Abstract: A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method includes transmitting a first drive instruction to drive a motor in a first direction while the motor is in an engaged state, wherein driving the motor in the first direction causes the covering to move. The method further includes determining the motor is to terminate an operation. The method further includes transmitting a termination instruction to the motor to terminate the operation. The method further includes determining a first position of the motor. The method further includes transmitting a second drive instruction to drive the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction from the first position to a second position, causing the motor to enter a disengaged state, wherein driving the motor in the second direction does not cause the covering to move.

Abstract: A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method comprising powering down, prior to transitioning to a sleep mode, a position tracking device configured to generate output data indicating a position of at least one of a covering or a motor. The method further comprising transitioning from an operational mode to the sleep mode, the sleep mode associated with a lower power consumption than the operational mode. The method further comprising exiting the sleep mode based on a trigger and powering up, after exiting the sleep mode, the position tracking device. The method further comprising receiving the output data from the position tracking device. The method further comprising determining whether the position has changed since the transitioning to the sleep mode. The method further comprising continuing to operate outside of the sleep mode if the position has changed, or returning to the sleep mode if the position has not changed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: An operating control system for a retractable shade including a roller reversibly rotatable within a headrail includes a clamp system for gripping an endless operating cord in a neutral position to prevent rotation of the roller and a tensioner if properly mounted in a fixed position will release the clamp system to permit rotation of the roller while positioning the runs of the endless cord in a closely spaced relationship to minimize the risk of an infant or child becoming entangled in the cord.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide upper and lower travel limits for architectural opening coverings are disclosed. A disclosed architectural opening covering assembly includes a rotatable roller tube and a covering mounted to the roller tube. The covering is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The covering is wound on the roller tube in the raised position. The covering assembly further includes a first limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the lowered position, and a second limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the raised position.

Abstract: An operating control system for a retractable shade including a roller reversibly rotatable within a headrail includes a clamp system for gripping an endless operating cord in a neutral position to prevent rotation of the roller and a tensioner if properly mounted in a fixed position will release the clamp system to permit rotation of the roller while positioning the runs of the endless cord in a closely spaced relationship to minimize the risk of an infant or child becoming entangled in the cord.

Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with the extension and retraction of a covering for an architectural opening. More particularly, an apparatus and method which monitors the extension of a shade to control the extension and position when the extension motion of the shade is interrupted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with the extension and retraction of a covering for an architectural opening. More particularly, an apparatus and method which monitors the extension of a shade to control the extension and position when the extension motion of the shade is interrupted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide upper and lower travel limits for architectural opening coverings are disclosed. A disclosed architectural opening covering assembly includes a rotatable roller tube and a covering mounted to the roller tube. The covering is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The covering is wound on the roller tube in the raised position. The covering assembly further includes a first limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the lowered position, and a second limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the raised position.