Abstract: This inventions is a prefabricated roof plate element (6) comprising load carrying girders including longitudinal upper and lower steel frame parts placed at opposed sides of the roof plate element. The girders are corrugated at opposing upper and lower sides in the longitudinal direction at which vertical side walls of the steel frame parts are interconnected connection plates which are part of the load carrying girders. The lower steel frame parts (4) preferably are interconnected by an integral steel panel part (8) forming the bottom of the roof plate element and a ceiling of a building. The prefabricated roof plate element has uniform roof plate elements (20, 54) which are interconnected side by side, to form a wider prefabricated roof plate element. Cavities thereof are filled with insulation material and afterwards provided with a common top plate construction (70, 72) and a common roof foil covering (74).

Abstract: A method for making a reinforced concrete structure and reinforcement agents are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining a mold for the reinforced concrete structure. A lattice is formed within the mold, where the lattice includes inter-locking ringed fibers and where each inter-locking ringed fiber is a fiber formed into a ringed structure that is inter-locked with at least one neighboring inter-locking ringed fiber in the lattice. The lattice is then encased by filling the mold with concrete. In some embodiments, the reinforcement agents are a plurality of ringed fiber-structures, each of which is coiled into a ringed structure that may or may not inter-lock with at least one neighboring ringed fiber(s)-structure.

Abstract: A subframe configuration for a retrofit roof includes a subframe connected to the upper surface of a rib on an existing roof. The subframe is also connected to the valley/purlin of the existing roof. The connection can be a mechanical interference connection or one that is formed by a mechanical connector. The subframe of the disclosure includes a rib flange that extends from the bottom of the lip. The rib flange is disposed substantially parallel to the base of the subframe. When installed, a connector extends through the rib flange into a rib of the existing roof. Rib flange can be continuous or provided only at each or just some of the ribs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mount for a panel for use as a balustrade, such as a glass pane, comprising a body having at least one curved side surface and at least one clamping member configured to clamp an edge of the panel with respect to the body and having at least one adjacent side surface configured to cooperate with the curved surface of the body for pivoting the panel with respect to the body on actuation of at least one actuator.

Abstract: A construction and methods of assembly and construction of boards, e.g. floor boards, are described. The boards have a peripheral connection arrangement for interconnecting of one board to another, a core layer e.g. made from a wood or fiber based material and a top layer applied to the core layer which may be decorative and may include or provide a wear layer. A further bottom layer may be applied to the underside of the core layer and is designed to be in contact with the floor or an underlay can be applied when in use. The connection arrangement includes interconnecting hooking tongues and corresponding catches which co-operate to produce both vertical and horizontal locking.

Abstract: Fastening means, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2, hasajoist 1 and a locking member 5. The joist 1 has a channel and locking extensions and the locking member 5 has a base 6 and an upstand 7. The base 6 has rounded corners 10. The fastening means is formed such that when it is in use the locking member 5 can be slid into the channel and rotated therein to assume a locking position, such rotation made possible by the rounded corners 10 which, when in use, serve to prevent a rotational impasse between the joist 1 and the locking member 5. The fastening means is formed such that when the locking member is in the locking position it is in a tight fit within the channel and cannot pull out of the channel by reason of obstruction by the locking extensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guard which is a surface that is adapted for mounting over the open end of the tread of a step of an open stairway such that when associated with a stairway: the exposed area of the OTEP is reduced. The present invention further provides for a retention means to maintain stable association of the guard with the stairway. The present invention further comprises kits comprising one or more guards, one or more retention means and instructions for use.

Abstract: A fall protection system is provided providing all protection for all workers in building erection. The system involves an interior net, and a perimeter net if needed. The net system may be both horizontally and vertically mobile, allowing it to be easily moved as building erection continues.

Abstract: A ceiling support structure includes a plurality of network- and power-enabled rails that replace conventional structures for supporting a grid ceiling having a structure for supporting tiles and/or paneling. Each network-enabled rail comprises a plurality of connectors configured to receive a device or interface. At least some of the connectors can comprise a plurality of Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectors that provide both network connectivity and power to the devices. At least some of the connectors can comprise a plurality of fiber-optic cable connectors that provide network connectivity to the devices via the fiber-optic cable. In the fiber-optic cable connector structure, power is provided directly by the ceiling support itself which is formed of a conductive material and referred to as a power distribution bar. Each rail terminates at a hub referred to as a fog junction box that serves the power and networking for the ceiling support.

