Geared, Interconnector Or Operator Patents (Class 49/82.1)
  • Patent number: 11732522
    Abstract: An automated window mechanism has a motor that moves a sliding window along a frame to open and close the window. A position sensor, such as an encoder, monitors a position of the sliding window relative to the frame. The automated window mechanism can receive an instruction to calibrate to the frame by disengaging the motor while the position sensor remains engaged. The user then manually moves the sliding window between two end points and then reengages the motor. The position sensor records the end points, and then the automated window mechanism uses the end points as limits of movement for the sliding window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R Hall, Jerome Miles
  • Patent number: 11649983
    Abstract: An air diffuser configured to be positioned in a raised floor, in which the air diffuser includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end with an air flow passage extending through the sleeve from the first end to the second end, a diffuser face disposed at the first end of the sleeve and configured to be exposed to an environment in an installed position within the raised floor, a damper disposed at the second end of the sleeve, and a plenum chamber defined within the sleeve between the damper and the diffuser face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Minor, Mark J. Costello, Manian A K S
  • Patent number: 10407977
    Abstract: In one aspect, a shutter assembly includes a shutter frame and a plurality of louvers supported by the frame. The shutter assembly also includes a louver drive assembly and a motor positioned within the frame. The motor is configured to rotationally drive a drive shaft extending within the frame. Additionally, the shutter assembly includes a clutch assembly rotationally coupled between the drive shaft and the louver drive assembly. The clutch assembly is configured to disengage or decouple the drive shaft from the louver drive assembly when a torque transmitted through the clutch assembly exceeds a given torque threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Fraser
  • Patent number: 10036196
    Abstract: An automatic closing structure is disclosed, which is installed between a sash and a corresponding object, wherein the sash is pivotable relative to the corresponding object; the sash includes a frame and a plurality of turnable slats which are arranged in parallel in the frame; the automatic closing structure has a cord which is adapted to automatically close the slats, wherein the cord can be easily assembled into the automatic closing structure, and a tightness thereof can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10017124
    Abstract: There is described a rack system for displacing a ladder between a loading/unloading position and a stored position respectively on a side and on a rooftop of the vehicle. The ladder rack system comprises a handle lever by which a user applies an input angular movement. A gear assembly is connected to the handle lever and comprises gears to multiply the input angular movement into an output angular movement greater than the input angular movement. A linking member is pivotably connected to the gear assembly and is for undergoing and transmitting the output angular movement. A sliding arm assembly is to receive the output angular movement from the linking member, thereby being pivoted between the loading/unloading position in which the sliding arm assembly extends substantially vertically on the side of the vehicle and the stored position in which the sliding arm assembly extends substantially parallel to the rooftop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNO-FAB 9000 INC.
    Inventors: Yan Lachance, Guillaume Audet
  • Patent number: 9903115
    Abstract: An air frame system includes a frame body defining one or more openings and a plurality of air passages along an inner periphery of the one or more openings. The air frame system further includes a light assembly removably coupled to the frame body outside of the one or more openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SLD Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Joseph Schreiber
  • Patent number: 9347699
    Abstract: An air discharge structure for a packaged air conditioner includes a front air outlet (7) disposed on the mid-upper part of a body (1), and an upper panel (9) mounted on the front air outlet (7) and slidable up and down along the body (1). An upper decorative panel (10), height of which is matched with the stroke of the upper panel (9), is mounted above the front air outlet (7) and slidable back and forth along the body (1). An upper and lower limit mechanism for the upper decorative panel is disposed between the upper decorative panel (10) and the body (1). The application can facilitate increasing the range of air supply in the air conditioner and maintain stable air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GUANGDONG CHIGO AIR-CONDITIONING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhibin Huang, Yuanjing Chi, Wen Pan
  • Patent number: 9038314
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus is provided in a sash to turn slats automatically while the sash is being opened. The adjusting apparatus includes a plurality of first engaging members, a driven unit, and a driving unit. The first engaging members are connected to the slats respectively. The driven unit is connected to the frame of the sash for reciprocation, and has a second engaging member, wherein all the first engaging members are engaged with the second engaging member. The driving unit is connected to the carrier and the driven unit respectively to drive the driven unit to move while the sash is being opened. The first engaging members are turned by the second engaging member when the driven unit is moved by the driving unit to turn the slats from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lin Chen
  • Publication number: 20150107158
    Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, and a series of light-controlling members with laterally compliant edge structures mounted in the beam so that the edge structures accommodate the webs between the bores when the light-controlling members are closed to achieve enhanced, blackout or near blackout light-blocking along the edges of the light-controlling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Publication number: 20150020452
