Motor Or Fluid Pressure Control Patents (Class 160/311)
  • Patent number: 11125011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cordless blind apparatus and a method of adjusting the balance of a cordless blind apparatus. The cordless blind apparatus includes a roller, a screen wound or unwound on the roller, and a torsion spring contracting or stretching by rotating with the roller, in which an increasing ratio of torque applied to the roller by the screen and an increasing ratio of torque applied to the roller by the torsion spring are matched to each other through the correlation equation satisfied by parameters as the wire diameter ‘d’ of the torsion spring, the Young's modulus ‘E’ of the torsion spring, the diameter ‘D’ of the torsion spring, the winding number ‘N’ of the torsion spring, the density ‘?’ of the screen, the thickness ‘t’ of the screen, the width ‘S’ of the screen, the radius ‘R’ of the roller, and gravitational acceleration ‘g’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: WINTEC KOREA INC.
    Inventor: Seong-ryong Jang
  • Patent number: 10900280
    Abstract: A speed regulating assembly for coupling to a roller tube for regulating a deployment speed of a covering of an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The speed regulating assembly may include a detachable adapter for enabling a singular sized speed regulating device to be used regardless of the size of the roller tube. That is, by utilizing a detachable adapter for coupling to the roller tube, any change in the size of the roller tube only requires a different sized adapter. In addition, the speed regulating assembly may be configured so that during covering retraction, the speed regulating assembly is disengaged so that any input rotation from the roller tube is not transmitted to the speed regulating device. However, during covering deployment, the speed regulating assembly is engaged so that any input rotation from the roller tube is transmitted to the speed regulating device thereby regulating the speed of covering deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Patent number: 10017986
    Abstract: A winding device for a windable screen of a closure or sun-protection home-automation installation, includes: a winding tube movable around a rotation axis; a hollow sleeve positioned at one of the two ends and inside the winding tube; a tubular electromechanical actuator inserted inside the hollow sleeve; and two supports, each support being positioned across from one of two ends of the winding tube. The tubular electromechanical actuator includes: a case, and a closing off element positioned at one end of the case. The closing off element has a front face positioned in a plane parallel to a wall of one of the two supports, and includes first fastening elements cooperating with second fastening elements of the support. The hollow sleeve includes a first stop cooperating with a stop of the closing off element, and a second stop cooperating with the end of the winding where the sleeve is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventor: Adrien Brondex
  • Patent number: 9840867
    Abstract: A fabric venetian window shade assembly including: an actuation system for a double panel window shading including opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes, the actuation system comprising: a roller configured to receive the opposing first and second facings; a ratcheting mechanism mechanically coupled to at least the second facing through the roller; and a grip coupled exclusively to a lower end of the second facing, wherein, in response to a downward force being applied to the grip, the downward force is applied directly to the second facing without being applied directly to the first facing, and wherein the ratcheting mechanism is further configured to adjust a position of the opposing first and second facings and an orientation of the plurality of vanes relative to the opposing first and second facings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Comfortex Window Fashions
    Inventors: Sigitas Lukosiunas, Dalton Swearingian
  • Patent number: 9631413
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of effectively controlling a vehicle power trunk/tailgate in a vehicle power trunk/tailgate control system by performing a synchronization procedure between the left and right spindles in a vehicle having a power trunk/tailgate. Since a speed difference is not generated between the left and right spindle motors, the power trunk/tailgate can be driven more stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: MOTOTECH, CO. LTD
    Inventors: Se Yeong Jang, Jae Young Park, Sang Il Lee
  • Publication number: 20150136334
