Abstract: The present invention discloses a curtain ballchain wheel, comprising an outer seat provided with an outer seat plate, an outer seat sleeve extends perpendicularly from the center of the outer seat plate, an outer seat core set comprising outer seat cores extending integratedly from arrow ends and forming seat steps due to dimensional differences in the front ends, wherein the outer seat sleeve is socketingly engaged with a spring, whose ends are provided with a spring leg, respectively, and the outer seat plate perpendicularly extends to form a segment of outer seat collar; a ball seat comprising a seat rim, a seat ring perpendicularly connected with the sear rim, and a seat through hole in the center, wherein a ball chamber to receive a plurality of balls are provided around the seat rim; and an inner socket comprising a inner sleeve and an inner ring of larger outer diameter, wherein an inner hole is provided and the inner wall of the inner sleeve is arranged with different inner diameters to form sleeve s

Abstract: A window blind is constructed to include a headrail, a blind body suspended below the headrail, a linking mechanism mounted inside the headrail and having a power input device fastened pivotally with the headrail and an actuator rotatable with the power input device and connectable to the blind body, and a driving control mechanism. The driving control mechanism includes a suspension rod suspended from the headrail and a controller detachably coupled to the suspension rod for enabling the suspension rod to be driven by the controller to rotate the power input device and to further drive the actuator to move the blind body, causing the blind body to change the window shading status.

Abstract: A photoelectric power supply system for motorized window coverings includes a light detector electrically connected to a relatively high dielectric capacitor. In turn, the capacitor is connected to an electric motor, and the capacitor is the primary source of power for the motor. The light detector converts solar energy to electric energy that is used to charge the capacitor. The electric motor utilizes electricity from the capacitor as needed.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for controlling the retraction and deployment of an architectural covering, such as a window blind or shade having a winding element 12, about which the covering, or its lift cord or tapes are wound and unwound with rotation of the winding element about a first axis of rotation, and a fluid brake 40 for retarding the rotation of the winding element in at least one direction about the first vaxis. The fluid brake comprises a fluid tight compartment 42 containing a liquid and an impeller 46. The compartment and the impeller are adapted for relative rotation about a second axis, which can be the same as or coaxial with the first axis. Either the compartment or the impeller is operatively connected to the winding element. In operation the liquid rotates with the rotation of the compartment or the impeller about the second axis.

Abstract: A flexible, retractable assembly for use as a door, space divider, covering or the like which comprises a sheet such as Mylar polyester film having a permanent memory set to roll up on itself or otherwise retract automatically into a coil, accordion, or other compact configuration. The assembly is adapted to be stored on one side of an opening and then guided across the opening to fully or partially cover the opening. The permanent memory set of the sheet permits it to retract at least partially under its own force to eliminate or minimize the need for separate rewinding apparatus. The sheet may substitute for a variety of standard products including entryway doors, closet, cabinet and shower doors, screen doors and windows, room dividers, machinery guards and covers for various items such as florescent light fixtures. The sheet may be combined with decorative finishes including a tambour composite structure providing aesthetic and functional advantages.

Abstract: A flexible, retractable assembly for use as a door, space divider, covering or the like which comprises a sheet such as Mylar polyester film having a permanent memory set to roll up on itself or otherwise retract automatically into a coil, accordion, or other compact configuration. The assembly is adapted to be stored on one side of an opening and then guided across the opening to fully or partially cover the opening. The permanent memory set of the sheet permits it to retract at least partially under its own force to eliminate or minimize the need for separate rewinding apparatus. The sheet may substitute for a variety of standard products including entryway doors, closet, cabinet and shower doors, screen doors and windows, room dividers, machinery guards and covers for various items such as florescent light fixtures. The sheet may be combined with decorative finishes including a tambour composite structure providing aesthetic and functional advantages.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for controlling the retraction and deployment of an architectural covering, such as a window blind or shade having a winding element, about which the covering, or its lift cord or tapes are wound and unwound with rotation of the winding element about a first axis of rotation, and a fluid brake for retarding the rotation of the winding element in at least one direction about the first axis. The fluid brake comprises a fluid tight compartment containing a liquid and an impeller. The compartment and the impeller are adapted for relative rotation about a second axis, which can be the same as or coaxial with the first axis. Either the compartment or the impeller is operatively connected to the winding element. In operation the liquid rotates with the rotation of the compartment or the impeller about the second axis.

