Abstract: An electric curtain mainly utilizes a covering sheet furled at an upper limit position, which simultaneously impels an actuating member of a zero device to relatively cooperate with a sensor of the zero device, so that the covering sheet would not continue operating and a counter in the zero device would recount once a processing unit of a controlling device receives a signal from the sensor. Thus, the processing unit would drive the counter to recount in every following drop of the covering sheet to accurately control the suspending position without incurring an accumulative counting error and increase an operative convenience.

Abstract: End-of-travel device (10) for roller blind actuating systems, comprising a member (22) displaceable as far as an end-of-travel position (26), coupling means (20) in engagement with the displaceable member (22) and rotationally actuated by a motor, and lever means (40) for converting the displacement of the displaceable member (22) into activation of an end-of-travel switch (60). The lever means (40) comprise a movable member (50) pivotably hinged on a frame and engageable with pressure by the displaceable member (22) when its reaches the end-of-travel position (26). The member (50) can be engaged with an actuating member (58) of the switch (60) where an actuating member of the switch (60) is positioned radially with respect to the axis of displacement of the member (22).

Abstract: A quiet motorized roller shade assembly has a roller tube for reeling and unreeling a reelable shade and an internal electric motor. The motor turns a drive wheel that mates with a the interior of the roller tube so that the roller tube rotates in response to the rotation of the drive wheel. The electric motor disposed within a motor sleeve for reducing sound transmission within the roller tube. A crown is disposed on one end of the roller tube. The drive wheel and the crown maintain a space between the electric motor and the roller tube so that the motor does not directly contact the roller tube. An idler assembly is disposed proximate the end of the roller tube opposite the crown. The idler assembly includes a spring member for reducing vibration between roller shade assembly and the mounting bracket during operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: An automated shade system that shades windows on different planes is disclosed. The automated shade system comprises a roller tube with shade material wound on the roller tube connected to a second roller tube with a second shade material wound on the second roller tube, wherein each roller tube is at an angle to the other. The roller tubes are connected by an off axis connector that transmits torque between the two roller tubes. The system has only one drive mechanism to operate the non coaxial roller tubes, whereas other shade systems would require separate drive mechanisms for each roller tube.

Abstract: An electric roll-up limit device includes a tube coupled by a tube rotor to an electric motor. The tube rotor contains a rocker bar that extends from the tube and activates a lower limit switch when a sheet of material is fully unrolled from the tube. A base below the tube rotor contains a pull bar cavity and an actuator device with a rotatable support frame and a rotatable actuator lever. The support frame supports the actuator lever and prevents it from rotating in one direction to activate an upper limit switch. A spring couples the rotation of the support frame and the actuator lever. When the sheet is fully rolled onto the tube, the pull bar cap retracts into the pull bar cavity and butts against the support frame. This causes the support frame to release the actuator lever, which then rotates to activate the upper limit switch.

Abstract: A roller shade mounting system provides a tube-in-tube arrangement for reducing sagging of a roller tube windingly supporting a shade fabric. The mounting system includes a mounting tube received within a roller tube, and first and second annular drive rings located on an outer surface of the mounting tube. The drive rings are secured to the mounting tube and the roller tube secured to the drive rings such that rotation of the mounting tube results in rotation of the roller tube. Each drive ring is located at a distance from an end of the roller tube for limiting sagging deflection of the roller tube. The tube-in-tube arrangement provided by the mounting system provides controlled deflection for the roller tube without necessitating undesirably large increase in the diameter of the roller tube, which could create an undesirable appearance in many roller shade installations.

Abstract: In a window covering system with a shade roll, a counterbalanced motorized shade roll system includes a shade roll with a hollow interior connected with a window covering system. A motor is located within the hollow interior. A torsion spring is also located within the hollow interior of the shade roll and the torsion spring is connected with the motor on one end and with the hollow interior on another end. Batteries are also located within the hollow interior of the shade roll opposite from the motor and after the connection of the torsion spring with the hollow interior of the shade roll such that the torsion spring does not surround the batteries.

Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.

Abstract: A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload condition, a low-line condition, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, a rotational position sensor, a controller, and a memory for storing the command. The controller stores the present position of the motorized window treatment in the memory each time the rotational position of the motor changes by a predetermined angle, such that a plurality of positions are stored in the memory. When the controller is reset due to an overload condition or ESD event, the controller recalls the desired position from the memory, determines the present position, and continues to drive the motor drive circuit in response to the command and the present position.

