A dimmer mechanism is movable by a motor that is powered by solar-charged supercapacitors between a first configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks little of the interior of a skylight tube to maximize light throughput into a room, and a second configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks more of the interior of a skylight tube to reduce light throughput into the room.

The present invention provides an automatic animal door system. The automatic animal door system includes an animal door module, a linear motor driver and a control module. The animal door module includes a door and a frame having an opening, and the door is lively connected with the frame and configured to move between a closed position covering the opening and an open position away from the opening. The linear motor driver is connected with the door and configured to drive the door move between the closed position and the open position. The control module is electrically connected the linear motor driver and includes a processor and a non-volatile memory storing a programmed set of instructions. The processor executes the programmed set of instructions to control the linear motor driver open or close the door.

A revolving door (100) is provided. The revolving door (100) comprises a base portion (110), an upper portion (120), and a rotating assembly (130) extending between the base portion (110) and the upper portion (120), and at least one door panel (140) connected to the rotating assembly (130) and being rotatably arranged around a central axis (A1). The revolving door (100) further comprises one or more lifting means (111a-b, 121).

Interactive panels are used to display information to one or more users that are interacting with the interactive panels. One or more detection devices (e.g., sensors, communication devices, or the like) detect that users may be located near the interactive panels. The information displayed to the users may be any type of information, such as user information, product information, entity information, area information, or other like information. The interactive panels may be used in any type of barrier, such as doors, walls, fee-standing structures within or outside of a building, adaptable panels that are moveable, or the like. The interactive panels may have energy harvesting layers that at least partially aid in powering the interactive panels and/or components thereof. The interactive panels may have protection layers that at least partially aid in protecting the displays and/or energy harvesting layers of the interactive panels from damage.

A pneumatically actuated gate assembly, and a kit for making the assembly are provided. The assembly comprising: a gate with an at least one hinge; a battery; a compressed gas cylinder; a first support pivotally supporting the gate with the hinges; a second support; a latch movably mounted on the gate; a keeper for releasable engagement with the latch, the keeper mounted on the second support; a compressed gas system in fluid communication with the compressed gas cylinder; a gate pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a gate pneumatic ram pivotally attached to the first support at a proximal end and attached to the gate at a distal end; a latch pneumatic system in fluid communication with the compressed gas system, and including a latch pneumatic ram attached to the gate and the latch; and a controller, wherein the compressed gas system is configured to provide a controllable pressure of gas to the gate pneumatic system and the latch pneumatic system under control of the controller. A method of using the assembly is also provided.

A method of allowing access to a receptacle for securing a package includes: sensing an opening and closing of the lid; activating, in response to determining the lid is sufficiently closed, the lock mechanism to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state; scanning an email message in a user's email account to identify a reference or tracking number of a second package; parsing the email message to obtain a delivery code; receiving entry of the delivery code; activating the lock mechanism based on entry of the delivery code to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state; sensing a second opening and closing of the lid; activating the lock mechanism to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state; receiving information corresponding to entry of an access code; activating the lock mechanism to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state.

A system and portable device are provided for opening and closing sliding doors associated with conventional sliding doors as used in residences and businesses. The portable sliding door device attaches to a sliding door via a bracket, and moves along the same track used by the sliding door. The sliding door device can be initiated to move the sliding door to the open position through remote control, voice-activation, and proximity transmitters. The sliding door device can communicate with wireless routers and be remotely controlled and monitored by computers, netbooks and cell phones. The sliding door device has safety features, including cameras and speakers to ward off attempted break-ins.

A dimmer mechanism is movable by a motor that is powered by solar-charged supercapacitors between a first configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks little of the interior of a skylight tube to maximize light throughput into a room, and a second configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks more of the interior of a skylight tube to reduce light throughput into the room.

A dimmer mechanism is movable by a motor that is powered by solar-charged supercapacitors between a first configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks little of the interior of a skylight tube to maximize light throughput into a room, and a second configuration, in which the dimmer mechanism blocks more of the interior of a skylight tube to reduce light throughput into the room.

A gate opening and closing assembly includes a mount that is coupled to a vertical member of a gate that is extendable across an entry way. A drive unit is coupled to the mount and the drive unit is actuated to rotate in a first direction or a second direction. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the drive unit to roll along the ground. The wheel is rotated in an opening direction when the drive unit rotates in the first direction to urge the gate into an open position thereby facilitating a vehicle to drive through the entry way. The wheel is rotated in a closing direction when the drive unit rotates in the second direction to urge the gate into a closed position thereby inhibiting the vehicle from driving through the entry way. A remote control is in wireless electrical communication with the drive unit. The remote control turns the drive unit on and off to open and close the gate.