Patent ID: 7328533

Claim:
A window shutter opening and closing device adapted for use with a window shutter of the type that includes a frame structure that supports and surrounds a plurality of pivotable slats, comprising: (a) rotary means attached to said frame structure, said rotary means adapted for at least a limited amount of rotation about an axis; wherein said rotary means includes a drive gear cooperatively engaged with a driven gear; and (b) means for rotating one of said slats in response to a rotation of said rotary means and wherein said means for rotating one of said slats in response to a rotation of said rotary means includes means attached to said driven gear for rotating said one of said slats an amount proportionate that said driven gear is rotated; and including a first shaft attached to said drive gear, said first shaft including a center longitudinal axis that aligns with said axis about which said rotary means is adapted for at least a limited amount of rotation, and wherein a portion of said first shaft is adapted to extend through an opening in said frame structure to an exterior of said frame structure and wherein when said first shaft is rotated, said drive gear is rotated, and wherein when said drive gear is rotated, said driven gear is rotated a proportional amount, and including a second shaft attached to said driven gear and including means for attaching an end of said second shaft to said one of said slats wherein said one of said slats is rotated about a slat axis an amount that is proportionate with an amount that said second shaft is rotated, and wherein said means for attaching an end of said second shaft to said one of said slats includes a flat end at said end of said second shaft and a slot in an end of an extension pin, and wherein said extension pin is attached to said one of said slats, and wherein said flat end is adapted to engage with said slot in said end of said extension pin sufficient to rotate said extension pin when said second shaft is rotated.