HEAD RAIL-MOUNTED MINI-BLIND ACTUATOR FOR VERTICAL BLINDS AND PLEATED SHADES

Abstract: A window blind actuator (400) has a motor powered by dc batteries and is mounted in the head rail (404) of a vertical blind (406) and coupled to a rod element (416) for rotating the slats (410) of the blind (406). Alternatively, a window blind actuator (500) is coupled to a rod (502) in the head rail (504) of a pleated or cellular shade (506) to raise or lower the shade (506).

Description: HEAD RAIL-MOUNTED MINI-BLIND ACTUATOR FOR VERTICAL BLINDS AND PLEATED SHADES RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from the following co-pending U.S. patent applications: Serial No. 08/076,556 for an invention entitled "Mini- Blind Actuator" filed June 11, 1993; and Serial No. 08/094,570 for an invention entitled "Head Rail-Mounted Mini-Blind Actuator" filed July 20, 1993, both assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and both incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to window covering peripherals and more particularly to remotely-controlled mini-blind actuators. BACKGROUND Louvered blinds, such as Levellor 11 mini-blinds, are used as window coverings in a vast number of business buildings and dwellings. The typical blind has a number of horizontal elongated parallelepiped-shaped louvers, i.e., rotationally-movable slats, which are collectively oriented with their major surfaces parallel to the ground ("open") to permit light to pass between adjacent slats, or with their major surfaces perpendicular to the ground ("closed"), to block light from passing between adjacent slats, or any intermediate position between open and closed. Stated differently, the slats can be rotaied about their respective longitudinal axes, i.e., about respective lines which are parallel to the ground, to open or close the blind. Alternatively, the slats may be oriented vertically for rotation about their respective longitudinal axes (i.e. , for rotation about respective lines that are peφendicular to the ground), for opening and closing the blind. Ordinarily, to provide for movement of the slats of a blind between the open and closed positions, an elongated actuating baton is coupled to structure on the blind such that when the baton is manually rotated about its longitudinal axis, the slats move in unison between the open and closed positions. It will accordingly be appreciated that by proper manual operation of the baton, blinds can be used to effectively regulate the amount of light which passes into the room in which the blind is located. Thus, blinds can be opened during the day to permit sunlight to enter the room, or closed during particularly warm days to prevent overheating of the room. Likewise, blinds can be closed at night for security puφoses, and to prevent heat within the room from dissipating through the window into the cool evening air. While most existing manually-operated blinds accordingly provide an effective means for regulating the amount of light propagating into or out of a room, it is often advantageous to provide for remote or automatic positioning of the blinds. For example, it would be advantageous to provide for the automatic nighttime closing of blinds in a business premises, for both security reasons and energy conservation, rather than to rely on personnel to remember to manually close all blinds before vacating the premises for the evening. Also, remote operation of blinds would enable many invalid persons to regulate the amount of light entering their rooms, without requiring the persons to manually operate the actuating baton. Not suφrisingly, several systems have been introduced for either lowering and raising the slats of a blind, or for moving the slats between the open and closed positions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,644,990 to Webb, Sr. et al. teaches a system for automatically moving a set of venetian-type window blinds in response to sensing a predetermined level of sunlight. Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 3,860,055 to Wild teaches a system for automatically raising or lowering a shutter upon sensing a predetermined level of sunlight. Also, U.S. Patent No. 4,096,903 to Ringle, III discloses a system for opening a blind, wherein the Ringle, III system is mounted in the head rail of the blind and operates the blind in response to an electromagnetic control signal. Unfortunately, the systems mentioned above, like many, if not most, automatic blind control systems, are somewhat complicated in operation and cumbersome and bulky in installation, and consequently are relatively expensive. For example, the Webb, Sr. et al. system requires that a housing be mated with the blind structure for holding the various components of the patented system, which includes, inter alia, ratchets, pawls, gears, clutches, levers, and springs. In a similar vein, the Wild invention requires the use of, among other components, a rather bulky gas-driven piston-and-cy Under to raise and lower the shutter. Precisely how the piston-and-cylinder is mounted on an existing shutter assembly is not discussed by Wild. The Ringle, III device consumes a relatively large amount of power to sense its control signal, and thus exhausts its battery quickly, in part because of its relatively complicated limit switch mechanism and because Ringle, III does not provide any electronic signal processing which would enable the Ringle, III device to sense a control signal efficiently, with little power consumption. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a comparatively simple device for opening and closing mini-blinds. It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote control device for opening and closing blinds which is compact and easy to install. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for remotely and automatically opening and closing blinds. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for remotely and automatically opening and closing mini-blinds which consumes relatively little power. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for remotely and automatically opening and closing mini-blinds which is easy to use and cost-effective to manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An actuator is disclosed for rotating the actuating baton of a mini-blind to open or close the slats of the mini-blind. Typically, the mini-blind is mounted adjacent a surface, e.g., a window sill. The actuator of the present invention includes an electric motor which is operably engaged with a coupling, and the coupling is engageable with the baton substantially anywhere along the length of the baton. A housing is provided for holding the motor, and a fastening element is attached to the housing and is connectable to a nearby surface, e.g., the window frame or the head rail of the blind, to prevent relative motion between the surface and the housing. At least one direct current (dc) battery is mounted in the housing and is electrically connected to the motor for selectively energizing the motor to rotate the baton. Preferably, the rotor is connected to a gear assembly, and the gear assembly in turn is connected to the coupling. The coupling has a channel configured for closely receiving the baton. In the presently preferred embodiment, the gear assembly includes a plurality of reduction gears for causing the baton to rotate at a fraction of the angular velocity of the rotor, and a rack gear for operating a limit switch to deactivate the motor when the blind is in a predetermined configuration. In one presently preferred embodiment, a power switch is mounted in the housing and is electrically connected between the battery and the motor. Preferably, the power switch is an electronic circuit for sensing a control signal with comparatively little expenditure of the battery energy. As intended by the present invention, the power switch has an open configuration, wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor is incomplete, and a closed configuration, wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor is complete. To provide for remote operation of the actuator, the power switch is moved between the open and closed configurations by a control signal. In one embodiment, this control signal is generated by a daylight sensor which is electrically connected to the switch. The daylight sensor generates the control signal in response to a predetermined amount of light impinging on the daylight sensor. Additionally, the control signal may be generated by a signal sensor which is electrically connected to the power switch. The signal sensor generates the control signal in response to a user command signal. To this end, a hand-held user command signal generator is provided which emits an optical user command signal. In another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosed for moving the operator of a window covering having slats to open or close the slats. The device includes an actuator that has an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor. The coupling contacts the operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the coupling and the operator. A portable source of electrical power is included, and a control signal generator is provided for generating a control signal to cause the source of electrical power to be electrically connected with the actuator for energizing the motor to move the operator. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for moving the slats of a mini-blind by rotating the actuating baton of the mini-blind. