Abstract: The system includes a series of operable louvers mounted on a four-sided frame and connected on each side to the operating mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing of the louvers. Every part of the system that is exposing to the exterior of the building is separated from the interior part of the system by a low heat conductivity material as a thermal barrier. Each operable louver is composing of a four-sided main frame, two panes of glass (inner and outer) and a coupling mechanism on each side that connects to the operating mechanism. The main frame acts as the thermal break as well as a system that absorbs the energy created when an outside object impacts the window from the outside. The system incorporates sealing devices between all moving parts to eliminate water and air infiltration. The operating system allows for easy opening and closing of the window by rotating each louver with the crank mechanism assisted by springs.

Abstract: A universal locking device for securing flat or corrugated hurricane storm panels in place to avoid unauthorized removal and entry into a building. The locking device includes a combination of brackets removably secured between the building and the storm panels, and an adjustable locking bar locking these elements securely together.

Abstract: A self-storing security door assembly including a door frame and a self-storing glass sub-assembly is disclosed. The door frame may include four side members and a freeze bar extending two opposing side members. The freeze bar may also divide a first portion of the door frame from a second portion of the door frame. A glass section may be coupled over the first portion of the door frame, and a screen section may be coupled over the second portion of the door frame. The self-storing glass sub-assembly may be coupled to the door frame included two protruding tracks. Each protruding track may include a channel and be positioned on an interior edge of opposing side members. At least two opposing side members may also include a recessed track on an interior edge. Each recessed track may include a channel between the protruding track and the respective side member.

Abstract: A shutter panel assembly is provided to protect a building opening from impact damage. The building opening includes a frame with a bore formed therein and an externally threaded elongated anchor having an exposed portion extending outwardly from a bottom surface of the bore. The shutter panel assembly includes a shutter panel and a fastener. The shutter panel having a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an aperture extend between the first surface and the second surface. The fastener having a shank portion and a flange portion. The shank portion having an internally threaded hollow portion adjacent a distal open end of the shank portion. The flange portion extending radially outwardly from a proximate end of the shank portion.

Abstract: A universal locking device for securing flat or corrugated hurricane storm panels in place to avoid unauthorized removal and entry into a building. The locking device includes a combination of brackets removably secured between the building and the storm panels, and an adjustable locking bar locking these elements securely together.

Abstract: A storm trim for holding a panel over a window for protection against impact of objects carried by wind during a storm. The storm trim includes a lineal cap and a lineal base. The base may be used with a window frame, incorporated into a window frame or be used in glazing surrounds or shutters. The base carries a stacked screw boss to receive and securely hold the anchoring screws that are needed to hold the panel over the window. The anchoring screws do not extend through the lineal base but remain within it. When the storm trim is not in use, the cap covers the lineal base.

Abstract: A hole in a door is fitted with an insert The insert includes a frame assembly and a mounting plate which are affixed together and sandwiching portions of the door adjacent the hole therebetween. The frame assembly further includes a lattice spanning the hole. An inner door is pivotably mounted to the mounting plate for selectively opening and closing the insert. The frame assembly is configured to support a screen adjacent thereto and inboard of the inner door.

Abstract: A louver blind structure comprises a frame with a plurality of louver members pivotally mounted at each longitudinal end thereof to the frame so as to pivot between open and closed positions. An elongated member is movable relative to the frame and is so positioned as to engage the louver members. An actuator is mounted to the frame for selectively imparting a movement to the elongated member. When imparting a movement to the elongated member the louver members engaged thereby are caused to pivot between the open and closed positions. A kit comprising this actuator and the elongate member for a louver blind structure is also provided.

Abstract: A window assembly (30) comprising a frame (36) in which are received sliding and security members. The security member has ventilating and non-ventilating parts (40, 32), with the sliding member (34) being slidably moveable over the security member between a first position in which air may pass through the ventilating part (40) so as to ventilate the room in which the window assembly (30) is located, and a second position in which no such ventilation can occur. The ventilating part 40 may comprise a grille, perforated sheet, lattice arrangement or the like.

Abstract: An electrical panel including a housing configured to house one or more electrical components that are accessible from outside the housing. A shutter door assembly is coupled to the housing. The shutter door assembly comprises a compartment door and a barrier panel slidably coupled to the compartment door. The barrier panel is configured to be placed in a closed position that obstructs access to the one or more electrical components through the compartment door and an open position that provides access to the one or more electrical components through the compartment door.