Abstract: A device (10) for fixing a pulley (40) includes a rotating pin (12) on the outer surface of which the pulley (40) may be fixed. The rotating pin (12) has at least one locking element (50) movable between a first locking position where it retains the pulley (40) and a second releasing position where it does not retain it. The locking element (50) is coupled with at least one element (60) which can be operated by the user so that the displacement of said at least one element (60) which can be operated by the user causes the displacement of the at least one locking element (50) between the first and second position.

Abstract: An integrated brake and chain disk device for a door operator includes an electrical motor with a main shaft coupled to a gear box for rolling a rolling door through an output shaft of the gear box; a brake device for braking the main shaft; a chain disk device for manually rotating the main shaft upon power failure; a clutch device which disengages the intermediate shaft from the chain disk device or engages the intermediate shaft with the chain disk device. The brake device includes at least one torsion spring fitting on a fixed hub. The torsion spring tightly fits on the hub and becomes immovable when a force in a spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring, and can be released from the hub when a force in a direction opposite to the spiral direction of the torsion spring is exerted on either end of the torsion spring. In this way, the brake device and the chain disk device are integrated.

Abstract: A device including a tube for winding and unwinding a screen which is controlled in rotation by a gear motor and which is supported on a fixed head and wherein a rotational part mounted within the tube is kinematically linked to rotate with the tube with the part including elements that are used to reflect a position of the rotational part and which elements are detected by senors that are connected to an electronic processing unit. A tightly sealed partition secured to the head is further provided to define, on one side, a first compartment for receiving at least the rotational part and, on the other side, a second compartment for receiving at least the electronic processing unit.

Abstract: A side window roll-up shade which has a pull rod attached to a movable edge of a roll-up shade material. The pull rod is carried by two support rods which are guided so that they can move vertically within the door body. At the bottom end of each support rod, a cable is attached, which runs either to a spring motor or to a cable pulley.

Abstract: A garage door assembly including a door for enclosing an opening, and a mechanism for selectively deploying the door in a closed position to cover the opening, and an open position with the door stored leaving the opening open. A position reading assembly monitors a position of the door with respect to the opening. The position reading assembly includes a controller and three switches in communication with the controller. The switches are positioned such that movement of the door actuates the three switches and, in turn, the controller divides the door into eight virtual zones between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A window shade for motor vehicles is provided that includes a base unit in which the windup shaft is rotatably supported. The base unit is also provided with coupling devices, wherein guide tubes for thrust elements originate at these coupling devices and lead to a driving motor. The coupling device contains a channel into which a plug-type pin of a corresponding guide rail that is rigidly connected to a side trim section of the motor vehicle can be inserted. The guide groove extends through the plug-type pin such that the pull bar can be arbitrarily moved back and forth between the guide rail and the coupling device after the installation when the roller blind web is respectively retracted and pulled out.

Abstract: A high-speed door assembly has a shaft or drum having a longitudinal axis which is configured so that the longitudinal axis is parallel with a wall to which the door assembly is mounted. A flexible door panel is attached to the shaft or drum so as to be capable of being wound and unwound about the drum for selectively permitting and prohibiting access through an opening in the wall to which the door assembly is mounted, the door panel being wound on the shaft or drum in an orientation such that the door panel defines at least one vertical plane when unwound from the shaft or drum, the vertical plane being spaced further from the wall to which the door assembly is mounted than the longitudinal axis of the shaft or drum.

Abstract: A window shade apparatus that is configured to function in an aircraft. In one aspect, the shade apparatus has a frame defining an opening. The frame can vary in size and shape, as it is configured to substantially conform to an interior portion of the fuselage of an aircraft. The opening defined by the frame is, in one aspect, sized to substantially overlay at least one of the windows of the aircraft. Therefore, the frame substantially envelops the window and the opening permits viewing therethrough. The shade apparatus also has a shade that is configured to at least partially cover the opening and a drive mechanism to extend or retract the shade.

Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.

