Abstract: A window shade system may comprise a drive mechanism having a friction slip ring inside a brake hub, wherein the brake hub is configured to rotate with respect to the friction slip ring, in response to an at least partial rotation of the drive mechanism. The brake hub may be configured to overcome a break-away force between the drive hub and the friction slip ring. The brake hub may be configured to overcome a break-away force between the drive hub and the friction slip ring. The brake hub may be configured to overcome a break-away force of about double a maximum force that a window shade exerts on the friction slip ring. The system may include a spring plunger system abutting a bracket, wherein the spring plunger system may be configured to reduce friction against the bracket in response to a first at least partial rotation of a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A support connector system comprising a shaft having a first portion configured to be received into a first shade band; and the shaft having a second portion configured to be received into a second shade band, wherein the first portion is configured to translate out of the first shade band and translate into the second shade band, and wherein the first portion is configured to be received into the second portion.

Abstract: The system includes a window shade interfacing with at least a portion of a mechanism; a spring assembly configured to predispose the window shade to at least one of an extended position or a retracted position, wherein the spring assembly is loaded, in response to the window shade being manually at least one of pulled or pushed; and a brake device that is engaged against at least the portion of the mechanism, wherein the brake device is configured to restrict at least the portion of the mechanism by being engaged against at least the portion of the mechanism and intermittently disengage from at least the portion of the mechanism to cause the spring assembly to unload and the window shade to manually move in a plurality of positions between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A system comprises a power-over-ethernet (POE) network switch; an intelligent power distribution hub and gateway (IPDHG) configured to communicate with the POE network switch; a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the POE network switch; and one or more low duty cycle devices configured to communicate with the IPDHG, wherein the one or more low duty cycle devices are charged by the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: To allow more daylighting and protect against direct solar radiation, the system may include a window shading system that impacts an area (or area of interest). The system may adjust different window shades in different ways and for different periods of time to protect against a direct solar radiation onto an area of interest. The system may provide targeted shadows onto the area of interest. The system may also analyze or predict angles of solar rays that comprise the direct solar radiation and determine an impact of the solar rays on the area of interest, wherein the adjusting of window shades is based on the determining.

Abstract: The window shade system may comprise a support connector and/or a first shade band. An adjustment arm may interface with the support connector and/or the first shade band. The adjustment device interfaces with the adjustment arm, wherein in response to adjusting the adjustment device, the adjustment arm is configured to rotate and adjust the support connector and/or the first shade band to an adjusted position.

Abstract: The window shade system may comprise shade fabric with a first portion and a second portion. A rod may be configured to include the second portion of the shade fabric rolled around the rod. A hembar may receive the rod within a compartment of the hembar, wherein the compartment includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the rod and the second portion of the shade fabric rolled around the rod are supported between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A window shade pocket system comprises a pocket; a roller shade mounted within the pocket; and an ultraviolet (UV) light source within the pocket. The system may also include a controller that controls a motor engaged to the roller shade, wherein the controller controls the speed of the motor to allow a portion of the roller shade to be under the UV light source for a predetermined amount of time to allow for sanitization of the portion of the roller shade. The method may comprise adjusting, by a processor, a roller shade within a pocket; and activating, by the processor, an ultraviolet (UV) light source within the pocket, wherein the UV light source sanitizes at least a portion of the roller shade.

Abstract: A motorized window shade system may comprise a shade tube in a pocket; a window shade attached to the shade tube; a motor configured to rotate the shade tube; an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the motor, an external temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the pocket; and a controller configured to adjust a mode of the system from an override mode to an automated mode.

Abstract: The roller shade system provides increased support, additional adjustments and/or increased safety. The slip plate allows the brake to slip forward and minimize damage to the clutch spring when a user pulls too hard on the hembar. The center drive mechanism extends through a bracket to allow the drive shaft to distribute power in both directions and drive two shade tube simultaneously. The tube adapter absorbs force from the spinning shade tube to minimize damage to the other components and the bead chain. An adjustment arm is adjusted to help level the shade band. The shade bands may be removed without disturbing the other shade bands in the system. A height of a hembar may be adjusted by rotating a rod within the hembar.

Abstract: A system comprises a power-over-ethernet (POE) network switch; an intelligent power distribution hub and gateway (IPDHG) configured to communicate with the POE network switch; a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the POE network switch; and one or more low duty cycle devices configured to communicate with the IPDHG, wherein the one or more low duty cycle devices are charged by the rechargeable battery.

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: A system comprises a power-over-ethernet (POE) network switch; an intelligent power distribution hub and gateway (IPDHG) configured to communicate with the POE network switch; a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the POE network switch; and one or more low duty cycle devices configured to communicate with the IPDHG, wherein the one or more low duty cycle devices are charged by the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The support connector system includes a first shade band having a support connector and a lock that receives the support connector. The lock includes a first opening in a first position, wherein the first opening is configured to receive the support connector and configured to restrict rotation of the support connector. The lock includes a second opening in a second position, wherein the second opening is configured to receive the support connector and configured to allow rotation of the support connector.

Abstract: The roller shade system provides increased support, additional adjustments and/or increased safety. The slip plate allows the brake to slip forward and minimize damage to the clutch spring when a user pulls too hard on the hembar. The center drive mechanism extends through a bracket to allow the drive shaft to distribute power in both directions and drive two shade tube simultaneously. The tube adapter absorbs force from the spinning shade tube to minimize damage to the other components and the bead chain. An adjustment arm is adjusted to help level the shade band. The shade bands may be removed without disturbing the other shade bands in the system. A height of a hembar may be adjusted by rotating a rod within the hembar.

Abstract: A motorized window shade system may comprise a shade tube in a pocket; a window shade attached to the shade tube; a motor configured to rotate the shade tube; an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the motor; an external temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the pocket; and a controller configured to adjust a mode of the system from an override mode to an automated mode.

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 support connector system comprising a shaft having a first portion configured to be received into a first shade band; and the shaft having a second portion configured to be received into a second shade band, wherein the first portion is configured to translate out of the first shade band and translate into the second shade band, and wherein the first portion is configured to be received into the second portion.

Abstract: The system may comprise a controller configured to control one or more motors; a plurality of motors, wherein each of the plurality of motors are configured to adjust a photovoltaic (PV) film system and a window shade system; a geared interface configured to interface the PV film system and the window shade system; the PV film system may be configured to generate solar power for the controller; and a storage device that interfaces with the controller. The coupler for a PV film system may comprise a first wire that interfaces with the PV film; a rotating portion of a slip ring that interfaces with the first wire; a non-rotating portion of the slip ring that interfaces with a second wire; the second wire exiting the coupler; and an outside surface of the coupler that receives a tube, wherein the tube interfaces with the PV film.

Abstract: The window shade pocket system may comprise a pocket having a first wall and a second wall; a window shade having a first side and a second side, wherein the window shade is mounted within the pocket and is configured to at least partially extend over a window outside of the pocket; and a first bracket removably affixed to at least one of a closure extending from the first wall, the first wall or the second wall, wherein the first bracket retains a light source, and wherein the light source is configured to illuminate an exterior area outside of the window. The light source may illuminate the exterior area outside of the window, in response to at least one of an opening of the window, an object coming through the window, a person coming through the window, an object passing by the window or a person passing by the window.