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing a motor, a dc battery, and a housing for holding the battery and the motor, and then coupling the rotor of a motor with the baton. Next, the housing is fastened to a nearby surface, e.g., a window sill or the head rail of the blind. Then, a predetermined electromagnetic signal is sensed to cause the battery to energize the motor and thereby rotate the baton. In still another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosed for rotating the operating baton of a blind to open and close the blind. As contemplated by the present invention, the device includes an electric motor having a rotor and a direct current battery. A coupling is operably engaged with the motor and is also coupled to the baton for transferring rotational motion of the rotor to the baton. A light sensor generates a signal to complete an electrical circuit between the battery and the motor when light having a predetermined intensity impinges on the sensor. In accordance with the present invention, the light sensor has a dark current equal to or less than about 10 5 amperes. In an alternate embodiment, an actuator is provided for rotating the tilt rod of a blind having a head rail. The actuator includes a coupling which is engageable with the tilt rod such that movement of the coupling causes rotation of the tilt rod. A reversible electric direct current (dc) motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a dc battery is electrically connected to the motor to energize the motor. In this alternate embodiment, a sensor detects a light signal and generates a control signal in response to the light signal. The control signal is sent to an electronic circuit which is electrically connected to the sensor and the battery for processing the control signal from the sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. The sensor and circuit are designed to sense the control signal and process the signal in an energy efficient manner to activate the motor, thereby conserving battery energy and maximizing battery useful life. Preferably, the sensor is a daylight sensor and the control signal is generated by the daylight sensor in response to a predetermined amount of light impinging on the daylight sensor. Additionally, a signal sensor can generate the control signal in response to a user command signal. To this end, a hand-held user command signal generator can be provided for selectively generating the user command signal. As intended by the preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit has an edge detector for delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after generation of the control signal by the daylight sensor. In other words, the edge detector prevents operation of the blind in the event that a spurious light signal, e.g. , from an automobile headlight, momentarily impinges upon the daylight sensor at night. Additionally, a manually manipulable adjuster is engaged with the tilt rod. The tilt rod has a closed position, wherein the blind is fully closed, and an open position, wherein the blind is open, and the open position is selectively established by manipulating the adjuster. In another aspect of the alternate embodiment, a device is disclosed for opening and closing the slats of a window covering of the type having a head rail and an operator disposed within the head rail. The device of the present invention includes an actuator which has an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor, and the coupling contacts the operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the coupling and the operator. A source of electrical power and a control signal generator for generating a control signal are also provided, and an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the control signal generator and the source of electrical power for processing the control signal to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the operator. Preferably, the electronic circuit includes at least one electronic component that is responsive to the control signal for energizing the actuator. In yet another aspect of the alternate embodiment, a method is disclosed for moving the slats of a blind by rotating the tilt rod of the blind. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a motor, a dc battery, and an electronic circuit are provided for receiving a control signal and processing the control signal to cause the battery to energize the motor. With this puφose in mind, the rotor of the motor is coupled with the tilt rod, and a predetermined electromagnetic signal is sensed to generate the control signal and cause the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor to be completed to rotate the tilt rod. In still another aspect of the present invention, an actuator is disclosed which is couplable to an operating component of a blind having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The actuator includes a sensor for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in response thereto. Also, the actuator includes a coupling that is engageable with the operating component of the blind such that movement of the coupling causes the blind to move toward the open configuration or toward the closed configuration. A reversible electric direct current (dc) motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a dc battery is provided for energizing the motor. Furthermore, an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the light sensor and to the battery. As intended by the present invention, the electronic circuit processes the control signal from the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. The electronic circuit advantageously includes an edge detector for delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after generation of the control signal by the sensor. In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, a window blind actuator includes a window covering having a head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in the head rail and defining a first axis of rotation, and a plurality of slats. Each slat is connected to the rod and each slat defines a second axis of rotation oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first axis of rotation. Rotation of the rod about the first axis causes rotation of the slats about the respective second axes. A sensor is provided for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in response thereto. Also, a coupling is engageable with the rod such that movement of the coupling causes rotation of the rod. Further, a reversible electric direct current (dc) motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling, and a dc battery is electrically connected to the motor. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the light sensor and the battery for processing the control signal frorri the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. Preferably, at least a first travel limiter is positioned in the head rail to cause the motor to be deenergized when the rod reaches a predetermined position. Moreover, a limit switch is electrically connected to the electronic circuit and is positioned adjacent the first travel limiter, so that the first travel limiter can contact the limit switch and thereby cause the electronic circuit to deenergize the motor. Desirably, a second travel limiter is positioned in the head rail for contacting the limit switch, so that the second travel limiter can contact the limit switch and thereby cause the electronic circuit to deenergize the motor. In one preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit includes a switch electrically connected to the sensor for receiving the control signal and activating the electronic circuit in response thereto to permit the circuit to cause the battery to energize the motor to rotate the rod. As envisioned by the present invention, the electronic circuit is deactivated in the absence of the control signal. The switch can preferentially be an electronic trigger or a transistor. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a plurality of connectors are attached to respective slats. Each connector includes a rod element which is surroundingly engaged widi the rod, and rotation of the rod causes rotation of the rod element about the first axis of rotation. Additionally, a slat element is threadably engaged widi the rod element and is fixedly attached to the respective slat, such that rotation of the rod element about the first axis of rotation causes rotation of the slat element and slat about the second axis of rotation. In another aspect of the alternate embodiment just described, a window blind operating device includes a window covering of the type having a head rail defining a long axis, a rod disposed therein, and a plurality of elongated slats, each slat defining a long axis, each slat depending downwardly from the head rail such that the long axis of each slat is peφendicular to the long axis of the head rail. Rotation of the rod causes the slats to rotate. An actuator includes an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor to engage the motor with the rod for rotating the rod. Also, a source of electrical power is provided, and a control signal generator generates a control signal. Moreover, an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the control signal generator and to the source of electrical power for processing the control signal to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the rod. In still another embodiment, a window blind actuator includes a pleated shade having a head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in the head rail, and a plurality of sections including a bottom-most section distanced from die head rail and connected thereto. Rotation of the rod causes translational motion of at least the bottom-most section relative to the head rail. A sensor is provided for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in response thereto. Also, a coupling is engageable with the rod such that movement of the coupling causes rotation of the rod, and a reversible electric direct current (dc) motor is operably engaged with the coupling to move the coupling. A dc battery is electrically connected to the motor and an electronic circuit is electrically connected to the light sensor and the battery for processing the control signal from the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. In another aspect of the embodiment just described, a shade operating device includes a head rail, a rod disposed therein, and an accordion-type window covering engaged with the rod for moving the window covering between a raised configuration and a lowered configuratio when the rod is rotated. An actuator includes an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with the motor to engage the motor with the rod for rotating the rod. Also, the devic includes a source of electrical power, and a control signal generator for generating a control signal. Further, the device includes an electronic circuit electrically connected to the control signal generator and the source of electrical power for processing the control signal to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the rod. The details of the present invention, both as to its construction and operation, can bes be understood in reference to d e accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the actuator of the present invention, shown in on intended environment; Figure 2 is another perspective view of the actuator of the present invention, shown i one intended environment; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the actuator of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the gear assembly of the actuator of the presen invention, with portions broken away; Figure 5A is a perspective view of the main reduction gear of the actuator of the presen invention; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the