Abstract: A roller blind includes an upper rail, a roller blind device located at one end of the upper rail, a position limiting device located at another end of the upper rail, two fixing brackets provided for pivotally connecting with the roller blind device and the position limiting device and fixing above a window, a lower rail disposed at an interval below the upper rail, and a blind material. Two ends of the blind are fixed on the upper rail and the lower rail. The blind is wound on a surface of the upper rail. One end of the position limiting device protrudes from an outer end of the upper rail and is combined with the fixing bracket at a right side and is capable of adjusting lower and upper limit positions of the lower rail from an outer side of the fixing bracket at the right side.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a profile, including: a cutter configured to make cuts on the profile having a first surface and a second surface, and having at least one rib on the first surface, wherein the cuts are made on the first surface of the profile; a first drive unit to drive the cutter forward and backward to and from the first surface of the profile; and a second drive unit to drive the cutter up and down along the first surface of the profile.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for forming a channel letter box using a profile. The method can include determining an incision position on one surface of the profile where at least one surface incision is to be made. The profile can be surface incised at the determined position. The profile can be folded at the incision position to form the channel letter box. The profile can have at least one rib on one surface. The method can also include cutting and attaching a top plate to the channel letter box, wherein a thickness of the top plate is substantially close to a distance from the top of the profile to the top of a top rib of the at least one rib.

Abstract: A shutter control system for use with a network. The shutter control system includes a network device coupled to the network to communicate an indication. The shutter control system also includes a shutter controller configured to receive the indication, to determine if the indication meets a predefined condition, and, in response to the indication meeting the predefined condition, to communicate an actuation signal. A shutter device, having at least one motor, receives the actuation signal, and operates the at least one motor based on the received actuation signal.

Abstract: An automated vehicle sunshade system includes a roller on which is mounted shield material. A motor opens the shield material so as to block sunlight entering a vehicle through a window.

Abstract: A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove. Further specific embodiments include a sensor, such as an accelerometer, that detects a disturbance or vibration on the drive element, such as a tug, slide or tap, and activating the motor in response to the disturbance.

Abstract: A hollow body batten having sidewalls (2) joined by a transverse wall (4) which divides the hollow body into a fabric cavity (6) and a clip cavity (8). Access to the clip cavity (8) is through a clip slot (10) which extends from end to end of the batten. Access to the fabric cavity (6) is through a fabric slot (12) which extends from end to end of the batten.

Abstract: A mounting device for installing a track for a curtain or blind has an engagement portion for cooperation with the track by a snap-type engagement. A resiliently deformable release means has a tongue portion (29) that has a free end that is positioned in a cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged and a connected end that is connected to the mounting portion and spaced from the free end and that is positioned externally of the cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged. The tongue portion (29) has an abutment face (33) disposed for assisting with prising apart the mounting device and the track by turning a tool, simultaneous with the operation of the tool against the tongue portion. The abutment face is opposed to and spaced from the track in use.

Abstract: A window shade system is provided. The system includes a frame coupleable adjacent to a window. The frame includes first and second side members. At least two shade roll assemblies are coupled to the frame. The at least two shade roll assemblies are selectively movable along the first and second side members independently of each other. A shade member is coupled to the at least two shade roll assemblies. In addition, the shade member is selectively variably permeable to light.

Abstract: An adjustable window covering system for substantially or partially covering a window to block light, provide privacy, reduce heating/air conditioning costs, reduce installation costs, or change the aesthetic appeal of the window or the area around the window is disclosed. A user can dynamically adjust the configuration, location, position, and material layer of the adjustable window covering system without the use of tools and without damage done to the walls of a window.

Abstract: A cover is slideable over a door. The cover has: a first fabric cover layer for a door front; a second fabric cover layer for a door rear; a top layer joining the first fabric cover layer and the second fabric cover layer at a position to accommodate a door top; a side layer joining the first fabric cover layer and the second fabric cover layer at a position to accommodate free movement of a latch at a first side of a door; an open area between the first fabric cover layer and the second fabric cover layer at a position to accommodate door hinges at a second side of the door; and a closed or closeable area between the first fabric cover layer and the second fabric cover layer at a position to accommodate a bottom edge of the door.

