Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
160405000 | MISCELLANEOUS AND PROCESSES OF USING | 38 |
20080289781 | Accessory for wand for window treatment blinds - 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. | 11-27-2008 |
20090071614 | PARTITION MOUNT - In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place. | 03-19-2009 |
20090199984 | Reduced Visibility Insect Screen - A reduced visibility insect screening is described having a transmittance of at least about 0.75 and a reflectance of about 0.04 or less. In an alternative embodiment, an insect screening material includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.13 mm), having a bond strength greater than 5500 psi (40 mega Pascals), and having the same transmittance and reflectance limits. In another embodiment of the invention, a screening includes screen elements having a diameter of about 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) or less and a coating on the screen elements having a matte black finish, where the screening has the same transmittance and reflectance limits. | 08-13-2009 |
20090205793 | WINDOW COVERINGS STRING COILER - A window coverings string coiler includes a hollow casing, two brake wheel sets, a string winding wheel set, two resilient plates, a synchronous control member and a control set. The string winding wheel set has a first string winding wheel and a second string winding wheel that are hinged on the casing and coupled with a first gear and a second gear. The two brake wheel sets press the first and second string winding wheels. The synchronous control member is coupled with the first and second gears to control synchronous rotation thereof. The control set controls scrolling or opening of a window coverings. Through the first and second gears coupled with the string winding wheel set and the synchronous control member which controls synchronous rotation of the first and second gears, the first and second string winding wheels can rotate at the same speed to coil or release pulling strings. | 08-20-2009 |
20090301672 | ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE WINDOW TREATMENT SYSTEM TO CONTROL SUN GLARE IN A SPACE - A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308548 | Temporary partition curtain - A temporary partition curtain for isolating a first area from a second area is disclosed. The temporary partition curtain is prepared from a nonwoven sheet material having a first side and a second side, the nonwoven sheet material has an air permeability of at least about 10 ft | 12-17-2009 |
20100006240 | Motorized screen configuration and grouped control methods, automatic controller for implementing this method and home automation installation comprising such an automatic controller - In a group of motorized screens in which each comprises a load bar that is displaced according to a predefined travel, the configuration method comprises a step (E | 01-14-2010 |
20100006241 | ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLABLE WINDOW TREATMENT SYSTEM TO CONTROL SUN GLARE IN A SPACE - A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare. | 01-14-2010 |
20100018657 | SKEW ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS - A device for correcting skew in roll-up retractable coverings for architectural openings includes a friction device positioned within the head rail for movement between releasably fixed positions and disposed for engagement with the fabric of the covering to regulate the rate at which the fabric is wrapped about a roller in the covering at selected locations along the length of the roller to correct for any inherent skew in the covering. | 01-28-2010 |
20100051215 | Insulative Window Covering (Light and/or Heat in single or multilayer manifestations) - A window may be made insulative through the addition of sealed, properly suited coverings. Window coverings are commonly considered blinds, but they are no longer restricted to only blocking the passage of light into a room. Blocking heat passage with a movable item (open/close), such as a window covering, allows a home or business owner to reap the benefits of high efficiency (insulative) windows without the expense. Multiple layers can be integrated into the system to give immense flexibility to the user; allowing solar light to fill a room while restricting heat (reducing summer air conditioning and lighting loads), restricting light and heat passage (dark room or theater conditions) or restricting light passage while allowing heat passage (dark room with comfortable outside temperature). The remaining option (free light and heat passage) is accomplished by any or all layers to expose the glass surface. | 03-04-2010 |
20100065232 | WIPER-BASED SUNSHADE AND METHODS OF USE - Methods of deploying and stowing a sunshade utilizing a wiper-based system, including selectively engaging the sunshade and wiper, actuating the wiper, so as to deploy the shade, locking the wiper in the deployed position, so as to reduce the thermal load in a confined space, and returning the wiper after use, so as to stow the shade. | 03-18-2010 |
20100122783 | Window Covering For Energy Conservation - The present invention is an environmentally conscious window covering that will reduce the demand for electricity and appeal to the market for green building products used in construction and remodeling projects. The present invention is generally comprised of three layers, an outer eco-friendly (or “green) fabric layer that faces the interior of a building, an inner layer that may comprise polyethylene (PET) film layer that is aluminized and reflects 99% of ultraviolet rays, and an inner sheer layer that faces the window. The three layers are not adhered by synthetic or toxic adhesives. The present invention may also be equipped with an opening in the outer layer in the upper portion that can receive a rod for installation in the window space. | 05-20-2010 |
20100236731 | Cord lock of window coverings - A cord lock of the window blinds or shade includes a box having a chamber therein, a driving device on an outer side, a first opening for a cord exiting the box, a second opening for the cord entering the box, a fixed locking portion on the outer side, and a flexible locking portion opposite the fixed locking portion; and a movable driving wheel, which is received in the chamber of the box, to be moved between a lock position, in which the movable driving wheel is moved toward the driving device to clip the cord therebetween, and a release position, in which the movable driving wheel is moved away from the driving device to release the cord. The fixed locking portion provides the box fixing to the top rail with a strong strength, and the flexible locking portion provides an easy way to mount the box on the top rail. | 09-23-2010 |
20110126994 | COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS WITH BRAKES IN SERIES - 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. | 06-02-2011 |
20110174450 | CONSTANT VISCOSITY SPEED REDUCER - 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. | 07-21-2011 |
20110186249 | METHODS OF DISPLACING MOVABLE PARTITIONS INCLUDING A LATERAL RESTRAINT - 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. | 08-04-2011 |
20110192557 | SAFETY RING FOR A WINDOW BLIND - 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. | 08-11-2011 |
20110198046 | Cord-Securing Device for Window Shade - 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. | 08-18-2011 |
