Abstract: An interior insulative window is provided which is mounted outside of the prime window opening to the window opening frame and/or adjacent wall surface. This interior window is internally formed with decorative trim off-site and installed as a single unit which does not penetrate the window opening. The mounting frame can optionally include mounting space for receiving a venetian blind to be retained between the prime window and the interior window. For decorative consistency and/or further thermal efficiency, the corresponding structure can be applied to sliding patio doors.

Abstract: A window blind for use between double panes of glass which has an aperture in one pane of glass. The blind can be raised, lowered and tilted while maintaining the window seal. The blind includes a headrail, slats, a hollow screw with longitudinal screw channels. The hollow screw passes a headrail aperture and a glass aperture from inside the headrail to outside thus being threaded into a screw duct. At least one lift cord and a tilt control cord separately pass through the longitudinal screw channels thereby providing an external way to control the window blind.

Abstract: A window frame member is substantially pre-manufactured leaving only cutting the mortise and tenon ends of the rail and stile frame members along with cutting the glass stop to the required width. The pre-manufactured frame members include a continuous groove to receive removable glazing panel retention clips. A breather channel opening is cut in the mortise end of the stile frame member avoiding a separate drilling operation. The window frame is versatile and will accommodate multiple window accessories including a muntin grid and light control means such as a blind between two window units. An energy transmittance control system provides a balanced effective control of ultraviolet and near infrared light while maximizing transmission of the visible light. In a three glazing pane window assembly the outer pane includes two transparent silver metal layers while the inner pane includes one silver layer.

Abstract: A venetian blind assembly is described, for use in a glazed door having a rectangular window insert mounted therein and forming a primary glazing. In the improved assembly a rectangular frame is provided with a secondary glazing mounted within the rectangular frame, and a venetian blind mounted completely within the frame so as to be between the primary and secondary glazings when the assembly is secured to the door. Holding clips engage the exterior of the rectangular frame and are held in place by screws which are engaged in holes used for the securing of the rectangular window frame insert into the main door body of the door. Alternatively, an additional frame may be secured to the door around the window insert of the door and the double glazed unit with the venetian blind therein may be held to this additional frame by means of snap-on clips.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a window covering to a window by attachment to the frame of a window pane in a manner which retains the window covering in spaced apart relation relative to the window pane. This apparatus can be snap-fit onto the window pane without use of penetrating fasteners. This apparatus also permits utilization in retrofit double pane arrangements and facilitates removal of individual window panes with the window covering as a single unit to avoid disconnection of through-window adjustment controls.

Abstract: Venetian blinds, pleated blinds or the like, suspended in a cord drive system mounted in a housing, adapted to be positioned between the glass panes in a double glass window, particularly an insulating glass unit. The cord drive system is connected with a laterally arranged, longitudinal support shaft (16), mounted in the housing, which support shaft (16) is arranged rotatable as well as laterally displaceable in axial direction in order to accomplish winding and dewinding of the cord drives (10,12;66,68;78,78') in one single layer along parts of the support shaft, in order to hoist or ower the blind, respectively. The support shaft (16) is provided with threads in engagement with a threaded member (24,28), which is not rotatably connected in said housing (2), effecting that said support shaft (16) by rotation synchonously is being moved in axial direction.

Abstract: A venetian blind (10) having a low profile headrail (18) is provided particularly useful for double-glazed and/or screened windows. A tilt mechanism (24) extends horizontally and outwardly from one end of the headrail and includes internal drive gearing and a spocket moving a horizontal beaded chain (31) held in a pair of clamping blocks (33) slidably movable to and fro in a guide channel (32) in the headrail. A tilt wand connector includes upper legs insertable into a square bore in a drive gear. The clamping blocks include clamp levers (34) for clamping the upper ends (20c) of vertical legs (20a) of the tape ladders supporting the blind slats (17) so that the orbital motion of the chain and sliding motion of the clamping blocks pulls or slackens opposite legs (20a, 20b) of the ladders effecting tilting of the blind slats. A draw cord and mounting screw guide (36) is included in the headrail which minimizes or prevents fraying of the draw cord(s) 21a.

