Abstract: An improved system for controlling motorized window coverings with light control includes an improved control system including a switch with an up button, a stop button and down button to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering.

Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.

Abstract: A window covering operating unit including a stationary mountable first profile, a stationary mountable second profile, a profile movable between the first and second profile; and window covering material which is mountable between the movable profile and the first or second profile, wherein the window operating unit includes a first rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a first winding cord engaging on the movable profile and wherein the window operating unit further includes a second rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a second winding cord engaging on the movable profile, wherein the second winding shaft extends adjacently of and substantially parallel to the first winding shaft.

Abstract: A handling door for an industrial building includes a flexible curtain or apron having a plurality of sheaths. A plurality of bars include one of horizontal reinforcing bars and reinforcing tubes. A hauling bar is provided. Each of the plurality of sheaths has arranged therein one of the plurality of bars. The hauling bar is arranged in one of the plurality of sheaths. A plurality of hauling straps are used for moving the flexible curtain or apron from an open position to a closed position. A plurality of strap runners cooperate with the plurality of bars and the hauling straps. A retaining and immobilizing arrangement is used. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An aircraft window having a generally rectangular frame with an inner lens. A first shade is movable with respect to the frame and capable of covering a portion of the inner lens. A second shade is also movable with respect to the frame and also capable of covering a portion of the inner lens. An intermediate lens or separation member lies between the first and second shades. Movement of the shades allows for independent and variable control over the light transmitted through the window.

Abstract: A powered remotely actuated control system adapted for use in a covering system for an architectural opening and a covering system incorporating the control system are described. The control system includes: (1) a translational drive system for selectively moving a vertically-orientated vanes between extended and retracted positions, (ii) an angular drive system for selectively pivoting or rotating the vanes between an opened angular position and a closed angular position; and (iii) a logic system for determining the relative translational and angular positions of the vanes, as well as, decoding and executing commands received from a wireless remote control.

Abstract: A motorized reel system for window covering has a reel-system case (1) with a length for being extended between opposite sides of a window frame (2). The reel-system case encloses a reel motor (3) in a first end and a shaft housing (7) in a second end. The reel motor is attached to a motor mount (4) having a reel slide (6) in which a first end of a reel (8) that is shaft-like slides linearly in one direction while the reel is also winding lift line (11, 12). The reel slides linearly in an opposite direction while unwinding the lift line. Linear sliding of the reel while also winding and unwinding the lift line is caused by rotation of external threads (9) in matching-thread contact with internal threads (10) in a threaded housing. Linear travel of the reel while it is being rotated spreads windings of the lift line evenly along the reel.

Abstract: A system for effecting and controlling the movement of a window covering between different positions. In particular, the present invention includes a motor coupled to a window covering by way of a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes one or more hollow shafts, a drive shaft, and a torque sensing mechanism. The drive shaft is coupled between the motor and a hollow, sliding shaft by way of the torque sensing mechanism. Rotation of the motor causes a lift cord to wind or unwind from the hollow sliding shaft wherein the frictional engagement of the lift cord against the hollow, sliding shaft causes the shaft to slide. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for detecting and responding to disturbances in force sensing devices coupled to the lift cord.

Abstract: A motorized reel system for window covering has a reel-system case (1) with a length for being extended between opposite sides of a window frame (2). The reel-system case encloses a reel motor (3) in a first end and a shaft housing (7) in a second end. The reel motor is attached to a motor mount (4) having a reel slide (6) in which a first end of a reel (8) that is shaft-like slides linearly in one direction while the reel is also winding lift line (11, 12). The reel slides linearly in an opposite direction while unwinding the lift line. Linear sliding of the reel while also winding and unwinding the lift line is caused by rotation of external threads (9) in matching-thread contact with internal threads (10) in a threaded housing. Linear travel of the reel while it is being rotated spreads windings of the lift line evenly along the reel.

Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting and controlling the movement of a window covering member between different positions in response to a disturbance of the window covering. Also, an apparatus for assisting the manipulation of a window covering by way of potential energy stored in a spring. Also a torque sending device having a design that is insensitive to component tolerances.

Abstract: An automatic door and method of operating the same. The door includes a first processor which may be located proximate a leading movable edge of the door and a second processor which is remotely located from the first processor. The first and second processors are operably coupled with a bus configured to transmit digital signals therebetween. One or more input devices may be coupled with the first processor to indicate the status of an operational parameter of the door. Operational parameters are transmitted to the second processor, which controls a drive operably coupled with the door to control the position thereof in response to such operational parameters. The second processor is configured such that, upon breakdown of communication between the first and second processors, the second processor causes the door to enter into a predetermined status.

Abstract: A window covering operating unit including a stationary mountable first profile, a stationary mountable second profile, a profile movable between the first and second profile; and window covering material which is mountable between the movable profile and the first or second profile, wherein the window operating unit includes a first rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a first winding cord engaging on the movable profile and wherein the window operating unit further includes a second rotatable winding shaft which is arranged in a stationary profile and on which can be wound and unwound a second winding cord engaging on the movable profile, wherein the second winding shaft extends adjacently of and substantially parallel to the first winding shaft.

Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: An automatic door and method of operating the same. The door includes a first processor which may be located proximate a leading movable edge of the door and a second processor which is remotely located from the first processor. The first and second processors are operably coupled with a bus configured to transmit digital signals therebetween. One or more input devices may be coupled with the first processor to indicate the status of an operational parameter of the door. Operational parameters are transmitted to the second processor which controls a drive operably coupled with the door to control the position thereof in response to such operational parameters. The second processor is configured such that, upon breakdown of communication between the first and second processors, the second processor causes the door to enter into a predetermined status.