Abstract: A safety system for overhead garage and like door structures having a counterbalance spring structure including one or more coil springs, which comprises devices for detecting the breaking of a door counterbalance spring and alerting a human operator to a spring failure. The system may include communication capabilities for remote notification of the fault and other information, and may include devices for preventing operation of a motorized door opener until the fault is cleared.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variable screen includes a generally flat sheet having a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of elongated slits that extend through the sheet from the front surface to the back surface, wherein the sheet includes a shape memory material that enables the slits to open into openings through which light and fluid can pass when a tensile force is applied to the sheet in a direction generally perpendicular to the slits and further enables the slits and openings to automatically when the tensile force is removed.

Abstract: An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided.

Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.

Abstract: A Venetian shade and Roman shade assembly is presented having a header with a drive shaft assembly positioned in the header, the drive shaft having a plurality of lift and tilt spool assemblies. A motor controller assembly is removably positioned within the header and connected to the drive shaft assembly. The motor controller assembly includes a motor, a plurality of batteries and a motor controller that is wirelessly controllable by a remote. When the motor of the motor controller assembly is activated, the motor rotates the drive shaft assembly thereby raising or lowering the shade material as well as tilting the shade material.

Abstract: An actuating system for a window shade comprises a transmission axle, a spring drive unit operable to urge the transmission axle to rotate in a first direction for raising a shading structure of the window shade, and a control module including an arrester assembled around the transmission axle, and an operating cord operatively connectable with the transmission axle. The arrester has a locking state in which the arrester acts against the spring drive unit to block a rotational displacement of the transmission axle in the first direction, and an unlocking state in which rotation of drive axle is allowed. The operating cord is operable to turn the arrester from the locking state to the unlocking state and to drive rotation of the transmission axle in a second direction opposite to the first direction for lowering the shading structure of the window shade.

Abstract: Presented is a method of calibrating and synchronizing movement of at least two roller shades with respect to each other. One of the roller shades is designated as a reference shade and the other as a slave shade. The total number of encoder counts required to move each of the roller shades from fully open to a fully closed is determined. A correction factor for the slave shade is calculated and used to correct the error in the position of the slave shade relative to the reference shade caused by variation in the length of flexible shade material wound around each of the roller shades. The reference shade is moved a desired number of encoder counts in a predetermined amount of time. Simultaneously, the slave shade is moved a corrected number of encoder counts in the same amount of time thereby correcting errors in the rotation rate.

Abstract: An innovative, low-density, highly-insulating modular panel for use in many applications and industries. The panel consists of a frame that may be preformed or bent and may be made of rigid or flexible material, and a panel covering comprising at least one pocket of thin, low-density shade fabric that has the capability of sufficiently stretching to surround the frame when the pocket is pulled onto it. The pocket may be then secured, along any previously open end where the frame was inserted, by various fastening devices. The panel covering pocket may have additional features added, as described herein. The panel is durable and cost-effective, and has good solar-control and insulating qualities. It is also a windbreak panel, a noise-reduction panel, an impact protection panel, a water-resistant panel, a fall protection panel, and a pollution-control panel. Two or more panels can be joined to create a structure-protecting panel assembly or system.

Abstract: A horizontal reinforcement bar for new and existing sectional garage doors. The horizontal reinforcement bar will increase the wind load resistance of the sectional garage door. The horizontal reinforcement bar is C-shaped and requires no support brackets for fastening. The reinforcement bars are further strengthened by the addition of a reinforcement plate adding to the wind load resistance of the sectional garage door.

