Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a damper assembly configured to regulate airflow and having a frame. The HVAC system includes a first damper blade piece having a first airfoil surface and a second damper blade piece having a second airfoil surface. The first damper blade piece and the second damper blade piece are configured to couple with the frame, and are configured to interlock with one another to form a damper blade having an airfoil shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for collecting rainwater in a pergola including posts, a frame with beams and slats, arranged transversely, parallel to each other, the slats being articulated about a substantially median axis and being capable of assuming a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, manual or motorised unit ensuring the coordinated movements of the slats. The device includes a movable unit, rigidly connected to the slats Ln, including longitudinal deflectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shutter device for a vehicle in which a manufacturing cost is reduced. Provided is a shutter device (1) for a vehicle, which has: a frame member (10) that has an opening provided therein and is mounted on the vehicle; a fin (20) that extends in a first direction; and a rotary shaft unit (40) that pivotably supports the fin (20) on the frame member to be pivotable in the opening of the frame (10). The fin (20) is provided integrally with or independently from the rotary shaft unit (40), and the fin (20) has a uniform sectional shape in the first direction.

Abstract: A cupboard has a body and an up-down louvered door. The door comprises a plurality of louvers, and a pair of lift racks to which the louvers are attached. The cupboard also includes a motor transmission apparatus, and two belts. When people need to open the door, the motor is actuated, whereby the lift racks lift and fold up, causing the louvers to fold up, and thus the door is opened. When people need to close the door, the motor is reversed, such that lift racks descend and extend, causing the louvers to extend, and thus the door is closed. The door can open adequately so as to facilitate taking out/putting in articles. No more space is occupied while opening the door, and the door is safe while closing. A small driving force can open/close the door.

Abstract: A cupboard has an up-down louvered door. Wherein the door comprises a plurality of louvers, and a lift rack in which the louvers are configured. When people need to open the door, the lift rack lifts and folds up, causing the louvers to fold up, and thus the door is opened; and when people need to close the door, the lift rack descends and extends, causing the louvers to extend, and thus the door is closed. The door can open adequately so as to facilitate taking out/putting in articles. No more space is occupied while opening the door, and the door is safe when closing. A small driving force can open/close the door, and the cupboard features easy operation, long lifetime, low cost and good stability.

Abstract: A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.

Abstract: A louver module which has an improved ventilation control structure, operating method, material, and shape for imparting heat-resistance and water-tight properties and prevents a louver from deviating through mutual fixation and reinforcement among a plurality of materials, and a louver system employing the same. The louver module of includes a frame, an opening/closing mechanism, a louver unit and power transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A sealing member for a louvre mounting assembly is described. The louvre mounting assembly is of the type to allow co-rotation of at least first and second louvre panes between open and closed positions. The sealing member located in an end clip for the first louvre pane of the louvre mounting assembly, wherein the sealing member includes a first sealing region for sealing against a portion of the second louvre pane to seal against movement of liquid into the end clip when the louvre mounting assembly is in a closed position.

Abstract: An automated window system including an energy accumulation means, and a window opening/closing mechanism associated with the energy accumulation means wherein the energy accumulation means releases at least a portion of the energy stored therein upon demand to the window opening/closing mechanism to open and/or close the window.

Abstract: The shutter drive apparatus is an apparatus adapted such that the movement of any one shutter louver of a tilt-rod-less shutter results in the corresponding movement of all of the louvers of the shutter. The apparatus is preferably mounted within a tilt-rod-less shutter comprising a shutter frame having at least top and bottom horizontal rails, at least a first side stile and a second side stile, and a plurality of louvers rotatably mounted within the stiles such that a first end of the louvers are freely rotatable within the first side stile, and such that a second end of the louvers are drivably engaged to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of pinion gears, a face strip, opposing drive strips, and a retainer strip. Each louver is drivably engaged to a different pinion gear and each pinion gear is drivably engaged to the drive strips.

Abstract: A shutter having a frame, and louvres and having a control mechanism for operating all louvres, louvre drive couplings in each louvre, at least one moveable drive connector member for connecting between each louvre drive coupling, the drive connector member being moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and having biasing springs for the drive connectors, yieldable to permit movement of the drive connectors out of the engaged positions.

Abstract: A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.

Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame with side members and end members, and in which at least one of the side members is hollow, and a plurality of louvres extending from one side member to the other side member, and being rotatably mounted in the side members, and a control linkage within at least one of the side members, the control linkage having at least one control element, and each louvre having at least one control member engaging the respective control element, the control members being located spaced radially from the rotation axes of the louvres.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a clip and frame assembly for a louvre window, including a frame with a frame channel and a clip rotatably coupled to the frame, the clip having at least one channel on its back surface adapted to direct water along a flow path to an aperture in the frame channel. The invention extends to a pairing of adjacent clips wherein one or more channels in an upper clip direct water into a channel in a lower clip which is, in turn, directed into the frame channel. Preferably, the clip includes four channels on the back surface with each channel in fluid communication with at least one other channel either in the same clip or in an adjacent clip. The invention extends to a channel being formed in a recess adapted to receive an edge of a louvre plate wherein water in this channel is also directed into the frame channel through an aligned aperture. Further embodiments of the invention may include one or more channels which discharge water outwardly of the clip.

Abstract: A removable louver shutter comprises a shutter frame defining an opening and inserts mounted to the frame proximate to the opening. End caps are rotatably mounted along the inserts. Generally planar louvers are each removably attached between corresponding pairs of the end caps so as to be disposed within the opening. At least one link bar connects the end caps so as to move the louvers between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.

Abstract: A louvre window system has an end clip (10) which is formed with at least one internal drainage channel (14) which can drain water through the end clip (10). A number of such clips can rotate between an open position and a closed position. The clips (10) are aligned when in the closed position which insures that water can drain from an upper clip through a lower clip. The clips (10) have a low friction design which enables a larger number of louvers to be rotated by a single handle (55) without placing too much load on the handle and on the louvre operating mechanism. A simple efficient louver operating mechanism (27; 37) is used to operate the end clips.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a stile having a solid core and a plastic outer cover. Holes are formed in the plastic outer cover and aligned with an axial groove formed in the solid core to receive a slotted louver pin. The louver pin includes a pair of arms that provide a sufficient compression fit in the axial groove of the stile while enabling each louver to rotate freely. Separate stile end caps are formed to be flush with the edges of the ends of the plastic cover. Each louver includes louver edges and opposite end caps which are substantially flush with the louver edges. A method of manufacturing a shutter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A nonretractable covering for architectural openings such as doors, windows, archways, or the like includes a covering fabric like material having pivotal vanes with the fabric like material being extended between upper and lower tilt bars with one of the upper lower tilt bars being an active tilt bar and the other a passive tilt bar which moves in response to the active tilt bar. Movement of the active tilt bar between opened and closed positions pivots the vanes between opened and closed positions while the fabric material remains extended across the architectural opening.

Abstract: A louver blade positioning device of a motorized shutter assembly includes an indented positioning portion or a protruded portion formed upon a driving shaft and a resilient member coming into contact with the driving shaft and the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion in a radically movable manner at a fixed angle. When the louver blades are rotated to approach a specific angle, the resilient member moves into the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion. Through the resilient force exerted by the resilient member on the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion, the driving shaft rotates to approach the specific angle, such that the louver blades become positioned at the specific angle when being rotated to approach the specific angle, thereby becoming free from the angular clearance inherent among transmission components of the motorized shutter assembly.

Abstract: An electric blind includes a frame, a plurality of horizontal slat units, and a stepping motor. The frame has two side vertical rods pivotally connected with the slat units, and a linking rod is fixed with a lengthwise side of all the slat units, possible to force the slat units synchronously swing for an angle. The stepping motor unit is composed of a stepping motor and a controller. The stepping motor is positioned in a cavity of one of the two side vertical rods, connected with a slat of the salt units. Further the controller controls the rotating angle of the motor, and the stepping motor can rotate idle in case the motor should meet an exterior force (for example, in case of the slat units already swung to the largest angle), or the slat units are manually moved any time. Thus the electric blind may not easily be broken or damaged.

Abstract: A plastic louver which is to be swingably mounted in a shutter frame has a generally hollow louver body with a mouth at each end of the louver body. An end cap is fitted to each end of the louver body. Each end cap has an insert part which slides into the mouth and a face part which is exposed at the end of the louver body. The face part includes surrounding flashing which locates against without completely covering the mouthwall around the mouth. The flashing is of a size to provide sufficient strength to hold the face part of the end cap from pushing into the mouth of the louver body.

Abstract: A shutter includes a frame with frame members that are spaced apart from one another, and a series of louvers are respectively rotatably mounted to the frame members. At least one of the frame members includes a casing defining a cavity. A controller, which preferably includes a rack and pinion system, is at least partially positioned in the cavity for synchronously pivoting the louvers. A housing of the controller is preferably an extrusion that reinforces the casing.

