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 herein. An example safety barrier assembly to control access to equipment includes a track and a barrier including a receptacle. The barrier is to be moveable within the track between an open position and a closed position. The open position is to enable access to the equipment, the closed position to substantially prevent access to the equipment. The example safety barrier assembly also includes a sensor to identify when the safety barrier is in the closed position and a securing device comprising a portion to be received by the receptacle when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position. An interaction between the portion and the receptacle is to prevent the barrier from moving out of the closed position.

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.

Abstract: A draft arrester for an overhead door. An exemplary embodiment may include a flexible draft curtain extending between a ceiling structure and a wound-up portion of the overhead door. The draft arrester may include a follower assembly, which may include one or more rollers arranged to roll against the overhead door. An exemplary embodiment may include a repositionable arm arranged to press the rollers against the wound-up portion of the door.

Abstract: A system for supporting a window covering is provided. The system includes: a bracket assembly having a stationary portion and a pivoting portion; a valance pivotally connected to the bracket assembly; a first lock configured to lock the valance to the pivoting portion of the bracket assembly; and a second lock that, when engaged, locks the valance to the stationary portion of the bracket assembly. A method of concealing a window covering may also be provided. The method may include: providing a bracket assembly configured to support the window covering; providing a valence attached to the bracket assembly; pivoting the valance on the bracket assembly to selectively expose and conceal the window covering; locking the valance to a pivoting portion of the bracket assembly; and locking the valence to a stationary portion of the bracket assembly.

Abstract: An awning and a method of operating the awning are provided. The awning includes a canopy, a roller and an adjustment tube. The canopy includes a proximal edge. The canopy can be wound about the roller with the proximal edge secured along the roller. The roller includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The adjustment tube includes a small base and a large base. The adjustment tube is mounted around the roller near the second longitudinal end so that the small base is nearer to the first longitudinal end than the large base. The adjustment tube is slidably movable along the roller so that the adjustment tube can move toward or away from the first longitudinal end between an innermost position and an outermost position. The adjustment tube is located nearer to the second longitudinal end at the outermost position than at the innermost position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling inmates disposed in their cells during emergency situations. The apparatus of the present invention includes a flexible magnetic cover which can be used by staff as a temporary cover for prison cell door windows. The apparatus may be used to help limit the inmate's visualization of prison emergency responses. Modern prison cell door designs include a cell door window but do not include any means to block this window.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling inmates disposed in their cells during emergency situations. The apparatus includes a flexible magnetic cover which can be used by staff as a temporary cover for prison cell door windows. The apparatus may be used to help limit the inmate's visualization of prison emergency responses. Modern prison cell door designs include a cell door window but do not include any means to block this window. The apparatus may include a one-way viewing portion permitting persons outside the cell to look into the cell, but not permitting inmates inside the cell to see outside. The apparatus can be used in other situations, such as on operating room doors, for emergency room door windows, mental hospitals and in other situations where temporary blocking of a window is desirable. The apparatus could be used in any situation where people are confined for safety and security.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotatable spool, an engine configured to impart torque on the spool via a drive shaft, a cord attached to the spool, and a curtain attached to the cord is disclosed. Moreover, a method comprises releasing a curtain from a hanging support, and pulling a curtain. Also disclosed is a system comprising a plurality of hangers from which a curtain is capable of being released, a spool to which a cord is attachable, an engine capable of causing the spool to be rotated, and a rim through which the cord is pulled.

Abstract: An energy-saving vertical or horizontal window blind offers two levels of light for any slat angle. Additionally, the blind cools the room when closed without creating glare when open. The blind slats rotate 360 degrees, and flip and rotate 180 degrees from any angle. The slats have two sides that are optically different. They are more reflective on one side, and less reflective on the other side. The 180 degree or 360 degree rotation takes place despite the blind slats overlapping each other. The overcoming of overlap is achieved by use of slats that are made of bendable and flexible material at the longitudinal edge, where they overlap. One side of the slats could have grooves running longitudinally along the axis of slats. These grooves can either have a reflective surface or be non-reflective.

Abstract: An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

Abstract: Brightness factors associated with shade fabric may be utilized when shading a building. A brightness factor may incorporate an openness factor, a visible light reflectance, a diffusion factor, a color, or other characteristics of the shade fabric. The brightness factor may be utilized when selecting a particular shade fabric for a room, building or other location. Additionally, the brightness factor may be utilized by an automated shade control system. The shade fabric selection may affect the building envelope by facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, minimization of glare conditions, and reduction of thermal load.

