Abstract: A louvre window having: a frame, the frame having a head, a sill and at least two jambs; a drive bar located in one or both of the jambs that is movable by a handle; a plurality of blades located within the frame and connected to the drive bar by a pivot drive connector, such that movement of the drive bar urges the blades to pivot, each blade having: a first windowpane attached to the blade; and a second windowpane attached to the blade, wherein operation of the handle causes movement of the blades between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the first windowpanes are aligned to form a barrier against airflow and the second windowpanes are aligned to form a barrier against airflow and in the closed position the first windowpanes are pivoted out of alignment to allow airflow and the second windowpanes are pivoted out of alignment to allow airflow.

Abstract: A damping device of a window covering is provided, including a headrail, a covering material, and a driving device, wherein the driving device is located in the headrail to raise and extend the covering material. The damping device is provided in the headrail, and includes a metal member and a magnetic member, wherein at least a magnetic pole of the magnetic member faces the metal member. The metal member is located within a magnetic field of the magnetic member. Either one or both the metal member and the magnetic member is drivable by the driving device to make the metal member and the magnetic member move relative to each other. Whereby, the damping device is able to provide a desired damping effect at different temperature or after a long period use, such that the rotation of the metal member and the movement of the covering material are slowed down.

Abstract: Pallet racking systems are designed to quickly freeze items using thermal transfer by moving air through palletized products. Air is pulled through the palletized product to a negative air plenum behind the pallet rack. Back panels of the pallet racks provide variable-height airflow by use of louvers which are individually pressed open by the palletized product to accommodate differing product heights. The panels allow more efficient system operation with any number of rack positions filled.

Abstract: An air flow regulation device for an air inlet of a front-end module for a motor vehicle includes a support frame with multiple blocking flaps mounted mobile on the support frame. At least one of the blocking flaps of the support frame includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, and one of the leading and trailing edges is arranged to come into abutment against the support frame. The support frame includes an obstacle configured to generate disturbances in the flow of the air between the support frame and the flap that comes into abutment against the frame.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shutter assembly includes a shutter frame and a plurality of louvers supported by the frame. The shutter assembly also includes a louver drive assembly and a motor positioned within the frame. The motor is configured to rotationally drive a drive shaft extending within the frame. Additionally, the shutter assembly includes a clutch assembly rotationally coupled between the drive shaft and the louver drive assembly. The clutch assembly is configured to disengage or decouple the drive shaft from the louver drive assembly when a torque transmitted through the clutch assembly exceeds a given torque threshold.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus comprising a roof panel (20) and control system (14), the roof panel comprising one or more cover portions that are moveable between open and closed positions for opening and closing the roof panel. The control system comprises an actuator (40) for moving the cover portions between the open and closed positions, a mains power supply input, and an emergency power store. The control system is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of an emergency, to power the actuator from the mains power supply when the signals indicate there is no emergency, and to power the actuator from the emergency power store when the signals indicate there is an emergency.

Abstract: An air conditioning and heat pump tower includes a main casing, a plurality of connecting pipes, a compressor, a front heat exchanger, a rear heat exchanger, a fan unit, and an energy efficient arrangement. The energy efficient arrangement includes a first pre-heating heat exchanger supported in a front compartment of the main casing, and positioned between an outdoor air intake opening and an outdoor heat exchanging portion of the front heat exchanger. The air conditioning and heat pump tower may be operated between an air conditioning mode for absorbing heat from the indoor space, and a heat pump mode for producing heat to the indoor space. A predetermined amount of ambient air may be drawn through the outdoor air intake opening and may be pre-heated by the energy efficient arrangement before delivering to the indoor space.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an air conditioning apparatus comprising: (a) a controller comprising a microprocessor; (b) a wireless transceiver in communication with the microprocessor and operable to communicate over a wireless network with an application on a mobile device; (c) a compressor controlled by the controller; (d) a fan controlled by the controller; and (e) a front panel that allows a user to interface with the controller. Another exemplary aspect comprises a mobile device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing an application that enables a user of the mobile device to adjust settings for an air conditioning apparatus operable to communicate via a wireless network with the mobile device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air guide nozzle (1) for ventilating the interior of a motor vehicle, the air guide nozzle having an air outlet duct (3) at the first air outlet (4) of which a plurality of pivoted slats (6), which can be pivoted simultaneously about respective longitudinal axes, is arranged in parallel and at a distance from one another, for which purpose said slats are connected by a lever (7) on the side facing away from the air outlet (4), wherein the air guide nozzle (1) has a second, separate air outlet (5) below the first air outlet (4).