Abstract: A glass holder for a jalousie window, including a body having two parallel side walls which define a slot, and two webs which extend substantially perpendicularly in opposite directions from a base of the slot walls. The body has a length and the webs each extend from a respective end of the body over a respective portion of the length of the body. Each web has an outer edge with a baffle that extends in a direction parallel the slot walls.

Abstract: A louver assembly includes a frame that forms a frame opening. The frame has a front face and a hollow recess in the front face. A series of parallel slats are mounted in the frame opening. The slats are pivotally displaceable between an open position and a closed position. An actuator connected with the slats is displaceable relative to the frame to pivot the slats between the open position and the closed position. The actuator may be inserted into the recess substantially flush with the front face of the frame when the slats are pivoted to the closed position.

Abstract: An overhead door assembly as comprised of a plurality of door panels each of which is of hollow extruded plastic material to provide a very light weight panel. The panels are pivotally interconnected with each other and are provided with brush assemblies at opposite ends for engagement with a vertically extending track. Upon impact of the door panels by a vehicle of any type the brushes will disengage from the panel to prevent undue damage to the door panels.

Abstract: A shutter design is provided that permits easy, economical adjustments in height. This may be achieved by providing varying heights of rails, by providing adjustable light stop strips, by adjusting the pitch of the louvers, or by a combination of two or more of these methods.

Abstract: A friction brake for a louvered structure having a plurality of slats pivotally interconnected between opposed stiles of a rectangular frame is described. The friction brake is a flat arm having a pair of spaced apertures. One of the apertures is dimensioned to receive a cylindrical sleeve of a connector which is secured to a pivot rod of a slat and the other aperture is dimensioned for friction fit about the cylindrical sleeve connected to the pivot rod of an adjacent slat whereby to arrest the connector and all the slats. All of the slats are interconnected together by a longitudinal slat interconnecting member which is pivotally connected to all of the slat connectors whereby when any slat is positioned to a desired slat angle all of the other slats will move in unison to that desired angle and be retained thereat by the friction retention of the second aperture of the friction brake about the cylindrical sleeve of one of the slats. Two or more friction brakes can be mounted in a stile.

Abstract: A shutter assembly replaces one or more of the conventional fixed rails with one or more attaching louvers that fixedly attach the attaching louver to the left and right stiles, completing the framing function of the replaced rail(s). A hanger bolt is attached to the attaching louver end and extends through a spacing washer and stile holes for a locknut and washer to complete the attachment. The non-attaching louvers have louver pin assemblies with a nail for driving into the louver, a spacer flange, and an expandable bushing post with a central recess. A finned bushing encompasses the bushing post and a tensioning nail is driven into the bushing post recess to expand the bushing post causing the bushing to bear on the sides of a stile recess sized to receive the bushing. This frictional relationship maintains the position of the louvers when rotated by the tilt rod.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the shutters employ a variety of synergistic features which may be used individually or in combination to produce a shutter capable of more completely shutting out light. One aspect is the use of a two-step overlapping end to provide a complementary fit in order to shut out light. Another aspect is the use of an angled engagement pin which engages the louver not at its edge, but into its main expanse and nearer the center of pivot of each louver. Another aspect is the use of an accommodation space to accommodate the “U” shaped attachment member of the simultaneous actuation handle, which accommodation space can vary in size and depth to accommodate structures extending from the simultaneous actuation handle. Regardless of relative size, the louvers, engagement pins, and simultaneous actuation handle can be disciplined to form a neater appearance on the shutter assembly.

Abstract: A shutter panel having a plurality of louvers having a composite construction. Each of the louvers is rotationally coupled to a shutter frame by a drive pin on one end and a support pin on the other end. The drive pins are linked to a rack and pinion louver mechanism for common rotational movement. In operation, the plurality of louvers rotate in unison by a simple manual action applied to a single louver. The drive pin includes a louver engaging end and a frame engaging end. The louver engaging end is a flat plate adapted to slip fit into a complementary slot included in a first end portion of the louver and retained therein by a complementary slot included in a first end portion of the louver and retained therein by interference forces. The slip fitting of the drive pin into the slot creates less stress on the louver and thus reduces the potential of crack initiation in the composite material of the louver.

