Abstract: A window blind apparatus having a first magnetically active track, a second magnetically active track, a first rod, a second rod, a first magnet located at the first end of the first rod, and a second magnet located at the second end of the first rod, a third magnet located at the first end of the second rod, a fourth magnet located at the second end of the second rod, and a window covering material adapted to be disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be used to wholly or partially cover the window over which it is mounted.

Abstract: Methods of deploying and stowing a sunshade utilizing a wiper-based system, including selectively engaging the sunshade and wiper, actuating the wiper, so as to deploy the shade, locking the wiper in the deployed position, so as to reduce the thermal load in a confined space, and returning the wiper after use, so as to stow the shade.

Abstract: A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations, including a double pitch configuration, depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: A releasable tassel for an architectural opening covering wherein the tassel is configured to receive and secure the distal end of at least one movement cord used for raising a lowermost member of the architectural opening covering and the tassel is further configured to releasably attach to the lowermost member.

Abstract: A window may be made insulative through the addition of sealed, properly suited coverings. Window coverings are commonly considered blinds, but they are no longer restricted to only blocking the passage of light into a room. Blocking heat passage with a movable item (open/close), such as a window covering, allows a home or business owner to reap the benefits of high efficiency (insulative) windows without the expense. Multiple layers can be integrated into the system to give immense flexibility to the user; allowing solar light to fill a room while restricting heat (reducing summer air conditioning and lighting loads), restricting light and heat passage (dark room or theater conditions) or restricting light passage while allowing heat passage (dark room with comfortable outside temperature). The remaining option (free light and heat passage) is accomplished by any or all layers to expose the glass surface.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating bar mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines, for example, a serpentine path. The shade fabric is received through the fabric-receiving opening and is folded by the pleating bar, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates. The shade fabric is neatly wrapped around the roller tube (i.e., bunching of the shade fabric is avoided) and is stored out-of-sight when rolled up.

Abstract: A customizable garage door screen is disclosed that requires few components to deploy and store. Four elastic straps with hooks at each end are used with six grommets strategically placed on the screen for stability, and approximately one dozen screw and snap fasteners are installed around the perimeter of the screen and garage door frame for a tight enclosure to keep out pests. A partially oversized screen that can fit the average American garage door frame and requires little pre-fabrication effort is now possible with so few components. To open the garage door screen for egress and ingress, one simply unhooks one or both of the lower elastic straps, after unsnapping the desired number of end-caps, and latching upon the upper elastic straps or guide rails on either side. The elastic straps are also used to store the folded screen inside the top, backside of the garage door.

Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that includes a first rail, window covering material adjacent the first rail, at least one lift cord extending through the window covering material to the headrail, a plurality of pulleys positioned adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor cord extending from the one or more spring motors and a deformable connector attached to one or more spring motor cords and one or more lift cords. The connector is deformable to a size and shape sufficient for the connector and one or more spring motor cords to pass along at least one of the pulleys during movement along a cord path defined by one or more of the pulleys.

Abstract: A device for correcting skew in roll-up retractable coverings for architectural openings includes a friction device positioned within the head rail for movement between releasably fixed positions and disposed for engagement with the fabric of the covering to regulate the rate at which the fabric is wrapped about a roller in the covering at selected locations along the length of the roller to correct for any inherent skew in the covering.

Abstract: An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexurally deformed panel, which is connected to a membrane tie by a linear connector and is tied by the membrane tie to form a geometrically stable pre-stressed structure. More than one panel may be flexurally deformed and tied together in an assembly and more than one membrane tie may be present within an assembly. Panels are typically semi-rigid sheet materials, for example metal sheets, plastic sheets, or sheets of composite materials, such as glass or carbon fibre reinforced plastics or resins. Membrane tie members are typically flexible, for example plastic films, fabrics or nets or arrays of rods or cables. The assemblies have many different geometric forms and many different practical applications. Assemblies may be relatively large, for example demountable and reusable shelters or flat-pack point-of-purchase display assemblies, or may be relatively small, for example a photograph or postcard display system.

Abstract: A folding door system can include adjustable pivotal joints. Hinge-type pivotal joints can include one or more adjustable spacers to allow the relative positions of hinges and door panels to be easily varied. The pivotal joints, and included adjustable spacers, can be surface mounted to reinforcing cladding strips spanning substantially an entire height of a door panel. This surface mount facilitates access to the pivotal joints for rapid adjustment, removal, or installation of a door panel in a door system.

Abstract: A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare.

