Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.

Abstract: A building closure for mounting within an opening in a building wall structure includes a frame for mounting within the wall structure opening and at least one closure unit for mounting within the frame. The frame has at least one interior chamber extending entirely around the frame and a nailing flange for securement to the building wall structure such that at least a portion of the frame is disposed within the building wall opening. There is a cavity between at least one exterior surface of the frame and the inner periphery of the building wall opening, with the cavity extending along at least a top portion of the frame. A barrier extends along at least the top portion of the frame to retard passage of moisture from the cavity to the building interior.

Abstract: A window includes a window frame adapted to be secured to a building, a window sash, and a plurality of sash clips disposed around the sash and fixedly securing the sash to the frame. Each of the sash clips preferably includes a base secured in fixed position to the window frame and a head received in the window sash. The window frame and the sash preferably have peripheral rails of extruded aluminum, plastic or fiber-reinforced resin construction, and the base and head of the sash clips are received in corresponding channels on the window frame and the window sash. The base and/or the head of the sash of each sash clip may include opposed flexible resilient spring legs received in a channel in the corresponding rail. The sash clips may be of plastic construction.

Abstract: A window includes a window frame adapted to be secured to a building, a window sash, and a plurality of sash clips disposed around the sash and fixedly securing the sash to the frame. Each of the sash clips preferably includes a base secured in fixed position to the window frame and a head received in the window sash. The window frame and the sash preferably have peripheral rails of extruded aluminum, plastic or fiber-reinforced resin construction, and the base and head of the sash clips are received in corresponding channels on the window frame and the window sash. The base and/or the head of the sash of each sash clip may include opposed flexible resilient spring legs received in a channel in the corresponding rail. The sash clips may be of plastic construction.

Abstract: A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.

Abstract: A colorant formulation for use in paint includes a titanium dioxide dispersion and at least one pigment that has an infrared reflectance of at least approximately 60 percent when provided in a clear base over a white substrate and less than approximately 40 percent when provided in a clear base over a black substrate. The colorant formulation does not include pigments that have an infrared reflectance of less than approximately 60 percent when provided in a clear base over a white substrate. The colorant formulation is configured to provide a total solar reflectance for the paint of at least about 50 percent when provided over a white substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a pultruded component includes providing a plurality of fiber tows each formed of a plurality of fibers. The method also includes providing a first chamber and a second chamber for wetting the plurality of fiber tows with a polymeric resin precursor. The method further includes pulling the plurality of fiber tows through a first chamber to wet their exterior surfaces with the polymeric resin precursor, pulling the plurality of fiber tows through a second chamber to wet the plurality of fibers within each tow, and pulling the wetted plurality of tows and fibers through a curing die to form the pultruded component.

Abstract: A pultruded composite component includes a matrix material comprising a thermosetting polyurethane resin, and fibers provided within the resin matrix. All of the fibers within the resin matrix are oriented in substantially a single direction and the matrix material has an elongation-to-failure that exceeds that of the fibers.

Abstract: A window includes at least one movable sash having a horizontal rail with a horizontal top portion and a vertical portion extending downward from the horizontal top portion. A pull rail portion extends from the horizontal rail beyond the vertical portion. A latch is located below the pull rail and adjacent the vertical portion. The latch includes a pull handle configured to release a latching mechanism from one of a second sash or a frame.

Abstract: A framing corner joint includes first and second framing rails of fiberglass-reinforced resin construction. The first and second framing rails have hollow mitered ends. A pair of thermoplastic plugs are received in the mitered ends of the respective framing rails. Each of the plugs includes a body inserted into the hollow interior of an associated framing rail and a flat plug flange at an angle of 45° to the body. The plug flanges extend outwardly from the peripheries of the bodies between the rail ends and have flat end faces that are bonded to each other. The bodies of the plugs preferably are hollow, and preferably are received by interference press-fit within the ends of the rails. The plug flanges of the plugs preferably are welded to each other.

Abstract: A pultruded composite component includes a matrix material comprising a thermosetting polyurethane resin, and fibers provided within the resin matrix. All of the fibers within the resin matrix are oriented in substantially a single direction and the matrix material has an elongation-to-failure that exceeds that of the fibers.

Abstract: A method of making a fenestration framing member includes providing a core of size and shape corresponding to the desired size and shape of the fenestration framing members. A fiberglass mat is placed on the core to form a fiberglass-engaged core, and resin is vacuum infused into the mat to form a fenestration framing member that includes fiberglass-reinforced resin engaging the core. The starting core and the final fenestration framing member preferably are of curved geometry lengthwise of the core and member. The step of vacuum infusing resin into the mat surrounding the core preferably is carried out by placing the fiberglass-engaged core into a vacuum enclosure, preferably a vacuum bag, and connecting the vacuum enclosure to a vacuum source and a resin source. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the mat surrounds the core so that the core is part of the fenestration framing member.

Abstract: A resin precursor composition for use in the production of composite components includes an isocyanate component comprising a material selected from the group consisting of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a polymeric isomer of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. The resin precursor composition also includes at least one polyether polyol having a functionality of three in an amount such that the ratio of the isocyanate component to the at least one polyol is between approximately 80% and 115% of stoichiometric. The resin precursor composition also includes a mold release material and a filler material.

Abstract: A closure frame includes at least one end rail, at least one side rail and a corner joint between ends of the corner and side rails. The corner joint includes a rail insert secured within a first of the rails. A threaded fastener is secured against rotation within the insert and extends from an open end of the first rail into a second of the rails. A nut is disposed within the second rail in threaded engagement with the end of the fastener and clamps the second rail against the open end of the first rail. The corner joint preferably is a butt joint, and a pair of rail inserts preferably are disposed within the end of the first rail so that a pair of threaded fasteners extend into the second rail and are engaged by associated nuts in the second rail. A washer plate preferably is disposed in the second rail beneath the nuts, and a gasket preferably is disposed between the second rail and the open end of the first rail to seal the corner joint.

Abstract: A closure frame includes at least one end rail, at least one side rail and a corner joint between ends of the corner and side rails. The corner joint includes a rail insert secured within a first of the rails. A threaded fastener is secured against rotation within the insert and extends from an open end of the first rail into a second of the rails. A nut is disposed within the second rail in threaded engagement with the end of the fastener and clamps the second rail against the open end of the first rail. The corner joint preferably is a butt joint, and a pair of rail inserts preferably are disposed within the end of the first rail so that a pair of threaded fasteners extend into the second rail and are engaged by associated nuts in the second rail. A washer plate preferably is disposed in the second rail beneath the nuts, and a gasket preferably is disposed between the second rail and the open end of the first rail to seal the corner joint.