An improved bi-fold shutter that includes a more efficient coupling mechanism at a hinge point suited to facilitate opening and closing the bi-fold shutter with greater ease. In one embodiment, the shutter may be designed for a window such that the shutter, when closed, is relatively close to the face of the associated window, and when open, forms an awning or overhang. The shutter includes an improved coupling mechanism at a hinge point between a first shutter portion and a second shutter portion. The improved hinge point shifts a direction of force needed to maneuver the shutter when moving the shutter from one position to another. The shift in opening and closing force directions improves the efficiency by which the shutter can be operated. In some embodiments, the shutter may be hand-operated. In other embodiments, the shutter may be powered.

A shutter adjustment device for utilizing a tool such as a drill to easily and effortlessly raise or lower storm shutters. The shutter adjustment device generally includes a housing adapted to be connected between a drill and a shutter lever of a storm shutter. The housing may be connected to a drill such that the housing rotates when the drill is activated. The shutter lever may be removably engaged within a clamp assembly of the housing such that the shutter lever may be easily rotated by activating the drill. In this manner, the shutter may be easily raised or lowered with little effort using the drill.

An apparatus and system for removably restraining a panel in a structure opening. The apparatus being independent of panel thickness, and requiring no modification of the opening, preserving the contacted surfaces against significant defacing or marring.

A rain shield is provided for exterior architectural windows which prevents rain water from intruding into a dwelling. The rain shield may include a generally rectangular-planar shield member. The device may also include first and second lower fixed pivots disposed on a lower portion of opposing sides of the shield member. The first and second fixed pivots may be oppositely directed from each other and cooperate to pivot the device between stowed and deployed configurations. The rain shield may also include first and second lateral supports disposed on either side of the shield member.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and system involving the use of a panel for protecting fenestrations in buildings such as windows and doors, from damage caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, riots, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention include a substrate panel attached to a security film providing increased protection against wind-driven missiles associated with high winds with decreased weight and mitigating improper installation.

A rain shield is provided for exterior architectural windows which prevents rain water from intruding into a dwelling. The rain shield may include a generally rectangular-planar shield member. The device may also include first and second lower fixed pivots disposed on a lower portion of opposing sides of the shield member. The first and second fixed pivots may be oppositely directed from each other and cooperate to pivot the device between stowed and deployed configurations. The rain shield may also include first and second lateral supports disposed on either side of the shield member.

Provided are a computer program product, moveable robot block, and method for a moveable robot block deployed to form a barrier and sense environmental conditions. A command is received to couple to a location in a coordinate system comprising the barrier formed of a plurality of moveable robot blocks. Movement motors are controlled to cause the moveable robot block to move to the location in the coordinate system to couple to the barrier according to the command. An environmental sensor senses an environmental condition related to water sensed external to the moveable robot block when the moveable robot block is coupled to the barrier. The environmental condition is transmitted to the assembly management system over the network.

An improved bi-fold shutter that includes a more efficient coupling mechanism at a hinge point suited to facilitate opening and closing the bi-fold shutter with greater ease. In one embodiment, the shutter may be designed for a window such that the shutter, when closed, is relatively close to the face of the associated window, and when open, forms an awning or overhang. The shutter includes an improved coupling mechanism at a hinge point between a first shutter portion and a second shutter portion. The improved hinge point shifts a direction of force needed to maneuver the shutter when moving the shutter from one position to another. The shift in opening and closing force directions improves the efficiency by which the shutter can be operated. In some embodiments, the shutter may be hand-operated. In other embodiments, the shutter may be powered.

A secondary window system installable within a primary window frame that includes a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member spaced from the top horizontal member, and first and second side members, the secondary window system including a top channel member attachable to and extending along at least a portion of the top horizontal member of the primary window frame, a secondary window frame comprising a header, a sill spaced from the header, first and second side jambs spaced from each other and extending from the header to the sill, and a secondary window opening defined by the secondary window frame, a top channel retainer engageable with the header of the secondary window frame, and at least one hanger engageable with the top channel member and the top channel retainer, wherein the secondary window frame is rotatably moveable relative to the primary window frame about the at least one hanger.

A window frame protection system, for holding an exterior and an interior protective panel against a window, includes an extruded lineal having a first stacked screw boss, an exterior protective panel and a groove with covering cap. Anchoring screws driven through the exterior panel and into the stacked screw boss hold the panel to the lineal. A chamber for a second stacked screw boss, and a part of the extruded lineal, is to attach an interior panel to the window frame when additional window protection is needed and when the exterior of the window frame is not accessible. The second stacked screw boss may be inserted into the chamber during construction or, if the chamber is left open, may be added only when needed. A sash support on the interior of the window frame receives a sill riser for meeting higher design loads on the window sash.