O
`
`Ulllt?d States Patent [19]
`Ringle, III
`
`[11]
`[45]
`
`4,096,903
`Jun. 27, 1978
`
`[54] POWER DRIVE FOR A VENETIAN BLIND
`_
`[76] Invento? John Ringle, III, 1410 Falrmoht Sh,
`Wausau, W1s. 54401
`[21] Appl No . 611015
`
`.
`
`..
`
`,
`
`[63]
`
`_
`.
`sep' 8’ 1975
`[22] Flled'
`Related US. Application Data
`Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 485,820, Jul. 5, 1974,
`abandoned, which isacontinuation of Ser. No.
`307,979, NOV- 201 1972» abandoned-
`[51] 1111. C1.2 .............................................. .. E06B 9/26
`[52] US. (:1. .............................. .. 160/176 R; 160/107;
`313/266; 313/467
`[58] Field of Search ..... .. 160/107, 170, 171, DIG. 17,
`160/174_176; 318/467, 468, 470, 265, 266, 267
`R f
`C, d
`e erences "e
`U5. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 894 833 mm Ruby et a1. ........................ .. 160/171
`2,658,570 11/1953 Engel ......... ..
`160/107 X
`2,755,423
`7/1956 Hager ............................ .. 318/468 X
`
`-
`
`[56]
`
`3,303,333
`,
`, 9
`3,389,737
`3,559,024
`3,714,535
`
`3/1927 Dotto ................. .. 160/DIG.l617/UX
`3 l9 7
`Hunter et al. ...................... ..
`O 171
`6/1968 Arnold et a1. ..
`160/107
`1/1971
`Marder ............... .. 160/DIG. 17 UX
`l/l973
`Krivak et a1. ...................... .. 318/468
`
`Primary Examiner-Philip C. Kannan
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Andrus, Sceales, Starke &
`1
`Sawal
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`The upper channular frame supporting the venetian
`blind houses a rotary shaft parallel to the slats of the
`blind and from which the slats are suspended by a Pair
`of nylon ladders The shaft is driven by a small D-C
`motor and gear reduction unit having an output gov
`emed by limit switches selectively operable to provide
`a predetermined limit of angular slat movement. The
`limit switches are incorporated in parallel branches
`directly in one of the power lines to the motor, with
`individual diodes controlling the direction of the cur
`rent through the corresp‘mding branches
`
`6 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures
`
`Z7\ Z8
`la)
`5 6
`————T———————1—-——————————.-——————1—f——.—1 Ln“
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June, 27, 1978
`
`Sheetl of3
`
`4,096,903
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 2
`
`

`

`,, atet
`
`June 27, 1978 Sheet2of3
`
`4,096,903
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June 27, 1978
`
`Sheet 3 of3
`
`4,096,903
`
`£23.10
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 4
`
`

