Abstract: A filter for rainwater harvesting forms part of a rainwater catchment system, and includes a container with a lid on its top end, an opening formed in the lid, and a strainer sized and shaped to accommodate the edge of the lid that defines the opening. The strainer includes an upper outwardly directed flange which engages the lid, a vertical side wall that extends downwardly from the upper flange, a lower inwardly directed flange, a reinforcing web supported by the lower flange, a mesh also located above and supported by the lower flange, and a retainer ring located above and supported by the lower flange and adapted to be secured thereto to removably hold the mesh and the reinforcing web therebetween. When the strainer is placed within the opening in the lid and the container is located such that the opening is in the flow path of a rainwater downspout, the strainer allows the passage therethrough of rainwater and filters debris from the rainwater to thereby enable the rainwater to be harvested.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture having at least a housing, which forms an opening surrounded by a collar and an interior space, a fastening member, which can be disposed adjacent to the collar in the housing, a cartridge holder, which can be positioned in the interior space, a cartridge, which can be positioned at least partially in the interior space, and a tensioning member, which by direct contact can tension at least the cartridge or the cartridge holder against the fastening member.

Abstract: A manual and automatic integrated faucet, comprising a faucet main body, a water outlet component, a handle, a handle switch, a displacement sensing element, a touch sensing element, an action sensing element, a control element and an electromagnetic valve; the water outlet component is connected with the faucet main body at one end, and provided with a water outlet at the other end; the handle switch is arranged on the faucet main body, and the electromagnetic valve is arranged on a water outlet passage of the faucet; the water outlet is controlled to let water out by simultaneously turning on the handle switch and opening the electromagnetic valve; and manual and automatic integration can be achieved by applying the handle switch, a touch sensing switch, a displacement switch, an infrared sensing switch and a timer to one faucet.

Abstract: A sink extender has a sink comprising a removable drain pan that may be connected to a conduit. An attachment mechanism connects the sink to a support. At least one tool holder supports an elongated handle of a janitorial tool over the sink. A method of using a sink extender comprises mounting the sink extender comprising a sink that drains into a flexible hose and at least one tool holder to a support surface; running the hose to a traditional sink such that water may drain from the sink to the traditional sink by gravity; securing a wet tool to the at least one tool holder such that the tool drains into the sink.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control apparatus for a toilet seat apparatus which generates electric power by a user's pressing operation, the remote control apparatus being capable of balancing operability and the ability to reliably stop water spray at a high level. When a cleansing button MB2, being a button other than a stop button MB1, is pressed, a slide member 10 receives force F2? at a branch 13a. When the branch 13a slides in a direction indicated by an arrow A2, a main part 11 also slides in a direction indicated by an arrow A1. A power generation unit GU generates electric power using mechanical energy input by a pressing force of an output part 14 of the slide member 10. When the stop button MB1 is pressed, the slide member 10 receives force F2 at a stop input part 12 and slides in the direction indicated by an arrow A1.

Abstract: A drain grate system can be installed in a curbside or storm drain to block the passage of debris while allowing liquid to flow into the drain. The drain grate system can open in response to a high flow rate to allow liquid and debris to flow into the drain. A locking mechanism can maintain the drain grate system in a closed and locked position and can unlock in response to a predetermined amount of force of a fluid flow.

