Abstract: System, device, and method of multi-path wireless communication. A method includes: constructing in an electronic device of a user, a control message indicating a user command intended to be performed by a Home Automation Device (HAD) of the user; wherein the constructing includes inserting into the control message a unique Message-Identifier. The method then transmits the control message, from the electronic device of the user to the HAD, concurrently via at least two different wireless communications channels which include at least: (i) a first wireless communication channel that includes passage of traffic through the Internet, and (ii) a second wireless communication channel in which no traffic passes through the Internet.

Abstract: A magnetic track assembly including an elongate channel having an open side, an end wall, and two parallel side walls; a first magnet disposed within the elongate channel near an interior side of the end wall; a compartment defined within the elongate channel spaced from the first magnet; and a screen receiver disposed within the compartment and including a second magnet arranged facing the first magnet. In the magnetic track assembly, the first and second magnets are of opposite polarity and the screen receiver is loosely disposed within the compartment such that a magnetic bond is intact between the first and second magnets when the first and second magnets are close together and the magnetic bond is broken when the first and second magnets are pulled apart.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a window includes a pair of parallel and spaced apart side rails locatable against respective sides of a window opening, and a head assembly including a roller upon which is wound a screen. The head assembly extends between the side rails and is adapted to be mounted on upper ends of the side rails to be supported thereon against and/or adjacent to an upper side of the window opening. Each side rail is linearly extendable whereby the upper and lower ends of the side rails frictionally engage upper and lower faces of a window opening to secure the side rails, and the head assembly mounted thereon, in place within the window opening.

Abstract: A controller assembly for a window blind includes a drive mechanism and at least one transmission mechanism with a gear unit and a transmission unit. When the gear unit is driven by the drive mechanism to operate, first and second major gears thereof rotate in two opposite rotational directions. The transmission unit is selectively coupled to rotate with a selected one of the first and second major gears. When the transmission unit is coupled to rotate with one of the first and second major gears, the window blind is driven to wind up. When the transmission unit is coupled to rotate with the other one of the first and second major gears, the window blind is driven to wind down.

Abstract: Systems and methods using electrically controlled propellant to operate equipment in subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: providing a tool assembly that comprises a tool body and an electrically controlled propellant; and placing the tool assembly in at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Electrical current may be applied to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant to ignite the portion of the propellant to operate a portion of the tool assembly.

Abstract: A retractable curtain system is provided and includes a curtain support system, a curtain, and a retraction system. The curtain support system includes a pair of outer walls and an upper frame to provide a curtain receiving space. The curtain covers the curtain receiving space and includes a first non-transparent panel and transparent panel connected to the first non-transparent panel. The retraction system is connected to the curtain to lower and raise the transparent panel.

Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint system includes a fuselage framework defining a cargo cabin, a webbing configured to restrain cargo positionable within the cargo cabin, one or more spring tension reels configured to bias the webbing towards a top of the cargo cabin, and one or more actuators configured to move the webbing toward a bottom of the cargo cabin against the bias of the one or more spring tension reels.

Abstract: A winding structure includes two automatic winding mechanisms each including a side plate, a rotary member and an elastic member. The rotary member is provided with a receiving space, a through hole and a first fitting portion. The elastic member is mounted in the receiving space and is disposed at a one way helical state. The elastic member is provided with a clamping portion secured on the side plate and a second fitting portion secured on the first fitting portion of the rotary member. The side plate is provided with an extending portion extending through the through hole of the rotary member. The rotary member is rotated on the extending portion of the side plate and is returned to an original position automatically by the restoring force of the elastic member.

Abstract: A multifunction shading device for creating a pergola. The device includes a structure that provides support for the device. The device also includes modules, each module equipped with a blind and a mechanism configured to control a length of the blind distributed along one axis of the structure.

Abstract: A portable shade shelter has a plurality of canopies including at least a first canopy and a second canopy. The first canopy is disposed over the second canopy, and the first canopy is capable of being spaced apart from the second canopy in a vertical direction such that air is capable of flowing between the first canopy and the second canopy. Each of the first canopy and the second canopy includes a plurality of openings configured to permit air and light to pass through the respective first canopy and second canopy.