Abstract: A shutter assembly including a plurality of shutter panels arranged side-by-side. Each shutter panel has a respective plurality of louvers and a respective operable tilt mechanism configured to adjust the tilt angle of the respective plurality of louvers. A control shaft operates the tilt mechanisms. The control shaft is configured to drive simultaneously the respective tilt mechanisms of all of the plurality of shutter panels.

Abstract: A building envelope or cladding system which permits selective visibility from inside the building while rejecting solar heat and providing an optional insulative envelope. A vertical support mullion is on one side of a building structure. A module is attached to the mullion using a hinge, wherein the module is adapted to flip away from the mullion. A drive means includes a gear system housed within the module and a drive shaft connected through the building structure. One or more cladding elements is connected to and operable by the drive means. As a result, the cladding elements can both rotate and flip away to expose or cover an underlying glass surface. Each module is coupled to the drive means using a coupling assembly which is spring-biased to thereby rotate the cladding elements, thus modifying the effects of the sun and other ambient factors on the state of the building.

Abstract: A grain storage pit includes an open-top chamber configured to be substantially flush-mounted in a surface and a grain-receiving grate that covers at least a portion of the open-top chamber so that grain may be poured into the open-top chamber through the grate from a truck positioned over the pit. The grate has a convex-shaped upper surface so that a cover placed over the grate more effectively sheds water. The grain storage pit may also include one or more unloading ports for facilitating removal of grain from the pit. At least one of the unloading ports may be adjustably mounted to an opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers coupled within the frame. Each louver of the plurality of louvers is operatively coupled to adjacent louvers with a collapsible linkage. The system may further comprise a biasing member coupled to a first louver located at a first end of the plurality of louvers and a resisting member coupled to a second louver located at a second end of the plurality of louvers. The biasing member pulls against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkage. According to certain embodiments, the frame elements are coupled within a window opening and trim elements are coupled to cover gaps between the frame elements and the window opening.

Abstract: An invention is provided for a security shutter assembly. The security shutter assembly includes a shutter door having a plurality of operable louvers pivotally mounted between vertical stiles. A locking element is attached to the first vertical stile, and can be set in a locked position that secures the shutter door closed, and an open position that allows the shutter door to be opened. The locking element includes a louver flange portion that extends over the louvers when the louvers are in the closed position and the locking element is in the open position. However, the louvers block the louver flange from being positioned over the louvers when the louvers are in the open position, thus preventing the locking element from being placed in the open, and unlocked, position while the louvers are in the open position.

Abstract: A shutter panel and an installation including a shutter panel in an architectural opening. The shutter panel has mitered corners without exposed end grain. The shutter panel is connected directly to structures defining the architectural opening.

Abstract: A coaxial double drive assembly configured for actuating shielding elements of a secondary skin facade of a building is disclosed. The assembly includes an outer drive output and an inner drive output, which are arranged substantially coaxially with each other to an axis of rotation. The assembly also includes a driving arrangement, which is adapted to accept one or more transmission gear assemblies, which connect the outer and inner drive output to one or more rotating motor drives, which axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the outer and inner drive outputs. The outer drive output and the inner drive output extend at the same side of the coaxial double drive assembly and are adapted to accept a two-part pivot assembly, which when pivoted by the outer drive output and the inner drive output, is adapted for actuating the shielding elements of the secondary skin facade coupled thereto.

Abstract: A frame assembly for windows and doors includes a pair of side members and a pair of generally parallel cross members, each extending along a unique member axis. The cross members include a first frame portion and a second frame portion that extend generally along the member axis and are connected by a camming fastener that draws together and secures the first and second frame portions. A method of fabricating a shutter assembly includes forming a pair of C-shaped partial-frames, each from a side member coupled to portions of two cross-members. The method includes co-axially aligning corresponding portions of the two cross-members along two axes and joining the two C-shaped partial-frames with camming fasteners.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a new type of shading device for windows. The shading device comprises two sheets of glass, a blind with a plurality of slates, and an actuating device rotating them. The slats are painted with a low reflectivity coating on one side and a high reflectivity coating on the other side. The blind is installed inside the air tight chamber formed by two sheets of glass. In addition, a low emissivity film can be applied on the wall of the air tight chamber. The shade device employs a control system to adjust the angle of the blind slats in response to various input signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a cable is provided. The apparatus includes a first plate, a second plate, and a tie. The first plate includes an opening. The second plate angularly extends from the first plate. The second plate includes a cut-out portion configured to allow passage of a tie associated with the cable. The tab extends into the cut-out portion and includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to allow wrapping of the tie while the second member is configured to lock a position of the tie.

