Abstract: A system for controlling one or more motorized windows is described herein. 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 window system is described herein. The system includes one or more motorized windows and includes both local and cloud-based control facilitated by motors or actuators in each motorized window that are actuated by a controller. Each motorized window further includes a processor with settings stored in memory that direct the controller. Sensors send both local and remote 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. Additionally, the motorized windows each have a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a mesh network, the network controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input.

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: We disclose a cordless window blind that includes at least one electromagnet within each slat. The slats may be inserted into orifices within rotatable slat mounting members on a vertical guide rail assembly. The orifices may house electrical connections which connect the electromagnets to at least one battery. The electromagnets may have the same polarity such that the electromagnet of one slat attracts the electromagnet of an adjacent slat. The magnetic attraction may move one slat toward the other slat causing the slats to move vertically along the guide rail assembly and either raise or lower the blinds. Alternatively, electromagnets on only one of two longitudinal edges of the slats may be actuated and attract a metal member on an adjacent slat. The magnetic attraction may cause the slats to tilt and rotate within the slat mounting members thus closing the blinds.

Abstract: We disclose a cordless window covering that may raise, lower, and tilt a plurality of slats without the use of lift cords. The covering may include an external frame with two vertical sides and a headrail. The covering may also include a plurality of slats, each of which may be connected to an adjacent slat by at least one string on each side and the headrail. This may allow the slats to hang freely when lowered. It may also allow all the slats to tilt when only the top slat has been mechanically tilted by a drive belt. The bottom slat may include a bottom bearing connector which may interact with a drive belt such that it may be raised and lowered when the drive belt rotates. Each slat may be connected to a bearing and a bearing connector that may be slidably connected to a guide channel.

Abstract: A motorized window covering switching mechanism is described herein. The switching mechanism includes a deflectable arm and a pull cord. The deflectable arm is connected to a first contact, and the pull cord is connected to the deflectable arm such that, as the pull cord is tugged, the deflectable arm deflects to move the first contact toward a second contact, thereby converting gestures of the pull cord into electrical signals that control a motorized window covering. In some embodiments, cord gestures that deflect the deflectable arm include pull sequences, numbers of pulls, strength of pulls, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, a controller receives the cord gestures and translates the cord gestures into operational commands to control and operate a window covering gearbox assembly.

Abstract: We disclose a window blind that includes a capacitor within each slat. Each plate of the capacitor may be connected to one of two batteries. At least one switch may be placed between each capacitor plate and its adjoining battery. When one switch is open, another switch may be closed thereby sending current to only one plate at a time. The plate that receives the current is negatively charged and the remaining plate is positively charged. The switch that is open may be changed to reverse the charges of the plates. This charge reversal may be actuated through a series of pull cord gestures from a user. By creating an electrical charge on the plates, dust is pulled from the air according to the net charge of the dust particles. The window blind therefore functions as an air purifier as well as a traditional window blind.

Abstract: Embodiments of motorized window coverings are described herein that may include a covering portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, and wiring. The top portion may comprise a deploying mechanism and a motor. The deploying portion may deploy the covering portion, and the covering portion may be directly connected to the deploying mechanism. The motor may operate the deploying mechanism. The bottom portion may be directly connected to the covering portion at an opposite end of the motorized window covering from the top portion. One or more batteries may be integrated into the covering portion. The batteries may power the motor. Wiring may be disposed in the covering portion. The wiring may electrically couple the motor to the one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the motorized window covering may include a roller shade and/or a venetian blind.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a low energy electric motor brake is described comprising one or more electronic switches that connect the input wires to an electric motor together, thus shorting out the motor and braking the motor. The electronic switches are separate from the control system, and provide the braking function. This alleviates the motor controllers and other system control units from providing the braking function to the motor. The electronic switches require minimal to no power in order to maintain the brake to the motor. The control unit may be placed in a low power or sleep mode while the electronic switches maintain the brake.

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: An intelligent actuation device is described herein. The device includes an actuator, and includes both local and cloud based control facilitated by motors and actuators in each actuation device. Each device further includes a processor with settings stored in memory that direct a controller. Sensors send both local and remote sensor data along with real time weather data to a 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. Additionally, each actuation device includes a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a mesh network, the network controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input.

Abstract: A window covering system is described herein. The system includes one or more motorized window coverings, and includes both local and cloud based control facilitated by motors or actuators in each window covering that are actuated by a controller. Each window covering further includes a processor with settings stored in memory that direct the controller. Sensors send both local and remote 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. Additionally, the window coverings each have a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a mesh network, the network controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) test apparatus and testing method are described. The PCB test apparatus includes a motor connected to a gearbox that includes a gear that is directly connected to an output shaft. The test apparatus includes two printed circuit board connections for testing an electric-component connector that includes two circuit boards. One connection port includes a plurality of contact pins for attaching one of the PCBs while the other connector port is part of a position encoder that includes a diametrically magnetized magnet that tests the other PCB's ability to detect changes in magnetic fields. The apparatus is configured such that both PCBs of the electric-component connector are tested in tandem.

Abstract: The invention is an intelligent headrail for a window covering which includes an extensible end cap which applies force to the adjacent window or door frame to hold the headrail in place. The end cap includes a pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor to detect whether sufficient force is present to safely hold the headrail in place. The headrail may include a controller which is connected to the pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor. The controller may include program code which identifies the safety status of the window covering based on the pressure or force reading. The controller may include a data transmission port which transmits pressure or force readings to an output device. The program code may also send a report to the output device to indicate whether the force or pressure is moderately low or so low that the window covering is in danger of falling.

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: 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 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: In various example embodiments, a low energy electric motor brake is described comprising one or more electronic switches that connect the input wires to an electric motor together, thus shorting out the motor and braking the motor. The electronic switches are separate from the control system, and provide the braking function. This alleviates the motor controllers and other system control units from providing the braking function to the motor. The electronic switches require minimal to no power in order to maintain the brake to the motor. The control unit may be placed in a low power or sleep mode while the electronic switches maintain the brake.

Abstract: A headrail for a motorized window covering is described that includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor that is configured to actuate a window covering. The headrail includes a safety detector with one or more sensors that detect an irregular strain when the window covering is being raised. The headrail may further comprise a recoil mechanism or a deactivation mechanism to reduce the likelihood of damage to the window coverings and/or individuals caught or tangled in the window covering.

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.