Abstract: A system for controlling one or more motorized windows. The motorized windows each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The motorized windows are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud-based control.

Abstract: An automated sliding window mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding window mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding window and configured to open and close the sliding window, a controller that controls the motor, and at least two air pressure sensors in communication with a processor. If the window is open, based on signals from the air pressure sensors, the processor determines whether a draft is flowing through the window. If the window is closed, based on signals from the air pressure sensor, the processor determines whether a draft would flow through the window if opened. The processor sends a signal to the controller to either open or close the window, depending on whether a user has elected to have a draft flow through the window. In a preferred embodiment, a system is provided with at least two automated windows.

Abstract: We disclose a roller shade which may move the roller fabric to position either a light reflecting section or a heat absorbing section of the roller fabric toward a window. The two sections may be on opposite sides of a sheet of roller fabric which is connected to the roller tube at one end. The roller shade may wind the roller fabric around the roller tube then reverse the side of the roller fabric which faces the window. Alternatively, the roller fabric may be a continuous loop of fabric that includes a light reflecting section and connected to a heat absorbing section. The roller shade may move the continuous loop of fabric to position either section toward the window. The roller shade may include sensors, a motor, and a controller. The controller may be programmed to reverse the roller fabric in response to a sensor measurement.

Abstract: An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding panel that is configured to move the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism also includes a power source and a rack attached to a second component of the sliding panel and including a base with rack teeth extending from a plane thereof. A gear is rotated by the motor and has gear teeth shaped to mesh with the rack teeth. A manual release mechanism is adapted to move the gear along its axis of rotation, from an engaged position, wherein the gear teeth mesh with the rack teeth to a released position, wherein the gear teeth are disengaged from the rack teeth. The manual release mechanism also includes a holding mechanism adapted to hold the gear in the engaged position and in the released position as selected by a user.

Abstract: An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism including a motor is configured to move a sliding window between a closed position and an open position, and includes a power source providing power to the motor, a rack consisting of rack teeth wherein a portion of the surface of the rack teeth are generally perpendicular to a plane, and a gear rotated by the motor and consisting of gear teeth, wherein the gear teeth are shaped to mesh with the rack teeth.

Abstract: A window covering in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly comprising a controller incorporated into the gearbox, a motor incorporated into the gearbox, and an external sensor is provided to provide external inputs to the controller in the gearbox assembly. The external sensor may include a security sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, an audio sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, or a humidity sensor. The controller is further configured to relay sensor information to a remote HVAC system or security system.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is a method for ordering custom products, which includes the step of displaying a plurality of styles of customizable products to a user along with a flat rate price for each style. A selection of a style of customizable products and a number of such is received from the user. The cost for the number of customizable products is determined based on the number of customizable products and the flat rate price for the selected style. The customization information for each of the number of customizable is not required to determine the cost. An order is generated to purchase the number of the selected style of customizable products. At some point after the order is generated, the customization information for each of the customizable products in the order is received. A plurality of customized products is provided to fill the order based on the customization information. That plurality of customized products is shipped to the user.

Abstract: A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with gears, transmission or worm drive engage with a gear track mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first gear in a first rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first gear in a second rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism with sensor informed calibration is disclosed. An electrically powered actuator moves a window between a closed position and an open position. A current sensor senses the current between a power source and the actuator when the actuator is moving the window. Informed by the current sensor, a processor determines a first endpoint when the window is in the closed position and a second endpoint when the window is in the open position for the window. A controller uses the endpoints to control the actuator to stop in either the first or the second endpoint as desired by a user. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

Abstract: A window shade alarm system for gently awakening a user. The window shade is connected to the Internet and opens such that light gradually increases in a room. Thus waking a user less abruptly than a traditional audio alarm. The window shade stores user selected modes and can control wireless enabled lights within a room to simulate the gradual increase of light at sunrise. The alarm system is connected to remote activated devices for the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A solar power system and method of data sampling to predict how much energy a solar power system will generate is disclosed. The solar power system consists of a solar panel, a battery, a sensor adapted to monitor the amount of energy, e.g. by sensing the current and voltage, generated by the solar panel, a controller which regulates the charge of the battery, and a processor which is adapted to monitor the charge of the battery. The processor receives signals from the sensor and stores the information in non-transitory memory. This solar power system may be used to operate various home automation devices, including but not limited to automated window coverings or windows. The processor preferably communicates with a user interface, which will enable the user to program the operation of the automated windows, and also view how much battery charge will be left for the remainder of the day and night.