    Abstract: The invention refers to a quick-opening door comprising: a flexible canvas secured to a motor-driven drum and provided with vertically aligned arrangements of abutment elements that are guided in vertical uprights of the door; an electric duct secured to one of the sides of the canvas and provided with cables connected to a wireless signal transmitter; a plurality of guiding abutment elements distributed along the sides of the canvas with different spaces there between, disposed either singly or in groups; sensors which are disposed in an abutment passage zone and which capture different sequences of pulses during the passage of the abutment elements, thereby determining the position of the canvas at all times; and a contact-detecting band connected to the transmitter via the electric duct and housed in a bag by means of which the canvas is fitted against the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Publication number: 20150083350
    Abstract: A motorized transitional shade system may move a covering material between open, closed, view, and privacy positions. The covering material may define respective pluralities of opaque and transparent sections that are arranged in an alternating pattern. A bottom bar that is movably supported by the covering material may define first and second portions of the covering material. The opaque and transparent sections in the first and second portions of the covering material may permit visibility through the covering material in a view position, and may impede visibility through the covering material in a privacy position. If movement of the covering material is halted at an intermediate position that is between the open and closed positions, the motorized transitional shade system may cause the motor to rotate the roller tube to move the covering material to a next lowest privacy position or to a next highest view position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy, Robert J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140345808
    Abstract: A fabric rolling system includes a driven roller attached to a fabric. The roller is sufficiently strong and supported so as to bear increasing loads as the fabric is rolled. A fabric deployment device can also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: HARKEN, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Syd Millman, Dane Blackburn, Matthew Luedtke, Jeremy McMahon, John K. Harvey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140262079
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment can include a headrail that is configured to be mounted to a structure. A covering material can be attached to the headrail and configured to be raised and lowered by a pair of lift cords that are operatively attached to a lift mechanism. The treatment can also include a bottom bar that is attached to an opposite end of the covering material as the headrail. The bottom bar can define a channel, which can house a sliding member that is configured to move along the bottom bar and is coupled to the ends of the lift cords. By sliding along the channel, the sliding member allows the lengths of the lift cords to change with respect to one another such that when a force is applied to the bottom bar the bottom bar will move from an unleveled position to a leveled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Filko
  • Publication number: 20140277749
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of attractive, low cost, controllable, or other featured motorized window covering assemblies. The use of a motor assembly with an integrated WiFi interface enables eliminating a setup box, resulting in lower cost. Eliminating the setup box and any associated wires further eliminates the eye sore that they may pose. These eliminations, along with an elongated motor assembly used in some embodiments, further enable the motor to be made less noticeable by, for example, making it easier to hide or camouflage. As one example, an elongated motor assembly, comprising an elongated casing surrounding the motor and the control board, is hidden inside a window covering holder. An IP address can be assigned to each motor, which enables addressing and controlling each motor individually from any remote device located anywhere with access to the internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Jackson Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chong Kun Choo, Hong Seng Tan
  • Publication number: 20140224437
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling architectural opening coverings are described herein. An example apparatus includes a roller tube, a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube, and a manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.1 Blue Hill Plaza
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Daniel M. Fogarty, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 8708025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a surface comprising a drum mounted to rotate and able to wind up or unwind a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Becoflex S.A.