Abstract: A modular construction system used for reinforcing all shapes of foundation, pillars, isolated footings and anti-seismic separators intended for transpiring, heat-insulation variable-geometry formwork, including at least one guide plane for the vertical elements of such reinforcement and at least one supporting bracket for such plane, said bracket being suited to make it possible to install such guide plane relative to such transpiring, “disposable” heat-insulation formwork.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting and positioning stay in place metal decking between support girders which have a substantially horizontal top surface with opposite side edges defining a width of the substantially horizontal top surface, includes a plurality of straps for placement on the substantially horizontal top surface of the support girder and having substantially vertical end portions at the ends thereof substantially aligned with the opposite edges of the substantially horizontal top surface, and a pair of angle irons, one side of each angle iron forming the height of the angle iron adapted to be adjustably attached to and to be adjustably vertically positioned with respect to the vertical end portions of the strap, and the width of the angle iron being sufficient for holding the edge of a metal decking pan. Wind clips can be installed to hold the assembly in position in high wind conditions.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a liner of a cured lining material arranged to be applied in liquid form to a metal object provided with the anchoring assembly, the anchoring assembly comprising an elongated mounting pin, which elongated mounting pin is arranged to be mounted, at a first end, to the metal object, and a plurality of spaced anchor fins, wherein the plurality of spaced anchors fins are connected to the elongated mounting pin at a second end and extend radially outwardly with respect to the elongated mounting pin.

Abstract: A wire tire includes an embedment end having first and second ends. First and second leg portions extend from the first and second ends, respectively. First and second moment arms extend from the first and second leg portions, respectively. First and second hook arms extend from the first and second moments arms, respectively.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a stop bead wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the stop bead wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the stop bead wall for spacing the stop bead wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb,

Abstract: A seismic expansion joint cover assembly installed at an expansion gap between a first structural member on one side of a gap and a second member on the opposite side of the gap includes a cover panel bridging the gap having at least one hinged connector joining one edge of the cover panel to the first structural component to allow movement about an axis. The assembly includes at least one slide support which attaches to the second member, including an attachment flange, a track extending from the flange, and a lift component located on the track to lift the cover panel. A spring assembly attaches to the cover panel and engages the track and includes a spring plate with one or more springs attached thereto, a guide component attached to the spring plate and a saddle component having a grove to receive the guide component.

Abstract: A corner stud (50) has intersecting first and second walls (52, 54) that back up corner edge portions of wallboard panels (40, 42) that meet at the inside corner. The walls (52, 54) are braced by walls (64, 70) and flanges (76, 78). Wall (52) and wall (70) may be parallel to each other and to flange (76). Wall (54) and wall (64) may be parallel to each other and flange (78). The stud (50, 52, 200, 202) may have a web bent about a longitudinal axis to form web parts separated by an inside angle (a). The angle a may be an obtuse angle below one hundred eighty degrees (180°) to about two hundred seventy degrees (270°).

Abstract: Described herein are building products comprising crimped bicomponent fibers and a non-woven fabric, which demonstrate, inter alia, improved acoustical performance. Methods of making and using the building products are also described.

Abstract: A mounting clip and a system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting clip has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotated relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting clip to the support member.

Abstract: A ceiling system for use in the interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, the second struts intersecting the first struts; a plurality of panels; for each of the plurality of panels, a plurality of hook members attached to the panel; and wherein for each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of hook members comprise a first hook member coupled to one of the first struts and a second hook member coupled to one of the second struts.

Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member defining a bottom surface and a ceiling panel supported by the grid support member. A first facing sheet includes a peripheral edge portion coupled to the grid support member. The first grid support member is at least partially concealed by overlapping the peripheral edge portion of the first facing sheet onto the bottom surface of the grid support member. The first facing sheet is supported from the grid support member independently of the ceiling panel. A second facing sheet has a peripheral edge portion coupled to the grid support member. The first and second facing sheets have mating edges disposed adjacent to each other which conceal a majority or substantially the entire bottom surface of the grid support member. In one embodiment, the ceiling panel has a honeycomb core.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing ends of tendons in an anchor housing. Tendons having open or expanded sections are inserted through a cylindrical surface of the anchor housing. The tendons are secured in the anchor housing by grout which cooperates with the open or expanded sections and irregularities formed on the interior surface of the anchor housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to articles, systems, and methods for roofing a structure including, for example, layered shingles comprising a plurality of layers. A layered shingle may comprise, in some embodiments, an upper layer and a backing layer comprising a low density aggregate, wherein the backing layer is fixed to the substrate-facing surface of the upper layer.

