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 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 includes a frame head, a frame sill, and a pair of spaced frame jambs interconnected with the frame head and sill in a rectangular frame geometry. A pair of opposed jamb adapters include outer portions secured by snap fit to the frame jambs and inner portions that receive by snap fit an associated one of the insert side rails such that the side rails and the jalousie window insert are secured by the jamb adapters within the window frame. A head adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame head, and a sill adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame sill.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame with side members and end members, and in which at least one of the side members is hollow, and a plurality of louvres extending from one side member to the other side member, and being rotatably mounted in the side members, and a control linkage within at least one of the side members, the control linkage having at least one control element, and each louvre having at least one control member engaging the respective control element, the control members being located spaced radially from the rotation axes of the louvres.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved louver turning mechanism and a hollow glass door or window with a built-in magnetically controllable louver, comprising a turn traction member, a turn transmission member and a slat turning member which are connected in turn, wherein the turn transmission member comprises a slat turning wheel and a joint interlocking mechanism which are used in cooperation, the joint interlocking mechanism is, at one end thereof, eccentrically fixedly connected to the slat turning wheel to drive it to rotate, and, at the other end thereof, connected to the turn traction member through a connecting push rod; the slat turning wheel is coaxially fixedly connected to a horizontal rotation shaft of the slat turning member. According to the present invention, the slat turning wheel and the joint interlocking mechanism are used in cooperation to substitute a pull-cord transmission mechanism and a gear transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A shutter for covering for architectural openings having non-conventional geometries. The shutter may be used for covering a wide variety of shapes of openings, including arched, curved, circular, oval, triangular, hexagonal, square and rectangular geometries, as well as any combination of these geometries. A plurality of frame blocks form a frame of the shutter, each frame block having front and rear faces; a top surface; an outer surface; a vertical inner surface, and a horizontal bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of a first block of the plurality of frame blocks rests on the top surface of a next lower second block of the plurality of frame blocks and extends inwardly beyond the vertical inner surface of the second block to define a cantilevered portion.

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 panelless shutter is provided, the panelless shutter including a window frame and a plurality of louvers horizontally mounted within the window frame in a parallel configuration, each louver having a first end and a second end. The panelless shutter also includes a louver mechanism comprising a plurality of rotatable members slideably retained within a track and a gear shaft operably coupled to each rotatable member, wherein the rotatable members are coupled to the first end of each louver of the plurality of louvers and the gear shaft rotates each of the plurality of louvers substantially simultaneously. The shutter further includes a louver retainer rotatably securing the second end of each louver of the plurality of louvers, the louver retainer allowing the rotation and vertical sliding of each louver.

Abstract: A window shutter assembly having flexible light blocking seals molded in the frame or on the edges of the stop surface of the frame. The invention also includes fasteners for securing the louver frame of shutters and also for applying tension to the louvers to resist undesired louver tilt due to wear and the effects of gravity. Additional light blocking features include T-shaped strips of a fibrous material which is secured to a suitable location such as in a groove along the side of the louver panel stile and louvers having edges which inter-engage in the closed position to efficiently block light.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame, and louvres, and with a side pull bar located along one edge of the frame and connected to the adjacent ends of the louvres, the louvres being pivotally mounted in the frame in parallel relation to one another, and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a pull bar having a plurality of hinge assemblies, a hinge sleeve member at one end on each louvre, each respective hinge assemblies being engaged with a respective sleeve member, and an anti rotation formation on each sleeve member engaging the interior of its respective louvre so as to retain said sleeve member in its respective louvre.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a clip and frame assembly for a louvre window, including a frame with a frame channel and a clip rotatably coupled to the frame, the clip having at least one channel on its back surface adapted to direct water along a flow path to an aperture in the frame channel. The invention extends to a pairing of adjacent clips wherein one or more channels in an upper clip direct water into a channel in a lower clip which is, in turn, directed into the frame channel. Preferably, the clip includes four channels on the back surface with each channel in fluid communication with at least one other channel either in the same clip or in an adjacent clip. The invention extends to a channel being formed in a recess adapted to receive an edge of a louvre plate wherein water in this channel is also directed into the frame channel through an aligned aperture. Further embodiments of the invention may include one or more channels which discharge water outwardly of the clip.