Abstract: A Venetian blind for inside installation in a window in an inclined roof comprises profile lists fastened to the side pieces of the sash for guiding at least the lower list of the shade, whereby a load acting on the lower list of the Venetian blind to pull it towards its lowered position, is provided by at least one coil spring. The coiled part of the spring is seated in a housing at one end of the lower list with its axis of rotation essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower list, and the uncoiled part runs in one of the profile lists and is fastened at the lower end of this list near the lower edge of the window.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a window covering to a window by attachment to the frame of a window pane in a manner which retains the window covering in spaced apart relation relative to the window pane. This apparatus can be snap-fit onto the window pane without use of penetrating fasteners. This apparatus also permits utilization in retrofit double pane arrangements and facilitates removal of individual window panes with the window covering as a single unit to avoid disconnection of through-window adjustment controls.

Abstract: A multiple glazed window unit and venetian blind assembly in which a rectangular glass spacer frame has at least one of its upper and lower frame members connected to at least one of the side frame members by at least one electric motor unit, each motor unit including a housing and an electric motor, the housing being connected, to one of the horizontal frame members and one of the side frame members, so that the housing forms a corner of and a structural part of the frame. The electric motor is used to operate a venetian blind mounted between the panes of glass carried by the glass spacer frame.

Abstract: A motorized window blind operator is slidably received in a mounting bracket in the plane of the blind in a window frame. A motor in the operator housing normally opens and closes the blind but can be overridden by a manually operated gear train utilizing a screw driver extending through a hole in the inner window pane into engagement with a slotted hub on a gear in the housing. An upstanding flange on the housing overlaps with the adjacent blind slat to prevent light passing therethrough when the blind is closed. The housing has a V-shaped vertical end which receives the ends of the blind slats which have a similar shape for preventing light passage therebetween.

Abstract: A window shade screen is disclosed in combination with the window of a motor vehicle. The screen includes horizontal slats and a tilt plate positioned thereabove. An assembly for associating the tilt plate with the slats is provided, so that tilting of the tilt plate tilts the slats concomitantly therewith. An assembly is also provided for removably securing the tilt plate to the window, so that the screen moves upwardly and downwardly with the window. An assembly is further provided for securing the slats to the tilt plate. Finally, a chamber is provided for receiving all the components of the screen when the screen is not in use.

Abstract: A skylight window covering has a frame affixed to the room vertical or ceiling walls with a central opening lying opposite the skylight. A length of pleated fabric has one end secured to the frame and an opposite end held by a movable rail with ends sliding along the frame. A helically grooved rod has its ends journaled at one end to a 90.degree. gear box and is threaded within a nut on the end of the movable rail such that rod rotation adjustably positions the rail and pleated fabric. Resilient supports prevent the rod from drooping and are temporarily moved aside as the rail moves therepast and immediately spring back to supporting position. Adjustment driving of the rod can be accomplished manually or by a handheld electric motor.

Abstract: A double glazing panel including a pleated blind within, and means for raising and lowering the blind. One embodiment includes an aperture in one of the glazing panels, a bolt with a hole through the center mounted in the aperture, and the blind control means passing through the bolt hole and further up and over a screen, if desired. Another embodiment provides routing the control means over the glazing housing, and any screen housing provided. The blind may be optionally mounted to one of the glazing panels to aid in cleaning.

Abstract: A sash assembly with a built-in blind wherein, upon modification of the existing fixed sash window to such a sash assembly with a built-in blind, the existing window frame can be utilized as it is without having to dismantle it, and which has an extremely simple construction and whereby the existing fixed sash window can be modified to a fixed sash window with a built-in blind at a low cost.

