Abstract: A screening device includes a rail, a drive shaft, a motorized drive device, including an electromechanical actuator, and an autonomous electrical power supply device, including a battery module. The battery module includes first and second mounting brackets, each arranged inside the rail and configured to hold the battery module inside the rail. The actuator includes third and fourth mounting brackets, each arranged inside the rail and configured to hold the actuator inside the rail. The brackets are identical. Furthermore, each of the brackets includes an opening, configured to accommodate the drive shaft.

Abstract: An automated tilt wand controller could precisely control the tilt of a plurality of slats of installed window blinds using an actuator to turn a tilt wand. A remote or mobile device could be used to control the automated tilt wand controller.

Abstract: A curtain winding device includes a beam, a power mechanism mounted to the beam, a transmission rod driven by the power mechanism to rotate, and two reels fitted about the transmission rod and relatively fixed with the transmission rod in a circumferential direction. Each reel is wound with a drawstring. A drawstring holder is disposed on the beam to guide the drawstring to be wound on the reel. The beam is fixed with a nut. Each reel includes a screw segment screwed to the nut, and a cone segment gradually increasing in an outer diameter along an extending direction. An end of the reel away from the screw segment is provided with a fixing portion for fixing a distal end of the drawstring, and a positioning portion protruding from an outer side surface of the reel to abut against the drawstring holder to position an initial position of the reel.

Abstract: An electromechanical orientation actuator (10) for orientating a sunscreen (SCR) with orientable blades (B1, B2, B3; B?1, B?2, B?3) comprises, in series, a motor (11), at least one first speed reduction module (21), a second speed reduction module (31) and a rocker (4) for orienting the blades (B1, B2, B3; B?1, B?2, B?3). The actuator (10) further comprises at least a third speed reduction module (43) in series between the second speed reduction module (31) and the orientation rocker (4). The actuator preferably belongs to a range of actuators further comprising an electromechanical movement actuator (110) for moving a sunscreen (SCR2) that can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position, comprising, in series, a motor (111), at least a first speed reduction module (121) and at least a winder (140) for a suspension cord (L3) of the first screen (SCR2) or for the first screen (SCR2). Notably, the two actuators have a speed reduction module of the same model.

Abstract: A device for aid in feeding a cord through an opening wherein a U-shaped trough wall is provided at the inlet end of the opening to help collect and consolidate any loose ends of the cord.

Abstract: A motorized window shade includes a head rail, a bottom part suspended from the head rail, and a covering structure arranged between the head rail and the bottom part. An electric motor is arranged in the head rail and is operable to drive a vertical displacement of the bottom part. The window shade further includes a control interface electrically connected with the electric motor, and suspended outward from the head rail. The control interface is operable to control rotation of the electric motor for raising and lowering the bottom part. An elongated tube may further be disposed outside the head rail. The elongated tube has an upper end connected with the head rail, and the control interface is assembled adjacent to a lower end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blind systems and other systems with moving parts are disclosed. Certain systems and methods couple to a blind system, and include one or more transceiving, processing, sensor, motion delivery, power delivery, and various other components for collectively or individually controlling a blind system to open or close its blinds. Certain systems and methods utilize preprogrammed control instructions stored locally, or user-initiated control signals received from remote devices to control the blind system.

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.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings.

Abstract: A cordless blind contains a lift mechanism, such as one or more spring motors, one or more cord collectors and a lock mechanism. An operator device such as a cord or wand is connected to the lift mechanism and is movable relative to the bottomrail. When the bottomrail is a selected distance from the headrail a portion of the cord or wand will move away from the bottomrail. The selected distance corresponds to the height of the bottomrail at which it is difficult for an operator to reach the bottomrail. The released cord or wand will enable the user to operate a lock mechanism in the bottomrail or move the bottomrail.

Abstract: A cord drive mechanism to convert linear motion to circular motion for use in coverings for architectural openings. Various controls are used to provide a braking force on the cord. Some of the embodiments incorporate a capstan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a very flexible Venetian blind that easily can be adapted to various sizes of for instance window openings, by a person having limited skill in mounting and adapting Venetian blinds. Also the Venetian blind according to the invention is designed such that individual slats can easily be removed for instance to change the overall size of the Venetian blind or for repair or replacement of individual slats. It is hence also easy according to the invention to change the overall appearance, for instance colour, of the Venetian blinds to meet changing requirements. These and other objects and advantages are attained by the Venetian blind according to the invention. It is understood that although the various elements of the Venetian blind according to the invention here are described and shown as used to form one specific Venetian blind it is also possible to use one or more of the elements (for instance the bottom portions, the lift mechanism etc.

