Abstract: There is provided a hanging partition. The hanging partition comprises at least one flexible, hanging panel having a plurality of pleats, each pleat having a hemmed portion. The hanging partition further comprises a plurality of magnets positioned within two or more of the hemmed portions. The hanging partition further comprises a plurality of hanging elements for suspending the hanging panel from a longitudinal hanging device. The magnets are aligned with respect to each other to cause a magnetic attraction between adjacent magnets in order to hold the hemmed portions together when the hemmed portions overlap when the hanging partition is in a retracted position.

Abstract: An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.

Abstract: Methods of deploying and stowing a cover coupled to an actuator comprising active material, includes the steps of heating the material with an external heat source, so as to cause a change in physical property and deploying the cover due to the change, and preferably includes accelerating the heating of the material by focusing the energy of the source with a lens or prism, engaging the cover with an input device and retracting the cover upon input, releasing stored energy as a result of the change, or further deploying the cover by use of a ratcheting mechanism, use of a timer for delayed actuation, use of a sensor configured to determine a condition, such as an opened door or the presence of an occupant, interconnecting to a windshield wiper, immersing the actuator in a heated fluid, and conduction heating the actuator through contact with a heated panel.

Abstract: In a shade system with a bracket supporting a shade storage roll, an anti-reversible power spring apparatus includes a biasing member and a housing with a receiver end and a connector end where the housing encloses the biasing member and the receiver end and the connector end contain the biasing member within the housing. A connector device is connected with the housing and a receiver device is connected with the housing where the connector is connectable with a receiver and where the receiver is connectable with a connector.

Abstract: A method and system for a barrier system configured to controllably block egress from and ingress to a predetermined area is provided. The barrier system includes a barrier panel that is removable from the barrier system and replaceable with another different barrier panel selectable by a user.

Abstract: Device for covering/uncovering a structure using a tarpaulin, including an inflatable tarpaulin and an inflation system capable of deploying, by inflation, the inflatable tarpaulin from an initial position and deflating the inflatable tarpaulin, the inflatable tarpaulin including a return means which is capable of returning the inflatable tarpaulin into said initial position when the system deflates the inflatable tarpaulin.

Abstract: An improved connection system for window blind treatments comprising tape having loops for retaining locking members. The treatment comprises a sheet member that hangs downward covering the blinds on the side away from the window. One or more strips of tape are vertically attached to the sheet member on the interior side closest to the blinds. The tape contains loops at predetermined intervals along its length. Locking members are attached to the loops of the tape and to the blind's ladders at the predetermined intervals to secure the treatment to the blinds. When secured, the treatment will raise and lower when the blinds are raised and lowered. Rods are inserted through the locking members and rod pocket and extend horizontally across the sheet member and blinds. The rods provide weight and support to the sheet member, such that when the blinds are closed, the rods and sheet member will rise with the blinds, thereby creating cascading folds in the sheet member.

Abstract: In a curtain assembly with a bracket, a guide apparatus includes a guide with a surface alignment tab and a bracket connector, for removable connection with a bracket, connected with the surface alignment tab. A first exit guide and a second exit guide locate a curtain within an opening front to back while the guide locates the curtain assembly within an opening side to side and front to back.

Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of an enclosure by opening or lowering curtains based on the difference between inside and outside temperatures and the prevailing wind velocity, direction, and wind chill. In one example, temperature of a cow barn is controlled, in part, by determining the direction from which the wind is blowing and using that and the wind velocity and internal and external temperatures to activate a controller to open or close barn curtains in order to warm or cool the barn. This invention can be applied to any livestock that is housed in any type of enclosure which makes use of automated curtains.

Abstract: An electronic control device and method for operating an electric roller shutter include establishing a wireless connection between the electronic control device and an electronic device if a preset login password is input. The electronic control device provides an operation interface to the electronic device, and receives a function instruction from the electronic device if a function key on the operation interface is pressed. The electric roller shutter is operated by the electronic control device according to the received function instruction.