main reduction gear of the actuator of the present invention, as seen along the line 5B-5B in Figure 5A; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the reed switch of the actuator of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of die electronic circuitry of the actuator of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of me blind actuator present invention, with portions of the head rail of d e blind cut away for clarity; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of e electronic circuitry of the actuator shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of still anodier alternate embodiment of me blind actuator present invention in conjunction with a vertical blind, with portions of the head rail of the blind cut away for clarity; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of die blind actuator present invention in conjunction with a pleated shade, widi portions of the head rail of the blind cut away for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring initially to Figure 1, an actuator is shown, generally designated 10. As shown, die actuator 10 is in operable engagement with a rotatable operating baton 12 of a mini-blind 14 having a plurality of louvered slats 16. In me embodiment shown, die mini-blind 14 is a Levellor R -type mini-blind which is mounted on a window frame 18 to cover a window 20, and me baton 12 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. When the baton 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, each of the slats 16 is caused to rotate about its respective longitudinal axis to move the mini-blind 14 between an open configuration, wherein a light passageway is established between each pair of adjacent slats, and a closed configuration, wherein no light passageways are established between adjacent slats. While die embodiment described above discusses a mini-blind, it is to be understood mat the principles of the present invention apply to a wide range of window coverings d at have louvered slats. As can be appreciated in reference to Figure 1, the baton 12 has a hexagonally-shaped transverse cross-section, and the baton 12 is slidably engageable with a channel 22 of the actuator 10. Accordingly, die actuator 10 can be slidably engaged widi the baton 12 substantially anywhere along the length of the baton 12. Figure 2 shows that the actuator 10 includes a fastening element, preferably a clip 23, for fastening the actuator 10 to a head rail 24 of the mini-blind 14. In die embodiment shown, the clip 23 engages the head rail 24 in a close interference fit to hold the actuator 10 onto the head rail 24. A support 25 is connected to or molded integrally with d e actuator 10, and die support 25 extends below the head rail 24 and above die top slat 16a of die blind 14 to laterally support die actuator 10. Alternatively, the actuator 10 can be fastened to the window frame 18. In such an embodiment, a strip of tape (not shown) having adhesive material on bom of its opposed major surfaces is adhered to a portion of the actuator 10, and when d e actuator 10 is gently pressed against d e window frame 18, the tape adheres to d e window frame 18 to fasten the actuator 10 to die window frame 18. It is to be understood mat the actuator 10 alternatively may be attached to die frame 18 by bolts, screws, glue, nails, or other well-known fasteners. In cross-reference to Figures 2 and 3, die actuator 10 has a rigid solid plastic light pipe 26 which, when d e actuator 10 is mounted on die window frame 18 as shown, extends between me window 20 and die mini-blind 14. Accordingly, a light passageway is established by the light pipe 26 from the window 20 to me actuator 10. To facilitate the transmission of light through the light pipe 26, d e light pipe 26 has an end 27 which has a relatively rough, e.g. , thirty micron (30μ) finish, while the remainder of me surface of the light pipe 26 has a three micron (3μ) finish. It will be appreciated in reference to Figures 1 and 2 diat the light pipe 26 also provides lateral support to the actuator 10, in die same manner as provided by the support 25. A control signal generator, preferably a daylight sensor 28 (shown in phantom in Figure 3) is mounted on die actuator 10 by means well-known in the art, e.g. , solvent bonding. In accordance widi die present invention, me daylight sensor 28 is in light communication with the light guide 26. Also, die sensor 28 is electrically connected to electronic components widiin the actuator 10 to send a control signal to die components, as more fully disclosed below. Consequently, with die arrangement shown, me daylight sensor 28 can detect light diat propagates d rough the window 20, independent of whether the mini-blind 14 is in die open configuration or the closed configuration. Further, the actuator 10 includes anod er control signal generator, preferably a signal sensor 29, for receiving an optical, preferably visible red modulated user command signal. Preferably, the user command signal is generated by a hand-held user command signal generator 31, which advantageously is a television remote-control unit. In one presently preferred embodiment, the generator 31 generates a pulsed optical signal having a pulse rate of between about fifteen hundred microseconds and five d ousand microseconds (1500μs-5000μs). Like the daylight sensor 28, the signal sensor 29 is electrically connected to electronic components within die actuator 10. As discussed in greater detail below, either one of the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 can generate an electrical control signal to activate the actuator 10 and diereby cause the mini-blind 14 to move toward the open or closed configuration, as appropriate. Preferably, bodi the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are light detectors which have low dark currents, to conserve power when the actuator 10 is deactivated. More particularly, the sensors 28, 29 have dark currents equal to or less d an about 10 '8 amperes and preferably equal to or less than about 2xl0 '9 amperes. In the presently preferred embodiment, die daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are selected double-end type phototransistors made by Shaφ Electronics, part no. PT 460. Referring now to Figure 3, the actuator 10 includes a hollow, generally parallelepiped- shaped lightweight metal or molded plastic clamshell housing 30. As shown, me housing 30 has a first half 32 which is snappingly engageable with a second half 34. Alternatively, the first half 32 of the housing 30 can be glued or bolted to the second half 34. Two openings 36, 38 are formed in die housing 30 to establish the channel 22 shown in Figure 1. As also shown in Figures 1 and 3, the housing 30 has a slightly convex front surface 39. As shown best in Figure 3, a molded plastic battery carriage 40 is positioned widiin die housing 30. Preferably, the battery carriage 40 generally conforms to the inside contour of the housing 30, i.e., the housing 30 "captures" the battery carriage 40 and holds die carriage 40 stationary within the housing 30. A power supply 42 is mounted in d e battery carriage 40. In die preferred embodiment, the power supply 42 includes four type AA direct current (dc) alkaline batteries 44, 46, 48, 50. The batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 are mounted in die battery carriage 40 in electrical series wid each odier by means well-known in the art. For example, in the embodiment shown, each of me batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 is positioned between respective positive and negative metal clips 45 to hold die batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 widiin the carriage 40 and to establish an electrical path between die batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 and dieir respective clips. Figure 3 further shows that an electronic circuit board 52 is positioned in die housing 30 adjacent die battery carriage 40. It is to be understood diat an electrical path is established between the battery clips and d e electronic circuit board. Consequently, die batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 are electrically connected to d e electronic circuit board 52. The electronic components of the circuit board 52 are discussed in more detail in reference to Figure 7 below. Still referring to Figure 3, a lightweight metal or molded plastic gear box 56 is attache to or formed integrally widi the battery carriage 40. The gear box 56 is formed wi i a gear bo opening 58 for receiving the baton 12 d erein. Figure 3 also shows diat a small, lightweight electric motor 60 is attached to die gear bo 56, preferably by bolting die motor 60 to me gear box 56. In the presently preferre embodiment, d e motor 60 is a direct current (dc) motor, type FC- 130- 10300, made by Mabuch Motor America Coφ. of New York. As more fully disclosed in reference to Figure 4 below, the gear box 56 holds a gear assembly which causes d e baton 12 to rotate at a fraction of th angular velocity of die motor 60. As further discussed below more fully in reference to Figur 7, the motor 60 can be energized by die power supply 42 through the circuit board 52. Now referring to Figures 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, die details of die gear box 56 can be seen. As shown best in Figure 4, the gear box 56 includes a plurality of lightweight metal or molde plastic gears, i.e., a gear assembly, and each gear is rotatably mounted wimin die gear box 56. In die presently preferred embodiment, die gear box 56 is a clamshell structure which include a first half 62 and a second half 64, and d e halves 62, 64 of d e gear box 56 are snappingl engageable together by means well-known in the art. For example, in the embodiment shown a post 66 in the second half 64 of me gear box 56 engages a hole 68 in the first half 62 of th gear box 56 in an interference fit to hold d e halves 62, 64 toged er. Each half 62, 64 includes a respective opening 70, 72, and d e openings 70, 72 of th gear box 56 establish the gear box opening 58 (Figure 3) and are coaxial widi d e channel 2 of die housing 30 for slidably receiving d e baton 12 tiieredirough. As shown in Figure 4, a motor gear 74 is connected to the rotor 76 of the motor 60 In turn, die motor gear 74 is engaged widi a first reduction gear 78, and die first reduction gea 78 is engaged widi a second reduction gear 80. As shown in Figure 4, the second reduction gear 80 is engaged widi a main reduction gear 82. To closely receive a hexagonally-shaped baton, the main reduction gear 82 has a hexagonally-shaped channel 84. As intended by die present invention, die channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82 is coaxial widi d e