    Inventor: Benoît Coenraets
  • Publication number: 20140053989
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Publication number: 20140014281
    Abstract: A roller shade is provided. The roller shade may include: a roller; an axle located in the roller; an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism configured to counter balance a rotation of the roller wherein the counterbalancing mechanism is configured to impart a rotational force on the roller and the rotational force is adjusted by rotating the axle; and a locking mechanism attached to the roller and configured to lock the axle at a given angular orientation, wherein the locking mechanism includes a shear pin. A method of tensioning a counterbalancing mechanism may also be provided. The method may include: mounting the counterbalancing mechanism to a shaft; mounting the lock wheel to the shaft; turning the shaft to tension the counterbalancing mechanism; and inserting a shear pin into a hole in the lock wheel to lock the shaft in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: HomeRun Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Darrin W. Brunk
  • Publication number: 20140000819
    Abstract: A movable assembly having a counterbalance gear tensioner includes a covering, a rotatable storage roll with a hollow interior that carries the covering, and a counterbalance assembly that is received in the hollow interior to assist in movement of the covering. A gear tensioner is also received in the hollow interior, rotates with the rotatable storage roll, and is coupled to the counterbalance assembly to adjust a tension force of the counterbalance assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Willis J. MULLET, Harry E. ASBURY
  • Patent number: 8608457
    Abstract: A device for driving a drum (1) about the axis thereof, including a motor (2) which is mounted at least partially inside the drum (1) and a transmission (7) disposed between the motor (2) and the drum (1), characterized in that it further includes a device (10) enabling a forced current of cooling air to be created in a space (13,14) between the motor (2) and an inner wall of the drum (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Dynaco Europe NV
    Inventor: Benoit Coenraets
  • Publication number: 20130284384
    Abstract: A roller shutter for an opening leaf of a building, includes a retractable shut-off panel that moves between retracted and deployed positions, and a guide to selectively guide the panel a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a first plane, and another path is a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a second plane parallel to said first plane. The guide selectively switches movement of between said first path and said second path. A deployment-switching stop guides the shut-off panel along the second path when the shut-off panel is in contact with the deployment switching stop and the shaft is driven in a direction of rotation for deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Benjamin Boillot
  • Publication number: 20130284383
    Abstract: Presented is a roller shade mounting bracket. The bracket includes a main bracket that includes a top member defining a plurality of elongated openings extending therethrough, where each elongated opening is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a mounting screw and enabling movement along a first axis. The bracket further includes a first sub-bracket movably coupleable to the main bracket, where the first sub-bracket is movable along a second axis. The bracket further includes a second sub-bracket movably coupleable to the first sub-bracket and coupleable to a roller shade motor or a roller shade idler, where the second sub-bracket is movable along a third axis and rotatable about the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Timothy Wickham
  • Publication number: 20130269885
    Abstract: Motorized operating device intended for operating a movable screen with a windable canvas of a window covering device or of a projection screen device, the motorized operating device being intended to be suspended by the canvas and including: a winding tube which is movable around a first axis and on which the canvas is intended to be wound, an actuator which is disposed at least in part in the tube, a first element for fixing a first end of the canvas to the winding tube, the weight of the operating device creating a canvas unwinding torque, wherein said operating device includes an element for compensating the unwinding torque which acts exclusively by interaction with gravity and/or with the canvas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Sebastien Lemaitre
  • Publication number: 20130240165
    Abstract: A motor drive unit assembly for a motorized drapery system having a drapery fabric can include a motor having a drive shaft, an output member rotatable about a drive axis, such that rotation of the output member about the drive axis causes the drapery fabric to move, and a clutch member operatively coupled between the drive shaft of the motor and the output member. The clutch member is configured to automatically couple the output member to the drive shaft such that rotation of the motor drive shaft causes the output member to rotate about the drive axis when the motor drives the drive shaft. The clutch member is further configured to automatically decouple the output member from the motor drive shaft so that the output member rotates about the drive axis relative to the motor drive shaft when the output member is manually driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: SAMUEL F. CHAMBERS, MATTHEW R. HONTZ, DAVID A. KIRBY, DANIEL W. MISTARZ, PETER W. OGDEN, JR., JAMES J. WILSON
  • Publication number: 20130220560
    Abstract: There is provided a motorized roller shade that includes a roller shade tube including an outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner cavity, and two end portions. The motorized shade further includes a shade attached to the outer surface of the roller shade tube, a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the shade, and the roller shade tube further comprising substitution configurations to allow the roller shade tube to receive and operate with either a motor assembly or a manual operation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HOMERUN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Willis Jay MULLET, Darrin W. BRUNK, Richard Scott HAND, Fred C. HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20130112357
    Abstract: An overhead roll-up door assembly for a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access to an opening, the door assembly having a flexible door panel, a shaft capable of rotating to vertically move the flexible door panel, and at least two motors configured to rotate the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Rytec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Gontarski, Brian Norbert Drifka
  • Publication number: 20120291969