Abstract: A roof inspection and repair device is disclosed that can be wheeled along a roof to identify loose shingles and dispense the sealant necessary to secure them in place. The roof inspection and repair device has both a blowing system and a sealant dispensing system. The blowing system may include an air tube having an air tube inlet that can be connected to a blower and an air tube outlet. The sealant dispensing system may include one or more sealant storage containers connected to a sealant dispenser by one or more sealant tubes. The roof inspection and repair device may further include a shingle lift mechanism.

Abstract: A formation aid, for use in the forming of receptacles in a swimming pool, includes a three-dimensional body having an essentially conical shape. The three-dimensional body of the formation aid includes a narrow end, for placement near an interior edge of the swimming pool during formation of the swimming pool; and a wide end, for placement remote from the interior edge of the swimming pool, in order to form a receptacle.

Abstract: A system for limiting the flow from a dispensing valve when a dispensing cartridge is replaced with the system including a dispenser cartridge with a cam and a water socket with a flow limiter therein that is activeable in response to the position of the dispenser cartridge in the dispensing valve and operable in response to an upstream fluid pressure in the dispensing valve.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaners are detailed with filtration components attached at the rears of their bodies. At least some of the components may be external to a body, rather than within it, so as to provide greater surface area for filtered water to exit. They also may allow users to view the quantity of debris trapped in the filter without having to dissemble the cleaner. By contrast with many existing external filter bags, moreover, the components need not protrude materially above (or below) the heights of the bodies, hence avoiding creation of hydraulic drag as the cleaners move within pools, spas, or other liquid-containing vessels.

Abstract: An underwater cleaning apparatus includes a front body having a filter and a rear body removably attachable to the front body. The rear body includes a motor having a shaft, an impeller configured to draw in water through an inlet opening in the front body, and a gap. The impeller is positioned in the gap in the rear body. A lock is configured to secure the rear body to the front body. A battery is configured to supply electrical power to the motor to drive the shaft and a power switch is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and an elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate and a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates, the low-friction layer allowing the first and second plates to move freely relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement, such as at least one spring member or at least one engineered elastomeric element, which can include one or more silicon inserts, positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member and movement of the elongate element is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement.

Abstract: A pushing-out apparatus for an extendible mast includes a mast storing unit, a mast pushing-out unit and a mast pushing-out driving unit. The storing unit stores an extendible mast including stages of foldable trusses in a state that the stages are folded. The pushing-out unit is stored in the storing unit around the stage-folded mast stored in the storing unit. The driving unit moves the pushing-out unit to a projecting position in an outside of the storing unit while the stages of the mast are folded, sequentially extend out the folded stages of the mast stored in the storing unit by the pushing-out unit from the storing unit and push out the extended stages from the pushing-out unit of the projecting position in a side of the pushing-out unit opposing to the storing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for an interactive memorial device to provide a dynamic, interactive, multi-touch display to visitors of a final resting place or memorial of a deceased individual. The interactive memorial device enables the visitors to interact with a combination of dynamic and customizable information relating to the decedent or memorial. An operating system enables an end-user, such as any of the visitors, to interact with the operating system by way of navigation controls. A display screen preferably comprises a transparent multi-touch display configured to enable the visitors to view and interact with information and provides dynamic memorialization content to the visitors while maintaining view of real memorialization objects and personalized mementos in the background. Loudspeakers are configured to play audio soundtracks accompanying memorial-related information.

Abstract: This invention provides an adjustable canopy system for a workspace that includes a perimeter frame that exerts tension on a fabric piece, and defines illustratively, an ovular outline shape. The fabric piece can include a central/spine rod that is external, or internal of the fabric, so as to define a V-shaped cross section. The canopy element is mounted on an arm assembly so that it rotates to adjust tilt. The arm assembly also includes a multi-dimensional joint that allows for motion in a plurality of degrees of freedom. Illustratively, the multi-dimensional joint exerts selectable holding friction that retains the joint at a predetermined orientation, but allows movement under appropriate biasing force by a user. The multi-dimensional joint is mounted on the end of an upright. A base clamp is mounted with respect to a slot/groove or on an edge of the desktop.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a brace adapted to secure a fence rail to a fence post. This brace may optionally be installed onto an existing fence. The present invention may also be installed on a new fence. The brace may be adapted to support fences with cylindrical fence posts or rectanguloid fence posts and rectanguloid fence rails. Optional embodiments include braces for fence corner pieces. The brace may further optionally be adapted to secure fences on a steep incline. The invention includes a first fence rail brace member adapted to connect to 2 or more sides of a first fence rail; the first fence rail brace member is fused to a first side of a fence post brace member, the fence post brace member being adapted to connect to 2 or more sides of the fence post.