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 removable louver shutter comprises a shutter frame defining an opening and inserts mounted to the frame proximate to the opening. End caps are rotatably mounted along the inserts. Generally planar louvers are each removably attached between corresponding pairs of the end caps so as to be disposed within the opening. At least one link bar connects the end caps so as to move the louvers between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.

Abstract: A shutter attaches over a window opening without reliance on a traditional window frame for mounting or support. Rather, the shutter panel utilizes concealable hinges to fixedly attach the shutter panel directly to a window casement. This so-called “frameless” shutter has a shutter panel with stiles and spreaders that accommodate rotatable louvers that open and close the shutter panel to light. Each concealable hinges has a shutter mount and a window mount that removably attach together so as to removable mount the shutter panel over the window opening. A window frame may be attached to the wall around the shutter panel for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A multipurpose window having various functions including ventilation, lighting, and security is provided. The multipurpose window includes: a frame; a plurality of doors configured to be arranged in a row in the frame; and a pair of link assemblies configured to be installed on both sides of each of the doors, configured to link the doors and configured to open or shut the frame by being folded or unfolded.

Abstract: A kit containing components which can be assembled into a shutter panel includes a header, a footer, a plurality of brackets, a first stile, a second stile, a plurality of louvers. One embodiment also contains a jig to align the bracket with the header or footer for attachment. Each bracket is sized and configured to be connected to an end of the header or footer. The stiles each have a longitudinal channel which enables the stiles to be fitted over at least one of the brackets. The jig has a mouth sized to receive an end of the footer or header and a cavity adjacent the mouth such that a user of the jig can place one end of a bracket in the cavity and the other end of the header or footer in the mouth. The kit may be packaged in two packs. One pack contains a header, a footer and a plurality of brackets.

Abstract: A louvre window system has an end clip (10) which is formed with at least one internal drainage channel (14) which can drain water through the end clip (10). A number of such clips can rotate between an open position and a closed position. The clips (10) are aligned when in the closed position which insures that water can drain from an upper clip through a lower clip. The clips (10) have a low friction design which enables a larger number of louvers to be rotated by a single handle (55) without placing too much load on the handle and on the louvre operating mechanism. A simple efficient louver operating mechanism (27; 37) is used to operate the end clips.

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: A shutter assembly includes a stile having a solid core and a plastic outer cover. Holes are formed in the plastic outer cover and aligned with an axial groove formed in the solid core to receive a slotted louver pin. The louver pin includes a pair of arms that provide a sufficient compression fit in the axial groove of the stile while enabling each louver to rotate freely. Separate stile end caps are formed to be flush with the edges of the ends of the plastic cover. Each louver includes louver edges and opposite end caps which are substantially flush with the louver edges. A method of manufacturing a shutter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: One embodiment of a louver for installation in an opening in a wall includes a head; a sill; two opposite iambs wherein one iamb has a longitudinal recess; a plurality of parallel sloping slats disposed in a space defined by the head, the sill, and the iambs, each slat being pivotably secured to the jambs; and a tilt rod pivotably secured to the slats. The tilt rod is received in the recess when the louver is closed.

Abstract: An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for mounting in a building fabric or window opening and having a rectangular frame and a latch mechanism and a catch plate to allow locking and unlocking of the shutter assembly in the window, in which the catch plate has a transverse groove receiving the latch mechanism, and a stop wall at a rearward end and a ramp at the forward end, and retaining pins for securing the catch plate in the window, all formed in one piece integrally.

Abstract: A nonretractable covering for architectural openings such as doors, windows, archways, or the like includes a covering fabric like material having pivotal vanes with the fabric like material being extended between upper and lower tilt bars with one of the upper lower tilt bars being an active tilt bar and the other a passive tilt bar which moves in response to the active tilt bar. Movement of the active tilt bar between opened and closed positions pivots the vanes between opened and closed positions while the fabric material remains extended across the architectural opening.