Abstract: An electrically dual motor powered window cover assembly operational on a single shaft supporting an extendable and retractable window covering, control motor, a slave motor, two cord spools, two cords, a stop assembly and a power cable wired with reverse polarity between the control and slave motors. An offset gearbox may be included to offset the reverse rotation of the slave motor to allow the control and slave motors to be wired with the same polarity. A pair of lifting gear boxes may be mounted to the shaft proximal opposite ends of the shaft to assist in the lifting of a heavier window covering. The assembly may include a wireless remote control transmitter for operating the two DC motors and electrical and mechanical circuitry adapted to store positional information.

Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.

Abstract: An alignment bracket for a roller blind, comprising a base and a roller tube support securable to the base. First and second coupling members on the base and roller tube support permit an adjustment of the alignment of the roller tube support, and the end of a roller tube mounted thereon, relative to the base. Also provided is a blind fabric alignment device for a roller tube of a multi-tube roller blind. The alignment device comprises a drive coupling body securable to an end of a roller tube of the blind, a driven member mounted to the drive coupling body, a torque transfer mechanism secured to the driven member, and an adjuster. The torque transfer mechanism transfers rotational torque from the driven member to the drive coupling body through the adjuster. The adjuster permits an alteration of the rotational position of the driven member relative to the drive coupling body.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus is arranged inside a house body and includes a watering apparatus that performs watering to a cluster of plants from above. The watering apparatus supplies water to the plants and controls an ambient temperature of the plants due to heat transfer utilizing vaporization heat by watering. A control apparatus acquires an environment information including the ambient temperature of the plants from an environment sensor, and performs the watering by driving the water supply apparatus in a watering period determined according to the environment information, and prohibits the watering by the water supply apparatus in an idle period that is set after the watering period so as to obtain a temperature and a humidity appropriate for growth of the plants.

Abstract: A thermal insulating apparatus for insulating a building envelope is provided. The thermal insulating apparatus may comprise at least one panel comprising one or more layers of insulating material, and at least one attachment site for joining the thermal insulating apparatus to at least one position of said building envelope. The thermal insulating apparatus may be operable between an open position allowing access to a wall opening, and a closed position in which at least one panel of the thermal insulating apparatus substantially covers and thermally insulates said wall opening. The thermal insulating apparatus may further comprise at least one solar thermal energy collector unit for collecting heat from solar thermal energy from sunlight, and the collected heat may be used for heating a structure such as a home or garage.

Abstract: A motor number setting method adopted by an electronic device including an MCU and multiple motors in series connection with a communication port of the MCU. When performing a setting procedure, the MCU obtains a motor amount of the multiple motors, and scans the communication port for obtaining a motor-number of each motor. Next, the MCU determines whether an amount of different motor-numbers equals the motor amount of the multiple motors. If the amount of different motor-numbers differs from the motor amount of the motors, the MCU sends a random numbering command to multiple motors having an identical motor-number so as to make these motors respectively performing a random numbering procedure for generating a new motor-number. Next, the MCU again scans the communication port until determining that the amount of the different motor-numbers equals the motor amount of the motors.

Abstract: A frac plug has a mandrel (42) about which slips (48) and (56), conical rings (46) and (54), and a seal element (52) are disposed in conventional fashion. A setting rod (32) has an upper end secured to a firing head (16), extends through the mandrel (42), and has a lower end secured to a shoe (62) located at the bottom of the mandrel (42). A power charge (110) is located in an annular-shaped space (106) extending between the mandrel (42) and the setting rod (32). Flow ports (90) extend through the mandrel (42) to a barrel piston (94) disposed around the exterior of the mandrel (42). During setting, the setting rod (32) will release from the shoe (62) at a predetermined force, allowing retrieval of the setting rod (32) and the firing head (16) separate from the frac plug (14). The firing head (16) has flow passages (34) for passing ignition gasses from the primary igniter (28) to the secondary igniter (108) with the flow passages (34) extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis (30).