Abstract: In a group of motorized screens in which each comprises a load bar that is displaced according to a predefined travel, the configuration method comprises a step (E250; E260) that consists in determining, for each screen of the group, a shift parameter (In, On) between a first reference position of the screen and a second reference position, one of these two reference positions being a reference position common to the screens of the group of screens. The grouped control method for a group of screens takes into account at least one shift parameter to obtain, following a control command, at least the alignment of the load bars that have been displaced. An automatic control mechanism controlling a group of screens according to the invention incorporates means of implementing a configuration method and/or a grouped control method as mentioned hereinabove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlling shaft, and more particularly to a controlling shaft for controlling blind, comprising a transverse shaft and a plurality of shaft controlling unit provided on the transverse shaft in turn. Due to the connecting relationship between the plurality of shaft controlling units and the transverse shaft, when the transverse shaft rotates, the plurality of shaft controlling units can synchronously rotate with the transverse shaft. Each shaft controlling unit of the plurality of shaft controlling units comprises a plurality of rotating members. When the shaft controlling unit rotates with the transverse shaft, the rotating members of each shaft controlling unit move in different pace. With the synchronous movement of the shaft controlling units with the transverse shaft, the particular points on the outer side of respective plurality of rotating members of any shaft controlling unit at the same level move to different extents.

Abstract: A temporary partition curtain for isolating a first area from a second area is disclosed. The temporary partition curtain is prepared from a nonwoven sheet material having a first side and a second side, the nonwoven sheet material has an air permeability of at least about 10 ft3/min/ft2. In addition, the nonwoven sheet material substantially prevents particles from passing through the nonwoven sheet material from the first side to the second side; thereby substantially preventing particles from passing from the first area to the second area. Also disclosed is a method of isolating a first area from a second area using the temporary partition curtain.

Abstract: A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare.

Abstract: A curtain or other panel comprising a sheet of material having a plurality of fastener elements spaced along and adjacent the sheet perimeter to be attached to mating fastener elements respectively on a structural member for hanging one edge portion of the sheet from the structural member. The plurality of sheet fastener elements are positioned along and adjacent the sheet perimeter in a quantity and spacing over the entirety of the sheet perimeter to be attached to respective ones of the structural member fastener elements for hanging other edge portions of the sheet from the structural member so that the panel can be hung from the structural member in a variety of alternative origami-like patterns. A structure and method for adding or changing or removing the panels. The mating fastener elements are attached to the lower edge of a pull-down shade or other pull-down member.

Abstract: A layered blinds device having a series of screens of evenly spaced rods held in parallel relation to one another that allow users to manipulate light penetration and view transparency as independent variables and a method for doing the same. A spacing mechanism adjusts the spacing between the screens which controls the light penetration while an alignment mechanism adjusts the alignment of the rods which controls the view transparency. The blinds can be adjusted manually or by a tracking system.

Abstract: A guide for aligning at least one mesh interstice of more than one respective mesh panel. The guide includes a first portion configured for engaging the first mesh panel and a second portion configured for engaging a further mesh panel is disclosed. When the first and second portions are engaged, the at least one mesh interstice of the respective first and further mesh panels are caused to substantially align.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for combining a retractable shade with a drapery rod include an outer rod and an inner rod rotatably supported on an interior of the outer rod. A motive mechanism is supported on an interior of the outer rod external to the inner rod for rotating the inner rod relative to the outer rod. A fabric is coupled to the inner rod. The outer rod has a slot through which the fabric extends and retracts. When the blind is in a retracted condition, the drapery rod conceals the blind. Thus, the drapery rod is a monolithic combination drapery rod. The motive mechanism may include a motor. The blind may be moved by operation of the motor through a wired or wireless connection. A drapery may be movably supported on the outer rod. In another embodiment, a separate decorative drapery rod conceals a motorized drapery rod within.

Abstract: A system and method of installing window treatments is disclosed. The system includes at least one base member with at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface. The system further includes a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member wherein the covering further comprising a first fastening element. In addition, the system includes a second fastening element secured to at least one portion of drapery material, wherein the second fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the at least one base member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-raising window covering and a control mechanism for the window covering. In particular, the window covering includes a drive unit, such as constant force spring, that is adapted to apply a substantially constant rotational force on the drive axle. A cord winding assembly is coaxially mounted on the drive axle, and includes at least one winding drum operatively connected to a second end of the raising cord and having a tapered portion, as well as a rotatable positioning member for moving the cord winding assembly laterally along the drive axle upon rotation of the positioning member. The cord winding assembly is adapted to translate the rotational force on the drive axle to a raising force on the raising cord, wherein the raising force is greater than a downward force exerted by the shade element and bottom rail throughout the range of opening and closing.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a window shade having a real natural material printed image coated thereon. A real natural material is scanned and the data of the image is stored in a computer which generates an image of the scanned real natural material. That image is duplicated a plurality of times by the use of the computer and the images are assembled in a predetermined arrangement to produce a composite image which is then enhanced using photo-enhancing software. The enhanced composite image is then printed by the use of a colored ink printing machine on material to form the window shade. Preferably, but not exclusively, the material is constituted by slats of a louvered blind or a fabric of a roller blind.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.

