Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting an overhead door into a gate or serving window, the system having at least two rows of panels spanning the width of the door, one panel located above and adjacent to the other panel, a pair of rails opposite one another and adjacent to the panels, the panels traveling within the rails to move from a closed position to an open position, and at least one hinge connecting the lower row of panels to the upper row of panels, the hinge having an upper half attached to the upper row of panels and a lower half attached to the lower row of panels, the upper and lower halves of the hinge connected by a removable central pin, wherein the upper row of panels moves from the closed position to the open position when the central pin is removed from the hinge.

Abstract: A boarding bridge walking mechanism with a safety protection apparatus, the safety protection apparatus includes an inner retainer mechanism, an outer retainer mechanism, a connecting mechanism and an induction and control mechanism. The inner retainer mechanism includes an inner bracket and a first universal wheel. The outer retainer mechanism includes an outer bracket. The outer bracket is disposed on the outer circumference of the inner bracket, and a lower end of the outer bracket is lower than a lower end of the inner bracket. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting component. The first connecting component is connected between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, such that the inner bracket is hinged with the outer bracket. The induction and control mechanism includes an induction unit.

Abstract: Technologies for managing replica caching in a distributed storage system include a storage manager device. The storage manager device is configured to receive a data write request to store replicas of data. Additionally, the storage manager device is configured to designate one of the replicas as a primary replica, select a first storage node to store the primary replica of the data in a cache storage and at least a second storage node to store a non-primary replica of the data in a non-cache storage. The storage manager device is further configured to include a hint in a first replication request to the first storage node that the data is to be stored in the cache storage of the first storage node as the primary replica. Further, the storage manager device is configured to transmit replication requests to the respective storage nodes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A panel unit includes an interconnected first and second pair of juxtaposed panels, a spacer joining together opposing inner faces of the pairs of panels about a periphery of the interconnected pair to define common air space therebetween, first and second blind assemblies positioned in the air space between the first and second pair of panels respectively, a first drive shaft coupled to a first set of louvers of the first blind assembly and a second drive shaft coupled to a second set of louvers of the second blind assembly, an actuator connected to the first drive shaft, and an interface structure rotationally fixing together opposing ends the first and second drive shafts, wherein the first drive shaft is responsive to actuation of the actuator to axially rotate and thereby cause simultaneous rotation of the first and second sets of louvers between the open and closed positions thereof.

Abstract: An involute gear bracket system includes first and second involute gears. Each includes a circular base and a plurality of gear teeth extending outward from an outer region of a surface and evenly spaced apart from each other along a plurality of locations on the outer region of the surface. The shape of each gear tooth is defined by a varying cross-sectional involute profile, wherein starting from a first involute profile that is in a plane parallel to the surface of the circular base and extending outward from a center of the circular base, each location on the first involute profile is rotated about a corresponding axis while traversing a path defined by a corresponding imaginary ray extending from the center of the circular base to that location, the corresponding axis being tangential to an imaginary circle that encompasses the inner region of the surface and perpendicular to the corresponding imaginary ray.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system for facilitating a lightweight distributed storage system. During operation, the system generates a data segment from a data file associated with a write operation and determines a storage key for the data segment. The storage key indicates a calculated storage path associated with a replica of the data segment. The system then determines whether a user-defined storage path is specified by a user for the data segment. If a user-defined storage path has not been specified by the user for the data segment, the system generates a data packet comprising the data segment, wherein a destination for the data packet corresponds to a target disk specified by the calculated storage path.

Abstract: A multi-panel overhead stacking door which allows for the addition of multiple panels across an opening width. A vertical extrusion acts a guide for the panel above and/or below it. The vertical extrusion serves as a moving guide which thereby allows for the relatively easy addition of multiple panels. At each end of the door is a series of formed parts that are attached to the ends of the end panels and movably maintained with door guides. The assembled door is driven by, for example, a driven shaft, positioned at the top of or above the door opening. The shaft comprises drums to windingly and unwindingly receive a lifting member. The lifting member runs from the drum to the bottom panel assembly behind each vertical extrusion.