Abstract: Systems and methods to retain and refeed door curtains are disclosed. An example door is disclosed that includes a track and a curtain that includes a leading section. The curtain is to be in at least one of a breakaway state or a normal state, and in at least one of a folded condition or an unfolded condition while in the breakaway state such that: (a) in the normal state, a lateral section in an area proximate the leading section is in guiding engagement with the track; (b) in the breakaway state while in the folded condition, the lateral section in the area proximate the leading section is dislodged from the track and folded over onto the main section to define an enfolded space; and (c) in the breakaway state while in the unfolded condition, the lateral section in the area proximate the leading section is dislodged from the track but not folded over onto the main section.

Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade system. The system includes a flexible shade material, a roller tube configured for windingly receiving the flexible shade material, a shade motor coupled to the roller tube, a motor controller in communication with the shade motor, and a sun angle sensor. The sun angle sensor is configured for determining the angle of the sun and transmitting the angle of the sun to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured for driving the shade motor to rotate the roller tube to wind or unwind the flexible shade material in response to the transmitted angle of the sun to limit sunlight penetration to a predetermined maximum distance into a room.

Abstract: A retractable curtain system including a first curtain region, a motor assembly and a mounting arm assembly. The first curtain region is capable of substantially covering the at least one opening when in an unrolled configuration. The motor assembly operably is attached to the first curtain region for moving the first curtain region between the unrolled configuration and a rolled configuration. The mounting arm assembly includes at least one mounting arm for pivotally mounting the motor assembly with respect to the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for automatic calibration of a blinds system installed in a room, comprising: a controller (1, 8, 9) having a memory, a clock and a processor, an occupancy sensor (2, 7), an interior light sensor (3, 7), an exterior light sensor (4). The control system is characterised in that the control system is arranged to run an automated calibration of the blinds system when the exterior light sensor indicates an outside light level above a predetermined threshold, the occupancy sensor indicates that no person is present in the room, and a predetermined time has passed since the last calibration.

Abstract: An automated shutter control is provided for a shutter having a plurality of slats which are pivoted in unison. The automated shutter control comprises a motor and a slat interface having a body portion and a contact portion. The contact portion has a contour configured to register with and abut against at least a portion of a surface of one of the slats of the shutter. The body portion has a leading end for contacting a first adjacent slat and pivotally rotating it when moving in a first direction and a trailing end for contacting a second adjacent slat and pivotally rotating it when moving in a second direction. A moving assembly is moved by the motor and connects to the slat interface so as to move the slat interface between a first and a second position.

Abstract: A spring counterbalance apparatus and method consists of a shade system with a torque profile, where the shade system is connected with a drive shaft. A first spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the first spring system is a standard wound spring system. A second spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the second spring system is a reverse wound spring system and where, in combination, the first spring system and the second spring system produce a counterbalance torque profile approximately equal to the shade system torque profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods to retain and refeed door curtains are disclosed. An example door is disclosed that includes first and second tracks. The example door includes a retainer borne by the first track and an alignment guide associated with the first track. The example door also includes a curtain extending laterally between the first and second tracks. The curtain has a leading edge selectively movable between a closed position and an open position. The example door includes a primary projection borne by the curtain that is in guiding engagement with the retainer within the first track. The primary projection is dislodged from the track when the curtain is in the breakaway state. The example door includes a secondary projection borne by the curtain and arranged to travel outside of the alignment guide when the leading edge is traveling between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An overhead door system featuring independent, unconnected panels is described. Each panel end is operatively carried within a pair of parallel tracks. The weight of the door decreases as the door is lifted and each panel completely disengages from its adjacent panel as it reaches the stacked position. This allows for a linear spring torque to door weight relationship requiring a very small motor compared to existing designs to provide the lifting torque necessary to operate the door.