Abstract: A folding window covering is constructed in a manner that reflects sunlight and blocks air currents through the window opening. The covering is attached to the window frame using magnetic coupling. The folding action is supported by magnetic coupling of the individual panels that constitute the window covering, allowing the system to be opened partially. The panels may contain an insulating layer to reduce heat transfer through conduction.

Abstract: A method and device for winding venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds, one ends of said multi-strand lift cords are fixedly connected with the underbeam of the venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds, while the other ends pass through the slats of the venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds converge into a strand rope; and finally the strand rope is fixedly connected with a winding reel which is rotated to wind the rope to realize the action of winding. The winding method of “many cords in one” is used in the present invention. The purpose of controlling the whole set of venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds is achieved by controlling a rope with a winding reel. The venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds of the present invention with simpler structure, more convenient installation, longer operating life, better lifting balance of the blinds, more beautiful products, and less influences of the window size.

Abstract: A shading system for a window comprising a panel having a shape and size that covers at least a portion of the window when the panel is placed over the window. The shading system may include a first plurality of magnets in the panel and a second plurality of magnets for securement to the inside surface of the window. The first and second plurality of magnets removably securing the panel over the window of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a window covering system with a shade roll, a removable battery pack system includes a battery tube conformed to fit within a shade roll with a hollow interior where the battery tube is electrically connected with the shade roll but, preferably, does not rotate with the shade roll.

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: 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: Movable partition systems includes a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.

Abstract: Presented is a method for synchronizing movement of a plurality of roller shades each disposed at a first position to a common second position. The method includes obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies, and moving each of the plurality of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the respective obtained position information so that each of the plurality of roller shades arrives at the common second position at the same time.

Abstract: Presented is a system for synchronizing movement of roller shades each from a first position to a common second position. The system includes a master controller, a plurality of optical assemblies each configured to obtain information related to the position of one of the roller shades, and a plurality of motor assemblies. Each of the motor assemblies is configured for receiving the position information from one of the plurality of optical assemblies, receiving a master shade movement time from the master controller, and moving one of the of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the received position information so that the roller shade arrives at the common second position simultaneously with the other roller shades in a time equal to the master shade movement time.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling lateral displacement of a movable partition includes a bracket, a roller assembly, a first attachment bracket, and a second attachment bracket. The roller assembly is coupled to the bracket and includes a roller element. The first attachment bracket attaches to a first panel of the movable partition and is configured for hinged coupling to a first side of the bracket such that a first pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the first panel. The second attachment bracket attaches to a second panel of the movable partition and is configured hinged coupling to a second side of the bracket such that a second pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the second panel.

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: An application for a multi-section screen system includes a first of the flexible sheets of screen material that has zipper teeth along at least one side edge and a neighboring second flexible sheet of screen material that has mating zipper teeth along an abutting side edge. Mechanisms retract and deploy each of the flexible sheets in unison. A fastener is fixedly disposed between each two of the mechanisms and the fastener automatically joins the zipper teeth with the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms deploy the flexible sheets and the fastener automatically separates the zipper teeth from the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms retract the flexible sheets.

Abstract: A retractable awning that transforms automatically into a gable or arch is disclosed. The awning sheet extends using articulated hinged arms. A first end of each articulated arm is hingedly affixed to a stationary surface. The two articulated arms provide vertical support while extending the awning sheet. A swiveling hinge interface connects the ends of the articulated arms and the front support member. The front support member is a flexible spring member and resiliently arches the awning when extending. In another embodiment, the front support member is a left member and right member connected by a hinge and a spring. The spring resiliently urges the left and right member into a gabled configuration, thereby gabling the awning. When retracting the awning, the ends of the front support member and awning sheet are pulled outwards, thereby counteracting the naturally gabled or arched configuration.

Abstract: Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexurally deformed panel, which is connected to a membrane tie by a linear connector and is tied by the membrane tie to form a geometrically stable pre-stressed structure. More than one panel may be flexurally deformed and tied together in an assembly and more than one membrane tie may be present within an assembly. Panels are typically semi-rigid sheet materials, for example metal sheets, plastic sheets, or sheets of composite materials, such as glass or carbon fibre reinforced plastics or resins. Membrane tie members are typically flexible, for example plastic films, fabrics or nets or arrays of rods or cables. The assemblies have many different geometric forms and many different practical applications. Assemblies may be relatively large, for example demountable and reusable shelters or flat-pack point-of-purchase display assemblies, or may be relatively small, for example a photograph or postcard display system.

