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AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Subclass of:

160 - Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel

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Class / Patent application numberDescriptionNumber of patent applications / Date published
160001000AUTOMATIC CONTROL36
20100078134METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY-BACKED POWER SUPPLY AND BATTERY CHARGING - Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-or configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.04-01-2010
20110168335Mobile Partition - A mobile partitioning wall including a plurality of independently displaceable wall elements. Each wall element has vertically movable connecting profiles and a control unit to control at least one drive of the connecting profiles. In a braced position the connecting profiles are braced between the floor and the ceiling, and in an open position, the connecting profiles are disposed at the wall element. When unlocking the mobile partitioning wall the wall elements are sequentially transferable from the bracing position into the open position. The control units are connected in parallel to an electrical voltage source in such that, in the braced position the control units are charged with a working voltage. A signal element is able to transmit a first unlocking signal for unlocking a first wall element and after unlocking a first wall element the signal element generates a second unlocking signal for a second wall element.07-14-2011
20120031567WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A ROLL-UP DOOR - A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.02-09-2012
20100236725FAST DOOR WITH FLEXIBLE SCREEN - This fast door (09-23-2010
20110083813COMBINATION WINDOW SHUTTER FOR FIRE AND SHADE - The present invention is a device that provides protection for a window from exterior fires which might ignite combustibles by radiation through the glass and/or break the glass and allow direct flame impingement, and also operates as a non-solid shutter or shade allowing privacy and shade. The shutter consists of metal or other noncombustible screen, mesh or slats spaced or pierced so that they allow some light to penetrate for shade control but protect the window glass from heat radiation and flying debris created by an external firestorm. The shutter can be raised and lowered manually, or with mechanical assistance, as by means of a chain lift or other roll-up/down mechanism for shade and privacy control, but will drop (close) automatically when released by a fusible link of the appropriate temperature setting to provide the fire protection. The unique features of the invention are the spacing of the slats, mesh or screen openings, sized to interrupt the coherent passage of heat radiation waves, and a mechanism to override manual operation so that shutter will automatically close during a fire.04-14-2011
20120298315AWNING MOTION SENSOR - An awning control system for providing automatic retraction of one or more awnings by detection of motion of an awning lead rail generally includes a sensing circuit for providing a radio frequency signal, is receivable by one or more awning motors for retracting corresponding awnings into corresponding awning cassettes upon receipt of a deflection signal. The deflection signal is provided by a motion detector connected to an awning header.11-29-2012
20110265956Method for Operating a Motorized Solar Protection Home Automation Installation - A method for operating a motorized solar protection home automation installation, comprising: 11-03-2011
20120285630AUTOMATED 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.11-15-2012
160002000 Nonthermal automatic initiator 14
20110232849FLEXIBLE STRAPS HAVING EMBEDDED RFID READER ANTENNA MODULES - The present invention relates to a strap device for a curtain or a flexible door, said straps having embedded RFID reader antenna modules and different MEMS and MOEMS sensors that make it possible to detect the direction of the objects passing through the gate and also detect the size of the objects so as to modulate the switching of the radiating elements of antennas on the basis of the position of the objects being read. The device also has embedded biosensors that measure in parallel the presence of toxic substances or materials. The device according to the invention has an LED or OLED and PHOLED display means embedded in the strap, more specifically, in a flexible material of the strap. The invention is particularly intended for the qualitative and quantitative traceability of materials passing through a logistical check gate. The device is intended for all places already having curtains with flexible straps, into which it is easily embedded. The device is suitable for all existing RFID readers.09-29-2011
20120145335ANTI-DROP TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR A SERVICE DOOR WITH A FLEXIBLE CURTAIN - An anti-fall transmission device for a handling door (06-14-2012
20130139975MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUIT AND KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY HAVING SAME - A motor control circuit for controlling rotation directions of a motor includes a primary power supply, a voltage monitor unit, a motor driving chip, a controller and a backup power supply. The backup power supply is constantly charged by the primary power supply when the primary power supply is in service. The voltage monitor unit is electronically connected to the primary power supply, and is configured for determining whether the primary power supply is in or out of service. The controller controls the motor driving chip to drive the motor to rotate in a first direction when the primary power supply is in service, and alternatively controlling the motor driving chip to drive the motor to rotate in a second direction reverse to the first direction when the primary power supply is out of service.06-06-2013
160003000 Force initiated 2
20090139663Covering System - The present application relates to a covering apparatus for covering an outdoor area comprising a screen (06-04-2009
20130146232AUTOMATICALLY OPERATED DOOR SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT TOILET - The object underlying the invention is to propose an improved door system.06-13-2013
160005000 Weather and/or light initiated 9
20100071856Method of Automatically Controlling a Motorized Window Treatment While Minimizing Occupant Distractions - 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.03-25-2010
20120193035MOTORIZED BLIND CONTROL DEVICES, METHODS OF USE THERNOF - 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.08-02-2012
20110240232Broadcast-Receiving Automatic Window Covering - An apparatus and method for the automatic adjustment of windows coverings and the like, receiving externally-broadcast time-and-date signal as a temporal reference for making scheduled adjustments to the window covering. One embodiment comprises an antenna, a conventional broadcast time signal receiver/decoder, a motorized adjustable window covering, a conventional microcontroller with non-volatile memory, and human-operated controls for on-demand adjustments and memory commands. The broadcast time signal provides high reliability, high precision timing control, which allows synchronization of multiple units in separate windows, without the need for a central control system. Some embodiments of the invention have a learning function which is operated by making an adjustment in a conventional, familiar manner, combined with a learn command.10-06-2011
20090308543MOTORIZED WINDOW SHADE SYSTEM AND MOUNT - An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.12-17-2009
20120118513SHIELD SYSTEM - A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (05-17-2012
