Abstract: A braking device for an automatic winding type screen device that stably brakes the automatic winding of a screen regardless of the temperature. The braking device comprises: a housing that is provided inside a winding shaft so as to be able to turn with the winding shaft to wind up a screen; a sleeve that is inserted into the housing and is mounted to a bracket so as not to be able to turn; and a mobile element that can rotate with the housing. A first spring and a second spring are provided on the outer side of the sleeve so as to have the mobile element therebetween. The mobile element twists forward on the sleeve along with rotation of the housing, and biasing forces of the first spring and the second spring that expand and contact with the forward twist of the mobile element brakes the rotation of the winding shaft.

Abstract: A window covering includes a fixed rail, a covering material, a lifting cord and a winding mechanism, wherein the covering material is positioned under the fixed rail, and the winding mechanism includes a reel, a rotating member and a stopper. The reel is adapted to wind up or release the lifting cord, in order to drive the covering material to move toward the fixed rail to fold, or to move away from the fixed rail to unfold. The rotating member passes through the reel. The stopper is operably pivoted relative to the rotating member. When the rotating member rotates independently from the reel, the stopper is driven to pivot, and is protruded from a surface of the rotating member, and the stopper would abut against a block of the fixed rail to stop the rotation of the rotating member. Therefore, when a covering material of the window covering is unfolded and meets an obstacle, the covering material could stop unfolding automatically.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a brake assembly including a first housing, a clutch on which the first housing may be mounted, a sleeve, a second housing attached to the sleeve, and a spring element attached to the second housing. The brake assembly may permit relatively unrestricted rotation of the first housing in a first direction, and impart rotational resistance to rotation of the first housing in a second direction. A method for assembling a covering for an architectural opening may include coupling a clutch to a first housing, coupling the clutch to a sleeve, coupling a second housing to the sleeve, mounting the second housing over a hub, and positioning a torsion spring between the hub and the second housing. The brake assembly may be used to impart rotational resistance to extension of a shade member, such as to resist unintended extension of the shade member.

Abstract: Example architectural opening coverings powered by rotary motors are described. An example architectural opening covering apparatus includes a rotatable member, a covering mounted to the rotatable member, a motor having a drive shaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a first direction to raise the covering and in a second direction opposite the first direction to lower the covering, and a drive shaft coupling substantially preventing the motor from applying torque in the second direction.

Abstract: A roll control device for a vehicle curtain has a damper, a speed-reduction device, and a unidirectional transmission device. The speed-reduction device is connected to the damper and has a sleeve, a gear mount, and multiple planet gears. The sleeve is hollow and has multiple inner teeth annularly arranged in the sleeve. The gear mount is mounted in and extends out of the sleeve and is connected to the damper. The planet gears are mounted rotatably on the gear mount and engage with the inner teeth in the sleeve. The unidirectional transmission assembly is connected to the speed-reduction device and has a transmission member and a unidirectional transmission device. The transmission member has a gear segment extending into the gear mount and engaging with the planet gears. The unidirectional transmission device is connected to the transmission member to control the transmission member to rotate in unidirectional.

Abstract: A rolling door operator comprises a rotary shaft, a centrifugal brake mechanism, and a unidirectional centrifugal mechanism, in which a latching tooth and plurality of slots are disposed around one end of the rotary shaft, and the unidirectional centrifugal mechanism includes an active pin with an axial latching face and a sliding face, the axial latching face being engaged with one of slots to latch the rotary shaft together only in the falling direction of a door curtain, and the sliding face having a bevel adjacent to the latching face to contact slidingly over the slots, so that the door curtain can be lifted up immediately in another direction, and without affecting normal opening function of the door curtain.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus has a sheet, a winding axis to which one end of the sheet is fixed and having a cylindrical shape, a spring that is arranged in the winding axis and gives a biasing force to the winding axis in an opposite direction of drawing-out direction of the sheet, and a soundproof tube that is arranged between an outer periphery of the spring and inside the winding axis. The soundproof tube has first projected portions projecting outward from an outer periphery of the soundproof tube.