openings 70, 72 (and, thus, widi die gear box opening 58 of the gear box 56 shown in Figure 3). Consequently, the channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82 is also coaxial widi the channel 22 of the housing 30, for receiving the baton 12 diered rough. It can be appreciated in reference to Figure 4 that when die main reduction gear 82 is rotated, and die baton 12 is engaged wid die channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82, the sides of d e channel 84 contact the baton 12 to prevent rotational relative motion between the baton 12 and the main reduction gear 82. Further, the reduction gears 78, 80, 82 cause the baton 12 to rotate at a fraction of the angular velocity of the motor 60. Preferably, the reduction gears 78, 80, 82 reduce die angular velocity of die motor 60 such that die baton 12 rotates at about one revolution per second. It is to be understood diat die channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82 can have other shapes suitable for conforming to the shape of die particular baton being used. For example, for a baton (not shown) having a circular transverse cross-sectional shapes, the channel 84 will have a circular cross-section. In such an embodiment, a set screw (not shown) is threadably engaged with die main reduction gear 82 for extending into die channel 84 to abut d e baton and hold die baton stationary within the channel 84. In other words, die gears 74, 78, 80, 82 described above establish a coupling which operably engages the motor 60 wid die baton 12. In cross-reference to Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, d e main reduction gear 82 is formed on a hollow shaft 86, and d e shaft 86 is closely received widiin die opening 70 of die first half 62 of the gear box 56 for rotatable motion therein. Also, a first travel limit reduction gear 88 is formed on die shaft 86 of die main reduction gear 82. The first travel limit reduction gear 88 is engaged widi a second travel limit reduction gear 90, and die second travel limit reduction gear 90 is in turn engaged widi a diird travel limit reduction gear 92. Figure 4 best shows diat die diird travel limit reduction gear 92 is engaged widi a linear rack gear 94. Thus, the main reduction gear 82 is coupled to die rack gear 94 through the travel limit reduction gears 88, 90, 92, and me rotational speed (i.e., angular velocity) of die main reduction gear 82 is reduced dirough the first, second, and diird travel limit reduction gears 88, 90, 92. Also, die rotational motion of die main reduction gear 82 is translated into linear motion by the operation of the third travel limit reduction gear 92 and rack gear 94. Figure 4 shows that die second reduction gear 80 and second and third travel limit reduction gears 90, 92 are rotatably engaged widi respective metal post axles 80a, 90a, 92a which are anchored in die first half 62 of the gear box 56. In contrast, die first reduction gear 78 is rotatably engaged widi a metal post axle 78a which is anchored in die second half 64 of the gear box 56. Still referring to Figure 4, the rack gear 94 is slidably engaged wid a groove 96 diat is formed in me first half 62 of the gear box 56. First and second travel limiters 98, 100 are connected to die rack gear 94. In the embodiment shown, die travel limiters 98, 100 are threaded, and are direadably engaged widi die rack gear 94. Alternatively, travel limiters (not shown) having smoodi surfaces may be slidably engaged widi die rack gear 94 in an interference fit mere with, and may be manually moved relative to die rack gear 94. As yet another alternative, travel limiters (not shown) may be provided which are formed widi respective detents (not shown). In such an embodiment, me rack gear is formed with a channel having a series of openings for receiving the detents, and die travel limiters can be manipulated to engage dieir detents with a preselected pair of the openings in die rack gear channel. In any case, it will be appreciated diat die position of die travel limiters of the present invention relative to the rack gear 94 may be manually adjusted. Figure 4 shows diat each travel limiter 98, 100 has a respective abutment surface 102, 104. In cross-reference to Figures 4 and 6, die abutment surfaces 102, 104 can contact a reed switch 106 which is mounted on a base 107. The base 107 is in turn anchored on d e second half 64 of the gear box 56. As intended by d e present invention, die reed switch 106 includes electrically conductive, preferably beryllium-copper first and second spring arms 108, 112 and an electrically conductive, preferably beryllium-copper center arm 110. As shown, one end of each spring arm 108, 112 is attached to die base 107, and d e opposite ends of die spring arms 108, 112 can move relative to the base 107. As also shown, one end of die center arm 110 is attached to die base 107. When die main reduction gear 82 has rotated sufficiently counterclockwise, the abutment surface 102 of the first travel limiter 98 contacts the first spring arm 108 of die reed switch 106 to urge die first spring arm 108 against me stationary center arm 110 of the reed switch 106. On d e odier hand, when die main reduction gear 82 has rotated clockwise a sufficient amount, the abutment surface 104 of the second travel limiter 100 contacts die second spring arm 112 of me reed switch 106 to urge the second spring arm 112 against the stationary center arm 110 of the reed switch 106. Figure 6 best shows that an electrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contact 114 is deposited on die first spring arm 108, and electrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contacts 116a, 116b are deposited on opposed surfaces of the center arm 110. Also, an electrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contact 118 is deposited on die second spring arm 112. Thus, when die first spring arm 108 is urged against the center arm 110, the contact 114 of the first spring arm 108 contacts the contact 116a of the center arm 110 to complete an electrical circuit. On die odier hand, when die second spring arm 112 is urged against the center arm 110, the contact 118 of die second spring arm 112 contacts the contact 116b of the center arm 110 to complete an electrical circuit. It can be appreciated in reference to Figure 4 that die reed switch 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 52 (Figure 3) via an electrical lead 119. As more fully disclosed below in reference to Figure 7, the completion of ei ier one of the electrical circuits discussed above causes die motor 60 to deenergize and consequently stops die rotation of the main reduction gear 82 and, hence, die rotation the baton 12. Stated differently, the travel limiters 98, 100 may be manually adjusted relative to the rack gear 94 as appropriate for limiting the rotation of die baton 12 by die actuator 10. Referring briefly back to Figure 4, spacers 120, 122 may be molded onto me halves 62, 64 for structural stability when the halves 62, 64 of die gear box 56 are snapped togedier. Now referring to Figure 7, the details of die electrical circuitry contained on die circuit board 52 may be seen. In overview, the electrical circuit board 52 includes a pulse modulation detector 130 and a beam and manual direction controller 132 for processing die user command signal generated by die user command signal generator 31 and sensed by die signal sensor 29 (Figure 1) for opening and closing the blind 14. Also, to operate the blind 14 in response to a predetermined level of sunlight as sensed by die daylight sensor 28 (Figure 3), die circuit board 52 includes a daylight detector 134, a daylight direction controller 136, and an edge detector 138. The edge detector 138 prevents operation of die blind 14 in response to spurious light signals, e.g., automobile headlights. Additionally, the circuit board 52 has an output amplifier 140 for powering the motor 60 shown in Figure 3. For clarity of disclosure, die discussion below focusses on the salient components of the electrical circuit board 52. Table 1 below, however, sets forth die values of all of die resistors and capacitors of the circuit board 52 of die preferred embodiment. Figure 7 shows that die pulse modulation detector 130 includes a switch, preferably a first type 4093 Schmidt trigger 142 that is electrically connected to the signal sensor 29 for receiving the pulse modulated detection signal tiierefrom. From the first trigger 142, the signal is sent to first and second stages 144, 146 of a type 4538 activity sensor, and from dience to a first type 4093 NAND gate inverter 148. The NAND gate inverter 148 functions as an inverter, generating a FALSE signal output signal from two TRUE input signals and a TRUE signal output otherwise. From the NAND gate inverter 148, d e signal is sent through a first type 1N4148 diode 150 to a capacitor C2. Also, from me second stage 146, the signal is sen through a second type 1N4148 diode 152 to a capacitor C8. When the first trigger 142 senses a pulsed optical signal from the signal sensor 29, th first trigger 142 generates an output signal having the same pulse rate as the optical signal fro the signal sensor 29. When the output signal of the trigger 142 has a pulse rate greater tha 5000μs, the output signal of the first stage 144 is FALSE. Consequently, die output of di NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE. A TRUE output signal from the NAND gate inverter 14 maintains a positive voltage on die capacitor C2. As more fully discussed below, when positive voltage is maintained on me capacitor C2, energization of the motor 60 is prevented. Additionally, when die output signal of the first trigger 142 has a pulse rate less dia fifteen thousand microseconds (1500μs), the output signal of the second stage 146 will b FALSE. Consequently, the capacitor C8 discharges, which causes d e input signal of d NAND gate inverter 148 from the second stage 146 to become FALSE. In response, die outpu of the NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE, which, as discussed above, maintains a positiv voltage on die capacitor C2 to prevent energization of the motor 60. In contrast, when the output signal of the first trigger 142 has a pulse rate betwee fifteen hundred microseconds and five diousand microseconds (1500μs-5000μs) (indicatin reception by the signal sensor 29 of a proper optical control signal having a pulse rate o between 1500μs-5000μs), die output signals of both the first and second stages 144, 146 ar TRUE. In mm, die output signal of die first NAND gate inverter 148 is FALSE, permittin me capacitor C2 to discharge and diereby permit energization of die motor 60. The skilled artisan will appreciate d at the values of R2 and C2 are selected to requir diat die output signal of the first NAND gate inverter 148 remains FALSE for at least thre hundred diirty milliseconds (330ms) before the capacitor C2 fully discharges to enabl energization of the motor 60. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that when a two position switch 154 having an "ON" position and an "OFF" position (Figures 1 and 7) i manually moved to die "OFF" position, voltage from the power supply 42 is conducted to die capacitor C2 to prevent die automatic energization of the motor 60 described above. The motor 60 may nevertheless be energized when die two-position switch 154 is in me "OFF" position, however, by manually depressing a diumbswitch 156 (Figures 1 and 7), as more fully disclosed below. Figure 7 shows that die beam and manual direction controller 132 includes a second type 4093 NAND gate inverter 158, the input signal of which is the output signal of the first NAND gate inverter 148. Upon receipt of a "FALSE" input signal from the first NAND gate inverter 148 (indicating reception by die signal sensor 29 of a proper optical control signal having a pulse rate of between 1500μs-50O0μs for at least 330ms), the second NAND gate inverter 158 generates an output clocking signal. Also, Figure 7 shows that when the diumbswitch 156 is depressed, a "FALSE" input signal is sent to die second NAND gate inverter 158, and an output clocking signal is consequently generated by die inverter 158. The output clocking signal of the second NAND gate inverter 158 is sent in turn to a type 4013 "D" motor run flip-flop 160. As shown in Figure 7, the flip-flop 160 is in the so- called "toggle" configuration (i.e. , pin 2 of die flip-flop 160 is electrically connected to its pin 5). Accordingly, die flip-flop 160 changes state each time it receives a clocking signal. Figure 7 shows mat die motor run flip-flop 160 is electrically connected to a type 4013 "D" motor direction flip-flop 162. Like the motor run flip-flop 160, the motor direction flip- flop 162 is in the "toggle" configuration. In accordance widi die present invention, die motor run flip-flop 160 generates either a "motor run" or "motor stop" output signal, while the motor direction flip-flop 162 generates either a "clockwise" or "counterclockwise" output signal. As discussed above, each time the motor run flip-flop 160 receives a clocking signal, it changes state. Also, each time the motor run flip-flop 160 is reset to a "stop motor" state, it toggles the motor direction flip-flop 162 via a line 163 to change state. Thus, widi d e motor direction flip-flop 162 initially in die clockwise state, to cause the motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a "motor run" output signal, die user signal generator 31 (Figure 1) is manipulated to generate a first user command signal (or the diumbswitch 156 is depressed). Then, to cause die motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a "motor stop" output signal, the user signal generator 31 is manipulated to generate a second user command signal (or die diumbswitch 156 is again depressed). Upon receiving the second clocking signal, die motor run flip-flop 160 toggles the motor direction flip-flop 162 to change state (i.e., to counterclockwise). Then, manipulation of the user signal generator 31 to generate yet a diird user command signal (or again depressing die diumbswitch 156) causes me motor run flip-flop to generate a "motor run" signal. Yet a fourth signal causes the motor 60 to again stop, and so on. Additionally, die state of the motor run flip-flop 160 is caused to change when the motor 60 reaches its predetermined clockwise or counterclockwise limits of travel, as established by die positions of ie travel limiters 98, 100 relative to the rack gear 94 (Figure 4). This prevents continued energization of die motor 60 after the motor 60 has reached a travel limit, as sensed by die reed switch 106. In describing diis means of changing the state of the motor run flip-flop 160 in response to travel motion limitations, the motor direction flip-flop 162 generates either a clockwise ("CW") output signal or a counterclockwise ("CCW") output signal, as mentioned above and indicated in Figure 7 by lines CW and CCW. In die presently preferred embodiment, clockwise rotation of die motor 60 corresponds to opening the blind 14, while counterclockwise rotation of the motor 60 corresponds to closing, i.e., shutting, the blind 14. In further disclosing die cooperation of me motor direction flip-flop 162 wid me motor run flip-flop 160, die "CW" output signal of die motor direction flip-flop 162 is sent to a first type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 164, whereas the "CCW" output signal of the motor direction flip-flop 162 is sent to a second type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 166. The output signals of the first and second limit switch NAND gates 164, 166 are sent in turn to a diird type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 168, and die output signal of the diird limit switch NAND gate 168 is sent to the motor run flip-flop 160. Figure 7 also shows diat die first and second limit switch NAND gates 164, 166 receive respective upper limit reached ("USW") and lower limit reached ("LSW") input signals. As shown in Figure 7, d e "USW" signal is generated by a type 4093 USW NAND gate 170, and the "LSW" signal is generated by a type 4093 LSW NAND gate 172. Both NAND gates 170, 172 receive input signals from a type 4093 direction NAND gate 174. In turn, die direction NAND gate 174 receives an input signal indicating d e direction of actual rotation of the motor 60 (i.e., the "motor run CW" signal or die "motor run CCW" signal. In Figure 7, die "motor run CW" signal has been designated "DRCW", and die "motor run CCW" signal has been designated "DRCCW", and the generation of both die "DRCW" and "DRCCW" signals is discussed more fully below. The output signal of the direction NAND gate 174 is always "TRUE", unless it senses that die motor 60 has been simultaneously given bo a "motor run CW" ("DRCW") signal and a "motor run CCW" ("DRCCW") signal, in which case the output signal of the direction NAND gate is "FALSE". Thus, the "DRCCW" and "DRCW" signals are gated as described above to prevent damaging die output amplifier 140 if the motor 60 is erroneously commanded to simultaneously rotate in bodi the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Additionally, die USW NAND gate 170 receives an input signal from the reed switch 106 when the abutment surface 102 of the travel limiter 98 (Figure 4) urges the first arm 108 against the center arm 110 of the switch 106, indicating d at die rack gear 94 (and, hence, die motor 60) has reached die predetermined upper, i.e., clockwise, limit of travel. Also, the LSW NAND gate 172 receives an input signal from the reed switch 106 when d e abutment surface 104 of the travel limiter 100 (Figure 4) urges the second arm 112 against the center arm 110 of the switch 106, indicating mat the rack gear 94 (and, hence, die motor 60) has reached die predetermined lower, i.e., counterclockwise, limit of travel. Accordingly, upon receipt of die appropriate signal from the reed switch 106, die USW NAND gate 170 generates die USW signal. Likewise, upon receipt of the appropriate signal from the reed switch 106, die LSW NAND gate 172 generates the LSW signal. Further, independent of die position of die reed switch 106, in die event d at die output signal of die direction NAND gate 174 is "FALSE", die USW NAND gate 170 generates a USW signal, and the LSW NAND gate 172 generates a LSW signal. Consequently, the motor 60 will be caused to stop if die direction NAND gate 174 senses the simultaneous existence of both a "motor run CW" (i.e. , a "DRCW") signal and a "motor run CCW" (i.e., a "DRCCW") signal. As discussed above, die LSW and USW signals are sent to die first and second limit switch NAND gates 164, 166, which generate input signals to die diird limit switch NAND gate 168. In turn, the third limit switch NAND gate 168 sends a clocking signal to the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause die motor run flip-flop 160 to change state, i.e., to the "motor off" state. Accordingly, when die motor 60 is rotating clockwise and die upper (i.e., clockwise) limit of rotation is reached, the reed switch 106 generates a signal which is sent via the following padi to change the state of the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause the motor 60 to stop: USW NAND gate 170, first limit switch NAND gate 164, third limit switch NAND gate 168. Likewise, when the motor 60 is rotating counterclockwise and die lower (i.e. , counterclockwise) limit of rotation is reached, die reed switch 106 generates a signal which is sent via the following path to change die state of the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause the motor 60 to stop: LSW NAND gate 172, second limit switch NAND gate 166, third limit switch NAND gate 168. Figure 7 additionally shows diat the "USW" and "LSW" signals are also sent to die motor direction flip-flop 162 via respective resistors R22, R23 to reset the flip-flop 162 to ie appropriate state. Stated differently, die "USW" signal is sent to die motor direction flip-flop 162 via resistor R22 to reset the flip-flop 162 to die counterclockwise state, and die "LSW" signal is sent to the motor direction flip-flop 162 via resistor R23 to reset the flip-flop 162 to die clockwise state, when the appropriate travel limits have been reached. The output signals of the flip-flops 160, 162 are each gated to type 4093 flip-flop CW and CCW NAND gates 176, 178. More specifically, both output signals of die motor run flip- flop 160 are gated to die NAND gates 176, 178, whereas only die "CW" output signal of the motor direction flip-flop 162 is gated to the CW NAND gate 176, and the "CCW" signal from the motor direction flip-flop 162 is gated to d e CCW NAND gate 178. As intended by ie present invention, the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176 generates a "motor run CW" (i.e., the "DRCW") output signal only when the motor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CW NAND gate 176 and die motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CW" signal to the NAND gate 176. Likewise, the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178 generates a "motor run CCW" (i.e. , "DRCCW") output signal only when the motor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to die CCW NAND gate 178 and the motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CCW" signal to the NAND gate 178. Now referring to the daylight detector 134 shown in Figure 7, die puφose of which is to energize die motor 60 to open or close me blind 