Patents by Inventor Joel Berman
Joel Berman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20110220299Abstract: An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 8016016Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Xi Ming Li, Eugene Miroscnichenko
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Patent number: 7977904Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20100157427Abstract: Brightness factors associated with shade fabric may be utilized when shading a building. A brightness factor may incorporate an openness factor, a visible light reflectance, a diffusion factor, a color, or other characteristics of the shade fabric. The brightness factor may be utilized when selecting a particular shade fabric for a room, building or other location. Additionally, the brightness factor may be utilized by an automated shade control system. The shade fabric selection may affect the building envelope by facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, minimization of glare conditions, and reduction of thermal load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Muthukumar Ramalingam
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Publication number: 20100116443Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Joel Berman, Xi Ming Li, Eugene Miroscnichenko
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Patent number: 7684022Abstract: A system and method for determining a brightness factor associated with a window shade fabric is disclosed. The brightness factor incorporates the openness factor of the fabric, visible light reflectance of the fabric and visible light transmission of the fabric. The brightness factor helps to determine the optimum window shade fabric for a particular room, building or other location. The brightness factor information may be used to select the correct fabric based on desired interior function, light level, the relative surface brightness, and/or any other desired interior characteristic. The fabric selection may affect the building envelope by, for example, facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, and minimization of glare conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman
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Publication number: 20090254222Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20090222137Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; reflectance information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20090020233Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 7417397Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Steve Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20070291252Abstract: A system and method for determining a brightness factor associated with a window shade fabric is disclosed. The brightness factor incorporates the openness factor of the fabric, visible light reflectance of the fabric and visible light transmission of the fabric. The brightness factor helps to determine the optimum window shade fabric for a particular room, building or other location. The brightness factor information may be used to select the correct fabric based on desired interior function, light level, the relative surface brightness, and/or any other desired interior characteristic. The fabric selection may affect the building envelope by, for example, facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, and minimization of glare conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman
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Publication number: 20060207730Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen Hebeisen
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Patent number: 6817399Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting system having a lifting sleeve, a center support bracket, an engaging rod and two or more lifting cords. The outer circumference of a left portion of the lifting sleeve is greater than the outer portion of a right portion of the lifting sleeve. The outer surface of the lifting sleeve forms a smooth concave surface. The lifting sleeve is configured to support a winding tube during operation of the mounting system. The lifting sleeve abuts against the center support bracket. The center support bracket includes guides for directing the lift cords onto the lifting sleeve. The lift cords are attached to a bottom leveling system for ensuring that the shade material remains parallel during system operation. As the shade is raised, the lifting cords wind around the outer surface of the lifting sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Vincent J. Brown, Viktor Erlikh, Dimitry Gomelsky
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Publication number: 20020190175Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting system having a lifting sleeve, a center support bracket, an engaging rod and two or more lifting cords. The outer circumference of a left portion of the lifting sleeve is greater than the outer portion of a right portion of the lifting sleeve. The outer surface of the lifting sleeve forms a smooth concave surface. The lifting sleeve is configured to support a winding tube during operation of the mounting system. The lifting sleeve abuts against the center support bracket. The center support bracket includes guides for directing the lift cords onto the lifting sleeve. The lift cords are attached to a bottom leveling system for ensuring that the shade material remains parallel during system operation. As the shade is raised, the lifting cords wind around the outer surface of the lifting sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Joel Berman, Vincent J. Brown, Viktor Erlikh, Dmitry Gomelsky, Helen Brown
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Patent number: 6402110Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting device having two channels, namely, a mounting channel for receivably engaging a rod for gripping the sheet material and a spacer channel for receivably engaging a spacer support configured to engage a lift cord and, optionally, a spacer cord. The spacer channel may be positioned above the mounting channel such that the center of gravity of the mounting device is located above the center of the mounting channel, thereby reducing asymmetric tilt of the sheet material engaged by the mounting channel and reducing friction against the lift cord. Alternatively, the mounting channel may be positioned above the spacer channel. The mounting channel and the spacer channel are preferably both C-shaped, and each channel has an opening which faces in a direction opposite the direction faced by the opening of the other channel. Thus, a side view of the mounting device may resemble either an “S” or a reverse “S”.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Joel Berman Associates, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Vincent J. Brown
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Publication number: 20010005002Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting device having two channels, namely, a mounting channel for receivably engaging a rod for gripping the sheet material and a spacer channel for receivably engaging a spacer support configured to engage a lift cord and, optionally, a spacer cord. The spacer channel may be positioned above the mounting channel such that the center of gravity of the mounting device is located above the center of the mounting channel, thereby reducing asymmetric tilt of the sheet material engaged by the mounting channel and reducing friction against the lift cord. Alternatively, the mounting channel may be positioned above the spacer channel. The mounting channel and the spacer channel are preferably both C-shaped, and each channel has an opening which faces in a direction opposite the direction faced by the opening of the other channel. Thus, a side view of the mounting device may resemble either an “S” or a reverse “S”.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventors: Joel Berman, Vincent J. Brown, Viktor Erlikh
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Patent number: 6164428Abstract: A shade positioning system which employs a wrap spring clutch system includes a shade operator, a shade roller, and an idle end bracket for supporting the shade roller when mounted. The shade operator includes a self-lubricating central stud around which a helical coil spring is wrapped, a manually operated pulley mounted on the wrap spring, and a support bushing to ensure positive engagement of the aforementioned elements. The central stud is composed of a plastic or metal, which allows the smooth rotation of the wrap spring around the stud. The tangs of the wrap spring project substantially radially outward from the spring central axis, and are shaped to accommodate for the coefficient of friction between the stud and the spring. A first preferred spring construction allows for decreased spring surface area to contact the stud. A second preferred spring construction allows for an increased spring surface area to contact the stud.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Joel Berman Associates, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Vincent J. Brown, Victor Erlikh, John Wilk
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Patent number: 4344474Abstract: Multiple layer thermal insulating shade fabric is attached to the surface of the shade roller in accordance with this invention through the application of a snap fastener to an undercut longitudinal slot formed in the surface of the roller. Journal plates having oblong slots formed in the surface to accommodate the ends of the bushings and weighted bars that separate the layers of shade material fabric also provide a certain degree of adjustment to accommodate minor differences in the rate and angle with which the individual layers of fabric comprising the shade are rolled on or off the shade roller.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1979Date of Patent: August 17, 1982Inventor: Joel Berman
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Patent number: 4323105Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1979Date of Patent: April 6, 1982Assignee: Joel BermanInventors: Joel Berman, Stephen D. Weinreich
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Patent number: RE31793Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1983Date of Patent: January 8, 1985Assignee: Joel BermanInventors: Joel Berman, Stephen D. Weinreich