Abstract: A door has a frame forming an opening of the door, a window unit rotatably attached to the frame for positioning in the opening of the frame, a retainer moveably mounted on the frame, and an operator for operating the retainer. The retainer is moveable from a released position wherein the retainer is disengaged from the window unit, to a retaining position, wherein the retainer engages the window unit to hold the window unit in the opening.

Abstract: A frameless window module allows operable windows to be placed in any location of a wood stud frame wall without compromising the load bearing capability of the studs thereof. By using lift-off pivot hinges, two (2) panes of glass are respectively pivotally mounted to the exterior and interior surfaces of the wood stud frame wall. Pneumatic gaskets enable to controllably regulate the air interspace captured thereby to provide a variable-insulation aperture. Interconnection hinges cause the two (2) glass panes of a module to move in concert and/or serve to securely lock them in their closed position.

Abstract: A window sash installed into a window frame, wherein the window sash assumes an operable position where the vertical sides of the window sash are aligned with the side jambs of the window frame. A gap space exists between each of the vertical sides of the window sash and the side jambs of the window frame. This gap space is utilized by a counterbalance system. Spacer assemblies are attached to the window sash. Each spacer assembly has a base that mounts to the window sash and a slide that selectively extends from the base. The slides are extended across the gap spaces between the sash and the side jambs. The slides are brought into close proximity with the side jambs. The presence of the slides prevents the window sash from being able to cock out of the intended operational orientation of the window sash.

Abstract: A sliding door pet entry system, including a fixed door portion, having an interior side and an exterior side, and having and pet door built into it. The pet door may be automated with an electrical power cord which plugs into a wall outlet. The pet door is shaped and configured such that a sliding door portion which slides completely over the fixed door portion and the pet door without interference from the pet door. The sliding door pet entry system can further include a screen door roll attached to said fixed door portion which rolls out from said fixed door portion to cover the space opened by the sliding of the sliding door portion.

Abstract: A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.

Abstract: Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here.

Abstract: A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for mounting structures, for example panels, to doors, windows, and other building openings. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system of brackets which may be removably mounted onto a door, window, or other building opening and to which may be attached a protective panel which substantially covers the window or other building structure. Such a system may be used, for example, to provide protection to doors, windows and other building openings against flying debris from hurricanes and to other severe storms.

Abstract: A panel, such as a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover, according to which an access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel.

Abstract: A storm reinforcing brace for a corrugated polycarbonate plastic hurricane shutter panel, and the combination thereof. The brace includes an elongated bar member extrusion-formed as a single one-piece unit and having a continuous, uniform generally hat-shaped section defining a central portion, leg or side portions, and mounting flange portions thereof. The central portion is preferably flat with an inwardly extending C-shaped channel sized to entrappingly slidably receive a head of a separate threaded fastener from either end of the channel, the threaded fastener being held in the channel in an outwardly extending adjustably slidable orientation along the length of the brace. Each of the mounting flange portions lie in a plane inwardly offset from the central portion and laterally extending from each corresponding leg portion, each of the mounting flange portions for receiving fasteners therethrough anchoring the brace against the upright side members of a window frame.

Abstract: A cover unit includes a first cover that is movable between a cover position and an exposed position. A second cover slidably is movable in a direction perpendicular to its visible surface. A cover moving mechanism moves the second cover, wherein, when the first cover is at the cover position, the second cover is at such a height that the visible surface of the second cover is substantially coplanar with a visible surface of the first cover. When the first cover is moved from the cover position to the exposed position, the second cover is moved to such a height such that the visible surface of the second cover is moved by at least an amount that corresponds with the thickness of the first cover. When the first cover is at the exposed position, the first cover is above the visible surface of the second cover.