Abstract: The invention relates lift and tilt mechanisms for Venetian blinds typically, although not exclusively, comprising slats of very large dimensions, both relating to the width of the slats and to the longitudinal extension of the slats. Thus the venetian blind comprising these slats can be made to cover very large window openings or other parts of buildings and rooms. Both from a functional and from an aestethical point of view a precise and reliable raising and lowering of the slats of the Venetian blind as well as the tilting of the slats is very important. The present invention provides improved mechanisms for attaining these characteristics.

Abstract: A lifting system for a window covering has a movable shaft disposed within a cradle that is held within a head rail. The movable shaft has an end portion and a lift cord wrapping portion. A lift cord is connected to the movable shaft. A transition member is disposed between the end portion and the lift cord wrapping portion. The transition member acts as a ramp to facilitate migration of the lift cord to the lift cord wrapping portion once bird nesting has occurred.

Abstract: The invention relates lift and tilt mechanisms for Venetian blinds typically, although not exclusively, comprising slats of very large dimensions, both relating to the width of the slats and to the longitudinal extension of the slats. Thus the venetian blind comprising these slats can be made to cover very large window openings or other parts of buildings and rooms. Both from a functional and from an aestethical point of view a precise and reliable raising and lowering of the slats of the Venetian blind as well as the tilting of the slats is very important. The present invention provides improved mechanisms for attaining these characteristics.

Abstract: A control system for a top down/bottom up covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail and an independently moveable bottom rail and middle rail. A shade material extends between the middle rail and the bottom rail and control systems are provided at opposite ends of the head rail for operating the middle rail independently of the bottom rail. Each control system includes lift spools associated with lift cords that are secured to the bottom rail or middle rail with the lift spools being seated in cradles and rotated by a drive shaft connected to manually operated control elements. Each drive shaft is operatively connected to a braking system in the form of a two-way clutch so the drive shafts can be rotated in either direction to raise or lower a bottom or middle rail, but locked in any selected position.

Abstract: The invention relates to slats (1) for a venetian blind comprising slats of very large dimensions, both relating to the width of the slats and to the longitudinal extension of the slats (1). Thus the venetian blind comprising these slats can be made to cover very large window openings or other parts of buildings and rooms. The slats (1) are provided with longitudinal edge portions (3) serving the dual purpose of increasing the overall rigidity of the slats (1) and of providing attachment means (12) for support cords of the slats (1). The slats are operated by pairs (typically two) of lift and tilt cords running in parallel along the longitudinal edges of the slats (1), thereby avoiding passages through the slats (1), which is advantageous both from an aestetical point of view and from the point of view of the necessary production technique for the slats (1). The invention also relates to releasable attachment means (12) for connection the slats (1) to the tilt cords of the venetian blind.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a cordless blind includes a transmission unit, a scrolling unit and a tilt unit. The transmission unit has a transmission cable which is connected with a scrolling rod. The scrolling unit includes two scrolling cables which have respective one of two ends thereof wrapped to two ends of the rod, and the other end of each scrolling cables extends through the top rail, extends through parallel slats and is connected to a bottom rail. The tilt unit includes a tilt member with two tilt cables connected to two ends thereof the tilt member, the other end of the tilt cable extend through the top rail and are connected to the parallel slats. A tilt wand is used to rotate the tilt member to move the tilt cables moved upward and downward so as to tilt the slats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-raising window covering and a control mechanism for the window covering. In particular, the window covering includes a drive unit, such as constant force spring, that is adapted to apply a substantially constant rotational force on the drive axle. A cord winding assembly is coaxially mounted on the drive axle, and includes at least one winding drum operatively connected to a second end of the raising cord and having a tapered portion, as well as a rotatable positioning member for moving the cord winding assembly laterally along the drive axle upon rotation of the positioning member. The cord winding assembly is adapted to translate the rotational force on the drive axle to a raising force on the raising cord, wherein the raising force is greater than a downward force exerted by the shade element and bottom rail throughout the range of opening and closing.