Abstract: An insulative window assembly has a frame carrying a window pane closure and also a thermally insulative jalousie structure that when closed confines an air space with the window pane closure. The slats can be glass or opaque bodies that are molded or have casings carrying a foam, particulate or other insulation. Complementary edges of the slats seal and mechanically engage when closed. The pivot axes for the slats can be adjacent a lateral edge of the slats to cause the slats to cantilever from their pivots axes when open, for shading from the sun.

Abstract: A louver blade positioning device of a motorized shutter assembly includes an indented positioning portion or a protruded portion formed upon a driving shaft and a resilient member coming into contact with the driving shaft and the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion in a radically movable manner at a fixed angle. When the louver blades are rotated to approach a specific angle, the resilient member moves into the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion. Through the resilient force exerted by the resilient member on the indented positioning portion or the protruded portion, the driving shaft rotates to approach the specific angle, such that the louver blades become positioned at the specific angle when being rotated to approach the specific angle, thereby becoming free from the angular clearance inherent among transmission components of the motorized shutter assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic charged driving device applicable to a shutter includes a driving module and a photovoltaic module. The driving module comprises a rechargeable power unit, a controller, a motor and a power input terminal, used to drive slats to change their angle. The photovoltaic module includes a power output terminal having a compatible connector with the power input terminal, and a solar panel used to receive sunlight to charge the rechargeable power unit so as to enable the driving module to chronically operate without changing a battery. The photovoltaic module can be conveniently connected to or removed from the driving module for receiving sunlight effectively.

Abstract: A shutter having a frame, hollow louvres rotatably supported in the frame, and a control bar for controlling the louvres and one-piece connector members connecting the louvres to the control bar in which the connector member has a T-member with integral rigid arms extending normal to the stem on either side for insertion into a louvre, a stem integral with the T-member and an abutment on the stem which prevents movement of the stem into the interior of the louvre and ribs within the louvre for locating the arms and assisting in providing a hinge action and attachments for attaching to a control bar.

Abstract: A shutter assembly having a rectangular frame and at least two separate sections of louvres rotatably supported in the frame; at least two separate tilt control bars, for controlling at least two separate groups of louvres; links connecting respective louvres to the respective control bar; a releasable connector device for connecting and disconnecting the tilt control bars of at least two separate sections of louvres of the shutter assembly, to allow adjustment of the tilt of the louvres in all groups of the shutter assembly in unison, or each separate group of the louvres individually.

Abstract: A window blind for privacy includes slats made of transparent material having an embossed pattern and a printed pattern thereon sufficient to decrease the transparency of the slat and obscure visibility through the slats while maintaining a high degree of translucency. The lift cord is positioned outside of the slats, and the slats are constructed to close without exposing significant voids there through that are not overlapped by an adjacent slat. A valance is formed from slats and overlaps spaces that may occur above and below the head rail.

Abstract: A shutter includes top and bottom frames as well as interconnecting perpendicular styles between which a plurality of louvers are pivotally mounted. Each louver has a first tap in its opposite ends for receipt of a pivot pin and a second tap in at least one end for receipt of a tilt pin for pivotal interconnection with a tilt bar. The tilt pins are positioned adjacent to one longitudinal edge of a louver whereby the tilt bar can be easily fastened thereto and positioned adjacent a longitudinal end of the louvers.

Abstract: A rotating shaft of louver blades for shutter assembly interconnected between a louver blade and a frame is provided, which includes a bushing and a shaft. A body of the bushing has a through hole and a plurality of slots, such that the body can be deformed flexibly. A front section of the shaft is fitted with the through hole. After the bushing is combined with the frame, the fixing hole is relatively small, which forces the end of the bushing having the slots to be compressed inwards, and after the front section passes through the bushing, the flexibly-deformed portion is expanded outwards, such that the bushing can be engaged with the frame. Moreover, the flexibly-deformed portion of the bushing generates a clipping force to the front section, such that the shaft and bushing are tightly fitted with each other, thereby making the louver blade be easily rotated and positioned.

