Abstract: A window blind control structure used in a window blind for controlling lifting and tilting of the blind slats is constructed to include a transmission mechanism mounted in a headrail of the window blind and coupled to blind slats of the window blind, a linking mechanism coupled to the transmission mechanism, and an operation device for operation by the user to bias the linking mechanism and to further drive the transmission mechanism to adjust the elevation and tilting angle of the blind slats.

Abstract: A window covering operating unit including a stationary mountable first profile, a stationary mountable second profile, a profile movable between the first and second profile; and window covering material which is mountable between the movable profile and the first or second profile, wherein the window operating unit includes a first rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a first winding cord engaging on the movable profile and wherein the window operating unit further includes a second rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a second winding cord engaging on the movable profile, wherein the second winding shaft extends adjacently of and substantially parallel to the first winding shaft.

Abstract: A curtain blind take-up drive mechanism with non-slip effect having a freehand turn operation. The non-slip effect is configured to prevent slats of the blind from slipping down, and further includes coupling a power end of a drive shaft to a reel. The drive shaft connects to a worm gear via a transmission amplifier. The worm gear is actuated through reciprocally engaging with a worm driven via a flexible shaft coupling and through operation of a slat tilt rod. Reciprocal teeth meshing and teeth surface pressure between the worm gear and the worm achieves a high slip-rate, and thereby inhibits reverse transmission, thus accomplishing a reverse direction stoppage effect, and further producing a large frictional force and forming a surface-pressure slip effect thereof. The transmission amplifier allows the drive shaft to achieve a high rotational speed, thereby facilitating freehand operation for taking-up and letting-down of the slats.

Abstract: Apparatus for raising and lowering a window shade, comprising first and second lines movable together to raise and lower the shade, a third line, which is a control line, and first, second and third rotors to which the first and second and third lines are respectively connected, whereby when the third line is displaced, the third rotor rotates to effect rotation of the first and second rotors to displace the first and second dines to raise or lower the shade.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting mechanism for a window covering and a locking device for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The lifting mechanism includes main body, a pair of cord spools rotatably mounted to the main body, and a pair of coil springs that rotate a member separate from the cord spools, and the member rotates the spools to wind the cord onto the spools.

Abstract: A height adjustment control is provided for a retractable window shade. The window shade includes a top beam and a bottom beam with the bottom beam suspended below the top beam by at least one cord. The bottom beam can be adjusted and positioned relative to the top beam by adjustment of a length of cord extending between the top beam and the bottom beam. The height adjustment control system of this invention acts on the portions of the cord which are not suspended between the top beam and the bottom beam. A retainer is provided to gather up portions of the cord which are not in use. A retractor exerts a force on the retainer to cause the retainer to automatically gather up this excess cord. A cord brake is provided to hold the cord from passing onto the retainer and hold the bottom beam at a desired position below the top beam.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail and a window covering material extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the headrail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail. The assembly also includes a traversable tube disposed in the headrail, the traversable tube having first and second ends. The assembly includes a threaded support rod secured to the headrail adjacent a first end of the tube, the threaded support rod being threadably coupled with the first end of the tube for providing traversing motion to the tube. The assembly also includes a spring motor secured to said headrail adjacent a second end of the tube.

Abstract: A cordless blind includes a headrail, a bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord, a wall covering disposed between the headrail and the bottom rail, and a drive actuator. The drive actuator includes a spring motor, a spool coupled to the spring motor, a first tensioning mechanism, and a second tensioning mechanism. The first and second tensioning mechanisms are configured to impact a resistant force on movement of the first and second cords. The drive actuator may include a spool, a spring motor, a biasing element configured to provide a force biased against movement of the bottom rail, and a bias relief mechanism that is configured to provide for selective application and relief of the biasing force by the biasing element.

Abstract: A lift lock for a blind is disclosed to include a casing holding a guide wheel, balls respectively received in respective sliding grooves around one side of the guide wheel, a shaft inserted through the casing and coupled to a lift rod of the blind, and a spring member sleeved onto the shaft for forcing an engagement portion of the shaft into engagement with a positioning opening of the casing. When the torque inputted into the lift rod surpassed the friction resistance between the casing and the shaft, the balls force the shaft to disengage the engagement portion from the positioning opening of the casing for enabling the lift rod to be freely rotated. When the input torque of the lift rod dropped, the spring member returns the shaft into engagement with the positioning opening of the casing to stop the lift rod in position.

Abstract: A lift lock for blind is disclosed to include a shaft pivoted to a headrail of a blind for synchronous rotation with a lift rod of the blind. The shaft has a constraint device. A switching mechanism is mounted inside the headrail of the blind and has a sliding member movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The sliding member has an engagement device, which engages the constraint device to stop the shaft from rotary motion when the sliding member moved to the locking position, or is disengaged from the constraint device for enabling the shaft to be rotated with the lift rod when the sliding member moved to the unlocking position. And, a control mechanism has a pull rod for pulling by the user to switch the switching mechanism between the locking position and the unlocking position.