Abstract: A cradle for rotatably supporting at least one drive spool for a window covering about which a drive cord is windable includes a pair of left and right bearing blocks in side-by-side relationship, a bottom web connecting the left and right bearing blocks and a first opening in the bottom of the cradle for at least one cord portion of the drive cord to extend through and wherein the cradle further includes at least one cord guide on the bottom web or on one of the bearing blocks.

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 winding mechanism for a window blind includes a base having two slideways, a rotation member rotatably mounted on the base and having an outer wall formed with a threaded guide portion, and a guide seat having an inner wall formed with a threaded guide hole screwed onto the threaded guide portion of the rotation member and an outer wall formed with two guide posts each provided with a roller slidably mounted in a respective slideway of the base. Thus, when the lift cord is wound around the rotation member, the guide seat is movable successively on the rotation member by guidance of the roller, so that the lift cord is wound around the rotation member serially and smoothly by guidance of the guide seat, thereby preventing the lift cord from being tangled.

Abstract: A system for assuring removal of a cord from its wrapping in an external thread of a spool utilizes a follower having an internal thread that moves along the spool upon rotation of the spool with the follower having a slot through which the cord is passed and a catch on the internal surface of the follower adjacent to the slot in the follower that projects into the external thread of the spool to force a removal of the cord from the thread. Preferably, the catch comprises one end of the internal thread in the follower which by its very nature projects into the external thread of the spool for engagement with a cord received in the external thread.

Abstract: A winding device for a Venetian blind includes at least one support seat secured to a headrail to correspond to the position of at least one pull cord and having an inside formed with a through hole and a side formed with a guide hole, and at least one slide bushing mounted on a drive shaft to rotate therewith and pivotally mounted in the through hole of the at least one support seat. Thus, the wound pull cord pushes the slide bushing to move relative to the support seat during rotation of the slide bushing, so that the pull cord is wound around the slide bushing smoothly by movement of the slide bushing so as to lift the pull cord smoothly.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting system for a window covering and a release mechanism for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The window covering includes a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering, a drive shaft and a lift cord attached to the bottom rail. The release mechanism includes a spring coupled to the drive shaft for preventing or allowing rotation. Methods of assembling and raising and lowering window coverings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A winding device includes a headrail, a winding drum, a pull cord, a carriage member, and a guide member. The winding drum is mounted on the headrail, is operable so as to rotate relative to the headrail, and has threaded and smooth drum portions. The pull cord extends through the headrail and is secured to the smooth drum portion. The carriage member threadedly engages the threaded drum portion, and is movable along the threaded drum portion when the winding drum is rotated so as to wind the pull cord on the smooth drum portion. The guide member is coupled to the carriage member so as to be co-movable therewith, and guides the pull cord such that winding turns of the pull cord on the smooth drum portion are formed adjacent to one another without overlapping.

Abstract: A framed covering for an architectural opening includes a collapsible shade that is moveable between open and closed positions relative to the architectural opening with the collapsible shade being mounted within an enclosed framework that is adapted to be secured to a structural member having the architectural opening therein. In one embodiment of a flexible control cord system moves the shade between open and closed positions, with the control cord system being conveniently positioned adjacent the frame for easy manipulation. In a second embodiment a finger slide on the frame drives a cord lift system for moving the covering between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An embedded type motorized blind device. A power supply section has a motor. A power transmitting section has a worm gear coupled to the shaft of the power supply section, a worm wheel positioned on and meshed with the worm gear, a planetary gear formed on a side surface of the worm wheel, and a quadrangular shaft formed integrally with a front end of the worm gear. A control section has an internal sun gear meshed with the planetary gear, a pair of swing arms securely locked to a center shaft fastened to a bottom wall of the internal sun gear, and a pair of limit switches operated by lower ends of the swing arms to control raising and lowering of a blind. An operating section has raising and lowering drums connected one with another, and tilt adjustment parts respectively placed on the raising and lowering drums.

Abstract: A cord winding device includes a cord adapted to lift and lower a blind, a winding screw which is rotatable for winding and unwinding the cord and which has a screw thread portion, and a guide body sleeved on the winding screw. The guide body and the winding screw make an axial movement relative to each other upon rotation of the winding screw. The guide body includes an inner thread threadedly engaging the screw thread portion, and a cord-pulling member formed with a hole. The cord passes through the hole, and has one end fixed to the winding screw. The cord is pulled by the cord-pulling member to be wound up around the screw thread portion upon rotation of the winding screw.