Abstract: Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a flexible barrier windable around a rotating spool, a lever or time release cap, a spline lock, meshing teeth, a spline geometry for extending and retracting the barrier.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mechanism for controlling the rotation of a roller blind winding roller having a spring drive and immovably fixed to a roller blind holder and its winding roller is constructed of an inner shaft (1), on which a sleeve (2) is rotationally seated. In the sleeve (2) there is rotationally seated an inner roller (4), and between the sleeve (2) and the inner roller (4) there is an annular slot (5) filled with a braking layer (26) formed from high viscosity medium. The inner roller (4) contains a formed driver (6) and in the sleeve (2), between the inner roller (4) and the inner shaft (1) there is a brake shoe (3) seated with its pin (9) in the opening (7) of the inner shaft (1), and a relief (8) where the driver (6) of the inner roller (4) is seated.

Abstract: A child safety gate having a locking device and a flexible retractable barrier sheet is disclosed. The locking device comprises a locking means having at least a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking means is configured to in its locked position prevent further extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet, and the locking means is configured to in its unlocked position allow at least extraction of the flexible retractable barrier sheet. Further, the locking device comprises a timer means configured to upon activation let a delay time elapse and then bring the locking means into its locked position. An advantage of the locking device is that it provides safe operation of a child safety gate by automatically locking the locking device after a delay time has elapsed.

Abstract: An assembly is provided comprising a spring break protection mechanism and a spring plug for connecting a balancing spring of a sectional door system to the spring break protection mechanism. The mechanism comprises a base plate with a circular opening for receiving a balancing axle. A ratchet wheel is rotatably arranged at a first side of said base plate to cooperate with the balancing axle. A pawl is pivotably connected to the base plate. Attached to said pawl is an extension extending from the pawl to beyond a second side of the base plate. The base plate and the spring plug are arranged for bayonet mount interaction wherein if the spring plug is placed against the second side of the base plate and then rotated for bayonet connection, part of the spring plug pushes the extension so as to force the pawl in the first position. If the spring plug is then rotated in an opposite direction, the pawl moves into the second position, to block the ratchet wheel so as to avoid rotation of the balancing axle.

Abstract: A movable assembly having a counterbalance gear tensioner includes a covering, a rotatable storage roll with a hollow interior that carries the covering, and a counterbalance assembly that is received in the hollow interior to assist in movement of the covering. A gear tensioner is also received in the hollow interior, rotates with the rotatable storage roll, and is coupled to the counterbalance assembly to adjust a tension force of the counterbalance assembly.

Abstract: A fabric gate has a ratchet assembly, a delaying assembly and a driving device. The ratchet assembly has a ratchet, a positioning ring and a driven pad. The ratchet has a wheel provide with multiple upper ratchet teeth and multiple lower ratchet teeth. The upper ratchet teeth extend toward a direction opposite to that of the lower ratchet teeth extending. The positioning ring is expandable and has engaging teeth engaging respectively with the ratchet teeth on the ratchet. The driven pad is attached to the top of the positioning ring to expand the positioning ring when the driven pad is rotated by the driving device. The delaying assembly is mounted in the top cap and connected to the ratchet assembly to reduce to the rotating speed of the driven pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a barrier is provided. The apparatus includes a governor with a preload member. The preload member provides a preload force that releasably and magnetically couples the preload member to the governor. The preload member is configured and arranged to provide a sufficient holding force to the governor in order to hold the barrier in place. The governor is configured and arranged to, upon the preload force being selectively decoupled from the preload member, allow for the downward movement of the barrier while also forming and applying an intentional braking force to the barrier to slow the downward movement of the barrier.

Abstract: A device for correcting skew in roll-up retractable coverings for architectural openings includes a friction device positioned within the head rail for movement between releasably fixed positions and disposed for engagement with the fabric of the covering to regulate the rate at which the fabric is wrapped about a roller in the covering at selected locations along the length of the roller to correct for any inherent skew in the covering.