Abstract: A shutter panel having a plurality of composite louvers each of which is rotationally coupled to a shutter frame by a drive pin on one end and a support pin on the other end. The drive pin includes a louver engaging end and a frame engaging end. The louver engaging end is a flat plate adapted to slip fit into a complementary slot included in a first end portion of the louver and retained therein by interference forces. The slip fitting of the drive pin into the slot creates less stress on the louver thus deduces the potential of crack initiation in the louver. The frame engaging end of drive pin is adapted for rotatably engagement with the shutter frame. The support pin includes a louver insertion end and a stile engaging end. Stile engaging end includes a spring flap. Spring flap is adapted to presses against the shutter frame after received therein to discourage the support pin from slipping out of engagement.

Abstract: A plastic louver for a shutter comprises a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap. The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls. This construction gives the plastic louver a one piece wooden look.

Abstract: A plastic louver for a shutter comprises a main louver body with end caps which are made separately from the louver body. The louver body before receiving the end caps has open ends, each of which is defined by a surrounding mouth wall and each end cap has an end face which is bordered by an outside edge wall of the end cap. The end caps are fitted into the louver ends such that the outside edge walls of the end caps are positioned interiorly of the louver end mouth walls. This construction gives the plastic louver a one piece wooden look.

Abstract: A window shutter having a blade assembly which has a non-metallic blade section and an extruded metal mounting section. The metal mounting section is pivotally mounted to the frame and is preferably aluminum or other light materials. In a preferred embodiment, the relative position of the blades to each other and the frame so zero clearance is achieved and in a closed position the blade assemblies overlap to block light. The blade assemblies may be incorporated into a rectangular frame or other style such as a sunburst configuration.

Abstract: A louvre blade assembly of a louvre window. A plurality of louvre blade mounts (20) are rotatably mounted to a mullion (10). Control bars (14) within the mullion are operable by a handle (11). The control bars (14) are selectively movable to be moved to a removal position which is beyond the extremes of the normal extent of movement between open and closed positions so that one or more of the blade mounts (20) can be removed from the mullion (10). The control bars (14) can be prevented from moving to the removal position by a limit device located in an opening (26) in the mullion (10).

Abstract: A shutter having a generally rectangular frame with side frame members and top and bottom members, of hollow thermo-plastic construction, and having a plurality of hollow thermo-plastic blades extending horizontally from one side frame to the other, and having blade end members with pivot axles extending outwardly at each end received in bearing holes in the side frames, the holes being located at predetermined spacings along the shutter frames, so as to provide a pleasing appearance and to permit complete closure of the shutter when the blades are rotated closed, and the shutter blades being connected by means of a pull bar, the pull bar being connected to the shutter blades along one end of each of the blades, and connections pivotally connected with the end members of one end of each of the blades, and coupled to the pull bar.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter assembly having an automated adjustment system including an electronic actuating device, such as an electric actuating motor. The shutter assembly has at least one and typically a plurality of parallel slats rotatably attached at both ends to a frame. The actuating motor is embedded within a self-contained module that can strengthen the shutter frame and be hidden from view. The actuating motor has a spindle that is coaxially connected to one end of an actuator slat selected from among the plurality of parallel slats. The spindle typically includes a tongue that engages a receiving pocket of the actuator slat without additional fastening mechanisms. One or more of the other slats are interconnected with the actuator slat such that rotation of the actuator slat is accompanied by substantially synchronous rotation of the other slats interconnected thereto. Selecting the actuator slat from among the more centrally located slats provides for more reliable and secure closure of all slats.

Abstract: A corner connector for a door having frames and stiles seating a panel therewithin includes a bracket providing a channel in which is a generally planar body portion and a door mounting member so as to slidably movable on the bracket in a direction generally parallel to the sidewalls of the bracket. The door mounting member has a body portion, an engaging portion extending outwardly of the channel for engagement with a door supporting surface, and a threaded fastener seated in the body portion which has a head bearing on an end wall of the bracket which has an aperture smaller than the head of the fastener. This provides access for a tool to engage the head of the fastener to adjust the spacing between the mounting member and the bracket end wall and thereby the distance which the engaging portion extends from the bracket. The fastener also transfers loads from the door mounting member to the bracket end wall.

Abstract: A slat for pivotally mounting between a pair of opposed frame members of an opening. The slat has an elongated member having first and second walls that are coupled together to form first and second longitudinally extending side edges and first and second end edges. First and second coupling members are coupled to the first and second side edges, respectively. The first and second coupling members have first and second coupling ledges spaced from the first and second side edges to form first and second longitudinally extending recesses. Each of the first and second recesses receive an adjacent coupling member on an adjacent slat, respectively. The first recess opens toward the first wall, while the second recess opens toward the second exterior wall. First and second support members are coupled to the first and second ends of the elongated member, respectively.