Abstract: A rolling device that is fixed to a laminar material and is capable of rolling and unrolling the laminar material arranged around a shaft of the device, the device including an arm normally extending from the shaft and freely rotatably connected to the shaft, the arm including a motor to rotate the shaft.

Abstract: Reducer comprising at least one stage and associated with a nonreturn device and with an Oldham coupling. The nonreturn device consists of two tubular seats fitted one into the other and of a helical spring braking by expansion against the casing of the reducer. The Oldham cross is seated within the nonreturn device. The reducer, the nonreturn device and the Oldham coupling are seated within the casing and are retained axially in the latter by a ring capable of receiving an adapter piece for mounting the assembly in a frame. The assembly forms a compact unit which can be handled easily.

Abstract: A device for the roll-up of blinds or the like that has a tubular motor mounted in a roller tube. An automatic stop and a detector for detecting that the motor is blocked, causing the motor to be stopped. The automatic stop has a screw carrying a traveling nut restrained against rotation in a tubular housing. The motor is stopped by detecting blockage of the motor through the traveling nut or the end of a blind or the like coming against a stop. Adjustment is carried out by manually rotating the housing via the housing end cheek.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a motor control system and method that is preferably applied to cargo power drive units. Power is supplied to a motor having one or more windings and a thermocouple that is embedded in the motor windings. The thermocouple provides an electronic signal from which both motor temperature and rate of temperature change are derived. A motor control circuit uses these values to determine if a jam condition has occurred (as represented by improper temperature rise) or whether critical overheating is occurring. If so, the motor control circuit causes a power switch to disconnect power from one or more PDUs in the subject bank of PDUs. Power is temporarily disabled, until a cargo operator releases a joy stick control to a neutral position and then attempts to use it again.

Abstract: A wheeled body (12) is provided having deck (14) with a framework (20) coupled thereto such that the volume outlined by the deck (14) and the framework (20) is unobstructed. The framework (20) consists of two framed ends vertically extending up from the deck (14) and a framed roof therebetween. The ends of the framework (20) can be enclosed by a variety of materials and are attached to recesses (16) in the four corners of the deck (14). The roof and longitudinal sides of the framework (20) are covered by an integrally formed shroud (90) that is secured to the roof of the framework (20). The sides are covered and uncovered by a scrolling mechanism (120) located at each end of the wheeled body (12). Each scrolling mechanism (120) is coupled through a 90.degree. gear knuckle joint (200) to a scrolling rod (122) that is placed into and fastened to a loop (108) formed at the longitudinal edges (110 ) of the shroud (90). The scrolling mechanism (120) vertically scrolls one side of the one piece shroud (90).

Abstract: A safety mechanism used in connection with a tarpaulin which selectively covers and uncovers a vehicle body includes a transmitting member for causing the tarpaulin to move. A drive sprocket is connected to the transmitting member and is rotated by a crank handle mounted coaxially on the drive sprocket shaft. A forward motion pawl resiliently engages a ratchet on the shaft to assure one way operation when the handle is in its operative condition. A safety pawl is selectively moveable into engagement with the drive sprocket for preventing any inadvertent rotation of the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A reversing screw (102) for a modular self-contained window insert (10), which reversing screw (102) allows movement of the window shade (16) between a full-opened and full-closed position, when the throw of the reversing screw (102) is less than the distance between the opened and closed position of the window shade (16).

