Abstract: A display device and/or an electronic device including the same includes a flexible display panel, a driving device having a shape memory alloy member and a temperature control device adapted to control a temperature of the shape memory alloy member, and a link part, one end of which is connected to at least one end portion of the flexible display panel and another end of which is connected to the driving device, in which the driving device changes a curvature of the flexible display panel by controlling the temperature of the shape memory alloy member using the temperature control device, so that a force generated by shape memory alloy member when assuming a predetermined shape drives the link part to move the at least one end portion of the flexible display panel. The display device and/or the electronic device including the same may be implemented variously depending on embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A temperature sensor communicates with the controller and monitors temperature proximate a window associated with the window covering. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the window, temperature external to the window, temperature internal to the window, temperature within a headrail of the window covering, or the like. The controller is further configured to relay at least one of commands and information to an HVAC controller to regulate room temperature in accordance with the monitored temperature. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heated roller shade system is provided. The heated roller shade system includes a roller located in a cavity defined between an inner wall of a vehicle and an outer wall of the vehicle. The roller shade system also includes a shade coupled to the roller. The roller is configured to selectively move the shade between a deployed position and an open position. The roller shade system also includes a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of the roller and the shade. The heating mechanism facilitates increasing a temperature of at least one of the roller and the shade.

Abstract: A temperature-driven mechanical system includes a first effector, made of temperature-induced shape-changing material, having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis running through the ends, as well as a suspension system that mounts an assembly including the effector, to support rotation of the assembly about the longitudinal axis. The suspension system has a first rotational limit stop associated with a first angular position of the assembly at or below a first temperature limit and a second limit stop associated with a second angular position of the assembly at or above a second temperature limit. An array of such systems is similarly provided.

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: Actuation assemblies for and methods of activating a thermally actuated active material actuator utilizing wireless transmissions of energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic blind (1) comprising a rotating drum (2) and several flexible photovoltaic panels (10-12) that can be rolled up and unrolled around this rotating drum to close respectively unfold the blind. The device comprises a ventilation tube (19) and a ventilator (190) powered by the photovoltaic panels in order to create an air flux under the photovoltaic blind.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment to automatically control the position of a covering material in front of a window to save energy. The motorized window treatment has an eco-mode whereby to at least one climate characteristic is measured by a sensor to save energy by decreasing the load on a heating and/or cooling system of the room in which the motorized window treatment is installed. The motorized window treatment opens the covering material on sunny winter days to allow energy from sunlight to be stored in the mass of the room, and closes the covering material at night to insulate the room and allow the energy from the sunlight stored in the mass of the room to heat the room and reduce the load on the heating and cooling system at night.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment controls daylight entering a space through a window and includes a covering material, a drive shaft, lift cords received around the drive shaft and connected to the covering material, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft. It also includes a spring assist unit for the motor providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the lift cords at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions, minimizing motor usage and conserving battery life. A photosensor for measuring the daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window may be provided. The position of the covering material is automatically controlled to save energy, or may also be controlled in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.

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: 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: 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: There is provided an active brake release device attached to the exterior of a door controller having a first electromagnet, in which a sliding portion can slide to activate a sliding bar when the first electromagnet is energized; a first and a second actuator, in which the first actuator is located to abut against the break release bar of the door controller, and a sliding pin of the first actuator is yieldingly biased in the anti-activation direction of the bar; and, the second actuator is limited by a limit means at a fixed position; a second electromagnet, which is used to release the second actuator when the second electromagnet is energized; and a circuit, which includes a limit-switch for switching on the first electromagnet upon resetting of the device and a capacitor which is used to temporarily supply power to the second electromagnet in an event of unexpected electricity failure.

Abstract: A rolling fire door includes a door hold-open/release system that includes an electromagnet which is energized by a controller when the door is in the open position. The energized electromagnet magnetically attracts a bottom bar of the rolling door to secure the door in the open position. A key control station connected to the controller enables the electromagnet to be energized when the door is in the open position and enables the controller to deenergize the electromagnet so that the weight of the door causes the door to close. The key control station also includes a test switch which enables the controller to deenergize the electromagnet after a delay interval. The controller also deenergizes the electromagnet after a delay interval in response to activation of an alarm or in response to a thermal switch sensing a temperature in excess of a set point temperature.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator is disclosed. In one arrangement, a louvered window covering, such as a vertical or horizontal venetian blind, is provided with a thermal actuator to automatically rotate slats forming the louvered window covering between open and closed positions. The actuator includes at least one shape memory alloy spring that, when heated above a predetermined temperature, extends to engage and move a rack that drives a pinion gear. The pinion gear rotates, through a coupling mechanism, a rod extending the length of the blind. A second shape memory alloy spring may be installed to rotate the rod in the opposite direction. The rod intercouples the slats in a manner such that the rotation of the rod rotates the slats in unison between closed and open positions. The shape memory alloy spring may be heated with a current supplied by a controller in response to a predetermined environmental condition.

