Abstract: A vertical door system includes: a door having a door frame, the door frame having at least one frame section; an operator; two vertical supports configured to: (a) be installable on opposite sides of the door opening and (b) support the vertical door, at least one of the vertical supports having: a guide track on a surface of the vertical support facing toward the door opening; and a drive system having: an elongated threaded rod drivable by the operator via a gearing arranged between the operator and the threaded rod; and one or more blocks, each block comprising a guide track connecting portion that connects to a guide track so the connected block is freely movable along the guide track, each block having a through-bore for accepting the threaded rod so that the block is positioned on the threaded rod and is movable along the threaded rod.

Abstract: A security shutter having two units. Each unit has two panels hingedly connected to one another with one panel permanently affixed to a structure near one side of an opening. When closed, the panels of each unit cover the opening, and a securing mechanism is used to secure their positions. Further, each panel includes a plurality of spaced apart slats aligned in an alternating pattern relative to the plurality of slats on the adjacent panel such that, when the shutter is not in use and one panel overlays the other against the structure, the shutter unit appears as a traditional panel without spacing between slats.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a first and second shutter panel, where each panel includes a missile-repelling membrane panel, a frame having an elongated hollow body with inwardly disposed wall elements forming an inwardly facing U-shaped channel adapted to retain the membrane panel on at least two sides, and a membrane-retaining element separably attachable to the frame, allowing the membrane panel to be removed from the frame or secured within the frame.

Abstract: A colonial style pressure-vent hurricane shutter having predetermined requisite strength of shutter framework (1) encompassing slatted-louver apertures (4) with slat-support guides (7) for protection against storm-borne objects, wind and rain and venting harmful buildups and bursts of pressure from vacuums created on building from hurricane forces. The shutter framework includes structural beams to which ends of slanted slats (5) are attached rigidly. Ends of slat-support guides (7) are affixed intermediate the ends of both the inward edges of the slanted slats (6) and the outward edges of the slanted slats (21). The shutter framework (1) have hold down tabs (22) to keep the shutter framework (1) from being blown open during a storm. The shutter framework (1) has ribbed hinges (25) to at least one side of a building aperture in accordance with desired shutter style and structure which include top-hinged Bahama Shutters (8) and sides-hinged Colonial Shutters (9).

Abstract: The present invention is an exterior window covering or exterior shutter that is comprised of layers of materials to form a sandwich. The sandwich material has a layer of polycarbonate material. An embodiment of the sandwich material is comprised completely of synthetic materials that are resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight, humidity, rain, heat and wind. The polycarbonate material yields an exterior shutter that retards flying objects and withstands substantial stresses from wind loads.

Abstract: A pressure-vent hurricane shutter having predetermined requisite strength of shutter framework (1) encompassing slatted-louver apertures (31) with slat-support guides (6) and (7) for protection against storm-borne objects, wind and rain and venting harmful buildups and bursts of pressure from vacuums created on building from hurricane forces. The shutter framework includes structural beams to which ends of slanted slats (5) are attached rigidly. Ends of slat-support guides (6) and (7) are affixed intermediate the ends of both the inward edges of the slanted slats (20) and the outward edges of the slanted slats (25). The shutter framework (1) have hold down tabs (12) to keep the shutter framework (1) from being blown open during a storm. The shutter framework (1) has ribbed hinges (17) to at least one side of a building aperture in accordance with desired shutter style and structure which include top-hinged Bahama Shutters (29) and sides-hinged Colonial Shutters (30).

Abstract: A quantitative shutter construction system and installation method for shutters enables the the provision of a window opening of given dimension and for which a series of pre-cut parts are selected from a set of parts set having a prime quantum magnitude distance magnitude with regard to their vertical and horizontal dimensions with a selection based upon prime quantum magnitude distance as a difference between the next longer and next shorter member. A frame system and a window shutter system which fits within the frame system is also provided in discrete quanta of linear magnitude to provide a result of no more than a quanta of magnitude smaller than the window opening. Shimming is used to center and fit the frame into the window opening, with attachment had by preferably direct threaded attachment into either the face or the inside of a window opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an opening/closing device, comprising an opening disposed on a partitioning system, driving wheels mounted on each side of lower end of the opening, driven wheels mounted on each side of upper end of the opening, and flexible members to be run between the driving wheels and the driven wheels, wherein one end and the other end of each of the flexible members are engaged with an opening/closing panel respectively, the driving wheels on both sides are driven synchronously and the opening/closing panel is moved up and down.

