Abstract: Disclosed is a system for manipulating an object and providing at least one utility winch. The system includes a motor and a driveshaft having an axis and being coupled to the motor. The system includes a first spool on the driveshaft being rotatable with the driveshaft by the motor and a first line for lifting an object, the first line attached to the first spool. The system also includes a second spool on the driveshaft being rotatable with the driveshaft by the motor, and a second line attached to the second spool, the second line configured to deliver at least one utility selected from electric power, data, and fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a winch with a spool having an axis of rotation and a helical groove formed thereon and a line around the spool in the helical groove. The winch also includes a motor configured to rotate the spool in a first direction to wind the line on the spool and a second direction to unwind the line from the spool. The helical groove includes a line cradle shaped to carry the line with a portion of the line protruding from the helical groove, and a channel extending below the line cradle. A portion of the channel is not occupied by the line. The winch also includes a line guide adjacent to the spool and configured to move axially along the spool. The line guide includes a tab that engages the channel to cause the line guide to move axially along the spool to wind or unwind the line.

Abstract: A load-leveling hanging apparatus and a system for suspended lifting of objects are disclosed. The load-leveling hanging apparatus includes a carriage suspended from a line; a hanging beam adapted for attachment of multiple objects at points along the beam; a mechanism for moving the hanging beam relative to the carriage to thereby achieve a level condition; and a level indicator. The mechanism is a rotatable screw. The system includes the load-leveling hanging apparatus and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a drum for winding and unwinding a line; a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto; a guide to direct the line onto the drum; and a controller. The lifting device raises and lowers the suspended hanging apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for automating a sliding window having window components comprising a stationary pane component, a sliding pane component and a window frame component. The mechanism includes a telescoping mounting assembly attached to a first of the window components. The telescoping mounting assembly includes a housing and one or two extension arms, selectively extensible from the housing to either one or both sides of the first window component. A motor is disposed within the housing driving a first gear. Either one or two telescoping drive shafts are disposed within the extension arms, each having a gear on one end of the telescoping drive shaft driven by the first gear and having a gear on an opposite end of the telescoping drive shaft that engages a rack mounted on one side of a second of the window components. The telescoping drive shafts are coupled to the extension arms and are therefore selectively extensible with first extension arms.

Abstract: An access system and system for enabling a package to be delivered to a house are disclosed. The access unit includes a keypad, a light, and an activatable open button. The access unit opens a door to the structure when the button is pressed while active. The access unit also includes an authentication module configured to communicate via Bluetooth with a package delivery unit when the package delivery unit reaches a predetermined delivery distance near the structure and to authenticate the package delivery unit. The access unit also includes an execution module configured to store one or more rules pertaining to delivery of a package by the package delivery unit and to execute the one or more rules in response to the access unit successfully communicating with the package delivery unit, wherein one of the rules is to activate the activatable open button if the authentication is successful.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism is disclosed having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor identifying the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state the electric motor opposes the external force to prevent unwanted movement of the sliding panel. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a device for detecting a speed at which a line is being spooled or unspooled from the winch, a first and second roller adapted to aid in spooling or unspooling a line, a fairlead motor for driving at least the first roller, and a controller connected to the fairlead motor. The controller is in communication with the device for detecting the speed. The controller is configured to direct the fairlead motor to drive at least the first roller at a speed that maintains tension on the line as it is unspooling or spooling. Alternatively, the device measures current drawn by the fairlead motor and the controller directs the fairlead motor to drive the rollers at a speed that maintains a target current draw.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism having a motor and a force measuring component. A movement path is defined for the window movement relative to a window frame. The force-measuring component measures the force required to move the window along the movement path. The force required is stored as a force map and is a function of position along the path. Deviations from the force map cause the motor to take measures which may include stopping the motor.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism includes a main body attached to a sliding window, a first telescoping arm extending from the main body in a first direction and a second telescoping arm extending from the main body in a second direction opposite the first direction. A first actuator is located at an end of the first telescoping arm. A first gear is coupled to the first actuator, the first gear being configured to interface with a first rack secured to a first side of a window frame. A second actuator is located at an end of the second telescoping arm. A second gear coupled to the second actuator, the second gear being configured to interface with a second rack secured to a second side of the window frame. The operation of the first and second actuators in concert causes the first and second gears to rotate relative to the first and second racks and move the sliding window within the window frame.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism has a motor that moves a sliding window along a frame to open and close the window. A position sensor, such as an encoder, monitors a position of the sliding window relative to the frame. The automated window mechanism can receive an instruction to calibrate to the frame by disengaging the motor while the position sensor remains engaged. The user then manually moves the sliding window between two end points and then reengages the motor. The position sensor records the end points, and then the automated window mechanism uses the end points as limits of movement for the sliding window.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for automating a sliding window having window components comprising a stationary pane component, a sliding pane component and a window frame component. The mechanism includes a telescoping mounting assembly attached to a first of the window components. The telescoping mounting assembly includes a housing and one or two extension arms, selectively extensible from the housing to either one or both sides of the first window component. A motor is disposed within the housing driving a first gear. Either one or two telescoping drive shafts are disposed within the extension arms, each having a gear on one end of the telescoping drive shaft driven by the first gear and having a gear on an opposite end of the telescoping drive shaft that engages a rack mounted on one side of a second of the window components. The telescoping drive shafts are coupled to the extension arms and are therefore selectively extensible with first extension arms.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism is described that includes a motor attached to a sliding window and a rack on a window frame. The window frame supports the sliding window and provides a path for sliding movement of the sliding window relative to the window frame. A transmission couples the motor to the rack such that rotation of the motor causes the transmission to move the sliding window relative to the rack. The mechanism also includes a clutch switch assembly, that includes a switch and a clutch actuator responsive to the switch and being configured to engage and disengage the transmission. When the transmission is disengaged, the motor cannot move the window. The mechanism also includes a position sensor, such as an encoder, coupled to the transmission and configured to monitor a position of the window relative to the frame using the transmission. Engagement or disengagement of the transmission allows the window to be moved manually within the frame.