14 upon detection of a predetermined level of light that is present at die daylight sensor 28, die daylight sensor 28 is electrically connected to a switch, preferably a first type 2N3904 transistor Q2. Accordingly, when light impinges upon die daylight sensor 28, the sensor 28 sends a signal to die transistor Q2. If desired, energization of the motor 60 in response to signals generated by die daylight sensor 28 can be disabled by appropriately manipulating a two-position daylight disable switch 180. The switch 180 has an "AUTO" position, wherein automatic operation of the actuator 10 in response to signals from the daylight sensor 28 is enabled, and an "OFF" position, wherein 2 \ automatic operation of the actuator 10 in response to signals from the daylight sensor 28 is disabled. After receiving the signal from the daylight sensor 28, the first transistor Q2 turns on, and consequently causes a first type 2N3906 transistor Ql to turn on. The output signal of the second transistor Ql is sent via a resistor R4 to the base of die first transistor Q2, to establish a hysterisis-based electronic signal latch. Also, the output signal of the second transistor Ql is sent to a type 4093 light NAND gate 182. Whenever the light NAND gate 182 receives a signal from the second transistor Ql, the NAND gate 182 changes state. Figure 7 shows that the output signal generated by die light NAND gate inverter 182 is sent to the so-called "D" input ports of type 4013 first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136. The output signals of die stages 184, 186 are "motor run CW ("DRCW") and "motor run CCW" (DRCCW") signals, and are in turn respectively sent to type 4093 CW and CCW NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190 of the output amplifier circuitry 140. To generate their motor run output signals, the stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136 must also receive input signals from the edge detector 138. As intended by die present invention, me edge detector 138 functions to prevent automatic operation of the blind 14 in die presence of detection signals generated by die daylight detector 136 in response to spurious light signals, e.g., automobile headlights at night. Figure 7 shows diat die edge detector 138 includes a type 4077 exclusive NOR gate 194. As shown, die exclusive NOR gate 194 receives a first input signal directly from the light NAND gate 182 and a second input signal which originates at the NAND gate 182 and which is passed dirough the network established by a resistor R13 and a capacitor C4. With this arrangement, die exclusive NOR gate 194 generates a positive pulse output signal each time the light NAND gate 182 changes state. As further shown in Figure 7, the output signal of die exclusive NOR gate 194 is sent to a type 4020 fourteen (14) stage binary counter 196. The counter 196 is associated widi an oscillator 198 diat includes a type 4093 NAND gate 199, and die counter is also associated wid first and second type 4077 exclusive NOR gate inverters 200, 202. The exclusive NOR gate inverters 200, 202 cooperate to ensure correct phasing of the oscillator output clocking signal. As disclosed above, when a detection signal is received from the light NAND gate 182 of the daylight detector 134, this signal is sent to the exclusive NOR gate 194 in the edge detector 138 and to die first and second stages 184, 186 in the daylight direction controller 136. The first and second stages 184, 186, however, do not immediately generate an output signal in response. Instead, die exclusive NOR gate 194 immediately sends an output signal to die counter 196. In response, the counter 196 enables d e oscillator 198 to generate output clocking signals, and die counter 196 commences counting the output clocking signals from the oscillator 198 until the first diirteen (13) stages of the counter have been filled witi clocking signals. Then, the counter 196 sends an output signal to each of die first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136. In die embodiment shown, die oscillator 198 operates between about five Hertz and ten Hertz (5Hz-10Hz), and the thirteen (13) stages of counter 196 can store a total of eight thousand one hundred ninety two (8192) clocking signals. With mis combination of structure, die counter 196 sends an output signal to die first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136 about fifteen to twenty (15-20) minutes after receiving its input signal from the exclusive NOR gate 194. Figure 7 shows iat the first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136 receive bodi die signal from the counter 196, and die signal from the light NAND gate 182. Depending upon whedier the blind 14 is to be opened at die onset of day or vice- versa, based upon die state of the light amplifier 182 as indicated by whedier its output signal is "TRUE" or "FALSE", one of die stages 184, 186 will send a motor run signal to its associated NAND gate motor controller 188, 190 of the output amplifier circuitry 140 to cause die blind 14 to be opened or closed. In die embodiment shown, die first stage 184 sends an output DRCW signal to the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 when the blind 14 is desired to be open. On the other hand, die second stage 186 sends an output DRCCW signal to the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 when the blind 14 is desired to be shut. In either case, die blind 14 is operated only after a predetermined light level has been sensed continuously for 15-20 minutes by the daylight sensor 28. Also, Figure 7 shows diat die first stage 184 receives the "USW" signal, while the second stage 186 receives the "LSW" signal. Upon receipt of the "USW" signal, indicating diat die blind 14 is fully open, die first stage 184 stops sending its "motor run" output signal to the NAND gate motor controller 188. Likewise, upon receipt of the "LSW" signal, indicating mat the blind 14 is fully shut, the second stage 186 stops sending its "motor run" output signal to the NAND gate motor controller 190. The output amplifier 140 includes die two NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190. As shown in Figure 7, the NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190 each receive inputs from the beam and manual detection controller 132, for opening and closing the blind 14 in response to user-generated signals from either the pushbutton 156 or the user signal generator 31, and from the daylight direction controller 136, for opening and closing the blind 14 in response to predetermined levels of daylight. More particularly, the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 receives a DRCW input signal from the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176 only when the motor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to die CW NAND gate 176 and when die motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CW" signal to the NAND gate 176. Also, the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 can receive an input DRCW signal from the first stage 184. On the other hand, die CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 receives a DRCCW input signal from the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178 only when the motor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CCW NAND gate 178 and when die motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CCW" signal to the NAND gate 178. Also, the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 can receive an input DRCCW signal from the second stage 186. Upon receipt of either of its input DRCW signals, die CW NAND gate motor controller 188 sends die DRCW signal to a type 2N3904 CW gating transistor Q7 to turn on the gating transistor Q7, and die gating transistor Q7 then turns on a type 2N4403 CW power transistor Q6 and a type 2N4401 CW power transistor Q5. Once energized, die CW power transistors Q6, Q5 complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal 204) from the power supply 42, to die motor 60, and to ground (represented at a ground terminal 206) such that die motor 60 is caused to rotate clockwise to thereby move the blind 14 toward the open configuration. In contrast, upon receipt of either of its DRCCW input signals, the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 sends the DRCCW signal to a type 2N3904 CCW gating transistor Q4 to turn on die gating transistor Q4. In turn, the gating transistor Q4 turns on a type 2N4403 CCW power transistors Q3 and a type 2N4401 CCW power transistor Q8. Once energized, die CCW power transistors Q8, Q3 complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal 204) from the power supply 42, to the motor 60, and to ground (represented at a ground terminal 206) such that die motor 60 is caused to rotate counterclockwise to diereby move the blind 14 toward die closed configuration. Thus, the circuitry described above essentially functions as an electronic power switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration for selectively energizing die motor 60. To conserve power when it is not desired to move the blind 14, power conservation resistors R15, R17, R20, R21 are provided to maintain the transistors Q3, Q5, Q6, Q8 off in the absence of a signal from the NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190. The skilled artisan will appreciate diat with die combination of structure disclosed above, die life of the power supply 42 is prolonged. More particularly, under normal operating conditions, with me use of light sensors 28, 29 that have low dark currents, and die use of the power conservation resistors R15, R17, R20, R21, as well as the remainder of die electronic circuit, the four batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 can operate die blind 14 for a relatively prolonged period because the optical signal is sensed and processed energy-efficiently. The skilled artisan will further recognize, however, that the use of a larger power supply in turn facilitates the use of light sensors having high dark currents. Also, die use of relatively sophisticated electronics (e.g. , transistors) in the sensor circuitry further prolongs the life of the power supply. As will accordingly be recognized by die skilled artisan, die presently preferred embodiment achieves a relatively long life for the inexpensive, simple, and convenient dc power supply 42, with comparatively simple electronic components. TABLE 1 Resistors R18 Value (Ohms) l.OK R19 220 Rl R20 3.3M lOOK R2 R21 3.3M lOOK R3 R22 10M 1.5M R4 R23 10M 1.5M R5 R24 1.5M 1.5M R6 R25 3.3M 470K R7 R26 10M 3.3M R8 R27 10M 100 R9 R28 1.5M 3.3M RIO 10M Rl l 10M R12 22M R13 lOOK R14 l .OK R15 lOOK R16 220 R17 lOOK Capacitors Value (Farads) O.lμ Cl O. lμ C2 O.lμ C3 O.Olμ C4 3300p C5 3300p C6 O.Olμ C7 O.Olμ C8 Now referring to Figures 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment of the actuator of the present invention is shown, generally designated 300, which is adapted to rotate a tilt rod 302 that is rotatably mounted by means of a block 304 in a head rail 306 of a mini-blind 308 to open and close die blind 308. The mini-blind 308 is in all otfier essential respects identical in construction and operation to the blind 14 shown in Figure 1. The actuator 300 shown in Figure 8 is essentially identical to die actuator 10 shown in Figure 1, except that die actuator 300 engages the tilt rod 302 of the blind 308 vice the operating baton (not shown) of die blind. Accordingly, die actuator 300 has a gear box 310 that is in all essential respects identical to die gear box 56 shown in Figure 4, and a channel 312 of the gear box 310 engages the tilt rod 302. A dc motor 314 is coupled to die gear box 310, and dc batteries 316 are electrically connected to die motor 314 through the electronic circuitry of a circuit board 318. It can be appreciated in reference to Figure 8 that the circuit board 318 can be fastened to die head rail 306, e.g. , by screws (not shown) or other well-known method, and the motor 314, gear box 310, and batteries 316 mounted on the circuit board 318. A daylight sensor 320 and a signal sensor 322 are mounted on die circuit board 318 and electrically connected diereto. The sensors 320, 322 are preferably identical in construction to the sensors 28, 29 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Also, a manually manipulable operating switch 324 is electrically connected to the circuit board 318. The switch 324 shown in Figure 8 is substantially similar to the switch 156 shown in Figure 1. Further, a three-position mode switch 326 is electrically connected to die circuit board 318. The switch 326 has an "off" position, wherein die daylight sensor 320 is not enabled, a "day open" position, wherein die blind 308 will be opened by die actuator 300 in response to daylight impinging on the sensor 320, and a "day shut" position, wherein the blind 308 will be shut by me actuator 300 in response to daylight impinging on the sensor 320. Figure 8 further shows that a manually manipulable adjuster 328 is rotatably mounted on die circuit board 318 by means of a bracket 330. The periphery of the adjuster 328 extends beyond die head rail 306, so that a person can turn the adjuster 328. As intended by die present invention, the adjuster 328 has a metal strip 332 attached diereto, and die strip 332 on the adjuster 328 can contact a metal tongue 334 which is mounted on die tilt rod 302 when the tilt rod 302 has rotated in die open direction. When the strip 332 contacts the tongue 334, electrical contact is made therebetween to signal the electrical circuit shown in Figure 9 to deenergize the motor 314. Accordingly, die adjuster 328 can be rotationally positioned as appropriate such diat die strip 332 contacts the tongue 334 at a predetermined angular position of die tilt rod 302. Stated differently, die tilt rod 302 has a closed position, wherein d e blind 308 is fully closed, and an open position, wherein the blind 308 is open, and die open position is selectively established by manipulating the adjuster 328. Figure 9 shows diat die circuit board 318 of the actuator 300 has an electrical circuit 336 that, with die following exceptions, is in all essential respects identical to die circuit shown in Figure 7, i.e., me electrical circuit 336 facilitates the energy-efficient detection and processing of an optical signal. More particularly, an upper electrical limit switch 338 is closed when die strip 332 contacts the tongue 334 (Figure 8), to indicate diat die tilt rod 302 has rotated to die predetermined open position established by die angular position of die adjuster 328, and, hence, that die blind 308 has reached its maximum open position. When mis occurs, the electrical path between the batteries 316 and d e motor 314 is interrupted. As was die case with die circuit shown in Figure 7, however, the fully closed position of die blind 308 is established by an electrical switch 340 which is in turn closed by a rack gear (not shown) of die gear box 310, or by a stop (not shown) diat can be fastened to one of die gears within die gear box 310. Also, die mode switch 326 has been integrated as shown in two places in die electrical circuit 336, designated switch positions 341, 342. When die switch 326 is in die "day open" or "day shut" position, die position 341 is open, as shown. Odierwise, the position 341 is shut. A ten million ohm resistor R30 and a type 4093 NAND gate 344 are connected as shown to die position 341 of die mode switch 326. When die switch 326 is in die "day open" position, die position 342 is open, as shown. Otherwise, the position 342 is shut. A ten million ohm resistor R29 is connected as shown to the position 342 of the mode switch 326. The architecture of the circuit 336 shown in Figure 9 is in all essential respects identical to die architecture of d e circuit shown in Figure 7, widi die following exceptions. Type 4070 Exclusive OR gates 346, 348, 350, 352 (with appropriate connections to ground and/or the battery 316 voltage) have been inserted in die circuit as shown in Figure 9, in place of the exclusive NOR gates 194, 202, 200, and NAND gate 182, respectively, shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 shows a mini-blind actuator, generally designated 400, that is used to rotate a rod 402 diat is rotatably mounted in an elongated head rail 404 of a so-called vertical blind 406. It is to be understood diat die actuator 400 is in all essential respects identical widi die actuator 300 shown in Figures 8 and 9. As can be appreciated in reference to Figure 10, the rod 402 defines a first axis of rotation 408, and a plurality of elongated slats (only a single slat 410 shown in Figure 10 for clarity of disclosure) are connected to die rod 402. As can be further appreciated in reference to Figure 10, die slat 410 defines a second axis of rotation 412 which is oriented substantially peφendicularly to die first axis of rotation 408. In accordance widi die present invention, rotation of the rod 402 about die first axis 408 causes rotation of the slat 410 about die second axis 412. Stated differently, the head rail 404 and rod 402 define a long axis 408, and die slat 410 defines a long axis 412, widi the slat 410 depending downwardly from the head rail 404 such diat die long axis 412 of die slat 410 is peφendicular to die long axis 408 of the head rail 404 and rod 402. Figure 10 shows diat the slat 410 is connected to die rod 402 via a connector, generally designated 414. As shown, die connector 414 includes a hollow rod element 416 which is surroundingly engaged widi die rod 402 in a close fit d erewith, such that the rod element 416 can slide on me rod 402 but cannot rotate relative to the rod 402. Consequently, rotation of the rod 402 causes rotation of the rod element 416 about the first axis of rotation 408. It is to be appreciated d at to diis end, die rod element 416 is formed widi a bore which is configured substantially identically to die radial cross-sectional configuration, e.g., hexagonal as shown, of die rod 402. Alternatively, rotation between die rod 402 and rod element 416 can be prevented by other means, e.g. , a set screw (not shown). Figure 10 shows that the rod element 416 is formed widi an outer raised helical surface 418. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, when the rod element 416 rotates, the helical surface 418 "travels" longitudinally with respect to the rod 402. Additionally, die connector 414 includes a slat element 420 that is formed widi a plurality of channels 422. As shown, each channel 422 is oriented peφendicularly to die first axis of rotation 408. As further shown, at least one channel 422 is threadably engaged with die helical surface 418 of die rod element 416. Moreover, the slat element 420 is formed widi a clip segment 424. The clip segment 424 includes left and right co-parallel parallelepiped-shaped clip plates 424a, 424b which define a slot 426 dierebetween, and the slat 410 is fixedly held within the slot 426 by, e.g., a close interference fit or a solvent bond. Consequently, rotation of the rod element 416 about die first axis of rotation 408 causes rotation of die slat element 420 and, hence, slat 410, about die second axis of rotation 412. A disc-shaped collar 428 is formed on me slat element 420. The collar 428 engages a groove 430 diat is formed in a two-piece molded connector housing 432 having halves 432a, 432b to support the slat element 420 and hold die slat element 420 in threadable engagement with die rod element 416. As shown, each half 432a, 432b of the connector housing 432 is configured widi a hole 433 mat slidably engages die rod 402, and die connector housing 432 encloses and supports the connector 414. It is to be understood diat die blind 406 includes a plurality of slats, each of which is substantially identical in configuration and operation with the slat 410 wid connector 414. It is to be further understood in reference to die operation of the electrical circuit shown in Figure 7 that the switch of die present invention, i.e., die first trigger 142 or transistor Q2, receives a control signal from the sensors 28, 29, respectively, and dien activates the electronic circuit in response thereto to permit the circuit to cause die power supply 42 to energize me motor 60. With this arrangement, the electronic circuit is deactivated in die absence of die control signal. Likewise, the circuit shown in Figure 9 is deactivated in d e absence of the control signal. Figure 11 shows a mini-blind actuator, generally designated 500, diat is used to rotate a shaft-like rod 502 that is rotatably mounted in an elongated head rail 504 of a so-called pleated or cellular shade 506. In die embodiment shown in Figure 11, die shade 506 is an accordion- type window covering, i.e., the shade 506 compressively accordions upwardly to a raised configuration and expansively accordion 0 downwardly to a lowered configuration. Accordingly, in one presently preferred embodiment, me rod 502 is keyed to a capstan 507 for rotating the capstan 507 while permitting slidable motion of me capstan 507 relative to the rod 502. U.S. Patent No. 4,623,012 to Rude et al., incoφorated herein by reference, discloses one acceptable shaft-capstan arrangement for use with pleated shades. It is to be understood diat die actuator 500 is in all essential respects identical widi die actuator 300 shown in Figures 8 and 9. As is well-known in the art, die shade 506 includes a plurality of elongated sections 508 diat