Abstract: Wheel carriage assemblies and related fabric deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A wheel carriage assembly comprising at least one wheel with ball bearings on the interior of each wheel, and a pivot point that allows for position independence, is configured with a hembar coupled to a piece of fabric to allow a surface of varying shape to be covered. The system provides the ability to cover both traditional window shapes as well as surfaces of irregular shape or inclined orientation, and reduces and evens the amount of wear on certain components to extend system life.

Abstract: The geared window shade bracket comprises a sprocket having a ring gear on an inside circumference of the sprocket; a chain configured to be engaged with the sprocket such that, in response to pulling on the chain, the sprocket rotates; a sun gear that is configured to be restricted from rotation; one or more planet gears configured to rotate around the sun gear, wherein the one or more planet gears interface with the ring gear; and a planetary carrier configured to mate with the one or more planet gears. In response to the chain being pulled, the sprocket rotates, causing the planet gears to rotate, causing the planetary carrier to rotate, causing the hub to rotate, and causing a shade tube to rotate.

Abstract: A shade channel system and method provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel. Existing channels may be utilized, or new base channels may be coupled to existing mullions.

Abstract: A shade channel system and method of use to provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel.

Abstract: The quick release device may comprise a shade tube, a gear wheel engaging with the shade tube, a pawl removably engaging with the gear wheel and a solenoid configured to activate the pawl. The activation of the pawl disengages the pawl from the pawl wheel and allows the shade tube to rotate. The quick release device may also include a shade tube, a rotating brake plate engaging with the shade tube, a spring configured to apply pressure to the rotating brake plate and a magnet configured to apply magnetism to the spring. In response to the magnet applying magnetism to the spring, the spring contracts and releases pressure on the rotating brake plate and allows the shade tube to rotate.

Abstract: The system includes a finial that is configured to be removed from a guide cable, while the guide cable is still connected on both ends. The hembar includes a finial on each end, wherein the first finial includes an external channel at an angle and the second finial includes an external channel with an opposite angle. The hembar is rotated in order to receive the guide cable into the external channel, then reverse rotated so the guide cable translates in an internal channel. The system eliminates or reduces the need for a guide cable to be threaded through an eyelet on the finial of the hembar. The system eliminates or reduces the need to detach a cable, prior to uninstalling the shade system.

Abstract: A window shade pocket system comprises a pocket having an inside surface, a bracket removably affixed to the inside surface of the pocket and a roller shade within the pocket. The bracket may retain cabling and/or electrical components within the bracket. The bracket may include a plurality of brackets along the inside surface of the pocket, wherein the cabling is retained within the plurality of brackets. The brackets may form a channel between the bracket and the inside surface of the pocket. The roller shade may be able to be removed after the bracket is removed. The pocket may also be comprised of a first component having a first engagement device and a second component having a second engagement device, wherein the first engagement device engages the second engagement device to form the pocket.

Abstract: The system includes information and data from analysis systems about optimal window covering positions that is communicated to building occupants. The analysis system communicates information to the occupant via the occupant's client computer to allow the occupant to fully or partially adjust the position of a manual shade or motorized shade, without the need for the analysis system to fully or partially electronically control the shades. The system may also adjust window covering systems and other systems to ensure desired or optimal daylight exposure in order promote optimal circadian functionality in the occupants.

Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.

Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Brightness factors associated with shade fabric may be utilized when shading a building. A brightness factor may incorporate an openness factor, a visible light reflectance, a diffusion factor, a color, or other characteristics of the shade fabric. The brightness factor may be utilized when selecting a particular shade fabric for a room, building or other location. Additionally, the brightness factor may be utilized by an automated shade control system. The shade fabric selection may affect the building envelope by facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, minimization of glare conditions, and reduction of thermal load.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Brightness factors associated with shade fabric may be utilized when shading a building. A brightness factor may incorporate an openness factor, a visible light reflectance, a diffusion factor, a color, or other characteristics of the shade fabric. The brightness factor may be utilized when selecting a particular shade fabric for a room, building or other location. Additionally, the brightness factor may be utilized by an automated shade control system. The shade fabric selection may affect the building envelope by facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, minimization of glare conditions, and reduction of thermal load.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.

Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.