Abstract: An end cap for an H-shaped header bar used to secure a corrugated hurricane shutter attachable to a window frame and having a generally inverted U-shaped pocket adapted in size to receive an upper margin of the hurricane shutter and the end cap at each end of the header bar. The header bar cooperates with a lower support channel also attached to the window frame to support and secure the hurricane shutter over the window. An end cap is positionable and attachable within an inner upright side of the pocket to engage with the upper corner of the hurricane shutter preventing substantial lateral expansion movement or corrugation deformation from being struck by flying objects during heavy hurricane wind.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: An energy saving grate system installed outside a building or structure in warm weather that reduces heating due to infrared radiation (IR) from sunlight. For a window application the grate acts as a sunshade to block or diffuse the IR and ultraviolet (UV) portions of sunlight while passing visible light. The grate cell size, depth, cell surface characteristics, and mounting details near the sash determine system performance of sunlight control, of the view through the grate, and of the exterior appearance. The grate is removable for cool weather. The grate system can cool various surfaces and requires no operating adjustments. It can be applied near most windows (including skylights) on all sides of a building where impinging sunlight causes unwanted heating. Compared to external solar thin mesh screens the grate system can provide more open area for a given performance in reduced IR heating.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: This door includes a device that permits air to flow through the door in one direction but prevents this flow of air in the opposite direction. On the attached illustration, the door includes at least a window (74), that less air pass through as well as an elastic membrane (76) covering window (74). Elastic membrane (76) includes on the one hand an area that is airtight facing window (74) and capable of fully covering it and on the other hand, an area that is pervious to air near the impervious area.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself non-permanent hurricane panel supporting and securing device designed to allow property owner selection and installation of a variety of readily available storm panel materials over glass doors and windows as a means of protection from hurricane winds and associated flying debris. The system provides a base plate device for supporting and securing the lower edge of plywood and other hurricane panel materials available following hurricane alerts or warnings. Readily available owner selected channels or tracks engage the upper edge of the panel materials. The system is designed to allow property owners of multi-level apartments and condominiums to install hurricane panels over glass doors and windows with provisions for the installer to complete the installation from inside the glass door or window being protected.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: An output cable for transferring an output of a fuel cell stack to a device provided outside a stack case and an output terminal portion of the fuel cell stack are connected to each other, and a blocking device capable of blocking the fuel cell stack from supplying the output thereof to the device through mechanical operation from outside the stack case is provided. In the stack case, a first through hole for allowing for maintenance and checkout from the outside of the stack case to the inside is formed, and the blocking device is attached so as to cover this first through hole from outside. The blocking device includes a housing made of a solid body, a second through hole for communicating the outside of the stack case with the inside by communicating with the first through hole, and a closing cover for closing the second through hole.

Abstract: A removable storm window system for insulating a permanent window that is fixed in a wall opening circumscribed by a casing with walls that project frontward from the permanent window. The window system includes a system frame with structural members that form a peripheral frame and a subframe attached therein. The subframe includes at least one structural member that extends between members of the peripheral frame, thereby creating a plurality of window openings in the system frame. A system attachment device is on the peripheral frame, for removably attaching the system within the casing. Sashes are dimensioned to sealingly fit in the window openings, each sash having a sash frame that holds a window pane, and a sash portion of a sash attachment on the sash frame. A frame portion of the sash attachment is on the system frame. Thus the removable storm window system provides a removably installable storm window that has a plurality of individually removable and/or operable framed sash windows.

Abstract: This door consists of: an internal structure (16) in which at least two compartments are executed; a panel (18) mounted in each of the compartments, and holding means of each panel (18) in the corresponding compartment. These means permit the release of the panel when a predetermined load, in a given direction, is applied to this panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door (8) designed to be inserted between a cockpit and a cabin of an aircraft, the door comprising a cockpit side (8a) and a cabin side (8b). According to the invention, the door comprises at least one trapdoor (22) capable of closing off a passageway (20) passing through the door and secondly being opened towards the cabin side, the door also comprising a locking/unlocking mechanism (30) of the trapdoor arranged on the cockpit side and that can automatically unlock the trapdoor when the difference between a cockpit pressure and a cabin pressure corresponding to the air pressures applied on the cockpit side and the cabin side of the door respectively is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An Adjustable flood-resistant barrier for removable installation in a window or door opening or the like. A laterally adjustable frame is received within an elastic envelope and can be laterally expanded to engage the sides and bottom of the opening. An adjusting mechanism includes a shaft, which projects upward above the top of the frame, approximately in the center thereof, and mounts a handle for both carrying the panel and rotating the shaft to effect width adjustments of the panel. An improved peripheral seal minimizes the likelihood of leakage at the corners. For wide openings, mullions are provided to support central areas and to increase downward sealing pressures in the center of the panel. Mullions can also be positioned between an opposed pair of barrier panels for closing off unusually wide openings.

