Abstract: Motorized window treatments may each adjust a position of a covering material to allow light into a space in a building. The control information for controlling the motorized window treatments may be stored and/or accessed to understand how the motorized window treatments are operating. The control information may indicate a control state and/or a position of the covering material when an identified daylight intensity is being received at the space. The control information may inform a user of the operation of the motorized window treatments and allow the user to adjust various control parameters by which the motorized window treatments may be controlled. Recommended adjustments may also be provided to the user based on a user-identified problem with the operation of the motorized window treatments. The recommended adjustments to the control parameters may be accepted by the user and may be stored for being accessed and/or edited.

Abstract: A method comprises measuring a light intensity at a window; determining if the light intensity exceeds a cloudy-day threshold; operating in a sunlight penetration limiting mode to control the motorized window treatment to control the sunlight penetration distance in the space; enabling the sunlight penetration limiting mode if the light intensity is greater than the cloudy-day threshold; and disabling the sunlight penetration limiting mode if the total lighting intensity is less than the cloudy-day threshold. The cloudy-day threshold is maintained at a constant threshold if a calculated solar elevation angle is greater than a predetermined solar elevation angle, and the cloudy-day threshold varies with time if the calculated solar elevation angle is less than the predetermined solar elevation angle. The cloudy-day threshold is a function of the calculated solar elevation angle if the calculated solar elevation angle is less than the predetermined solar elevation angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increased energy efficiency consisting of: (1) a headrail; (2) a tube located within the headrail; (3) a motor located within the headrail, preferably within the tube; (4) window treatment fabric with one terminus of the fabric affixed to the tube within the headrail, and with the fabric extending from the tube and out from the headrail; (5) a smart bottom rail attached to the terminus of the shade fabric furthest from the tube with the bottom rail containing, at least one sensor, at least one control button, and a battery that provides power to the sensor(s) and control button(s), and wherein the smart bottom rail communicates with the motor in the headrail. Types of sensors used may include environmental sensors, motion sensors, and inertial sensors. In another embodiment of the invention, the battery in the bottom rail may be a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce a letterbox using a strip of material includes: a bender to receive and bend the strip of material into a desired shape of a letterbox including flanges and notches, and the bender to bend at least one end of the strip of material slightly to produce a slight bent; a processor to measure a first plurality of hole positions on a first end of the strip of material and a second plurality of hole positions on flanges of the strip of material, wherein the first plurality of hole positions on the first end are measured to match a first plurality of holes on a second end of the strip of material, wherein the second plurality of hole positions on the flanges are measured to match a second plurality of holes on a base plate; and a puncher to punch the first plurality of holes on at least one of the first end and the second end of the strip of material according to the first plurality of hole positions, and the puncher to punch the second plurality of holes on the flanges according to the second

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a self-contained, solar-powered, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increased energy efficiency.

Abstract: A method of estimating an indoor lighting condition includes acquiring an image from a camera at a location within an indoor space at a selected time, determining the location from which the image is taken, and estimating an outdoor sunlight density based on the location and the selected time. The method also includes collecting a plurality of daylight factors, each daylight factor of the plurality of daylight factors corresponding to a characteristic of the indoor space, calculating an indoor daylight index for the indoor space in real time based on the outdoor sunlight density and the plurality of daylight factors, and presenting the indoor daylight index to a user in real time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of a building and having a controller configured to determine an adjustment to a window setting of the building based on current weather data, forecasted weather data, or both. The thermal management system also includes a display configured to display instructions related to the adjustment.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances. The shade, when extended, may be used as a solar collector in some instances.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances. Material selection and/or processing helps improve coil strength.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an actuator for a mobile item of equipment in building comprising the steps consisting in: deploying a model (M) linking at least one modelling parameter (P) with at least one characteristic physical quantity (C) of the environment or of the operation of the actuator exhibiting a temporal evolution; collecting a set of measurement values (VCm) relating to the at least one characteristic physical quantity (C) of the environment or of the operation of the actuator in the course of a measurement interval (Tm), each measurement value (VCm) being associated with an instant (Tm) of the measurement interval (Tm); determining or correcting at least one value (VP) of the at least one modelling parameter (P) in such a way that a modelled temporal evolution (Ee) defined on the basis of the application of the model (M) of the at least one value (VP) of modelling parameter (P) corresponds to or approaches an observed temporal evolution (Eo) of the characteristic phy

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for securing structures with moveable components. A structure may comprise a plurality of panes. A sensor device may be disposed on a pane of the structure. The sensor device may determine a position of the pane. A computing device in communication with the sensor device may receive, from the sensor device, an indication of the position or state of the pane. The computing device may determine, based on the position or state of the pane, a state of the structure.