    Abstract: A temporary barrier apparatus (1) is provided, and comprises a base member (2) and at least one spool assembly (3) including a spool (5) upon which a temporary barrier is wound. The spool (5) is remote from the base member (2) and rotatable relative thereto in order to deploy and recoil the barrier. At least one drive shaft (21) is non-rotatably connected to the spool, and a biasing member (17) is located in the base member (2) and adapted to bias the drive shaft (21) and spool (5) to recoil the barrier. A belt feed control device is provided to control the deployment and retraction of the belt from such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robinson, George Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120279668
    Abstract: A system positioning a flexible partition at a desired vertical position includes an elongated cylinder extending across the entire partition, connected to the partition to divide the partition into upper and lower portions. An outer bearing is fixed to an outside surface of a first end of the elongated cylinder. A proximal end of an arm is coupled to the outer bearing outer surface, the outer bearing permitting rotation of the elongated cylinder with respect to the arm. A counterweight is fixed to a distal end of the arm, to inhibit movement of the arm during any rotation of the elongated cylinder. A rotor portion of a motor is coupled to the elongated cylinder for rotating the cylinder, and a bracket is fixed to stator portion of the motor and to the arm proximal end to inhibit rotation of the stator during any rotation of the elongated cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: James J. Connerley
  • Publication number: 20120222827
    Abstract: An improved Air Traffic Control Tower cab window shade system is presented, utilizing a faster motor than in prior art ATCT applications. The present invention's motor operates at 80 rpm and raises the shade material at 9.62 inches per second on a 2.3-inch diameter roller tube. This allows an average 8 foot high shade to fully raise in 10 seconds. The shade is half raised in about 5 seconds. The improved speed is due to a spring box at the bottom end of the shade, providing constant tension to the shade and permitting the shade to be retracted safely at higher speed without risking scratching the cab window glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan Voges, Sonny C. Voges, Ralph L. Smith, Jay A. Vreeland
  • Publication number: 20120061032
    Abstract: A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Jason D. Miller, Donald P. Grant, Paul J. Maly, Mike Gallenberger, Aaron J. Wiegel, Daniel M. Anderson, Daniel Quarles, Eric Bublitz, James Oates, Joe Korman, Matthew C. McNeill, Jason Dondlinger
  • Publication number: 20120061029
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a variable screen includes a generally flat sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of elongated slits that extend through the sheet from the front surface to the back surface, wherein the sheet includes a shape memory material that enables the slits to open into openings through which light and fluid can pass when a tensile force is applied to the sheet in a direction generally perpendicular to the slits and further enables the slits and openings to automatically when the tensile force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: University of South Florida (A Florida Non-Profit Corporation)
    Inventor: Mark Weston
  • Publication number: 20120053731
    Abstract: Presented is a roller shade system that includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a rotatably supported roller tube that windingly receives the shade material, a stepper motor that operably engages the roller tube to rotate the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first position and a second position, an optical sensor configured for capturing an image frame of the shade material at linear positions along the shade material as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position, and a stepper motor controller configured for controlling the frequency of input pulses to the stepper motor to move the lower end of the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position at a substantially constant linear velocity in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco, Russikesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120048481
    Abstract: Presented is a system for controlling a roller shade. The system includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a roller tube windingly receiving the flexible shade material, and a reversible motor for rotating the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first and second position. The system further includes an optical sensor for capturing an image frame of the shade material at a plurality of linear positions as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The system further includes a motor controller for controlling the reversible motor to move the lower end of the shade material from the first position to the second position using a variable linear velocity profile in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco
  • Publication number: 20120043032
    Abstract: A roller blind device includes a drive shaft and two neighboring roller blinds on the drive shaft that are adapted to be adjustable with respect to each other. At least one of the roller blinds may be uncoupled from the drive shaft without the use of tools. Once uncoupled, the roller blinds may be adjusted with respect to each other. The roller blind may then be coupled to the drive shaft, allowing for the two neighboring roller blinds to be lowered and raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FABER A/S
    Inventor: Ken Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8109403
    Abstract: A cover assembly adapted to be fitted over the open top of a bin includes a pair of spaced apart, domed rigid hoods releasably attachable to upper portions of the hopper whereby an elongated opening is defined between the hoods of sufficient width as to provide access to the hopper. A flexible closure member spans the opening between the hoods while supported on trackways extending along marginal edge portions of the hoods which bound the elongated opening. A pair of rotatable rollers are attachable, one at each of the opposing end portions of the opening. One roller is spring-loaded, upon and from which roller the closure member is wound and unwound during travel of said closure member over the elongated opening. The other roller is connected by pull cables to the closure member, and powered to provide for travel of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Michel's Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Bud Michel
  • Publication number: 20110290433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a surface comprising a drum mounted to rotate and able to wind up or unwind a cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BECOFLEX S.A.