Abstract: A system for effecting and controlling the movement of a window covering between different positions. In particular, the present invention includes a motor coupled to a window covering by way of a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes one or more hollow shafts, a drive shaft, and a torque sensing mechanism. The drive shaft is coupled between the motor and a hollow, sliding shaft by way of the torque sensing mechanism. Rotation of the motor causes a lift cord to wind or unwind from the hollow sliding shaft wherein the frictional engagement of the lift cord against the hollow, sliding shaft causes the shaft to slide. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for detecting and responding to disturbances in force sensing devices coupled to the lift cord.

Abstract: A lift cord concealable Venetian blind lift control mechanism is constructed to include a base having two hollow screw rods axially aligned at two sides and selectively mounted in the top or bottom rail of a Venetian blind, a revolving rod inserted through the hollow screw rods, a spring member, which provides a torsional force to the revolving rod, two bobbins respectively threaded onto the screw rods for synchronous rotation with the revolving rod. The left and right lift cords of the Venetian blind each have one end connected to the bottom or top rail and the other end fastened to the bobbin such that when the bottom rail of the Venetian blind lifted or lowered by an external force, the bobbins are synchronously rotated to wind up or let off the lift cords; when the external force disappeared, the bobbins are immovable, keeping the bottom rail in position.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for winding a lifting cord. The device comprises a rotatable shaft (14), a wrapping guide (22) and a winding drum (12) mounted on the rotatable shaft (14) such that the winding drum (12) rotates with the shaft (14) and is free to move axially along the shaft (14). One end of the lifting cord (24) is attached to the winding drum (12). The wrapping guide (22) is configured to engage the lifting cord (24) such that as the shaft (14) and winding drum (12) rotate, the lifting cord (24) wraps around the winding drum (12) in even turns without overlapping and forces the winding drum (12) to travel axially along the shaft (14).

Abstract: A roller assembly for a Venetian blind includes a rotating rod which has a rectangular axial hole formed therethrough. A portion of a pull cord is wound on the rotating rod so as to move slats vertically. A movable member of a rectangular cross-section is engaged in the rotating rod and has a threaded axial hole formed therethrough. An elongated driving member has a shaft section of a rectangular cross-section engaged within the rectangular axial hole of the rotating rod, a driven wheel section secured to the shaft section, and a circular axial hole formed through the shaft section and the driven wheel section. A lift cord is disposed on the driven wheel section. A guide unit is mounted securely on a window frame and includes a threaded horizontal rod extending through the circular axial hole of the driving member and through the threaded hole of the movable member.

Abstract: Headrail hardware to lift and tilt a Venetian blind is provided. A single control operates both the lift and the tilt function. A multiturn band brake tilter is used with each ladder cord in a way that reduces the frictional forces encountered in lifting or lowering the blind. One end of each of the ladder cords is attached to an arm of its tilter. The tilters are disposed directly about the rotating drive rod with no intermediate parts, and are supported by cradles that mount in the headrail rather than by the drive rod as in prior art blinds. The drive rod rotates the tilters and the lifting mechanism until the tilters contact stops built into each of the cradles. Further rotation keeps the blind fully tilted while lifting or lowering of the blind continues. In the preferred embodiment, the lift cords are attached to the drive rod, which traverses to accumulate the cords in a single layer as the rod is rotated to lift the blind.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering window blind fabrics. The device has a hollow take-up tube disposed around and threadably engaged to a stationary guide. A cord is connected at its one end to the take-up tube and at its other end to the blind fabric. The take-up tube is rotated to wind or unwind the cord. A drive core rotatably disposed within a bi-directional friction brake, the drive core connected to the take-up tube, the bi-directional friction brake being fixed to the headrail. When the cord is wound around the take-up tube, the blind fabric is raised. When the cord is unwound, the blind fabric is lowered.

Abstract: A shade assembly for a vehicle windshield includes an axle secured at its ends to two side brackets attachable at the windshield top at two opposite sides of the windshield. The axle is also supported at its middle portion by an intermediate bracket secured to the top of the windshield. Two hollow cylindrical shafts are arranged between the intermediate bracket and the two side brackets, respectively, for rotation about respective sections of the axle. Two flexible shade members made of a tinted and polarized flexible plastic material are secured to the two hollow shafts, respectively, at one of their opposite longitudinal edges so as to be unwound and rewound upon respective rotation of the hollow shafts.