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 headrail for a motorized window covering is described that includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor that is configured to actuate a window covering. The headrail includes a safety detector with one or more sensors that detect an irregular strain when the window covering is being raised. The headrail may further comprise a recoil mechanism or a deactivation mechanism to reduce the likelihood of damage to the window coverings and/or individuals caught or tangled in the window covering.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a transparent structure. The structure may include at least one light source, a transparent light-carrying guide layer optically coupled with the at least one light source. The structure may include refractive layers where a light absorbing feature is operably associated with the light-carrying guide layer to absorb any light not internally reflected in the light guide layer, at least adjacent the light source.

Abstract: “Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS's effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment system controls a plurality of motorized window treatments to maximize daylight autonomy, while minimizing cognitive dissonance. The system may include motorized window treatments, window sensors, and a system controller. Each motorized window treatment may be operable to adjust a respective covering material to control the amount of light entering a space. Each sensor may be mounted adjacent to at least one of the motorized window treatments, and may be configured to measure an amount of daylight shining on the sensor. The system controller may receive sensor readings from the sensors and may control the motorized window treatments in response to the sensors to keep the covering materials aligned when the sensor readings are within a predetermined amount. The system controller may dynamically group and re-group the sensors into subgroups based upon the sensor readings and may control the motorized window treatments based upon the subgroups.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for winding a screen (12) comprises a winding drum (14) for winding the screen (12) which can rotate about an axis of rotation (16) with respect to a fixed frame of reference over more than one revolution between at least one first end-of-travel position and a second end-of-travel position, a motor assembly (30) comprising a motor (32) equipped with a stator (32.1) intended to be fixed to a fixed support (23, 26) and a rotor (32.2) kinematically connected to the winding drum (14). A first measurement assembly (51) comprises a first encoder (46) secured to the rotor (32.2), a first sensor for reading the first encoder (46) and generating a first counting signal when the first encoder (46) turns. First processing means (50) generate, as a function of the first counting signal, a first signal indicative of the position of the screen, which signal is monotonous when the drum moves from the first end-of-travel position to the second end-of-travel position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cellular shade for an architectural opening may generally include a plurality of outer cells, with each outer cell including a first side and a second side extending between a first junction line and a second junction line. In addition, the cellular shade may include a first inner cell and a second inner cell defined within each outer cell between the first and second junction lines. The first inner cell may be formed from a first inner web forming a substantially closed shape defining a first internal cell area. The second inner cell may be formed from a second inner web forming a substantially closed shape defining a second internal cell area.

Abstract: A method that detects obstacles on a roller shade's travel that create excess torque by sensing the current draw from a motor and method by which the motor can calibrate itself to detect excess torque. During the roller shade's travel, it will record the instantaneous torque being generated at various points. For example, it will store the greatest value in the shade motor's non-volatile memory as the normal operating torque.

Abstract: An electronic window covering control system automatically controls the position and orientation of a window covering. A window covering controller interfaces with a light intensity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an electronic window covering configured to raise and lower the covering and tilt the slats. The window covering controller sends sensor data to a local receiver and receives window covering commands from the local receiver. The local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network and sends the sensor data to the hub. The hub applies a rule set to make operation decisions based on sensor data and user preferences, and sends messages comprising commands to operate the window covering through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the window covering commands to the window covering controller to automatically control the electronic window covering.