Abstract: A pleated shade or Venetian blind apparatus capable of height adjustment comprising an upper elongated support; a lower elongated member that is manually adjustable up and down; primary lines extending through shade pleats or blind slats to suspend the bottom elongated member; primary rotors at the top elongated support to wind or engage the primary lines; at least one secondary line having operative connection to the primary lines; and rotary members acting on the secondary line or lines for counterbalancing suspension force exerted on the primary lines at different shade or blind height adjusted levels, including a spring coupled to the rotary members exerting force tending to entrain the secondary line or lines about the rotary members, for storage on at least one of the members.

Abstract: A modularized power mechanism of blind is disclosed to include a main body, a winding unit, a transmission member and a resilient element. The main body has a first shaft hole and a second shaft hole substantially perpendicular to the first shaft hole. The winding unit is inserted into the first shaft hole of the main body and has a driving portion and a mounting hole for accommodating a reel of a blind therein. The transmission member is inserted into the second shaft hole of said main body and has a driven portion engaged with the driving portion of the winding unit for rotating synchronously. The resilient element has an end fixed to the main body and the other end fixed to the transmission member for providing a resilient force.

Abstract: A window blind includes a housing, slats, and a bottom rail. A shaft is journalled in the housing. A pair of pull ropes extends through the housing and the slats, and connects the shaft to the bottom rail. A drive cord is coupled to the shaft. An operating device includes a pulling unit, a braking unit, and a positioning unit. The pulling unit permits extension of the drive cord therethrough, has the drive cord secured thereto, and is operable so as to rotate the shaft for raising the bottom rail. The braking unit provides a braking force that is transmitted to the shaft so as to retain the bottom rail at a desired vertical distance relative to the housing. The positioning unit permits extension of the drive cord therethrough and is operable so as to release the braking force for lowering the bottom rail.

Abstract: A method of controlling the vertical height of a window shade having a top and bottom, which includes providing shade upper support structure at or proximate the shade top; providing at least one substantially vertically elongated shade support line extending downwardly from the upper support structure, and providing shade lower support structure at or proximate the shade bottom; elevating or lowering the shade lower support structure relative to one or more support lines; and securing the shade lower support structure to the line or lines at a selected height position relative to the line length above the lower support structure, whereby the height of the shade bottom can be quickly manually adjusted by adjustment of the height of the shade lower support structure effective securement to line or lines.

Abstract: A window blind includes a head rail, a bottom rail, and an expandable window covering. A pair of pull cords interconnect the head rail, the bottom rail and the expandable window covering. A spring motor includes a drive drum, a pair of cord spools, a spiral spring, and a friction imposing mechanism. The drive drum is mounted rotatably on the head rail. Each of the cord spools is mounted to rotate with and is disposed on a respective side of the drive drum, and is connected to a respective one of the pull cords. The spiral spring provides a biasing force acting on the drive drum. The friction imposing mechanism provides a friction force acting on one of the drive drum and the pull cords. The biasing force and the friction force cooperate to retain the bottom rail at a desired vertical distance relative to the head rail.

Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: Spools for horizontal blinds are provided. The spools are shaped as flared cylinders, with a minimum circumference at a center, and maximum circumferences at outer portions thereof.

Abstract: A blind lifting control mechanism for use in a blind and adapted to control the elevation of the blind body is constructed to include two bobbins pivotally mounted inside a headrail of the blind, a transmission mechanism mounted inside the headrail of the blind and coupled to the bobbins, and a control rod vertically suspended at a side of a window and coupled to the transmission mechanism for rotating by the user to drive the transmission mechanism to rotate the bobbins to roll up/let off the lift cords of the blind body and to further lift/lower the blind body.

