Abstract: Example methods and apparatus can be used to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus can be used to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.

Abstract: A remote control device and a method of assembly are provided. The remote control device may include a control unit and a holder. The holder may define a cavity that opens through a surface of the holder. The control unit may be seated in the cavity through the opening in the surface of the holder and recessed relative to the surface of the holder.

Abstract: A remote control device and a method of assembly are provided. The remote control device may include a control unit and a holder. The holder may define a cavity that opens through a surface of the holder. The control unit may be seated in the cavity through the opening in the surface of the holder and recessed relative to the surface of the holder.

Abstract: A remote control device and a method of assembly are provided. The remote control device may include a control unit and a holder. The holder may define a cavity that opens through a surface of the holder. The control unit may be seated in the cavity through the opening in the surface of the holder and recessed relative to the surface of the holder.

Abstract: A remote control device and a method of assembly are provided. The remote control device may include a control unit and a holder. The holder may define a cavity that opens through a surface of the holder. The control unit may be seated in the cavity through the opening in the surface of the holder and recessed relative to the surface of the holder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce noise in motor assemblies, such as those used in architectural coverings, are described herein. An example apparatus includes a first driver configured to be coupled to and rotated by an output shaft of a motor, a second driver, and a plurality of vibration-absorbers disposed between the first driver and the second driver. The second driver is configured to be coupled to a rotating member to transfer rotational motion from the first driver to the rotating member via the vibration-absorbers.

Abstract: A remote control device and a method of assembly are provided. The remote control device may include a control unit and a holder. The holder may define a cavity that opens through a surface of the holder. The control unit may be seated in the cavity through the opening in the surface of the holder and recessed relative to the surface of the holder.

Abstract: A lift cord system for operating a retractable covering for architectural openings includes at least one cord loop which extends from a tassel through a fabric for the covering where it is slidably connected to the bottom rail for adjustment of the desired maximum spacing of the top rail and bottom rail and the orientation of the bottom rail relative to the top rail so the rails can be easily maintained in a parallel relationship. The cord loop is also anchored to the bottom rail at a separate location in a manner so as to fix the maximum separation between the top and bottom rails so the covering desirably fits the size of the architectural opening in which it is mounted. Alternative embodiments include top down/bottom up coverings and coverings including a middle rail in addition to top and bottom rails.

Abstract: A lift cord system for operating a retractable covering for architectural openings includes at least one cord loop which extends from a tassel through a fabric for the covering where it is slidably connected to the bottom rail for adjustment of the desired maximum spacing of the top rail and bottom rail and the orientation of the bottom rail relative to the top rail so the rails can be easily maintained in a parallel relationship. The cord loop is also anchored to the bottom rail at a separate location in a manner so as to fix the maximum separation between the top and bottom rails so the covering desirably fits the size of the architectural opening in which it is mounted. alternative embodiments include top down/bottom up coverings and coverings including a middle rail in addition to top and bottom rails.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile data storage magazine for interacting with a docking station. The magazine can include a magazine frame containing a plurality of operatively interconnected disk drives, a first contact element associated with the magazine frame capable of conducting electrical power to at least one of the plurality of disk drives when engaged with a second contact element associated with the docking station wherein the first and second contact elements are adapted to cooperate in a non male/female relationship. The magazine can further comprise a first communication element capable of conducting data between at least one of the plurality of disk drives and the docking station when the first communication element is operatively linked to a second communication element associated with the docking station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a multi-piece magazine that forms a portion of the frame; (c) a drive bay with a full-height drive space that is capable of accommodating a full-height drive and of being altered to accommodate two, half-height drives; (c) a picker that employs a crank that is capable of rotating 360 degrees and that carries a first cam driver that cooperates with a first cam follower to actuate a grasper that is capable of grasping and releasing a data cartridge, and a second cam driver that cooperates with a second cam follower to move the grasper towards and away from a location at which a data cartridge is located; (d) an elevator for moving the picker within a portion of the interior space and that is comprised of a first and second drive systems for respectively driving the first and second ends of an elevator carriage and a shaft for transferring power from t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, is comprised of: (a) a frame or cabinet that defines an interior space; (b) a multi-piece magazine that forms a portion of the frame; (c) a drive bay with a full-height drive space that is capable of accommodating a full-height drive and of being altered to accommodate two, half-height drives; (c) a picker that employs a crank that is capable of rotating 360 degrees and that carries a first cam driver that cooperates with a first cam follower to actuate a grasper that is capable of grasping and releasing a data cartridge, and a second cam driver that cooperates with a second cam follower to move the grasper towards and away from a location at which a data cartridge is located; (d) an elevator for moving the picker within a portion of the interior space and that is comprised of a first and second drive systems for respectively driving the first and second ends of an elevator carriage and a shaft for transferring power from t

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library system that realizes a reduced cost by reducing the number of certain components, especially expensive components, that are needed to perform certain functions within the library. With respect to certain functions, a reduced cost is realized by using lower precision componentry in combination with componentry that compensates for lower precision while still providing a reduced component cost with respect to a given function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based library that is capable of operating on a magazine data storage element comprised of a plurality of hard disk drives and an interface that allows data to be transferred between the hard disk drives and a host computer. One embodiment of the library comprises a plurality of shelves that are each capable of supporting at least one magazine data storage element, one or more drives, and a magazine transport that is capable of moving a magazine data storage element between any one of the shelves and any one of the drives. The present invention also provides a magazine data storage element drive that is capable of being used in stand-alone mode, i.e., outside of a magazine-based library.