are joined at dieir respective left and right edges 510, 512. As shown, the sections 508 are horizontally mounted, i.e., die long axes of die sections 508 are parallel to the long axis 514 of the head rail 504. A drawstring 516 is partially wound around die capstan 507 and is engaged by means well-known in the art to at least a bottom-most section 508a. In accordance widi die present invention, the actuator 500 can be actuated to rotate the rod 502 and capstan 507 and diereby raise or lower the bottom-most section 508a of die shade 506 relative to the head rail 504. In odier words, die rod 502 can be rotated to cause die bottom-most section 508a to move translationally relative to the head rail 504, with die bottom¬ most section 508a (and, indeed, me remaining sections 508) staying parallel to the head rail 504 during the raising and lowering process. As the bottom-most section 508a is raised, die shade 506 compressively accordions upwardly. On the other hand, as die bottom-most section 508a is lowered, die shade 506 expansively accordions downwardly. While die particular head rail-mounted mini-blind actuator as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood diat it is die presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by die present invention, that die scope of me present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and diat the scope of die present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing odier than the appended claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 3 u 2 1. A window blind actuator, comprising: a window covering having a head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in me head rail and defining a first axis of rotation, and a plurality of slats, each slat being connected to the rod and each defining a second axis of rotation oriented substantially peφendicularly to the first axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the rod about the first axis causes rotation of the slats about die respective second axes; a sensor for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in response thereto; a coupling engageable widi d e rod such diat movement of the coupling causes rotation of the rod; a reversible electric direct current (dc) motor operably engaged widi die coupling to move me coupling; a dc battery electrically connected to die motor; and an electronic circuit electrically connected to the light sensor and die battery for processing the control signal from the light sensor to cause the battery to energize the motor. 2. The actuator of Claim 1, wherein me electronic circuit comprises an edge detector for delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after generation of die control signal by die sensor. 3. The actuator of Claim 1, further comprising at least a first travel limiter positioned in die head rail to cause the motor to be deenergized when die rod reaches a predetermined position. 4. The actuator of Claim 3, further comprising a limit switch electrically connected to die electronic circuit and positioned adjacent die first travel limiter, whereby the first travel limiter can contact the limit switch and diereby cause die electronic circuit to deenergize die motor. 5. The actuator of Claim 4, further comprising a second travel limiter positioned in the head rail for contacting the limit switch, whereby the second travel limiter can contact die limit switch and diereby cause die electronic circuit to deenergize die motor. 6. The actuator of Claim 1, wherein me electronic circuit includes a switch electrically connected to die sensor for receiving me control signal and activating the electronic circuit in response thereto to permit the circuit to cause me battery to energize the motor to rotate the rod, wherein the electronic circuit is deactivated in die absence of die control signal. 7. The actuator of Claim 6, wherein die switch is an electronic trigger. 8. The actuator of Claim 6, wherein the switch is a transistor. 9. The actuator of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connectors, each being attached to a respective slat, each connector including: a rod element surroundingly engaged widi die rod, wherein rotation of the rod causes rotation of the rod element about the first axis of rotation; and a slat element threadably engaged widi die rod element and fixedly attached to the respective slat, such that rotation of die rod element about die first axis of rotation causes rotation of die slat element and slat about me second axis of rotation. 10. A window blind operating device, comprising: a window covering of die type having a head rail defining a long axis, a rod disposed therein, and a plurality of elongated slats, each slat defining a long axis, each slat depending downwardly from the head rail such that die long axis of each slat is peφendicular to die long axis of the head rail, whereby rotation of the rod causes me slats to rotate; an actuator including an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged widi die motor to engage the motor with die rod for rotating the rod; a source of electrical power; a control signal generator for generating a control signal; and an electronic circuit electrically connected to die control signal generator and die source of electrical power for processing the control signal to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the rod. 11. The actuator of Claim 10, wherein the electronic circuit comprises an edge detector for delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after generation of the control signal by the sensor. 12. The device of Claim 10, further comprising at least a first travel limiter positioned in die head rail to cause die motor to be deenergized when die rod reaches a predetermined position. 13. The device of Claim 12, further comprising a limit switch electrically connected to die electronic circuit and positioned adjacent die first travel limiter, whereby the first travel limiter can contact die limit switch and diereby cause die electronic circuit to deenergize the motor. 14. The device of Claim 13, further comprising a second travel limiter positioned in die head rail for contacting the limit switch, whereby the second travel limiter can contact the limit switch and thereby cause die electronic circuit to deenergize die motor. 15. The device of Claim 10, wherein the electronic circuit includes a switch electrically connected to die control signal generator for receiving the control signal and activating die electronic circuit in response diereto to permit the circuit to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to rotate the rod, wherein die electronic circuit is deactivated in die absence of die control signal. 16. The device of Claim 15, wherein me switch is an electronic trigger. 17. The device of Claim 15, wherein the switch is a transistor. 18. The device of Claim 10, further comprising a plurality of connectors, each being attached to a respective slat, each connector including: a rod element surroundingly engaged widi the rod, wherein rotation of die rod causes rotation of die rod element about the long axis; and a slat element threadably engaged widi die rod element and fixedly attached to die respective slat, such that rotation of the rod element about die long axis causes rotation of die slat element and slat about an axis of rotation peφendicular to die long axis. 19. A window blind actuator, comprising: a pleated shade having a head rail, a rod rotatably mounted in the head rail, and a plurality of sections including a bottom-most section distanced from die head rail and connected diereto, wherein rotation of die rod causes translational motion of at least the bottom-most section relative to me head rail; a sensor for detecting a light signal and generating a control signal in response thereto; a coupling engageable with the rod such diat movement of die coupling causes rotation of the rod; a reversible electric direct current (dc) motor operably engaged widi die coupling to move the coupling; a dc battery electrically connected to die motor; and an electronic circuit electrically connected to die light sensor and die battery for processing the control signal from the light sensor to cause die battery to energize the motor. 20. The actuator of Claim 19, wherein the electronic circuit comprises an edge detector for delaying energization of the motor for a predetermined time period after generation of the control signal by the sensor. _ 21. The actuator of Claim 19, further comprising at least a first travel limiter positioned in die head rail to cause me motor to be deenergized when die rod reaches a predetermined position. 22. The actuator of Claim 21 , further comprising a limit switch electrically connected to the electronic circuit and positioned adjacent the first travel limiter, whereby the first travel limiter can contact die limit switch and diereby cause die electronic circuit to deenergize the motor. 23. The actuator of Claim 22, further comprising a second travel limiter positioned in die head rail for contacting the limit switch, whereby the second travel limiter can contact the limit switch and diereby cause the electronic circuit to deenergize the motor. 24. The actuator of Claim 19, wherein the electronic circuit includes a switch electrically connected to die sensor for receiving die control signal and activating die electronic circuit in response thereto to permit the circuit to cause the battery to energize the motor to rotate the rod, wherein the electronic circuit is deactivated in the absence of the control signal. 25. The actuator of Claim 24, wherein the switch is an electronic trigger. 26. The actuator of Claim 25, wherein the switch is a transistor. 27. A shade operating device, comprising: a shade including a head rail, a rod disposed dierein, and an accordion-type window covering engaged widi the rod for moving the window covering between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration when the rod is rotated; an actuator including an electric motor and a coupling operably engaged with die motor to engage the motor with the rod for rotating die rod; a source of electrical power; a control signal generator for generating a control signal; and an electronic circuit electrically connected to die control signal generator and die source of electrical power for processing me control signal to cause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move the rod.

Inventors: DOMEL DOUGLAS R, WALKER WINSTON G, DOMEL, DOUGLAS, R., WALKER, WINSTON, G.
Applicants: DOMEL DOUGLAS R, HARMONIC DESIGN INC, WALKER WINSTON G, DOMEL, DOUGLAS, R., HARMONIC DESIGN, INC., WALKER, WINSTON, G.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: H02K7
IPC codes: E06B9