Abstract: A retractable awning adapted to be moved between extended and retracted positions includes a pair of support arms and a pair of rafter arms each of which can be extended or retracted with the awning. A motor rotates a drive shaft and a roll bar to which an awning sheet is connected so that energization of the motor causes the awning to be wrapped around the roll bar when the awning is being retracted or unwrapped from the roll bar when the awning is being extended. A belt system is disposed in each support arm which causes the support arm to extend or retract depending upon the direction of rotation of the motor so that the arms are extended simultaneously with the unwrapping of the awning sheet from the roll bar or retracted simultaneously with wrapping of the awning sheet around the roll bar. A rigid or alternatively resilient brace extends between each support arm and an associated rafter arm for holding the rafter arms in an extended position as the awning reaches a fully extended position.

Abstract: A space heater employs a generally Y-shaped housing. A boiler within the housing contains a working fluid at subatmospheric pressure when at ambient temperature. This reduces the boiling point of working fluid. A series of heat exchangers are mounted in the branch portions of the housing and connected to receive working fluid from the boiler. A blower directs ambient air between the heat exchangers and through the front openings of the housing. A valve can be operated to release pressure from within the boiler and heat exchangers. An electric heating element heats the working fluid within the boiler to a temperature above the boiling point under normal operating conditions. During initial manufacture or repair of the unit, the heating element is activated to heat the working fluid while the valve is open, and then deactivated with the valve is closed to allow the working fluid to cool, thereby creating reduced pressure within the boiler.