Inventors:
Zazu Ciuca - Jamestown NC
Patrick Woods - Goshen IN
Roger Palmer - High Point NC
Brian Ruggles - Salt Lake City UT
Otto Kuhar - Garfield NJ
Assignee:
Newell Window Furnishings, Inc. - Freeport IL
International Classification:
E06B 930
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.