Abstract: A netting assembly for use in a fulfillment centers, warehouses and distribution centers includes a web of netting material, an attachment device at a top portion of the netting material for engaging a first rigid surface of the fulfillment center, and an anchoring device at a bottom portion of the netting material for engaging a second rigid surface of the fulfillment center.

Abstract: A data storage array is presented that includes a plurality of storage drives each comprising storage media with a first storage region and a shingled magnetic recording (SMR) storage region. The data storage array includes a control system communicatively coupled to the storage drives and configured to receive a write operation over a host interface for storage of write data by the data storage array. Responsive to the write operation, the control system is configured to cache the write data in first storage regions of two or more of the storage drives prior to transfer of the write data into at least an SMR storage region of a storage drive associated with the write operation.

Abstract: A retractable ball return system having a rebounding surface that is retractable on a roll back into a reel assembly housing, which housing is mountable above a garage door opening or in an open space such as a gymnasium. The rebounding apparatus includes an integrated cable support structure, which is securable at its lower corners to attachment members mounted to the garage door frame. The door frame attachments have a plurality of different connection points which allow the rebounding surface to be secured at different degrees of angle, from angling forward to angling back, or centered in the middle for a perpendicular setting. Once connected, the support cable is retracted, either manually or mechanically, to pull the cable taught, to allow for a strong support structure. The rebounding surface is also then retracted until it has a desired tension level to allow the rebounding surface to be used with different balls as well as to adjust the different performance levels with the same ball.

Abstract: Creating hybrid image backups of a source storage.

Abstract: A barrier system prevents entry through a structure and includes a first door positioned across an opening in the structure on a first side of the structure and a second door positioned across the opening on a second side of the structure. A protection fabric extends over the second door such that the protection fabric is between the first door and the second door, wherein the protection fabric comprises at least one attachment eyelet along at least one edge of the protection fabric to attach the protection fabric to the structure. The protection fabric has cables that terminate in a series of the eyelets. The eyelets attach to stanchions mounted on a foundation and dissipate the force of impact of a projectile hitting the structure along the protection fabric and the stanchions.

Abstract: Provided is a device for opening and closing a sliding door, of which collinearly placed doors slide respectively to overlap each other such that the sliding door is opened or closed. The device includes a sliding portion formed on a surface on which doors come into contact with each other in order to prevent the doors from interfering with each other when the doors are opened; a pair of rail frames formed on a top surface of the furniture and provided with a rail protruding upwardly such that each door is slid forward and backward on the rail, the rail having both sides in which bending portions are formed; and rotational members, each of which is installed to one side of a connection bracket to be rotatable in a curved section of the bending portion while being lifted and slid on the rail.

Abstract: A vehicle side protection device prevents damage to the side of a vehicle. The device includes a housing for coupling to a vehicle. A slot extends through a top side of the housing into an interior space of the housing. Each of a pair of rails is coupled to and extends from the housing coplanar with the roller wherein the rails are configured for being positioned on the side of the vehicle. A cover has a bottom end coupled to a roller in the housing such that rotation of the roller extends and retracts the cover relative to the housing. The cover comprises slats coupled to a layer of fabric positioned between the slats and the side of the vehicle. The slats are stiff and parallel to each other and the roller wherein the cover is pivotable along edges of the slats to facilitate wrapping the cover around the roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing a media cache through the monitoring of operational vibration of a data storage device. In some embodiments, a non-volatile media cache of the data storage device is partitioned into at least first and second zones having different data recording characteristics. Input data are received for storage in a non-volatile main memory of the data storage device. An amount of operational vibration associated with the data storage device is measured. The input data are stored in a selected one of the first or second zones of the media cache prior to transfer to the main memory responsive to a comparison of the measured amount of operational vibration to a predetermined operational vibration threshold.

Abstract: For write cache protection of purpose built backup appliances in a computing environment, backup data of the write cache is created using a server memory that includes the write cache in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) system. The server memory is not controlled by a failing RAID card and/or NVRAM card that controls the write cache. The backup data in the server memory is flushed to a persistent storage device subsequent to detecting a failure of the write cache for enabling recovery of the backup data using the persistent storage device during a reboot operation.