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus is provided in a sash to turn slats automatically while the sash is being opened. The adjusting apparatus includes a plurality of first engaging members, a driven unit, and a driving unit. The first engaging members are connected to the slats respectively. The driven unit is connected to the frame of the sash for reciprocation, and has a second engaging member, wherein all the first engaging members are engaged with the second engaging member. The driving unit is connected to the carrier and the driven unit respectively to drive the driven unit to move while the sash is being opened. The first engaging members are turned by the second engaging member when the driven unit is moved by the driving unit to turn the slats from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Lin CHEN
  • Patent number: 8931372
    Abstract: A coaxial double drive assembly configured for actuating shielding elements of a secondary skin facade of a building is disclosed. The assembly includes an outer drive output and an inner drive output, which are arranged substantially coaxially with each other to an axis of rotation. The assembly also includes a driving arrangement, which is adapted to accept one or more transmission gear assemblies, which connect the outer and inner drive output to one or more rotating motor drives, which axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the outer and inner drive outputs. The outer drive output and the inner drive output extend at the same side of the coaxial double drive assembly and are adapted to accept a two-part pivot assembly, which when pivoted by the outer drive output and the inner drive output, is adapted for actuating the shielding elements of the secondary skin facade coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Frener & Reifer GmbH/Srl
    Inventors: Michael Reifer, Dietmar Telfser, Josef Hilpold
  • Publication number: 20140352217
    Abstract: A frame assembly for windows and doors includes a pair of side members and a pair of generally parallel cross members, each extending along a unique member axis. The cross members include a first frame portion and a second frame portion that extend generally along the member axis and are connected by a camming fastener that draws together and secures the first and second frame portions. A method of fabricating a shutter assembly includes forming a pair of C-shaped partial-frames, each from a side member coupled to portions of two cross-members. The method includes co-axially aligning corresponding portions of the two cross-members along two axes and joining the two C-shaped partial-frames with camming fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Blackburn, Jennifer Baur
  • Patent number: 8857106
    Abstract: A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
  • Patent number: 8826593
    Abstract: A louver module which has an improved ventilation control structure, operating method, material, and shape for imparting heat-resistance and water-tight properties and prevents a louver from deviating through mutual fixation and reinforcement among a plurality of materials, and a louver system employing the same. The louver module of includes a frame, an opening/closing mechanism, a louver unit and power transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bautek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kee Han Baek
  • Publication number: 20140175240
    Abstract: A louvered roof includes a drive mechanism securely fastened to a pivot arm via a gear pin, a plurality of louver roof panels configured to rotate about a center axis via a corresponding plurality of pivotal pins, a track section, and a track bar securely mounted to each of the plurality of louver panels via a plurality of corresponding track pins of end brackets securely mounted to opposing ends of the plurality of louver panels and configured to rotate the plurality of louver panels about the center axis of their respective central pivotal pins via a rotation of the motor gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: C. Scott Selzer
  • Patent number: 8756873
    Abstract: An awning configured to transform and can be opened, closed, or partially open. The awning attaches to the side of a building or structure and is supported with posts. The awning includes rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, rectangular rafters with an L cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, two ledgers which are each functionally connected to opposing short sides of the rectangular rafters at the face of the ledgers, and means to axially rotate the rafters about the length of the rafters up to 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Hire
  • Publication number: 20140059931
    Abstract: A variable window shutter system for attachment to a building including a casing, a frame configured to house one or more louvers, a drive mechanism and gear box configured to move the angle of the louvers that in turn adjusts the amount of light entering the variable window shutter system. The angle of the louvers may be adjusted using a crank handle or a motorized mechanism. The frame may open while being rotatably attached to the casing and kept in an open position using stay bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Leonid J. Tasheiko, Frank J. Eiter
  • Publication number: 20140033610
    Abstract: A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers coupled within the frame. Each louver of the plurality of louvers is operatively coupled to adjacent louvers with a collapsible linkage. The system may further comprise a biasing member coupled to a first louver located at a first end of the plurality of louvers and a resisting member coupled to a second louver located at a second end of the plurality of louvers. The biasing member pulls against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkage. According to certain embodiments, the frame elements are coupled within a window opening and trim elements are coupled to cover gaps between the frame elements and the window opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: COMFORTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Watkins, Jason Vandervoort, John Corey, Mark Kitterman, Thomas Marusak