Abstract: A window shade includes a reel and a roller pivotally connected with a head frame at two spaced-apart positions, a clutch operatively connected with the roller and switchable between an engaged state preventing the roller from rotating in a first direction and a disengaged state for rotation of the roller in an opposite second direction, and a panel assembly including multiple transversal vanes respectively connected with a first and a second panel. The reel is rotatable to wind and unwind the panel assembly with the first panel remaining in contact with the roller. The panel assembly is switchable between an open state for light passage and a closed state blocking light passage by rotating the transversal vanes. The reel is rotatable in an unwinding direction while the roller is kept stationary by the clutch in the engaged state for switching the panel assembly from the closed to open state.

Abstract: A pull across screen assembly has a flexible screen member (e.g. flymesh) wound about a vertical rod positioned at one side of the opening. A line member arrangement is attached to the front of the screen member and part of the line member winds about a tapered drum which is positioned on top of rod and which rotates with rotation of the rod. The arrangement allows the screen member to be tensioned and also to be balanced as it is pulled across the opening.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses various technologies, such as (1) a shower partition that includes a material which is switchable between a transparent state and an opaque state, (2) a shower partition including a microphone, and (3) a tent with a wall that deployably expands and undeployably retracts.

Abstract: A retractable sun shade for a vehicle that rolls up into a housing at the base of the windshield. Magnets on the top edge of the shade latch with corresponding magnets mounted to the vehicle to hold the shade open when deployed. Vehicle magnets may for example be on a T-bar that is clamped to the rearview mirror arm. The housing may be held in position via tension bars on the left and right ends of the housing, which push outward against the sides of the vehicle to hold the housing in place. The system may be installed or removed without tools, adhesives, or fixtures. The system conforms to vehicles and windshields of different sizes and shapes. Deployment and retraction of the shade are rapid and simple.

Abstract: A retractable, flexible-panel door is mountable to a door frame attached to a building and includes a first side rail, a second side rail, a top rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails, and a bottom rail mountable to and between the first and second side rails. A flexible panel extends between the top and bottom rails, and at least one biasing member draws the flexible panel toward one of the first and second side rails. The top and bottom rails are each axially expandable and reducible in length to accommodate mounting of the retractable, flexible panel door to door frames of different widths.

Abstract: A door curtain assembly configured for adjusting shading amount may include a fixed curtain wound around a fixed curtain take-up roll mounted at a door trim, a variable curtain wound around a variable curtain take-up roll mounted at the door trim, and a shade bar coupled to both a first end of the fixed curtain and a first end of the variable curtain such that the fixed curtain and the variable curtain are unwound and pulled up when the shade bar moves upward, wherein an upward position of the variable curtain can be adjusted.

Abstract: A receptacle treatment-machine features a shield arranged along a region of the receptacle-treatment machine. The shield's cladding segments define a protection wall that catches receptacle shards hurled machine. These cladding segments are arranged following one another. Each segment hangs freely from an upper end thereof to form a pendulum or connects at an end thereof to the receptacle treatment machine by a working connection with an elastically deformable element. Lower ends of the cladding segments are beneath a level of treatment positions of the receptacle-treatment machine, beneath a level on which the receptacles rest on bases thereof as they move during treatment thereof, and beneath a level on which the receptacles are supported on lower regions thereof as they move during treatment thereof.

Abstract: A guide is presented intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and two opposed longitudinal guides each comprising at least two spaced guide legs for defining there between a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The guides and longitudinal edges are provided with cooperating guide locking members and edge locking members for preventing the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen from moving out of the guide channels. The guide locking members are defined on separate parts engaging the guides.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a rotary shaft and a flexible display panel. The second body is movably connected to the first body and is adapted to lean against the first body or separate from the first body. The rotary shaft is pivotally connected to the first body. The flexible display panel is connected between the first and second bodies. When the second body is at the first position, a first section of the flexible display panel is rolled around the rotary shaft, and a second section of the flexible display panel is expanded between the first and second bodies. When the second body is at the second position, a part of the first section and the second section are expanded between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A closing element for roller shutters comprising a central portion designed to be arranged, in use, according to a closing plane of an access opening of a room to at least partly close the access opening, and at least two connecting portions located on opposite edges of the central portion, each of which designed for connection of the closing element with at least one other closing element. Each connecting portion extends about a respective axis and defines a cavity for housing a connecting bar. The connecting portion has an open profile so that the cavity is accessible transversely to the axis.