Abstract: The present Invention comprises a novel and improved system for effecting and controlling the movement of a member between different positions, by way of example only, for opening and closing window shades. In particular, and without limitation, the Invention comprises a novel method to recognize and respond to obstructions in applications for motorizing lift products, as well as to provide touch control of the lift system.

Abstract: A powered remotely actuated control system adapted for use in a covering system for an architectural opening and a covering system incorporating the control system are described. The control system includes: (1) a translational drive system for selectively moving a vertically-orientated vanes between extended and retracted positions, (ii) an angular drive system for selectively pivoting or rotating the vanes between an opened angular position and a closed angular position; and (iii) a logic system for determining the relative translational and angular positions of the vanes, as well as, decoding and executing commands received from a wireless remote control.

Abstract: A headrail designed for powered coverings for architectural openings comprises a housing defining an interior that conveniently hides a battery holder, a signal-receiving system, and an electric motor used to adjust the configuration of the covering. The headrail also hides improved hardware for mounting the motor and, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, improved hardware for mounting a tilt rod. Additionally, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, the headrail hides improved hardware for adjustably attaching the tiltable elements to the tilt rod in a manner that prevents over-rotation of the tiltable elements. The battery holder may comprise a battery magazine or a battery carrier removably mounted in the headrail housing. The batteries may be inserted into or extracted from the battery holder through an opening in a bottom wall of the headrail housing. A swingably mounted trap door may selectively cover or uncover the opening.

Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.

Abstract: A skylight assembly with head rail-mounted actuator includes a head rail having a shaft rotatably disposed therein. A battery-powered actuator is also disposed within the head rail and coupled to the shaft. The actuator is remotely operable to cause the shaft to rotate. As the shaft rotates, a collapsible shade connected to the shaft moves between an open configuration, wherein the shade is collapsed to allow sunlight to propagated through the skylight, and a closed configuration, wherein the shade is extended to cover the skylight.

Abstract: A programmable window blind assembly includes a window blind device having a pull cord unit connected operably to a blind unit. A motor drive unit includes a bi-directional motor that has a drive shaft coupled to the pull cord unit such that rotation of the drive shaft can result in movement of the blind unit. A sensor unit generates motor rotation signals for indicating angular speed and angular displacement of the drive shaft. A programmable data storage device has blind position information stored therein. A processor controls the motor to operate in a first direction for moving the blind unit to a retracted position and in a second direction for moving the blind unit to an extended position.

Abstract: A motorized window blind includes a mounting frame stretched in a longitudinal direction, a blind screen including a mounted end mounted on the mounting frame, a liftable end opposite to the mounted end in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction, and a flexible intermediate portion interposed therebetween. A motor has an output shaft and is mounted in the vicinity of the mounting frame so as to drive a drive transmitting member to move a distal end of the drive transmitting member in the transverse direction between retracted and extended positions where the distal end is proximate and distal to the mounting frame, respectively. A plurality of tubes are telescopically fitted to each other, and extend in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A motorized window shade assembly for operating a window shade having a rail attached to one end of the shade to extend and compress the shade with movement of the rail. The motorized window shade assembly includes a shell having two sidewalls, and a rail extending between the two sidewalls of the shell. The sidewalls have respective opposed inner surfaces with a channel therein, shoulders adjacent and perpendicular to the inner surfaces, respectively, and a traction surface on each of the shoulders. An axle is rotatingly coupled to the rail and has a traction wheel coupled to each end thereof. Opposite tips of the axle ride within the channels in the sidewalls, and the traction wheels engage the traction surface. A motor is attached to the rail and is drivingly coupled to the axle.

Abstract: An electrically driven motor capable of smoothly and efficiently raising and lowering a shade of an aircraft window. The aircraft window includes a spool which can slide axially. A cord is tied to one end of the spool, routed around the frame of the window and back to the second end of the spool. Between the first and second ends of the cord, it is tied into a shade rail. The shade rail is attached to the shade and when the shade rail moves up and down, the shade opens and closes. The spool is energized by the electric motor and, when moving in the first direction, causes one end of the spool to take up cord, thus causing the shade rail to move up and the other window to open and, when the electric motor is reversed, the take-up side of the spool becomes the unwind side and the unwind side becomes the take-up side, with the shade moving towards a closed, or down, position.

Abstract: A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound.

Abstract: A motorized window shade assembly for operating a window shade having a rail attached to one end of the shade to extend and compress the shade with movement of the rail. The motorized window shade assembly includes a shell having two sidewalls, and a rail extending between the two sidewalls of the shell. The sidewalls have respective opposed inner surfaces with a channel therein, shoulders adjacent and perpendicular to the inner surfaces, respectively, and a traction surface on each of the shoulders. An axle is rotatingly coupled to the rail and has a traction wheel coupled to each end thereof. Opposite tips of the axle ride within the channels in the sidewalls, and the traction wheels engage the traction surface. A motor is attached to the rail and is drivingly coupled to the axle.

Abstract: A sheet opening/closing apparatus capable of being utilized as any of a sheet spreading mechanism, a ventilating mechanism, and a heat retaining and light shielding mechanism, superior in all of working efficiency, assembling performance and economy, capable of minimizing stain and damage of the sheet used, and exerting no bad influence on the growth of plants. The sheet opening/closing apparatus includes a pair of support rods opposed to each other, a track 8 laid between the two support rods, and a movable member 9 attached to the track 8 movably. By utilizing the movement of the movable member along the track, the sheet is spread or opened between the two support rods.