Abstract: A shared space divider provides privacy on surfaces. The shared space divider comprises a hub that is placed on a portion of a surface, and at least one partitioning structure coupled to a portion of the hub. The at least one partitioning structure comprises a separator configured to partition the surface into two or more sections. The separator has a ribbon structure, an accordion structure, or a fan structure. The at least one partitioning structure is configured to extend from and retract into or, alternatively, fold out from and fold into the hub. In some embodiments, the shared space divider comprises at least one container for holding items commonly found on the surface. In other embodiments, the shared space divider comprises a clip for attaching to documents. Yet, in other embodiments, images such as advertisements are displayed on at least one of the separator and the hub.

Abstract: A roller shade may be retracted and extended. In various implementations, when a roller shade is extended it may be laterally repositioned. The roller shade may include a track and a travelling member.

Abstract: A skew adjustment method and apparatus for adjusting the skewed condition of a movable rail of a window covering in which the movable rail is supported by lift cords wrapped around spools. A drive train disconnecting mechanism is used to disconnect a first spool from a second spool, the first spool is rotated relative to the second spool, thereby changing the length of the first lift cord relative to the second lift cord until the movable rail is in the desired position; and then the first and second spools are reconnected so the first and second spools rotate together. An end cap may be used to enable multiple disassemblies and reassemblies of the end cap to access the skew adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, there are two movable rails, and the lift cords for both movable rails extend through the same rout holes in the covering. Disconnecting the first spool from the second spool may activate a mechanism that prevents the second spool from rotating.

Abstract: A curtain divider for an aircraft interior containing pivot stow bins includes a first fabric curtain, having an outboard end and an inboard end, which is attachable to the aircraft interior only at the outboard and inboard ends. The first fabric curtain includes a vertical portion, and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion has a substantially straight bottom edge, and an arcuate top edge defining a space sufficient for opening the pivot stow bins. The horizontal portion is flexibly attached to the vertical portion along the top edge and extends from the outboard end to the inboard end, having a substantially continuous curvature. The horizontal portion is adapted to impart forward and aft stability to the curtain support member at the top edge.

Abstract: A curtain system is assembled from a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length. The segments are connected to a bar shaped light transmissive curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of visual and/or acoustic privacy features. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features for furniture (e.g., office chair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacy features are movable relative to the user and/or furniture between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured such that they do not inhibit the user from interacting with others. In the second configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage to a door system by detecting the presence or absence of a magnetic source attached to the door system for stopping motion or reversing motion of the door to prevent any further damage to the door system. For example, a roll-up type door may be damaged by a vehicle and pulled from its vertical support guides; detecting this event causes stopping of any motion of the door, such as opening or closing the door.

Abstract: In various implementations, a roller shade assembly may include an elongated body and a mechanism. The mechanism may include gears and a spring. The mechanism may allow the roller shade to be locked and/or unlocked using a driver. Internal component(s) of the roller shade may be adjusted using the driver.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade tube in which a motor unit, a controller unit and a power supply unit are disposed. The controller unit includes a controller to control the motor. The power supply unit includes at least one bearing rotatably coupled to a support shaft. The motor unit includes at least one bearing, rotatably coupled to another support shaft, a DC gear motor and a counterbalancing device. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An overhead vertical closure, such as an overhead coiling door is described. A plurality of bumpers are spaced and fixed along the sides of the closure to center the curtain between the support brackets. In a first preferred embodiment, the geometry of the bumper is such that the vertical side and the extending sides meet in one or more obtuse angles. In a second preferred embodiment, the geometry of the bumper is such that the vertical side and the extending sides meet in a radius.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A locking member to be used in conjunction with a guide ring and a lift cord configured to raise of lower a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window, door or the like, is disclosed. The locking member is configured to engage the guide ring and the lift cord in such a way that the locking member has a selective rotative ability, which allows the lift cord to freely move in a first direction to raise or lower the covering, but the locking member will move or rotate about the guide ring when the lift cord is pulled in a second direction to pinch the lift cord between the locking member and the guide ring so that the lift cord is prevented from being pulled away from the covering far enough to create a loop of a certain diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism attached to a respective wall. The cable is carried by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to fail at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.