Abstract: There is provided a magnet screen device capable of satisfactorily displaying an image projected from a projector even at an edge portion of a screen sheet thereof. The magnet screen device comprises a screen sheet having a projection surface and a magnet surface opposed to the projection surface, and a roll part for rolling up the screen sheet. In non-use state of the device, the screen sheet is in a rolled-up position on the roll part such that the magnet surface is situated on the inside with respect to the projection surface in the rolled-up screen sheet.

Abstract: A roller shade includes a frame unit (1), a guiding unit (2) and a light regulating shading member (3). The light regulating shading member presents a two-layer state and has a plurality of light shading sections (31) and a plurality of light permeating sections (32). Each of the light permeating sections is provided with a plurality of through holes (321). When the light permeating sections at one layer of the light regulating shading member align with the light permeating sections at the other layer of the light regulating shading member, ambient sunlight passes through the through holes of each of the light permeating sections. When the light shading sections align with the light permeating sections, each of the light shading sections covers the through holes of each of the light permeating sections to interrupt the sunlight.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a fireproof barrier shield comprising the panels combined together to form a fireproof blanket placed on the building structure to protect the structure from flying embers, radiant heat and fire accidents. The panel comprises an inner heat retardant layer an outer heat reflective layer secured together using a heat resistant adhesive glue or thread. Each panel has several slots for receiving a fastener for combining the panels. The straps comprising a buckle and a belt are provided for securing the fireproof blanket to the ground using screw type anchors or stakes. The buckle is made of heat conductive material and the strap is made of fireproof threads. The perforated channels with brass or aluminum hose fittings are sewn to the inner layer to allow the water flow. The shield comprises a third layer arranged as an outer layer or an inner layer.

Abstract: The invention describes a cushion for shading system of the type comprising a piece of cloth slidingly fastened to a section bar of an upright. A raceway with a substantially C-shaped cross section serves to fasten the cushion to a section bar edge, and a flexible plastic tongue, having an end on the raceway and an opposed end spaced therefrom in order to contact the upright, serves as a spring between the section bar and the upright, allowing the section bar to come nearer to the upright in a compression phase or to be spaced in a predetermined way in the absence of compression.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a shifting awning roll with drive mechanism are taught wherein the drive mechanism may be utilized in manual or automated modes to extend or retract the awning. Additionally, the awning uses a lighter weight design than prior art awnings and further operates with the drive to tolerate axial misalignment during extension, retraction or height adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual roll blind enabling to control its light transmission amount and open and close with one ball-chain.

Abstract: A motorized transitional shade system may move a covering material between open, closed, view, and privacy positions. The covering material may define respective pluralities of opaque and transparent sections that are arranged in an alternating pattern. A bottom bar that is movably supported by the covering material may define first and second portions of the covering material. The opaque and transparent sections in the first and second portions of the covering material may permit visibility through the covering material in a view position, and may impede visibility through the covering material in a privacy position. If movement of the covering material is halted at an intermediate position that is between the open and closed positions, the motorized transitional shade system may cause the motor to rotate the roller tube to move the covering material to a next lowest privacy position or to a next highest view position.

Abstract: A flexible screen material can be cut out of square, or part of the screen frame can be formed out of square such that when the screen is fitted to the screen frame, there is less sagging.

Abstract: A roll blind is provided which can guarantee a simple operation. The roll blind includes: a supporting frame disposed in a window frame; first and second winding bars rotatably disposed in the supporting frame; a winding driver rotationally driving one of the first and second winding bars; first and second screens coupled to the first and second winding bars, respectively; a weight bar to which the tower ends of the first and second screens are fixed; and a clutch unit binding and unbinding the first and second winding bars with respect to each other.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a window covering comprises a panel having a lateral edge where the panel is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A side track is secured to the panel such that as the panel is moved between the raised position and the lowered position the side track is extended along the lateral edge. The side track changes from a first geometry to a second geometry as the side track is extended.