Abstract: Creating hybrid image backups of a source storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the deployment of four curtains for the sides of boat ‘wet slips’ and boat lifts, car ports or the like. A synchronized roller system is provided to roll up or down each of the four curtains that surround a space to be enclosed by the curtain system.

Abstract: Example room dividers are described herein. The example room dividers include a flexible curtain with features pertaining to security, impactability, insulation, sound absorption, configurability, and/or flame resistance. In some examples, the curtain comprises an inorganic carbon fiber pad sandwiched between two sheets of fiberglass fabric coated with silicone rubber. A tongue-and-groove joint, in some examples, enables the interconnection of a series of curtains to create room dividers of various lengths. In some examples, the curtain comprises a full-width wire mesh sandwiched between two sheets of vinyl coated polyester fabric, wherein a touch-and-hold fastener at the outer perimeter of the curtain and overlapping the wire mesh holds the two sheets together and holds the wire mesh in place. In some examples, the flexibility of the curtain allows the curtain to respond to impacts and/or air pressure differentials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to double fabric blinds and, more particularly, to a device for adjusting a fabric angle of the double fabric blinds, which is capable of finely adjusting an degree of openness of a front sheet, wherein a plurality of balls are sequentially held in a holding groove, e.g., as four or eight balls, inserted into an insertion groove of a rotation component, wherein the plurality of balls are rotated in a guide groove of a stopper by approximately 90 degrees or 45 degrees, thereby improving safety and omitting the use of a conventional string.

Abstract: The partitions can be mad e of an elongated and flat body of a material being manually flexible in an elastic manner in a transverse orientation, have two lengthwisely opposite ends and at least two superposed lengthwisely oriented rows of keeper apertures extending therebetween, and protrusions extending outwardly at each one of the ends, each protrusion being lengthwisely aligned with a corresponding one of the rows and being shaped to matingly engage the keeper apertures.

Abstract: A variety of configurations are disclosed for modular tradeshow display systems that can be assembled without the use of tools or other specialized machinery.

Abstract: A variety of configurations are disclosed for modular tradeshow display systems that can be assembled without the use of tools or other specialized machinery.

Abstract: A variety of configurations are disclosed for modular tradeshow display systems that can be assembled without the use of tools or other specialized machinery.

Abstract: A variety of configurations are disclosed for modular tradeshow display systems that can be assembled without the use of tools or other specialized machinery.

Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention, the movement of movable screen ends for a group of motor-driven screens to a common position is controlled in a grouped manner. The method includes a step (E150) consisting of moving the end of a screen when said end becomes the farthest from the common position after moving the end of at least one other screen to said common position.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a window shade having a real natural material printed image coated thereon. A real natural material is scanned and the data of the image is stored in a computer which generates an image of the scanned real natural material. That image is duplicated a plurality of times by the use of the computer and the images are assembled in a predetermined arrangement to produce a composite image which is then enhanced using photo-enhancing software. The enhanced composite image is then printed by the use of a colored ink printing machine on material to form the window shade. Preferably, but not exclusively, the material is constituted by slats of a louvered blind or a fabric of a roller blind.

Abstract: An energy saving grate installed outside a building or structure in warm weather that reduces heating due to infrared radiation (IR) from sunlight. For a window application the grate acts as a sunshade to block or diffuse the IR and ultraviolet (UV) portions of sunlight while passing visible light. The grate cell size, depth, cell surface characteristics, and mounting details near the sash determine system performance of sunlight control, of the view through the grate, and of the exterior appearance. The grate is removable for cool weather. The grate system can cool various surfaces and requires no operating adjustments. It can be applied near most windows (including skylights) on all sides of a building where impinging sunlight causes unwanted heating. Compared to external solar thin mesh screens the grate system can provide more open area for a given performance in reduced IR heating.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that controls access to a secured area using an automated gate controlled secured environment is disclosed. The method may include receiving an indication that an individual attempting to pass through a clearance area has not been authorized to pass through the clearance area, automatically moving one or more gates to create a channel for the non-authorized individual to be directed to a manual screening area, determining if the non-authorized individual has passed one or more sensor; wherein if the non-authorized individual has been determined to have passed the one or more sensor, then moving a gate located behind the non-authorized individual to enable other authorized individuals to pass through the clearance area while maintaining the channel created to the manual screening area, and preventing the non-authorized individual from gaining access to the automated gate controlled secured environment once the non-authorized individual reaches the manual screening area.

Abstract: A semi-private partition or covering includes a collapsible structure having a plurality of uniform perforations formed therein. The plurality of uniform perforations can be configured in size, shape, and dimension to provide not only aesthetic but functional differences from one partition to the next. A manufacturer can make a partition by forming a collapsible structure, such as by bonding a plurality of elongate cells along a plurality of different horizontal seams. The manufacturer can then position a plurality of cutout apparatus about the structure and apply the cutout apparatus to create hollow perforations passing through the entire depth of the collapsible structure (e.g., when expanded). The partition can be mounted to a top or side support structure for any combination of vertical or horizontal expansion/contraction of the partition.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a window shade comprising a plurality of slats carried by a retracting member; a reflective layer included in each slat wherein the reflective layer reflects natural light away from a structure when the slats are in a first position and reflects light into the interior of a structure when the slat are in a second positions; and, an image segmented onto each of the slats so that when the slats reflect light into the interior of a structure, the image is integrated and reflected on the ceiling of the interior of the structure.

Abstract: A shade structure includes a plurality of blades and a plurality of pairing units arranged in pairs such that paired ones of said pairing units are disposed at two ends of a corresponding one of the blades, respectively. The pairing units enable the shade structure to be put together or taken apart as needed, so as to enhance variability and practicability of the shade structure.

Abstract: Each of two tracks are in an inverted L-shaped configuration and have a vertical section and a horizontal section. A single panel garage door is mounted for movement in the tracks between a closed orientation between the vertical sections and an open orientation between the horizontal sections. A rectangular portal is positioned within the garage door. Major screening in the garage door is at locations remote from the portal. A screen door within the portal is moveable between a closed orientation over the portal and an open orientation remote from the portal.

Abstract: An example of a vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a plurality of pads or mats of thermal insulation between the two sheets. In some examples, a plurality of horizontally elongate baffles made of pliable strips of material are installed between the two sheets. The baffles effectively divide one large interior volume between the sheets into more manageable smaller volumes or chambers. The baffles restrict the air between the sheets from being forced to the bottom of the panel as the panel ascends and bends across an overhead roller. Without the baffles and smaller chambers, the panel sheets in the area near the bottom of the panel would tend to bulge outward as the door opens.

Abstract: A ceiling panel for lining the interior of a vehicle, particularly an airplane, includes a plastic composite element having elements disposed at lateral edges extending substantially in a movement direction of the vehicle for fastening to a supporting structure of the vehicle or parts connected thereto. At least one fixation device is provided on a transverse edge disposed substantially transversely to the movement direction and at least one counter piece is provided on an opposite transverse edge, as viewed in the movement direction, to avoid an offset in a perpendicular direction between consecutive ceiling panels. The at least one fixation device is configured to complement the at least one counter piece and a form-locking connection can be produced and detached again without tools in the substantially perpendicular direction, by the interaction of each fixation device with a respective counter piece.

Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.

Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.

Abstract: A vertically moving door of a truck loading dock includes a disconnectable horizontal joint that provides the door with a barrier position, wherein an upper section of the door can be separated from a lower section to create a ventilation area between the two. The ventilation area allows fresh outside air to enter the building, while the lower section remains at its lowermost position for safety and security. More specifically, the lower section serves as a barrier that helps prevent someone or something from accidentally falling through the doorway when a truck is not present at the dock. A lightweight, resilient strap can be attached to the lower section of the door to help protect that section from an otherwise damaging impact. A lattice of straps or a mesh can be installed across the ventilation area to help secure the building against theft.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a top rail, a drawable primary curtain unit hung from the top rail, and a drawable auxiliary curtain unit hung from the top rail and disposed at one side of the primary curtain unit. The primary curtain unit includes an upper curtain section and a lower curtain section extending downwardly from the upper curtain section and having a light transmittance less than that of the upper curtain section. The auxiliary curtain unit includes an auxiliary curtain that has a light transmittance less than that of the upper curtain section and that has a vertical length less than a combined vertical length of the upper and lower curtain sections. The vertical length of the auxiliary curtain is sufficient to ensure that the auxiliary curtain is able to substantially cover the upper curtain section when the auxiliary curtain and the upper curtain section are lowered.