Abstract: A window shade comprises a head rail, a plurality of slats, a bottom part, suspension cords connected with cord winding units, and a control module. The control module includes first and second drive axles, a sleeve affixed with the first drive axle, a transmission part connected with the second drive axle, an arrester assembled around the first drive axle, and a release unit including an actuator. The first drive axle is operable to control vertical movement of a bottom part, and the second drive axle is operable to adjust an inclination of the slats. The arrester has a locking state in which it blocks a rotational displacement of the first drive axle to keep the bottom part at a desired position, and an unlocking state allowing rotation of the first drive axle so that the bottom part lowers by gravity action.

Abstract: A device for driving and turning the slats of a Venetian blind, with a bearing housing, a winding spool for a carrier band, a turning mechanism for tilting the slats, an abutment flange for fixing the angular end position for the slats and an actuating element, which can be brought into operative connection to the turning mechanism by means of a lost motion mechanism, for arresting the slats in a working position during lowering of the Venetian blind, at least the winding spool, the turning mechanism, the abutment flange, the actuating element and the lost motion mechanism being arranged in a common bearing housing.

Abstract: A bracket system for window dressing includes two brackets configured to be attached to an architectural member, such as a window well, a wall or a ceiling and receive the ends of window dressings. The brackets have edges adapted to receive a fascia designed to hide the window dressing. Preferably, the fascia has a front wall designed to snap onto the brackets and is sized so that it extends above the brackets to provide a neater and cleaner look. The fascia may be L-shaped with a vertical and a horizontal member and the brackets may be configured so that the horizontal member attaches either to the top or to the bottom of the brackets.

Abstract: A multiple shade apparatus and method includes a shade system with a shade header with end caps. A first shade roll is provided with a first shade connected with the first shade roll and the first shade includes a first bottom bar. The first shade roll is connected with the shade header. A second shade roll is provided with a second shade connected with the second shade roll and the second shade includes a second bottom bar. The second shade roll is also connected with the shade header. A first connector device is provided that is connected with the first shade and a second connector is connected with the second shade. A detachment device connected with the shade system is provided for automatically disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A window covering system with selectively positionable slats and a plurality of strategically positioned pairs of cooperating magnets. At least one magnet is embedded in or otherwise attached to predetermined locations on both the frame and the slats of the window covering. By aligning the magnets in the slats with the magnets in the frame, the slats can be quickly, reliably, and uniformly set to one or more desired positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism. The cable is held in place by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to detach the cable at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.

Abstract: A roller shutter for an opening leaf of a building, includes a retractable shut-off panel that moves between retracted and deployed positions, and a guide to selectively guide the panel a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a first plane, and another path is a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a second plane parallel to said first plane. The guide selectively switches movement of between said first path and said second path. A deployment-switching stop guides the shut-off panel along the second path when the shut-off panel is in contact with the deployment switching stop and the shaft is driven in a direction of rotation for deployment.

Abstract: An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one roller assembly coupled to a portion of a movable partition. A roller element of the roller assembly may be configured to maintain contact with an adjacent surface (e.g., a floor) while the partition is displaced along a desired path even though the adjacent surface may exhibit unevenness, undulations or other substantially nonplanar surface features. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a substantially constant force between the roller element and the adjacent surface. In another embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to maintain a force between the roller element and the adjacent surface substantially within a specified range. A steering actuator may also be used to select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition.

Abstract: A window blind component includes a stack of paper fiber sheets, and an adhesive bonding said paper fiber sheets together, each of said paper fiber sheets includes 91-95% by weight of paper pulp, 3-5% by weight of a binder, and 2-4% by weight of a water repellent. The adhesive includes an acrylate polymer, the binder includes ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate polymer, and the water repellent includes an acrylic acid polymer. The window blind component is a blind slat, the number of the paper fiber sheets in the stack is 20-40, and each of the paper fiber sheets has a thickness ranging from 0.08-0.12 mm.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a portable modesty guard apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable modesty guard for creating a private space in a public, or other, area. The portable modesty guard provides a unique construction which allows the user to collapse, store and carry the device in a way that allows it to be set-up quickly and packed away in a lightweight, portable unit.

