket-like projection extending along an edge of the top slat of the shutter curtain. In addition, each arm portion is provided with an arcuate land portion for supporting the shutter in a rolled-up fashion. The tubular drum from which the arms protrude is formed with two half cylindrical elongated members which are slidably engaged by longitudinal bent-over interlocking portions disposed along each edge of the members.