Abstract: A speed reducer assembly for rolling screen systems includes a speed reducer chamber. A resistance element is mounted for movement within the speed reducer chamber. A non-viscous resistance material is provided in contact with the resistance element within the speed reducer chamber.

Abstract: A curtain includes a curtain bracket (1) having an end to which a rotation driving device (3) is mounted. The rotation driving device (3) can actuate a curtain reeling drum (4A) to rotate a curtain cloth (7) or actuate a reeling rope device (4) to rotate a curtain cloth or shade (7). A reverse rotation releasing device (5) and a resilience reverse rotation mechanism (14) are connected to the rotation driving device (3). The rotation driving device (3) is comprised of a pull rope rotary disc (3c), a unidirectional clutch device (6) connected to the pull rope rotary disc (3c), and a rewinding spring (3e) mounted between the pull rope rotary disc (3c) and a pull rope rotary disc box (3a). Thus, only one cord is sufficient to control opening of the curtain cloth or shade (7), and reverse rotation of the curtain reel drum (4A) is not adversely affected by the rotation driving device (3). It is convenient to use while avoiding injury to children.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a blind, used to reduce the speed of a shielding member of the blind when it is lifted and lowered, in which weights are stably supported and operated without an increase in the size of the braking apparatus. The braking apparatus has a casing, a rotor rotatably supported with in the casing, and weights adapted to rotate together with the rotor in such a way that they can be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the casing. A cylindrical shaft portion and weight support portions radially projecting from the peripheral surface of the shaft portion at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are formed on the rotor. One end of each weight is swingably supported by the weight support portion extending over the axial-direction entire length of the weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller-blind system especially for the trunk cover of a vehicle. Said roller-blind system comprises a roller-blind material which is wound onto a winding shaft (1) between a covering position and a stowed position. The system is provided with a damping mechanism (2) which retracts the roller-blind material into the stowed position at the end of a winding process in a defined, decelerated manner. The damping mechanism (2) is adapted to reduce the rotational speed of the winding shaft (1) and to bring the rotation of the winding shaft (1) to a standstill within a predetermined rotational angle of the winding shaft (1).

Abstract: A retractable screen device including a screen frame formed by upper and lower frame members and right and left side frames, each having a fixed cross section along its entire axis, and corner linking members linking the ends of the frame members and side frames together at four corners of the screen frame. One of a pair of corner linking members situated at the ends of the side frame carrying a screen winding shaft includes a winding mechanism that is movable into and out of the winding shaft to cause the winding shaft to wind a screen thereon with aid of an adjustable spring force, while the other corner linking member includes a stopper mechanism that is movable into and out of the winding shaft to define an adjustable limit to a degree of unwinding of the screen from the winding shaft.

Abstract: An improved curtain rolling buffer apparatus mainly includes a rolling means mounted to a left end of the track to allow the curtain hanging below the track to be extended by pulling once and retracted by pulling another time. A buffer means is located on the right end of the track and has a bushing housing a spring. When to extend or retract the curtain, the spring is turned clockwise and extended outwards, and runs idle outside an axle, and the elastic force of the spring is small than the pressure of lube oil so that the curtain is easier to be extended. On the contrary, when the spring is turned counterclockwise, it is tightened and drives the bushing to rotate together.

Abstract: Uncontrolled take-up of a shade and often unexpected noise development are perceived as disturbing by the operator. Therefore, it is provided that a shade arrangement with a length of shade material (10) and a take-up roll (12) to which the length of shade material is attached and which is pretensioned by spring force in the take-up direction of the length of shade, has a pressure volume (46) coupled to the free end (16) of the length of shade material (10) such that, when the length of shade material is unrolled from the take-up shaft (12), a pressure is built up in the pressure volume which, when the length of shade material is released from a position in which it is at least partially unrolled from the take-up roll, the take-up motion of the length of shade is braked.

