Abstract: A method for X-ray computed tomography includes a robotic arm that moves an X-ray emitter around a subject in a curvilinear path and an X-ray detector that captures 2-dimensional views while the subject is scanned. Movements of the emitter and detector are coordinated such that the position and angle of the emitter relative to the detector remains substantially constant during scanning. A processor uses computed tomography to reconstruct an image of the subject from the captured 2-dimensional views. The robotic arm varies the pitch of the X-ray emitter during the scan to enhance the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. The processor generates a projection transformation matrix based on movement of the robotic arm for each captured 2-dimensional view that is applied during reconstruction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a bead chain is disclosed. In use, the connector is arranged and configured so that the connector can pass over a bearing. In one example of an embodiment, the bearing is positioned in a tensioner so that the connector moves through the tensioner, which is operatively coupled to the bead chain. In one example embodiment, application of a force on the bead chain to move the covering between an extended position and a retracted position, self-orients the connector so that a top portion of the connector faces and/or contacts the bearing so that the connector smoothly passes across an exterior arcuate surface of the bearing. In one example embodiment, the top portion includes a curved surface to contact the curved surface of the bearing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a power assist module for covering for an architectural structure may include a spring and a spring shaft extending through the spring. Additionally, the power assist module may include a threaded shaft member coupled to the spring shaft and a drive plug assembly coupled to the threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto. The drive plug assembly includes a follower member and a separate threaded insert configured to be received within the follower member. The threaded insert is configured to threadably engage the threaded shaft member to allow the follower member to be rotationally coupled to the threaded shaft member in a manner that allows the follower member to move axially along the threaded shaft member as the follower member is rotated relative to the threaded shaft member.

Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.

Abstract: A bottom rail for a covering of an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. In one example of an embodiment, the bottom rail includes a first or front member, and a second or rear member. The first and second members are arranged and configured to be coupled to each other with a bottom portion of a covering positioned in between the first and second members. Thus arranged, the first member is coupled to the second member, and the covering is securely coupled to the bottom rail. In addition, and/or alternatively, the covering may be received within the bottom rail along a tortuous pathway. In addition, and/or alternatively, the bottom rail may include a front profile or surface that substantially corresponds to a front profile of battens extending across a width of the covering. Moreover, the bottom rail may enclose the lowermost batten so that consistent spacing of the battens is maintained.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a bead chain is disclosed. In use, the connector is arranged and configured so that the connector can pass over a bearing. In one example of an embodiment, the bearing is positioned in a tensioner so that the connector moves through the tensioner, which is operatively coupled to the bead chain. In one example embodiment, application of a force on the bead chain to move the covering between an extended position and a retracted position, self-orients the connector so that a top portion of the connector faces and/or contacts the bearing so that the connector smoothly passes across an exterior arcuate surface of the bearing. In one example embodiment, the top portion includes a curved surface to contact the curved surface of the bearing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a power assist module for covering for an architectural structure may include a spring and a spring shaft extending through the spring. Additionally, the power assist module may include a threaded shaft member coupled to the spring shaft and a drive plug assembly coupled to the threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto. The drive plug assembly includes a follower member and a separate threaded insert configured to be received within the follower member. The threaded insert is configured to threadably engage the threaded shaft member to allow the follower member to be rotationally coupled to the threaded shaft member in a manner that allows the follower member to move axially along the threaded shaft member as the follower member is rotated relative to the threaded shaft member.

Abstract: A mount and associated method for facilitating movement (e.g., pivotable) of a valance relative to a headrail of an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The device or mount interconnects the valance and the headrail so that the valance can readily move (e.g., pivot) with respect to the headrail. In use, during retraction of the covering, bunching of the covering may cause the covering to contact the valance resulting in the valance moving away from the headrail thus minimizing or eliminating any adverse effects.

Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shade assembly may generally include a shade fabric having a front side and a back side. The shade assembly may also include two or more batten spacers, with each batten spacer being coupled to the shade fabric at spaced apart locations along a vertical length of the fabric. Moreover, the batten spacers may be substantially aligned with one another horizontally along the back side of the shade fabric. When the shade fabric is moved to an opened position, the batten spacers may be configured to vertically engage one another to form a vertical spacer stack along the back side of the shade fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shade assembly which comprises a shade fabric and a plurality of battens arranged vertically with respect to one another, each batten aligned horizontally along the fabric and forming a pleat therewith. A plurality of spacers are also provided which are coupled to and positioned adjacently to one of the plurality of battens in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the shade fabric. The plurality of spacers maintains the plurality of battens in a substantially vertical arrangement when the shade fabric is drawn into an open position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shade assembly may generally include a shade fabric having a front side and a back side. The shade assembly may also include two or more batten spacers, with each batten spacer being coupled to the shade fabric at spaced apart locations along a vertical length of the fabric. Moreover, the batten spacers may be substantially aligned with one another horizontally along the back side of the shade fabric. When the shade fabric is moved to an opened position, the batten spacers may be configured to vertically engage one another to form a vertical spacer stack along the back side of the shade fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shade assembly which comprises a shade fabric and a plurality of battens arranged vertically with respect to one another, each batten aligned horizontally along the fabric and forming a pleat therewith. A plurality of spacers are also provided which are coupled to and positioned adjacently to one of the plurality of battens in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the shade fabric. The plurality of spacers maintains the plurality of battens in a substantially vertical arrangement when the shade fabric is drawn into an open position.

Abstract: A device and method for packaging and protecting window treatments to provide cushioning and protection against impact.

Abstract: A method of packing shutter panels including applying foam clips to sides of a shutter panel. The ends of the foam clips extend beyond ends of the shutter panel so that the ends of the foam clips overhang the panel. A plastic covering wrapped around the foam clips and the shutter panel is wrapped tight enough to compress and bend the ends of the foam clips inward toward the panel to form protective corners.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for tracking, reporting and performing processing activities and transactions in association with referral data and related information for a variety of product and service offerings.

Abstract: A cord guide system for extending the life of cords in a covering for an architectural opening provides long wear surfaces made of metal or ceramic which can be retrofitted into existing cord lock systems or molded into the system. The invention provides such long wear surfaces that can be used with different cord drive systems each of which permit an operator of a covering to manipulate the covering between extended and retracted positions while locking the covering in any position between fully extended and fully retracted. Cord guide surfaces are preferably made of metal or ceramic which are harder than conventional base materials used in cord lock systems and further have higher melting temperatures than either the base material for the cord lock system or the polyester cords conventionally used in coverings for architectural openings. In this manner, wear of the cord lock itself is minimized which in turn minimizes the wear of the lift cords and extends the life thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for packaging and protecting window treatments to provide cushioning and protection against impact.