Abstract: An overhead door opener for opening and closing an overhead door. A motor is coupled to a shaft and is configured to rotate the shaft to raise and lower the overhead door. The shaft is coupled to the overhead door. The overhead door opener also includes a one-way bearing coupling the motor to the shaft, wherein the one-way bearing is configured to transmit torque from the motor to the shaft, and not to transmit torque from the shaft to the motor.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an overhead door is disclosed. The system includes a torsion adjustment comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being rotatable relative to one another in a first direction and not in a second direction opposite the first direction. The system also includes an anchor fixed to the first portion, a collar fixed to the second portion, the collar being selectively fixable to a shaft of the overhead door, and a spring coupled between the collar and the anchor. The spring supports at least a portion of the weight of the overhead door as the overhead door is raised and lowered. Rotating the first portion of the torsion calibration collar relative to the second portion of the torsion calibration collar increases torsion in the spring and therefore calibrates the spring to support a desired amount of the weight of the overhead door.

Abstract: The invention is systems and methods of operating a window with an automated window mechanism. The systems and methods include moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window. The sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone. The method also includes in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism is disclosed, including a motor secured to a window, the window being in a frame and wherein the motor causes the window to move relative to the frame in two directions: an open direction being defined as a direction toward which movement of the window relative to the frame causes the window to be more closed, and a closed direction defined as a direction opposite the open direction. The mechanism also includes a transmission component that transfers power from the motor to movement of the window relative to the frame, the transmission component having a backup defined as a distance the transmission component can move from a first point at which further movement in the open direction will cause the window to begin moving in the open direction, and a second point at which further movement in the closed direction will cause the window to begin moving in the closed direction.

Abstract: The invention is an automated window mechanism having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor detecting the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state the positive lead and the negative lead to a same electric potential thereby rendering the electric motor an electric brake impeding the external force from moving the sliding panel. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an overhead door opener and a lifter are disclosed. The lifter is positioned above the overhead door when the overhead door is in a retracted position and raises and lowers objects along a path that, without care, will intersect with the overhead door. A controller monitors the position of the overhead door and the lifter and moves the overhead door if the lifter is out of the way, and if the lifter is not out of the way the command is not executed to prevent interference between the lifter and the overhead door.

Abstract: An overhead door system is disclosed, which includes a first track and a second track mounted on opposite sides of an opening. Each track has a vertical portion, a transition portion, and a horizontal portion, with the transition portion being between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion. An overhead door engages the first and second tracks on opposite sides of the overhead door and is movable along the first and second tracks between a closed, vertical position and a raised, horizontal position. A motor unit has a motor that is mounted above the horizontal portions of the first and second tracks. A rail is parallel to and disposed between the horizontal portions of the first and second tracks. The rail carries a carriage configured to move in a first direction to raise the overhead door and in a second, opposite direction to lower the overhead door. A connecting member is pivotally attached at one end near a top edge of the overhead door and attached at an opposite end to the carriage.

Abstract: A seal for a multiple-shade window covering array. The seal includes two or more coextensive shades for a window in a window frame. At least one of the shades is a cellular shade. Each shade operates independently without interference from other shades, and each shade has different light properties such that selectively raising and lowering one or more of the shades changes a light property for the window covering array. The seal also includes side seals anchored to the sides of the window frame.