Window covering sizing method and apparatus

A method of cutting an assembled window covering with an automated cutting machine comprising:

• receiving in a processor a desired size of an assembled window covering comprising a head rail and blind elements;
• receiving in the processor information as to whether the assembled window covering is intended to be mounted as an inside mount or an outside mount;
• for an inside mount, automatically deducting a predetermined length from the desired size in the processor to obtain a final dimension of the assembled window covering;
• for an outside mount, setting the desired size as the final dimension of the assembled window covering;
• calculating a distance a center of the assembled window covering must be positioned from a first cutting device and a second cutting device to obtain the desired size based on the final dimension;
• receiving in the processor a first signal indicating that a cutting chamber of the automated cutting machine is closed;
• transmitting the distance from the processor to a controller and transmitting a second signal from the controller to control a motor to automatically move a clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the first cutting device, the step of automatically moving the clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the first cutting device being permitted only after the first signal indicating that the cutting chamber of the automated cutting machine is closed is received;
• transmitting a third signal to automatically move the first cutting device into engagement with the assembled window covering to cut the assembled window covering in response to the step of automatically moving a clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the first cutting device, the step of moving the first cutting device into engagement with the window covering being permitted only after the first signal indicating that the cutting chamber of the automated cutting machine is closed is received;
• transmitting a fourth signal from the controller to control the motor to automatically move the clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the second cutting device, the step of automatically moving the clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the second cutting device being permitted only after the first signal indicating that the cutting chamber of the automated cutting machine is closed is received;
• and
• transmitting a fifth signal to automatically move the second cutting device into engagement with the assembled window covering to cut the assembled window covering in response to the step of automatically moving a clamp assembly to position the center of the assembled window covering the distance from the second cutting device, the step of moving the second cutting device into engagement with the window covering being permitted only after the first signal indicating that the cutting chamber of the automated cutting machine is closed is received.