A curtain wall having a frame construction with a plurality of glass elements and optionally panels arranged at a distance from each other in a heat flow direction, wherein a multifunctional glass element is arranged on a room side behind a main heat-insulating plane of the curtain wall, wherein the position of the multifunctional glass element can be modified in a vertical direction and/or a horizontal direction and the multifunctional glass element has at least two of the functions selected from the following list: (A) anti-glare protection in a form of modifiable or switchable layers, (B) heating capacity at least in section, (C) a configuration with integrated LEDs as room lighting, (D) a configuration as an information system, particularly as a screen, at least in sections, (E) a configuration with at least one integrated camera, and (F) a configuration with at least one integrated loudspeaker.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric-potential driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. If shutter coil skew is detected, voltage(s) may be applied one or more areas of the on-glass transparent conductor to compensate for or otherwise attempt to correct the detected coil skew.

A tensioning mechanism for a blind assembly is contemplated. The mechanism includes one or more constant force springs affixed to a frame member so as to hold a belt driver and gear assembly in sufficient tension to translate axial movements of an operator into rotational force sufficient to raise or lower the blind (i.e., sun-blocking elements).

Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers, supported by one or more resilient polymer-based layers. A first set of electrostatic forces help cause the shutter to extend and remain in an extended position, whereas an electric field can be setup to help encourage the retraction of the shutter from an extended or at least partially extended position.

A window glazing assembly that can convert an existing or already-installed window, or be used to assemble new construction windows as a multi-pane or multi-glazed window unit, is provided herein. In particular, the glazing assembly includes an attachment assembly (e.g., peel-and-stick double-sided adhesive tape) and one or more glazing layers. Some embodiments further include a spacer assembly comprising a plurality of spacer bars that may be individually installed, e.g., one by one, around the perimeter of the window such as, to the window sash, window frame, or glass window pane, itself. The glazing layer(s) can then be secured or adhered to the spacer assembly, for example, around the perimeter thereof. Some embodiments may include additional or intermediate glazing layers, providing additional insulating airspaces and enhanced performance.

A window treatment adjustment assembly is provided that includes a slider having a base movable along a portion of the frame. A handle extends from the base. A pocket is formed in the screen and includes: a pocket frame attached to the screen to form an opening through the screen; a shroud member attached to at least a portion of the pocket frame. The handle of the slider extends through the opening of the pocket and past the shroud member. The base of the slider is in communication with a mechanism that moves the window treatment.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer-based layer and layers on opposing surfaces thereof. A first voltage is applied to the transparent conductors to cause the shutter to extend to a closed position.

An integrated building photovoltaic apparatus for closing an opening on a building facade and generating electricity from a solar radiation which pass through the opening, includes at least two panes that are at least partially transparent and joined to each other by an interposed spacer to form an internal chamber therebetween; a blind arranged inside the internal chamber and having movable photovoltaic slats to vary the amount of the solar radiation passing through the opening; and connection elements, configured to pull or push the photovoltaic slats. Each slat has a photovoltaic sheet with interconnection grooves which define thin film solar cells monolithically connected in series. The solar cells include at least two coupling thin film solar cells (40′), each one having a through hole and a close-pattern isolation groove surrounding the through hole to define an inactive area of the coupling single thin film solar cell surrounding the through hole.

A method of using an anti-ballistic protection system for protecting an interior space in a building. The ballistic barrier includes a laminated material having a plurality of layers of lightweight, flexible, ballistic resistant material such as woven sheets which are secured together into the laminate using a adhesive, heat weld, or stitching. The ballistic barrier in the deployed state is configured to be resistant to penetration by high-speed ballistic projectiles such as a bullet fired from a gun or a shrapnel from a bomb to protect the interior space, and can be used to protect windows, doors, hallways, and walls from penetration by the ballistic projectiles.