Abstract: A fabric security barrier, a system and/or a method impede entry into a space. The fabric security barrier, the system and/or the method are installed adjacent to an entry point of the space. A tarp having a reinforced webbing on one side obscured from view is extended and/or retracted by a deployment system within the space. A steel cable is laminated between the reinforced webbing and the tarp. To enter the space through the entry point, an intruder must compromise a door or a window, the tarp, the reinforced webbing and/or the cable which may reduce an amount of time that the intruder may have to perpetrate a crime in the space and/or to flee before being noticed and/or apprehended.

Abstract: A shield apparatus and method for using the apparatus are disclosed. The shield apparatus that includes first and second supports, a screen, and a retraction mechanism associated with the first support. The screen has opposing vertical edges attached to the supports. The retraction mechanism has a construction that allows the second support to be pulled toward the first support, e.g., by way of the screen. During use, the supports are positioned in a substantially vertical position at different locations.

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: The deployable flat panel array technology includes panel arrays and/or methods for multi-axial deployment of a panel array. The panel array can include a first row of panels, a second row of panels, and at least two respective panels of each of the first and the second rows coupled together via a carpenter tape hinge and allowing for multi-axial deployment to form the panel array.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a new type of shading device for windows. The shading device comprises two sheets of glass, a blind with a plurality of slates, and an actuating device rotating them. The slates are painted with a low reflectivity coating on one side and a high reflectivity coating on the other side. The blind is installed inside the air tight chamber formed by two sheets of glass. In addition, a low emissivity film can be applied on the wall of the air tight chamber. The shade device employs a control system to adjust the angle of the blind slats in response to various input signals.

Abstract: A 3-way blind system for windows comprising an upper frame with: internal gearing; internal roller assemblies; a cord system; an upper and lower slat module comprising rotatably-alignable slats; an upper-housing; and a lower valence. The upper and lower slat modules operate either independently or in cooperation depending on the position of the selector to open the upper slat module to allow ambient light entrance and close the lower module for privacy, or to open the lower slat module for visibility and close the upper to limit bright ambient light from entering through the window. A third selector position may cause an internal gearset to work in unison to open or close all modules simultaneously.

Abstract: A 3-way blind system for windows comprising an upper frame with: internal gearing; internal roller assemblies; a cord system; an upper and lower slat module comprising rotatably-alignable slats; an upper-housing; and a lower valence. The upper and lower slat modules operate either independently or in cooperation depending on the position of the selector to open the upper slat module to allow ambient light entrance and close the lower module for privacy, or to open the lower slat module for visibility and close the upper to limit bright ambient light from entering through the window. A third selector position may cause an internal gearset to work in unison to open or close all modules simultaneously.

Abstract: Insulated tracks for use with loading dock doors are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an insulated door track configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a first insulator, such as a plastic material, applied to a surface of the door track that extends adjacent to the loading dock door in the closed position. A second insulator, such as a radiant barrier comprised of a thin film of a reflective material, such as aluminum, can be applied to an opposing surface of the first insulator to prevent or at least reduce radiant energy losses through the track. A gap between the first insulator and the door jamb can be sealed with a third insulator, such as a suitable strip of foam.

Abstract: A method for operating a building closure having the shape of an overhead sectional door or of a garage door including at least one spring-loaded counterweight device and an electrical drive device is disclosed. A control unit simultaneously monitors the position of the building closure and a motor current for the drive device. When the building closure is in an open or a closed position, the motor current is reduced and maintained at a level to residually energize the drive device to reliably maintain the building closure in a desired position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along a lower edge of the two structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a portable privacy device for a stall. The device includes a privacy tape coiled in a housing. The privacy tape is of a size sufficient to bridge at least a portion of a space between a stall door and an adjacent partition panel and is retractable along its length into the housing through an access opening in the housing. The housing has a channel configured to engage at least one of the door or the partition. The channel is defined by first and second surfaces for contacting the upper or lower ends of at least one of a door or a partition. In some embodiments, the channel includes a third surface adjacent the first surface and opposite the second the surface. Aspects of the invention are also directed to methods of improving privacy in a stall.