Abstract: A sheet is removably positionable adjacent to a window. The sheet has upper, lower and side edges. A plurality of braces is secured to the sheet. Each brace has a metal base plate and a pair of fixed housings. A vertical push rod is slidably supported in each fixed housing for axial reciprocation. A cam is rotatably secured in each fixed housing. A swivel rod is secured to the handle and both of the cams. A reciprocable housing has an open upper face and a lower face. The housing is secured to the push rods. A rubber bumper is secured to the upper face. The bumper is adapted to contact an adjacent surface when in the extended operative orientation during operation and use.

Abstract: Upper and lower window track strips each define an elongate panel receptacle of generally rectangular configuration for receiving an edge portion of a structural panel in tight fitting serration retained relation therein. The upper and lower window track strips define wall structures forming a pair of upper and lower window guide tracks, respectively, thereby allowing a pair of window panes to be moved in sliding fashion between the upper and lower guide tracks to open or close the windows. The upper window guide tracks are deeper than the lower window guide tracks to permit the window panes to be moved upwardly and laterally for removal. Rainwater collected within the lower guide tracks drains at the ends of the lower guide tracks or via drain holes therein. The lower window track strip is provided with a resilient cushion strip to protect objects such as guns, camera lenses and the like that contact the lower window track strip.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle having a door window defined by a retractable transparent panel which is guided into a receiving frame, the safety apparatus comprising a window insert formed of a sheet of material; a window frame including a transparent panel, the window frame having inside and outside surfaces; a lower mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, with an edge defined to be releasably inserted in the frame; an upper mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, the upper mounting bracket attached to the inside surface of the window frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective door for drivers' cabins, in particular for utility vehicles. The design achieves maximum flexibility for protecting the driver both against influences of weather and injury. The protective door has a first door element, with a restraining arrangement, which can be locked on a front pillar of a driver's cab for securing against the driver falling out laterally. Further included is a weather protection unit for the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window assembly for use in mass transit vehicles which allows the quick and easy removal and replacement of transparent sacrificial glazing panels which protect the glazing of the window from vandalism and wear. The window assembly utilizes a sacrificial protective panel and mounting arrangement which allows quick and easy replacement of protective panels on one or both sides of the window assembly, but inhibits removal by non-maintenance personnel such as vandals. The frame of the window assembly incorporates one or more retainers which fit into slots along the interior sides of the window frame and sandwich the glazing between the frame and the retainers. In turn, the retainers are essentially “locked” into position in the frame by an inner protective panel, which significantly inhibits the removal of the retainers from the window assembly when the protective panel is in its desired position against the windowpane.

Abstract: A window system includes an out-swinging window having an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The viewable portions of the interior surface are made of a first material. The window system also includes a jamb. The out-swinging window is pivotally attached to the jamb. A screen assembly is removably mountable to the jamb on the interior surface of the out-swinging window. The screen assembly further includes a frame portion with a viewable portion made of the first material. In some embodiments, the window system further includes a finish strip positionable between the screen of the screen assembly and the frame of the screen assembly and a set of instructions regarding the window system.

Abstract: A door insulator includes a door covering and insulator device for selectively positioning over exterior positioned lower level doors. The lower level doors includes a pair of doors that are positioned on a frame which is angled upwardly from a front wall to a back wall such that the doors lie at an acute angle with respect to a ground surface. The device comprises a first panel and a second panel that each has a size and shape substantially equal to a size and shape of the doors. An inner edge and an outer edge are defined with respect to the first and second panels when the first and second panels are selectively positioned on the doors. Each of the panels comprises an insulating material. A securing member is adapted for selectively attaching the first and second panels together along their respective inner edges.