Abstract: A fence (1) and a method of installing a fence (1) in which the fence (1) has front panels (2), bottom panels (3) and side panels (4), in which the method comprises the burying of the bottom panels (3) such that the bottom panels (3) are located underground and such that part of the front panels (2) and side panels (4) are located underground. The front panels (2) of the installed fence (1) further extend in the same plane and the side panels (4) work as wind bracing.

Abstract: A door handle may be mounted to a door with concealed fasteners. The fasteners do not engage the door itself, but rather engage a top plate that is mounted to the door. The fasteners are inserted into a hidden portion of the door handle and generate an opposing force as they press against a bulging portion of the top plate to produce a force that retains the door handle in place. The force generated also urges the door handle into a bottom plate on an opposing side of the door handle. The bottom plate includes a first and second planar section. The second planar section of the bottom plate is received into a receiving slot of the door handle. As a result, the door handle is retained on the door without any visible fasteners.

Abstract: A damping device for an exit device that is configured to resist high velocity movement a latch assembly relative to a baseplate assembly. Pivotal displacement of a bell crank during typical operation of the exit device may cause a protrusion of the bell crank to exert a pulling force on control linkage element that is coupled to a connection link of a latch assembly and a spring damper element of the damper device, thereby operating the latch assembly while also generally by-passing the damping effect of the damping device. When high velocity movement is imparted on an entryway device associated with the exit device, the damper device resists high velocity movement of the latch assembly relative to the baseplate assembly, thereby at least attempting to prevent the latch assembly from moving independently of the baseplate assembly so as to prevent unlatching of a latch of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A handcuff shield includes first and second walls connected by an end wall to form a channel for receiving a pair of handcuffs. A slotted opening is formed in the first and second walls to receive a chain link or hinged for locking the handcuff shield to the handcuffs. When attached to the handcuffs, the end wall of the handcuff shield covers and prevents access to a ratchet mechanism of the handcuffs, and the first and second walls of the handcuff shield cover and prevent access to the keyhole of the handcuffs.

Abstract: Provided is an outer handle device for a vehicle door includes an outer handle and a cover. The outer handle includes a handle body that is disposed outside an outer panel of the vehicle door and extends in a front-rear direction of a vehicle. The cover is configured to cover, from an outside of the vehicle door, a cylinder lock located in a position adjacent to a first end of the handle body. The cover is configured to be attached to the outer panel and has an extension part, and the outer handle is turnable between a non-operation position and an operation position. While the outer handle is in the non-operation position, the extension part is engaged with a first end of the handle body and overlaps the first end of the handle body in a side view. While the outer handle is in the operation position, the engagement between the extension part and the first end of the handle body is released, and the cover is attachable to and detachable from the outer panel.

Abstract: A locking system that has an opening in a door adapted and arranged for receiving a lock bolt and a lock fixed in a wall for actuating a lock bolt adapting and arranged for being received by the opening in the door when the door is closed. Alternatively, the locking system is mounted on the exterior of the detention cell door and the adjacent exterior cell wall. The locking system further comprises a blocking strip protruding from a door jamb, the strip coupled to the door jamb, the strip coupled to the door jamb and positioned adjacent the lock bolt for blocking access to the lock bolt between the door and the door jamb. The locking system further comprises a system for monitoring and reporting the status of a detention cell door, the lock bolt, and the roller bolt.

Abstract: A lock including a body which houses a combination lock, which is releasable by the selection of a set code, the code being selectable by the movement of one or more dials, the or each dial including a first part which is manipulable by a user, wherein the lock includes a code finding device to enable the set code to be identified, the code finding device including a code finding member associated with the or each dial, the or each code finding member being engageable with a second part of the respective dial, to identify a position of the dial which corresponds with a digit of the set code, wherein the second part of each dial is moveable relative to the first part of the respective dial and relative to the respective code finding member between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the or each code finding member is fixed substantially stationary relative to the body.

Abstract: A lock system and method for alerting a user or other entity that a lock has been or is being tampered with is disclosed. The lock includes at least one enhanced security pin that is electrically isolated from the rest of the lock. When the lock picker attempts to pick the lock a portion of the enhanced security pin contacts either the plug or the outer casing of the lock to complete a circuit with an alert component. The completion of the circuit causes the alert component to generate an alert signal that can be observed by the user or other entity.

