The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 17, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 21, 2003
Zazu Ciuca, Jamestown, NC (US);
Patrick Woods, Goshen, IN (US);
Roger C. Palmer, Greensboro, NC (US);
Bryan K. Ruggles, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
Otto Kuhar, Garfield, NJ (US);
Zazu Ciuca, Jamestown, NC (US);
Patrick Woods, Goshen, IN (US);
Roger C. Palmer, Greensboro, NC (US);
Bryan K. Ruggles, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
Otto Kuhar, Garfield, NJ (US);
Newell Window Furnishings, Inc., Freeport, IL (US);
Abstract
Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums. A drive actuator is connected to the coupled drive to effect rotation of the drums, and an adjustable friction member is engageable with one of the coupled drive and the drive actuator to adjustably alter the force necessary to effect movement of the coupled drive.