Abstract: A fire or smoke barrier 1 has a curtain 2 deployed from a motorised roller 3 mounted in a head box 4. Remote from the head box and connected to the motor via a cable 5 is a motor controller circuit 6. A short circuit protection circuit 9 is connected to the motor within the roller at the motor end of the cable 5. On the motor side of the circuit 9 is a retarder circuit 10 connected across the motor terminals. The short circuit circuit comprises a pair of relays 11, 12, arranged with their normally open contacts 111,121 arranged in parallel. A drive voltage one 11 of the relays has its winding 112 across the input lines 14 of the circuit and the emf one 12 of the relays has its winding 122 across the output lines 15 of the circuit. The input lines 14 are connected to the cable lines 51,52 and the output lines 15 are connected to the motor terminals 16, via the retarder 10.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for combining a retractable shade with a drapery rod include an outer rod and an inner rod rotatably supported on an interior of the outer rod. A motive mechanism is supported on an interior of the outer rod external to the inner rod for rotating the inner rod relative to the outer rod. A fabric is coupled to the inner rod. The outer rod has a slot through which the fabric extends and retracts. When the blind is in a retracted condition, the drapery rod conceals the blind. Thus, the drapery rod is a monolithic combination drapery rod. The motive mechanism may include a motor. The blind may be moved by operation of the motor through a wired or wireless connection. A drapery may be movably supported on the outer rod. In another embodiment, a separate decorative drapery rod conceals a motorized drapery rod within.

Abstract: An elevator door system includes a motor rotating a vertical reel, and an elevator door. The door can be formed of a plurality of vertically aligned rigid panels or can be a sheet of material which is rigid or reinforced in the vertical direction or can have any other appropriate form making it suitable for being wound upon and unwound from the reel. The door is mounted to a flexible force transmission member provided along an entire width of the door and interconnected to the reel. Accordingly, the forces generated by the motor for opening and closing the door are substantially transmitted through the transmission member rather than being imparted onto the door itself. Hence, in use the strain on the door is greatly reduced and therefore the quantity of material used for the door and consequently its cost and mass can be reduced without deteriorating performance.

Abstract: A roller tube has a tubular wall and a longitudinal axis. A channel runs longitudinally in an exterior surface of the tubular wall and is configured to receive an attachment insert for sheet material such as a solar shade, movie screen, decorative shade or the like. The channel has first and second side walls that extend from an interior portion of the tubular wall toward the exterior surface. The second side wall extends further away from the longitudinal axis of the roller tube than the first side wall. This creates a lip in the exterior surface of the roller tube, enabling the attachment insert to be mounted flush with the exterior surface of the roller tube and avoiding any bumps from being formed in the sheet material as it is wound around the tube. The tube wall varies in thickness and has a relatively thick section to accommodate the channel being formed therein.

Abstract: Calibration of a motorized roller shade is accomplished by calculating a radius of a roller tube and thickness of a shade fabric rotatably supported by the roller tube. First, a lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a first position at a first linear distance from a predetermined position. Second, a first number of revolutions of the roller tube between the first position and the predetermined position is determined. Next, the lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a second position at a second linear distance from the predetermined position and a second number of revolutions between the second position and the predetermined position is determined. Finally, the tube radius and the fabric thickness are calculated from the first and second linear distances and the first and second numbers of revolutions. The tube radius and the fabric thickness are used to control the linear speed of the lower edge of the shade fabric.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric roman shade mainly utilizing the controller to rotate the power motor and the roller bar, thus motivating the covering sheet upward and downward. Additionally, by means of the revolving shaft having threads disposed thereon, the cord thus sequentially wraps the shaft without overlapping thereby steadily adjusting movements of the sheet. Further, the covering sheet would automatically stop working while the sliding sections touching the switching tabs, and users can also rise and descend the sheet at desired positions, thus increasing the convenience of using.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized system for closing a building, of the roller shutter type with the particular feature that it has a two-phase asynchronous motor which comprises two windings (2; 3) and is combined with a speed-varying device (5).

Abstract: A fire curtain system comprises a fire-resistant fabric curtain (1) adapted, in use, to be stored as a roll and installed at an elevated location; means to retain the curtain (1) in its rolled, non-active condition in a non-fire or non-test situation; means to activate, or deactivate, the retention means in a fire or test situation, whereby the curtain is deployed by unrolling in a failsafe, gravity fall mode at a relatively low descent speed of about 100 to 150 mm/sec; an electric motor (9) to rewind the curtain following a test deployment or an emergency deployment; and a control system for controlling the various functions of the curtain (1) including at least one override push button or switch (19) provided at a location(s) on the “fire” side of the curtain and manually operable by any person trapped on the “fire” side to retract/rewind and raise the curtain (1) temporarily for escape purposes at a relatively high lift speed of about 400 to 500 mm/sec.