Abstract: A screen unit with a built-in blind, capable of being mounted on an existing sash at a low cost through simple work. The screen unit comprises: a rectangular unit frame consisting of an upper horizontal frame member, a lower horizontal frame member, a right vertical frame member and a left vertical frame member; an outdoor side glass panel fixedly attached to the outdoor side of the unit sash; an indoor side glass panel member detachably attached to the indoor side of the unit sash; and elongate projections formed integrally respectively with the horizontal and vertical frame members so as to extend along and project from the respective outer surfaces of the corresponding horizontal and vertical frame members, for connection to an existing sash.

Abstract: A door for use in a building, which includes a door frame defining an opening, and a louver arranged in the opening of the door frame. The louver includes a plurality of slats aligned parallel to each other. Each of the slats is connected at its opposite ends to the door frame so that the slat is pivoted about an axis generally coincidental with its centerline. The door also includes an adjusting assembly for pivoting the slats, and a connecting member for connecting all the slats. The adjusting assembly includes a rotatable lug member connected to one of the slats so that the slat is pivoted when the lug member is rotated. Due to the connecting member, the slats are simultaneously pivoted in the same direction when one of the slats is pivoted.

Abstract: A between-the-glass slatted blind operator includes an enclosure having a housing and a bottom wall. All of the gears are contained in the housing and the bottom wall is placed over the top of the gears when the operator is being assembled and being locked in place by inwardly deflected tabs on the housing side walls. The bottom wall has upwardly extending gear supports which oppose the gear supports in the housing. The bottom wall is unexposed to view when the operator is in its position of use.

Abstract: A window shade construction for a window having a generally rectangular window frame comprises a pair of flexible cords running substantially from the top to the bottom of the window and attached adjacent respective top and bottom ends of the window frame. Respective top and bottom header members are coupled for slidable movement along the cords. A pleated shade member has a first end coupled to the top header and an opposite end coupled to the bottom header, such that the pleated shade is expandable and collapsible in accordian-like fashion as the top and bottom headers are moved slidably along the cords.

Abstract: A Venetian blind is accommodated within the sealed interspace defined by the two glass surfaces of a glass-box including two or more glass surfaces spaced apart by an aluminum frame which contains the molecular sieve. The Venetian blind is provided with control members which allow adjustment of packing and/or inclination of its blades from outside the glass-box without altering the seal, and therefore the functionality, of the same. Operation from the outside of the control members inside the glass-box is achieved, for each adjustment, by magnetic coupling, through one of the glass surfaces of the glass-box, between a first magnet, positioned inside the glass-box and directly connected to the respective control system, and a second external magnet.

Abstract: A tilting transfer mechanism for a venetian blind assembly particularly for use behind glazing where the blind assembly includes a tape cable forming part of a supporting means supporting a plurality of slats. The tape cable is supported by a pivotal tape stabilization means which in turn is operatively connected to a linearly movable operating element by a connecting means. The operating element in turn is coupled to an operating member.

Abstract: A shade construction for a vehicle window having a generally rectangular window frame comprises a pair of flexible cords running respectively from top to bottom edges of the window frame. Substantial portions of these cords are in parallel, spaced apart condition and located adjacent and parallel to opposite lateral sides of the frame. A shade structure comprises a header and a pleated shade member coupled to the header. The pleated shade member is slideably mounted to the pair of cords generally at opposite sides thereof so as to be expandable and collapsible in accordion-like fashion relative to the cords. Mounting structure is provided for slideably mounting the header to the cords, and for directing the cords through the header and into slideable engagement with the pleated shade member.

Abstract: A venetian blind suitable for mounting in a space between two panes (16,17) of a multiple glazed window assembly (16,17) and comprising upper and lower supporting members (31, 32) between which are mounted the slat supporting means, such as a ladder tape. The supporting member (31,32) carries drive members (47) which are positively driven by a flexible drive element (55), which in turn is driven by an actuating member (58,59) located between the panes (16,17) and an operating element (68) is mounted outside the inner pane (17). The upper and lower supporting members (31,32) are mounted on supporting clips (25) which are held in place by being pushed fitted into upper and lower carriers (14,15) carried by the upper and lower window frame parts (12,13).

