A slat roof (1) comprising beams (2), a plurality of slats (3) arranged parallel to one another therebetween and slat shafts (4) by means of which the slats (3) are rotatably fixed to the respective beams (2), wherein at least one slat shaft (4) is hollow and wherein the slat roof (1) comprises at least one corresponding tensioning cable (5) which is inserted through said hollow slat shaft (4) and the ends of which are fixed to the respective beams (2). In addition, a method for adapting a slat roof.

Improvements in the manufacture, mounting and implementation of dry open window (DOW) structures. Such structures comprise a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have V or W shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while substantially preventing precipitation to pass, the precipitation instead being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage. Apparatus for mounting a DOW structure in overlying registration around the periphery of an existing window opening may include four corner frame members around and containing the DOW structure. The frame members slidingly engage, with fasteners being provided to lock the frame members to one another when they form an assembled rectangle with dimensions corresponding to the periphery around a window opening. A plurality of components are then provided for mounting the frame members and DOW structure contained therein to the periphery of the window opening.

Improvements in the manufacture, mounting and implementation of dry open window (DOW) structures. Such structures comprise a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have V or W shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while substantially preventing precipitation to pass, the precipitation instead being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage. Apparatus for mounting a DOW structure in overlying registration around the periphery of an existing window opening may include four corner frame members around and containing the DOW structure. The frame members slidingly engage, with fasteners being provided to lock the frame members to one another when they form an assembled rectangle with dimensions corresponding to the periphery around a window opening. A plurality of components are then provided for mounting the frame members and DOW structure contained therein to the periphery of the window opening.

A connecting structure, which is located between a first object and a second object, includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member located between the first engaging member and the first object. The first engaging member is located between the second engaging member and the second object. The second engaging member has a thickness. When a distance between the first engaging member and the first object is less than or equal to said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member are not movable relative to each other. When said distance is greater than said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member can be moved in a direction relative to each other, moving the first object and the second object relative to each other as well. A covering device for an opening of a building is also disclosed, which includes said connecting structure.

A balance system used with a door of a cupboard comprises a transmission shaft, a first pulley on the transmission shaft, and a balance component. The first pulley is connected to a door belt, one end of the door belt is secured to the first pulley, and the other end of the belt is connected to the door. The balance component comprises a balancing member, a balancing belt and a second pulley on the transmission shaft. One end of the balancing belt is connected to the second pulley, and the other end of the balancing belt is connected to the balancing member, such that the balancing member is hung on the second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley rotate synchronously, and the door belt and the balancing belt are wound oppositely. With the balance system, a small driving force can open/close the door.

A balance system used with a door of a cupboard comprises a transmission shaft, a first pulley on the transmission shaft, and a balance component. The first pulley is connected to a door belt, one end of the door belt is secured to the first pulley, and the other end of the belt is connected to the door. The balance component comprises a balancing member, a balancing belt and a second pulley on the transmission shaft. One end of the balancing belt is connected to the second pulley, and the other end of the balancing belt is connected to the balancing member, such that the balancing member is hung on the second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley rotate synchronously, and the door belt and the balancing belt are wound oppositely. With the balance system, a small driving force can open/close the door.

Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room includes an inside door skin and an outside door skin, and the door skins include openings through which air flows. A center panel is disposed between and spaced apart from the skins. The center panel has an outer perimeter defined by notches through which air flows. Tabs between the notches are used to secure the center panel to the inside and outside door skins. Air flow from the room is through the opening in the inside skin, around the outer perimeter of the panel, and outwardly from the door and room through the outside skin in a non-linear manner. The door alone with normal undercuts and margins, and with its notches and associated structural elements, achieves a Rater-measured pressure differential of equal to or less than 3 pascals with respect to the main body of the building when bedroom room doors are closed. For larger rooms with air flow greater than one hundred fifty cfm, the pressure is equal to or less than 5 pascals. Air flow is controlled by a plurality of movable panels disposed adjacent to the outer perimeter of the center panel. Sensor elements for sensing desired information and for providing output signals, including signals for actuating the movable panels, are included. The air flow outwardly through the door is at least as great as the air flow into the room, thus the door provides internal transfer of air through the door to eliminate air pressure build up in a room, and at the same time limits light, sight, and sound travel through the door.

Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room includes an inside door skin and an outside door skin, and the door skins include openings through which air flows. A center panel is disposed between and spaced apart from the skins. The center panel has an outer perimeter defined by notches through which air flows. Tabs between the notches are used to secure the center panel to the inside and outside door skins. Air flow from the room is through the opening in the inside skin, around the outer perimeter of the panel, and outwardly from the door and room through the outside skin in a non-linear manner. The door alone with normal undercuts and margins, and with its notches and associated structural elements, achieves a Rater-measured pressure differential of equal to or less than 3 pascals with respect to the main body of the building when bedroom room doors are closed. For larger rooms with air flow greater than one hundred fifty cfm, the pressure is equal to or less than 5 pascals. Air flow is controlled by a plurality of movable panels disposed adjacent to the outer perimeter of the center panel. Sensor elements for sensing desired information and for providing output signals, including signals for actuating the movable panels, are included. The air flow outwardly through the door is at least as great as the air flow into the room, thus the door provides internal transfer of air through the door to eliminate air pressure build up in a room, and at the same time limits light, sight, and sound travel through the door.

Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room having a register through which air flows into the room and the door includes an inside door skin and an outer door skin, and the door skins includes openings through which air flows into and out of the room and which openings have substantially the same area to provide for a non-linear flow of air through the door to prevent the build up of pressure in the room. An embodiment combining a noxious gas absorbent material with the pressure build up prevention capability is also illustrated.

A balance system used with a door of a cupboard comprises a transmission shaft, a first pulley on the transmission shaft, and a balance component. The first pulley is connected to a door belt, one end of the door belt is secured to the first pulley, and the other end of the belt is connected to the door. The balance component comprises a balancing member, a balancing belt and a second pulley on the transmission shaft. One end of the balancing belt is connected to the second pulley, and the other end of the balancing belt is connected to the balancing member, such that the balancing member is hung on the second pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley rotate synchronously, and the door belt and the balancing belt are wound oppositely. With the balance system, a small driving force can open/close the door.