Abstract: A window is configured to bring nature into the interior of a building in a true physical sense. The window includes a frame configured to be permanently mounted to a perimeter of an opening in the wall of the building, an at least partially open exterior surface, an interior surface that is positioned inwardly of the interior surface of the wall, and a base and a top, each of which extends from the frame to the interior surface of the window. The interior surface of the window is formed from a plurality of interconnected sashes, at least some of which may be operable to provide access to the inwardly projecting alcove of the window from within the building. The inwardly projecting alcove of the window may contain accessories that may be mounted on the window using a convenient bracket that facilitates positioning of the accessories in the window and removal of the accessories for cleaning or maintenance.

Abstract: A fluid conduit system, including silencer systems, including intake and exhaust systems for engines, blowers, compressors, pumps, and the like, includes first (16), second (22), and third (28) pipes, and first (34, 36) and second (38, 40) flex joints each flexibly and sealingly interconnecting respective outlets and inlets of respective pipes. The flex joints include double O-ring sealing gaskets provided by first and second annular meshes (46, 48) received in respective annular grooves (50, 52) separated by a land (54), and a cloth (56) wrapped around the annular meshes and having a central web portion (58) spanning the land.