Abstract: A louvre, for use in a louvre shutter and having a generally hollow elongated aerofoil shape, defined by upper and under exterior walls, intermediate support walls between the upper and under exterior walls, for holding the shape of the upper and under exterior walls, an end closure member for each end having a body with a profile generally corresponding to the aerofoil shape defined by the upper and under exterior louvre walls, and a pivot axle extending from an outside surface for mounting the louvre rotatably, a plurality of frictional fingers formed on the inside surface formed of the body and located so as to inter-engage with portions of the support walls of the louvre. Also disclosed is a shutter comprised of such louvres, and having side frames between which such louvres are mounted in parallel spaced apart location.

Abstract: Movable louvered window shutters embody a construction and a process for their fabrication that results in a shutter having a high quality, functionally and aesthetically. The shutters use a hardware arrangement including two types of louver pins, a compression spring and a tensioning mechanism to adjust the frictional drag on the shutters. The hardware facilitates a procedure in which the frame and louvers of the shutter are fabricated and finished separately and then assembled. The same kit of hardware can be used to make virtually any size window shutter having movable louvers. The tensioning mechanism includes a threaded insert that enables adjustment of the frictional drag on the louvers without causing deterioration or damage to the shutter frame.

Abstract: A louvre window clip assembly that is used with a window frame. The clip assembly includes a clip, that is capable of receiving a glass window pane, and a hub. The hub and clip are engaged so that the clip is removable from the exterior of the window frame without having to access the interior of the window frame.

Abstract: A shutter door assembly assembled primarily from extruded plastic components is provided. The shutter door assembly includes an outer rectangular frame surrounding a pivotally attached vaned panel door. Various side, top, and bottom legs of the frame and door are constructed of a hollow extruded plastic and are securely mounted together to form a rigid, durable shutter door. The resulting shutter door has the general look and feel of an actual wooden door.

Abstract: A louvered blind (10) including an outer frame (12) and a plurality of louvers (14) mounted within the frame is disclosed. Each louver includes a removable cloth shade (26) and an improved support assembly (28) for supporting the shade within the frame. Each shade includes front and rear slat-receiving channels (33,35). Each support assembly includes front and rear support slats (38,40) that are each removably received within one of the slat-receiving channels (33,35) and a pair of louver caps (42,44) that are attached within the frame. Each louver cap includes a pair of elongated mounting slots (58,60) formed therein that receive the ends of the support slats and that permit the distance between the support slats to be selectively adjusted for facilitating reattachment of the shades to the support assemblies after the shades have been cleaned.

Abstract: A rigid corner connector for a door having a frame with stiles and rails seating a panel therein, includes a bracket having a generally planar body portion with perpendicular sidewalls defining a channel and having inwardly extending lips along an intermediate portion. An end wall extends between the sidewalls at one end thereof, and an end flange at the other end extending in the opposite direction and having tabs engaging the rail thereon. The sidewalls also have outwardly extending side flanges adjacent their ends, and the side flanges adjacent the end flange have a tab engageable in the end of the stile. The other side flange has a tab engageable in a slot in the wall of the stile. A roller mounting member is slidably seated in the bracket for sliding movement on the bracket and it transfers loads to the end wall. A roller is rotatably mounted on the mounting member, and a detent tab seated in a channel in the roller mounting member limits the movement of the mounting member on the bracket.

Abstract: An interface mechanism is used for shutter systems, which includes a hollow nylon bushing and a pin. The pin is positioned within the hollow bushing by inserting the pin therethrough and into the louver. The nylon bushing is press fitted into the stile and is held immobile by ears or flanges. Rotation of the louver causes the pin to turn within the bushing providing a uniform tactile feel and long life, as a result of a section of tiny grippers located adjacent to the head of the pin.

Abstract: A louver assembly is disclosed. The louver assembly includes a louver, a pair of generally L-shaped side flanges formed on the louver, a cover overlaying the louver, and a cap secured to the cover and the louver. The side flanges are formed on either side of the louver and extend inwardly toward one another over a front face of the louver. Opposing sides of the cover are received within the side flanges, thus forming a cavity between the cover and the louver. The cap surrounds both the cover and the louver, enclosing the cavity.

Abstract: A movable louver window has a frame body and a plurality of double-vane assemblies each having first and second louver vanes and a pair of left and right coupling members. Each pair of left and right coupling members couples said first and second louver vanes. A plurality of double-vane assemblies are mounted within the frame body. Air-tight and water-tight sealing between the frame body and the double-vane assemblies is established by seal members which are provided over the entire circumference of the frame body and continuously connected with each other.