Abstract: A fenestration automated operating system includes a fenestration frame, fenestration panel and one or both of a panel operating assembly or a panel latch assembly. The panel operating assembly is coupled with one or both of the fenestration frame or the fenestration panel. The panel operating assembly includes a panel actuator coupled with the panel actuator. A panel latch assembly is coupled with one or both of the fenestration frame or the fenestration panel. The panel latch assembly includes a latch and a latch actuator coupled with the latch. A fenestration controller is configured to operate each of the latch actuator and the panel actuator.

Abstract: A retainer bar assembly for use with a door or window includes a retainer bar configured for slidable coupling with a fenestration frame and slidable coupling with a sash. A retainer bar handle is coupled with the retainer bar. A retainer bar fastener assembly includes a movable bolt movably coupled with the sash. The movable bolt is movable between a fastening configuration where the bolt is coupled with at least one of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is fixed in an installed orientation relative to the sash, and a releasing configuration where the bolt is decoupled from one or more of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is slidable relative to the sash.

Abstract: A mullion cover linkage assembly includes a first wing including a first wing span extending from a first wing frame end to a first wing pivot end. The first wing frame end is configured for coupling with a first window frame. The linkage further includes a second wing having a second wing span extending from a second wing frame end to a second wing pivot end. The first and second wings are movably coupled with one another as a linkage. Optionally, a pivot clip is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot flanges at first and second pivot joints each including respective pivot flanges of the first and second wings received in one of the first and second clip sockets.

Abstract: Low-profile, self-draining panel threshold assemblies are discussed. The threshold assemblies comprise an interior sill portion, an exterior sill portion, and a drop-down chamber therebetween. The interior sill portion may include a condensation channel, which in one example, includes a roller track centrally positioned therein. The exterior sill portion includes a drain chamber and a reservoir chamber, where the reservoir chamber is positioned below and optionally to the exterior of the drain chamber. The drop-down chamber is partially defined by an elongate exposed weather-strip and an elongate covered weather-strip. In varying examples, a reservoir chamber height is equal to or greater than a water head height at a preselected wind load pressure. In certain examples, an effective threshold assembly height is less than or equal to ¾-inch, such as less than or equal to ½-inch. Methods and apparatuses related to the threshold assemblies are also discussed.

Abstract: A retainer bar assembly for use with a door or window includes a retainer bar configured for slidable coupling with a fenestration frame and slidable coupling with a sash. A retainer bar handle is coupled with the retainer bar. A retainer bar fastener assembly includes a movable bolt movably coupled with the sash. The movable bolt is movable between a fastening configuration where the bolt is coupled with at least one of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is fixed in an installed orientation relative to the sash, and a releasing configuration where the bolt is decoupled from one or more of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is slidable relative to the sash.

Abstract: A sliding fenestration assembly including a panel assembly having at least a primary panel and a secondary panel, where the primary panel is slidable relative to the secondary panel. The assembly further includes an actuator assembly having an actuator. The actuator assembly is coupled with an element, and movement of the actuator causes movement of the element. One or more locking latches are disposed remotely from the actuator, and the two or more locking latches having a locked and unlocked position. The two or more locking latches are coupled with the element and mounted along the primary panel. The actuator assembly is adapted to unlock the two or more locking latches and slide the primary panel.

Abstract: A moisture management system for use in construction of buildings, particularly for partially covering the framework of a rough opening in a structure. The system has a body having a plurality of pathways to facilitate fluid between the system and any fixture installed adjacent to the system. The pathways allow fluid, especially water, to flow away from the installation surfaces and down along the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A method for drying wood based materials includes applying a treatment including a first chemical, such as a solvent, to a wood based material. The wood based material is preheated using steam. At least part of an atmosphere is evacuated from around the wood based material. The wood based material is dried using heated using steam and is exposed to radiation to evaporate at least a portion of the first chemical.

Abstract: A window system includes an out-swinging window having an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The viewable portions of the interior surface are made of a first material. The window system also includes a jamb. The out-swinging window is pivotally attached to the jamb. A screen assembly is removably mountable to the jamb on the interior surface of the out-swinging window. The screen assembly further includes a frame portion with a viewable portion made of the first material. In some embodiments, the window system further includes a finish strip positionable between the screen of the screen assembly and the frame of the screen assembly and a set of instructions regarding the window system.