Abstract: A motorized roller shade configured to connect to a power-over-Ethernet network includes a motor for rotating the shade to roll and unroll shade material to and from a roller tube to raise and lower the shade. A bank of ultra-capacitors positioned in the roller tube provides power to the motor and to logic and control circuitry also positioned within the roller tube. The logic and control circuitry charges the ultra-capacitors though power derived from the power-over-Ethernet network, without any power-over-Ethernet switches in the network to provide additional power, and controls the operation of the motor to achieve a desired target velocity. Synchronized operation of multiple motorized roller shades is achieved though autonomous operation of the shades by their corresponding logic and control circuitry. In exemplary embodiments, a lighting element controlled by the logic and control circuitry allows controlled lighting of the shade.

Abstract: A management system for a closed environmental facility includes one or more motorized tubular hoist mechanisms operable to adjust the height of environmental modules above one or more groups of plants. A central controller provides signals over a wireless communication network to command the hoist mechanisms to move the environmental modules to a desired position. In further embodiments, environmental sensors provide data to the central controller and the controller automatically calculates desired positions of the environmental modules based on the data and commands the hoist mechanisms to achieve the desired positioning.

Abstract: A management system for a closed environmental facility includes one or more motorized tubular hoist mechanisms operable to adjust the height of environmental modules above one or more groups of plants. A central controller provides signals over a wireless communication network to command the hoist mechanisms to move the environmental modules to a desired position. In further embodiments, environmental sensors provide data to the central controller and the controller automatically calculates desired positions of the environmental modules based on the data and commands the hoist mechanisms to achieve the desired positioning.

Abstract: A motorized and automated shutter with slip clutch provides automated control of positioning of the louvers while allowing manual movement of the louvers without damage to the drive train and without disrupting automated control. A slip clutch assembly in the motorized drive train allows manual movement of the louvers of the shutter without imparting force back into the drive motor. A position sensor monitors the position of the louver and provides a signal to control circuitry to allow synchronization or simultaneous operation of multiple window shutters based on manual movement of a single louver.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade configured to connect to a power over Ethernet network includes a motor for rotating the shade to roll and unroll shade material to and from a roller tube to raise and lower the shade. A rechargeable battery positioned in the roller tube provides power to the motor and to logic and control circuitry also positioned within the roller tube. The logic and control circuitry charges the battery though power derived from the power over Ethernet network, and controls the operation of the motor to achieve a desired target velocity. Synchronized operation of multiple motorized roller shades is achieved though autonomous operation of the shades by their corresponding logic and control circuitry. In exemplary embodiments, a lighting element controlled by the logic and control circuitry allows controlled lighting of the shade.