A solar powered smart window includes a light diffuser configured to convert an incident direct solar radiation to a diffusive light toward interior direction, a light diffuser positioner, a driving mechanism, a solar panel, and a control unit. The control unit moved the light diffuser from a predetermined opened position to a closed position and to hold the light diffuser at the closed position with latch mechanism, when the output power of the solar panel exceeds a threshold for over a duration time. The controller releases the latch mechanism and to cause the light diffuser to return to the predetermined opened position when the output power lowers below threshold for over the duration time. A method includes storing a predetermined condition, monitoring the output power, comparing the output power with the predetermined conditions, making decision whether a positional transition is necessary, and causing the transitional transition or maintaining current position.

Foldable wall systems that greatly reduce traditional wall building processes are contemplated. Suitable foldable wall systems comprise a plurality of panels that form a wall. The panels can be stored or deployed from a housing that is mounted on one or more vertical columns. It is contemplated that the panels comprise one or more track elements that travel within one or more tracks to guide the panels between the stored and deployed configurations.

A shutter system for a window or door is disclosed that includes at least one panel. The at least one panel includes: an inner frame; an outer frame configured for connection to the inner frame; a drive train that is supported by the inner frame; and a plurality of louvers that are connected to the drive train such that operation of the drive train moves the plurality of louvers between open and closed positions. The inner frame includes first segments each defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of corner stakes that extend between and connecting the first segments. The outer frame includes second segments each defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of brackets extending between and connecting the second segments.

In example implementations, a horizontal door guide for a vertically stacking door is provided. The horizontal door guide includes a first track and a second track to vertically stack panels of a door along a horizontal line, a drive shaft coupled to a bottom most panel to lift the door vertically, a Geneva drive shaft coupled to the drive shaft, and a lifting cam coupled to the Geneva drive shaft, wherein the lifting cam comprises a rotating lever to separate and lift adjacent panels of the door as the door is opened in a vertical direction by the drive shaft and to push panels into the first track and the second track.

An expandable shutter assembly for installing shutters in windows of varying widths includes a frame that has a first section slidably engaging a second section such that the frame has an adjustable length. A plurality of shutters is each pivotally coupled to the frame, and the shutters are positionable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the shutters comprises a first portion slidably engaging a second portion such that each of the shutters has an adjustable length to correspond to the length of the frame. A linkage is movably coupled to each of the shutters and the linkage urges each of the shutters between the open position and the closed position.

In example implementations, an end cap is provided. The end cap includes a body portion comprising a top end, a bottom end, a front side, a back side, an inner side, and an outer side, a plurality of openings aligned between the inner side and the outer side to receive a mechanical fastener to connect to an end of the panel, a cam lever coupled to the top end, wherein the cam lever is to rotate around an axis to generate a lift force to lift and separate an adjacent panel, and a plurality of wheels coupled to the inner side, wherein the panel moves along a horizontal track via the plurality of wheels aligned with the horizontal track.

The invention refers to a retractable a retractable modular partition wall that may be used to partition residential spaces, or it may operate as a garage door that is mounted on two parallel walls of a premises and consists (FIG. 1.1) of an assembled left-side runway. A, that is fastened with the aid of the some known fastening elements, such as dowels and screws, on the conventionally left wall of the premises, an assembled right-side runway, B, mirroring the left-side runway, A, and which is fastened with some known fastening elements, such as dowels and screws, on the conventionally right-side wall of the premises, a drive mechanism. C, and several assembled movable panels, D. The retractable modular partition wall is conceived so that: i) when used inside or outside a building, in retracted state, it looks like a horizontal beam, whereas in expanded state it operates as a wall; ii) when used outside a building, in retracted state it looks like a horizontal beam, whereas in expanded state, it operates as a garage door; iii) it is operated through electronic command and, in case of power failure, it can be driven manually; iv) when used in a premises, whether inside or outside a building, in expanded state, it can operate as a projection screen or an advertising surface.

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 sectional folding overhead door assembly that includes a pair of opposite, vertically disposed side supports and guides defining a door opening between them, each of the supports and guides including a first channel and a second channel disposed side-by-side, a door component having a first, second, third and fourth rectangular panel adapted for folding vertical movement along the supports and guides, a folding movement controlling member, each folding movement controlling member having a folding movement controlling member upper end hingeably connected to a respective side edge of the first and third panels, respectively, and a folding movement controlling member lower end hingeably connected to the respective guide plate lower end around a folding movement controlling member hinge axis, and a folding movement guiding channel into which a respective side plate guiding pin of a side plate attached to the second panel extends.

This disclosure presents a safe high speed roll-up door with spiral brackets. To enable a high speed operation, robust spiral brackets having efficient spacing are provided to guide the plurality of sectional slats. Durable and low noise signature rollers are used. A unique assembly configuration of the slats and the tracks guiding the rollers enable quick replacement of each individual roller without disassembling the door. A double-belt counter weight mechanism balances the door and incorporates safety sensors that prevent loosening the belts when the door is jammed. The belts are further adjustable using ratchets such that adjustment for the horizontal balance as well as weight position is made effortless. In all, the high speed roll-up door using sectional slats performs faster and quieter, withstands greater loads, and lasts longer than other existing roll-up doors with spiral brackets.