Abstract: A reduced visibility insect screening is described having a transmittance of at least about 0.75 and a reflectance of about 0.04 or less. In an alternative embodiment, an insect screening material includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.13 mm), having a bond strength greater than 5500 psi (40 mega Pascals), and having the same transmittance and reflectance limits. In another embodiment of the invention, a screening includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) or less and a coating on the screen elements having a matte black finish, where the screening has the same transmittance and reflectance limits.

Abstract: A tensioned roller shade system for installation in an opening, such as a window or a skylight, comprises a frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a conical, grooved spool mounted adjacent the roller tube, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the spool and a fabric end of the shade fabric. The spool has a single groove, which wraps around the spool and windingly receives about the tensioning cord. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent a second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, such that the second fabric end of the shade fabric is adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.

Abstract: A blind display comprises a frame; a display opening in the frame; a series of display panel supporting members; and a series of display panels supported by the series of display panel supporting members. At least some of the display panels from the series of display panels are adapted to receive a display sample adapted to display a blind sample. At least some of the display panels from the series of display panels are displaceably, e.g. slidably mounted to the series of display panel supporting members and being visible through the display opening. A method for displaying blind samples and a kit are equally disclosed.

Abstract: A window coverings string coiler includes a hollow casing, two brake wheel sets, a string winding wheel set, two resilient plates, a synchronous control member and a control set. The string winding wheel set has a first string winding wheel and a second string winding wheel that are hinged on the casing and coupled with a first gear and a second gear. The two brake wheel sets press the first and second string winding wheels. The synchronous control member is coupled with the first and second gears to control synchronous rotation thereof. The control set controls scrolling or opening of a window coverings. Through the first and second gears coupled with the string winding wheel set and the synchronous control member which controls synchronous rotation of the first and second gears, the first and second string winding wheels can rotate at the same speed to coil or release pulling strings.

Abstract: A reduced visibility insect screening is described having a transmittance of at least about 0.75 and a reflectance of about 0.04 or less. In an alternative embodiment, an insect screening material includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.13 mm), having a bond strength greater than 5500 psi (40 mega Pascals), and having the same transmittance and reflectance limits. In another embodiment of the invention, a screening includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) or less and a coating on the screen elements having a matte black finish, where the screening has the same transmittance and reflectance limits.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for restricting light from entering through a window's structure. An opaque cloth is secured by a plurality of flexible securing members. The securing members are held in place by flexible securing members to secure the opaque cloth in the window. The opaque cloth can include perimeter portions which help restrict light from leaking around the edges of the opaque cloth. This invention also includes the method for restricting light using an opaque cloth and flexible securing members.

Abstract: A sprocket having a slot formed therethrough can be disposed about the non-rotating support rod of a given roller door. This sprocket is then attached to the door-supporting frame such that the sprocket is positioned externally to the roller door. A connector can serve to effect this attachment. This connector might comprise a plurality of bolts with support sleeves. By this approach, the sprocket can be maintained at a fixed distance from the door supporting frame. This connector might also comprise an adjustable connector that adjustably and fixedly connects the sprocket with respect to the door-supporting frame. By one approach, the sprocket connects directly to the door-supporting frame. By another approach, if desired, the sprocket connects to a frame interface which connects, in turn, to the door-supporting frame. This frame interface can itself also have a slot formed therethrough to again facilitate placing the frame interface into an installed position.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the residual light gap between slats of a motorized blind when oriented in a set closed position of the blind, where at least one closed position of the slats is set by automatic detection using detecting means, comprising the following steps: adjusting a detection criterion of the detecting means, performing anew automatic detection of the closed position with adjusted detection criterion, recording the new value of the detection criterion.

Abstract: A blind for windows of motor vehicles, in particular of motor vehicle doors or tailgates is provided. The blind comprising a blind web which at least partially covers the window surface, a winding shaft for receiving the blind web, and a blind adjustment mechanism with blind guides for the blind web, a blind drive for winding up and unwinding the blind web, and actuating means for transferring the driving force from the blind drive to the blind web, and an installation unit which receives at least the blind adjustment mechanism and can be connected to parts of the motor vehicle body. The installation unit is connected in at least to part of the interior lining to be fastened to a motor vehicle body, in particular an inner panel of a motor vehicle door or tailgate.

