Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.

Hunter Douglas Industries Switzerland Gmbh

Other

Mark A Fox

Thomas A Caputo

Clifford Birch

Neil L Casstevens

Brian Bellamy Johnson

Martin Richard Van Buren

Paul Christopher Brown

Jason E Begin

Neil John Varlamoff

Kristi Jane Georgi

Timothy D Cluett

William Norris Scott

Patrick Eugene Foley

Grant Rorie Phillips

Ryan B Bishop

Larry Todd Windham

Lawrence Powell Doyle

A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Window covering sizing method and apparatus

An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.

A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.

A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.

An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.

A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.

An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.

A self retracting step apparatus (10) mounted on the underside of a boat step (12) that projects rearwardly from the transom (14) of a boat. The step apparatus includes a mounting bracket (26) to which a support bar (16) is pivotally connected. A stirrup step (20) is secured to the distal end of the support bar, and is pivotal between an extended position and a retracted position. The support bar and stirrup step define a forwardly facing reactive surface (24) against which drag forces act upon movement of the boat. Springs (22) connected from the mounting bracket to the support bar nominally bias the stirrup step to the extended position, but may be overcome by the drag forces to allow the stirrup step to begin pivoting towards the retracted position. Once the stirrup step has begun movement from the extended position, the springs act to compel further pivoting of the stirrup step to a retracted position for stowage.

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Climax, NC, United States of America

Mark A Fox