Abstract: In a shade system with a bracket supporting a shade storage roll, an anti-reversible power spring apparatus includes at least one biasing system connected with the storage roll wherein the biasing system includes a biasing member with a first end and a second end wherein the first end moves with the storage roll as the storage roll rotates and wherein the second end is held stationary with reference to the storage roll when the storage roll rotates in one direction but not when the storage roll rotates in a second direction. A support for the at least one biasing system is provided wherein the support includes a protrusion that holds the second end against movement when the storage roll is rotated in the one direction but which allows passage of the second end past the protrusion when the storage roll is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a motorized solar protection home automation installation, comprising: an actuator intended to unfold and fold up a fabric, comprising a motor and a motor control module, and a panel of photovoltaic cells that is fixed or mobile under the effect of the actuator, intended to supply energy to recharge a reserve of electrical energy powering the actuator, the operating method comprising the following automatic steps: determination of a criterion for recharging the energy reserve, if the criterion is satisfied, displacement of the panel of photovoltaic cells or of the fabric to a recharging position in which the panel is exposed directly or by reflection to the solar rays to recharge the energy reserve.

Abstract: A roller cover and mechanism of operation of a roller cover is described. The roller cover comprises a body portion and at least one track along which the body portion is adapted to move. The mechanism of operation of the roller cover comprises a winding system, and winder and a drive system for raising and lowering the track. The winding system comprises a first spindle and a second spindle and a supporting sheet. The winder comprises an arm secured substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first spindle. The drive system comprises an articulated arm rotatably attached at one end thereof to the track.

Abstract: An enclosed drive system for use in conjunction with a lift cord extending from a headrail of an architectural cover. The enclosed system encases and engages the lift cord with a drive mechanism within the enclosure, thereby avoiding hazardous loops. A method for retro-fitting an architectural cover lift cord assembly including a lift cord associated with a cord lock and extending from a headrail of the architectural cover is also described, for modifying the architectural cover to eliminate hazardous loops therefrom. Also disclosed in this disclosure is a cord lock mechanism that pinches the cord, a handle that actuates the cord lock mechanism, and a driving mechanism having a cord guide that engages the cord and a slider that slides along the handle to actuate the cord while the cord is enclosed within an enclosure defined by the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with the extension and retraction of a covering for an architectural opening. More particularly, an apparatus and method which monitors the extension of a shade to control the extension and position when the extension motion of the shade is interrupted.

Abstract: A foldaway security shutter (1) is described, comprising a plurality of transverse elements (2) articulated together by means of connecting-rods (3) pivoted at the ends (4) of said transverse elements (2), two lateral uprights (6) within which the ends (4) of the transverse elements (2) and the connecting-rods (3) slide between a closed position in which said transverse elements (2) extend along the uprights (6) and an open position in which the transverse elements (2) are gathered in an upper box (8), and operating means (7) for the transverse elements (2). Said operating means (7) are equipped with a toothed wheel (9) operated by an electric motor (17), suitable for engaging the internal teeth (10) of rack connecting-rods (3), causing the upward or downward movement of the transverse elements (2).

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 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: An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more 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; 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 overhead opening door lock device for use with existing types of door systems having horizontally hinged panels carried on rollers confined within channeled roller tracks is attached on the interior side of the door and fixes the door in position relative to the roller track. One leg of a U-shaped device is inserted in the hollow interior of a tube that serves as an articulation axis for a pair of hinged panels. The other leg of the U-shaped device penetrates a suitably positioned aperture in the web of the adjacent channeled roller track. A shear pin or padlock shank may be inserted through an aperture in a tip portion of the other leg that projects past the outside plane of the roller track web.