Abstract: A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.

Abstract: A system is provided for joining two discrete devices together, such as a louver panel and a tilt rod, where the system comprises a first and second component, each comprising a link connected to a resilient sheet, with each component being independently adhered to one of the two discrete devices for joining the two devices in engaged but moveable relationship.

Abstract: An awning configured to transform and can be opened, closed, or partially open. The awning attaches to the side of a building or structure and is supported with posts. The awning includes rectangular rafters with a J cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, rectangular rafters with an L cross-sectional shape formed at the edge of one of the long sides, two ledgers which are each functionally connected to opposing short sides of the rectangular rafters at the face of the ledgers, and means to axially rotate the rafters about the length of the rafters up to 90 degrees.

Abstract: A jalousie window in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a jalousie window insert having parallel side rails and a plurality of window louvers extending between the side rails for simultaneous rotation around parallel horizontal axes, a window frame including a frame head, a frame sill, and a pair of spaced frame jambs interconnected with the frame head and the frame sill in a rectangular frame geometry. The window also includes a head adapter having an outer portion secured to the frame head, a sill adapter having an outer portion secured to the frame sill, and a pair of opposed jamb adapters including outer portions respectively secured to the frame jambs and inner portions having legs that receive outer edges of the side rails so that the side rails conceal the jamb adapters and to secure the jalousie window insert within the window frame.

Abstract: A grille shutter device selectively opening and closing a grille opening in the front grille of a vehicle. The grille shutter device includes a fin, a motor, a transmission mechanism, a first switch, and a second switch. The fin has a support shaft, which is rotatably supported by the front grille. When supplied with electricity, the motor rotates its output shaft in one direction. The transmission mechanism converts the rotation of the output shaft to a swinging motion of the fin, thereby swinging the fin between a closed position, where the fin closes the grille opening, and an open position, where the fin opens the grille opening. When the fin is swung to the closed position, the first switch stops the motor. When the fin is swung to the open position, the second switch stops the motor.

Abstract: A louvered door assembly for an outdoor electronic enclosure includes an outer panel attached to an inner panel. Channels for holding louvers are attached to both panels. Each channel has slots formed therein which receive the individual louvers and hold them in position without fasteners. The inner panel holds the louvers in the slots. The louvered door assembly provides a clean look, a compact arrangement, large air flow and resists water ingress into the enclosure.

Abstract: A window covering specially designed and attached to indoor residential shutters is disclosed. The window cover is removably attached by various means in various embodiments and provides a user with more control over light transmission, solar transmission and view through properties, as desired. In a preferred embodiment, holes are drilled into as shutter at respective corner. Subsequently, circular magnets are provided to each of the holes to mate with ferromagnetic material configured to the window covering. A variety of fabrics and color options are additionally provided to the window covering.

Abstract: The shutter drive apparatus is an apparatus adapted such that the movement of any one shutter louver of a tilt-rod-less shutter results in the corresponding movement of all of the louvers of the shutter. The apparatus is preferably mounted within a tilt-rod-less shutter comprising a shutter frame having at least top and bottom horizontal rails, at least a first side stile and a second side stile, and a plurality of louvers rotatably mounted within the stiles such that a first end of the louvers are freely rotatable within the first side stile, and such that a second end of the louvers are drivably engaged to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of pinion gears, a face strip, opposing drive strips, and a retainer strip. Each louver is drivably engaged to a different pinion gear and each pinion gear is drivably engaged to the drive strips.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.

Abstract: A solar window shade includes a frame for supporting louvers for shading at least one window of a building. Preferably, the frame is pivotally connected to the building above the window, and a frame drive system selectively pivots the frame upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the elevation of the sun. A louver drive system rotates the louvers within the frame to track east-to-west movements of the sun. The louvers are preferably provided as outer and inner louvers interlaced with each other, and such louvers nest with one another when the sun is hidden, or approaches from an acute angle, to maximize passage of indirect light rays to light the interior, while minimizing obstruction of the view through the window. The device is modular and is easily applied to aligned rows of windows and/or windows on multi-story buildings, with central control of the associated frame drive and louver drive systems.

