Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.

Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.

Abstract: A window assembly. The window assembly is exposed to radiant light, and comprises a window pane, a solar module positioned adjacent the window pane. The solar module includes a) a photovoltaic layer to receive at least a portion of the radiant light, and to convert the radiant light into electrical energy, and b) an insulating substrate having a predefined openness and being positioned proximate the photovoltaic layer, to block out another portion of the radiant light based on the openness. The window assembly also comprises an energy device being in electrical communication with the photovoltaic layer to receive and distribute the electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of two symmetric plastic mounting pieces for installation and use of a roller shade. The plastic mounting pieces incorporate low profile designs and a detent and symmetric channels for accommodating nearly all commercially available roller shades that utilize one or two prongs. The invention further comprises a method of installing the mounting pieces with out the use of a screw driver or level with the use of a mounting template that illustrates for an installer how to size a roller shade and how to orient the plastic mounting pieces in an efficient time saving manner. The installation uses adhesive type tabs similar or identical to 3M's Command® adhesive tabs.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a self-contained, solar-powered, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increased energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increased energy efficiency consisting of: (1) a headrail; (2) a tube located within the headrail; (3) a motor located within the headrail, preferably within the tube; (4) window treatment fabric with one terminus of the fabric affixed to the tube within the headrail, and with the fabric extending from the tube and out from the headrail; (5) a smart bottom rail attached to the terminus of the shade fabric furthest from the tube with the bottom rail containing, at least one sensor, at least one control button, and a battery that provides power to the sensor(s) and control button(s), and wherein the smart bottom rail communicates with the motor in the headrail. Types of sensors used may include environmental sensors, motion sensors, and inertial sensors. In another embodiment of the invention, the battery in the bottom rail may be a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly comprising a roller tube having an inner surface defining an axial bore, a spindle including an outer threaded portion defining a helical groove, the spindle configured to be received in the axial bore of the roller tube for axial movement in the roller tube at one end roller tube and at least one tracking element operatively associated with the roller tube, the at least one tracking element configured for riding in the helical groove to convert axial rotation of roller tube into axial movement of the roller tube on the support tube. The tracking element engages the helical groove from a position more proximal to one end of the roller tube. The starting axial position of the roller tube in relation to the support tube is configured to be adjustable by manually rotating the spindle without rotating the support tube.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided, namely, sunglasses with an integral securing mechanism that enables the lenses to be removed and replaced as necessary. Each of the lenses may retained within the frame of the eyewear/sunglass device as by corresponding channels or recesses formed on each corresponding side of the sunglass frame. For separate lenses, a securing mechanism is provided for securing each of the lenses. In a mono lens configuration, a single securing mechanism may be used to secure both lenses. A securing mechanism is placed in a locked position to hold the lens(es) in place during use. The securing mechanism is placed in an unlocked position by sliding or shifting the securing mechanism, enabling removal of the lens(es). Various constructions can be adopted for maintaining the securing mechanism in the locked position, such as by frictional force, magnetic force, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A locking member to be used in conjunction with a guide ring and a lift cord configured to raise of lower a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window, door or the like, is disclosed. The locking member is configured to engage the guide ring and the lift cord in such a way that the locking member has a selective rotative ability, which allows the lift cord to freely move in a first direction to raise or lower the covering, but the locking member will move or rotate about the guide ring when the lift cord is pulled in a second direction to pinch the lift cord between the locking member and the guide ring so that the lift cord is prevented from being pulled away from the covering far enough to create a loop of a certain diameter.

Abstract: A locking member to be used in conjunction with a guide ring and a lift cord configured to raise of lower a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window, door or the like, is disclosed. The locking member is configured to engage the guide ring and the lift cord in such a way that the locking member has a selective rotative ability, which allows the lift cord to freely move in a first direction to raise or lower the covering, but the locking member will move or rotate about the guide ring when the lift cord is pulled in a second direction to pinch the lift cord between the locking member and the guide ring so that the lift cord is prevented from being pulled away from the covering far enough to create a loop of a certain diameter.

Abstract: A cargo holding system is provided for a marine freight vessel. The system includes a plurality of filament composite walls defining a cargo holding cavity of the vessel. A liquid impervious liner is disposed about the cavity within the walls for holding liquid cargo. The liner is collapsible to allow solid cargo to be loaded into the holding cavity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a removable mandrel for use in filament winding a container, includes the steps of providing and inflating an internal bladder. A dry 3-D fabric layer of a given thickness is layed-up about the inflated bladder. An external vacuum/pressure bag is installed about the dry fabric layer. The dry 3-D fabric layer is impregnated with a liquid soluble resin between the internal bladder and the external bag. The resin then is cured to rigidify the fabric layer to form a mandrel structure. The container then can be wound on the mandrel formed by the cured and rigidified fabric layer, and the resin can be subsequently washed out to remove the fabric layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a filament wound container includes providing a mandrel for winding a filament composite structure of a given thickness and having a closed end. The closed end is removed from the remainder of the composite structure, and the mandrel then is removed from the composite structure. A replacement closed-end member is positioned on the composite structure at the location of the removed closed end. The replaced closed-end member may be the original removed closed end. An overwrap thickness is filament wound about at least a portion of the composite structure and the replaced closed-end member.

Abstract: A double pane window has a blind between the window panes. The interior window pane is in a housing that can be removed from the window frame. A cord guide is provided in the top edge of the housing. The cord guide has a lift cord slot and a tilt cord slot. The blind has at least one lift cord which passes through the lift cord slot and at least one tilt cord which passes through the tilt cord slot. The blind can be raised, lowered and tilted while maintaining a seal between the window frame and the window panes.

Abstract: A double pane window has a blind between the window panes. The interior window pane is in a housing that can be removed from the window frame. A cord guide is provided in the top edge of the housing. The cord guide has a lift cord slot and a tilt cord slot. The blind has at least one lift cord which passes through the lift cord slot and at least one tilt cord which passes through the tilt cord slot. The blind can be raised, lowered and tilted while maintaining a seal between the window frame and the window panes.

Abstract: A sun shield for covering a plurality of windows defining at least one substantial angle. The sun shield has a flexible frame which is easily collapsible for storage. Encompassing upon the frame is an opaque flexible material which blocks sunlight. Coupled to the flexible material encompassing the frame is a flexible flap which can shield windows defining a substantial angle with a window shield by the defined frame and encompassing material.