A slat angle adjustment mechanism for Venetian blind includes a body shell and a transmission unit including a transmission gear set and retractable member. The transmission gear set includes a gear having a position-limiting hole corresponding a second through hole of the body shell, and a screw rod with an extension shank. The retractable member is connected to and movable back and forth along the extension shank of the screw rod. When pulling the retractable member, the retractable member is moved along the extension shank of the screw rod from a first position; when pushing the retractable member, the retractable member is moved along the extension shank of the screw rod from the second position back to the first position. Thus, subject to the retractable characteristic, the slat angle adjustment mechanism prevents damage during packaging.

A window blind apparatus for providing solar energy comprises: (a) a case configured for receiving a battery, the case including electrical battery charging circuitry; and, (b) a plurality of photovoltaic panels configured for receiving solar radiation and converting the radiation into electricity, each of the photovoltaic panels in electrical communication with the electrical battery charging circuitry, and, each photovoltaic panel is in communication with at least one other panel, such that the panels are moveable.

An obstruction detection system for motorized window shades is presented having a motor, shade material, a bottom bar, and a motor controller having a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to detect when an obstruction has been encountered when closing the motorized window shades. When an obstruction is detected, the microprocessor stops lowering the shade material and the bottom bar thereby preventing further damage or destruction. The system may also be used to report when an unexpected obstruction has been detected.

The present invention, in one aspect thereof, is directed to a daylighting device including: a first, transparent slat configured to bend an optical path of incident outdoor light so as to emit the light in a prescribed indoor direction; a first drive mechanism configured to drive the first slat; and a control unit configured to control the first drive mechanism so as to change an angle of inclination of the first slat in accordance with a position of the sun.

The present invention, in one aspect thereof, is directed to a daylighting device including: a first, transparent slat configured to bend an optical path of incident outdoor light so as to emit the light in a prescribed indoor direction; a first drive mechanism configured to drive the first slat; and a control unit configured to control the first drive mechanism so as to change an angle of inclination of the first slat in accordance with a position of the sun.

Disclosed is a solar power generator including a plurality of solar cell module-mounted plates, each plate having an elongate shape extending in a first direction, where the plates are connected in parallel with each other, wherein each of the solar cell module-mounted plates includes: an elongate plate extending in the first direction; and a plurality of solar cell modules mounted on the elongate plate; wherein each of the solar cell modules includes a plurality of solar cells.

A venetian blind includes a frame unit, a slat unit, a transmission unit, and an operating unit. The slat unit includes multiple drive axles and a plurality of slats each connected co-rotatably to the drive axles. The transmission unit includes two transmission rollers, a plurality of constant-force coil springs that are linked together and that are coupled to the drive axles, and a belt that cooperates with the constant-force coil springs to form a loop trained on the transmission rollers. The operating unit includes an inner control member connected to the belt, and an outer control member operable to drive the inner control member to move so as to drive rotation of the drive axles via the constant-force coil springs to rotate the slats.

A venetian blind includes a frame unit, a slat unit, a transmission unit, and an operating unit. The slat unit includes multiple drive axles and a plurality of slats each connected co-rotatably to the drive axles. The transmission unit includes two transmission rollers, a plurality of constant-force coil springs that are linked together and that are coupled to the drive axles, and a belt that cooperates with the constant-force coil springs to form a loop trained on the transmission rollers. The operating unit includes an inner control member connected to the belt, and an outer control member operable to drive the inner control member to move so as to drive rotation of the drive axles via the constant-force coil springs to rotate the slats.

A window blinds assembly that can include slats installed either horizontally or vertically forming a window blind. The slats include a one-way-see-through layer and are tinted, wherein the level of tint can be electronically manipulated. The opening and closing of the slats are electronically operated by a motor. A remote control can be used to communicate with the assembly. A display can also be includes for displaying messages.

An at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system is provided, including a plurality of panels arranged in an array. Each of the plurality of panels has two sides, including a first side including a plurality of photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic layer, and a second side having an array of light-emitting elements. The at least partially self-powered photovoltaic sunshade and display system includes energy storage means that receives charge from the plurality of panels and provides electrical power to the array of light-emitting elements. Each of the plurality of panels is rotatable about an axis such that the two sides are respectively rotatable towards or away from the sun, and towards or away from an exterior environment.