Plural Strip, Slat, Or Panel Type Patents (Class 160/107)
  • Patent number: 12051989
    Abstract: A portable solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generator module comprises a plurality of smart power slat (SPS) units, each SPS unit comprising a plurality of solar cells electrically connected together based on a specified cell interconnection design, and, at least one power maximizing integrated circuit collecting electricity generated by the plurality of solar cells. The plurality of SPS units are mechanically connected such that the SPS units can be retracted for volume compaction of the module, and can be expanded for increasing PV electricity generation by the module. The module can be used as part of an electric power supply with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) power optimizer, storage battery and leads to connect to a load. The load can be AC or DC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Sigmagen, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehrdad M. Moslehi
  • Patent number: 11624233
    Abstract: A self-locking balance weight-type insulated glass assembly has two panes of glass with an inner cavity and a blinds assembly therein. The blinds assembly comprises a head rail, a slat assembly hung on the head rail, a bottom rail, a privacy fascia and a hollow side rail. The head rail has a hollow inner cavity with a rotary rod assembly and a rotary rod locking device therein. The slat assembly, the bottom rail and the rotary rod assembly are connected through a pull cord for controlling slats to rise or fall and a ladder cord for controlling the slats to turn. The rotary rod locking device has an end connected to the rotary rod assembly and an end connected to a gear box. An external magnetic operator is magnetically coupled to an internal magnetic operator arranged outside the inner cavity formed by the panes of glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Xuezhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11578532
    Abstract: A smart window including a motorized shade is provided, particularly where the smart window includes a frame portion having a first subframe and a second subframe for mounting the smart window and routing the motor wirings. In a described embodiment, the smart window comprises: a frame portion including a wiring chase positioned internal to the frame portion and a glass portion. The glass portion may comprise a motorized shade, the motorized shade including a motor, a motor wiring, and a shade roll; a first pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an exterior side of the smart window; and a second pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an interior side of the smart window; wherein the frame portion surrounds the glass portion, wherein the motorized shade is attached to the frame portion between the first pane of glass and the second pane of glass by a hanging system, and wherein the motor wiring is positioned internal to the frame portion and the wiring chase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: WINCO Window Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Snader, Gantt Miller, III, Gantt Miller, IV, Lothar Erkens, Dennis Brosch
  • Patent number: 11421472
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow louver top operating system comprising a rotating mechanism configured to open and close louver blades of a curtain; and a lifting mechanism configured to lift the curtain up and down, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a rotating rope and a top rotating controller, and the rotating rope is connected between the top rotating controller and a first side of the curtain, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a lifting rope and a top lifting controller, and the lifting rope is connected between the top lifting controller and a second side of the curtain, and wherein the top rotating controller and the top lifting controller are disposed in an upper frame portion of the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: CHANGSHU HIGH-TECH ENERGY-SAVING DORWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chengzhe Jin, Renzhe Jin, Xiangjun An
  • Patent number: 11390370
    Abstract: A sidewall assembly for an aircraft and an aircraft are provided. In one example, the sidewall assembly includes a window. A sidewall portion has an inner-facing side and at least partially surrounds the window. A transparent display panel is coupled to the sidewall portion and covers the inner-facing side of the sidewall portion including the window. The transparent display panel includes a display screen configured to display information to a passenger. A display controller is in communication with the transparent display panel to communicate a video/audio signal providing the information to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Sean Thornton, John Bullock, Timothy O'Hara, Matthew Wallace, Bryan Briscoe
  • Patent number: 11180953
    Abstract: A smart window including a motorized shade is provided, particularly where the smart window includes a frame portion having a first subframe and a second subframe for mounting the smart window and routing the motor wirings. In a described embodiment, the smart window comprises: a frame portion including a wiring chase positioned internal to the frame portion and a glass portion. The glass portion may comprise a motorized shade, the motorized shade including a motor, a motor wiring, and a shade roll; a first pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an exterior side of the smart window; and a second pane of glass attached to the frame portion on an interior side of the smart window; wherein the frame portion surrounds the glass portion, wherein the motorized shade is attached to the frame portion between the first pane of glass and the second pane of glass by a hanging system, and wherein the motor wiring is positioned internal to the frame portion and the wiring chase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: WINCO Window Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Snader, Gantt Miller, III, Gantt Miller, IV, Lothar Erkens, Dennis Brosch
  • Patent number: 11180952
    Abstract: A covering for an architecture opening has a horizontal movable rail supported by cords, with a variety of configurations which allow the movable rail to be moved up and down while concealing the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Steven R. Haarer
  • Patent number: 11002070