Abstract: A retractable screen assembly includes a canister and a pair of tracks spaced from each other and extending in a direction transverse to the canister. A slide component is slideably engaged with the pair of tracks and is moveable toward and away from the canister along the tracks. The screen is coupled with the canister and with the slide component. The screen is selectively retractable to and dispensable from the canister as the slide component moves toward and away from the canister. A biasing device is coupled to the screen for urging the screen toward the canister to retract the screen to the canister as the slide component moves toward the canister. A shock absorber is disposed between the slide component and the canister for counteracting the biasing device to dampen relative movement between the slide component and the canister as the slide component moves toward the canister.

Abstract: A monodirectional braking mechanism for use with a device for extending and retracting a sheet of material on a roller, the braking mechanism comprising one or more than one housing, one or more than one rotor within the housing, a brake controller connected to the rotor, and an eccentric brake operatively coupled with the brake controller, where the braking mechanism reduces the force or rate, or both the force and rate, of rotation of the roller as the roller is rotated in a second rotation direction but has substantially no effect on the force or rate of rotation of the roller when the roller is rotated in a first rotation direction, and where the first rotation direction is the reverse of the second rotation direction.

Abstract: A friction device for rolling up curtains and the like includes a tubular roller (1), on which a curtain (1a) is wound. The roller (1) is rotatably carried by a support (10) and a threaded stem (2) is situated axially inside the roller (1) and carries, mounted thereon by a screw coupling, an operative body (3), likewise situated inside the roller (1). The operative body (3) translates axially with respect to the threaded stem (2) during motion of the curtain (1a) from a rolled up configuration (A) to a unrolled configuration (B). Elastic blocks (41, 51) push on the operating body (3) to produce a friction effect on the operating body and transmitted to roller (1) during curtain (1a) transition between the unrolled and rolled up configurations, thus allowing operation of the curtain in a substantially balanced way during rolling up and/or unrolling. Stop nuts (40, 50) are fastened to the threaded stem (2) for compressing the elastic blocks against surfaces of the operating body (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduction device for a roll screen, as a compressive piston of a reduction part comes in and out inside of a cylinder combined with a one end of inside of a winding bar, to a device being capable of winding and loosening the roll screen easily and conveniently, more particularly to a device being capable of preventing a noise, an impact and a safety-accident and being capable of operating easily without distinction of age or sex, young and old, men and women all alike, due to a winding of the roll screen by way of reducing a speed of the roll screen with a definite section while the roll screen is wound.

Abstract: A sliding screen frame for a closure assembly having an opening and an existing track for mounting a screen, the screen frame has framing sections with both inner and outer side edges, and a housing from which a screen is payed out and accumulated. The framing sections are adapted on the outer side edge to interfit with the existing track of the closure assembly to enable the sliding screen frame to slide across the opening of the closure assembly and the frame sections also being adapted on the inner side edge thereof to support and guide the free end of the screen between a fully payed out and a fully accumulated position. The screen frame has a mitreless corner connector for connecting adjacent framing sections without the need for mitre cuts thereof to establish continuity between the corner connector and the adjacent framing sections.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic coupling device comprising a first cylindrical part (46), a second cylindrical part (47), at least partly tubular and enclosing the first part with its tubular part and provided with internal teeth (9), at least an elastic means (12) mounted inside the first part in a housing (11) and operating in substantially radial compression, at least a pinion (7) mounted in the first part and meshing with the teeth of the second part to drive a compression means (5) for the elastic means, the compression means consisting advantageously of a clamp. Said construction is particularly compact. Said device combined with rotation detecting means can constitute a torque sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic governor device for use with a rotational shaft of a door assembly for controlling a rotation of said rotational shaft.