    Inventor: Benoît Coenraets
  • Publication number: 20110277945
    Abstract: The drive device, which serves for the transport of the cover of a liquid container, particularly a swimming pool, is installed or installable in device compartment, which is arranged separate from the liquid container. The drive device includes at least one winding shaft that interacts with the cover and that is coupled to a first drive unit. The winding shaft serves for the rolling-up of the cover, which can be guided over a deflection device to an outlet opening of the device compartment and, at the end facing the winding shaft, is connected to an outer tractive element, which is acting against the side of the cover that is opposite to the side which faces the deflection device, which outer tractive element presses the cover under tension against the deflection device, and which outer tractive element is held and can be tensioned by a first traction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Schwerzmann
  • Publication number: 20110272106
    Abstract: In a shade system with a bracket supporting a shade storage roll, an anti-reversible power spring apparatus includes at least one biasing system connected with the storage roll wherein the biasing system includes a biasing member with a first end and a second end wherein the first end moves with the storage roll as the storage roll rotates and wherein the second end is held stationary with reference to the storage roll when the storage roll rotates in one direction but not when the storage roll rotates in a second direction. A support for the at least one biasing system is provided wherein the support includes a protrusion that holds the second end against movement when the storage roll is rotated in the one direction but which allows passage of the second end past the protrusion when the storage roll is rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Christopher Lee Wysoczynski, Darrin W. Brunk, Richard Scott Hand
  • Publication number: 20110203749
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a drive assembly for driving a window shade of a vehicle, in particular for a rear window of a vehicle, and a window shade system comprising at least two one-piece arms, first ends of which are pivotally coupleable to a window shade, and a driving means, in particular a motor, for linearly sliding pivotally mounted second ends of said one-piece arms arranged such that said one-piece arms may push or pull a window shade across a window of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Steven H. Klotz, Charlie Sorrell, Phil Kelly, Tom Mack, Elbert Willis
  • Patent number: 8004224
    Abstract: Method—and device for the implementation thereof intended to provide a protection system for barriers which are movable along an operating path and actuated by a motor, such as roller blinds, gates or the like, comprising the steps of connecting the barrier, with play, to a fixed part (30) so that the barrier is able to move independently of the action of the motor over a travel section (98); defining within the section (98) a set of safety positions corresponding to a safety position for the barrier; detecting along the travel section (98) the actual position of the barrier with respect to the fixed part (30); preventing or reversing the action of the motor and/or the movement of the barrier when the barrier, inside the travel section (98), does not have a position included within the set of safety positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nice SpA
    Inventors: Oscar Marchetto, Sergio Tomasella, Bruno Bortolan
  • Publication number: 20110146920
    Abstract: A rolling door having a door leaf and guides arranged on both sides, each of which includes a vertical portion and a spiral portion, wherein the door leaf is received in the spiral portions in the form of non-contacting winding layers when the rolling door is in the opened condition. A drive mechanism for operating the rolling door has a motor, a drive shaft and drive organs. The drive organs are arranged on both sides of the door leaf and the drive shaft establishes a driving connection between the drive organs. In one embodiment, the drive shaft is arranged in the central area of the spiral portions of the guides of both sides and extends from one side of the door to the other. Hereby a rolling door is obtained whose structural height in the area of the door lintel is reduced while maintaining a small installation depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: EFAFLEX INZENIRING D.O.O. LJUBLJANA
    Inventors: Andrej Mazej, Joze Breznikar
  • Publication number: 20110108207