    Abstract: A blind is arranged such that minimal force is required to rotate the tilt drum to tilt the slats from the fully open to the fully closed position and back, with each of the front and rear tilt cables sharing the load nearly equally throughout the entire path from the fully open to the fully closed position and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10822869
    Abstract: A window covering in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly comprising a controller incorporated into the gearbox, a motor incorporated into the gearbox, and an external sensor is provided to provide external inputs to the controller in the gearbox assembly. The external sensor may include a security sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, an audio sensor, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, or a humidity sensor. The controller is further configured to relay sensor information to a remote HVAC system or security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Austin Benjamin Carlson, Emily Brimhall
  • Patent number: 10731411
    Abstract: Example end caps for architectural coverings are disclosed herein. An example end cap for an architectural covering includes a first cable-routing element provided in a first region of the end cap and a second cable-routing element provided in a second region of the end cap spaced apart from the first region of the end cap. The example end cap includes a cable-directing element and a motor mount configured to couple with a portion of a motor having a cable extending therefrom. In the example end cap, the cable-directing element is configured to engage a transition portion of the cable and to selectively route a second portion of the cable from the cable-directing element to either the first cable-routing element or the second cable-routing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup, Nicholas E. VanderKolk, Peter Zagone
  • Patent number: 10697233
    Abstract: A rail for a covering for an architectural opening is provided. The rail may be attachable to a shade member of the covering. The rail may include a magnet assembly that is at least partially positioned within a retention channel formed in the rail to releasably secure the rail to a head rail. The magnet assembly may be positionable along a longitudinal axis of the rail and may include a cam lock assembly that releasably secures the magnet assembly within the retention channel of the rail. According to the present disclosure, the head rail and the rail are held in close proximity to each other to inhibit the passage of light between the rail and a head rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schwandt, Martin A. Stebenne
  • Patent number: 10640052
    Abstract: A retractable closure for an opening in a vehicle includes a pleated panel and a pull cord assembly configured to move the panel from a retracted position to an extended position when pulled and to automatically return the panel to the retracted position when released. A first fastening assembly detachably secures an edge of the panel to the vehicle near a first edge of the opening, and a second fastening assembly is provided for detachably securing the opposite edge of the panel to the vehicle near a second edge of the opening opposite the first edge when the panel is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventors: John E McLoughlin, Phung Le
  • Patent number: 10619409
    Abstract: A window shade includes a top box, a mediate bar, a bottom bar and a shade connected between the mediate bar and the bottom bar. A first scrolling unit and a second scrolling unit are located in the top box, and each are cooperated with a movable unit, a resilient member and a fixed member. The resilient member is connected between the movable unit and the fixed member. Each of the first scrolling unit and the second scrolling unit has a first roller and a second roller, and each of the movable unit has a third roller and a fourth roller. The first cords of the first scrolling unit are connected to the mediate bar. The second cords of the second scrolling unit extend through the mediate bar and are connected to the bottom bar. The first and second cords meet the requirements of a longer shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng Ying Hsu, Chun Jan Hsu
  • Patent number: 10544623
    Abstract: The embodied invention is an outer security door design that retrofits an existing sliding door. The door design comprises an outer frame which secures into the framework of an existing sliding door. An inner rotating security screen door then fits into the outer frame. The outer frame includes important support underneath the lower frame center point, as the weight of the rotating screen door provides higher stress at that location. The outer frame allows the screen door to be latched in the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Young
  • Patent number: 10513879
    Abstract: A venetian blind includes a frame unit, a slat unit, a transmission unit, and an operating unit. The slat unit includes multiple drive axles and a plurality of slats each connected co-rotatably to the drive axles. The transmission unit includes two transmission rollers, a plurality of constant-force coil springs that are linked together and that are coupled to the drive axles, and a belt that cooperates with the constant-force coil springs to form a loop trained on the transmission rollers. The operating unit includes an inner control member connected to the belt, and an outer control member operable to drive the inner control member to move so as to drive rotation of the drive axles via the constant-force coil springs to rotate the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: TAICANG KINGFU PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 10431929
    Abstract: A tensile-force buffering apparatus interposes a physical structure and a drop clamp having a messenger of an input drop cable secured thereto. The tensile-force buffering apparatus includes an outer housing defining an elongate inner cavity and a retainer, and a spring-strut assembly. The spring-strut assembly includes a central shaft, a retention member at a first end of the central shaft, and a coil spring disposed about the central shaft. The spring-strut assembly is received in the cavity of the outer housing, and the retention member is held by the retainer while a load compressing the coil spring is less than a predetermined threshold load. The retention member is released from the outer housing when the load compressing the coil spring reaches the predetermined threshold load, thereby effecting separation of the spring-strut assembly from the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: PPC BROADBAND, INC.
