A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

A pneumatically actuated gate assembly, and a kit for making the assembly are provided. The assembly comprising: a gate with an at least one hinge; a battery; a compressed gas cylinder; a first support pivotally supporting the gate with the hinges; a second support; a latch movably mounted on the gate; a keeper for releasable engagement with the latch, the keeper mounted on the second support; a compressed gas system in fluid communication with the compressed gas cylinder; a gate pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a gate pneumatic ram pivotally attached to the first support at a proximal end and attached to the gate at a distal end; a latch pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a latch pneumatic ram attached to the gate and the latch; and a controller, wherein the compressed gas system is configured to provide a controllable pressure of gas to the gate pneumatic system and the latch pneumatic system under control of the controller. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

A parcel receptacle includes a bottom member, an exterior wall that extends upward from the bottom member and that defines an interior space, and a top member that is coupled with the exterior wall and configured to cover an opening of the receptacle to enclose the parcel within the interior space. The parcel receptacle also includes a lock mechanism that is operably coupled with the top member and the exterior wall. The lock mechanism is lockable to prevent user access to the interior space and is unlockable to enable the top member to be opened to allow user access to the interior space. A vertical lip of the top member overlaps at least a portion of the exterior wall so that a seam between the top member and the exterior wall is covered by the vertical lip.

A device for determining the position of a rear door or liftgate of a cargo truck or trailer includes a base attachable to the rear door or liftgate. A visual indicator extends from the base so as to be viewable from a side view mirror of the truck to enable a driver of the truck to determine the position of the rear door or liftgate due to the position of the visual indicator. The visual indicator may be a plurality of closely spaced apart elongated members, which may be brightly colored or light transmissive so as to be easily seen.

A parcel receptacle includes a bottom member, an exterior wall that extends upward from the bottom member and that defines an interior space, and a top member that is coupled with the exterior wall and configured to cover an opening of the receptacle to enclose the parcel within the interior space. The parcel receptacle also includes a lock mechanism that is operably coupled with the top member and the exterior wall. The lock mechanism is lockable to prevent user access to the interior space and is unlockable to enable the top member to be opened to allow user access to the interior space. A vertical lip of the top member overlaps at least a portion of the exterior wall so that a seam between the top member and the exterior wall is covered by the vertical lip.

A window venting insert, including a main housing, for use within a window assembly having a casement an upper window panel and a lower window panel, the lower window panel may be opened to create a window opening. A screen panel extends within the main housing an allows air flow through the main housing. A movable solid panel has a closed position where it selectively blocks the screen panel to prevent air flow therethrough. A motor mechanism and a control unit cooperate to determine appropriate times and ambient temperatures for moving the movable solid panel to the closed position.

A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with pulleys engages with a belt or chain mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first pulley in a first rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first pulley in a second rotational direction causes the first pulley to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

A protection and/or charging assembly includes a power apparatus, a protection housing, a charging apparatus and/or a locking assembly. The power apparatus provides electrical power to components of the protection and/or charging assembly. The protection housing houses one or more personal belongings and/or electronic devices. The charging apparatus receives power from the power apparatus and charges the one or more electronic devices. The locking assembly locks and/or unlocks the protection housing and allows the one or more personal belongings to be stored in an interior of the protection housing.

A window system includes a window frame; a transparent window pane; an energy harvesting device coupled to the window frame or the transparent window frame; an output device that uses or transmits electricity; and a battery housed in the window frame, the battery being in electrical communication with the energy harvesting device and the output device.

An automated sliding panel mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding panel mechanism including a motor is configured to move a sliding window between a closed position and an open position, and includes a power source providing power to the motor, a rack consisting of rack teeth wherein a portion of the surface of the rack teeth are generally perpendicular to a plane, and a gear rotated by the motor and consisting of gear teeth, wherein the gear teeth are shaped to mesh with the rack teeth.