  • Publication number: 20130291438
    Abstract: A louvered roof assembly includes a pair of support members and several panels mounted between the support members. The panels are pivotally coupled to the support members for rotation about an axis by corresponding pivot pins. Each of the panels has a first end and a second end. One of the pivot pins is coupled to each end of the panels. A linear drive mechanism is coupled to each of the panels. The linear drive mechanism includes a track bar coupled to each of the panels and an actuator mounted to one of the support members and coupled to the track bar. The actuator is configured to move the track bar such that the panels rotate about the axis of their respective pivot pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: C. Scott Selzer
  • Patent number: 8567124
    Abstract: An automated window system including an energy accumulation means, and a window opening/closing mechanism associated with the energy accumulation means wherein the energy accumulation means releases at least a portion of the energy stored therein upon demand to the window opening/closing mechanism to open and/or close the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Breezway Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Edwin John Alexander
  • Patent number: 8533996
    Abstract: The shutter drive apparatus is an apparatus adapted such that the movement of any one shutter louver of a tilt-rod-less shutter results in the corresponding movement of all of the louvers of the shutter. The apparatus is preferably mounted within a tilt-rod-less shutter comprising a shutter frame having at least top and bottom horizontal rails, at least a first side stile and a second side stile, and a plurality of louvers rotatably mounted within the stiles such that a first end of the louvers are freely rotatable within the first side stile, and such that a second end of the louvers are drivably engaged to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of pinion gears, a face strip, opposing drive strips, and a retainer strip. Each louver is drivably engaged to a different pinion gear and each pinion gear is drivably engaged to the drive strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 8534008
    Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Konvin Associates Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Publication number: 20130160366
    Abstract: An airflow window includes an outer frame, an inner frame located in the outer frame, a plurality of shutters, and a magnet. The plurality of shutters is pivotably mounted on the inner frame. Each shutter includes metal. The magnet includes at least one magnet strip. The at least one magnet strip attracts the plurality of shutters at an open state. In the open state, the plurality of shutters is slanted relative to the outer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHEN-RUEI TU, LI-PING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130118082
    Abstract: A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS, INC.
    Inventor: Wendell B. COLSON
  • Patent number: 8438782
    Abstract: An arched shutter configured for automated, simultaneous control of a plurality of louvers, the arched shutter comprises the plurality of louvers, a frame, a portion of which forms an arch, a base, wherein the plurality of louvers are installed between the base and the portion of the frame that forms an arch via a plurality of rod arms, a motor configured to drive one of the plurality of rod arms and therefore one of the plurality of louvers, and a plurality of linking apparatus connecting the plurality of louvers such that all of the plurality of louvers operate when the one louver is driven by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Harmonic Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scharf, Roger Heald
  • Publication number: 20130111814
    Abstract: A window unit (102), comprising: a first sheet (301); a second sheet portion (304); a third sheet portion (308); and an actuation means. The first sheet (301) defines first high transmittance regions (302A, 302B) and first low transmittance regions (303A, 303B). The second sheet portion (304) is positioned substantially parallel to the first sheet, and defines second high transmittance regions (306A, 306B) and second low transmittance regions (307A, 307B). The third sheet portion (308) is positioned substantially parallel to the second sheet portion, and defines third high transmittance regions (309A, 309B) and third low transmittance regions (310A, 310B). The actuation means (507, 523, 524) is configured to simultaneously move the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion from an open configuration, to a closed configuration. In the open configuration the second and third high transmittance regions are aligned with the first high transmittance regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: INTAVIEW LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Steven Drohan
  • Publication number: 20130086843
    Abstract: A louver module which has an improved ventilation control structure, operating method, material, and shape for imparting heat-resistance and water-tight properties and prevents a louver from deviating through mutual fixation and reinforcement among a plurality of materials, and a louver system employing the same. The louver module of includes a frame, an opening/closing mechanism, a louver unit and power transmission mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kee Han Baek
  • Patent number: 8393379
    Abstract: A shutter of the type having a frame, and louvres extending from side to side within the frame, the louvres being rotatable about parallel axes, the side frames having a hollow interior, and defining longitudinal slots, and having a louvre control member within the frame for operating all louvres, drive connector members connected to the louvre control member for engaging respective louvres, and each drive connector member in turn having a first gear operated by the louvre control member, a second gear supporting and driving an end of a louvre, a drive housing supporting the first and second gears in meshing engagement, and, drive surfaces on the first gear for interengaging with the louvre control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 8341887