    Inventors: Brian K. Hanson, Noah P. Montena
  • Patent number: 10392860
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device to control the tilt angle of window blinds. The device is capable of working with existing home automation control systems. The device is configured to operate in one or more modes such as, a primary mode and a secondary mode. In the primary mode of operation of the device is controlled by the home automation controller using a wireless mesh network protocol or a home automation protocol. In the secondary mode, the device 604 is operate independent of the mesh network in a standalone manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Barnett
  • Patent number: 10208534
    Abstract: A rail, such as a head rail, for an architectural covering. The rail includes a housing having elongate walls extending along a length of the housing and defining therebetween a width of the housing. A drive shaft is rotatable about a drive axis extending along the length of the housing and is configured to wind and unwind lift cords of the architectural covering. A spring assist module, e.g. a spring motor has an output shaft rotatable about an output axis with rotation of the drive shaft. The spring motor is mounted in the housing with the output axis parallel to the drive axis, but offset from the drive axis with respect to the width of the housing and the output shaft is connected directly to the drive shaft for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Nicolaas Dekker, Ralph Steenbergen
  • Patent number: 9884543
    Abstract: A back door structure for an automobile is provided with a back door frame including a window frame, a window located at a vehicle outer side of the window frame, and a blind including a cover that covers a gap between the window and the window frame. The blind joins the window with the back door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Junya Kato
  • Patent number: 9869124
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting a window covering with a motorized tilting assembly. The method includes removing a tilt rod from a blinds tilting mechanism and introducing the motorized tilting assembly into the blinds tilting mechanism. The assembly includes a motor, a gearbox having an internal enclosure and an external enclosure, and an output shaft. The internal enclosure encloses gears, and the external enclosure encloses the internal enclosure. The output shaft includes a through-channel and extends through the internal enclosure and the external enclosure. The method further includes: selecting a tilt rod adapter having an internal shape complementary to the tilt rod and an external shape complementary to the through-channel of the output shaft; inserting the tilt rod adapter into the output shaft; and reinstalling the tilt rod such that the tilt rod passes completely through the output shaft and the tilt rod adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Austin Benjamin Carlson, Jerome Miles, Emily Brimhall, Jedediah Knight
  • Patent number: 9695631
    Abstract: A built-in blind assembly includes light-transmissive first and second outer panels, a blind unit, a frame unit, a top rail unit, and a cord-driving unit. The first and second outer panels face each other. The blind unit is disposed between the first and second outer panels. The frame unit includes a top frame disposed above the blind unit. The top rail unit includes a top rail seat that is connected to the top frame and that defines a top accommodating cavity having an open side adjacent to the second outer panel, and a top cover that is removably connected to the top rail seat. The cord-driving unit is disposed in the top accommodating cavity, is coupled to the blind unit, and is operable to control operation of the blind unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI KINGSHINE PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 9643476
    Abstract: In order to manufacture an automobile folding sunshade, continuous strips of a roll material such as thin cardboard are supplied at the same time that discrete panels of reinforcing material that is too stiff to be rolled are supplied. The strips and the discrete panels are laminated between top and bottom sheets of preferably highly reflective material such as mylar coated bubble insulation. The resulting laminate material is then cut to the correct size and shape to fit into the windshield of an automobile. The sunshade has upwardly extending tabs at the top that include the reinforced panels. The tabs engage the sun visors of an automobile. The result is an economical yet highly durable folding automobile sunshade that is easily installed in, and removed from, a windshield of a car or truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Intro-Tech Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri B. Lenterman
  • Patent number: 9586669
    Abstract: An aircraft window assembly includes a pressure pane. A bezel is proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defines an inner opening. The bezel includes an inner wall with a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the inner opening and is configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall. The electro-optic element is capable of operation between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition. A dust cover is proximate the bezel. The dust cover includes an interior substrate and an exterior substrate. The interior substrate and the exterior substrate generally define a gap therebetween. A thermally absorbent liquid is disposed in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 9574393