Abstract: Provided is a blind including a light-shielding sheet 20 having an internal space 22; a connecting string 30 which is received in the internal space 22; and an adjusting string 40 which is connected so as to alternately enclose an outer surface of the connecting string 30. Therefore, the blind has improved functionality and usability.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides methods for manually and/or remotely controlling a motorized roller shade that includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube and a microcontroller. One method includes detecting a manual movement of the shade using a sensor, determining a displacement associated with the manual movement, and, if the displacement is less than a maximum displacement, moving the shade to a different position by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. Another 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a drive assembly for driving a window shade of a vehicle, in particular for a rear window of a vehicle, and a window shade system comprising at least two one-piece arms, first ends of which are pivotally coupleable to a window shade, and a driving means, in particular a motor, for linearly sliding pivotally mounted second ends of said one-piece arms arranged such that said one-piece arms may push or pull a window shade across a window of a vehicle.

Abstract: A cord-securing device for a window shade includes a plurality of holders, a plurality of rings, and an engaging unit. Each holder is fixed to a side of a shade and includes first and second holding members and an engaging groove formed between the first and second holding members. A cord is extended through the rings and fixed to an end of the engaging unit. The other end of the engaging unit is mounted to the side of the shade. When each ring is pulled by a radial external force, the first and second holding members deform, and the ring can disengage from the engaging groove of the holder, avoiding strangling and improving safety in use.

Abstract: A safety ring for a window blind has a ring and a connector. The ring has a gap. The connector is connected to the ring and has multiple tabs detachably mounted through and engaging the gap of the ring. When a cord passing through the ring is pulled by lateral force, the connector attached to a shade will disengage from the ring. Therefore, the window blind is safely used and prevents children from being wrapped in the cord.

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 laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along a lower edge of the two laterally spaced 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: A method of making a window blind component comprises: (a) preparing a plurality of paper fiber sheets; (b) applying an adhesive to each of the paper fiber sheets; (c) stacking the paper fiber sheets together with the adhesive to form a stack, followed by press forming the stack to produce a paper fiber composite material; (d) heating and drying the paper fiber composite material and cutting the same into a blank; and (e) forming the blank into the window blind component.

Abstract: A replaceable shade system and method of using it according to certain embodiments of the invention may include at least one at least one replaceable shade, a permanent shade, and a means for attaching the at least one replaceable shade to the permanent shade. The replaceable shade system may further include an image applied to the at least one replaceable shade.

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

Abstract: A dual purpose Venetian blind for assisting in cooling and/or heating an adjacent room by providing slats with one side having a heat absorbing surface and the opposite side having a heat reflecting surface. The blind slats are selectively moveable to present the reflective or absorbing side to the outside and either reflect light and heat or absorb the light and heat. Thus, a room with such a blind can have temperature control assisted by positioning the reflective facing the outside during the summer to reflect heat and the dark side facing out during the winter to absorb heat energy from the sun.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide upper and lower travel limits for architectural opening coverings are disclosed. A disclosed architectural opening covering assembly includes a rotatable roller tube and a covering mounted to the roller tube. The covering is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The covering is wound on the roller tube in the raised position. The covering assembly further includes a first limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the lowered position, and a second limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the raised position.

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: A movable door panel having a front facer with opposed longitudinal edge profiles, rails secured to the longitudinal edge profiles, a rear facer secured to the rails, and foam disposed within an inner volume defined by the front facer, the rails and the rear facer is disclosed. Transverse stiffeners are disposed within the inner volume and the foam, and extend between the opposed rails. The door panel may be made by continuously providing the front facer with a rail secured thereto, continuously positioning transverse stiffeners on the front facer and extending between the metal rails, and continuously applying a foaming material on the front facer and the transverse stiffeners. The method concludes by bringing a rear facer into contact with the metal rails, and drawing the panel through a laminator. Hardware may then be attached to one or both of the facers and the stiffener.