Abstract: An induction type padlock includes a shell, a lock bolt, a shackle, a driving unit, a light-emitting component, and an induction control unit. The lock bolt slides in the shell and has a recess. The shackle is inserted into the shell through the lock bolt and has a latch portion being able to be latched by the lock bolt. The driving unit rotates the position limiter in the recess; the position limiter has a wide portion and a narrow portion. The induction control unit is electrically connected to the driving unit and the light-emitting component. The induction control unit senses a signal to select the wide or the narrow portion of the position limiter to be disposed in the recess and controls the light-emitting component. Therefore, the time delay problems of unlocking and locking can be solved and the distinguishable lighting indications of unlocking and locking can be obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: A fire door lock is provides. A first opening unit is installed in a fire door panel to move a door locking bolt. A second opening unit laterally located on the fire door has a pressing handle coupled with an actuating block for operating the locking bolt. When the pressing handle is pushed and pressed, the actuating block activates an actuating rod and a linking arm to move horizontally. One end of the linking arm is coupled to a driving lever which is induced by the linking arm to swing. One end of the driving lever has a pulley extending into the first opening unit to activate a locking bolt base connected to the locking bolt to move horizontally. The locking bolt is accordingly adapted to extend from or retract into the first opening unit in a horizontal direction to facilitate the release or engagement of the lock.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes: a latch mechanism configured to be capable of holding a vehicle door in a closed state with respect to a vehicle body; and a lock mechanism that sets the latch mechanism to an unlock state in which engagement between the latch mechanism and a striker provided in the vehicle body can be released, or a lock state in which engagement between the latch mechanism and the striker cannot be released, wherein the lock mechanism includes a drive gear driven by an electric motor, a wheel gear including a body portion, a gear portion, locking portions, and an engaging protrusion, an active lever including an engaging recess, stoppers, and a shock absorbing member including interposed portions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lock mechanism, comprising a latch mechanism that includes a remote latch actuator that is positioned remotely from a remote latch assembly and a keeper assembly, with the latch mechanism housed and accommodated within an enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door hinge height adjusting device that can adjust the relative vertical position of a second support bracket with respect to a first support bracket in a door hinge that rotatably connects one side surface of a door forming a rotating door to a support frame in a door frame, the door hinge comprising: the first support bracket which is fixedly connected to the support frame side of a door frame; the second support bracket which is fixedly connected to the door side; and a hinge portion which is provided between the first support bracket and the second support bracket, for relative rotation.

Abstract: A movable joint for an electronic device includes a first joint component having a body portion that encloses a wire lead and a tab portion coupled to the body portion, and a second joint component having a body portion that encloses the wire lead and a tab portion coupled to the body portion. The tab portion of the second joint component engages the tab portion of the first joint component with a pivot member interconnecting the tab portions to enable selective movement between the first and second joint components. The wire lead spans the movable joint between the engaged tab portions of the first and second joint components. At least one of the tab portions includes a recessed channel, the recessed channel at least partially containing the wire lead.

Abstract: A panel body (11) includes: a panel-like base material (12); a groove (25) which is continuous along at least a part of an outer circumferential end portion of the base material (12), and is recessed to the inside of the base material (12); a soft material (13) which is provided on one or more surface of the base material (12); a cover material (14) which covers the base material (12) and the soft material (13), and in which the outer circumferential end portion is caught in the groove (25) in the outer circumferential edge portion of the base material (12); and a fixing member (30) which fixes the cover material (14) in the groove (25).

