Abstract: A pole mount includes a telescoping, length-adjustable pole having a head end and a foot end, a coarse length-adjustment mechanism, and a fine length-adjustment mechanism. The fine length-adjustment mechanism is proximal to the foot end of the pole and the coarse length-adjustment mechanism is at an end of a segment of the telescoping pole nearest the head end of the pole.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable cellular shade may include a plurality of vertically aligned shade cells and one or more divider webs extending within each shade cells to as to divide the shade cell into two or more cell structures. By adjusting one or more design parameters associated with the cellular shade, the configuration of the shade cells, such as the size and/or shape of the cell structures, and/or the illumination or lighting effects associated with the cellular shade may be specifically tailored to provide a desired aesthetic look or feel for the shade.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated multi-function window in the technical field of building material, which overcomes the disadvantages of the existing windows, including complicated structures and time, labor and cost consuming double constructions. The integrated multi-function window includes a first window frame having a first window. A first window cover is mounted at the upper part of the first window frame and first telescopic curtain cloth is located within the first window cover. One side of the first window frame is fixedly connected to the second window frame having a second window. The position of the second window is corresponding to that of the first window. The integrated multi-function window has a simple configuration and multiple functions and is of a low cost and improved reliability.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an automated window covering includes electromechanically actuating a window covering and measuring electrical current required to actuate the window covering. The method further measures movement of the window covering, where such movement includes one or more of a change in position and velocity of the window covering. The method estimates a size (e.g., height, width, area, etc.) of the window covering and/or an amount of force required to actuate the window covering based on the measured electrical current and movement. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: The system includes a finial that is configured to be removed from a guide cable, while the guide cable is still connected on both ends. The hembar includes a finial on each end, wherein the first finial includes an external channel at an angle and the second finial includes an external channel with an opposite angle. The hembar is rotated in order to receive the guide cable into the external channel, then reverse rotated so the guide cable translates in an internal channel. The system eliminates or reduces the need for a guide cable to be threaded through an eyelet on the finial of the hembar. The system eliminates or reduces the need to detach a cable, prior to uninstalling the shade system.

Abstract: A light input-adjustable window shade includes a supporting unit having a main rod and two sliding rods. Each sliding rod is slideably mounted to one of two ends of the main rod. A positioning seat is fixed to an end of each sliding rod distant to the main rod. Each sliding rod has a coupling portion. A spool is rotatably mounted to the positioning seats of the supporting unit. A shade body includes a first periphery fixed to the spool and a second periphery. The shade body is coiled around the spool. A weighting unit includes a rod body formed by an inner rod and two movable rods. Each movable rod is slideably mounted to one of two ends of the inner rod. The shade body is wound around the rod body. The second periphery of the shade body is fixed to the coupling portions of the two sliding rods.

Abstract: A door operating system or door opening and closing apparatus comprising at least one motive source, a linkage assembly and a door. Preferred door operating systems will include two linkage assemblies, two doors and two motive sources, one for each door. Each motive source is preferably attached to an interior facing surface of a frame of a structure and the door is pivotally attached to an exterior facing surface of the frame of a structure. Each linkage assembly operatively connects the respective motive source to the respective door. By having the motive source attached to the interior facing surface of the frame, doors of the operating system can preferably be opened the full width of the frame opening to maximize available vehicle clearance.

Abstract: A roller blind assembly is described that is made at least in part with a laminate material that includes a roller blind screen and a non-woven backing material applied to the roller blind screen by pressure or heat. If an adhesive is used, the adhesive can be applied to the front side of the non-woven backing material, after which the front side of the non-woven backing material is then attached or bonded to the rear side of the roller blind screen to form the roller blind laminate material. When placed in an architectural opening, such as a window, the roller blind laminate material can reduce or diffuse the light transmission in a room to create a diffused, opaque, or shielded view to the outside while still providing a warm ambiance to an architectural structure or room.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the invention includes a video display adapter, such as a USB or HDMI dongle, configured to generate a signal when a video display (e.g., a television, projector, etc.) is turned on or off. A controller receives the signal and automatically actuates a motorized window covering in response to the signal. In certain embodiments, the motorized window covering receives the signal directly from the video display adapter without requiring any intervening electronic devices. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a blind comprises: a first elongate element for attachment to a supporting structure; a second elongate element attachable to the first elongate element, in order to at least partially form a guide track providing a guide channel in which a part to be guided may be constrained, the first and second elements together at least partially defining the external surfaces of the guide track. The second elongate element is attachable to the first elongate element by displacement of the second element relative to the first element. The direction of displacement may be a direction substantially transverse to the direction of elongation of the first element.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an overhead garage door includes an extensible screen that is provided in a screen assembly that is embedded within opening provided in a garage floor. A pair of horizontal and vertical recesses are provided on opposite sides of the opening to secure the screen assembly within the opening. The screen is wound on a spring-biased center roller disposed in a cylinder of the screen assembly. A top of the screen is secured to a strip. A pair of angled plates are disposed on opposite sides of the strip and are hingedly attached to the cylinder. When the garage door is lowered and extension of the screen is desired, a pair of pivot assemblies provided on the door bottom engage with the strip. As the door is raised, the strip and screen are extended from the screen assembly to cover an opening into the garage.

Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.

Abstract: A light input-adjustable window shade includes a supporting unit having a main rod and two sliding rods. The two sliding rods are respectively slideably mounted to two ends of the main rod. A positioning seat is fixed to an end of each sliding rod distant to the main rod. Each sliding rod has a coupling portion. A spool is rotatably mounted to the positioning seats of the supporting unit. A shade body includes a first periphery fixed to the spool and a second periphery. The shade body is coiled around the spool. A weighting unit includes a rod body comprised of an inner rod and a movable rod. The movable rod is slideably mounted to one of two ends of the inner rod. The shade body is wound around the rod body. The second periphery of the shade body is fixed to the coupling portions of the two sliding rods.

Abstract: A stretchable carrier that has been provided with four straight stretcher bars that are divided in the corners by surfaces that stretch along the bisecting line of the corner between the center line of the stretcher bars that meet in the corner and at least one key fixed in a corner that is connected with both stretcher bars meeting in the said corner by means of friction effected by being jammed between the stretcher bars, whereby the top angle of the key is aimed at the corner and whereby the angle of the key is larger than the angle enclosed by the center lines of the stretcher bars meeting in the said corner. As this key is connected to the stretcher bars by this jamming and friction, the stretcher bars can be adjusted to any required dimensions without problems when connecting the stretcher bars.

Abstract: A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for closing off an opening above, below, or between electronic equipment in a rack. The rack includes a pair of equipment rails. The electronic equipment is mounted to the equipment rails. The apparatus includes a base, a roller shade, and a handle. The roller shade is rotatably connected to the base and includes a free end extending from the base when the roller shade is rotated. The handle is connected to the free end of the roller shade. The base is removably connected to the equipment rails at a first position. The handle is removably connected to the equipment rails at a second position spaced apart from the first position such that the free end of the roller shade is extended to close off the opening in the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A temperature sensor communicates with the controller and monitors temperature proximate a window associated with the window covering. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the window, temperature external to the window, temperature internal to the window, temperature within a headrail of the window covering, or the like. The controller is further configured to relay at least one of commands and information to an HVAC controller to regulate room temperature in accordance with the monitored temperature. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention describes a cushion for shading system of the type comprising a piece of cloth slidingly fastened to a section bar of an upright. A raceway with a substantially C-shaped cross section serves to fasten the cushion to a section bar edge, and a flexible plastic tongue, having an end on the raceway and an opposed end spaced therefrom in order to contact the upright, serves as a spring between the section bar and the upright, allowing the section bar to come nearer to the upright in a compression phase or to be spaced in a predetermined way in the absence of compression.