Abstract: A tread module (10) for a walkway or stairway includes a body of material which defines a load-carrying surface (14), the tread module including at least two sub-module sections (20,21,22) which are formed integrally with one another and inter-connected by at least one severable formation (23) whereby the tread module may be reduced in size by severance of the severable formation(s).

Abstract: A device for saturating material with resin and subsequently laying the saturated material onto a surface includes a frame and a vessel for retaining the resin attached to the frame. The vessel has a slot sized and configured so that material is passable through the slot after being coated with resin retained in the vessel. A first guide member is positioned adjacent the slot and a second guide member is positioned adjacent the slot and is spaced apart from the first guide member to define a passageway between the first and second guide members. The passageway is sized and configured for the material to be passable through the passageway and out of the device for laying on the surface. Embodiments of the device can be usable for methods of waterproofing and/or roofing.

Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. An energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more thermoformed energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.

Abstract: A tile lippage removal system preferably includes a spacer post, a threaded cap and an anti-friction protection plate. The spacer post includes a base member, a spacer member and a threaded shaft. A bottom of the spacer member extends from a top of the base member. A break away connection is made between the spacer member and the base member. A bottom of the threaded shaft extends from a top of the spacer member. A plurality of grip extensions extend from an outer surface of a substantial inverted cup to allow rotation of the threaded cap. A female thread is formed in a center of the substantial inverted cup to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The anti-friction protection plate includes a round outer perimeter and a spacer opening, which is sized to receive the spacer member. The anti-friction protection plate may be used to improve existing tile lippage removal systems.

Abstract: A modular panelized form wall include a first wall panel and a second wall panel; and a support panel having vertical steel rails which frame the vertical sides of the support panel. The support panel is arranged between the first and second wall panels. The first wall panel, the second wall panel and the support panel are connected together to form a portion of the modular panelized form wall. Wide head brackets can be connected to a top of the support panel for an overhead self-lifting grid system to be attached to the modular panelized form wall. Wide landing brackets can be connected to a bottom of the support panel to transmit the loads from the support panel to the underlying support. Shear pins can be inserted through the vertical steel rails at various locations in the support panel and through corresponding holes in the first and second wall panels, the holes to receive the shear pins to distribute the vertical loads away from the support panel to the first and second wall panels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a formwork element 10 for concrete structures, uses a formwork element having a base body 12 of hollow profile construction with an outer side 14 designed as a form lining. The base body 12 is formed by at least two interlocking sub-segments which are permanently connected to one another at their interlocking edge areas. The sub-segments, such as edge segment and intermediate segment 16, 18, which are advantageously produced through extrusion, are hooked to one another to form an inseparable unit in the connected state.

Abstract: A demolition apparatus including a main chassis, first and second front arms pivotally connected to the main chassis and comprising first and second wheel assemblies, respectively, a rear telescoping arm fixedly connected to the main chassis and comprising a third wheel assembly, first, second and third boom sections and a telescoping catwalk assembly, the first and second boom sections interconnected by a first hydraulic cylinder and the second and third boom sections interconnected by a second hydraulic cylinder, the first and second hydraulic cylinders comprising first and second resistances to movement, respectively, and, an excavator assembly pivotally connected to the main chassis, wherein the first, second and third wheel assemblies comprise first, second and third hydraulic motors, respectively, the first, second and third hydraulic motors are balanced and adapted to rotate the first, second and third wheel assemblies at a common speed, the first and second hydraulic cylinders are balanced and adapted

Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The sequence creates a surging motion in the pool that changes the characteristics of the waves to create a considerably hollow barreling wave. The flow of water created by a sequence may resemble a diamond pattern and additional patterns may resemble diamonds linked at the vertices. This pattern effectively reduces the depth of the water between successive waves, which causes them to pitch away from the chambers and create a considerably hollow barrel.

