Abstract: This invention relates to a solar shading module (1) for shading direct sunlight, wherein maximum shading is combined with a high unobstructed view factor by providing an array of m×n shading panels (5) which are moved by a solar tracking system (7) in order to follow the sun. The invention further relates to a glazed structure and a building provided with one or more solar shading modules (1) according to the invention, for instance as part of a fagade or roof of the building. The invention also relates to a method for operating a solar shading module (1) according to the invention, comprising the step of controlling the position of the shading panels (5) such that the normal of the shading panels (5) points towards the sun.

Abstract: A vent shade assembly for a recreational vehicle ceiling vent comprises a vent shade outer frame having an inner flange, a vent shade inner frame having an inner flange, and a pair of side walls disposed between the inner flange of each of the outer and inner frame to form a slot. A movable pleated shade element disposed within the slot is operable between a closed position and a plurality of positions there between. A first and a second shade string is disposed at least partially alongside and parallel to a first and second of the pair of side walls, respectively, and proximate a first and a second side edge of the movable pleated shade element, respectively. A portion of the inner flange of the vent shade outer frame supports the first and second side edge of the movable pleated shade element.

Abstract: A vent shade assembly for a recreational vehicle ceiling vent comprises a vent shade outer frame having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defining a first opening coincident with the recreational vehicle ceiling vent. A pair of shade strings are disposed on opposing sides of the vent shade outer frame and proximate the inner perimeter of the vent shade outer frame. A movable pleated shade element having a deployed shape substantially conforming to the inner perimeter of the vent shade outer frame is operable between a closed position substantially occluding the first opening of the vent shade outer frame and an open position, and the one of the pair of shade strings supports one of a pair of opposing side edges of the movable pleated shade element as the movable pleated shade element is operated between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A window unit (102), comprising: a first sheet (301); a second sheet portion (304); a third sheet portion (308); and an actuation means. The first sheet (301) defines first high transmittance regions (302A, 302B) and first low transmittance regions (303A, 303B). The second sheet portion (304) is positioned substantially parallel to the first sheet, and defines second high transmittance regions (306A, 306B) and second low transmittance regions (307A, 307B). The third sheet portion (308) is positioned substantially parallel to the second sheet portion, and defines third high transmittance regions (309A, 309B) and third low transmittance regions (310A, 310B). The actuation means (507, 523, 524) is configured to simultaneously move the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion from an open configuration, to a closed configuration. In the open configuration the second and third high transmittance regions are aligned with the first high transmittance regions.

Abstract: A window unit (102), comprising: a first sheet (301); a second sheet portion (304); a third sheet portion (308); and an actuation means. The first sheet (301) defines first high transmittance regions (302A, 302B) and first low transmittance regions (303A, 303B). The second sheet portion (304) is positioned substantially parallel to the first sheet, and defines second high transmittance regions (306A, 306B) and second low transmittance regions (307A, 307B). The third sheet portion (308) is positioned substantially parallel to the second sheet portion, and defines third high transmittance regions (309A, 309B) and third low transmittance regions (310A, 310B). The actuation means (507, 523, 524) is configured to simultaneously move the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion from an open configuration, to a closed configuration. In the open configuration the second and third high transmittance regions are aligned with the first high transmittance regions.

Abstract: A chain drive system for a bi-parting slatted floor in a drive system relies upon two continuous loops of chain, one on each side of the slatted floor that move in opposite directions beneath the slats are arranged side-by-side in the same horizontal plane, at the same level. A single drive motor drives both loops of chain. With the operative portions of the chain sections between drive and idler shafts arranged side-by-side in the same horizontal plane, the vertical amount of space occupied by the chains is significantly decreased compared to the vertically stacked chains of the prior art. This allows the underlying surface onto which items are deposited to be moved vertically upward next to the lower surface of the slatted floor.

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: An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A light regulating transom shutter including a bead chain and a plurality of ratchet wheels that are coupled to perform transmission, and a regulator to adjust the inclination angle of a plurality of slats located on a frame. The slats have one end coupled respectively with the ratchet wheels. The bead chain can be moved to synchronously drive the ratchet wheels to rotate. By moving the regulator fastened to the bead chain, the ratchet wheels can be moved to drive and rotate the slats at the same time, thereby enable users to adjust the inclination angle of the slats as desired.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame and shutter blades mounted parallel to one another across said frame, the blades being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a control recess formed in one of the side frames, control bodies within the control recess connected to respective shutter blades, for rotating respective said blades, links connecting the control bodies, and, fastening clamps on the control bodies for adjustably fastening respective said control bodies to respective links, so as to align all of the control bodies into predetermined rotational positions, and in which the links communicate rotational movement of any one blade through the control bodies to all the blades.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame and shutter blades mounted parallel to one another across said frame, the blades being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a control recess formed in one of the side frames, control bodies within the control recess connected to respective shutter blades, for rotating respective said blades, links connecting the control bodies, and, fastening clamps on the control bodies for adjustably fastening respective said control bodies to respective links, so as to align all of the control bodies into predetermined rotational positions, and in which the links communicate rotational movement of any one blade through the control bodies to all the blades.

Abstract: A window assembly is provided including a frame and a pane of glass mounted on the frame. Also included is a vane assembly having a plurality of vanes each with a pair of posts coupled to ends thereof and extending therefrom in coaxial relationship for being rotatably coupled with respect to the frame. The posts of the vanes are interconnected for effecting the coincident rotation thereof about parallel axes upon the rotation of at least one of the vanes. Next provided is a manual control mechanism for rotating at least one of the vanes.