    Abstract: A cord-winding device for a blind assembly having no pull cord includes a base seat defining a slide channel and having a bottom side configured to removably mount the blind assembly thereto, and an adjustment unit including a slide seat mounted slidably in the slide channel, a plurality of rollers mounted on the base seat and the slide seat, respectively, and a constant force spring having first and second ends respectively fixed to the base seat and the slide seat. A lift cord winds around the rollers and extends through the base seat. The lift cord is configured to extend through the blind assembly after extending through the base seat so as to be positioned to the base seat and the blind assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ya-Ling Huang
  • Patent number: 9567801
    Abstract: A main support frame is formed from sections of a plastic extrusion and has opposite side portions with peripheral recesses receiving an inner sash unit and outer sash unit each having a frame formed from sections of a plastic extrusion and supporting an insulated glass unit. Hinges support the dual sash units for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, and gear connected telescopic link members connect the main frame to the sash frames for simultaneous movement. A lock system includes a handle on the inner sash unit for moving straps with studs on the sash frames through a connector mechanism mounted on the main frame for simultaneously locking and releasing both sash units and for releasing only the inner sash unit. A screen and/or mini-blind may be supported between the sash units, and the window system with dual sash units may be constructed in various forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Philip G. Morton, Jonathan G. Morton
  • Patent number: 9540871
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and configured to apply torque to a tilt rod of a window blind. The gearbox is configured to enable the tilt rod to pass completely through the gearbox. In certain embodiments, the gearbox includes a shaft configured to apply torque to the tilt rod. This shaft may extend from a first end of the gearbox to a second end of the gearbox and may include a through-channel to enable the tilt rod to pass completely therethrough. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9489834
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and configured to actuate a window covering. The gearbox includes an internal wall enclosing gears of the gearbox, and an external wall enclosing the internal wall and creating a cavity between the internal wall and the external wall. The external wall is configured to support an output shaft extending from the internal wall. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9464478
    Abstract: A slatted blind is configured such that the slats close create a light blocking blind. The slats may be supported by a tilt cord that comprises a low stretch strand or a low stretch cord may be attached to the tilt cord. The slats may be connected to the supporting tilt cord such that when the slat is rotated to a closed position the slat is suspended from the rung. The rung may have an effective diameter of less than approximately 14 mil. Recesses may be formed in the slat for receiving the rung when the slat is in a closed position. A bottom rail may have a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the slats. A protrusion may be formed on the back of the slats such that the rung pushes on the protrusion to force the slat against an adjacent slat when the blind is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Levolor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Defenbaugh, Joshua Maust, Teresa Williamson, Peter Bates, Henry Sick
  • Patent number: 9447634
    Abstract: A window covering is provided. The window covering may include a frame mountable within a window return. The frame includes up to four frame members. The four frame members include a first side member having a first light stop, a second side member having a second light stop, a top member having a top light stop, and a bottom member having a bottom light stop. The top member may be coupled between top ends of the first side member and the second side member and the bottom member may be coupled between bottom ends of the first side member and the second side member to form a rectilinear shaped frame. A window covering may be coupled within the frame, wherein the light stops reduce a light gap between the window covering and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Frame It Shutter Shades LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Williams, Scott M. Bray, Tom Roth
  • Patent number: 9416583
    Abstract: This invention describes a process flow and method to assemble triple IG units without contaminating the center glass lite. A non-contact vacuum pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William Briese, John Grismer, Timothy B. McGlinchy
  • Patent number: 9410364
    Abstract: A sealed magnetic-controlled window blind between two panes of glass is disclosed. Raising or lowering the window blind which is sealed between two panes of glass is performed by the magnetic attraction between the between the raising outside control set and the raising inside control set (the magnets may be used). In addition, the operation of raising or lowering the window blind may be smooth due to the arrangement of the pulleys (or bearing) which are arranged on the raising inside control set and the outside control set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Supreme Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Li Zheng
  • Patent number: 9169691
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: David Barry Berger
  • Patent number: 9125510
