An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and comprising an output shaft configured to actuate a window covering. A position encoder, directly driven by the output shaft, is configured to measure at least one of an angular position and a number of rotations of the output shaft. The angular position and number of rotations may be used to calculate an angular position of slats of a window blind and/or an amount a window covering is opened or closed. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

An actuating device for a switching apparatus of a switch panel of electrical energy technology, in particular of medium-voltage technology, comprises an operable drive unit, in particular a manually operable drive unit, a pivot unit that can be mechanically coupled to the switching apparatus, and a pulling cable via which the pivot unit is mechanically connected to the drive unit.

An actuating device for a switching apparatus of a switch panel of electrical energy technology, in particular of medium-voltage technology, comprises an operable drive unit, in particular a manually operable drive unit, a pivot unit that can be mechanically coupled to the switching apparatus, and a pulling cable via which the pivot unit is mechanically connected to the drive unit.

A method in accordance with the invention includes a headrail bracket configured to be inserted into a headrail at an angle from a top thereof. The headrail bracket includes clips snap into a top edge of the headrail, and an attachment mechanism to attach to a gearbox assembly configured to rotate a tilt rod of a window blind tilting mechanism. In certain embodiments, the headrail bracket is a single component with a substantially low profile. This headrail bracket may span a top of the headrail. In other embodiments, the headrail bracket includes a first component to secure a first end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail and a second component to secure a second end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail. In certain embodiments, the first component slides over the first end of the gearbox assembly and the second component slides over the second end of the gearbox assembly

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A security device, such as a camera, motion sensor, audio sensor, proximity sensor, impact sensor, or the like, communicates with the controller and is configured to monitor security at a window associated with the window covering. Such a security sensor may, for example, monitor opening and/or closing of the window, breaking of the window, or the like. In certain embodiments, operation of the window covering is triggered in response to conditions sensed by the security device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A temperature sensor communicates with the controller and monitors temperature proximate a window associated with the window covering. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the window, temperature external to the window, temperature internal to the window, temperature within a headrail of the window covering, or the like. The controller is further configured to relay at least one of commands and information to an HVAC controller to regulate room temperature in accordance with the monitored temperature. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

A method in accordance with the invention includes prompting a user to align a mobile device with a geometric feature (e.g., a window sill, corner, etc.) of a window. The method further determines a position and orientation of the window using sensors of the mobile device. Based on the position and orientation of the window, the method determines a position of the sun over time relative to the window. The method automatically adjusts a window covering of the window to take into account the position of the sun over time. For example, the method may automatically tilt slats of a window blind or open or close a window covering to take into account the position of the sun over time. A corresponding system is also disclosed herein.

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and configured to apply torque to a tilt rod of a window blind. The gearbox is configured to enable the tilt rod to pass completely through the gearbox. In certain embodiments, the gearbox includes a shaft configured to apply torque to the tilt rod. This shaft may extend from a first end of the gearbox to a second end of the gearbox and may include a through-channel to enable the tilt rod to pass completely therethrough. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Devices, systems, methods, and kits for remotely operating a switch are described herein. An example embodiment of a system for remotely operating a switch comprises a plate, a connecting member, a first fastener, a second fastener, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a first wire member, a second wire member, and a pulling member. The plate has a body that defines a first bend and a second bend and is releasably attached to the handle of a switch. During use, an operator utilizes the first and second wire members to moved the switch between an open state and a closed state.

An upper tube member for a cutout door of a power line connection includes a cylindrical body configured to receive one end of an insulating tube. A first flange extends in a first radial direction outwardly from the cylindrical body. A pull ring is connected to the first flange, defines a continuous ring opening, and extends in the first radial direction outwardly from the first flange. A second flange extends a predetermined distance in a second radial direction, opposite to the first radial direction, from an opposite side of the cylindrical body and is configured to engage a hook end of a lineman's pole.