Abstract: A friction device (10), applied to roll-up curtains and the like, includes a tubular roller (1), on which the curtain (2) rolls up, and which is rotatably carried on a horizontal axis. The friction device (10) includes a threaded shaft (9), situated axially inside the roller (1) and connected to the roller (1) by interposition of an angular speed reducer group (4). A body (11), mounted sliding axially inside the roller (1), is screw-coupled with the threaded shaft (9), so as to translate axially due to the shaft (9) rotation during unrolling or rolling up of the curtain (2) on the roller (1). One or more elastic members (12), subjected to pressure or counter-thrust, are compressed, on opposite ends, between abutment means (13) and a surface of the body (11), to determine a friction effect, which varies as a function of the rotation direction of the roller (1).

Abstract: An automatic winding screen device has a coil spring fixed to a bracket at one end of a winding box, the other end of the coil spring being fixed to a winding shaft, and a damper for alleviating impact and collision noise. Between the damper on a shaft fixed to the winding box and the winding shaft, a one-way clutch mechanism is interposed such that, when the winding shaft is rotated in a screen deploying direction, the connection between the damper and the winding shaft is cancelled while when the winding shaft rotates in a screen winding direction the damper is connected to the winding shaft.

Abstract: A winding mechanism retains a sheet material in a state in which the sheet material can be pulled out. The winding mechanism includes a flexible sheet material, a winding shaft attached to one end of the sheet material, a force application device that always applies a force to the winding shaft in a normal direction in which the sheet material is wound around the winding shaft, and a braking device that applies a braking force to the winding shaft only in the normal direction. In other words, the winding mechanism applies an appropriate braking force to the winding shaft when the sheet material is wound, but does not apply a braking force to the winding shaft when the sheet material is pulled out.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism is disclosed for covering an opening. The retractable screen mechanism comprises two tracks mounted on opposing sides of the opening. A screen comprises a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame. The screen winds up on the spool mechanism. The spool mechanism is biased to the wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.

Abstract: Even when a damper is provided for absorbing impact and collision noise produced during winding a screen in an automatic winding screen device, the resistance during developing the screen is reduced as small as possible, and in the automatic winding screen device having a coil spring fixed to a bracket at one end of a winding box, the other end of the coil spring being fixed to a winding shaft, and the damper for alleviating the impact and collision noise, between the damper on a fixed shaft fixed to the winding box and the winding shaft, a one-way clutch mechanism is interposed in that when the winding shaft is rotated in a direction developing the screen against the rotational urging force of the coil spring, the connection between the damper and the winding shaft is cancelled while when the winding shaft rotates in a direction winding the screen, the damper is connected to the winding shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic coupling device comprising a first cylindrical part (46), a second cylindrical part (47), at least partly tubular and enclosing the first part with its tubular part and provided with internal teeth (9), at least an elastic means (12) mounted inside the first part in a housing (11) and operating in substantially radial compression, at least a pinion (7) mounted in the first part and meshing with the teeth of the second part to drive a compression means (5) for the elastic means, the compression means consisting advantageously of a clamp. Said construction is particularly compact. Said device combined with rotation detecting means can constitute a torque sensor.

Abstract: A sheet-like element winding apparatus has an accommodating case 1, at one end portion of which a cap 2 is attached to, and also has a winding shaft 3, disposed in the accommodating case 1, for winding a sheet-like element, and a pushing means for rotating and pushing the winding shaft in a direction in which the sheet-like element is wound. A clutch mechanism is provided at an end portion of the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is wound, the winding shaft is connected through the clutch mechanism to a damping means D1 for providing a damping force to the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is drawn out, the connection between the winding shaft and the damping means is canceled through the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism is disclosed for covering an opening. The retractable screen mechanism comprises two tracks mounted on opposing sides of the opening. A screen comprises a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame. The screen winds up on the spool mechanism. The spool mechanism is biased to the wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for controlling the retraction and deployment of an architectural covering, such as a window blind or shade having a winding element 12, about which the covering, or its lift cord or tapes are wound and unwound with rotation of the winding element about a first axis of rotation, and a fluid brake 40 for retarding the rotation of the winding element in at least one direction about the first axis. The fluid brake comprises a fluid tight compartment 42 containing a liquid and an impeller 46. The compartment and the impeller are adapted for relative rotation about a second axis, which can be the same as or coaxial with the first axis. Either the compartment or the impeller is operatively connected to the winding element. In operation the liquid rotates with the rotation of the compartment or the impeller about the second axis.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism having two tracks mounted on opposing sides of an opening and a screen with a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism for winding up the screen extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame and is biased to a wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.