Abstract: A system for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a shade fabric varies roller tube rotational speed for constant linear shade speed. The desired linear shade speed, roller tube diameter and shade fabric thickness and length are stored in a memory for use by a microprocessor. Preferably, the roller tube rotational speed is varied by the microprocessor depending on shade position determined by signals from Hall effect sensors. The microprocessor maintains a counter number that is increased or decreased depending on direction of rotation. Based on the counter number, the microprocessor determines shade position and a corrected rotational speed for the desired linear shade speed. Preferably, the microprocessor controls roller tube rotational speed using a pulse width modulated signal. The system may be used to control first and second roller shades having roller tubes of differing diameters or shade fabrics of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A vehicle roller blind, in particular sunshield roller blind for motor vehicles is provided. The vehicle roller blind having a roller blind web which is connected to a thrust element, which is rigid in compression and/or bending-resistant, for tensioning the roller blind web, and having an adjusting device which actuates the thrust element, which is embodied in the manner of a single-strand cable window lifter and which is at least partially encapsulated together with the thrust element. The thrust element and the adjusting device are arranged in a housing which holds the thrust element and the adjusting device and which comprises a drive housing for the roller blind drive and a preferably tubular guide channel which holds the thrust element and the flexible traction means.

Abstract: Two neigbouring roller blinds on the same drive shaft may be adjusted with respect to each other by letting one end plug comprise an un-coupling device. This un-coupling device may advantageously be made by means of an unwrap spring that is actuated by means of a ring that surrounds one end plug.

Abstract: The method applies to a motorized screen device comprising a screen windable on a winding tube, and at least one means for latching the free end of the screen defining a position termed latched in the direction of winding, the latching being activated in this direction if the free end of the screen previously reaches at least one position of reversal, to which corresponds for the unwinding a value of angular position of the winding tube termed the position of reversal of rotation, situated beyond the latched position in the direction of unwinding of the screen. According to the method, in a mode of configuration of the latching of the screen, the installer proceeds merely to record the value of a chosen angular position, termed the recorded rotation reversal position, this position being situated at the level of or beyond the position of reversal of rotation, in the direction of unwinding of the screen.

Abstract: The device has at least one controllable divider element including a drive assembly guided within a track, the drive assembly being driven by an electric motor which is controllable by a central control unit and a local control unit, which units exchange data through an electric line located in the track and functioning as the power supply for the electric motor. According to the invention, a first direct voltage is provided in the central control unit, the voltage being connectable to the power supply line through a central switch which is actuated as a function of the data to be transmitted between the central and local control units, whereby, when the switch is opened, data are able to be transmitted from the local control unit to the central control unit. In addition, an especially advantageous initialization of the device is possible based on the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A retractable window shade comprises at least one spool assembly and at least one track assembly. The spool assembly includes a spool having film windable thereupon with opposing film edges. The film edges have a series of spaced perforations extending therealong. The spool assembly further comprises a motor and clutch assembly configured to rotatably couple the motor to the spool. The track assembly is oriented laterally outwardly relative to the spool assembly and includes a drive chain that is engaged to a sprocket which is coupled to the motor. The drive chain is configured to the engage the perforations of the film for extending and retracting the film during activation of the motor.

Abstract: A device for automatic tightening of blinds is disclosed, where the manipulation of the blinds is controlled through the aid of belts running between the outer lists of a window.

Abstract: A lever actuated roll-up shade assembly for motor vehicle windows having a stop brake for slowing down movement of actuating levers of the roll-up shade assembly during movement into a position corresponding to the retracted position of the roller shade so as to prevent loud impact noises.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a Venetian blind or the like for inserting into a head rail, including an electric motor and output shafts at both ends driven via gear, where the electric motor is combined with components serving for acoustically damping and uncoupling, that are shaped such that they are insertable into the head rail together with the electric motor as well as to a Venetian blind or the like as such.

Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electrical motor, a power supply unit, a transmission mechanism, a rail part, and an encapsulating part. The drive apparatus is moveable between a first position and a second position and adjustable in these positions and in any position between these positions. The rail part and the encapsulating part are connected to each other in a heat-conducting connection. A method for operating the drive apparatus includes the steps of changing from one operational mode to another mode and subsequently moving the drive apparatus to a desired position.

Abstract: A power-off door closing device of fire proof rolling door in which the rolling door slides down to close by its own weight under abnormal power-off condition by brake-releasing action or by brake-applied action of a braking pin actuated by a energized solenoid, through successive movement of the first end of a sliding lever of a solenoid with a bent arm, a clamp member and a brake actuating rod. This device can be easily changed into non-failsafe door closing fire proof type with original configurations wherein the solenoid is reverse located so that the brake-released action caused by an energized solenoid or the brake-applied action under abnormal power-off condition applies. A reserved power supply temporarily energizes the solenoid to maintain a temporary brake-releasing under abnormal power-off condition, to enable the rolling door sliding down to close by its own weight.