Abstract: A glass spacer adapted for use in a window unit having two spaced glazings including a venetian blind assembly positioned between the glazings. The spacer includes a body member which extends between the slats parallel to the edges thereof and a privacy strip which extends substantially the length of the body portion and which is perpendicular to the body portion to overlap a portion of the slats of the blind assembly.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of slats of a slat blind positioned between the panes of glass of a sealed window unit is described. The mechanism is sealed about an aperture through one of the panes and includes a flexible cable within a flexible tube extending from the mechanism to the control mechanism for the blind. The flexible tube maintains the window seal and the cable enables torque to be transmitted from the mechanism to the tilt control mechanism of the blind, thereby allowing direct external mechanical control of the tilt angle of the slats without breaking the hermetic seal for the window.

Abstract: A multiple-glazed window assembly is described in which a tilting mechanism unit (40) is secured to one side frame member (10). A venetian blind assembly including upper and lower supporting members (31, 32) is mounted on carriers (14,15) carried by the upper and lower frame members (12,13) by snap-fit pivotal securing elements (25) and connecting means (75) on the upper and lower supporting elements (31,32) are advanced to engage connecting means (58) on the tilting mechanism unit (40).

Abstract: A modular, self-contained window insert made up of two panes of glass or impact resistant plastic which are secured within a frame which is sealed to prevent the entry of dust into the interior of the window unit. A shade in the form of a double accordian, collapsible sheet is placed within the window unit between the two panes of glass and can be moved upward or downward by use of a perimeter control mechanism secured to the frame.

Abstract: A louvre assembly between two transparent covers of a housing comprises lightweight louvres suspended and pivoted by lightweight filaments. A counterbalanced beam for pivoting the louvres can be operated by an electrical driving arrangement such as one including a piezoelectric bimorph driver. The electrical power for operating the driver may be obtained from solar cells. A louvre guide system spaces the louvres from the transparent walls of the housing and guides the louvres.

Abstract: A solar radiation assembly forming a portion of an envelope of a building wherein sunlight entering the building is selectively regulated by exterior and interior variable radiation transmission assemblies positioned, respectively, on the outside and inside of a central unit of glazing. The exterior assembly includes adjustable reflective vanes and an outer protective glazing. The interior assembly comprises adjustable dark colored vanes and a retractable insulating cover positioned between the inner vanes and the central glazing. Additionally, where thermal insulating glazing is employed as a glazing unit, the integrity of sealed air chambers between layers of glazing are protected by an expandable bladder.

Abstract: A unitized secondary glazing frame venetian blind assembly. The secondary frame and blind assembly is adapted to be installed with a prepositioned primary glazing frame such that the blind assembly is positioned between a primary glazing and a secondary glazing. The secondary frame has mounting portions between which the blind assembly is suspended and side extensions overlapping the ends of the slats of the blind assembly.

Abstract: A shutter adapted to be attached in hinged relation to a frame defining an opening, whereby at least part of the opening may be covered by the shutter, includes a shutter body. The shutter body has opposed top and bottom and opposed side body members, the body members defining a shutter opening. A plurality of movable slats extend horizontally across the shutter opening. The slats are individually suspended and vertically spaced from each other by at least two flexible ladder suspension harnesses. Each harness has two parallel vertical strands with each slat held in fixed relation to a selected location on each of the vertical strands. Lateral movement of the slats is limited by the vertical strands and longitudinal movement of the slats is limited by the side body members. Means are provided to selectively lower and raise at least one of the vertical strands of each harness to rotate the slats about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a shipping clip for use in a venetial blind assembly where the assembly includes an operable element moveable between a slat open and a slat closed position and which is operatively connected to a tilt mechanism for tilting slats of the blind assembly. The assembly also includes a mounting or guide means for mounting and guiding the operable element on a part of the window unit, for example, a glazing or frame member of the window unit. The shipping clip has locking means thereon adapted to engage said operable element in a slat fully open position to lock movement of the operable movement with respect to the mounting or guide means. The clip is applied to the operable element at the factory before shipping and is removed after the blind assembly has been installed at a building site.

