Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, a motor/controller unit, disposed within the shade tube inner cavity and mechanically coupled to the shade tube inner surface, including a support shaft configured to attach to a mounting bracket, and a DC motor having an output shaft coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. A wireless receiver is coupled to the motor/controller unit to receive wireless signals and an antenna is arranged on or in at least one of the two end portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a stop configured to be positioned in a track channel of a guide rail for guiding a shade. Further embodiments relate to a guide rail and stop combination, where the guide rail and stop combination are configured to be used for guiding a shade. Still further embodiments relate to a shade system incorporating one or more guide rails for guiding a shade and at least one stop positioned with respect to the guide rail to control the travel of bottom bar interconnected with the shade.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for reducing the space requirements of, and improving the performance of, a flat type spring formed to produce a negative gradient torque. In an embodiment, a retainer can be added over at least two coils on the free end of each spring to reduce the space requirement for the spring. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a flat type spring with a negative gradient having reduced space requirements into a shade or blind. Such a shade or blind will then be able to fit into a smaller area or volume. Specific embodiments can use multiple springs restrained in accordance with the subject invention to achieve a desired counterbalancing of the shade or blind. Further embodiments can incorporate gearing to alter the torque output of the springs. Further specific embodiments can incorporate one or more springs restrained in accordance with the invention and gearing to alter the torque output of the one of more springs.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a microcontroller and a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube. The DC gear motor includes a housing fixed to the shade tube and an output shaft coupled to a support shaft fixed to a mounting bracket. The method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube and the DC gear motor housing while the DC gear motor output shaft and support shaft remain fixed.

Abstract: The invention advantageously provides a deployable screen system that includes a roller tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the roller tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. The deployable screen system is operable by tugging, manual movement and wireless control. The DC gear motor is underpowered by a plurality of batteries positioned within the roller tube. In this way a novel, useful and nonobvious deployable screen system is presented.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade conduit having an outer surface upon which a shade is attached and an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The motorized shade also comprises a motor disposed within the inner cavity along with a controller coupled to the motor that controls the motor. The motorized roller further comprises a power supply sleeve having an interior space, wherein the power supply sleeve is disposed within the inner cavity, wherein the power supply sleeve is coupled to the motor. The sleeve may be accessed by an access port that extends between the outer surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade tube in which a motor unit, a controller unit and a power supply unit are disposed. The controller unit includes a controller to control the motor. The power supply unit includes at least one bearing rotatably coupled to a support shaft. The motor unit includes at least one bearing, rotatably coupled to another support shaft, a DC gear motor and a counterbalancing device. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove. Further specific embodiments relate to a system with linked horizontal drapery panels having varying characteristics that are moved independently by a common drive system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to a motorized system for moving vertical blinds, curtains, draperies, or other window coverings. Specific embodiments can, optionally, also be manually operated. When motorized, the power supply can be batteries stored or housed in a tube or portion of a shaft, with a spring biased mechanism to assist during removal and/or loading of the batteries. In a specific embodiment, the stop can be triggered by the user to remove one battery at a time, and can allow the user to load batteries in a manner in which the battery or batteries already loaded in the chamber are held in the chamber. A specific embodiment incorporates a drapery tube with a hollow interior, or drapery shaft with one or more hollow portions, to form an enclosure that can house the motor and the power supply, such as batteries. If desired, the motor controls and an optional RF receiver for the motor can also be housed within the tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for cutting one or more grooves in a cylindrical element. In specific embodiments, the one or more grooves are cut into an outer surface of the cylindrical element. The cylindrical element can be solid, or can have one or more hollow portions. In a specific embodiment, the cylindrical element is a hollow tube. Embodiments also pertain to a cylindrical element having one or more grooves cut in an outer surface of the cylindrical element.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade tube in which a motor unit, a controller unit and a power supply unit are disposed. The controller unit includes a controller to control the motor. The power supply unit includes at least one bearing rotatably coupled to a support shaft. The motor unit includes at least one bearing, rotatably coupled to another support shaft, a DC gear motor and a counterbalancing device. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A roller shade is provided. The roller shade may include: a roller; an axle located in the roller; an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism configured to counter balance a rotation of the roller wherein the counterbalancing mechanism is configured to impart a rotational force on the roller and the rotational force is adjusted by rotating the axle; and a locking mechanism attached to the roller and configured to lock the axle at a given angular orientation, wherein the locking mechanism includes a shear pin. A method of tensioning a counterbalancing mechanism may also be provided. The method may include: mounting the counterbalancing mechanism to a shaft; mounting the lock wheel to the shaft; turning the shaft to tension the counterbalancing mechanism; and inserting a shear pin into a hole in the lock wheel to lock the shaft in place.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, a motor/controller unit, disposed within the shade tube inner cavity and mechanically coupled to the shade tube inner surface, including a support shaft configured to attach to a mounting bracket, and a DC motor having an output shaft coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. A wireless receiver is coupled to the motor/controller unit to receive wireless signals and an antenna is arranged on or in at least one of the two end portions.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, and a motor having an output shaft coupled to a support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket. The motorized roller shade further includes a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the shade, a power supply unit, electrically coupled to the motor, configured to supply power to the motor, and an adaption component including at least one of a length adaptation component and a diameter adaptation component arranged within the shade tube and configured to adapt at least one of the motor and the counterbalancing unit to be used with a larger shade tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling lighting fixtures over a wireless network that includes connecting a junction box to a power source, connecting a lighting fixture to the junction box, establishing a connection over a wireless network between the junction box and a controller, and controlling a function of the lighting fixture by transmitting a signal from the controller to the junction box over the wireless network.

Abstract: A roll shade system is disclosed. The roll shade system includes a motor configured to remain stationary during operation of the motor, a support shaft supporting the motor wherein the support shaft is configured to remain stationary during operation of the motor, and a roll shade tube configured to be rotatable about the motor and the support shaft during operation of the motor. The roll shade system further includes stationary components including a wiring connector, an input wiring system, a bearing, an antenna, a coaxial cable, a motor controller, a counterbalance spring. The roll shade system also includes rotatable components including a bearing housing and one or more O-rings.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade conduit having an outer surface upon which a shade is attached and an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The motorized shade also comprises a motor disposed within the inner cavity along with a controller coupled to the motor that controls the motor. The motorized roller further comprises a power supply sleeve having an interior space, wherein the power supply sleeve is disposed within the inner cavity, wherein the power supply sleeve is coupled to the motor. The sleeve may be accessed by an access port that extends between the outer surface and the inner surface.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a roller shade tube including an outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner cavity, and at least one end portion, a shade attached to the outer surface of the roller shade tube, and a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the roller shade. The motorized shade further includes a motor configured to provide rotational exertion to the roller shade, a controller configured to provide control signals to the motor, a power supply configured to provide power at least to one of the motor and the controller, and a transfer device configured to transfer one of the control signals to the motor that is configured to rotate and power to the controller that is configured to rotate from a stationary external source.