Abstract: An automated system for pro-active protection of a building from damage due to weather conditions includes multiple sensors establishing a perimeter about the building, a weather alert receiver, a master controller, storage including multiple automated protocols, and multiple actuators. The master controller will, when a weather alert is received indicating a particular weather condition will be occurring within an area encompassing the perimeter, without any human intervention: automatically execute a specific protocol to thereby cause at least some of the multiple actuators to change at least one protective device from a non-protective to a protective position until a signal is received that the weather alert is no longer in effect, or that the particular weather condition is no longer a potential danger to the building, at which time the master controller will automatically signal the actuators to return to the non-protective position.

Abstract: An electronic window covering control system automatically controls raising, lowering, and rotating a window covering of a window. A window covering controller interfaces with an electronic window covering, sends messages including sensor data to a local receiver, and receives messages including window covering commands from the local receiver. In turn, the local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network. The hub receives the sensor data, applies a rule set to make window covering operation decisions, and sends messages, which may comprise commands to operate the window covering, through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the window covering commands to the window covering controller to automatically control the electronic window covering.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.

Abstract: A control system (700) is disclosed that includes a room controller (704) transmitting signals to both a shade control network (716) and a light control network (718), directing that motorized roller shades (106) and dimmable lights (714) be set to desired intensity levels. The control system further includes an intelligent hub (710) that provides a trickle-charge re-charge current via power-over-Ethernet cables to batteries associated with each of the motorized roller shades for re-charging the batteries, thereby eliminating power supplies being installed within walls. The intelligent hub provides for communication with the room controller based on streaming protocol and with the shade control network based on event-based protocol. A computer (414) running user interface software may be connected to the system to facilitate programming.

Abstract: A shading assembly configured to have a first selectable state that is transmissive to more than 40% of solar light and reflects more than 35% of solar heat, a second selectable state that blocks more than 75% of the solar light and transmits more than 50% of the solar heat, and a third selectable state that transmits more than 50% of the solar light and more than 50% of the solar heat.

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

Abstract: A programmable wall station system for controlling automated coverings includes at least one automated covering adapted to receive command signals, and a computer which includes a processor and a computer connection port. The processor is programmed to receive location input, position input for the automated coverings, schedule input, and generate scheduled events based on any of the received input. A wall station includes a controller and a station connection port that is linkable to the computer connection port. The controller is programmed to receive scheduled events from the processor when the station connection port and computer connection port are linked to one another and generate command signals based on the scheduled events for receipt by the automated covering to control its operation.

Abstract: A method for management of a response to motion detection in a motion-based system is disclosed. The method, and a corresponding system, determines a schedule (670, 675) for movement of a position and for movement of an orientation of a window treatment, wherein the schedules of movement include a time of movement and a duration of movement and provides the schedules of movement to selected occupancy sensors (130) within an enclosed area, wherein the selected occupancy sensors (130) receiving the provided schedules negate detection of motion during periods associated with the provided schedules.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method of controlling light distribution in a space including an installed light source, an external light source, at least one blind(s) for a window in the space, a lighting control unit and a daylight/blind control unit, the method includes, in the lighting control unit, estimating task illuminances from the installed light source and the external light source at a plurality of measuring areas within the space, determining an intensity level of each of the installed light source based on the estimated illuminances; and determining a first positioning of the blinds according to predetermined requirements and/or measurements, in the daylight/blind control unit, receiving the plurality of measuring areas data within the space, determining a second positioning of the blinds according to predetermined requirements, selecting either the first or second positioning of the blinds to provide optimal daylight comfort, glare prevention and view.

Abstract: Alight control panel is provided, comprising: a transmissive substrate; a transmissive electrically conductive layer arranged on a surface of said substrate; a transmissive dielectric layer arranged on said electrically conductive layer; a flexible roll-up blind attached to said dielectric layer, said flexible roll-up blind layer comprising a flexible electrically conductive layer and a flexible optically functional layer, said flexible layer having naturally a rolled configuration and being capable of unrolling in response to electrostatic force; and an optoelectronic device. The panel may be useful in various energy saving applications including smart windows for buildings or vehicles, e.g. providing an energy efficient light source or utilizing solar radiation for energy conversion.