Abstract: A swinging screen door and associated frame are provided for coupling to a doorway of a structure such as a house. Hinges are provided which pivotably connect the doors to the frame in a fashion allowing the doors to pivot inward through the doorway and outward away from the doorway. The hinge includes a knuckle joint between the frame and a bottom of each door. A knuckle and recess of the knuckle joint are provided with a complemental form to cause the knuckle joint to bias the door toward a closed position. A ramp and wing combination in the knuckle joint cause the door to be elevated when moved away from the closed position so that the door can more easily clear obstacles on the floor adjacent the doorway. A recoil joint axially aligned with the knuckle joint holds a top of the door relative to the frame.

Abstract: A through-screen access assembly for hose, power cords and the like for allowing a user to pass power cords, hoses or the like through a screen. The through-screen access assembly for hose, power cords and the like includes a first through-screen access member being adapted to securely and removably mount upon an inner side of a screen; and also includes a second through-screen access assembly including a second through-screen access member being adapted to securely and removably mount upon an outer side of the screen; and further includes a closure member for removably closing access through the first and second through-screen access members.

Abstract: A pressure-vent hurricane shutter has predetermined requisite strength of shutter framework (1) encompassing slatted-louver apertures (4) for protection against storm-borne objects, wind and rain in addition to venting damaging buildups and bursts of pressure and vacuum that react on buildings from hurricanes. The shutter framework includes structural beams to which ends of slanted slats (5) are attached rigidly and to which ends of slat-support mullions (7) are affixed intermediate the ends of inward edges (6) of the slanted slats. The shutter framework is hinged with the requisite strength to at least one side of a building aperture in accordance with desired shutter style and structure which include top-hinged Bahama Shutters (8) and sides-hinged Colonial Shutters (9).

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system (10) includes a housing (11) accommodating a plurality of carriers (12). These are assignable y a transport device (13) to at least one access opening (14) provided in the housing (11). Provided at the access opening (14) is a closing device (17) comprising at least two closing elements (18a, 18b) arranged opposite each other which can be shifted horizontally and signalled dedicated to thus form an access window (16) in the access opening (14) by an uncomplicated structural design.

Abstract: A data storage system includes redundant write caches, a disk controller and an array of disks. One of the redundant write caches is a primary write cache of RAM or NVRAM, and another is a backup write cache having a hybrid memory structure of a relatively small amount of NVRAM in combination with a cache-disk space mapped to disk. The cache-disk space may be located on a single disk within the disk array, or distributed over a number of the plurality of disks in the array. In one embodiment, the array of disks can may be configured as a RAID architecture. The data storage system of the present invention preferably employs a conventional, fast-write-fast-read primary write cache and a non-volatile, hybrid memory backup write cache. The redundant write caches are asymmetric since the primary write cache and the backup write cache have different sizes and structures.

Abstract: An isolation device has a movable frame and a barrier mounted on the frame. The barrier partially encloses a space to be occupied by a patient. The device also includes an air conducting unit having a primary duct attached to the barrier such that air can be conducted between the partially enclosed space and an outside location through the primary duct. Attached to the primary duct is a means for moving air between the partially enclosed space and the outside location.The present invention also includes a method of isolating a patient that begins by providing an isolating device according to the present invention. Air is conducted between the partially enclosed space and the outside location through the primary duct using the means for moving air, and a patient is positioned in the partially enclosed space.

Abstract: A retractable window protection device is disclosed that can be extended to cover a window when needed, for example during a severe storm with high winds. The retractable window protection device incorporates at least one housing mounted to the building adjacent the window. A shutter assembly is housed in the housing and includes plural panel members that are extendable out of the housing to cover the window. An engagement device is also provided and is displaceable between disengaged and engaged positions. The engagement device includes an engagement surface that complements the configuration of the panel members when extended from the housing.

Abstract: A moving slide has a pair of flexible curtains mounted to its front and rear surfaces, the curtains being attached at opposite ends to front and rear support posts mounted to a base. The support posts have upper and lower pulleys. A cable is connected to the front of the slide and runs in this fashion: first horizontally across the top pulley, thence to the lower pulley, thence to the other support post, thence upwardly and finally around to the horizontal portion which connects to the rear of the slide. The cable is tensioned to a predetermined load which remains constant throughout the slide travel as the front and rear horizontal portions of the cable move. The flexible curtains are suspended from, but are not rigidly attached to, the cable. Thus, as the curtains expand and contract, the moving horizontal portions of the tensioned cable ride smoothly through the curtains, maintaining curtain support.