Abstract: A Bahama awning-type shutter with functional louvers that is strong enough to withstand all tropical weather and test standards relating to and including hurricane force winds, while incorporating the user-friendly, easy opening mechanism of a jalousie. The opening mechanism is an L-angle structure which is capable of moving all of the louvers in unison, opening them by pulling out on the L-angle and closing them by pushing inward on the L-angle. When the shutter is locked against the structure to which it is attached a portion of the L-angle is positioned between the inner face of the shutter and the structure and cannot move outward, thus locking the louvers in a closed position. In this closed position the louvers have the strength to resist hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A shutter kit comprising frame components, louvers, inserts, louver clips and tilt bars are combined as a ready to assemble shutter. The frame components are configured to assemble into a shutter frame. The louvers are adapted to fit within the shutter frame. The inserts are adapted to attach to stiles of the frame components. The louver clips are capable of rotatably attaching at regular intervals along the length of the inserts and removably retaining the louvers. The tilt bars are adapted to rotatably interconnect the louver clips. In one embodiment, the inserts, louver clips and tilt bars are preassembled into trees adapted to insert into an assembled shutter frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a louver blind having louvers (1) that can be pivoted about a vertical axis, displaceably held at both ends thereof by louver holders (2) extending beyond the louver width between an upper and a lower guide track (3). The louver holders (2) are hereby connected to each other by carriages (4) displaceable in the guide tracks (3) and aligned in parallel to each other, and can be pivoted by synchronously driven drive device disposed in the carriages (4). In order to make the installation of the louver blind—or optionally the removal thereof—easier, according to the invention, decoupleable permanent magnets (16, 18) are provided for connecting between the louver mounts (2) and the carriages (4). Said arrangement has the further advantage that the connections can automatically release when critical tension or rotational forces are exceeded, so that damage can be prevented in the connecting parts.

Abstract: A shutter having a frame, and louvres and having a control mechanism for operating all louvres, louvre drive couplings in each louvre, at least one moveable drive connector member for connecting between each louvre drive coupling, the drive connector member being moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and having biasing springs for the drive connectors, yieldable to permit movement of the drive connectors out of the engaged positions.

Abstract: An invention is provided for a security shutter assembly. The security shutter assembly includes a shutter door having a plurality of operable louvers pivotally mounted between vertical stiles. A locking element is attached to the first vertical stile, and can be set in a locked position that secures the shutter door closed, and an open position that allows the shutter door to be opened. The locking element includes a louver flange portion that extends over the louvers when the louvers are in the closed position and the locking element is in the open position. However, the louvers block the louver flange from being positioned over the louvers when the louvers are in the open position, thus preventing the locking element from being placed in the open, and unlocked, position while the louvers are in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a security cover for a door viewer such as a peephole. The security cover includes a housing having a forward opening configured to align with the peephole, a rearward viewing port, and an eyecup. The security cover further includes a shutter mechanism that is manually repositionable from a closed position to an opened position via engagement of an actuator. In operation, the security cover is coupled to a door such that it covers the door viewer.

Abstract: An arched shutter configured for automated, simultaneous control of a plurality of louvers, the arched shutter comprises the plurality of louvers, a frame, a portion of which forms an arch, a base, wherein the plurality of louvers are installed between the base and the portion of the frame that forms an arch via a plurality of rod arms, a motor configured to drive one of the plurality of rod arms and therefore one of the plurality of louvers, and a plurality of linking apparatus connecting the plurality of louvers such that all of the plurality of louvers operate when the one louver is driven by the motor.

Abstract: A window unit (102), comprising: a first sheet (301); a second sheet portion (304); a third sheet portion (308); and an actuation means. The first sheet (301) defines first high transmittance regions (302A, 302B) and first low transmittance regions (303A, 303B). The second sheet portion (304) is positioned substantially parallel to the first sheet, and defines second high transmittance regions (306A, 306B) and second low transmittance regions (307A, 307B). The third sheet portion (308) is positioned substantially parallel to the second sheet portion, and defines third high transmittance regions (309A, 309B) and third low transmittance regions (310A, 310B). The actuation means (507, 523, 524) is configured to simultaneously move the second sheet portion and the third sheet portion from an open configuration, to a closed configuration. In the open configuration the second and third high transmittance regions are aligned with the first high transmittance regions.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling a flow of fluid through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver includes a pivot axis and an actuating portion. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. The mechanism is configured to engage each actuating portion and rotate each louver at a variable rate. A vehicle employing the shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable flap, designed for the production of a covering device, includes a section (12) that is made of translucent material with length L1 and longitudinal axis A1 around which the flap (10) is articulated to rotate, and at least one slat (14) that is made of opaque material with length L2, L2 that is at most equal to L1, and longitudinal axis A2, A2 that is parallel to A1, around which the slat (14) is articulated to rotate relative to the flap.

