Abstract: A braking mechanism for a roller shade control system. The braking mechanism includes a stationary member and a rotating member rotatable relative to the stationary member. The rotating member is rotatable in a winding direction or an unwinding direction. The braking mechanism also includes a connecting assembly operatively connecting the stationary member and the rotating member. The connecting assembly frictionally engages the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the unwinding direction and is frictionally disengaged from the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the winding direction. A control mechanism includes such a braking mechanism and an operating handle for operating the control mechanism.

Abstract: An active tensioning device for a looped cord of a window covering system. The active tensioning device comprises a body having a channel configured to receive a section of the looped cord therein. The channel has a first wall allowing the section of the looped cord to slide thereon and a second wall having at least one cord engaging member engageable with the section of the looped cord. The active tensioning device is pivotable about the looped cord between an inoperative configuration where the looped cord contacts the second wall of the channel and an operative configuration where the looped cord contacts the first wall of the channel. The active tensioning device is balanced to be urged towards the inoperative configuration by gravity.