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Global Precision Products LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 8336256
    Abstract: A motorized drive system for a louvre assembly of the type containing a surround frame, a pair of spaced apart operating bars positioned within the surround frame and where movement of the operating bars causes rotation of the louvres, the drive system comprising a motor adapted to be positioned within the surround frame, the motor operationally driving a drive shaft which is substantially horizontal when the drive system is fitted within the surround frame, a mounting member which is attached for rotation with the drive shaft, at least two spaced apart attachment points on the mounting member, a first link arm, a second link arm and a third link arm, the first link arm being attached to one of the attachment points and to one said operating bar, the second link arm being attached to another of the attachment points, the third link arm being pivotally attached to the second link arm and to the other operating bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Craig Robert Jeffrey, Ian David Underhill
  • Patent number: 8302938
    Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Cordell E. Ebeling
  • Patent number: 8281518
    Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame with side members and end members, and in which at least one of the side members is hollow, and a plurality of louvres extending from one side member to the other side member, and being rotatably mounted in the side members, and a control linkage within at least one of the side members, the control linkage having at least one control element, and each louvre having at least one control member engaging the respective control element, the control members being located spaced radially from the rotation axes of the louvres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Maxxmar Inc.
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 8245444
    Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, at least two bearing members each having an annular ring dimensioned to fit within the bores with non-interfering flanges extending radially outwardly from the rings mounted in the bores, and a series of light-controlling members mounted in the bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Moshe Konstantin, Eitan Konstantino
  • Publication number: 20120159850
    Abstract: A louver blind structure comprises a frame with a plurality of louver members pivotally mounted at each longitudinal end thereof to the frame so as to pivot between open and closed positions. An elongated member is movable relative to the frame and is so positioned as to engage the louver members. An actuator is mounted to the frame for selectively imparting a movement to the elongated member. When imparting a movement to the elongated member the louver members engaged thereby are caused to pivot between the open and closed positions. A kit comprising this actuator and the elongate member for a louver blind structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-François Couturier, Qian Peng
  • Patent number: 8205385
    Abstract: The invention comprises improvements to transparent/translucent panel systems including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface including improvements to ensure continued efficient operation when the panel systems are subjected to flexure or deflection and possible permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Konvin Associates Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Patent number: 8205386
    Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Konvin Associated Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Publication number: 20120085030
    Abstract: A shutter of the type having a frame, and louvres extending from side to side within the frame, the louvres being rotatable about parallel axes, the side frames having a hollow interior, and defining longitudinal slots, and having a louvre control member within the frame for operating all louvres, drive connector members connected to the louvre control member for engaging respective louvres, and each drive connector member in turn having a first gear operated by the louvre control member, a second gear supporting and driving an end of a louvre, a drive housing supporting the first and second gears in meshing engagement, and, drive surfaces on the first gear for interengaging with the louvre control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Publication number: 20120042570
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame, and louvres and having a control mechanism for operating all louvres, louvre drive couplings in each louvre, at least one moveable drive connector member for connecting between each louvre drive coupling, the drive connector member being moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and having biasing springs for the drive connectors, yieldable to permit movement of the drive connectors out of the engaged positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Publication number: 20110209408
    Abstract: An arched shutter configured for automated, simultaneous control of a plurality of louvers, the arched shutter comprises the plurality of louvers, a frame, a portion of which forms an arch, a base, wherein the plurality of louvers are installed between the base and the portion of the frame that forms an arch via a plurality of rod arms, a motor configured to drive one of the plurality of rod arms and therefore one of the plurality of louvers, and a plurality of linking apparatus connecting the plurality of louvers such that all of the plurality of louvers operate when the one louver is driven by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HARMONIC DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Scharf, Roger Heald
  • Publication number: 20110197513
    Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame with side members and end members, and in which at least one of the side members is hollow, and a plurality of louvres extending from one side member to the other side member, and being rotatably mounted in the side members, and a control linkage within at least one of the side members, the control linkage having at least one control element, and each louvre having at least one control member engaging the respective control element, the control members being located spaced radially from the rotation axes of the louvres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 7963071
    Abstract: A louvre window system has an end clip (10) which is formed with at least one internal drainage channel (14) which can drain water through the end clip (10). A number of such clips can rotate between an open position and a closed position. The clips (10) are aligned when in the closed position which insures that water can drain from an upper clip through a lower clip. The clips (10) have a low friction design which enables a larger number of louvers to be rotated by a single handle (55) without placing too much load on the handle and on the louvre operating mechanism. A simple efficient louver operating mechanism (27; 37) is used to operate the end clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Breezway Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Edwin John Alexander, Robert Allen, John Grimshaw, Keith James Chaston
  • Publication number: 20110126464
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter, comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame. The frame has a left stile, a right stile, a bottom rail connected to the left and right stiles and a top rail connected to the left and right stiles. The left stile comprises first and second members joined together, and the right stile third and fourth members joined together. The bottom rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The top rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The left and right stiles include top end portions operably attached to each other. The first and second members have opposing sides including a plurality of mirrored left grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Global Precision Products LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Matthew Stone, Richard William Gaskey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110083370
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GLOBAL PRECISION PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 7866737
    Abstract: An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Jan H. Aase, James H. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100275517
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment link for louvers, used to provide a connection between the louver and the winding shaft. The attachment link according to the invention provides a mode of coupling on one or more cavities or boreholes of the shaft by means of a particular mode of expansion of mobile parts which press against the walls of the cavity or the borehole. The preferred embodiment uses floating parts which enable a rapid fixing operation by means of the rotation of two pivoting parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Gaviota Simbac, S.L.
    Inventor: Francisco Guillen Chico
  • Publication number: 20100263282
    Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Scott Maciulewicz
  • Patent number: 7673853
    Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Cordell Eldred Ebeling
  • Publication number: 20090307978
    Abstract: A motorised drive system for a louvre assembly of the type containing a surround frame, a pair of spaced apart operating bars positioned within the surround frame and where movement of the operating bars causes rotation of the louvres, the drive system comprising a motor adapted to be positioned within the surround frame, the motor operationally driving a drive shaft which is substantially horizontal when the drive system is fitted within the surround frame, a mounting member which is attached for rotation with the drive shaft, at least two spaced apart attachment points on the mounting member, a first link arm, a second link arm and a third link arm, the first link arm being attached to one of the attachment points and to one said operating bar, the second link arm being attached to another of the attachment points, the third link arm being pivotally attached to the second link arm and to the other operating bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Craig Robert Jeffrey, Ian David Underhill
  • Patent number: 7574827
    Abstract: A louver blade positioning device of a motorized shutter assembly includes an indented positioning portion or a protruded portion formed upon a driving shaft and a resilient member coming into contact with the driving shaft and the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion in a radically movable manner at a fixed angle. When the louver blades are rotated to approach a specific angle, the resilient member moves into the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion. Through the resilient force exerted by the resilient member on the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion, the driving shaft rotates to approach the specific angle, such that the louver blades become positioned at the specific angle when being rotated to approach the specific angle, thereby becoming free from the angular clearance inherent among transmission components of the motorized shutter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Horng Tsann Huang, Ching Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 7434353
    Abstract: An electric blind includes a frame, a plurality of horizontal slat units, and a stepping motor. The frame has two side vertical rods pivotally connected with the slat units, and a linking rod is fixed with a lengthwise side of all the slat units, possible to force the slat units synchronously swing for an angle. The stepping motor unit is composed of a stepping motor and a controller. The stepping motor is positioned in a cavity of one of the two side vertical rods, connected with a slat of the salt units. Further the controller controls the rotating angle of the motor, and the stepping motor can rotate idle in case the motor should meet an exterior force (for example, in case of the slat units already swung to the largest angle), or the slat units are manually moved any time. Thus the electric blind may not easily be broken or damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, Keng Hao Nien, Homg Tsann Huang