Abstract: A cordless blind contains one or more spring motors, one or more cord collectors and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a button or lever or two buttons or levers which when pressed and released will change the lock from a locked position, wherein the lift cords are restrained from being collected on or released from the cord collector, and has an unlocked position that allows the lift cords and cord collector to freely move when pressed again the button or lever will change the lock mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position. A cord or wand may be connected to the button or lever. Then the operator can place the bottomrail or moving rail of the blind at any desired location between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A method of controlling the vertical height of a window shade having a top and bottom, which includes providing shade upper support structure at or proximate the shade top; providing at least one substantially vertically elongated shade support line extending downwardly from the upper support structure, and providing shade lower support structure at or proximate the shade bottom; elevating or lowering the shade lower support structure relative to one or more support lines; and securing the shade lower support structure to the line or lines at a selected height position relative to the line length above the lower support structure, whereby the height of the shade bottom can be quickly manually adjusted.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: A cordless blind contains one or more springs in the bottomrail of the blind. Preferably the spring is a constant force spring motor and is connected to at least one cord collector in a manner to maintain tension on the cord collector. The tension causes the lift cords to be collected on the cord collector when the cord collector and the lift cords are free to move, thereby moving the bottomrail toward the headrail. Preferably, a lock mechanism is attached to the cord collector or the lift cords. The lock mechanism has a locked position wherein the lift cords are restrained from being collected on the cord collector and has an unlocked position that allows the lift cords and cord collector to move.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus for controlling the lift and tilt of a horizontal window blind. A tilting drum, conic cord-gathering shaft, torsion spring and support cradle may be combined to provide lift and tilt adjustment with a single rotational control. An angular surface near one end of the cord-gathering shaft deflects winding coils of a lifting cord down the length of the cone. The torsion spring and spring stops in the device allow tilt adjustment to take place in conjunction with the rotation of the cord-gathering shaft. The preferred embodiment includes a cord cover to guide the coils as the diameter of the cord-gathering shaft decreases.

Abstract: A cord-operated control system for a venetian blind, in which a housing, attached to the head rail, holds a first drive wheel that is operatively connected to a driven bind member that rotates in opposite directions to open and close the blind with rotation of the first drive wheel in opposite directions and a second drive wheel that is operatively connected to the first drive wheel, so that the first drive wheel rotates in opposite directions with rotation of the second drive wheel in opposite directions. An endless loop operating cord is looped over the second drive wheel, so that an axial pulling force on only one of the depending portions of the operating cord on opposite sides of the second drive wheel causes the second drive wheel to rotate in one of the opposite directions. As a safety feature, a release disconnects the drive wheels from each only if there is an axial pulling force on both depending portions of the operating cord simultaneously.

Abstract: A cord drive has two cords mounted on two spools. Pulling the first cord unwraps the first cord from the first spool, causes a drive shaft to rotate in one direction, and causes the second cord to wrap onto the second spool. Pulling the second cord unwraps the second cord from the second spool, causes the drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, and causes the first cord to wrap onto the first spool.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A cordless blind comprising a headrail, a bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord. A window covering disposed between the headrail and the bottom rail, a drive actuator including a spring motor and a spool for accumulating the cords is coupled to the spring motor. A one-way tensioning mechanism is mounted and coupled to the drive actuator and the bottom rail wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to provide a resistant force on movement of one of the first and second cords in one direction. Another embodiment of the cordless blind provides the one-way tensioning mechanism comprising a mechanism bracket with the mechanism bracket having a base and a first upright and second upright coupled to the base. Each upright defines an aperture proximate a distal end of each upright and further each upright including a pawl with one pawl aligned in facing relationship with the other pawl. A pulley is mounted between the two uprights.

Abstract: A cordless blind contains one or more springs in the bottomrail of the blind. Preferably the spring is a constant force spring motor and is connected to at least one cord collector in a manner to maintain tension on the cord collector. The tension causes the lift cords to be collected on the cord collector when the cord collector and the lift cords are free to move, thereby moving the bottomrail toward the headrail. Preferably, a lock mechanism is attached to the cord collector or the lift cords. The lock mechanism has a locked position wherein the lift cords are restrained from being collected on the cord collector and has an unlocked position that allows the lift cords and cord collector to move.

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 cord drive has two cords mounted on two spools. Pulling the first cord unwraps the first cord from the first spool, causes a drive shaft to rotate in one direction, and causes the second cord to wrap onto the second spool. Pulling the second cord unwraps the second cord from the second spool, causes the drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, and causes the first cord to wrap onto the first spool.

Abstract: A spring drive system for window covers is disclosed, which comprises a so-called flat spring drive and the combination whose elements are selected from a group which includes (1) a band transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; and (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed. The combination permits the spring drive force at the cover to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of the window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

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 field marking system includes a marking solution storage tank, a mixing volume fluidly connected to the storage tank and configured to mix marking solution from the storage tank with pressurized air, a nozzle fluidly connected to the mixing volume and an engine including a turbocharger. The turbocharger supplies pressurized air to at least one of the solution storage tank and the mixing volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the turbocharger supplies pressurized air to both the solution storage tank and the mixing volume. The marking system additionally includes a valve connected between the solution storage tank and the mixing volume and a control circuit coupled to the valve. In one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit generates a control signal such as the valve modulates based upon the control signal to vary production of marking medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant or a consistent, variable force spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more spring motors are employed. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the spring forces, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: A Venetian blind lifting mechanism is composed of a slat set, a winding member, a slat winding cord, and a locating member. The slat set has a plurality of slats. The winding member has at least one cord pulling member and at least one spring releasing unit which is linked with the cord pulling member. The cord pulling member has one end which is extended through the slat set, and other end which is fastened with the cord pulling member. The locating member has a retaining member capable of bringing about a retaining force to overcome the rewinding force of the winding member so as to stabilize the cord pulling member.