`

`1
`
`4,096,903
`
`2
`Where the blind is disposed in a sealed space between
`two panes the motor, gearing and cross shaft will be in
`the same space and the control switch and batteries will
`be outside the space.
`In the construction of a pivoted window the control
`switch and batteries may be contained in a casing or box
`sunk in the sash of the window at a position convenient
`to the operator, thereby making a unitary factory as
`sembled construction for simpler installation.
`Where ?xed windows are employed it is possible to
`power the individual blinds for adjacent windows from
`a common battery.
`
`POWER DRIVE FOR A VENETIAN BLIND
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is a continuation-in-part of applica
`tion Ser. No. 485,820, ?led July 5, 1974 now abandoned,
`which in turn was a continuation of application Ser. No.
`307,979, ?led Nov. 20, 1972 now abandoned by the
`present inventor.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to a power drive for a venetian
`blind.
`The present invention is directed solely to tilting of 15
`the slats of a blind by power means. Raising and lower
`ing of venetian blinds requires substantial power and
`mechanisms for this purpose are necessarily compli
`cated and costly. On the other hand the tilting of the
`slats of a venetian blind can be accomplished with very
`little power and this operation is susceptible of much
`less costly drives.
`Present day high rise buildings employ venetian
`blinds at all of the windows and it is generally desired
`that they all remain down and even preferably at the
`same tilt adjustment to present a uniform exterior ap
`pearance for the building. In such case some remote
`control of the tilt of the blinds is desired.
`This type of venetian blind, incorporating the very
`thin slats, is usable also in buildings where individual
`blind control is permissible.
`The problem in these tilt controls for such blinds is
`largely one of simpli?cation resulting in reduced manu
`facturing costs.
`Heretofore the expense involved has generally kept
`these drives from the market.
`
`35
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The invention is illustrated in the accompanying
`drawings showing the preferred embodiment presently
`contemplated by applicant.
`In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a window with venetian
`blind;
`FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line
`2——2 of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a plan view of the head rail for the blind;
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of the gear reduction unit;
`FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of the micro switches and
`adjacent portion of the head rail and cross shaft;
`FIG. 6 is a detail section taken on line 6—6 of FIG. 5;
`FIG. 7 is a detail section taken on line 7—7 of FIG. 3
`and showing the suspension of the slats from the cross
`shaft;
`FIG. 8 is a horizontal transverse section taken on line
`8-8 of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 9 is a wiring diagram for operating the motor in
`either direction;
`FIG. 10 is a plan view with cap removed showing a
`modi?ed form of power unit;
`FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing the parts of the
`coupling ready for assembly;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing one form of
`coupling element for actuating the limit switches at
`nearly 180° apart;
`FIG. 13 is a transverse section taken on line 13—13 of
`FIG. 10.
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate form of
`coupling element for actuating the limit switches at
`nearly 90° apart; and
`FIG. 15 is a modi?ed form of circuit diagram.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention utilizes a small direct current
`electric motor with a substantial gear reduction unit
`driving the cross shaft from which the slats of the blind
`are suspended.
`A coupling between the gear reduction unit and the
`cross shaft incorporates a limit switch mechanism
`45
`which provides a predetermined tilt limitation of the
`slats by selective incorporation in the coupling of an
`element constructed to actuate the limit switches as
`desired.
`The limit switches are incorporated in individual
`branches of one lead to the motor and each has a diode
`in its branch controlling the direction of current flow
`through the corresponding switch in response to a
`given direction of current ?ow through the motor.
`The direction of current ?ow through the motor is
`controlled by a manual and/or an automatic switch
`responsive to light, temperature and/or infra-red rays
`admitted through the blind.
`The current source is preferably a small replaceable
`battery disposed near the control switch, although a
`recti?ed AC current may be employed with a trans
`former from the normal power source available.
`An additional remote control switch may be pro
`vided and which may actuate several blinds simulta
`neously.
`The power unit is mounted at one end of the cross
`shaft while the control switch is mounted in the sash or
`other convenient location.
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`50
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`The drawings illustrate a factory assembled window
`having an extruded aluminum channular frame 1
`adapted to be set in an opening in the masonry wall 2 of
`a building and sealed in place.
`The frame 1 pivotally carries an extruded aluminum
`hollow sash 3 by means of aligned upper and lower
`central trunnions 4 of the sash extending through bear
`ings 5 in the frame. This construction permits the win
`dow to be turned to present either side to the inside of
`the building for washing purposes.
`Suitable sealing strips 6 extend peripherally of the
`sash 3 to seal the same to the frame 1 when the two are
`in the same plane and thereby securely close the win
`dow.
`The hollow sash 3 is generally of rectangular section
`having a pair of spaced inwardly extending ?anges 7
`and 8 against which separate panes of glass 9 and 10 are
`sealed and secured in place by strips 11.
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 5
`
`