Abstract: A damper door system that includes an opening in a planar wall, a retractable damper door and a track extending through said opening. The damper door includes slots that are conformable to the track when the door is in a closed position. In addition, the slots in the damper door include an intumescent material for sealing the door shut in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A louvered window covering, such as a vertical or horizontal venetian blind, is provided with a thermal actuator to automatically rotate slats forming the louvered window covering between open and closed positions. The actuator includes at least one memory alloy spring that, when heated above a predetermined temperature, extends to engage and move a rack that drives a pinion gear. The pinion gear rotates, through a coupling mechanism, a rod extending the length of the blind. A second memory alloy spring may be installed to rotate the rod in the opposite direction. The rod intercouples the slats in a rewiner such that the rotation of the rod rotates the slats in unison between closed and open positions. The memory alloy spring may be heated with a current supplied to a controller in response to a predetermined environmental condition.

Abstract: An actuator which includes a memory metal element, a substantially constant force counteracting spring, and an actuated element. The memory metal transforms from a martensite structure to an austenite structure at a known temperature. The martensite structure is more easily deformed than the austenite structure. The force applied by the counteracting spring is sufficient to deform the martensite structure throughout the transformation temperature range but insufficient to deform the austenite structure such that at least a portion of the memory metal element undergoes a predetermined stroke in response to the transformation of the memory metal element between the martensite and austenite states. The actuated element is connected to the memory metal element to move therewith.

Abstract: A resettable fire link includes a first member (12) that pivotally supports a latch arm (20) thereon with a bi-metallic coil spring (30) interposed between the first member and the free end of the latch arm to normally bias the latch arm into a latched position with a release plate (50). The bi-metallic coil spring pivots the latch arm to a release position upon being elevated in temperature.

Abstract: A fire damper having a temperature-sensitive link assembly designed to permit ease of maintenance of the damper. In one embodiment, the link assembly includes a fusible link that extends across and holds the blades folded. At each end, the link is coupled to a bracket embracing the blades by a pivot pin and an associated latch that is manually releaseable. During maintenance of the damper, either latch can be released and the link will then swing down about the pivot pin at the opposite end of the link, permitting the damper blades to close. In normal use, the blades will also close in response to an over-temperature condition causing the fusible link to break. In an alternative embodiment, a plain non-fusible link is used and one of the latches is released by a temperature-sensitive actuator made of memory metal.

Abstract: An improved radiation protection louver system is described which comprises a movable louver panel hinged to a rotatable shaft through a thermally sensitive closure hinge member comprising a martensitic structure alloy exhibiting the characteristic of changing its shape from an intermediate configuration to a predetermined configuration in response to exposure to high intensity radiation. Motor drive means is included to reshape the hinge to the desired intermediate configuration following a temperature excursion effecting change of configuration.

Abstract: A fluid pressure motor having a normally used internal electrical heating element which vaporizes internal fluid to actuate the motor. The motor further includes means in heat transfer proximity to the outside of the motor which can be caused to convert its stored energy to sufficient heat to actuate the motor.

Abstract: A window device for controlling the transmission of solar radiation therethrough, having a first diffuser means forming the exterior of the device for diffusing incoming solar radiation, a second diffuser means spaced interiorly from the first diffuser means for further diffusing the incoming solar radiation, a plurality of substantially planar vanes situated between the first and second diffuser means, with each of the vanes having reflective surfaces and being pivotal about an axis passing through its center of gravity, the vanes being interconnected to move substantially in unison, means for automatically controlling the inclination of the vanes about their respective axes in response to the amount of solar radiation transmitted past the vanes, a plurality of substantially planar insulating panels spaced interiorly from the second diffuser means, with each of the panels being pivotable about an axis passing through its center of gravity and being interconnected to move substantially in unison, and means fo

Abstract: A rotating blade, smoke, fire and air control damper with spring closures attached on both inside and outside surfaces of the blades is disclosed. The spring closures cooperate with a bimetallic heat sensing device to trigger the closing of the blades at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A fireplace damper release mechanism for mounting in a fireplace adjacent a fire. The mechanism coacts with a fireplace damper connecting rod to automatically close the fireplace damper when the fire has gone out thereby avoiding the loss of heat from the room through the fireplace chimney.

Abstract: A cold frame for providing an environment conducive to the growing of plants having walls and a flexible, light-transmitting cover member which is flexed to form a ventilation opening. The cover member is flexed manually or by means responsive to the temperature of the interior of the cold frame.

Abstract: The side curtains of a poultry house are automatically opened upon a power failure in the electrical circuit of the ventilating system. An electrical monitoring circuit activated responsive to such power failure, releases a winch which normally maintains the curtains in a closed position, causing them to drop to an open position. The electrical monitoring system includes a time delay relay which is activated upon the power failure to release a normally latched mechanism. A latching cable is thus released, freeing the winch.