Abstract: A Venetian blind is provided with a slat-lifting mechanism consisting of a slat set, a slat pull cord, and a constant torque pull set. The slat set has a plurality of slats. The slat pull cord is connected with each of the slats of the slat set and is put through the bottommost end of the slat set. The constant torque pull set is disposed at the top end of the slat set and composed of a pull cord member and a constant torque spring unit which is linked with the pull cord member and provided with a constant torque spring which has a constant retrieving force enabling the pull cord member to rewind. The constant retrieving force of the constant torque spring must meet the condition of W-Fs<R<W+Fs, in which W stands for a total weight of the slat set; Fs, a system static friction force; and R, a retrievable elastic force of the constant torque spring.

Abstract: The device has a winding drum (5) mounted fixedly in terms of translation in a frame (1) and to insure that the cord is wound in even turns without overlapping there is of a traveling nut (6) engaging with a screw thread formed on the winding drum and an eyelet for guiding (8) the cord at its entry into the frame (1). The nut moves between an end of the cord (7a) fixed to the drum and the guiding eyelet (8). In the traveling nut is furthermore advantageously mounted a retractable stop (13) controlled by the cord (7) in order to oppose the rotation of the drum in the direction of unwinding when the cord is slack.

Abstract: A combined tilt and lift control, for use with a window covering having slats suspended by ladder tapes connected to the slats, and slat lift elements for raising and lowering the slats and a tilt and lift control rod for operating the combined tilt and lift control, the tilt and lift control having a drum for securing and operating the ladder tapes and defining a hollow interior, a lift element opening in the drum bearings, a lift reel rotatably mounted in the drum, a two way rotation control connecting between the lift reel and the drum so that operation of the tilt and lift control rod between predetermined limits will be transmitted to the drum to cause movement of the ladder tapes and tilting of the slats, and so that movement of the tilt and lift control rod beyond such limits, will release the lift reel from the drum and cause operation of the reel independently of the drum.

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant, or a variable force spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more spring motors are employed. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the spring forces, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: A multipurpose automobile sunvisor for shading direct rays of sunlight includes a main body (10)comprised of a pair of panel members (11)and (12); a bent supporting bar (21) one end of which is rotatably engaged with an upper portion of main body (10) and the other end of which is secured onto the automobile's chassis; a socket portion (24) engaging with the other end of said bent supporting bar (21); a light-shading portion (30) having a light-shading screen (31) tinted for screening the direct rays of light, and a receiving slot (13) built in main body (10) for receiving the light-shading screen; a light-shading-screen miser (300) for pulling light-shading screen (31) of light-shading portion (30) into receiving slot (13) of main body (10); a writing equipment installed on main body (10) and having a writing instrument (41); and a writing instrument drawing device (50) for restoring the writing instrument in pen holder (42).

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant variable spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more constant variable force spring motors are employed, preferably comprising springs which vary in thickness or in width along their length as they are wound around storage drums. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the difference in thickness or width of the spring, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: Motorized actuation device for a Venetian blind or the like placed inside an insulating glass frame including a first magnet, arranged inside the insulating glass frame and directly connected to the respective actuation system, and a second external magnet, the second magnet being associated with the translatory part of a kinematic system for converting the rotary motion into a translatory motion, and the kinematic system being connected to an actuation gearmotor.

Abstract: The device includes a winding drum (1) on which there is fixed one end of the cord to be wound. This drum includes a smooth portion (8) having a diameter which is greater than the initial diameter of the drum (1), is located at a distance from the cord fixing point (12) and is limited by a shoulder (9). The cord (11) to be wound is guided approximately tangentially to this shoulder so that the turns (11a) formed on the portion of greater diameter are pushed back by the shoulder (9) under the effect of the load, the length of the portion of greater diameter (8) being such that the tension on the cord is zero in the turns (11b) leaving this portion of greater diameter. These loose turns are positioned beside each other on the portion (1) of the drum ensuring an even winding without overlapping of the cord.

Abstract: A burglar and storm-resistant cover for windows or doors and the like comprising a frame including an upper frame member and a pair of vertical U-shaped channels connected to the ends of the upper frame member and spaced to receive for vertical movement respectively of the opposite end portions of metallic louvers respectively having a relatively narrow and normally uppermost panel integral with a depending relatively wide vertical panel, a pair of first cables respectively adjacent opposite end portions of the louvers and having associated devices arranged to maintain the louvers in spaced relationship when extended vertically to close the window or door to view, coiling arrangements operable to contract the louvers into complete or partial compact manner, a pair of second cables respectively associated with the opposite end portions of the louvers and connected at their lower ends to end portions of the lowermost louver for elevation of the same when coiled in the upper portion of tile frame, and a pair of