Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw blade for cutting a plurality of different types of window coverings. A first controllable drive moves the saw blade into engagement with a window covering selected from the plurality of different types of the window coverings. A second controllable drive for rotates the saw blade. A preferred saw blade feed rate and a preferred saw blade speed for each of the plurality of different types of window coverings is determined. The first variable drive and the second variable drive are controlled based on the preferred saw blade feed rate and the preferred saw blade speed for the window covering being cut.

Abstract: A package for a size-in-store window covering comprises a box having a first portion that extends for the width of the window covering and a second portion that extends for less than the width of the window covering. The window covering extends beyond an end of a bottom wall a first distance and the head rail extends beyond an end of a first side wall a second distance. A method of cutting a window covering comprises providing a window covering in a box as described above and positioning the box with the exposed portion of the window covering facing down and the exposed portion of the head rail facing a clamp. Methods of packaging a window covering comprise reducing the total number of loops in the window covering, and positioning inserts between adjacent components.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.