Abstract: A magnetic actuating mechanism for a pivotal venetian blind assembly. The mechanism includes a linear movable operating element in the form of a split housing operatively connected by connection means to a hanger pivot member supporting a plurality of slats. The split housing forms two housing sections each having a magnet therein. The hanger pivot member has a body portion the length of which is equal to a slat width and a bearing section spaced from an end slat.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating window and reflector for controlling the heat gain and loss of a structure in which rotary vanes redirect infra red radiant energy while at the same time thermal transfer due to convection and conduction are reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A Venetian blind to be mounted in a window casement or window frame, comprising a channelled suspension rail arranged horizontally at the top and mounting the operating mechanism of the blind, and two vertical guide rails for the slats of the blind, mounted one at each side and forming a support for the associated end of the suspension rail. This rail at one end thereof is positively engaged with one guide rail while a manually adjustable latch element is provided at the other end of the suspension rail for positive engagement with the other guide rail.

Abstract: A window having a blind disposed between interior and exterior panes of glass. A glazed interior door is movably disposed on the lower frame of a glazed exterior door, and the blind is disposed between these doors to form a double-glazed door. A plurality of sash rollers are movably mounted to the lower frame of the interior door and capable of moving along the rails mounted to the lower frame of the exterior door. Screws are detachably screwed into the interior and exterior doors to prevent these doors from moving relative to each other. The double-glazed door is arranged on the rails in the sash via a plurality of sash rollers which are rotatably mounted to the lower frame of the exterior door.

Abstract: A venetian blind hanger pivot member for a venetian blind assembly having a plurality of slats including an upper end slat and a lower end slat and tape cables forming part of a slat suspension means. The hanger pivot member has a slat engaging surface engaging an end slat and a bearing portion which is pivotally engaged by suspension means in turn connected to a frame opening. The tape cables are connected to the hanger pivot member so as to extend over the edges of an end slat whereby when a hanger pivot member is pivoted about the suspension means, all of said slats are tilted.

Abstract: A venetian blind hanger pivot member for a venetian blind assembly having a plurality of slats including an upper end slat and a lower end slat and tape cables forming part of a slat suspension means. The hanger pivot member has a slat engaging surface engaging an end slat and a bearing portion which is pivotally engaged by suspension means in turn connected to a frame opening. The tape cables are connected to the hanger pivot member so as to extend over the edges of an end slat whereby when a hanger pivot member is pivoted about the suspension means, all of said slats are tilted.

Abstract: A window casement defining a window structured to be permanently installed in a wall opening within the wall studding defining a chamber closed except for narrow openings at the top and bottom which have communication with the interior of the building within which it is installed and containing heat absorbing and heat transmitting elements which may be positioned to on the one hand absorb heat and on the other hand to reflect heat and wherein said elements can be partially or wholly withdrawn from the chamber to permit an unobstructed view through the window opening.

Abstract: A plurality of slats are selectively rotated or folded by a set of self-locking and self-releasing clutch mechanisms coupled to and responsive to the rotation of corresponding rotating threaded shafts.

Abstract: Slatted blind assembly having a mat of slats with a pivot means adapted to be fixed to a structure positioned adjacent opposite ends of the mat. A pair of cables supporting the slats extend between supporting points on the pivot means. The supporting points of each pivot means define with the center point of the pivot axis about which the pivot means rotates a triangle with the center point forming a vertex of the top angle of the triangle. The top angles of the pivot means on opposite sides of the mat face in opposite directions.

