Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Abstract: A roller blind (10) with a curtain that can be wound up on a winding shaft and can be unwound against a spring tension, with a spring (31) for generating the spring tension. The spring (31) is configured such that the curtain remains in each unwound position in a self-retaining manner. A manufacturing effort can be reduced during the assembly by the spring drive being assembled from one or more modularly connected, prefabricated partial springs (31).

Abstract: A package for a size-in-store window covering comprises a box having a first portion that extends for the width of the window covering and a second portion that extends for less than the width of the window covering. The window covering extends beyond an end of a bottom wall a first distance and the head rail extends beyond an end of a first side wall a second distance. A method of cutting a window covering comprises providing a window covering in a box as described above and positioning the box with the exposed portion of the window covering facing down and the exposed portion of the head rail facing a clamp. Methods of packaging a window covering comprise reducing the total number of loops in the window covering, and positioning inserts between adjacent components.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cordless covering may include a roller and a shade panel configured to be wound around and unwound from the roller to move the shade panel between an extended position and a retracted position. The shade panel may include a front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of vanes extending between the front and back panels. The covering may also include a roller shaft extending through the roller and a tilt adjustment mechanism coupled to the roller shaft. The tilt adjustment mechanism may be configured to rotate the roller shaft to adjust a tilt angle of the vanes between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A multi-piece valance body is configured to extend lengthwise along the front of an adjacent headrail (e.g., of a covering for an architectural opening) between opposed lateral ends. The valance body may include a first valance body portion and a second valance body portion, with the body portions configured to be coupled together via a joint defined between the body portions in the lengthwise direction across the length of the headrail (e.g., a width of the architectural opening) to form the complete valance body structure.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cordless covering may include a roller and a shade panel configured to be wound around and unwound from the roller to move the shade panel between an extended position and a retracted position. The shade panel may include a front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of vanes extending between the front and back panels. The covering may also include a roller shaft extending through the roller and a tilt adjustment mechanism coupled to the roller shaft. The tilt adjustment mechanism may be configured to rotate the roller shaft to adjust a tilt angle of the vanes between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.

Abstract: An operating system for a window covering includes at least one spring motor, at least one variable force brake, and at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel. An effective shaft is operatively coupled to and synchronizes the spring motor, the variable force brake, and the lift spool. The variable force brake comprises a one-way clutch operatively coupled to the shaft. A brake member is operatively engaged with the one-way clutch to apply a brake force to the one-way clutch when the shaft is rotated. The magnitude of the brake force applied to the one-way clutch is determined by the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: Low-profile light fixture joints reduce the appearance of a seam between joined ends of one or more polymeric panels at a connection interface. The joint is formed between a first end of a polymeric panel and a second end of the same or a separate polymeric panel. Each end has an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion opposite the upper edge portion, a flange extending between the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion, and a notch disposed between the flange and one or more of the lower edge portion or the upper edge portion. The notch enables the upper and/or lower edge portions to present straight edges at the connection interface, the joined straight edges forming a butt seam at the connection interface, while the flanges present rounded edges at the connection interface, the joined rounded edges forming a tucked seam at the connection interface.

Abstract: Low-profile light fixture joints reduce the appearance of a seam between joined ends of one or more polymeric panels at a connection interface. The joint is formed between a first end of a polymeric panel and a second end of the same or a separate polymeric panel. Each end has an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion opposite the upper edge portion, a flange extending between the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion, and a notch disposed between the flange and one or more of the lower edge portion or the upper edge portion. The notch enables the upper and/or lower edge portions to present straight edges at the connection interface, the joined straight edges forming a butt seam at the connection interface, while the flanges present rounded edges at the connection interface, the joined rounded edges forming a tucked seam at the connection interface.

Abstract: An actuating device (10) actuates a shading system with a string element (44). An unintended detachment of a first partial structure (12) from a second partial structure (13) in the intended use is avoided as much as possible and a detachment of the first partial structure (12) from the second partial structure (13) is possible with low forces for avoiding injuries. The actuating device (10) includes a first coupling element (26, 27) that in the released position does not mesh with a second coupling element (28, 29), and in the locking position, with an interaction of the first coupling element (26, 27) with the second coupling element (28, 29), a detachment of the first partial structure (12) from the second partial structure (13) is prevented because of a positive-locking connection between the first coupling element (26, 27) and the second coupling element (28, 29).

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw blade for cutting a plurality of different types of window coverings. A first controllable drive moves the saw blade into engagement with a window covering selected from the plurality of different types of the window coverings. A second controllable drive for rotates the saw blade. A preferred saw blade feed rate and a preferred saw blade speed for each of the plurality of different types of window coverings is determined. The first variable drive and the second variable drive are controlled based on the preferred saw blade feed rate and the preferred saw blade speed for the window covering being cut.

Abstract: A device (10) for fastening a window blind with a window blind end piece (12), which has a front surface (13), on which is arranged an axis segment (15). The axis segment (15) interacts with a mounting element (18), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (44) of the axis segment (15), for opening and/or closing a holding mount (17). An axial guide (47) is provided, which fixes an axial position of the mounting element (18) in relation to the axis of rotation (44) of the mounting element (18) about the axis segment (15). In order to reduce the risk of premature wear and to simplify a change between left-sided or right-sided mounting, the device (10) has a positioning device (48), which is separate from the axial guide (47). The positioning device (48) is provided for the detachable fixing of the mounting element (18) in at least one rotation position of the mounting element (18) in relation to the axis segment (15).

Abstract: A device (10) for fastening a window blind with a window blind end piece (12), which has a front surface (13), on which is arranged an axis segment (15). The axis segment (15) interacts with a mounting element (18), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (44) of the axis segment (15), for opening and/or closing a holding mount (17). An axial guide (47) is provided, which fixes an axial position of the mounting element (18) in relation to the axis of rotation (44) of the mounting element (18) about the axis segment (15). In order to reduce the risk of premature wear and to simplify a change between left-sided or right-sided mounting, the device (10) has a positioning device (48), which is separate from the axial guide (47). The positioning device (48) is provided for the detachable fixing of the mounting element (18) in at least one rotation position of the mounting element (18) in relation to the axis segment (15).

Abstract: Building façade attachable to a building. The building façade includes at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels. Each respective façade panel including horizontal top and bottom edges and two vertical side edges. At least one recess is arranged on a surface of each respective façade panel directed towards the building. The at least one recess is arranged parallel to the two vertical side edges. At least one groove is arranged on the horizontal bottom edge of each respective façade panel. A mounting construction has at least one attachment element extending into the at least one groove of each respective façade panel and at least one guiding projection extending into the at least one vertical recess of each respective façade panel. The at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another.

Abstract: Building façade attachable to a building. The building façade includes at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels. Each respective façade panel including horizontal top and bottom edges and two vertical side edges. At least one recess is arranged on a surface of each respective façade panel directed towards the building. The at least one recess is arranged parallel to the two vertical side edges. At least one groove is arranged on the horizontal bottom edge of each respective façade panel. A mounting construction has at least one attachment element extending into the at least one groove of each respective façade panel and at least one guiding projection extending into the at least one vertical recess of each respective façade panel. The at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another.