Abstract: A window treatment can include a headrail that is configured to be mounted to a structure. A covering material can be attached to the headrail and configured to be raised and lowered. The window treatment can also include a bottom bar that is attached to an opposite end of the covering material as the headrail. The window treatment can also include a light source that is configured to illuminate a side of the covering material when the covering material is in a lowered position. In this manner, the light source may be configured to adjust the transparency level of the covering material to thereby adjust the privacy settings of the interior space that is enclosed by the window treatment.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of attractive, low cost, controllable, or other featured motorized window covering assemblies. The use of a motor assembly with an integrated WiFi interface enables eliminating a setup box, resulting in lower cost. Eliminating the setup box and any associated wires further eliminates the eye sore that they may pose. These eliminations, along with an elongated motor assembly used in some embodiments, further enable the motor to be made less noticeable by, for example, making it easier to hide or camouflage. As one example, an elongated motor assembly, comprising an elongated casing surrounding the motor and the control board, is hidden inside a window covering holder. An IP address can be assigned to each motor, which enables addressing and controlling each motor individually from any remote device located anywhere with access to the internet.

Abstract: Overhead door panels are used in a variety of overhead doors styles and construction designs, each of which may be of different panel thicknesses and construction. Each of the panels includes a window opening to receive a window assembly therein. Window frame sub-assemblies are substantially interchangeable with one another and may be used in the variety of overhead door panel construction styles. Each window frame sub-assembly may include a front frame to be installed in the window opening. Glazing elements are mounted within each of the front frames and fasteners secure the glazing element to the front frame. Retainers may be juxtaposed to the back face of the door panels and coupled to one of the window frame sub-assemblies to thereby provide a window in the respective first or second overhead door panels.

Abstract: A method of creating a living space beneath an awning with added ambient sound, a retractable awning with added ambient sound and a head for a retractable awning having a speaker. The awning has a canopy secured to an awning roller with the roller mounted between opposite awning heads. A speaker is mounted in at least one of the heads for directing sound away from the head. In a retracted position of the awning, sound is directed away from the living space created beneath the awning when it is deployed, and in the deployed position with the awning extended, sound is directed into the living space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a position of a covering of an architectural opening covering assembly. The example method further includes determining a speed at which the covering is to move via a motor based on the position and a period of time. The example method also includes operating a motor to move the covering at the speed.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include an outer roller, an inner roller received within the outer roller, a first shade secured to and adapted to be wrapped around the outer roller, and a second shade secured to and adapted to be wrapped around the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot through which the second shade extends and retracts. Opposite ends of the inner roller may be aligned with corresponding ends of the outer roller. A mounting system may support the inner and outer rollers for rotative movement about a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. A bottom rail of the second shade may engage the outer roller when the second shade is in the fully retracted position. Rotation of the inner roller when the second shade is in a retracted position may cause rotation of the outer roller.

Abstract: A shade roller support is provided to support a window shade. In an exemplary embodiment, the support includes a stationary pin, a housing attached to the shade roller, and a first and second bearing rotatably connecting the pin to the housing. The housing and bearings are positioned at least partially inside the shade roller.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment adjacent to a window or skylight comprises: measuring a light intensity at the window having the window treatment adjacent to the window or skylight; computing a first position of the window treatment based on the measured light intensity, that is expected to produce a predetermined interior illuminance at a predetermined position in a room containing the window or skylight; and automatically actuating the window treatment to the first position.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment can include a headrail that is configured to be mounted to a structure. A covering material can be attached to the headrail and configured to be raised and lowered by a pair of lift cords that are operatively attached to a lift mechanism. The treatment can also include a bottom bar that is attached to an opposite end of the covering material as the headrail. The bottom bar can define a channel, which can house a sliding member that is configured to move along the bottom bar and is coupled to the ends of the lift cords. By sliding along the channel, the sliding member allows the lengths of the lift cords to change with respect to one another such that when a force is applied to the bottom bar the bottom bar will move from an unleveled position to a leveled position.