Abstract: An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding panel that is configured to move the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism also includes a power source and a rack attached to a second component of the sliding panel and including a base with rack teeth extending from a plane thereof. A gear is rotated by the motor and has gear teeth shaped to mesh with the rack teeth. A manual release mechanism is adapted to move the gear along its axis of rotation, from an engaged position, wherein the gear teeth mesh with the rack teeth to a released position, wherein the gear teeth are disengaged from the rack teeth. The manual release mechanism also includes a holding mechanism adapted to hold the gear in the engaged position and in the released position as selected by a user.

Abstract: A system for controlling motorized window coverings is described herein. The window coverings each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The window coverings are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud based control.

Abstract: We disclose a window blind which purifies the surrounding air using electrostatic interactions. The window blind includes slats which may have a strip of positively charged material, a strip of negatively charged material, or both attached to the top of the slat. In some embodiments, the positively charged material and the negatively charged material are attached to alternating slats. In other embodiments, the positively charged material and the negatively charged material are attached to the top of the same slate with a strip of insulating material positioned between them. The window blind may include an air-moving device which moves air past the slats so that dust particles with either a net positive charge or net negative charge may be attracted to the oppositely charged material on the slat. The air-moving device may be a vacuum or a fan. The positively and negatively charged materials may be removeable for cleaning.

Abstract: A self-cleaning window blind includes a thin layer of photocatalytic material on at least one surface of the slats. The window blind includes an ultraviolet light source which directs ultraviolet light onto the photocatalytic material. Consequently, the window blind is not dependent on available sunlight. The ultraviolet light source is located in either the headrail or the bottom rail of the window blinds. Upon exposure to ultraviolet light, organic material on the slats which may include dust, grease, or microorganisms, is converted to carbon dioxide and water. One or both of the horizontal edges of the slats may include a lip which collects water formed by the photocatalytic reaction. In some embodiments, the slats are slightly convex. This shape may inhibit water from collecting in droplets on the slat and help direct the water towards the lip. Consequently, water spots are not created on the slats.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a window covering is disclosed. A rotational cam member is provided for extending a first piston on one side of a headrail and compressing a second piston on the opposite side of the headrail between a window casing. A lever arm is provided for rotating the rotational cam. Easy installation of a window covering headrail may be achieved as one arm is used to hold the headrail while the other hand is able to actuated the lever arm. Mounting brackets are provided for easy window covering removal after installation.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized gearbox assembly. The motorized gearbox assembly includes a motor that drives an output shaft. The output shaft actuates a window covering by applying torque to a tilt rod of the window covering. The output shaft extends substantially an entire length of the motorized gearbox assembly. It also has a through-channel that extends substantially an entire length of the output shaft, so that the tilt rod can pass entirely through the motorized gearbox assembly. Because of this, the motorized gearbox assembly can be used for retrofitting blinds. In some embodiments, the motorized gearbox assembly has a diametrically polarized magnet driven by the output shaft, and a position encoder that measures the output shaft's position and number of rotations.

Abstract: The system includes a headrail, which includes a motor, a gearbox, and one or more tiltable slats. At least one slat includes sliding tracks. The system further includes one or more PV cells movably disposed within the sliding tracks. The PV cells slide in move along the tracks with regard to an amount of sunlight incident on the cells. Methods of operating a solar powered window covering are also disclosed. The methods generally include detecting a tilt of at least one window covering slat. The slat includes one or more PV cells disposed in sliding tracks in the slat, and the tilt indicates an amount of sunlight incident on the cells. The methods also include sliding the PV cells in the tracks with regard to the amount of sunlight incident on the cells.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, an apparatus for installing a window covering is disclosed. A rotational cam member is provided for extending a first piston on one side of a headrail and compressing a second piston on the opposite side of the headrail between a window casing. A lever arm is provided for rotating the rotational cam. Spacers are provided to adjust the compression of the apparatus, along with indicators indicating whether spacers need to be added or removed. Easy installation of a window covering headrail may be achieved as one arm is used to hold the headrail while the other hand is able to actuate the lever arm. Mounting brackets are provided for easy window covering removal after installation.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism is disclosed. The automated window mechanism includes an electrically powered actuator configured to move a slidable window between a closed position and an open position, a power source, and two or more sensors. The sensors generate signals related to a different environmental condition. The mechanism also includes a controller adapted to receive signals from the two or more sensors and operate the actuator to move the slidable window to an open or closed position as appropriate.