`

`4,096,903
`3
`Suitable outside weep holes 12 may be provided for
`the channular frame 1 to prevent possible retention of
`moisture therein.
`The space 13 between window panes 9 and 10 may be
`hermetically sealed and suitably dehydrated, vacuum
`ized or ?lled with a dehydrated gas, as desired.
`In carrying out the present invention a venetian blind
`14 is disposed within the space 13 between panes 9 and
`10 and is comprised of a plurality of vertically spaced
`thin opaque slats 15 which may be slightly curved or
`crowned in cross section as shown in FIG. 7 to stiffen
`the same against sagging.
`The slats 15 are carried by the cross rungs 16 of a pair
`of spaced nylon ladders 17 suspended from a head rail
`18 secured to the upper sash 3 of the window.
`Each ladder 17 comprises a pair of vertical cords 19
`joined by the vertically spaced rungs 16 which support
`the individual slats 15 therebetween.
`The cords 19 serve to keep the slats 15 in vertical
`superposed alignment and relative vertical movement
`of the cords will tilt the rungs 16 accordingly and
`thereby effect tilting of the slats.
`Relative endwise displacement of individual slats 15
`may be prevented by an additional cord 20 hanging
`from the head rail 18 and passing through central open
`ings 21 in the several slats with its lower end secured to
`a bottom rail 22.
`The bottom rail 22 of the blind has a trunnion 23 at
`each end pivotally mounting the same in a hold down
`bracket 24 secured to the sash 3.
`The slats 15 of the venetian blind 14 are thus always
`extending across the window between the vertical side
`members of sash 3 and in this embodiment the slats
`cannot be raised to the top of the window.
`By tilting the slats 15in unison in either direction it is
`possible to control the amount of light and heat passing
`through the window.
`When the slats are disposed generally horizontally
`they permit the maximum amount of light to pass
`through the window and are generally least obstructing
`to a person’s vision through the window.
`When the slats are tilted to a maximum amount in
`either direction where they overlap in a generally verti
`cal position they close the window to the passage of
`45
`light and to any vision therethrough by a person look
`ing toward the window.
`According to the present invention tilting of the slats
`15 is effected electrically by a small electric motor 25
`disposed in one end of the head rail 18.
`The motor 25 drives a shaft 26 by means of a gear
`reduction unit 27 in head rail 18.
`The shaft 26 extends transversely of the window
`lengthwise of the hollow head rail 18, and is rotated
`very slowly to give a desired control of adjustment for
`the slats 15.
`For this purpose, the vertical cords 19 for each ladder
`17 have their upper ends wound around and secured to
`a cylindrical nylon bushing 29 and provide a sufficient
`length of cord free to pay out upon rotation of the
`bushing with shaft 26 to grip the same, thereby lower
`ing one side of ladder 17 and simultaneously lifting the
`other side of the ladder as the bushing oscillates slowly
`with the shaft.
`The lower end of each cord 19 will be secured to the
`corresponding side of the bottom rail 22 whereby the
`bottom rail will tilt on its trunnions 23 as the slats 15 are
`tilted by raising and lowering of the cords 19.
`
`4
`Bushing 29 has ends of reduced diameter which ride
`in slots in nylon supports 30 ?xed in rail 18 and consti
`tuting a bearing support rotationally mounting shaft 26.
`Tilting of slats 15 in either direction is accomplished
`by reversal of motor 25 which reverses the direction of
`rotation of shaft 26.
`For this purpose the motor 25 is preferably a direct
`current motor which can be readily reversed by revers
`ing the voltage applied to it.
`A suitable circuit diagram is illustrated in FIG. 9
`where it will be noted that a remote control box 31
`contains suitable replaceable small batteries 32 and has a
`double pole double throw normally open switch 33 on
`its removable cover 34.
`The box 31 with its assembly can be positioned in a
`recess in sash 3 at a location convenient to access to
`switch 33 by the operator.
`Referring to the wiring diagram of FIG. 9 it will be
`noted that the switch 33 is adapted to reverse the volt
`age from batteries 32 to the motor 25.
`In order to limit the tilting movement of slats 15 in
`either direction a pair of limit switches 35 and 36 are
`connected in the motor circuit by switch 33.
`Limit switches 35 and 36 are normally closed and
`disposed in head rail 18 to be opened by corresponding
`radial projections 37 and 38 on a bushing 39 on shaft 26.
`When shaft 26 is rotated in a direction in which limit '
`switch 35 is connected in the motor circuit by control
`switch 33, projection 37 rotating with the shaft will
`ultimately lift the blade of the limit switch 35 and open
`the latter to stop the motor at a predetermined tilt posi
`tion for slats 15 in one direction.
`Speci?cally for this direction of rotation of shaft 26
`the current ?ows from positive terminal 40 of battery 32
`through line 41 to terminal 42 of switch 33, through
`throw 43 to switch connection 44, and thence through
`line 45 to terminal 46 of motor 25, and returns from
`terminal 47 of motor 25 through line 48 to connection
`49 of switch 33, throw 50 and switch terminal 51,
`through line 52 to normally closed limit switch 35 and
`thence through lines 53 and 54 to the negative terminal
`55 of battery 32.
`When shaft 26 is rotated in the opposite direction in
`which limit switch 36 is connected in the motor circuit
`by control switch 33, projection 38 rotating with the
`shaft will ultimately lift the blade of the limit switch 36
`and open the latter to stop the motor at a predetermined
`tilt position for slats 15 in the opposite direction.
`Speci?cally for this reverse direction of rotation of
`shaft 26 the current flows from positive battery terminal
`40 through line 41 to switch terminal 42, line 56 to
`switch terminal 57, throw 50 to switch connection 49
`and line 48 to motor terminal 47, and returns from
`motor terminal 46 through line 45 to switch connection
`44, throw 43 to switch terminal 58, through line 49 to
`limit switch 36 and thence through lines 54 to negative
`terminal 55 of battery 32.
`The limit switches 35 and 36 are constructed to pre
`vent continued operation of motor 25 when the slats 15
`have reached a predetermined tilt position correspond
`ing to the radial positioning of projections 37 and 38 on
`shaft 26.
`Thus projections 37 and 38 will be positioned to give
`a range of tilt for slats 15 of any angular movement up
`to a total of 180° depending upon the need. In some
`instances a range of tilt of only 45° may be sufficient
`where the blind is employed to regulate the light being
`
`55
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`60
`
`65
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`15
`
`35
`
`50
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`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 6
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`