    Abstract: A track for an adjustable blind assembly is disclosed. One described track for an adjustable blind assembly comprises a track comprising a base and a slot, the base comprising a flange portion and a brace portion, the flange portion extending from the base and securable to a spaced window pane by a window frame, and the slot extending from the base and comprising a channel for a sliding adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Fulton, Matthew White
  • Publication number: 20150101761
    Abstract: Solar photovoltaic window blind slats for power generation from internal and external light sources are provided are provided. A plurality of solar cells are attached to at least two sides of a slat core. Distributed maximum power point tracking optimizer components are associated with each solar cell. The solar cells and corresponding distributed maximum power point tracking optimizer components on each slat side are connected in electrical series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Solexel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Pawan Kapur
  • Patent number: 9004143
    Abstract: A blinds-between-glass window assembly includes spacers with a thermal break. The assembly is modular in that the same components can be used to form window assemblies of varying thicknesses by replacement of the corner keys. A spring counter-balance mechanism is mounted within a side rail to provide a counter-balancing force against a magnetic follower. Guards are disclosed to reduce scratching or marring that can occur if the blind slats bump against the frame or glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medieval Glass Millennium Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8931537
    Abstract: A main support frame is formed from sections of a plastic extrusion and has opposite side portions with peripheral recesses receiving an inner sash unit and outer sash unit each having a frame formed from sections of a plastic extrusion and supporting an insulated glass window unit. Hinges support the dual sash units for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, and gear connected telescopic link members connect the main frame to the sash frames for simultaneous movement. A lock system includes a handle on the inner sash unit for moving straps with studs on the sash frames through a connector mechanism mounted on the main frame for simultaneously locking and releasing both sash units and for releasing only the inner sash unit. A screen and/or mini-blind may be supported between the sash units, and the window system with dual sash units may be constructed in various forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Deceuninck North America, LLC
    Inventors: Philip F. Morton, Jonathan G. Morton
  • Publication number: 20140246155
    Abstract: A double glazing system, including a first sheet of glass, a second sheet of glass, a spacer element including a first surface for coupling with the first sheet of glass and a second surface for coupling with the second sheet of glass, a blind, or a screen, said spacer element made from low thermally conductive material including rubber and/or silicone foam. The spacer element includes support means including a housing made of a substantially “T”-shaped groove made on a surface perpendicular to the first surface and to the second surface. The support means include two lateral sections for guiding said blind, screen or the like having respective substantially “T”-shaped portions and being able to be engaged in said housing, the lateral sections including respective free ends for supporting respective end portions of said blind, screen or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pellini S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Nicolosi
  • Patent number: 8813808
    Abstract: A track for an adjustable blind assembly comprises a base and a slot. The base comprises a flange portion and a brace portion, the flange portion extends from the base and is securable to a spaced window pane by a window frame. The slot extends from the base and comprises a channel for a sliding adjuster. The slot comprises a side wall and a back wall extending from the base, a top wall connected to the side wall and the back wall, and a protrusion extending from the top wall, wherein the side wall, the back wall, and at least a portion of the top wall collectively define a hollow tubular cavity. The protrusion, the side wall and a portion of the base define the channel. The channel is open in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Fulton, Matthew White
  • Patent number: 8807191
    Abstract: A track for an adjustable blind assembly is disclosed. One described track for an adjustable blind assembly comprises a track comprising a base and a slot, the base comprising a flange portion and a brace portion, the flange portion extending from the base and securable to a spaced window pane by a window frame, and the slot extending from the base and comprising a channel for a sliding adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Fulton, Matthew White
  • Publication number: 20140209256
    Abstract: A hollow built-in blind includes two glass plates, an annular spacer cooperating with the glass plates to define a receiving space, and a blind disposed in the receiving space and including a lower rail, a plurality of slats, and two pull cords connected to the lower rail. A transmission unit includes a transmission shaft, a winding mechanism disposed on the shaft, and a belt pulley fixed to one end of the shaft. A drive unit is located at one lateral end of the blind and includes a guide wheel spaced apart from the belt pulley, an internal control device operable to move upward and downward in the receiving space, and a timing belt looped over the belt pulley and the guide wheel and having two opposite ends connected to the internal control device to form a closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SHANGHAI KING HUA IG BLINDS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xuezhong Zhang, Szu-Chang Huang