Abstract: A roll-up apparatus comprises a rod having one edge of a flexible screen thereto and means to rotatably mount the rod to a garage door frame. The screen is provided with means to releasably attach its side edges to the side members of the garage door frame, and means to maintain its bottom edge in contact with the ground when the screen is in a lowered position.

Abstract: An improved roller door drive assembly comprising a drum, upon which a curtain is rolled, and a gear coaxially mounted to and engaged with the drum. The means of engagement consists of a plurality of forks projecting from the gear adapted to engage drum spokes. This arrangement prevents the ends of the drum while running in a swashplate manner from dragging the gear out of alignment with its driving pinion. In so doing this engagement means prevents excessive wear.

Abstract: A roll-up tarp assembly (10) for an open truck box or trailer (12). The roll-up tarp assembly (10) includes a tarp (14) made from a flexible material. The tarp (14) is securedly attached along one side to the top of the truck box (12). The other side of the tarp is attached to a roll bar (64) by a plurality of flexible straps (60). A crank apparatus (26) connected to the roll bar (64) by a U-joint (74) and collar (80) assembly is utilized to roll the tubular member transversely of the truck box opening so as to enclose the truck box (12) with the tarp (14) or uncover the truck box (12). A plurality of hooks (40) are attached to the side of the truck box (12) opposite of the side to which the tarp (14) is fixedly secured. The hooks (40) retain the roll bar (64) when the tarp (14) is covering the truck box (12).

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a gear drive such as the gear drive of a roll-type shutter or awning. One of the gear shafts, preferably the driving gear shaft, is rotatably supported such as to be longitudinally displaceable, and carries at its free end a transverse pin. A stationary member is provided with radial grooves engageable by the projecting end of the pin when the shaft is longitudinally displaced under the action of a coil spring. The gear is coupled to the shaft by a pin transversely disposed through the shaft and projecting in longitudinal grooves formed in a portion of the gear. The locking mechanism is unlocked by introducing the end of a crank handle into a coupling socket mounted on the other end of the shaft, and applying longitudinal pressure with the crank handle, such as to disengage the locking mechanism prior to hand-driving the shaft in rotation by way of the crank handle.

Abstract: A bead-chain drive system for operating and positioning a window shade comprises a roller having a window shade mounted thereon, the roller being urged by the weight of the window shade in a direction to lower the shade. The drive system further includes a sprocket for driving the roller that is driven by a bead-chain, trained about the sprocket. The bead-chain includes a chain length urged toward the sprocket by the weight of the shade applied to the roller and the sprocket. The drive system also includes a bead-chain retainer having a holding device operative to hold at least one of the beads of the chain length against movement toward the sprocket to position the window shade and from which the chain length can be easily freed upon movement thereof away from the sprocket.

Abstract: A support member for the end of a rotatable shaft for winding and unwinding a curtain of articulated slats forming a roll-type shutter or awning. The support member is made of a pair of interlocked, L-shaped plates forming a box-like structure open at both ends. A bushing, through which is passed the end of the rotatable shaft, is journalled through one of the L-shaped plates and is held in position by a U-shaped saddle member. The support member is converted to a gear drive by replacing the bushing with a worm wheel and mounting in the U-shaped saddle member a worm gear meshing with the worm wheel. The worm gear is mounted on, or made integral with, a drive shaft. The U-shaped saddle member is arranged to be mounted in any one of a plurality of positions within the box-like enclosure so as to provide several possible orientations for the drive shaft.

Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.

Abstract: A combined shutter and awning protective device for an opening in a wall such as a window, comprising a plurality of slats of uniform cross-section slidably received within one another and having a rotary member by means of which the shutter can be rolled upon the rotary member to provide for raising and lowering thereof. The device includes frame members which are pivotable whereby the device can be pivoted outwardly from a wall or the like to act as an awning. The device also includes frame sections secured to the wall which allows the device, in its non-pivoted position with the shutter fully lowered, to secure itself in position over the window or the like to act as a protective and security covering.

Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.

Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.