Abstract: A suspension system for a venetian blind assembly having a plurality of slats. The suspension system includes slat supporting means for tiltably supporting individual slats with a pivot member connected to the ends of each slat support means. The pivot members are pivotally connected to hanger means which are in turn connected to fixed frame members. The hangers may be pivotally connected to the fixed frame members and may include spring means for urging a pivot member towards a fixed frame member.

Abstract: A louver solar panel comprising spaces parallel corrugated louvers extending between channel-like side members. The louvers have flat sided adjoining corrugations the sides of which are about equal in width and are about normal to one another. The louvers are oriented at angles of about 30.degree. with the lengths of the side members, do not overlap and have a heat absorbing surface on the sides thereof to be exposed to solar radiation.

Abstract: A venetian blind structure having a plurality of tiltable slats and slat support means including a top pivotal bearing structure remote from and above the top slat and a bottom pivotal bearing structure remote from and below the bottom slat. The slat support means extend between and are connected to the top and bottom pivotal bearing structure which in turn are adapted to be fixed to top and bottom frame members of a window opening.

Abstract: A magnetic actuating mechanism for a pivotal venetian blind assembly. The mechanism includes a linear movable operating element in the form of a split housing operatively connected by connection means to a hanger pivot member supporting a plurality of slats. The split housing forms two housing sections each having a magnet therein. The hanger pivot member has a body portion the length of which is equal to a slat width and a bearing section spaced from an end slat.

Abstract: A thermally insulating transparent wall element comprises a plurality of paraxially, adjacently arranged evacuated transparent tubes each having an axially arranged shaft journalled therewithin, an elongate sunshade strip being mounted on each shaft. A ratchet wheel is supported on one end of each shaft and has at its circumference engaging elements situated at the same angular distance from one another. An externally operable pawl cooperates with the engaging elements of the ratchet wheel to advance the same in step-wise manner. Means is provided to drive the pawl; and a member is coupled to the pawl drive means for latching the ratchet wheel at the end of each movement step, such member being releasable from the ratchet wheel by the pawl drive means just before the start of the next movement step.

Abstract: A sealed double glazed window comprises two spaced panes of glass sealed in a frame and a slat blind positioned in the space between the panes having control means for adjusting the slats. The inner pane of glass has a hole therethrough for providing access to the control means of the slat blind. An adjusting device is mounted about the hole so that the slats of the blind may be adjusted while maintaining the window seal. The adjusting device has a flexible diaphragm sealed about the hole and has adjusting means passing through the hole from the diaphragm to the control means thereby maintaining the hermetic seal of the window unit.

Abstract: A venetian blind hanger pivot member for a venetian blind assembly having a plurality of slats including an upper end slat and a lower end slat and tape cables forming part of a slat suspension means. The hanger pivot member has a slat engaging surface engaging an end slat and a bearing portion which is pivotally engaged by suspension means in turn connected to a frame opening. The tape cables are connected to the hanger pivot member so as to extend over the edges of an end slat whereby when a hanger pivot member is pivoted about the suspension means, all of said slats are tilted.

Abstract: A venetian blind tilt rod control system including a rotatable tilt rod and drive means for rotating the rod. Spring activated connection means operatively connect the drive means and tilt rod and a spring is provided for activating the connection means.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating window openings through walls and the like includes a thermal shutter, a rail for mounting the shutter adjacent to the window opening and a coupling for connecting the shutter to the rail. The thermal shutter includes an insulated panel adhered to frame members which surround the periphery of the panel. The frame members include a hard portion for providing the frame and a soft portion for providing a seal with that portion of the wall adjacent to the periphery of the opening. The coupling means is preferably integral with the attachment rail.According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling means includes a continuous hinge of reduced thickness. The thermal shutter can be permanently attached, hinged, bi-folded, or sliding with respect to the window and wall. A distribution method is to market the apparatus in "kit" form.