Abstract: A chain control device for inhibiting movement of chains used in window blinds, shades and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions. The chain control device is secured at a location remote from the shades' clutch/drive housing. The chain control device is characterized by redirecting tension forces applied by the user of the blinds away from the shade drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting door, comprising a movable door leaf made of slats, the slats being connected to one another so as to bend, and comprising structure-mounted frames. Lateral guides for the door leaf having a vertical section and a lintel section, and frame sealing elements of a sealing assembly are arranged thereon, which close a gap between the door leaf and a section of the frames facing the door opening when the lifting door is closed. The lintel sections of the guides, together with the vertical sections of the guides, are displaceably mounted on the frames, wherein the guides can only be displaced in a direction that is diagonal to the door leaf plane, but not in a moving direction of the door leaf. Thus, an improved lifting door having greater operational safety, and at the same time an improved sealing effect between the door leaf and the door opening can be achieved.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for tilting a horizontal blind slat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a lower profile head rail than is traditionally used in the industry for use with Venetian-type horizontal blind slats.

Abstract: A covering of a building opening includes a rail, a first sash having a guiding slot, a second sash hinged with the first sash and having a center of rotation at an end thereof, a pulley assembly, and a restricting assembly. The pulley assembly is movably received in the rail and has a rod. The rod has a protrusion section extending out of the rail, and the protrusion section enters and leaves the guiding slot while the pulley assembly is moving. The restricting assembly has a moving member and a locking base. The moving member is provided on one of the first sash and the second sash, and the locking base is provided on the other. The moving member is moved by the rod and engages the locking base when the rod leaves the guiding slot.

Abstract: A battery-powered roller shade system can include a housing that is configured to be coupled to a structure, and can include a housing body that defines an internal cavity and an access opening that extends through the housing body and into the internal cavity. The system can further include a roller tube rotatably mounted in the internal cavity, a roller shade windingly received around the roller tube, and a battery compartment positioned within the internal cavity. The battery compartment can further define an access aperture that is aligned with the access opening, such that at least one battery is removable from the battery compartment through the access aperture and through the access opening without moving the roller shade to a lowered position and without decoupling the housing from the structure.

Abstract: A method for protecting an area from sun and precipitation using a retractable awning with an automated pitching gable or automated pitching arch is disclosed. An awning sheet extends using articulating hinged arms. A first end of each articulating arm is hingedly affixed to a surface. The articulating arms provide vertical support for the awning. Swiveling hinge interfaces connect the ends of the articulating arms to the ends of the front support member. In one embodiment, the front support member is an upwardly biased flexible spring member. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member movably connected by a hinge coupled to an upwardly biased spring. Upon extending the awning, the upwardly biased spring automates pitching the awning into a gable or arch. Upon retracting, the awning sheet is wrapped substantially around the roller, thereby counteracting the automated pitching gable or automated pitching arch.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment support apparatus which allows a user to selectively position the motor on either side of the window over which the window treatments hang. In particular, the support apparatus includes rotatable mounting brackets which may be rotated relative to a support rod to allow the support apparatus to be mounted to the wall in one of two configurations which differ by 180 degrees.

Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade that includes a flexible shade material, a rotatably supported roller tube that windingly receives the flexible shade material, one or more flexible photovoltaic cells disposed on the flexible shade material, and a motor operably engaging the roller tube to rotate the roller tube to move the flexible shade material, where the motor receives power from the one or more flexible photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods to articulate a movable surface such as a window covering an opening of a vehicle from closed to open positions using a pivoting armature are provided. An assembly includes a backlite pane pivotably attached about an axis fixed with respect to the vehicle; at least one lever assembly pivotably connected to the backlite pane to permit articulating movement of the backlite pane; and a motive force connected to a driveshaft connected to the at least one lever assembly such that rotation of the driveshaft in response to the motive force causes movement of the at least one lever assembly and articulation of the backlite pane.

Abstract: A tool for reaching, engaging, and/or actuating things such as awnings on the side of recreational vehicles includes a handle, an engagement element remote from the handle, and a connection structure between the handle and the engagement element, various elements of the tool of sufficient size and strength and configuration to permit a user to selectively push or pull the awning or other things.

Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: A window shade assembly for a window includes a first member, a second member, a film, and an actuating device. The second member is disposed apart from the first member. The film has a first end coupled to the first member, a second opposed end coupled to the second member, an opaque portion, and a transparent portion. The actuating device is coupled to the first member or the second member for moving the first member or the second member to move the film between the first and the second members.