Abstract: The present application relates to a covering apparatus for covering an outdoor area comprising a screen (1) that can be operated between a retracted and an extended configuration, the screen having a leading portion (2) and a trailing portion (4), the trailing portion (4) being connected to a first support (5, 6), the apparatus further comprising a plurality of longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) extending from the first support (5, 6) to respective second supports (9, 10), and the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) being supported by the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) as the screen (1) is operated from the retracted to the extended configuration, wherein the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) is moveably mounted to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) such that the leading portion (2) moves with respect to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) during operation between retracted and extended positions, and wherein at least one clamping system is provided on the leading portion

Abstract: A drive device for moving a covering element for covering an opening in a motor vehicle, in particular a roller blind, a baggage space cover or a sunroof cover, is provided. The drive device comprising a drive, a guide means and a thrust element which is coupled to the drive, is guided in the guide means and is connectable to the covering element in order to move the covering element. The drive for driving the thrust element is coupled to the thrust element via a transmission means being subjected to tensile stress, wherein the transmission means extends at least in certain sections in the guide means.

Abstract: A method of operating an electromechanical actuator (6) for an awning with arms (1), comprising a control unit (8), stop detection means (9) and means (7) for measuring a parameter (Ucapa) of the actuator, the awning being able to move over its travel in at least a first (ZP1) and a second (ZP2, ZP3) positioning zone, the method comprising the following steps: upon detecting an initiating event, automatic determination, from the measurement of the parameter of the actuator, of the positioning zone in which the current position of the awning is located; and if the current position of the awning is located in the second positioning zone, temporary deactivation of the stop detection means for detecting a stop in the course of a movement of the awning towards a stop position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.

Abstract: In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus for holding selected drapery sections in a predetermined configuration includes a first base member of predetermined shape housing a permanent magnet, and an elongated flexible connector attached proximal one end to the first base member. A second base member housing a ferromagnetic member is disposed adjacent an opposite end of the elongated flexible connector.

Abstract: Drapery hardware for mounting a curtain, including a support means and curtain coupling means extending therefrom to be coupled with, alternately, the peaks and troughs of a pleat in the curtain. The invention can be performed by either a single rail, track or pole with a specialised coupler or a dual track system.

Abstract: A plurality of holes or other fastener elements are equally spaced along all of the edge portions of a curtain panel to connect to similarly equally spaced protrusions or other mating fastener elements on a curtain rod sleeve or other structural member in order to provide curtains which can effectively and aesthetically, as well as easily and quickly, be arranged in a variety of alternative decorative patterns. In another aspect, the panel is connected along one edge to a curtain rod sleeve which has fastener elements, and mating fastener elements are spaced along the remainder of the perimeter of the panel. In order to hang a curtain in a desired one of alternative decorative patterns, fastener elements on each of adjoining perimetric edge portions of the curtain are connected to mating fastener elements on a curtain rod sleeve or other structural member.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: An operation wand assembly for curtains includes a transverse bar connected to a lower end of the curtain and two end members are connected to two ends of the transverse bar. One of the end members includes a hook extending therefrom. An operation wand has an end pivotably connected to the transverse bar so that when pulling/pushing the operation wand, the curtain is lowered/lifted. The operation wand can be removably positioned in the hook and does not affect by wind.

Abstract: The present invention is an insect screen with improved durability designed to serve the primary purpose of keeping out very small insects and pests while maximizing visual clarity, light transmission, and airflow. The insect screen is free from macroscopic permanent deformation when subjected to a blunt instrument deformation test of at least 5 lbs. and has a total light transmission of at least 65%. The inventive insect screen comprises fibers in a warp and fill construction which define openings having a warp dimension and a fill dimension, both of said warp and fill dimensions being equal to or less than about 0.06 inches and equal to or larger than about 0.01 inches, the fibers having a diameter less than about 0.007 inches.

Abstract: An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for attaching a shade cover, of singular or multi-piece construction, to a blind, such as a window Venetian blind. An apparatus for attaching the shade cover to the window blind may include: first attachment means that is configured to attach to the shade cover, and second attachment means, that is operatively attached to the first attachment means, wherein it is also configured to attach to the window blind, rendering the shade cover and the window blind as a single monolithic operating unit.

Abstract: A monodirectional braking mechanism is disclosed, for use with a device for extending and retracting a sheet of material on a roller, the braking mechanism comprising: one or more than one housing containing viscous fluid, one or more that one rotor within the housing; a brake connected to the rotor and placed within the housing, the brake comprising a projecting pin; a braking spring wound around the pin of the brake and placed outside the housing; where the braking mechanism reduces the force or rate, or both the force and rate, of rotation of the roller as the roller is rotated in a second rotation direction but has substantially no effect on the force or rate of rotation of the roller when the roller is rotated in a first rotation direction; and where the first rotation direction is the reverse of the second rotation direction.