Disclosed are novel forms of operable and fixed windows capable of at least one or more of: producing an electrical current utilizing a transparent or semi-transparent solar collecting coating or film on a pane, and selectively changing one or more of opacity and tint of one or more electrochromatic layers in the window. Some embodiments disclose a scaffold assembly to enclose the perimeter of the substrate and one or more transparent solar cells or electrochromatic layers, or transparent solar cells and electrochromatic layers. Various structural and electrical configurations are disclosed satisfying kinematic demands of operable windows. Wired and wireless configurations of the windows are contemplated as are self-powered versions whereby the transparent solar collector or wireless power powers electrochromatic functions. Also disclosed are self-powered and self-contained glaze units with control wirelessly or from user interface controls on an indoor facing pane. Also disclosed are other smart window functions.

A window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed frame having a pair of opposite side frame members, an upper frame member and a lower frame member. A fixed window panel is disposed at a lower portion of the side frame members and at the lower frame member. A movable window panel is movable relative to the fixed window panel and the frame between an opened position and a closed position. Each of the side frame members includes a lower channel for receiving a side perimeter edge region of the fixed window panel and an end region of the lower frame member. An elastomeric seal is overmolded along the lower channel of the side frame member and is configured to receive and seal against (i) the side perimeter edge region of the fixed window panel and (ii) the end region of the lower frame member.

The invention relates to a vertical sliding element including an element frame and a sash which can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the element frame. In the closed position of the sash, one fitting chamber each is formed in the intermediate spaces which are laterally limited by mutually facing side faces of the sash and the element frame. Each fitting chamber is provided with a guide rail and guide elements guided in the guide rail. The sash is connected to the guide elements via a scissors' arrangement having a plurality of parking scissors. The scissors arrangement is designed for parallel parking of the sash in a partially open position, in which the sash is positioned in front of an opening in the element frame, seen in the horizontal direction, and wherein the guide elements are designed to move the sash parked in parallel in the vertical direction by moving the guide elements in the guide rails.

A rain shield for an exterior architectural window may include a a generally rectangular-planar shield member. The shield may further include a pair of opposing panel members each having a clasp for engaging a window frame. The clasps may be hingedly joined to opposing sides of the shield member. Optionally, the shield member may be divided into inner and outer shield panels slideably engaging each other to form a width-adjustable structure.

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 window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed frame having a pair of opposite side frame members, an upper frame member and a lower frame member. A fixed window panel is disposed at a lower portion of the side frame members and at the lower frame member. A movable window panel is movable relative to the fixed window panel and the frame between an opened position and a closed position. Each of the side frame members includes a lower channel for receiving a side perimeter edge region of the fixed window panel and an end region of the lower frame member. An elastomeric seal is overmolded along the lower channel of the side frame member and is configured to receive and seal against (i) the side perimeter edge region of the fixed window panel and (ii) the end region of the lower frame member.

A steam sterilizer having a door movable relative to an opening between a first open position and a second closed position. A plurality of spaced-apart roller assemblies are aligned along edges of the door to align the door relative to the opening as the door moves between the open and closed position. Each of the roller assemblies are comprised of a cylindrical roller having an outer annual recess extending along the periphery thereof. The recess is dimensioned to receive a lateral edge of the door. The roller is mounted on a shaft and is movable against a biasing force axially along the axis of the shaft.

A supplemental window apparatus includes a foot and a first constraint element attached to the foot. The foot and the first constraint element are configured to be detachably coupled to a window pane of an existing window through a mating constraint element. A spacer is coupled to the foot and is configured to extend at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the window pane when installed on the existing window. A substantially non porous sheet is coupled to the spacer and has a sheet area substantially similar to a window pane area defined by the interior surfaces of the first window element holding the window pane. The spacer substantially defines a gap between the sheet and the window pane when installed on the existing window. The foot extends outward from the spacer toward the interior surfaces of the first window element.

A fenestration assembly includes a frame assembly, a movable sash assembly and a lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a first lock and a second side lock. The first lock operatively locks and unlocks the moveable sash to the frame assembly in a first direction only when the movable sash is in a fully closed position. The first side lock operatively locks and unlocks the movable sash in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction both when the movable sash is in the fully closed position and a partially open position.

An apparatus for disposing of trash, including garbage and recyclables, through a pair of adjacent trash removal windows separated by a spacer into separate outdoor trash containers without having to leave a building. Each of the pair of trash removal windows are independently raised respective one of the trash containers simultaneously with the lid of a trash container so a user can dispose of trash through the opened window into the trash container. When the window is closed the lid of the trash container is closed at the same time.