Abstract: A cladding apparatus is provided for the interior of an aircraft that includes, but is not limited to at least one two-dimensional fabric sheet, at least one guide device, and at least one tensioning element. The guide device is configured to be attached in the interior along a direction of extension of the interior, and slidably guide the fabric sheet at least in a first section of the interior along the direction of extension. The tensioning element is, furthermore, configured to be attached in the interior, and by producing a tensile force that acts on the front edge and/or the rear edge of the fabric sheet to stretch taut the fabric sheet along the direction of extension of the interior.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a system for adjusting the height of a covering, such as window or a wall covering formed of two or more covering segments that are axially aligned. The system includes a link that selectively transmits rotation between two adjacent coverage thereby allowing the two coverings to be controlled, e.g., raised or lowered, simultaneously. The link includes a clutch that allows one of the segments to be rotated with respect to the other so that the bottom end of one of the coverings can be adjusted and aligned horizontally independently of the other. Optionally, the clutch includes an internal member that provides a mechanical advantage while the one covering is adjusted.

Abstract: A motorizable tilt shade system includes a header system where the header system includes an integral header attachment connection. At least one cord spool is provided within the header system and is connected with at least one suspension cord. A shade is suspended from the at least one suspension cord and a tilt cord pulley is connected with the at least one cord spool. A tilt cord is connected with the tilt cord pulley and with the shade such that the tilt cord and tilt cord pulley cooperate to tilt the shade. A drive shaft receiver is connected with the tilt cord pulley such that movement of the drive shaft receiver moves the tilt cord pulley.

Abstract: A motorizable shade system and method consists of a header system where the header system includes an integral header attachment connection. At least one cord spool is provided within the header system and is connected with at least one suspension cord and a shade is suspended from the at least one suspension cord. A motor assembly attachment connection is provided in a motor assembly that is conformed to connect with the integral header attachment connection and the motor assembly also includes a motor assembly electrical connector. A power system with a power attachment connection is provided that is conformed to connect with the integral header attachment connection. The power system also includes a power system electrical connector that is conformed to connect with the motor assembly electrical connector. The motorizable shade system operates manually unless and until a motor assembly and power system are connected with the integral header attachment connection and the cord spool.

Abstract: A track for a roll-up industrial door. The track may include realigners adapted to divert the path of the industrial door as it is opened or shut. For example, a realigner may include a tapered portion to maintain a portion of the door within the track as the door is shut. Another realigner may have a tapered portion arranged to direct a portion of the door onto the track after it has been removed from the track. The tracks may be utilized in conjunction with a break-away industrial door having a flexible frame that is adapted to come out of the guide track upon application of a predetermined force.

Abstract: A removable screen system comprising a plurality of magnetic fasteners, a formable material comprising one or a plurality of receptacles for receiving the magnetic fasteners, an attachment surface external to the formable material and magnetically compatible with the magnetic fasteners, wherein the formable material is movable along the attachment surface.

Abstract: A screen tensioning mechanism for use in a retractable blind, said screen tensioning mechanism comprising: (a) a projecting member having a head portion and a resiliently deformable tail portion; and (b) a housing member comprising: (i) a first opening adapted to receive an end of a support rod; and (ii) a second opening having a tapered internal profile adapted to forcibly receive said tail portion by inwardly displacing said tail portion, wherein in use, said resiliently deformable tail portion biases said projecting member axially outward from said support rod.

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: A workspace partition is disclosed that encourages a user to focus on presented tasks without distraction and physically prevents the user from interfering with, or interrupting, the work and attention of adjacent users, while simultaneously allowing another individual to monitor the user. To this end, a workspace partition is provided with a center wall and two sidewalls, wherein the center wall has an opening in its middle lower portion. Users, such as students with disabilities, focus on academic tasks within the workspace partition. The walls of the workspace partition limit distractions outside of the workspace partition and physically prevent users from interfering with adjacent users. Another individual, such as a teacher, can observe and monitor the user through the opening in the center wall. Multiple workspace partitions can be used together to allow multiple users to focus on presented tasks with limited distractions while simultaneously being observed by another individual.

Abstract: Wire mesh with warp and weft wires on a mesh surface with tube means spaced apart from each other being woven in on the mesh surface on which slat elements are located in order to serve for shading of the incidence of light. The slat elements can be provided with photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Presented is a method or controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a flexible shade material. The method includes providing a motor that rotates the roller tube to move the flexible shade material between a first position and a second position. The method further includes capturing, with an optical sensor, an image frame at a plurality of linear positions along the flexible shade material as the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The method further includes controlling the reversible motor to move the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position in response to position information obtained from the captured image frames using a variable linear velocity profile so that the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position at a variable linear velocity.