Abstract: A motor drive unit assembly for a motorized drapery system having a drapery fabric can include a motor having a drive shaft, an output member rotatable about a drive axis, such that rotation of the output member about the drive axis causes the drapery fabric to move, and a clutch member operatively coupled between the drive shaft of the motor and the output member. The clutch member is configured to automatically couple the output member to the drive shaft such that rotation of the motor drive shaft causes the output member to rotate about the drive axis when the motor drives the drive shaft. The clutch member is further configured to automatically decouple the output member from the motor drive shaft so that the output member rotates about the drive axis relative to the motor drive shaft when the output member is manually driven.

Abstract: A lining of aircraft door frames and a door frame lining above an aircraft door is provided. The upper door frame lining in turn includes a first component designed for visually covering the door area. Complete visual covering of the door area is possible. The first component is designed for attachment above the aircraft door and is designed for mechanical affixation to the primary structure of the aircraft.

Abstract: A vertically coiling door assembly that is used for emergency egress. The door assembly is capable of both powered and manual emergency egress upon entry into a predefined alarm state.

Abstract: A folding door with two or more intrinsically rigid folding shutter elements with alternating noncollapsing and collapsing element edges, with at least one guide means which can be raised and lowered on or in one or more guide rail(s), for moving a, in particular the lower, permanently guide rail-adjacent, noncollapsing door element edge, wherein at least one release movement means, which is provided for the initial release movement of the permanently guide rail-adjacent door element edge from the guide rail(s), at the beginning of the opening of the folding door, and for the final advance movement of the permanently guide rail-adjacent door element edge at the end of the closing of the folding door, and an actuation device and method for the same.

Abstract: In a system with two electronic panels arranged with a plurality of busses between them, the removal of one of the electronic panels exposes the live busses to a user. To shield the user from the exposed busses, a mechanism operates shutters to close and cover the busses. The mechanism operation can be based on the rotation of a cam supporting the shutters in the open position. A manual override allows the shutters to be kept in the open position even when the busses are exposed due to the removal of an electronic panel.

Abstract: A window shade comprises a head rail, a shading structure, a bottom part, suspension cords connected with cord winding units, and a control module. The control module includes a drive axle assembled with the cord winding units, a sleeve affixed with the drive axle, an arrester assembled around the drive axle, and a release unit. The arrester has a locking state in which the arrester blocks a rotational displacement of the sleeve and the drive axle to keep the bottom part at a desired position, and an unlocking state in which rotation of the sleeve and the drive axle is allowed to lower the bottom part by gravity action. The release unit includes an actuator that is operatively connected with the arrester and has an elongated shape. The actuator can rotate about its lengthwise axis to turn the arrester from the locking to unlocking state.

Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.

Abstract: Novel adjustable panels, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, an adjustable panel system can include a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel and the second panel can be adjustable to a plurality of adjusted positions with respect to each other in a plurality of fixed increments. The third panel can be adjustably movable with respect to the second panel in increments smaller than the fixed increments. In one aspect, the panels, systems, and methods can be used to provide a portion of a security cage used to house sensitive electrical equipment.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a microcontroller and a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube. The DC gear motor includes a housing fixed to the shade tube and an output shaft coupled to a support shaft fixed to a mounting bracket. The method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube and the DC gear motor housing while the DC gear motor output shaft and support shaft remain fixed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful magnetic screen device for recreational use with vehicles and a method of use. This invention is believed to be useful by offering a device which is removeably attached to a vehicle over openings or windows thereby allowing the free flow of air throughout the interior cabin of the vehicle. While in place, this device keeps particulate matter or pests from entering the car, and keeps the interior of the car from overheating in the sun. This device does not require installation, is easy to wash and store after use. The device also provides a surface upon which a decorative element can be printed—for example a team logo or mascot. It is intended that this device not be used when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly comprises a tubular roller having a generally cylindrical internal cavity, an generally tubular extension telescopically mounted within the internal cavity of the tubular roller, and an outer tube mounted over the extension. The extension includes an outer wall and a plurality of winged splines located around the outer circumference of the outer wall which extend along at least a portion of the length of the extension tube.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods related to mounting decorative slats. In particular, the present invention facilitates accurate mounting and installation of a decorative multi-slat system, which can provide aesthetic enhancement for a particular space. Furthermore, the method of installing the decorative multi-slat system can allow an installer to reduce likelihood of errors and misalignments of the system, which can occur during the installation.