Abstract: A door closer or operator includes a pivoting pinion on the door closer housing for transmitting door motion, and a cam connected thereto. A connecting member extends along a spring and engages the peripheral edge of the cam. Rotation of the cam causes a change in length of the portion of the connecting member between the position tangent to the cam peripheral edge and the spring second end to expand or compress the spring, resulting in a force transmitted along a longitudinal axis of the connecting member as a result of spring deflection. The cam peripheral edge has a profile with a varying radial distance between the cam axis and the connecting member at the position tangent to the cam peripheral edge such that the radial distance is changed as the spring expands or compresses to maintain a desired constant torque about the axis of the cam and pinion.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a door operator including an operator body including a rotatable pinion, an arm connected to the pinion, an inductive sensor mounted adjacent the arm, and a controller in communication with the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor includes an inductor comprising a plurality of nested coils, and each of the coils is curved about the pinion. The controller is configured to provide the inductive sensor with a varying power signal, and the inductive sensor is configured to inductively link the inductor to the arm in response to the varying power signal. The inductive sensor has a characteristic which varies in response to the rotational position of the arm when the inductor is inductively linked with the arm. The controller is further configured receive information relating to the characteristic, and to determine the rotational position of the arm based upon the received information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silent, soft-close compact hinge comprising of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body via a hinge arm. A set of coil springs biases the hinge to a closed position. A damping mechanism is removably attached to the hinge cup and acted on by the hinge arm. A set of spring sleeves are fitted to the coil springs to insulate the movement of the coil springs on the hinge arm providing the closing bias. The hinge body is comprised of three separate plates adjustably connected to each other with cam screws. The position of the hinge body with respect to the hinge arm is adjustable in three directions without the need for removal or loosening of mounting hardware used to attach the hinge body to a furniture piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping system for closets with sliding doors (2) comprising: a damping device (1) and an actuating element (3), wherein the damping device (1) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of a door (2) through deformation of flanges (7) of respective supporting parts (5, 6) of said damping device (1) to allow the damping device (1) to be secured in the closet itself and to allow said damping device (1) to slide driven by the actuating element (3) during the relative movement between both; or the element actuating element (3) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of the door (2) through deformation of flanges (3c) of said actuating element (3), which allows it to be secured and to slide driven by the damping device (1) during the relative movement between both.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bumper stop for a vehicle structural member. The bumper stop includes a main body having a supporting surface, an assembling surface opposite to the supporting surface and a side surface between the supporting surface and the assembling surface; and a hollow conical portion partially surrounding the side surface of the main body and connected to the main body along a perimeter of the main body. The hollow conical portion is made from elastic material and configured to be flipped from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: In a window regulator which moves a slider base, slidable along a guide rail, via a pair of wires, the slider base is configured of: a body member made of synthetic resin which is slidably supported by the guide rail and to which each wire is connected; and a support member made of metal which supports a window glass, and the support member is provided with a holding portion which holds the body member in the widthwise direction of the guide rail. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a window regulator in which the slider base is not easily warped or deformed when an external force is exerted thereon and which is superior in strength and durability.

Abstract: A method of closing a vehicle door includes the steps of providing a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body, transmitting a door closing signal to a controller, identifying a current position of the door using a position sensor, closing the door using a power assist device powered from a hinge axis of the door, monitoring the door position during closing, releasing a catch of a latch mechanism when a latch striker of the vehicle body is partially received in the latch mechanism, and latching the door to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle window control system is disclosed. The system comprises a window positioning device and a controller in communication with a mobile device. The controller is configured to identify a distance of the mobile device from the vehicle. In response to the distance being less than a distance threshold, the controller is configured to control the positioning device in a first mode. In response to the distance being greater than the distance threshold, the controller is configured to control the positioning device in a second mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an improved insulated door panel having an outer and inner spaced apart skins and an internal foam core. The insulated door panel includes a first spacer disposed between a top end of the outer skin and a top end of the inner skin and a second spacer disposed between a bottom end of the outer skin and a bottom end of the inner skin. The first and second spacers include first and second protrusions, respectively, on an inner face of the first and second spacers. The first and second protrusions secure the first and second spacers to the foam core.

Abstract: A door assembly with the dual support connector has a door panel, a glass pane, a dual support connector assembly, a fixed sealing frame 18 for engaging the dual support connector assembly, a seal-less removable frame for attaching to the attachment (dual support connector assembly) on an opposite side of the fixed sealing frame 18, and a fastener engaging the dual support connector assembly to the fixed sealing frame. The dual support connector assembly has a clip body, a door flange extending from the clip body, a glass flange extending from the clip body in parallel with the door flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door leaf including a frame and a door panel with a front leaf, a back leaf and a filler plate. The frame includes conventional profiles with a lip oriented inwards to form a groove. The front leaf is affixed against the front of the frame, and at least partially covers the front of the frame. The door panel is fastened to the back of the frame by panel slats. The front leaf is provided with clamp that enable the front leaf to be pulled against the front of the frame, whereby these clamps are formed by one or more clamps along the periphery of the frame with a basic element that is fastened on the front leaf and a clamping slat affixed thereon that hooks behind an aforementioned lip and can be tightened on the basic element towards the front leaf.

Abstract: A cellular covering for an architectural opening includes a plurality of elongated, longitudinally connected and transversely collapsible cellular units composed of inner and outer cells where the outer cell is a woven, knit, or non-woven product and the inner cell is an air-impermeable film which may be treated to be a low-modulus film with acceptable surface tension so that the panel formed from the cellular units has improved insulative properties and has a relatively long life.

Abstract: A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.