Abstract: A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method includes transmitting a first drive instruction to drive a motor in a first direction while the motor is in an engaged state, wherein driving the motor in the first direction causes the covering to move. The method further includes determining the motor is to terminate an operation. The method further includes transmitting a termination instruction to the motor to terminate the operation. The method further includes determining a first position of the motor. The method further includes transmitting a second drive instruction to drive the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction from the first position to a second position, causing the motor to enter a disengaged state, wherein driving the motor in the second direction does not cause the covering to move.

Abstract: A method implemented in an architectural covering. The method comprising powering down, prior to transitioning to a sleep mode, a position tracking device configured to generate output data indicating a position of at least one of a covering or a motor. The method further comprising transitioning from an operational mode to the sleep mode, the sleep mode associated with a lower power consumption than the operational mode. The method further comprising exiting the sleep mode based on a trigger and powering up, after exiting the sleep mode, the position tracking device. The method further comprising receiving the output data from the position tracking device. The method further comprising determining whether the position has changed since the transitioning to the sleep mode. The method further comprising continuing to operate outside of the sleep mode if the position has changed, or returning to the sleep mode if the position has not changed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate a covering of an architectural covering are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a clutch to disengage a motor from moving a covering to facilitate manual operation of the covering of an architectural covering when the motor is not in use; and a controller: to track a covering position based on a first encoder measurement from a first encoder; and to track a motor position when the motor disengages based on a second encoder measurement from a second encoder different from the first encoder.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A slat for use in a covering for an architectural opening is made from a base material of binder and matrix fibers which are formed into a nonwoven material by melting at least a portion of the binder fibers to thermally bond the binder and matrix fibers. A coating of resin is then applied to the thermally bonded base before the composite material is passed through a forming apparatus where the material is heated over a convex support having the desired curvature for the slat and subsequently cooled.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for forming a fabric for an architectural opening covering. The apparatus comprises a joining section, an accumulator, a cutting station, and a stacker. The joining section is configured to join together first, second, third and fourth material strips into a fabric strip. The accumulator is configured to accumulate the fabric strip upon leaving the joining section. The cutting station is configured to sever the fabric strip into an upstream fabric strip and a first downstream fabric strip. The stacker is configured to join the first downstream fabric strip with a second downstream fabric strip to form the fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a transversely curved or formed strip of material which can be cut to length for use in a fabric for coverings for architectural opening includes a supply role of a flexible fabric strip material that is sequentially passed through a heating chamber with an elongated upwardly convex extrusion across which the strip material is drawn and a cooling station before being wrapped on a take-up drum. The apparatus includes driven rollers about which the strip material passes and the strip material is exposed to tension detectors and controlled temperatures such that the strip material formed in the apparatus is uniform along its length.