Abstract: A fabric receiving element for a blind assembly, the fabric receiving element having at least two axially extending slots, each slot defining an opening for receiving blind material, the openings being of different respective widths, the slots including a floor opposite the openings, and wherein the middle portion of the floor of the slot is at a greater distance from the opening than the end portions of the floor of the slot.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blind device for controllable light protection and/or displaying of information, said device comprising: at least one slat being moveably arranged, at least one light source attached to said slat, a guide cord being adapted to hold the slat in the blind device and/or to rotate said slat, a lifting strip being adapted to elevate the slat within said blind device and a wire for providing electrical connection, wherein said wire is guided through the slat and/or along the guide cord and/or the lifting strip.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to window covering systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a window covering with safety clutch cord structured and operable to be severable upon application of a longitudinal force greater than predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: In various embodiments a retrofittable bottom safety coupling for a lift cord of a window covering system is provided. In such embodiments, the safety coupling includes a first connector removably connectable to a lower end of a shade lift cord, and a second connector removably connectable to a lift cord bottom attachment device. The first and second connectors magnetically connectable with an amount of attractive force such that when a longitudinal force below a predetermined threshold force is applied to either of the first or second connectors, the first and second connectors will remain connected. However, when a longitudinal force greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold force is applied to either of the first or second connectors, the first and second connectors will decouple severing the lift cord.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to window covering systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a window covering with a plurality of safety lift cord assemblies structured and operable to be severable upon application of a longitudinal force greater than predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a lift cord safety coupling is provided. In such embodiments, the lift cord safety coupling includes a first connector having a lift cord aperture structured to have a lift cord of a shade extended therethrough, and a second connector connectable to an intermediate portion of the shade and magnetically connectable to the first connector. The first and second connectors are magnetically connectable with an amount of attractive force such that when a longitudinal and/or lateral force below a predetermined threshold force is applied to either of the first or second connectors, the first and second connectors will remain connected. However, when a longitudinal and/or lateral force greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold force is applied to either of the first or second connectors, the first and second connectors will decouple disconnecting the lift cord from the shade intermediate portion.

Abstract: A roof for a computer rack aisle is provided. The roof has a canopy that may be flexible and/or fire-resistant. The canopy has a retracted position an extended position. In the retracted position, the canopy may be wound around a spool. In the extended position the canopy may cover the top of an aisle between two computer racks. A selectively releasable retainer holds the canopy in the extended position while releasing the canopy to return to the retracted position when a predetermined condition is met. The canopy retractor is provided to return the canopy to a retracted position. The canopy having first and second lateral edges with flanges running from a position approximate a front portion of the canopy and to a position approximate a rear portion of the canopy. The flanges can be received within a canopy guide track to facilitate the smooth movement from the extend position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A window covering is provided with protected operating cords. Protective coverings are installed over the cords. The coverings are expandable to move with the window covering as it is raised and lowered. The protective coverings may include an accordion folded configuration, a cellular configuration, and protective coverings with a continuous slot that allows the covering to be installed in an existing window covering. The protective coverings do not interfere with operation of the window coverings.

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 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: 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: The present invention comprised of a flexible sunscreen and designed to be attached to the interior surface of a vehicle's rear window and configured to cover all or portions thereof for the purpose of reducing solar heat energy and ultraviolet radiation from entering into the interior compartment of said vehicle. The use of this solar shade will reduce the need for interior cooling, fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions when used in vehicles that require interior cooling by means of mechanical air conditioning.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the safety of an electrically operated folding partition. A control panel is used to control movement of a moveable portion of the folding partition. The control panel may include an authentication device in the form of a biometric reader. The control panel may also include an RF-ID reader effective to emit an electromagnetic wave. When a tag is in a vicinity of the wave, the reader can detect the presence of the tag and inhibit movement of the moveable portion. The tag may be placed on an object used by a disabled individual such as on a wheelchair.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention, the movement of movable screen ends for a group of motor-driven screens to a common position is controlled in a grouped manner. The method includes a step (E150) consisting of moving the end of a screen when said end becomes the farthest from the common position after moving the end of at least one other screen to said common position.

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. The fasteners automatically join the zipper teeth with the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms deploy the flexible sheets and the fasteners automatically disengaging the zipper teeth from the mating zipper teeth as the mechanisms retract the flexible sheets.