Abstract: A combined type screen comprises more than one screen boards being connected laterally, characterized in that the combined type screen is formed by more than one layer of screen boards being connected vertically; the top or the bottom of each layer of screen boards, or both the top and the bottom of each layer of screen boards, is provided with several pin holes; the pin holes at the top of a lower layer of screen boards are corresponding to the pin holes at the bottom of an upper layer of screen boards; adjacent two layers of screen boards are connected by pins being inserted into the pin holes. The board face at the side of the pin holes can be provided with a screw hole; after an upper layer and a lower layer of screen boards are connected by the pins, the pins can be fastened by screws. The pins can also be provided with notches, and the notches are corresponding to the screws.

Abstract: An adjustable patio cover and storm protection device capable of remote operation which acts as a security screen that prevents access through a doorway or window to which it is coupled, reduces the amount of light able to pass through the doorway or window, and also acts as a storm barricade when in its closed or down/vertical position, and which acts as an awning or sun shade that provides shade for the area in front of the door or window to which it is coupled when it is in its open or up/horizontal position.

Abstract: A window covering including a plurality of panels vertically suspended from a vertical securement member is provided. The plurality of panels is secured with the securement member about an upper longitudinal portion of the panels at spaced intervals along the securement member. The panels are freely suspended or dangled from the securement member such that a lower longitudinal portion of the panels is not connected with the securement member or the opening member. A weighted edge member may be included about the lower longitudinal portion of the panels. The window covering is opened by adjusting the opening member to rearwardly and vertically stack the plurality of panels.

Abstract: An example of a vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a plurality of pads or mats of thermal insulation between the two sheets. In some examples, a plurality of horizontally elongate baffles made of pliable strips of material are installed between the two sheets. The baffles effectively divide one large interior volume between the sheets into more manageable smaller volumes or chambers. The baffles restrict the air between the sheets from being forced to the bottom of the panel as the panel ascends and bends across an overhead roller. Without the baffles and smaller chambers, the panel sheets in the area near the bottom of the panel would tend to bulge outward as the door opens.

Abstract: A door assembly includes multiple door panels arranged in series along laterally spaced tracks, extending laterally between the tracks, and supported for movement on the tracks. A first pair of hinge plates is secured to a first door panel, each member of the first pair being located at an opposite lateral side of the first panel. A second pair of hinge plates is secured to a second door panel, each member of the second pair being located at an opposite lateral side of the second panel. A first release pin alternately disconnects and connects the first and second hinge plates at the first lateral side of the door panels. A second release pin alternately disconnects and connects the first and second hinge plates at the second lateral side of the door panels.

Abstract: A shade apparatus for a vehicle includes a guide rail mechanism adapted to be arranged along a side portion of an inner periphery of an opening formed in an interior ceiling member of the vehicle, a shade panel mechanism slidably supported by the guide rail mechanism, configured to open and close the opening of the interior ceiling member, and including first and second shade panels, an engaging member arranged at one of the first and second shade panels, and an elastic member arranged at the other of the first and second shade panels and including a fixing portion and a deformable portion. The first and second shade panels move as a unit in the moving direction after one of the first and second shade panels moves relative to the other of the first and second shade panels in the moving direction and the engaging member engages with the elastic member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of doors for closing off a bay (6) in a wall (4), comprising a first flexible door (1) and a second door (2) having at least a rigid bottom edge (17), it being possible to impart an upward movement and a downward movement to each of these doors (1, 2) respectively into an open position and a closed position, the second door (2) being disposed so as to create a slit (31) between the wall (4) and the rigid bottom edge (17) of this second door (2) as it is moved upwards into the open position. The flexible door (1) is disposed at least partially between said second door (2) and said wall (4) and can be displaced through said slit (31) between its closed position and its open position when the second door (2) is in the open position.

Abstract: A series of modular fabric panels with edge zippers interconnect to form a modular window covering system custom fit by a user to cover windows of various sizes. Flexible zippers with removable zipper pulls and edge cover fabric over the zippers create a customized curtain which looks like a standard sewn seamed curtain.