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 includes a frame head, a frame sill, and a pair of spaced frame jambs interconnected with the frame head and sill in a rectangular frame geometry. A pair of opposed jamb adapters include outer portions secured by snap fit to the frame jambs and inner portions that receive by snap fit an associated one of the insert side rails such that the side rails and the jalousie window insert are secured by the jamb adapters within the window frame. A head adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame head, and a sill adapter has an outer portion secured by snap fit to the frame sill.

Abstract: A kit containing components which can be assembled into a shutter panel includes a header, a footer, a plurality of brackets, a first stile, a second stile, a plurality of louvers. One embodiment also contains a jig to align the bracket with the header or footer for attachment. Each bracket is sized and configured to be connected to an end of the header or footer. The stiles each have a longitudinal channel which enables the stiles to be fitted over at least one of the brackets. The jig has a mouth sized to receive an end of the footer or header and a cavity adjacent the mouth such that a user of the jig can place one end of a bracket in the cavity and the other end of the header or footer in the mouth. The kit may be packaged in two packs. One pack contains a header, a footer and a plurality of brackets.

Abstract: An automated shutter control is provided for a shutter having a plurality of slats which are pivoted in unison. The automated shutter control comprises a motor and a slat interface having a body portion and a contact portion. The contact portion has a contour configured to register with and abut against at least a portion of a surface of one of the slats of the shutter. The body portion has a leading end for contacting a first adjacent slat and pivotally rotating it when moving in a first direction and a trailing end for contacting a second adjacent slat and pivotally rotating it when moving in a second direction. A moving assembly is moved by the motor and connects to the slat interface so as to move the slat interface between a first and a second position.

Abstract: An electric blind includes a frame, a plurality of horizontal slat units, and a stepping motor. The frame has two side vertical rods pivotally connected with the slat units, and a linking rod is fixed with a lengthwise side of all the slat units, possible to force the slat units synchronously swing for an angle. The stepping motor unit is composed of a stepping motor and a controller. The stepping motor is positioned in a cavity of one of the two side vertical rods, connected with a slat of the salt units. Further the controller controls the rotating angle of the motor, and the stepping motor can rotate idle in case the motor should meet an exterior force (for example, in case of the slat units already swung to the largest angle), or the slat units are manually moved any time. Thus the electric blind may not easily be broken or damaged.

Abstract: A shutter assembly mounts to a building and includes a right stile and a left stile disposed in spaced opposing relationship with one another. A first bar is mounted to the right stile and presents at least one recess facing outwardly away from the right stile for receiving a decorative member. A second bar opposing the first bar is mounted to the left stile and presents at least one recess facing and opposing the recess of the first bar for receiving the decorative member. The first and second bars each have at least one biasing device extending into the respective recesses of the first and second bars and engage the decorative member for biasing the decorative member outwardly away from the respective stiles to prevent movement of the decorative member relative to the stiles.

Abstract: A shutter having a frame and rotatable louvres of the type having a control rod connected to the louvres for moving said louvres, and having a control rod extending normal to the louvres, spaced apart from the louvres connector members on the louvres, having hinge formations extending outwardly from respective louvres, and having connector members for the control rod, having hinge formations and in which the hinge formations provide a hinge connection between the louvres and the control rod, with hinge axes spaced between the louvres and the control rod, and locating the control rod at a distance from the louvres sufficient to permit the louvres to be fully closed by the control rod without the control rod contacting the louvres.

Abstract: A shutter includes an upper block, a lower block, plural slats and plural vertical blocks. The upper block, the lower block, the slats and the vertical side blocks are all provided with an inner block fixed with an upper veneer, a lower veneer, a front veneer and a rear veneer. The inner block is a made of hard plywood, not easily deform to keep the shutter not easily deformed. The upper block, the lower block and each slat are provided with a recessed step so that the slats can fit with the upper block and the lower block for shutting out light steadily in case of the slats are changed in their angles.