Abstract: A foldable welding screen includes first and second elongate members each with a first end, a second end and an intermediate point. Intermediate point includes a pivoting connection with the first ends of the first and second elongate members being pivotally connected and the second ends of the first and second elongate members being pivotally connected. A stabilizing member has a first portion that is pivotally connected to the intermediate point of the first elongate member and a second portion that is pivotally connected to the intermediate point of the second elongate member. The first portion of the stabilizing member is movable relative to the second portion of the stabilizing member. A flexible substrate is attached to the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The first and second elongate members move between an erected position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A retractable sun shade, comprising at least one fabric section affixed to a boom, the boom supported and slideably engaged to a track at an intermediate portion of the boom, the track supported by a frame, and at least one flexible drawing element affixed to the boom at the intermediate portion, for drawing the boom in a first direction along the track to extend the sun shade and for drawing the boom in an opposite direction along the track to retract the sun shade.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: A system for shading a window of a motor vehicle. The system has a shade material, a first portion of the shade material is adapted to cover an area of the window, a second portion of the shade material is adapted to be located outside the window and a bent portion adapted to be bent over an edge of the window. The system further includes at least one clip with a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg are adapted to press on the shade material thereby frictionally attaching the shade material to the window with the first leg and the second leg.

Abstract: A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through split ring cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position.

Abstract: An electric curtain opening and closing device includes a curtail rail and a movable body arranged in the curtail rail. The curtain rail has a hollow portion that is hollow extending in a longitudinal direction, and an opening opened in the longitudinal direction on its bottom face. Power supply patterns for supplying electricity are arranged inside left and right side faces that constitute the hollow portion in the longitudinal direction. The movable body has electrodes in contact with the respective power supply patterns, an electric motor receiving electricity through these electrodes to positively or negatively rotate, and a hanging portion for hanging a curtain. The movable body is driven to move by the electric motor. When the movable body is arranged in the hollow portion of the curtain rail, the hanging portion protrudes from the opening of the curtain rail.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains the present disclosure pertains to a sliding overhead door operator system for an overhead door not employing a counterbalance mechanism. The operator system comprises an overhead door including first and second side edges, the door includes a plurality of hingedly connected longitudinally extending panels. Additionally, a first rodless cylinder is located adjacent the first side edge of the door and a second rodless cylinder is located adjacent the second side edge of the door. Each of the first and second cylinders includes a carriage. First and second bracket assemblies are provided such that each assembly includes a first portion secured to a respective carriage of one of the first and second rodless cylinders and a second portion secured to one of the plurality of panels. A controller is adapted to actuate the first and second rodless cylinders to move the door up and down.

Abstract: A door sealing system comprises a roll-up door assembly including at least one door panel and a pneumatic seal apparatus including an elastic membrane defining a channel therethrough and a base member fixedly attached to the elastic membrane via a neck portion. The elastic membrane is expandable by injection of pressurized air such that an expanded membrane applies outward force against the door panel to seal the roll-up door assembly.

Abstract: A motorized roller tube for reeling and unreeling a flexible member between fully open and fully closed conditions operates with minimized sound level. A variable controller energizes a motor with a controllable RPM driving a gear reduction assembly. The motor has a speed versus torque characteristic which extends linearly from a high maximum RPM and low minimum torque, to a low minimum RPM and high maximum torque, and having a peak efficiency at a given RPM. The motor moves the flexible member between its fully open and fully closed positions at a motor speed less than the given peak efficiency RPM and less than 50% of its high maximum RPM, and at a motor efficiency which is less than 25% of the peak efficiency whereby the motor is intentionally operated in a high torque and low efficiency manner.

Abstract: Powered safety curtains are disclosed. An example barrier for an opening includes a motorized drive unit, and a curtain. The example barrier also includes a track disposed along the lateral edge of the curtain, a guide plate carried by the curtain and extending into the track and a nonferrous guide member attached to the guide plate. The example barrier also includes a first safety device comprising a first wireless portion attached to the nonferrous guide member and a first electrical portion mounted relative to the track. The first electrical portion is in the first activated state when the first wireless portion is in proximity with the first electrical portion as a result of the leading edge of the curtain being at the closed position. The first wireless portion is in the first deactivated state when the first wireless portion is remote relative to the first electrical portion.