    Abstract: A roof for a computer rack aisle is provided. The roof has a canopy that may be flexible and/or fire-resistant. The canopy has a retracted position an extended position. In the retracted position, the canopy may be wound around a spool. In the extended position the canopy may cover the top of an aisle between two computer racks. A selectively releasable retainer holds the canopy in the extended position while releasing the canopy to return to the retracted position when a predetermined condition is met. The canopy retractor is provided to return the canopy to a retracted position. The canopy having first and second lateral edges with flanges running from a position approximate a front portion of the canopy and to a position approximate a rear portion of the canopy. The flanges can be received within a canopy guide track to facilitate the smooth movement from the extend position to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: LDM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Mainers, Mark A. Goyen, Vincet Michael Lake
  • Publication number: 20110088317
    Abstract: A retractable high-reflectivity wall provides improved lighting conditions for growing plants. The wall is retractable, so that it does not get in the way when the user wishes to work in the grow area. The wall can also be retracted so that it is easier to move, carry, reposition, resize, and/or remove as needed. The wall may be implemented as a sheet including a reflective surface adhered or otherwise mounted onto a flexible backing such as a vinyl surface for additional support/reinforcement. The resulting flexible reflective wall is mounted onto a roller assembly which allows the wall to be extended or retracted. A support bar can be affixed to the roller assembly via brackets or other hardware. The entire apparatus can be suspended from or affixed to a ceiling, wall, fixture, or other object, or it can be supported by a stand or other assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7921898
    Abstract: A pneumatic automation system (1) is disclosed for mobile screens (2) comprising at least one of the mobile screens (2), a device for compressing a control fluid, a device for channeling and checking the control fluid, a device for pneumatically actuating a movement of the mobile screen (2) equipped with at least one sliding cursor (4) controlled by the control fluid and supplied by the compressing device through said channeling and checking means, and a device for connecting the cursor (4) with the mobile screen (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Gianus S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Brioschi
  • Publication number: 20110061822
    Abstract: A system for protecting building penetrations is disclosed. The system can include a screen comprising flexible, strong fabric-like material suitable for resisting high winds, driving rain, and wind-driven missiles. The screen can further include loops sewn, or otherwise manufactured, into the span sides of the screen. The system can further include one or more retention channels having an internal hem rod. The loops in the screens can slide over the hem rod to guide and retain the screen in the retention channels. The hem rod can include a tapered end and a loop opener to facilitate the loops sliding over the end of the hem rod. The system can further include an enclosure for housing a take-up roll and a powered or manual rotating system. The system can include a deflection device to enable the screen to unroll off the take-up roll smoothly and vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: STORM SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Burton G. TREMAINE, III, Victor Rivera
  • Publication number: 20110036516
    Abstract: A roller shade includes at least an upper rail, a lower rail, a shade assembly, an automatic winding assembly and an anchor seat. The automatic winding assembly and the anchor seat are installed on two sides of the upper rail. The automatic winding assembly has a first cap assembly and a first transmission unit hinged inside to perform transmission through an elastic element. The first transmission unit further has a stub shaft at another side to wedge in one side of an axle of the shade assembly. The anchor seat is wedged in another side of the axle of the shade assembly to form rotation. Through rotation of the automatic winding assembly, retraction and extension of the shade can be controlled to facilitate operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Li-Ming CHENG
  • Publication number: 20110005694
    Abstract: There is provided a spring assisted electric motor driven lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a blind which permits the quick and easy matching of the spring assist pre-rotation to the torque output of the electric motor. The device includes an elongated cylinder coupled to the blind such that rotating the cylinder about its axis lifts and lowers the blind. Coupled to the elongated cylinder is an electric motor which is configured to rotate the elongated cylinder about its axis. A torsion spring is coupled to the cylinder for biasing the elongated cylinder to at least partially neutralize the weight of the blind. The torsion spring is in turn coupled to a spring preload adjuster which is configured to adjust the tension on the torsion spring by moving an adjustment member. The spring preload adjuster is further configured such that the adjustment member extends perpendicularly away from the axis of the elongated cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: PHILIP NG