Abstract: In a method for water treatment by chlorine disinfection, a chlorine stabilizer is dosed into water to be treated as far as a predetermined chlorine stabilizer concentration in said water is achieved. As soon as the predetermined chlorine stabilizer concentration is achieved said achieved chlorine stabilizer concentration is maintained in said water constant. A chlorine disinfectant concentration is adjusted in said water to be treated to a predetermined chlorine disinfectant concentration in said water by dosing a non-stabilized chlorine disinfectant (free chlorine) into said water to be treated. Therefore advantages of free chlorine and stabilized chlorine disinfection and facilitating to reduce DBPs at low chlorine stabilizer concentrations in water can be combined, without compromising disinfection safety.

Abstract: A shelter system is disclosed which comprises three central elements. A rotatable barrier element provides protection from incoming ballistic threats. The barrier functions on the principle of detonating, absorbing, and deflecting incoming threats away from a designated area of the shelter. A protective envelope element utilizes a compartmentalized vessel, two containment components, and a strata of alternating compacted fill and interstitial plate layers; the strata is enclosed within the vessel and two containment components. The interstitial plates serve a dual role in providing a compaction surface in the fill method and layering for the mitigation of ballistic threats. The design of the vessel permits each vessel to be filled while positioned flat on the ground surface; once filled and sealed, multiple vessels may be re-positioned in vertical, horizontal, sloped, or spanning arrangements.

Abstract: Reinforced hollow for a wind turbine tower comprising a lower ring (2) that determines an opening (3) for the installation of an access door (not represented) inside the tower (1). The hollow incorporates at least one structural element (4) that is fastened on both sides of the opening (3) of the tower's lower ring (2), providing the rigidness necessary to attach a door and permit the reduction of the thickness of the ring by 10-20%.

Abstract: A system comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically extending members arranged to define a mast channel, the support structure attached to a platform having a rig floor and the support structure positioned above an opening in the rig floor; a first mast section that is attached to the support structure; a second mast section that is attached to the support structure and the first mast section; and a third mast section; wherein the system has a first arrangement in which the third mast section is located below the rig floor in a vertical position and is vertically spaced from the second mast; and wherein the system has a second arrangement in which the third mast section is attached to the second mast section and at least a portion of the third mast extends within the opening of the rig floor.

Abstract: An easy fold layout hunting blind framework structure comprises two upper supporting frames, two side supporting frames, and four supporting feet. When folding, four supporting feet can be folded towards four foot stocks, and two side supporting frames can turn downwards to come close to each other, and two upper supporting frames can be folded towards the two side supporting frames and, thus, the operation is easy. On the other hand, when developing for use, the only thing to do is to develop two side supporting frames, and develop four supporting feet, when turning both upper supporting frames so as to make their straight portions closely press each other thereby completing the developing operation. The operation is simple without using hand tools or detaching any component parts.

Abstract: A canopy shelter bracket for increased structural integrity. The canopy shelter bracket can include an inner portion, an intermediate portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion integrally connected to form a generally “F” shape or an “S” shape. The inner portion, first outer portion, and/or the second outer portion can include holes for receiving a fastener therethrough to fasten the brackets to cross members. A single fastener can be used to fasten multiple cross members to the bracket. The first and/or second outer portions can additionally serve to space apart a first cross member from a second cross member.

Abstract: A system for affixing a blanket to ground includes at least one corner flap mechanically coupled to the blanket and configured with a removable edge with the blanket. At least one stake is mechanically coupled to the blanket. The at least one stake is configured to be removed from underneath the at least one corner flap and into the ground.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a water collecting fence for collecting, storing, and dispensing rain water. The fence may include a plurality of water containing fence sections, each section being connected to at least one adjacent section by a connector hose. Each section may include a water containing shell. The shell may have an interior defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of panel sides, and a pair of side surfaces; a fill hole and a vent hole each positioned on the top surface; a post extending downwardly from the shell, the post configured to secure the shell into a ground surface; a lower orifice proximate to the bottom surface; a lower plug or a hose attachment configured to engage with the lower orifice. At least one of the sections may be configured to engage with a gutter downspout from a building.

