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Product recalls
Friday, October 30, 2009

Computer adapters

Sony Electronics is recalling about 69,000 VAIO computer AC adapters. Insulation inside the AC adapter can fail over time, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.

The recalled AC adapter model is the Sony VGP-AC19V17, which was supplied for use with the following Sony products: VGC-LT series and VGC-JS2 series models of all-in-one VAIO desktop computers, and VAIO docking stations with model numbers VGP-PRBX1 and VGP-PRFE1.

SonyStyle stores and the Sony Web site, as well as authorized electronics retailers and authorized business-to-business dealers sold the adapters from September 2005 through October 2009 for between $900 and $3300 for desktop computers and $250 and $300 for docking stations.

Consumers should contact Sony to arrange for a free replacement of the affected AC adapter. Call toll-free at 1-877-361-4481 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at esupport.sony.com/ac19adapter.

Halloween flashlights

Target is recalling about 610,000 Halloween flashlights. The flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

This recall involves two types of Halloween-themed flashlights: mini flashlights and flashlights sold with stencils.

The mini flashlights have a key ring extending from the bottom and were sold in a pack of three colors: orange, green and black. The orange and purple packaging has "Mini Flashlights (3 Pack)" printed on the front and "DGI", "Made in China" and "DPCI# 234-02-1813" printed on the back. Also included in the recall are standard sized flashlights with a black handle and an orange top. The flashlights were sold with six stencils in various colors and images: a pumpkin, ghost, spider, cat, witch and skull & cross-bones. "Flashlight with Stencil" is printed on the front and "Tien Hsing," "Made in China" and "234 02 1838" is printed on the back of the packaging.

Target stores nationwide sold the flashlights from August 2009 through September 2009 for $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the flashlights with stencils.

Consumers should return the flashlights to a Target store for a full refund. For more information, contact Target at 1-800-440-0680 or visit the firm's Web site at www.target.com.

Roman shades

Louis Hornick & Co. is recalling about 364,000 Dublin Energy Solution Roman shades. Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Hanover Direct Inc. is recalling 90,000 other models of Roman shades for the same reason.

This recall includes all sizes and colors of Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades sold by Bed Bath & Beyond with exposed inner cords on the back. Colors include navy, chocolate, khaki and cream. On the backside of the head rail, a small orange, black and white warning label sticker in English and Spanish which read in part, "Cords and bead chains can loop around child's neck and STRANGLE. Always keep cords …to get to cords."

Also recalled are all Hanover Direct Faux Suede room darkening Roman shades with style number 12810A. The shades were sold in Ivory, Taupe, Gold, Plum, Wine Red, Midnight Blue, Moss Green and Dark Brown and have a head rail that measures 23, 27, 31, 35, 39 43 or 48 inches. The shades have a sticker on the head rail with the letters "WS" and "style 12810A" is printed on the packaging box.

Louis Hornick & Company customers should contact the company to receive a free repair kit, available by the end of November. Call 1-800-517-3612 or visit the firm's Web site at www.hornickindustries.com.

Hanover Direct customers should contact the company by calling 1-800-524-0597 or visiting www.domestications.com.

Roller blinds

IKEA Home Furnishings is recalling about 533,000 ISDANS, TUPPLUR, and ENJE roller blinds. Strangulations can occur if the blind's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.

This recall involves all ISDANS, TUPPLUR and ENJE roller blinds. These blinds are made of a solid or sheer fabric, measuring 24" to 79" wide, and have a metal top rail and a bead chain. ENJE has a glued label on the wall fitting showing the IKEA logotype, article number, 5-digit supplier number, four digit date stamp and "Made in Taiwan". The roller blinds have an orange warning label attached at the base of the blind that is marked with AA-136800-3.

IKEA stores nationwide sold the blinds from July 2005 through July 2009 for between $10 and $55.

Consumers should immediately check the recalled roller blinds to make sure the tension device provided is attached to the bead chain and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, consumers should immediately stop using the roller blinds and contact IKEA or visit their local IKEA store to receive a free repair kit. The repair kits for the roller blinds will be available the second week of November. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact IKEA for additional information.

For more information, contact IKEA at 1-888-966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ikea-usa.com.

Surge protectors

Belkin International Inc. is recalling about 68,700 SurgeMaster surge protectors.

The molding of the plastic 360-degree rotating plug, which allows for easy cord movement, can crack or detach from the plug assembly, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

This recall involves the SurgeMaster Surge Protector, models F9G930-10, F9G930v10, F9G930-10-W and F9G930-10-SN, all manufactured in 2003. The model number and date of manufacture are on the underside of the unit. Grey models F9G930-10-GRY and F9G930fc10G-CL are not a part of this recall.

Independent distributors nationwide and the Web site www.belkin.com sold the items from September 2003 through December 2007 for about $50.

Consumers should contact Belkin for a new replacement unit.

For more information, contact Belkin at 1-800-952-1465 or visit the firm's Web site at www.belkin.com/recall.

Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission online at www.cpsc.gov.
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First published on October 30, 2009 at 12:00 am