  • Publication number: 20100314054
    Abstract: A curtain includes a curtain bracket (1) having an end to which a rotation driving device (3) is mounted. The rotation driving device (3) can actuate a curtain reeling drum (4A) to rotate a curtain cloth (7) or actuate a reeling rope device (4) to rotate a curtain cloth or shade (7). A reverse rotation releasing device (5) and a resilience reverse rotation mechanism (14) are connected to the rotation driving device (3). The rotation driving device (3) is comprised of a pull rope rotary disc (3c), a unidirectional clutch device (6) connected to the pull rope rotary disc (3c), and a rewinding spring (3e) mounted between the pull rope rotary disc (3c) and a pull rope rotary disc box (3a). Thus, only one cord is sufficient to control opening of the curtain cloth or shade (7), and reverse rotation of the curtain reel drum (4A) is not adversely affected by the rotation driving device (3). It is convenient to use while avoiding injury to children.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Xiangrong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20100258254
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drive assembly for a roller door. In one form the drive comprises a motor for driving the door outputting drive via a first gear form, a means for manually driving the door outputting drive via a second gear form; a means of selecting either of the manual or motor drive for the door, a door curtain carrying wheel having a third gear form via which the wheel can be driven, where each of the first, second and third gear forms is or drives via one of a sun gear, an annulus gear, or the planet carrier of an epicycle gear box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ben Lumbers, Franco Liu, Shiva Shankar Linge Gowda
  • Publication number: 20100237653
    Abstract: The disclosure includes, among other things, a trailer including a base, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base, a cargo door displaceable between an open position and a closed position, a motorized spool, and a cable having a first end attached proximate the spool and a second end attached to the cargo door, wherein the door can be moved between the open position and the closed position by operating the motorized spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: James D. Rydberg
  • Publication number: 20100164246
    Abstract: A retractable tarping system including an end support surface, a shaft, a tarp, a spool, an end plate assembly, and a cable. The tarp and the spool are operably attached to the shaft. The end plate assembly is attached to the shaft for movement with respect to the first end support surface. The cable is attached to the end support surface and extends at least one time around the first spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Shur Company
    Inventor: David Joseph Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20100078137
    Abstract: A tubular electric motor unit (10) for roll-up elements, such as blinds, curtains or similar items. It is the type intended to be housed inside a tube (11) for winding the roll-up element. The unit (10) comprises a tubular body (12) inside which is housed a geared motor (13) with its drive output at one end of the tubular body and a limit stop unit (14) at the other end. To transmit the rotation to the limit stop unit there is a first transmission ring (15) that is fitted so it can be rotated on a protruding portion of the limit stop unit to couple kinetically with the limit stop unit and that has an external peripheral surface intended to couple peripherally with minimal clearance with the inside surface of a tube for winding the roll-up element. The ring (15) can be opened and closed again for replacement on the limit stop unit. Advantageously a replaceable adapter element (24) allows adapting different diameters of tubular body (12) and limit stop unit (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Claudio Angelini
  • Publication number: 20100043985
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The pleated roller shade system comprises a drive system, such as a motor or manual drive system, for controlling of the rotation of the roller tube. The roller shade system may comprise a pleating hembar that is contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric and has a non-linear shape for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The roller shade system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Matthew R. Hontz
  • Patent number: 7661455
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harry Weinbrenner