Abstract: A shutter with a frame having side members and top and bottom members, and louvres mounted between the side members, and a control for controlling and tilting the louvres, and louvre seals at the top and bottom of the frame, the louvre seals being loosely supported on the top and bottom of the frame, the top frame loosely supporting the top seal in a vertically dependent position, and the bottom frame loosely supporting the bottom seal in an upright standing position, and which render the two louvre seals swingable to allow sealing contact by the top and bottom louvres, when the louvres are tilted closed, and which seals swing back to vertical when released by the louvres. In a preferred form the blade seals are incorporated in frame extensions, with the frame extensions being swingable on the frames, and being biassed to hang vertical when out of contact with the louvres .

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular assembly device for providing adequate and efficient ventilation, temperature control, and insulation in poultry houses. The disclosed invention relates to an automated or manually-operated modular shutter system for tunnel ventilation in poultry houses, the system being self-sealed by the poultry house's internal negative static pressure. All the shutters in a modular shutter unit are designed to open and close in unison by means of specially-designed hinges and hinge spacers. In the preferred embodiment, there are four shutters per modular shutter unit, all of the same construction and dimensions. The shutters are designed with beveled horizontal edges and end cap seals, which together provide an efficient and practically airtight fit against each other when closed. The shutters are also of sufficient thickness to accommodate internal insulation if necessary to raise the insulation values needed for the poultry houses in cold winter months.

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: A louvre blade retention system for use in a louvre windows system, the retention system including a louvre end clip mounted relative to a louvre channel, the louvre end clip having at least one longitudinal recess therein to receive an end portion of a louvre blade and at least one transverse opening, a louvre blade having at least one opening therethrough in the end portion and a retaining member adapted to be received through the aligned at least one transverse opening in the louvre end clip and the at least one opening through the louvre blade in order to fix the louvre blade to the end clip.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly including a plurality of main slats arranged in side-by-side relation, end pieces positioned at each end of the main slats and each including laterally spaced tongues spaced and sized to fit in their respective open ends of the main slats at a respective end of the main slats, and cross slat structures positioned in overlying relationship to seams formed between inboard ends of the end pieces and the respective ends of the main slats. The cross slat structures are removably secured to the end pieces and to the main slats so that, following delivery of the shutter assembly to a building site, the cross slat structures may be removed, the end pieces and main slats may be secured to a building surface utilizing fastener members, and the cross slats may be repositioned over the fastener members to conceal the fastener members.

Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.

Abstract: An architectural louver shade assembly comprising a shade canopy mounted to a rotatable central axle tube that supports a rod rib assembly to which the shade canopy is attached by adjustable tensioners that mechanically stretch and tension the fabric element of the shade canopy to remove wrinkles and sags. A wax cylinder piston attached by elements of a wax piston pressure system that changes the pitch of the shade canopy in response to temperature with a gas spring unit that returns the shade canopy to its default, horizontal orientation with decreasing temperatures. An optional manual/mechanical system that, through use of control cables, changes the pitch of the shade canopy with a gas spring unit that returns it to a default orientation. A camber cable assembly that maintains an equal compression load on the rib arm units that directly support the shade canopy, and carrier brackets that support the central axle tube and connect the louver shade assembly to a building wall.

Abstract: A motorized drive system for a louvre assembly of the type containing a surround frame, a pair of spaced apart operating bars positioned within the surround frame and where movement of the operating bars causes rotation of the louvres, the drive system comprising a motor adapted to be positioned within the surround frame, the motor operationally driving a drive shaft which is substantially horizontal when the drive system is fitted within the surround frame, a mounting member which is attached for rotation with the drive shaft, at least two spaced apart attachment points on the mounting member, a first link arm, a second link arm and a third link arm, the first link arm being attached to one of the attachment points and to one said operating bar, the second link arm being attached to another of the attachment points, the third link arm being pivotally attached to the second link arm and to the other operating bar.

Abstract: A variable-bias shutter system for controlling an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face that includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating in tandem each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed. A vehicle employing the variable-bias shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: When a cooling airflow used for cooling an engine etc. is discharged to a side of a machine as a discharge airflow, the airflow can be prevented from blowing to trees located at the side of the machine and to walkers passing the side of the machine. A rotary working machine has, inside a bonnet (10), an engine (8) and a discharge type cooling fan (45). An opening (10b) for discharging cooling airflow is provided in a side of the bonnet (10), and a movable louver (50) having blades (52, 52, . . . ) is provided in a duct (48) placed between the opening (10b) and the cooling fan (45).

Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.