Abstract: An adjustable length winch apparatus is disclosed. The adjustable length winch apparatus comprises a first motor, a first drum, a second drum, and a shaft. The first motor is configured to rotate the first drum and the shaft on an axis. The second drum is adapted to be rotated by the shaft on the axis. The shaft and the second drum are configured to adjust the distance between the first and second drum.

Abstract: A detachable line guide is disclosed. A screw with a helical groove between threads is provided. A guide is positioned a fixed distance perpendicular to the screw and can travel laterally freely. A follower mount is detachably affixed to the guide. The follower mount has a follower that is biased into the groove. Rotation of the screw causes the follower to track the groove and move the follower mount laterally. The guide is configured for a line to pass therethrough. When the line exerts a lateral force above a predetermined threshold against the guide, the guide and the follower mount detach.

Abstract: A winch assembly including a mount attachable to a vehicle, and a guide attached to the mount; including a winch having a drum for winding and unwinding a line, and a motor for driving the drum about a winding axis, wherein the drum has a helical groove for receiving the line as it is wound. A frame connects to the first and second end of the drum and is adapted to move relative to the guide so as to synchronize movement of the drum along the winding axis so that the line is aligned with the helical groove during winding and unwinding. A rod is attached to the frame and generally parallel to the winding axis, and passes through a hole in the guide, allowing the movement of the drum along the winding axis but preventing the frame from rotating about the winding axis is disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for a frame with a slidable segment are disclosed. The slidable segment is slidably mounted within the frame. A first motor is coupled to the slidable segment. The first motor has a first gear affixed to and driven by the first motor. A first gear track may be mounted to a first horizontal member of the frame, wherein teeth of the first gear align with tooth spaces of the first gear track. Rotating the first gear in a first rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction as the first gear walks along the first gear track. Rotating the first gear in a second rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction as the first gear walks along the first gear track.

Abstract: A vacuum and blower device is disclosed. The vacuum and blower device comprises a fan driven by a first motor, and a housing with a vent, a vacuum input aperture, and a blower output aperture. The vacuum input aperture and the blower output aperture are on one end of the device. The vacuum and blower device further includes an airflow director, the airflow director being held within the housing and adapted to be rotated between a first and second position. A blower output channel communicates with the airflow director and the blower output aperture. In the first position, the fan draws air through the vacuum input aperture and out the vent and airflow to the blower output channel is blocked. In the second position, the fan blows air through the blower output channel and out the blower output aperture.

Abstract: A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with pulleys engages with a belt or chain mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first pulley in a first rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first pulley in a second rotational direction causes the first pulley 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: 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 dual-screw line guide is disclosed. A first screw has a first helical groove. A second screw has a second helical groove. The first helical groove and the second helical groove align, thereby forming a groove space, as the first screw and the second screw rotate in opposing radial directions. The groove space is configured for a line to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A tool tracking and monitoring device is disclosed. The device is made up of: a tool base, having a controller and a transceiver; a tool handle; interchangeable tool bodies with ID tags; and user IDs. The interchangeable tool bodies attach to the tool handle. The transceiver is adapted to receive information from the tool body ID tags and the user IDs and relay that information to the controller; this allows the controller to monitor the use of the tool bodies. The controller is configured to regulate access to the tool bodies according to permissions associated with the tool body ID tags and the user IDs. The device is also adapted to connect with freestanding power tools.

Abstract: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a self-reversing screw; a motor for driving the self-reversing screw; and a guide comprising a guide nut and a first guide side and a second guide side. The guide is driven by the self-reversing screw. As a line is coiled onto a winch drum the guide directs the line onto the winch drum. The first guide side and second guide side are detachable from the guide nut and from each other.

Abstract: A detachable line guide is provided. A screw with a helical groove is provided. A guide is positioned a fixed distance perpendicular to the screw and can travel laterally freely. The guide includes a follower which is attached to the guide by a spring. The follower is biased into the groove. Rotation of the screw causes the follower to track the groove and move the guide laterally. The guide is configured for a line to pass therethrough. When the line exerts a lateral force above a predetermined threshold against the guide, the follower rides up and out of the groove as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: A housing for a digital assistant is disclosed. The housing includes; a body holding the digital assistant; attachments for an overhead mounting system. Within the housing there is at least one electrical input; and at least one electrical output; along with a digital current limiter. The digital assistant is capable of receiving and implementing instructions via voice commands or a personal control device. The digital current limiter receives instructions from the digital assistant and in response to those instructions, regulates the current to components in communication with the digital assistant. A method for using the housing and digital assistant to create a smart garage system by regulating access to connected components is also disclosed.

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 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: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a self-reversing screw; a motor for driving the self-reversing screw; and a guide comprising a guide nut and a first guide side and a second guide side. The guide is driven by the self-reversing screw. As a line is coiled onto a winch drum the guide directs the line onto the winch drum. The first guide side and second guide side are detachable from the guide nut and from each other.

Abstract: An overhead mounting system is disclosed. The mounting system includes an overhead channel with a plurality of openings in the base for attaching to a surface, such as a ceiling or trusses, along with a plurality of openings in the channel walls for securing components. The system is configured to accommodate attachment for multiple and diverse components, which have different dimensions, masses, pulling forces, or power requirements.

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: The invention is a method for intelligent current limiting enabling chaining of electrical appliances. Different embodiments apply to alternating current (AC) appliances, direct current (DC) appliances, and a combination of each. In each embodiment, current limits control the number of appliances that can be connected in the chain. If current limits are exceeded, current-limiting devices cut power to one or more of the appliances. Each appliance in the system has conductors with the capacity to carry a current load at least as large as the overall current limit. Preferably, the appliances in the system are garage appliances that are mounted to an overhead track system in a garage, where electrical outlets are scarce.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus is disclosed. A parking assist apparatus includes an overhead sensor mounted to a garage ceiling and a controller adapted to receive instructions from a remote device to set an optimum parking position. The controller is adapted to display one or more guidelines on a display screen in the vehicle to indicate the position of the vehicle in relation to the optimum parking position and to switch the system between a sleep mode and an awake mode. The invention also includes a motion sensor attached to a garage door. When the motion sensor senses the garage door being opened, the motion sensor sends a signal to the controller, whereupon the controller switches the system to the awake mode.