20120125543Motorized Venetian Blind System - 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.05-24-2012
20090020233AUTOMATED SHADE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.01-22-2009
20110220299AUTOMATED SHADE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.09-15-2011
20080236763MOTORIZED WINDOW SHADE SYSTEM - An electronically-controlled roll-up window shade that can easily be installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The motorized shade includes an internal power source, a motor, and a communication system to allow for remote control of the motorized shade. One or more motorized shades can be controlled singly or as a group. In one embodiment, the motorized shades are used in connection with a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system to reduce energy usage. In one embodiment, the motorized shade is configured to have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled motorized shade. In one embodiment, a group controller is configured to provide thermostat information to the motorized shade. In one embodiment, the group controller communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of one or more motorized shades. In one embodiment, the internal power source of the motorized shade is recharged by a solar cell.10-02-2008
160006000 Nonfusible thermal initiator 4
20120216964SHADING DEVICES - 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.08-30-2012
20120061029Variable Screening - 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.03-15-2012
20120261079METHOD OF CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT TO SAVE ENERGY - 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.10-18-2012
20120261078MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT - 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.10-18-2012
160007000 With starting or driving means 9
20090260766METHOD OF SECURELY OPERATING A HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A method of operating a home automation system comprising a closing screen, blackout or solar protection screen driven by an actuator and intended to block off an opening of a building, the screen comprising an end that moves between an open position corresponding to an open configuration of the screen and a closed position corresponding to a closed configuration of the screen, the actuator being controlled by at least one first command transmitter, wherein, when, in a preliminary step, the first command transmitter is designated as a blocked transmitter, the home automation system switches over to a first operating mode, in which displacements of the moving end controlled from the blocked transmitter are only prohibited when the moving end is in a security zone.10-22-2009
20080245484Overhead door cable engagement apparatus - A cable-and-pulley mounted overhead door includes a mechanism for sensing when the cable is tending to slacken and to automatically take-up the slack so as to thereby prevent the cable from disengaging from its pulley. When the overhead door includes an automated drive system, provision is further made for sensing when the take up of slack has progressed to a determined degree and to responsively turn off the automated drive system.10-09-2008
20100294437BARRIER SYSTEMS WITH PROGRAMMABLE ACCELERATION PROFILE AND AUTO-RETRIES FOR PRESSURED EGRESS - Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier that is moved between a deployed position and a retracted position. The flexible barrier is configured to prevent migration of smoke or other harmful vapor, but to allow egress through the barrier upon request. A pressure gradient across the barrier can cause the barrier to bow and inhibit raising the barrier. A control system directs a drive system to stop raising the barrier, wait a predetermined time, and then raise the barrier again. In some embodiments, the barrier can be returned toward the deployed position before raising the barrier again.11-25-2010
20090025886Combination garage door and roll-up curtain system - A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.01-29-2009
20100175837PRIVACY DEVICE AND PRIVACY DISPLAY - The invention discloses a privacy device applied in a display. The display includes a screen. The privacy device of the invention includes a privacy film and a driving member. The privacy film is used for covering the screen. The driving member is disposed around the screen and operatively connected to the privacy film for driving the privacy film to move relative to the screen; wherein, the driving member is capable of selectively driving the privacy device to completely cover the screen or completely reveal the screen.07-15-2010
20100154999Blind with solar batteries and control method thereof - A solar battery is partially attached to each blade of a blind. The position of each blade is adjusted based on position information such that each blade tracks sunlight. Electric energy obtained by the generation of electricity using an indoor illumination source is used to charge a battery. In addition to the generation of electricity, some of the blades are folded to let in light.06-24-2010
20100243175BARRIER SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, INCLUDING VAPOR AND/OR FIRE BARRIER SYSTEMS WITH MANUAL EGRESS - Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.09-30-2010
20110259529Window System Useful for Blocking Direct Sunlight - The present invention provides for a device for blocking direct light from a light source, wherein the device comprises two arrays of elongated slats and a means to coordinately move the two arrays relative to each other within a range of configuration, wherein in at least one configuration the two arrays block direct light from a light source to more than one location incident to the light source while not blocking other views through the two arrays from the more than one location.10-27-2011
20120318465INSULATING SHADE FOR COVERING AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING - An insulating shade assembly for an architectural opening includes a roller and an insulating shade. The insulating shade includes a shade core attached to and between first and second outer shade sheets. The shade core includes a number of inner shade sheets which are stacked upon one another and attached to one another in an offset manner. The shade core is expanded by moving the first and second outer shade sheets relative to one another, creating a number of cells for insulating air.12-20-2012
160008000 With retarding means 1
20100032105HIGH SPEED DOOR ASSEMBLY - A high-speed door assembly has a shaft or drum having a longitudinal axis which is configured so that the longitudinal axis is parallel with a wall to which the door assembly is mounted. A flexible door panel is attached to the shaft or drum so as to be capable of being wound and unwound about the drum for selectively permitting and prohibiting access through an opening in the wall to which the door assembly is mounted, the door panel being wound on the shaft or drum in an orientation such that the door panel defines at least one vertical plane when unwound from the shaft or drum, the vertical plane being spaced further from the wall to which the door assembly is mounted than the longitudinal axis of the shaft or drum. The door panel preferably having at least a portion of its width being substantially equal to or less than the width of the opening and is preferably used with guides which extend into the width of an opening passage of a door while being able to retreat, retract or collapse from their position extended into the door width upon experiencing an impact by an atypical force which can dislodge the door panel from the guides.02-11-2010

Patent applications in class AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Patent applications in all subclasses AUTOMATIC CONTROL