Abstract: An automatic positioning system for a covering for an architectural opening is disclosed herein. The system is configured to automatically adjust the position of the covering between a closed position, an open position, and one or more intermediate positions in accordance with a geographic location associated with the architectural opening and the time of day.

Abstract: A window covering system comprises a plurality of slats located between a head rail and a bottom rail. The bottom rail is connected to the head rail by a pair of lifting cords extending through the slats. A first spring motor and storage device is located in one of the head rail and the bottom rail. The first spring motor and storage device includes at least one extension spring having a first end that is fixedly secured in the head rail or bottom rail and a second end that is free to move within the head rail or bottom rail. At least one of the lifting cords is looped around the free end of at least one of the extension springs so that movement of the bottom rail in a vertical direction causes a corresponding movement in the second end of the extension spring in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the head rail or bottom rail. A method for balancing a window covering system using a pair of extension springs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple cell window covering having a fold and a tab is constructed using a strip of fabric as the input, which is then folded, welded, prepared with adhesive, stacked, and cured in an oven. The apparatus used to construct double, triple, and multi-cell honeycomb products includes a folder, ultrasonic welder, adhesive applicator and drier, a fabric accumulator, a cutter, a stacker, and an oven.

Abstract: A light-control window covering includes a first sheet of sheer material and a second sheet of sheer material spaced apart from the first sheer sheet of material. A plurality of vanes having a first face and a second face, a center region and a first and a second longitudinal margin. The vanes include perforations proximate the first and second longitudinal margins. A plurality of thermoplastic ribbons are welded to the first and second sheets of sheer material and the vanes to provide a stronger weld between the sheer materials and the vanes.

Abstract: A window blind comprising a head rail, a bottom rail and a window covering extending between and operatively connected to the head rail and bottom rail. At least one lift cord extends between the bottom rail and the head rail. A spring motor operatively coupled to the lift cord applies an upward force on the bottom rail toward the head rail. A one way brake prohibits the bottom rail from moving toward the head rail but permits the bottom rail to be moved away from the head rail by an operator.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, and a window covering material located between the head rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail being connected to the head rail by two lift cords and configured to move in a first direction and a second direction. The blind also includes a variable friction device having a bearing surface configured to provide a first friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords when the bottom rail is moved in the first direction, and a second friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords wherein the bottom rail is moved in the second direction. The first friction force is different than the second friction force.

Abstract: A method of providing a decorative element to a window covering is disclosed. The method includes obtaining decorative element data from a user, and applying the decorative element to the window covering in a retail store. A system for providing a decorative element to a window covering in a retail location is also disclosed. The system includes a computer configured to store and recall a decorative element data file, and a printer coupled to the computer and configured to apply the selected decorative element to the window covering.

Abstract: After discussion of a typical prior art thermal printer that is capable of providing precise printing of machine-readable characters on a thermal print medium through the use of an electrically-resistive thermal print element, a thermal model of the thermal print element and the heat transfer relationships between the thermal print element and its surrounding environment is constructed. From this thermal model, an equivalent electrical model is constructed which provides a signal representing the estimated temperature of the thermal print element.

Abstract: An electrical output signal from an electro-optical code reader is amplified (U1) to develop a first signal which is applied to a positive peak detector (U2D1, C2) and a negative peak detector (U3, D2, C3). The positive peak detector provides a second signal whose voltage level follows that of the first signal as the first signal increases, from the time that the voltage level of the second signal is brought substantially equal to that of the first signal to the time that the first signal begins to decrease, with the voltage level of the second signal thereafter being maintained substantially constant. The negative peak detector provides a third signal whose voltage level follows that of the first signal as the first signal decreases from the time that the voltage level of the third signal is brought substantially equal to that of the first signal to the time that the first signal begins to increase, with the third signal thereafter being maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: A microwave input signal whose frequency is to be determined is mixed in a mixer with a local oscillator (LO) signal and the resultant difference signal is applied to a low pass filter. The frequency of the LO signal is controlled by a digital processor that samples the output of the low pass filter. Initially the LO signal is at zero. Thereafter, the frequency of the LO signal is sequentially stepped through the fundamental and, then, the harmonics of a principal oscillator signal having a fundamental frequency F.sub.R. When the difference frequency falls within the direct counting capability of a digital counter, the digital processor opens a main gate for a short period of time, and a first difference frequency (F.sub.1) count is made and stored. The frequency of the LO signal is then offset by a known amount, and a second difference frequency (F.sub.2) count is made and stored -- if this F.sub.2 count is within the direct counting capability of the digital counter. Alternatively, if this F.sub.