Abstract: In an emergency brake mechanism of the present invention, a rotation input shaft is increased in rotation speed by a planetary set-up gear to centrifuge weights. Through the action of the centrifugal force of the weights, linings of the brake shoes are brought into press-contact with a fixed portion to reduce rotation of the rotation input shaft, such that a large braking power is produced for a compact emergency brake mechanism.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for controlling the retraction and deployment of an architectural covering, such as a window blind or shade having a winding element 12, about which the covering, or its lift cord or tapes are wound and unwound with rotation of the winding element about a first axis of rotation, and a fluid brake 40 for retarding the rotation of the winding element in at least one direction about the first vaxis. The fluid brake comprises a fluid tight compartment 42 containing a liquid and an impeller 46. The compartment and the impeller are adapted for relative rotation about a second axis, which can be the same as or coaxial with the first axis. Either the compartment or the impeller is operatively connected to the winding element. In operation the liquid rotates with the rotation of the compartment or the impeller about the second axis.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.

Abstract: In an emergency brake mechanism of the present invention, a rotation input shaft is increased in rotation speed by a planetary set-up gear to centrifuge weights, so that through the action of the centrifugal force of the weights, linings of the brake shoes are brought into press-contact with a fixed portion, to reduce rotation of the rotation input shaft, such that a large braking power is produced for a compact emergency brake mechanism.

Abstract: A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for controlling the retraction and deployment of an architectural covering, such as a window blind or shade having a winding element, about which the covering, or its lift cord or tapes are wound and unwound with rotation of the winding element about a first axis of rotation, and a fluid brake for retarding the rotation of the winding element in at least one direction about the first axis. The fluid brake comprises a fluid tight compartment containing a liquid and an impeller. The compartment and the impeller are adapted for relative rotation about a second axis, which can be the same as or coaxial with the first axis. Either the compartment or the impeller is operatively connected to the winding element. In operation the liquid rotates with the rotation of the compartment or the impeller about the second axis.

Abstract: A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound.

Abstract: A mechanism for regulating the closing speed of a rolling fire door during an emergency condition. The speed regulating mechanism includes a viscous speed governor which is operatively connected to the support shaft of the fire door for providing a speed regulating damping torque as the door moves to a closed position. Methods for regulating the closing speed of a fire door during an emergency condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for preventing a shutter curtain from falling by its own weight and allowing the shutter curtain to descend in a braked manner, is provided such that separate space for the device does not need to be provided.A viscous clutch 9, which provides braking to the rotation of a winding shaft rotating in the direction of closing during the shutter curtain 2 descending by its own weight, is provided between the winding shaft 7 and a bracket 5 of the building. Further, the viscous clutch is arranged to be smaller in diameter than the innermost inner diameter of the shutter curtain wound onto the winding wheel 4, thus fitting within the wound shutter.

Abstract: A control structure for a window covering includes a base, a revolving wheel having an axial post, a restriction means including a bushing fitting around the axial post, a transmission member provided on a side of the bushing, and at least one pawl connected to the axial post. The revolving wheel is connected to the base. The restriction means has at least one cutting groove. The transmission member has at least one abutting portion on an inner wall thereof. The pawl is pivotable within a width of the cutting groove. When the revolving wheel is rotated forward, an end of the pawl passes through the cutting groove to mesh with the abutting portion. When the revolving wheel is rotated backward, the pawl disengages from the abutting portion, and the transmission member is rotatable relative to the revolving wheel. Whereby, it could prevent generating noise while operating the window covering.