Abstract: A door structure, particularly for freight vans, includes a pair of oppositely pivotal door panels in which a first of the door panels overlaps and engages the second door panel in a sealed, closed position of both the door panels, and in which the first door panel includes first and second panel portions. The first, medial panel portion of the first door panel is pivotally mounted on the second panel portion and arranged to define the overlap of the second door panel to enable pivotal opening of the first panel portion from the overlapping closed position and thereafter to enable pivotal opening of the second door panel without requiring pivotal opening of the second panel portion of the first door panel. Thus constructed, either of the second door panel and the second panel portion of the first door panel can be independently, pivotally opened.

Abstract: Shower stall and bathtub enclosure door assemblies which use a hinged multipanel door design, with special waterproof hinges and seams, adjustable wall panels retained by waterproof mounting sheaths, and door panel deflector sections with corresponding deflector shields to deflect water which collects on the inner surfaces of the door panels, and a door closure system which firmly secures the doors when the door assembly is closed.

Abstract: A pair of bi-fold assemblies includes a lock for securing the assemblies in a closed position. The lock includes a latch bolt mounted on a panel of a first assembly, and a base plate of a second assembly includes an extending portion with an opening to receive the latch bolt.

Abstract: What is disclosed in an automatically closing modesty curtain which allows the user assured complete privacy and which does not require continued manipulation by the hands thereby leaving the hands free to undertake other tasks. For example, in an emergency shower situation, once the handle on the safety shower is pulled, the user can be assured of complete privacy while removing contaminated clothing while being simultaneously deluged by shower water.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating a window or other opening in a building includes a plurality of rail means secured to the building adjacent at least one edge of the opening, and at least one insulated shutter panel slidably engaged with the rail means. Several panels may be assembled into a set of panels or opposing sets of panels installed on opposing sets of rail means, if desired. The shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of substantially exposing or completely covering the opening due at least in part to the sliding action of the shutter panel. The shutter panel or panel assembly may be filled with an energy storage medium, and thus function also to collect, store and release solar energy.

Abstract: What is disclosed in an automatically closing modesty curtain which allows the user assured complete privacy and which does not require continued manipulation by the hands thereby leaving the hands free to undertake other tasks. For example, in an emergency shower situation, once the handle on the safety shower is pulled, the user can be assured of complete privacy while removing contaminated clothing while being simultaneously deluged by shower water.

Abstract: An improved, low cost conditioned air vestibule for use on a doorway of a refrigerated storage room permits unobstructed passage of vehicles while effectively reducing the exchange of air through the doorway and substantially eliminating precipitation both inside and outside the doorway by providing spaced inner and outer movable doors in a portal and extending across the doorway to define a closed entrance vestibule, and circulating conditioned air through the vestibule. Heated air is directed downwardly from adjacent the top of the doorway through the vestibule along substantially its full width and adjacent the surface of the inner or cold side door and air is withdrawn from the vestibule at the top of the doorway adjacent the outer or warm side door. The doors are spaced close together and actuators are provided for opening and closing both doors simultaneously to permit unobstructed passage of vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating a window or other opening in a building includes a plurality of rail means secured to the building adjacent at least one edge of the opening, and at least one insulated shutter panel slidably engaged with the rail means. Several panels may be assembled into a set of panels or opposing sets of panels installed on opposing sets of rail means, if desired. The shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of substantially exposing or completely covering the opening due at least in part to the sliding action of the shutter panel relative to the edge. The interior cover of the shutter panel or panel assembly is capable of carrying decorative matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating window openings through walls and the like includes a thermal shutter, a rail for mounting the shutter adjacent to the window opening and a coupling for connecting the shutter to the rail. The thermal shutter includes an insulated panel adhered to frame members which surround the periphery of the panel. The frame members include a hard portion for providing the frame and a soft portion for providing a seal with that portion of the wall adjacent to the periphery of the opening. The coupling means is preferably integral with the attachment rail.According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling means includes a continuous hinge of reduced thickness. The thermal shutter can be permanently attached, hinged, bi-folded, or sliding with respect to the window and wall. A distribution method is to market the apparatus in "kit" form.

Abstract: A security shutter resistant to forced entry comprising a fixed frame and panels. The panels are provided with upper and lower brackets with which there cooperate locking elements to unite the panels and the frame in the closed position of the shutter. The locking elements are moved by rods and connected to levers which are unitary with control bars. The shutter is resistant to break-ins.