20110203754 | Method for Operating a Motorized Roller Shade - 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. | 08-25-2011 |
20110284174 | Method for controlling environmental conditions of livestock based upon the dynamics between temperature and wind chill - 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. | 11-24-2011 |
20120234510 | LANDSCAPE SHIELD APPARATUS AND METHOD - A shield apparatus and method for using the apparatus are disclosed. The shield apparatus that includes first and second supports, a screen, and a retraction mechanism associated with the first support. The screen has opposing vertical edges attached to the supports. The retraction mechanism has a construction that allows the second support to be pulled toward the first support, e.g., by way of the screen. During use, the supports are positioned in a substantially vertical position at different locations. | 09-20-2012 |
20130081767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHADE SELECTION USING A FABRIC BRIGHTNESS FACTOR - Brightness factors associated with shade fabric may be utilized when shading a building. A brightness factor may incorporate an openness factor, a visible light reflectance, a diffusion factor, a color, or other characteristics of the shade fabric. The brightness factor may be utilized when selecting a particular shade fabric for a room, building or other location. Additionally, the brightness factor may be utilized by an automated shade control system. The shade fabric selection may affect the building envelope by facilitating the optimization of daylighting, reduction of artificial electric lighting needs, minimization of glare conditions, and reduction of thermal load. | 04-04-2013 |
20130092335 | CELL DOOR WINDOW COVER AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling inmates disposed in their cells during emergency situations. The apparatus of the present invention includes a flexible magnetic cover which can be used by staff as a temporary cover for prison cell door windows. The apparatus may be used to help limit the inmate's visualization of prison emergency responses. Modern prison cell door designs include a cell door window but do not include any means to block this window. | 04-18-2013 |
20130180676 | AUTOMATED SHADE CONTROL SYSTEM - Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. | 07-18-2013 |
20130213591 | High Efficiency Roller Shade - A method for controlling a motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a microcontroller and a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube. The DC gear motor includes a housing fixed to the shade tube and an output shaft coupled to a support shaft fixed to a mounting bracket. The 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 and the DC gear motor housing while the DC gear motor output shaft and support shaft remain fixed. | 08-22-2013 |
20130319624 | MODULAR BRACKET SYSTEM FOR WINDOW TREATMENT - A bracket system for window dressing includes two brackets configured to be attached to an architectural member, such as a window well, a wall or a ceiling and receive the ends of window dressings. The brackets have edges adapted to receive a fascia designed to hide the window dressing. Preferably, the fascia has a front wall designed to snap onto the brackets and is sized so that it extends above the brackets to provide a neater and cleaner look. The fascia may be L-shaped with a vertical and a horizontal member and the brackets may be configured so that the horizontal member attaches either to the top or to the bottom of the brackets. | 12-05-2013 |
20140000822 | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCKING LIFT CORDS USED TO LIFT ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERINGS | 01-02-2014 |
20140069597 | METHOD FOR OPERATING WINDOW COVERS - A method for operating a window cover utilizes an extendible window cover having a first rail, a second rail and a pair of lift cords. The first and second rails of the window cover are movable relative to each other. According to the method, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a first direction to cause the lift cords to unwind from the lift cord pulleys, thereby rotating a lift cord pulley shaft and a set of gears. Further, at least one of the first rail and the second rail is moved in a second direction to cause the lift cords to wind on the lift cord pulleys, with the lift cord pulley shaft rotating in an opposite direction. | 03-13-2014 |
20140116633 | CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES FOR MOVABLE PARTITIONS, MOVABLE PARTITION SYSTEMS INCLUDING CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS - Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position. | 05-01-2014 |
20140216669 | REMOTE ENGAGEMENT AND ACTUATION APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - A tool for reaching, engaging, and/or actuating things such as awnings on the side of recreational vehicles includes a handle, an engagement element remote from the handle, and a connection structure between the handle and the engagement element, various elements of the tool of sufficient size and strength and configuration to permit a user to selectively push or pull the awning or other things. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216670 | METHODS FOR SPEED CONTROL OF A MOVABLE PARTITION - A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor. | 08-07-2014 |
20140360688 | MODULAR PANELS FOR PROTECTING A STRUCTURE - 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. | 12-11-2014 |
20140367057 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AND SYCHRONIZING MOVEMENT OF A PLURALITY OF ROLLER SHADES - Presented is a method of calibrating and synchronizing movement of at least two roller shades with respect to each other. One of the roller shades is designated as a reference shade and the other as a slave shade. The total number of encoder counts required to move each of the roller shades from fully open to a fully closed is determined. A correction factor for the slave shade is calculated and used to correct the error in the position of the slave shade relative to the reference shade caused by variation in the length of flexible shade material wound around each of the roller shades. The reference shade is moved a desired number of encoder counts in a predetermined amount of time. Simultaneously, the slave shade is moved a corrected number of encoder counts in the same amount of time thereby correcting errors in the rotation rate. | 12-18-2014 |
20150041080 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTORIZED ROLLER SHADE - An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided. | 02-12-2015 |
20150107788 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LINKED HORIZONTAL DRAPERY PANELS HAVING VARYING CHARACTERISTICS TO BE MOVED INDEPENDENTLY BY A COMMON DRIVE SYSTEM - A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove. Further specific embodiments include a sensor, such as an accelerometer, that detects a disturbance or vibration on the drive element, such as a tug, slide or tap, and activating the motor in response to the disturbance. | 04-23-2015 |
20150361719 | Shading Control Network Using a Control Network - A control system ( | 12-17-2015 |
20160108665 | BATTERY-POWERED MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT HAVING A SERVICE POSITION - A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries. | 04-21-2016 |
20190145164 | Method for determining a fully extended position of a screening body of a screening device | 05-16-2019 |