The present barrier includes barrier portions engaged to each other by a junction apparatus that includes first and second upper connectors and first and second lower connectors. A junction support member extends between the upper connectors and lower connectors. The junction support member is spaced from and adjacent to the upper connectors. A bridge connector bridges the spacing between the upper end of the junction support member and the upper connectors.

The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.

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.

A pleated window screen device includes a frame that has a plurality of intersecting members oriented at right angles with each other for positioning in a window next to a window air conditioning unit. A screen is attached to the frame such that the screen completely covers an opening defined by the frame. The screen is comprised of a mesh material to pass air through the mesh screen while inhibiting insects from passing through the screen. A curtain is movably disposed in the frame which can be urged between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The curtain extends across a full width of the frame when the curtain is in the expanded position to inhibit air from flowing through the frame.

A curtain of a flexible fabric is provided that is deployable to create a physical and visual barrier between an employee and a person perpetuating a crime such as a robbery or assault. The barrier can be in the form of a curtain that is electrified with an extreme high voltage, similar to a stun gun, and which prevents the assailant from approaching an employee or a restricted area. The curtain can be mounted in any area where it is beneficial to limit site and access of a trespasser or an assailant, such as between a cashier at a convenience store and the store's open retail area. The curtain can also be used to create temporary safe rooms or deployed within hallways of a restricted area to limit movement of an intruder.

The invention relates to a child safety gate which occupies as little space as possible when the gate is open. The child safety gate comprises two or more panels (1, 2, 3, 4) interconnected by at least one hinge (5). The panels are mounted in the opening via at least one fitting (10) connected with an end panel (3) at one side. At least one closure device (12, 13) is connected with an end panel (4) at the other side. The hinges (5) may be connected with the panels (1, 2, 3, 4), so that the panels may be folded inwardly over each other when the gate is opened. A panel top (8) and/or a panel base (9) may be connected with the panels. The panels (1, 2, 3, 4) may comprise two panel parts which may be telescoped. An extension panel may be disposed between the panel parts.