Patent Publication Number: US-2018044966-A1

Title: Automatic mechanism for sliding doors or windows

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to motorized automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sliding panes of doors and windows can be heavy and hard to move thus placing a burden on a user in opening and closing them or moving pane slabs from one state to another. This is especially problematic for children, elderly people and people with disabilities. 
     In some cases motors have been applied to mobilize the pane slabs to make it easier to open and close the door or window. Such motorized doors or windows may be typically present in entrances to public places, e.g., a mall or shopping center, a hospital, however, there is no good solution for motorized doors or windows for private households, which would enable ease of operation of doors or windows inside private homes, while being esthetic. Furthermore, most automatic mechanisms require installation of a new system incorporating the automatic mechanism. Therefore, there is a need for an automatic mechanism that may be installed in existing non-automatic doors or windows, in order to enable cheaper and quicker installation. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure relates to a system comprising an automatic mechanism for easily operating sliding doors or windows within private households. Embodiments of the disclosure provide an automatic mechanism that may be quickly and simply installed in existing non-automatic sliding doors or windows in order to upgrade them to being automatic, or it may be installed as part of newly assembled doors or windows. 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for operating sliding doors or windows may comprise:
         an opening of a door or window comprising an opening frame and at least one sliding pane, said sliding pane comprising a pane frame; and   an automatic mechanism for operating said sliding pane comprising:
           a motor positioned within a plane defined by the pane frame and corresponding to the sliding pane it is intended to move;   a first pulley connected to the motor via at least one cogwheel, the first pulley positioned along the plane defined by the pane frame;   a second pulley located adjacent to the first pulley and on the same plane as the first pulley;   a third pulley located adjacent to and on the same plane as the first pulley and the second pulley; and   a belt wound around the first pulley, the second pulley and the third pulley, wherein the belt is attached to a sliding pane of a door or window;   
           wherein the first pulley is configured to pull the sliding pane via the belt, and further wherein the second pulley and the third pulley are configured to thread at least a portion of the belt through the opening frame, the opening frame at least partially passing through the pane frame.       