Abstract: A impact protection system for building openings, such as windows and doors, includes a shutter assembly having angled blades extending between frame members in such as manner that access areas are provided when the shutters are closed to permit insertion of a storm bar clip to secure a reinforcing storm bar. The storm bar can be secured to the surrounding wall by removable wall mounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: Concealed retaining channel for attaching upper edges of storm shutters in front of windows. The concealed retaining channel can be installed within a soffet portion of a roof overhang, and remains unseen with or without a storm shutter attached thereto. The concealed retaining channel can have a lower facing channel opening for receiving an upper edge of the storm shutter, and can be attached with removable fasteners to an exterior wall above the window being protected by the shutter and above the soffit portion of the roof overhang. A front portion of the concealed retaining channel can have a horizontal planar sleeve with an interior facing groove for receiving an upper leg of an elongated piece of trim, such as J-shaped decorative trim, so that only a portion of the decorative trim hangs down exposing a front facing groove.

Abstract: An emergency escape door device includes a primary door panel having an entrance formed in an inner peripheral surface inclined between a greater peripheral side contour a smaller peripheral side contour, and an auxiliary door panel pivotally secured to the primary door panel to selectively enclose the entrance of the primary door panel and having an inclined outer peripheral surface to mate with the inclined inner peripheral surface of the primary door panel. The auxiliary door panel may be disengaged from the primary door panel in such as an earthquake.

Abstract: Concealed retaining channel for attaching upper edges of storm shutters in front of windows. The concealed retaining channel can be installed within a soffet portion of a roof overhang, and remains unseen with or without a storm shutter attached thereto. The concealed retaining channel can have a lower facing channel opening for receiving an upper edge of the storm shutter, and can be attached with removable fasteners to an exterior wall above the window being protected by the shutter and above the soffit portion of the roof overhang. A front portion of the concealed retaining channel can have a horizontal planar sleeve with an interior facing groove for receiving an upper leg of an elongated piece of trim, such as J-shaped decorative trim, so that only a portion of the decorative trim hangs down exposing a front facing groove.

Abstract: A window assembly for use in mass transit vehicles which allows the quick and easy removal and replacement of transparent sacrificial glazing panels which protect the glazing of the window from vandalism and wear. The window assembly utilizes a sacrificial protective panel and mounting arrangement which allows quick and easy replacement of protective panels on one or both sides of the window assembly, but inhibits removal by non-maintenance personnel such as vandals. The frame of the window assembly incorporates one or more retainers which fit into slots along the interior sides of the window frame and sandwich the glazing between the frame and the retainers. In turn, the retainers are essentially “locked” into position in the frame by an inner protective panel, which significantly inhibits the removal of the retainers from the window assembly when the protective panel is in its desired position against the windowpane.

Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system for a window in a room includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and a programmable logic unit for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to the programmable logic unit to operate at least one of the plurality of cornices. Each of the plurality of cornices further includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupance of the room. The programmable logic control unit is responsive to the sensed ambient light conditions and the detected occupance.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a skylight well opening includes a framework having a peripheral frame sized to circumscribe the light well opening. The framework can be secured in a position relative to a ceiling surface so that the peripheral frame circumscribes the light well opening. A grillwork is adapted to mate with the framework in a closed position wherein the grillwork and framework define a panel space. A light-transmissive panel is sized to fit within the panel space between the grillwork and the framework. The grillwork is hingedly attached to the framework so that that the grillwork and framework can be moved between an open position and the closed position. The grillwork is adapted to releasably attach to the framework in the closed position.

Abstract: A two portion frame for an opening (10) comprises a fixed frame portion (12), which is secured about the opening (10); a removable frame portion (22), which is hinged to the fixed frame portion (12) by hinges (30) and locks (36) by which the removable frame portion (22) is fixable to the fixed portion (12), so that the removable frame portion is removable only from one side of the frame. A door (32) is hinged to the removable frame portion (22) by hinges (34) so that it opens towards the other side. One or more locks are, provided to lock the door (32) with the removable frame portion (22) and one or more locks are provided to lock the removable frame portion (22) with the fixed frame portion (12).

Abstract: A reinforced storm shutter for protecting doors and windows of buildings from high winds of severe storms and hurricanes. The shutter is comprised of heavy-gauge components, including tubular members having a plurality of aligned, slotted openings and louvers mounted in the aligned openings. The louvers are welded to the tubular members, preferably on the inside surface of the tube, with the weld completely sealing each slotted opening. The tubular members are then welded around the entire periphery of the tube ends to the remaining frame members of the shutter to hermetically seal the tubular members and protect the welds securing the louvers from continuous weathering conditions. The tubular members are formed of mating channel members that are sealingly secured together after the louvers have been welded in place.