`

`15
`
`25
`
`4,096,903
`5
`6
`transmitted asvby- a light sensitive control element oper
`who ‘can select the coupling desired'by'the customer
`atively Connected-to thetswitchr 33.
`‘
`-
`before assembling the power unit.v
`'
`The shaft 26 rotates in either direction only through
`FIGxl4-illustrates an alternate coupling element 72
`the angular range of movement established by the‘ set
`for this selection. The coupling element 72 of FIG. 14 is
`ting of projections,.37 and .38,.and thus can be said to
`the same as that for FIGS. 10'to 12, except that the knob
`oscillate between the two extreme positions for slats 15.
`or pin 81 is. made as a ridge 82 extending circumferen
`The modi?ed construction of power unit illustrated
`tially of element 72 for a given distance to provide
`in FIGS. 10 to 14tconsiderably reduces the: spaceire
`engagement with terminals 69 and‘70 with less rota
`quired by providing the motor 25, gear reduction-as
`tional movement of element 72. The ridge 82 can be
`sembly 27 and the coupling assembly 60 as a power unit
`considered as two separate circumferentially spaced
`which can be pre-assembled for installation with shaft
`pins each operative to engage one of the terminals 69
`26 of any window.
`.
`and 70.
`p
`p
`In this construction the motor 25 and gear reduction
`The knob or pin 81' and also ridge 82 essentially pro
`assembly 27 remain substantially. as illustrated in the
`vide two oppositely facing circumferentially spaced
`construction of FIGS. 1-9.
`.
`‘
`abutment surfaces, each disposed to engage and actuate
`The coupling assembly 60 comprises a two piece
`a corresponding limit switch terminal 69 or 70.
`housing consisting of support member 61 and cap mem
`In order to-properly orient the pin 81 or ridge 82 with
`ber 62 secured together upon assembly by two rivets 63
`respect to shaft 26 for assembly purposes, a pin 83 is
`driven through eyelets 64 at one end of cap 62 into
`formed on the outer end of element 72 extending paral
`corresponding vertical tubularmembers 65 at the end of
`20
`lel to the axis of the element, and centered with respect
`support 61.
`to, pin, 81 or ridge 82 to aid the assembler when inserting
`The end of support 61 opposite from members 65 is
`shaft 26 into the element 72.
`shaped to ?t into an end recess.66 of the housing 67 for
`Referring to the modi?ed circuit of FIG. 15 the limit
`gear reduction assembly 27.
`'
`switch terminals 69 and 70 are shown adapted to engage
`The end of cap 62 opposite from eyelet 64 extends
`a common ?xed terminal 71 leading to one side of the
`over the housing 67 and interlocks with a raised tongue
`motor.
`68 thereon.
`The limit switch terminals are disposed in separate
`The support member 61 contains the two resilient
`branches 85 and 86 of line 87 leading from the control
`limit switch terminals 69 and 70 normally contacting a
`switch 33.
`"
`?xed terminal 71 and adapted to be pushed away from
`Oppositely directed diodes 88 and 89 are disposed in
`contact position to open the motor circuit.
`the corresponding branches 85 and 86 so that when the
`The coupling element 72 is formed of synthetic plas
`motor is being operated in a direction moving pin 81
`tic material and lies in bearing recesses 73 in the oppo
`toward terminal 69 the latter becomes operative to open
`site ends of support member 61.
`the motor circuit, and when the motor is being operated
`The smaller diameter inner end of element 72 has a
`in a direction moving pin 81 toward terminal 70 the
`central axial bore 74 therein for receiving the end 75 of
`latter becomes operative to open the motor circuit.
`the output shaft of gear reduction assembly 27, and is
`The line 90 leads from motor 25 back to control
`slotted diametrically at 76 to receive the cross driving
`switch 33.
`pin 77 of end 75, to rotationally drive the coupling
`The control switch 33 of FIG. 15 is shown as a dou
`element by the output shaft of assembly 27.
`ble pole double throw switch similar to that of FIG. 9,
`The larger diameter outer end of element 72 has an
`adapted to connect battery 32 to the motor selectively
`axial bore 78 formed to receive the end of cross shaft 26,
`to provide for directional ?ow of current to the motor
`each having a hexagonal or other shape to rotationally
`to determine its direction of rotation.
`interlock whereby coupling element 72 will drive shaft
`With the use of the circuit of FIG. 15 it is necessary
`26.
`45
`to employ only two wires leading from the remote
`A circumferential flange 79 near the outer end of
`control box to the motor and limit switch assembly,
`coupling element 72 bears against the inside of the end
`whereas in FIG. 9 ?ve wires appear to be necessary.
`of support member 61 and retains the element 72 longi
`If desired, electrical jack terminals 91 may be pro
`tudinally within its housing upon completion of the
`assembly.
`vided in the lines between battery 32 and control switch
`33 for plugging in an alternate power source such as
`The outer end of channular cap member 62 has a
`from a recti?er in the secondary circuit of a trans
`recess 80 complementary to the outer recess 73 of sup
`former, not shown.
`port member 61, and which cooperates therewith to
`secure coupling element in the housing.
`Also if desired, a receptacle 92 may be connected to
`lines 87 and 90 to provide for plugging in of additional
`For the purpose of actuating the limit switch termi
`blind actuating power units.
`nals 69 and 70 ?ange 79 has a radial knob or pin 81
`thereon.
`Various automtic controls for switch 33 may be em
`When element 72 is rotated in one direction it ap
`ployed and the switch can be located in a master control
`proaches an extreme position for the slats 15 and pin 81
`room for a group of windows, if desired.
`engages terminal 69 and opens the motor circuit thereby
`The venetian blind may be of a type employing verti
`60 .
`stopping the tilting movement. When element 72 is
`cal slats, in which case the drive shaft may be connected
`rotated in the opposite direction to the opposite extreme
`to the slats by different means to effect the operation
`thereof.
`position for the slats 15 the pin 81 engages terminal 70
`and opens the motor circuit thereby stopping the tilting
`Various modes of carrying out the invention are con
`templated as being within the scope of the following
`movement.
`For the purpose of providing selectivity in predeter
`claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming
`mining the extreme positions for slats 15 different cou
`the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
`pling elements 72 are inventoried by the manufacturer
`I claim:
`
`50
`
`35
`
`65
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 7
`
`

