Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the opening and closing movements of a foldable, pleated shade for aircraft windows comprises the utilization of a single cord which has its ends oppositely mounted on two coaxial reels driven by a reversible electric motor. The energization of the motor in one direction effects the winding of the cord on one reel and the concurrent unwinding of the cord on the other reel. The intermediate portions of the cord are trained by suitable pulleys to form a vertical loop having the opposite sides of the loop disposed in parallel with the path of movement of the shade. A transverse operating member for the shade is then connected to one of the oppositely moving sides of the cord loop to effect the shifting of the shade from an open to a dosed position, or vice-versa.

Abstract: A pleated shade for aircraft windows has metallic thermal expansion control strips respectively secured to all of either the inside or outside faces of the pleats to prevent wrinkling of the pleat material due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.