Abstract: A door controller (10) including an integrated electric motor, said door controller including an integrated stator (14) provided with at least one coil (16) placed about the circumference of said stator, said stator fixed to allow only a substantially small degree of rotation of said stator, in use said stator and a rotatable ring gear (18) adapted to be in electromagnetic interaction with each other so as to rotatably drive said ring gear, rotation of said ring gear effecting movement of said door.

Abstract: A process for initializing a motorized roller shutter that moves between two extreme positions includes moving the shutter in a first direction at fast speed, then moving it at slow speed, then reversing it in a second direction at fast speed followed by slow speed. The shutter is moved back in the first direction at fast speed, then at slow speed, after which the times are determined that are needed to cover the full travel at fast speed between the two extreme positions in the first direction and in the second direction.

Abstract: This high-speed door is provided for closing a bay made in a wall (4) delimited by a lintel and by two vertical sides. The door comprises: two lateral parts placed in an essentially vertical manner against each of the vertical sides of the bay; a shaft (12) positioned at the level of the lintel of the bay and rotationally driven by electromechanical means, and; a curtain (7) made of a flexible material having a first side (7a) and a second side (7b), joined to the shaft (12), the rotation of the shaft (12) being able to move the curtain (7) between a closed position in which the curtain (7) closes the bay and an open position in which the curtain (7) opens the bay.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.

Abstract: A side window roller blind for a window opening of a motor vehicle, and a method for fitting, includes a winding shaft, a roller blind web which is fastened at a first edge to the winding shaft, an extension profile which is operatively connected to a second edge of the roller blind web such that the roller blind web can be unwound from the winding shaft. An actuating device and a drive for driving the actuating device are provided. The extension profile can be displaced by the actuating device, and the drive is arranged in the region of the winding shaft.

Abstract: End-of-travel device (10) for roller blind actuating systems, comprising a member (22) displaceable as far as an end-of-travel position (26), coupling means (20) in engagement with the displaceable member (22) and rotationally actuated by a motor, and lever means (40) for converting the displacement of the displaceable member (22) into activation of an end-of- travel switch (60). The lever means (40) comprise a movable member (50) pivotably hinged on a frame and engageable with pressure by the displaceable member (22) when its reaches the end-of-travel position (26). The member (50) can be engaged with an actuating member (58) of the switch (60) where an actuating member of the switch (60) is positioned radially with respect to the axis of displacement of the member (22).

Abstract: A retractable door assembly for an entrance/exit of a portable shelter comprises a door having a panel of flexible material. The door is rolled onto the support rod. Supports are operatively connected to ends of the support rod and are adapted to connect the support rod on a structure of the portable shelter with respect to the entrance/exit of the portable shelter, such that the support rod is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. An actuator system is operatively connected to the support rod to actuate a rotation of the support rod to deploy the door to close the entrance/exit and retract the door to free the entrance/exit of the portable shelter.

Abstract: A sun screen device includes a pair of slide rails, a screen body, and a pair of rods. Each of the slide rails has an end portion. The screen body has lateral ends, and an operating end that interconnects the lateral ends of the screen body and that is movable along the slide rails. The rods are respectively disposed in the slide rails. Each of the rods has an end portion that is coupled to the end portion of the respective one of the slide rails. Each of the lateral ends of the screen body is formed with a loop that is sleeved on a respective one of the rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shade assembly for a transparent bodywork surface (10) of a vehicle, said assembly comprising at least one section of variable light transmission. The assembly comprises at least one film, whose light transmission characteristics can be modified by the application of an electric current. According to the invention, the film forms part of a displaceable window blind web (12). The invention also relates to a vehicle roof comprising a roof opening, which is closed by a transparent pane (10) and can be shaded by a shade assembly as cited in the invention.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for a roller shutter assembly is disclosed. The drive unit (10) includes at least two electrical motors (14) and a reduction gear train (12). Each electric motor (14) includes an output shaft that is mechanically coupled to an axle engaging means (20) via the reduction gear train (12). The electric motors (14) are operable to generate mechanical power generated by the combination of the electric motors (14) is coupled to the axle engaging means (20) via the reduction gear train (12) to wind a roller shutter of the roller shutter assembly onto or off an axle.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.