Abstract: In one or more arrangements, a power efficient remote control system is presented. The remote control system has a touch based interface having a plurality of touch sensitive sensors. The remote control system is configured to operate in an active mode in response to user input and operate in a background mode in response to inactivity. In the active mode, a control circuit of the remote control system is configured to monitor touch activity by sampling signals from outputs from a plurality of touch sensitive sensors individually. In the background mode, power is saved by electrically connecting outputs of the plurality of touch sensitive sensors together and monitoring touch activity by sampling a signal from the connected outputs of the plurality of touch sensitive sensors together.

Abstract: A drapery support rod system is presented having a drapery support rod connected to a structure by a pair of brackets. Rings positioned around the drapery support rod are used to connect shade material to the drapery support rod. The rings have an upper end with an interior surface that is configured to fit closely around the exterior surface of the drapery support rod in a manner configured to facilitate smoother and quieter travel of the rings across the surface of the drapery support rod. When viewed from the sides, the rings have an oval shape that is elongated between an upper end and a lower end. The oval shape has a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end that is larger than the first diameter.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: The approach for managing multi-sprint backlog is presented. The approach includes receiving one or more issues associated with software development and scoring the one or more issues. The approach also includes determining if the score associated with the one or more issues is above a first threshold and enriching the one or more issues if the issues is above the threshold. The approach recommends a queue based on the enriched of the one or more issues, team parameters and queue parameters and prioritizing the one or more issues in the queue based on priority parameters. The approach calculates a backlog value based on sprint factors associated with the one or more issues; If the backlog values meets a threshold, then the approach creates a sprint plan for the team.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for managing time-based elements. A computer system identifies the time-based elements, wherein the time-based elements have time units. The computer system arranges the nodes, representing the time-based elements, in a temporal node tree, wherein the nodes have the time units from corresponding time-based elements and a policy that defines scaling of the nodes based on the time units allocated to the nodes.

Abstract: A motorized drapery system having an elongated rotating drive element that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cross shaped or any other non-circular shape that is twisted. In one arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction along its entire length. In another arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction in a first section and twisted in an opposite direction in a second section thereby providing a center opening/center closing drapery. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element including at least one driver ring that includes a feature that connects to the drive element and is configured to facilitate movement along the drive element, and a plurality of idler rings that are configured to slide along the drive element. A curtain is connected to the rings and opens and closes as the rings move along the drive element.

Abstract: A multi-function remote control system and mounting apparatus is presented. The remote control configured to magnetically attach and detach from an adhering plate or mounting plate located against a wall or other surface. The remote control is configured to self-center or self-orient in flush, planar engagement with an adhering plate or mounting plate. The remote control includes a plurality of push buttons wherein when pressed a plurality of window coverings are moved to a predetermined position. The mounting features of the remote control can be completely concealed from view for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The adhering plate includes an adhesive which adheres the adhering plate to the wall for easy and convenient installation.

Abstract: A drapery system having a drive element extending the length that is connected to a structure by a pair of brackets. The drive element has a cylindrical shape with an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the drive element has a guide structure, which in one arrangement is a plurality of helical grooves. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element that are used to connect shade material to the drive element. The rings include a partial driver ring, a full driver ring and idler rings. In a center closing arrangement, partial driver rings are positioned as the inward most rings followed by full driver ring which is followed by a plurality of idler rings. The partial driver ring and the idler rings have a stabilizer that fits around the exterior surface of the drive element thereby providing smoother and quitter travel along the drive element.

Abstract: A valance system for a window covering that can be folded and placed within the same shipping box as a wall bracket, top bracket and track sections. The valance extends a length between opposing ends and includes a clip feature that extends out from its rearward side. The clip feature is generally C-shaped or U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes a plurality of friction members in its exterior surface. The valance is covered with a covering material. An end cap having a hinge area that facilitates bending of the end cap is connected to the ends of the valance by connection of a tongue of the end cap to a slot of the valance. The clip feature is sized and shaped to frictionally fit within and be installed within a socket of a top bracket without any tools.

Abstract: A coupler for a drapery rod system that is configured to connect a pair of adjacent drapery rods and facilitate either independent rotation of the pair of rods in one configuration while facilitating rotation in unison in another configuration. In one arrangement, the coupler includes a lug connected to a bracket positioned at the middle of the adjacent drapery rods. The lug includes an axle extending a length between opposing ends and includes a bearing housing connected to each side of the axle. In one configuration a drapery rod is connected to each end of the axle and its respective bearing housing, which facilitates independent rotation of each rod. Another configuration, a coupler is connected to each side of axle, outside the bearing housing, which facilitates rotation of the adjacent rods in unison. In this way, the coupler facilitates installation of adjacent rods that may rotate independently or in unison.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of drapery systems one of which includes a drapery rod operatively connected to a structure by a first bracket and a second bracket. In one nonlimiting embodiment the drapery rod has an exterior surface with a guide structure and a hollow interior having a feature. At least one example drapery system includes a drive coupler and a motor operatively coupled to the drive coupler, wherein the drive coupler is configured to be inserted within the hollow interior of the drapery rod and the drive coupler is configured to engage the feature of the drapery rod, wherein when the motor operates the drive coupler rotates, and rotation of the drive coupler causes rotation of the drapery rod.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: A method of operating a motorized window covering is presented wherein in response to a standard movement command power is supplied to a motor in a continuous or generally continuous manner thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in a generally continuous manner. However, in doing so, the motor rotates at a fast rate thereby causing elevated noise levels. In response to an automated movement command, power is supplied to the motor by cycling power to the motor between a powered state and an unpowered state thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in an incremental manner. While moving the shade material in this incremental manner is slower, it is substantially quieter. The preferred mode of operation is selected based on whether the movement command is a standard movement command or an automated movement command.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: A wirelessly controllable, motorized and battery powered drapery apparatus is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure in its surface. The rotatable drive is inserted through the open interior of a plurality of tabs in the shade material. A grommet driver is positioned over the rotatable drive element and connected to one of the plurality of tabs. The grommet driver has at least one tooth that is in communication with the guide structure in the rotatable drive element. As the rotatable drive element is rotated, the grommet drive is driven along the length of the rotatable drive element thereby moving the shade material between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A wirelessly controllable, motorized and battery powered drapery apparatus is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure in its surface. The rotatable drive is inserted through the open interior of a plurality of grommets in the shade material. A grommet driver is positioned over the rotatable drive element and connected to one of the plurality of grommets. The grommet driver has at least one tooth that is in communication with the guide structure in the rotatable drive element. As the rotatable drive element is rotated, the grommet drive is driven along the length of the rotatable drive element thereby moving the shade material between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: A valance system for a window covering that can be folded and placed within the same shipping box as a wall bracket, top bracket and track sections. The valance extends a length between opposing ends and includes a clip feature that extends out from its rearward side. The clip feature is generally C-shaped or U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes a plurality of friction members in its exterior surface. The valance is covered with a covering material. An end cap having a hinge area that facilitates bending of the end cap is connected to the ends of the valance by connection of a tongue of the end cap to a slot of the valance. The clip feature is sized and shaped to frictionally fit within and be installed within a socket of a top bracket without any tools.

Abstract: A method of operating a motorized window covering is presented wherein in response to a standard movement command power is supplied to a motor in a continuous or generally continuous manner thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in a generally continuous manner. However, in doing so, the motor rotates at a fast rate thereby causing elevated noise levels. In response to an automated movement command, power is supplied to the motor by cycling power to the motor between a powered state and an unpowered state thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in an incremental manner. While moving the shade material in this incremental manner is slower, it is substantially quieter. The preferred mode of operation is selected based on whether the movement command is a standard movement command or an automated movement command.