  • Publication number: 20140182794
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: David Barry BERGER
  • Patent number: 8678069
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, and more specifically, to a photovoltaic blind window having a photovoltaic cell applied to an electric blind. The photovoltaic blind window of the invention comprises: a multilayered glass composed of a pair of plate glass sheets that are connected to each other with a spacer to form an inner space between the plate glass sheets; an electric blind placed in the inner space of the multilayered glass, the blind having a plurality of slats elevating or tilting by the rotation of a drive motor; a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged on at least one side of the slat; and a storage battery for storing electricity that is generated by the photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Hausys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul June Choi, Dong Hun No
  • Publication number: 20140020851
    Abstract: An insulated glass assembly providing a simple and effective construction for installing a modular assembly inside the insulated glass assembly. The insulated glass assembly may include a spacer frame configured to support the modular assembly, such as a modular blind or shade assembly. The modular assembly may include a head rail module and a control operator module that may be captured by the spacer frame. For example, the spacer frame may capture the head rail module near the upper portion or the lower portion of the insulated glass blind assembly, and may capture the control operator module on a side adjacent to the head rail module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ODL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Allen Christopher Ouzts, Benjamin Patrick Hummel, Michael Shane Eveland, Marc Richard Spetoskey
  • Patent number: 8616260
    Abstract: A hollow built-in window blind is provided. The window blind includes an outer glass (13a), an inner glass (13b), a spacing strip (14), a curtain (12), and a fixing device for the curtain. The curtain (12) is installed in a closed space enclosed by the outer glass (13a), the inner glass (13b), and the spacing strip (14). Furthermore, the spacing strip (14) has a step part to be connected with the curtain (12), and the fixing device includes an upper beam (1) with a projection, left and right frames (10a, 10b) with a projection respectively. The upper beam (1), left and the right frames (10a, 10b) are connected to the spacing strip (14) by the projections set on the step part of the spacing strip (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai King Hua IG Blinds Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xuezhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8607839
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventor: David Barry Berger
  • Patent number: 8584729
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slidably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Lauren H Fillmore, Richard Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8579003
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slidably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Lauren H Fillmore, Richard Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20130292066
    Abstract: A window covering system with selectively positionable slats and a plurality of strategically positioned pairs of cooperating magnets. At least one magnet is embedded in or otherwise attached to predetermined locations on both the frame and the slats of the window covering. By aligning the magnets in the slats with the magnets in the frame, the slats can be quickly, reliably, and uniformly set to one or more desired positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Dana Draper
  • Patent number: 8550141
    Abstract: A novel hollow glass device with a built-in window shutter includes an inner glass layer, an outer glass layer, a window shutter sandwiched between the inner and outer glass layers, and a frame sealing and connecting the inner and outer glass layers. The window shutter is formed by connecting a plurality of blades by a turning cord in series, and the frame is provided with a window shutter lift mechanism and a window shutter turning mechanism. The window shutter turning mechanism employs a rigid component as a transmission structure, which is not liable to deformation and extension phenomena and loosening and is firm, practical and reliable, thereby ensuring long-term normal use of the hollow glass device. The hollow glass device is overall structurally compact and conveniently and quickly operable, and therefore can easily be further spread and used in more broad fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: CMECH (Guangzhou) Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Guokun Ding
  • Patent number: 8534343
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding security window, in which an end of the security window is mounted to a window sill, the other end of the security window is connected to a window, a height-adjustable movable part is mounted to a vertical pole of the security window, a connecting means for connecting or disconnecting the security window to or from the window is provided, and the folded security window is not exposed to the outside. When the window is opened or closed, the security window is unfolded or folded, so that the security window does not spoil the appearance of the city. The movable parts mounted to upper and lower ends of the vertical pole enhance the adaptability and movability of the security window. The security window efficiently performs its original function without hindering ventilation, views, or light admittance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Na Hyong Yl