Abstract: An external handle device for a vehicle door is provided in which an operating handle comprising a handle main body that has formed therein a housing recess having a substantially U-shaped cross section and a handle cover that is secured to the handle main body so as to cover the housing recess is disposed so as to be operable on an outer face side of the vehicle door, and an electronic component unit formed by covering at least an electronic component with a jacket member is housed within the housing recess, wherein an extending portion is provided integrally with the jacket member, which is formed from a resilient material, the extending portion being sandwiched between abutting parts of the handle main body and the handle cover. Such configuration prevents rubbing occurring between abutting parts of the handle main body and the handle cover while eliminating necessity for an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock comprising a housing (14, 55), a key operated lock cylinder (13, 51), which is arranged rotatable in the lock housing and a lock catch (11, 60), which is connected to the lock cylinder and rotatable between a locking position and a releasing position. The lock is arranged to be selectively set in a key operated mode, wherein the lock catch is rotatable with the lock cylinder, or in a push button operated mode, wherein the lock catch is movable by axial displacement of the lock cylinder.

Abstract: A lock comprises a housing defining a mounting face, a locking mechanism accommodated in the housing and operable to change between a locking state and a release state and a set of operating elements with buttons accessible at the front of the housing and actuable, such as by axial displacement, to operate the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be changed from the locking state to the release state in response to actuation of, and only of, a selected group of the operating elements. These elements can additionally be manipulated, in particular rotated, to select the group. The buttons of the selected group can be identified by respectively associated digits forming a code. The lock further comprises a slidable blocking plate blocking the rotation of the operating elements and cancelling means operable to cancel the blocking by the plate.

Abstract: An outside handle apparatus for a vehicle may include a handle grip including a first locking part, a handle base, a handle lever having a second locking part and rotatably supported by an axis of the handle lever at one side of the handle base and moving in linkage with the handle grip while the second locking part formed at an lower end of the handle lever is locked with the first locking part of the handle grip, and an interference lever pivotally coupled to the handle base at one side of the handle base, wherein the interference lever rotates in linkage with a rotation of the handle lever at ordinary times, and is interlocked with the handle lever due to a rotation of the handle lever upon crash to control the rotation of the handle lever.

Abstract: A locking mechanism secures a plug of a charging cord in a charging receptacle of a vehicle and includes an actuator, a linear-actuated cam connected thereto and driven along a linear travel path thereby (the cam defining a slot therein positioned at an angle relative to the path), and a locking arm pivotally mounted at a pivot point to a component disposed adjacent the arm. The arm includes a follower pin that engages the slot. The arm pivots about the point to move between locked and unlocked positions in response to movement of the cam along the path. A housing of the vehicle includes the receptacle, a charging interface connected with the plug to allow current to flow from a charging unit to a system of batteries of the vehicle during a charging operation, and the mechanism.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a chassis, a latch bolt movably mounted on the chassis and having a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker, and a pawl having an engaged position at which the pawl is engaged with the latch bolt to hold the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position at which the pawl is disengaged from the latch bolt thereby allowing the latch bolt to move to the open position. The pawl is rotatably mounted via a pawl pivot pin about a pawl axis, and the pawl pivot pin includes a first arcuate portion having a first radius about the pawl axis. A cross-sectional area of the pawl pivot pin, taken perpendicular to the pawl axis, is greater than an area of a circle having the first radius.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a door. The apparatuses include a door clamp having a base with a first groove and a second groove. A first stop and a second stop are movably attached to the base. The first stop has a first position in relation to the base wherein the first groove is exposed and has a second position in relation to the base wherein the first groove is covered by the first stop. The second stop has a first position in relation to the base wherein the second groove is exposed and has a second position in relation to the base wherein the second groove is covered by the second stop.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a trunk lid may include a hinge arm which has a first end rotatably coupled to a vehicle body, and a second end fixed to the trunk lid, and a spring which may be mounted to and supported by the vehicle body, connected with the hinge arm, and elastically deformed by rotation of the hinge arm when the trunk lid may be closed, in which a position or a rotation angle at a point at which the spring may be supported by the vehicle body may be adjusted so that an amount of elastic deformation of the spring may be increased when the trunk lid may be closed.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail having a guiding portion, a second rail, a third rail having a hook portion, and an actuating member movably connecting to the second rail and having a contact portion. When the third rail is pulled with respect to the first rail with the contact portion engaging with the hook portion, the second rail synchronously moves along with the third rail to be moved to a predetermined position with respect to the first rail, and consequently, the actuating member rotates by an angle by guiding means of the guiding portion of the first rail to disengage the contact portion of the actuating member from the hook portion of the third rail.