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: The present invention proposes a posture-adjustable solar-collecting window blind, which can adjust the position of solar cells to better collect solar energy. In the window blind, a solar detector and an ampere meter are used to detect the relationship between the incident angle of sunlight and an optimal arrangement of the solar detector. The relationship can be further used to adjust the positions of the plurality of solar cells. Furthermore, the window blind comprises a light sensor to detect the light intensity of a target area, which can be complementarily used to adjust the position of the plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: A method of controlling a controllable device related to a building aperture, whereby a climate related characteristic for the aperture is adjusted by the device, and whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a climate and comfort program which is dependent on a control parameter, whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a time schedule provided by the climate and comfort program.

Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event of the timeclock schedule.

Abstract: A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building controls amount of daylight entering the window in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system, and adjusts amount of daylight entering the window if the heating and cooling system is not saving energy. A motorized window treatment of the load control system is operable to move a fabric covering the window in a first direction, and a temperature control device is operable to subsequently determine if the heating and cooling system is consuming more energy than when the fabric was in the initial position. The motorized window treatment then moves the fabric in a second direction opposite the first direction if the heating and cooling system is consuming more energy than when the fabric was in the initial position.

Abstract: A solar window shade includes a frame for supporting louvers for shading at least one window of a building. Preferably, the frame is pivotally connected to the building above the window, and a frame drive system selectively pivots the frame upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the elevation of the sun. A louver drive system rotates the louvers within the frame to track east-to-west movements of the sun. The louvers are preferably provided as outer and inner louvers interlaced with each other, and such louvers nest with one another when the sun is hidden, or approaches from an acute angle, to maximize passage of indirect light rays to light the interior, while minimizing obstruction of the view through the window. The device is modular and is easily applied to aligned rows of windows and/or windows on multi-story buildings, with central control of the associated frame drive and louver drive systems.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel.

Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event.

Abstract: A solar window shade includes a frame for supporting louvers for shading at least one window of a building. Preferably, the frame is pivotally connected to the building above the window, and a frame drive system selectively pivots the frame upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the elevation of the sun. A louver drive system rotates the louvers within the frame to track east-to-west movements of the sun. The louvers are preferably provided as outer and inner louvers interlaced with each other, and such louvers nest with one another when the sun is hidden, or approaches from an acute angle, to maximize passage of indirect light rays to light the interior, while minimizing obstruction of the view through the window. The device is modular and is easily applied to aligned rows of windows and/or windows on multi-story buildings, with central control of the associated frame drive and louver drive systems.

Abstract: A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building is operable to control a motorized window treatment in response to a demand response command in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system. When the window may be receiving direct sunlight, the motorized window treatment closes a fabric covering the window when the heating and cooling system is cooling the building, and opens the fabric when the heating and cooling system is heating the building. In addition, when the space is unoccupied and the heating and cooling system is heating the building, the motorized window treatment may open the fabric if the window may be receiving direct sunlight, and may close the fabric if the window may not be receiving direct sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar protection installation (1) comprising at least one mobile window blind (2), at least one drive means (3), at least one control unit (4), and at least one wind sensor (5). The wind sensor (5) is used to detect overload caused by the wind on the window blind, by the detection of variations in tension and/or pressure leading to deformations of the window blind. The wind sensor is provided on and/or in the window blind (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blind systems and other systems with moving parts are disclosed. Certain systems and methods couple to a blind system, and include one or more transceiving, processing, sensor, motion delivery, power delivery, and various other components for collectively or individually controlling a blind system to open or close its blinds. Certain systems and methods utilize preprogrammed control instructions stored locally, or user-initiated control signals received from remote devices to control the blind system.

Abstract: A motorized venetian blind system for covering a window of a space comprising a blind drive unit having two motors to provide for independent control of a position of a bottom rail and a tilt angle of a plurality of slats of the blind system. The blind drive unit is operable to adjust the position of the bottom rail to a preset position, and to adjust the tilt angle of the slats to a preset angle in response to receiving a single digital message (e.g., a preset command). The blind drive unit is operable to automatically adjust the position of the bottom rail and the tilt angle of the slats to limit a direct sunlight penetration distance in the space to a maximum direct sunlight penetration distance, and to maximum a reflected sunlight penetration distance on a ceiling of the space, while minimizing occupant distractions.

Abstract: A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure.