Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for solar awnings or canopies that include rigid solar modules, for example photovoltaic cells or panels. The awnings have solar modules or panels stacked together substantially vertically (e.g., each module is oriented vertically with respect to the next module). The solar modules in the stack are interconnected to each other, such that each solar module is connected electrically and mechanically to adjacent solar modules. The first solar module in the stack of modules is fixed to one end of the base of the awning. The base of the awning is typically mounted to a building, vehicle, mobile home, or other appropriate structure. The last solar module in the stack is attached to a lead arm of the awning. The lead arm moves back and forth (e.g., away and toward) from the base of the awning to enable the expansion or retraction of the awning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (11) for the prevention of liquid overflow from an outside installation comprising a storage tank (10) for said liquid and a liquid retaining means (12) arranged around said tank, said device comprising a plate element (111, 112, 113) to be arranged between the tank and the retaining means, said plate element defining an impact surface (131, 132, 133) hit by the liquid overflowing onto said plate in the event of a rupture of the tank and openings distributed over said surface and through said plate element in order to reduce the kinetic energy of the liquid.

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 folding panel assembly includes at least first and second, substantially rectangular panels, the first panel having first and second vertical ends, and the second panel having third and fourth vertical ends, the second and third vertical ends being hinged to one another about a hinge axis parallel thereto. An actuating system includes a substantially horizontal track, with a first pivot support for connection to the first panel, a carriage traversable along the track, with a second pivot support for connection to the second panel. The actuating system further includes a flexible drive element arranged parallel to the track and engaging the carriage for traversing it along the track. The actuating system employs an elongated connecting rod with a first longitudinal end pivotally connected to the carriage and a second, opposite longitudinal end pivotally connected to the first panel at a location adjacent to the second vertical end thereof.

Abstract: A partition wall, upwardly movable into storage position and downwardly movable into vertical, down position. The wall comprises a plurality of similar trains of elongated members. The members of each train are arranged to form a single pantograph forming longitudinally aligned rows of diamonds. The trains are spaced laterally to form a wall plane and oriented so that the diamonds of the pantographs operate in a plane at a 90° angle to that wall plane. A plurality of panels are provided, each panel being secured to a pair of corresponding members in adjacent trains. The panels are secured to corresponding pairs of opposed sides of the diamonds. Means are provided to raise and lower the trains at a similar rate. The pantographs are contracted when the wall is in a storage position and the elongated when the wall is in down position. The panels form a vertical wall when the pantographs are elongated in down position.