Abstract: An improved blind unit or shade having no pull cord for raising and lowering the blind members of the blind unit. The lower rail is movable upwardly from the lowermost position thereof when an upwardly directed force is applied to cord structure coupled with the blind members and the lower rail. When the lower rail moves progressively upwardly or downwardly with reference to the head rail above the blind members, the lower rail supports a progressively greater or lesser number of blind members. A variable, upwardly directed force is applied to the cord structure with the force being substantially equivalent at all times to the combined weights of the lower rail and the blind members supported on the lower rail when the lower rail is above its lowermost operative position. The force applying means, in one embodiment includes at least one conical member coupled to a constant force spring. In another embodiment, the force applying means includes a variable force leaf spring.

Abstract: A pair of lifting cords are connected to a bottom rail at their lower ends and are connected to ends of a head box at their upper ends so as to lift and lower the slats of a blind. A pair of winding drums are provided in the head box which rotate together and move in the longitudinal direction of the head box. The lifting cords are introduced into the head box at the ends thereof. The lifting cords are guided so as to extend in the moving direction of the winding drums and are fitted to the wind starting ends of the winding drums. The moving ranges of the winding drums are set inside relative to the lifting cord introducing portions. As the winding drums rotate, the lifting cords are wound around the outer periphery of the winding drums. As the lifting cords are wound, the slats are lifted and lowered.

Abstract: A roller assembly includes an elongated casing with a shaft longitudinally provided within it. A U-shaped bracket with two opposed sides and a bottom connecting the two sides is fixed in the elongated casing. A threaded rod is sleeved on the shaft in such a way that it can rotate along with the shaft. A guiding block having a first face, a second face and an internally threaded through-hole is sleeved on the threaded rod. Each of the face have a guiding wheel. The block is sized and designed so as to sit flush on the U-shaped bracket and prevent the bracket from rotating with the threaded rod, but allowing instead the block to move axially along on the threaded rod. One end of a first string connects to one end of the threaded rod and winds on the same to a position adjacent to the first face whereat the first string is held straight between the guiding wheel on the first face and the threaded rod.

Abstract: A window shade includes a winding shaft and a shade strip. The shaft cooperates with a support such that the shaft is axially displaced when the strip is pulled past a window or wound back onto the shaft.

Abstract: A slideably and rotatably mounted roller member performs a precision take up reel function in the environment of a track mounted, drawable, pleated window covering. The roller member slides along an axis coincident with its axis of rotation as it rotates so that cord being wound therearound attendant its rotation is taken up in the absence of overlapping. One end of the roller member is provided with a centrally bored and threaded plug that screw threadedly engages a fixed position screw member; as the roller member rotates, the engagement of the screw member and the bore drives the plug and hence the roller member in an axial direction. The slideable mount of the roller member is provided in the form of a base member which is slideably received within the roller member housing.

Abstract: A capstan based system for pulling and accumulating the pull-cords used to lift hanging window coverings from their bottoms. A cylindrical capstan is supported in bearings so that it is free to rotate and move axially. A splined connection to a holding device permits controlled rotation and locking of the capstan. Each of one or more cords is attached to the capstan by means of a clip which can be easily positioned to adjust the position and length of its cord. As the capstan is turned, the cords wind onto the capstan in a single layer due to the camming action of a specially configured camming surface. The capstan begins to move laterally when sufficient friction has developed between the capstan and the cord which has been wound onto it. This provides space for the cord to wind onto the capstan in a single layer. During unwinding of the cord, a guiding surface, over which the cord moves, pulls the capstan back toward its original position.

Abstract: A shade assembly for a vehicle windshield includes an axle secured at its ends to two side brackets attachable at the windshield top at two opposite sides of the windshield. The axle is also supported at its middle portion by an intermediate bracket secured to the top of the windshield. Two hollow cylindrical shafts are arranged between the intermediate bracket and the two side brackets, respectively, for rotation about respective sections of the axle. Two flexible shade members made of a tinted and polarized flexible plastic material are secured to the two hollow shafts, respectively, at one of their opposite longitudinal edges so as to be unwound and rewound upon respective rotation of the hollow shafts.