Abstract: A plastic louver which is to be swingably mounted in a shutter frame has a generally hollow louver body with a mouth at each end of the louver body. An end cap is fitted to each end of the louver body. Each end cap has an insert part which slides into the mouth and a face part which is exposed at the end of the louver body. The face part includes surrounding flashing which locates against without completely covering the mouthwall around the mouth. The flashing is of a size to provide sufficient strength to hold the face part of the end cap from pushing into the mouth of the louver body.

Abstract: A shutter is provided that utilizes a rack and pinion mechanism for tilting the louvers of the shutter. The rack and pinion mechanism preferably is hidden within the stiles of the shutter. In a preferred embodiment, the louvers of the shutter may be installed and removed without disassembling the assembled frame and rack and pinion mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing window shutter slats or louvers converts rotary motion by a knob or electric motor into rotary motion of one of the slats. The apparatus is attached to a frame structure that is included with the window shutter and which surrounds the slats. A connecting rod that is pivotally attached to all of the slats pivots all of the slats an amount that is nearly equal to that of the one slat. The knob includes a first shaft that is attached to a drive gear in an enclosure which turns a driven gear. The driven gear is attached to a second shaft which is adapted to turn a pin end of the one slat. The motor is adapted to rotate one of the slats directly. Retrofit use and use in newly manufactured shutters is described. The apparatus can also be used to pivot open the shutter with respect to a pair of hinges that pivotally attach the shutter to a surrounding support structure.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: This 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: An impact resistant shutter assembly, such as Bahama and Colonial-style shutter assemblies, for protecting glass of external openings of a structure, where the shutter assembly is resistant to damage by flying debris from high wind storms and hurricanes, said shutter assembly designed to meet governmental building code requirements for resistance to flying debris from hurricanes. The shutter assembly comprises a generally rectangular frame fabricated of a light-weight metal, such as aluminum, having a pair of side members, and top and bottom members. Extending between and into the side members are a plurality of angled slats, where the ends of the angled slats are anchored within the side members by a pair of rod members passing through apertures in proximity to the slat ends. Optionally, a locking mechanism may be provided to secure a pair of shutter assemblies during the periods of high winds and hurricanes.

Abstract: An automated shutter control for a shutter having a plurality of slats which are pivoted in unison, the automated shutter control comprises a motor, a slat interface having a body portion and a connector portion, the connector portion having a contour configured to register with and connect to at least a portion of an end of one of the slats of the shutter, and a moving assembly moved by the motor and connectable to the slat interface so as to move the slat interface between a first and a second position.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: Blind slats for door/window Venetian blinds include a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereby, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. Each of the blind slats is formed of a flexible embodiment with a locating member attached at both shorter lateral sides thereon respectively to be registered with the retaining hole of the of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby. Via the flexibility thereof, each blind slat is capable of being pushed at both lateral sides thereof till slightly bent into an arc shape, permitting the locating members thereof to detach from the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets according to the deformation of the blind slat thereof.

Abstract: A receiving pit has a grid covering an uppermost opening through which grain or other material is deposited into the pit. The grid including a series of generally parallel and spaced bars and a dust control device according to this invention includes a number of flights each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid. The dust control device includes a number of generally vertically extending bulkheads each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid and juxtaposed to a free end of one of the flights to thereby inhibit the escape of dust from the receiving pit. Each flight includes a series of blades capable of independently deflecting in response to an amount of material deposited through the grid and onto the blade. The dust control device also includes a release mechanism coupled to each of the flights to manually deflect at least selected blades and allow material remaining atop the blade to fall into the receiving pit.

Abstract: A shutter includes a frame with frame members that are spaced apart from one another, and a series of louvers are respectively rotatably mounted to the frame members. At least one of the frame members includes a casing defining a cavity. A controller, which preferably includes a rack and pinion system, is at least partially positioned in the cavity for synchronously pivoting the louvers. A housing of the controller is preferably an extrusion that reinforces the casing.