Abstract: Methods, devices, and split flap wheel apparatuses that can display alphanumeric characters, messages, and graphics are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a split flap wheel apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to rotate about a center axis; flaps hingeably coupled, via hinges, to the housing that rotate externally to the housing with rotation of the housing; and a motor disposed within the housing that drives the rotation of the housing. One or more embodiments described herein can comprise a device comprising: a housing with at least one opening; a wheel within the housing; a group of hinged flaps affixed to an outside surface of the wheel along a circumference of the wheel; and a motor disposed within the wheel that operates to spin the wheel by the fixed amount of angular rotation.

Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint temperature are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks over a range of background tick marks on the electronic display. Different colors can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different intensities of colors can be displayed to indicate an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint temperature for the device can be altered by user rotation of the rotatable ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to the user and altered by the user by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring.

Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.