Abstract: A window shade device for vehicles covers a first window and a second window provided adjacent to each other to be shielded and opened. The window shade device for vehicles includes: a guide and support mechanism including a guide rail disposed along a drawing/housing direction of the second window shade and a movable member movable along the guide rail; a rack member connected with the movable member and configured to move along the guide rail; and an intermediate transmission mechanism including a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear and transmitting the rotation of a windup shaft member of the first windup device as a force for moving the rack member along the guide rail, the first bevel gear being connected to the windup shaft member so as to rotate in association therewith, the second bevel gear being disposed to mesh with the first bevel gear.

Abstract: A stationary base plate, a chain drum locking mechanism and a reducer mechanism are provided for a manual rolling door operator, in which the reducer mechanism has an output shaft and the chain drum locking mechanism has a chain drum, a wedge wheel, a drive shaft, a plurality of moving rollers, and fixed rods. If the chain drum is rotated in any direction by a force pulling a chain run around the chain drum, the fixed rods push against the moving rollers to release a wedging action from the wedge wheel which simultaneously renders the drive shaft to be rotated. However, if the force stop to pull the chain, the wedge wheel locks the moving roller by the wedging action due to the weight of a curtain of slats so as to stop the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A dual roll blind is provide. The dual roll blind may include a first screen and a second screen having light transmission portions and light shielding portions, respectively, a first winding bar and a second winding bar for respectively winding the first screen and the second screen, a first gear for rotationally driving the first winding bar, a second gear for rotating the second winding bar with rotating dependently on the first gear, an engagement maintaining portions for providing elasticity in the same direction as the mounting direction of the axis of rotation to one of the first gear or the second gear to prevent the gear from breaking away, and a clutch body holding inside the first gear, the second gear, and the engagement maintaining portions. The clutch body can include a setting hole corresponding to the engagement maintaining portions, and at least one of the first gear, and the second gear is interposed between the setting hole and the engagement maintaining portions.

Abstract: A screen includes: a screen base body, wherein the screen base body includes a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates has a sheet part and a connecting part provided at least one of the surfaces of the sheet part, the connecting part of one of the substrates is detachably connected with the connecting part of the other substrate, and when the screen is used the screen base body is produced by connecting the connecting parts of the respective substrates such that the substrates can be combined.

Abstract: A blind for a building opening, and having a head rail attachable adjacent to the building opening; a blind panel stored in the head rail, and adapted to be lowered, over the building opening; and, blind panel control mechanism in the head rail and control guides leading the control so as to hang free of the blind panel, and permitting the blind panel to fill the building opening.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly for a shade made from a relatively heavy and/or stiff material is described. The roller shade assembly includes a cylindrical member that is attached to the shade. A control mechanism rotates the cylindrical member for winding the shade upon the cylindrical member. Thus, winding the cylindrical member in one direction causes the shade to retract, while unwinding the cylindrical member in an opposite direction causes the shade to extend. In order to maintain the shade in alignment as the shade is retracted and extended, the roller shade assembly includes a pair of opposing retaining members that may have a disc-like shape. The retaining members may be positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the shade and have an effective diameter larger than the diameter of the shade when fully wound and retracted. In one embodiment, the roller shade assembly can further include fixed edge guides for further maintaining the shade in alignment.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include an outer roller, an inner roller received within the outer roller, a first shade secured to and adapted to be wrapped around the outer roller, and a second shade secured to and adapted to be wrapped around the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot through which the second shade extends and retracts. Opposite ends of the inner roller may be aligned with corresponding ends of the outer roller. A mounting system may support the inner and outer rollers for rotative movement about a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. A bottom rail of the second shade may engage the outer roller when the second shade is in the fully retracted position. Rotation of the inner roller when the second shade is in a retracted position may cause rotation of the outer roller.

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.

Abstract: A blind for a building opening, and having a head rail, attachable adjacent to the building opening; a first blind panel stored in the head rail, and adapted to be lowered as a loop defing two loop parts, over the building opening; a second blind panel stored in the head rail and adapted to be lowered over the building opening, and wherein the first panel is formed of light permeable material, whereby to admit at least some light into the interior of the building, and the second panel is formed of light impermeable material; transverse blind strips on the first panel, at spaced intervals there across; and, blind panel control mechanism in the head rail whereby the first blind panel loops can be adjusted so as to adjust the transverse blind strips between open and closed positions.