Abstract: A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.

Abstract: A frame for a window intended to serve either as a stationary frame or as a sash frame according to the invention comprises an insulating abutment list on a side surface of at least one of the top, bottom or side members intended to face a side surface of another frame of the window. The insulating abutment list is made from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.08 W/(m·k), preferably less than 0.04 W/(m·K). Preferred materials for the insulating abutment list are expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). In a window with such a frame, an insulating abutment list on the sash frame preferably extends from hinge part to the bottom member of the sash frame and an insulating abutment list on the stationary frame preferably extends from a hinge part to the top member of the stationary frame.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for fabricating a spacer frame for use in an insulating glass unit. One of a multiple number of possible spacer frame materials is chosen for the spacer frame. An elongated strip of the material is moved to a notching station where notches are formed at corner locations. The character of the notches is adjusted based on the selection of the metal strip material and more particularly to achieve bending of the material in an repeatable, straightforward manner. Better control over the notching process is also achieved by exhaust flow control of a double acting cylinder. A positioning spacer achieve very accurate side to side positioning of a die and anvil to precisely notch and deform the metal strip. Downstream from the notching station the metal strip is bent into a channel shaped elongated frame member having side walls. Further downstream a leading strip of channel shaped material is severed or separated from succeeding material still passing through the notching and bending station.

Abstract: A pet gate and method of operating thereof. The gate including a frame including first and second vertical side members; a door pivotally mounted to the second vertical side member. The door includes a pole extending between upper and a lower door crossbars, wherein the door pivots between an open position and a closed position. A foot actuator is mounted to the door and is vertically slidable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first channel in the foot actuator aligns with the pole and receives a drive that passes through the pole. The drive is raise-able by the foot actuator. A retractable bar is slidably provided in the upper door crossbar. The drive engages the retractable bar when the drive is raised. An upper retracting pin extends from the retractable bar and is receivable in a upper catch provided in the first vertical member.

Abstract: A folding shutter arrangement having three or more rigid folding shutter elements having element edges that bend out and element edges that do not bend out in alternation. A first folding shutter element can be fastened to a building so as to be pivotable about a first axis near a element edge that does not bend out. A second folding shutter element is pivotably retained about a second axis near a second element edge that does not bend out. Adjacent folding shutter elements are pivotably connected to each other in pairs at the third element edges by a bend-out joint. A driving element is provided which drives at least one of the element edges in the opening or closing direction, and which forcibly pivots the folding shutter elements connected to at least one of the element edges that do not bend out.

Abstract: A shade system includes a plurality of shade assemblies each including an elongated shade tube having an inner surface defining an inner cavity, an outer surface for winding receipt of a flexible shade, at least one coupling end, and an axis of rotation; a connector assembly having a first coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a first shade tube and a second coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a second shade tube substantially adjacent the first shade tube, the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit cooperating to transfer an applied torque from the first shade tube to the second shade tube; an end bracket for rotatably supporting a free end portion of a shade tube when attached to a supporting structure; and a mounting bracket for adjusting the connector assembly.