`

`5
`
`4,096,903
`7
`1. In a venetian blind drive and control, a reversible
`rotary direct current electric motor, a source of direct
`current connected to drive said motor, switch means in
`the motor circuit operable to select the direction of
`motor rotation and to determine the increment of move
`ment in either direction, a speed reduction gear train
`driven by said motor selectively in either direction in
`accordance with the direction of motor rotation, an
`output shaft for said gear train, a cross shaft for said
`blind in axial alignment with and coupled at all times to
`said output shaft and connected to the slats of the vene
`tian blind to provide a predetermined tilt adjustment for
`the latter between predetermined opposite closure posi
`tions by a partial revolution of said cross shaft, a sepa
`rate limit switch connected directly in a branch of the
`power circuit of said motor for each direction of opera
`tion of the motor, and separate abutment means gener
`ally carried by and rotatable with at least one of said
`shafts to actuate corresponding of said limit switches to
`open the motor circuit and stop said motor upon said
`shafts reaching a limit of rotation corresponding to a
`predetermined position of blind operation in either of
`the selected directions.
`25
`
`2. The device of claim 1 in which said direct current
`source comprises a battery, said switch means is manu
`ally operable, and a remote control box contains said
`battery and said switch means, said motor and said
`remaining elements being disposed in the head rail of
`the blind.
`3. The device of claim 1 in which a diode is employed
`in each branch line for said limit switches to determine
`operativeness of each given switch in accordance with
`the direction of current flow to the motor.
`4. The device of claim 1 in which a coupling element
`connects the output shaft for said gear train and the
`cross shaft for said blind, and radially projecting means
`on said coupling element actuates said limit switches in
`response to rotation of said coupling.
`5. The device of claim 4 in which said projecting
`means comprise oppositely facing circumferentially
`spaced abutments adapted to engage the corresponding
`limit switches to open the motor circuit.
`6. The device of claim 5 in which said coupling ele
`ment is selectively interchangeable with like elements
`having the abutment surfaces thereof spaced differently
`to provide for ready predetermination of the range of
`tilt movement for the blind.
`i i i ll
`
`i
`
`30
`
`35
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Norman Int. Exhibit 1006 Page 8
`
`