     In some embodiments, the first pulley may be a toothed pulley, the second pulley may be a toothed pulley, and the third pulley may be an idler pulley. 
     In some embodiments, the belt is selected from a group consisting of: a belt, a chain, a cable, and a toothed timing belt. 
     In some embodiments, the second pulley is located beneath the first pulley such that the axis of rotation of the second pulley is parallel to the axis of rotation of the first pulley, and further wherein the second pulley is displaced along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first pulley. 
     In some embodiments, the automatic mechanism is connected to a tension modulator configured to maintain a predetermined tension, e.g., an initial minimum tension of the belt. In some embodiments, the automatic mechanism and the tension modulator are situated on the plane defined by the pane frame and corresponding to the sliding pane that the automatic mechanism is intended to operate. 
     In some embodiments, the belt is configured to pass through a belt fastener, such that the belt is fastened towards and threaded through the opening frame. 
     In some embodiments, the automatic mechanism is configured to fully or partially open, and fully or partially close the sliding pane of a door or window. 
     In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of sliding panes, each sliding pane positioned in parallel to any other sliding pane, further wherein each sliding pane is associated with a corresponding automatic mechanism, each automatic mechanism positioned in parallel to any other automatic mechanism. In some embodiments, the width of each of the automatic mechanisms is no more than the width of a corresponding pane frame that surrounds the sliding pane associated with each of the automatic mechanisms. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of automatic mechanism operates independently of operation of any other automatic mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, one of the plurality of automatic mechanisms performs any of the following operations: open, close, partially open, partially close or rest, while any other automatic mechanism simultaneously performs any of the following operations: open, close, partially open, partially close or rest. 
     In some embodiments, each of said first, second and third pulleys rotates around a first, second and third shaft, respectively. Each of said first, second and third shafts is positioned on the plane defined by the pane frame. 
     In some embodiments, the belt wounds around the first pulley, the second pulley, and the third pulley to create a U shaped loop in the belt, wherein the U shaped loop extends in the same plane as defined by the pane frame, in a direction away from the pane frame. 
     In some embodiments, the width of the automatic mechanism is no more than the width of the pane frame. 
     In some embodiments, access to the automatic mechanism is achieved through the bottom side of the top horizontal end of the pane frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear. It should be noted that the elements or parts in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale such that each element or part may be larger or smaller than actually shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an opening of a door or window with an opening frame and an upper horizontal cover, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic front view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows and of a tension modulator, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic perspective view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows and of a tension modulator, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic front-view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration of a motor, pulleys and cogwheels of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors, positioned within a corresponding pane frame, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B , is a schematic illustration of a plurality of automatic mechanisms for operating sliding windows or doors, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are schematic illustrations of a belt fastener deployed in a sliding pane of a door or window, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  are schematic illustrations of a tension modulator deployed in an upper horizontal portion of a sliding pane of a door or window, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic bottom-side view of a covering box of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic bottom-side view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  are schematic upper-side views of a cover of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors located behind an upper horizontal cover and partially above a frame surrounding a sliding pane of a door or window, according to one embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic bottom-side view of a bottom cover of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic front-view cross-section of cogwheels and a toothed belts of a plurality of automatic mechanisms for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a system comprising an automatic mechanism for operating sliding panes of doors or windows is disclosed. The automatic mechanism comprises a motor to provide power for operating, e.g., opening and closing the sliding panes. The automatic mechanism may enable control of the degree of opening and closing of the sliding pane, e.g., whether opening or closing is partial or complete, and if partial, the mechanism may enable control of the amount of movement of the sliding pane to either the open state or the closed state. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure, there may be more than one automatic mechanism, whereby each automatic mechanism corresponds to a specific sliding pane and a respective pane frame. Typically, the plurality of automatic mechanisms may be positioned in parallel to one another, while the sliding panes may also be positioned in parallel to one another. That is, each of the plurality of automatic mechanisms may be associated with a corresponding pane frame, each of the automatic mechanism being located in parallel to any other automatic mechanism, and each pane frame (and respective sliding pane) being located in parallel to any other pane frame (and respective sliding pane). 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of automatic mechanisms may be operated independently of any of the other automatic mechanisms. That is, a first sliding pane may be operated by its corresponding automatic mechanism to perform any one of the following operations: open, close or rest, while a second sliding pane may be simultaneously operated by its corresponding automatic mechanism to perform any one of the following operations: open, close or rest, independently of the kind of operation performed by the first sliding pane. More than two sliding panes, each operating via its respective automatic mechanism independently of operation of other sliding panes, may be implemented. In some embodiments, a first sliding pane may be configured to operate in relation to additional sliding panes in the same window or door, e.g., an ‘open door’ command initiated by a user may cause a plurality of panes to open, and/or a ‘close door’ command may cause a plurality of panes to close, e.g., sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Synchronization of movement of a plurality of panes may be performed by one central control unit, which may continuously monitor the position of each sliding pane and may thus enable movement of a plurality of sliding panes at substantially the same time period. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which schematically illustrates opening  100  of a door or window with an opening frame and an upper horizontal cover, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to  FIG. 1 , opening  100  may comprise opening frame  110 , which may surround one or more sliding panes, e.g., sliding panes  122  and  132 , which may also be referred to as inner sliding pane  132  and outer sliding pane  122 . Opening frame  110  may have a rectangular shape, and may surround sliding panes, e.g., panes  122  and  132  from all sides, e.g., from the sliding panes&#39; bottom horizontal portion, their upper horizontal portion, and both of their vertical portions. 
     The sliding panes  122  and  132  may be parallel to each other, and may be positioned on the same plane or on separate, parallel planes. 
     According to some embodiments, each of sliding panes  122  and  132  may comprise a pane frame  120  and  130 , respectively. Pane frame  120  may surround all four sides of sliding pane  122 , e.g., horizontal bottom portion (e.g., portion  120 Z), horizontal upper portion (e.g., portion  120 X) and both vertical portions (e.g., portions  120 Y). Similarly, pane frame  130  may surround all four sides of sliding pane  132 , e.g., horizontal bottom and upper portions and both vertical portions. 
     In some embodiments, opening frame  110  may comprise a cover  140 , which may be located along the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 . Upper horizontal cover  140  may be positioned between opening frame  110  and a wall (not shown) in which opening  100  may be installed. In some embodiments, cover  140  may cover an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, as later disclosed in the present disclosure. In some cases, windows or doors have certain standard sizes, and in order to have enough space in which to place the automatic mechanism, cover  140  may be part of a box intended to house shades or blinds, and thus to further house the automatic mechanism, whereas in other cases opening frame  110  and thus sliding panes  122  and  132  may be of a shorter height as compared to standard height of doors or windows, in order to provide space for placement of the automatic mechanism. The space occupied by the automatic mechanism may be, for example, between 25 to 75 mm, e.g., 50 mm, thus the height of the door or window in which such an automatic mechanism is installed should be shortened within that same range. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2A , which is a schematic front view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows and of a tension modulator, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Automatic mechanism  400  may be located between opening frame  110  and its respective sliding pane which automatic mechanism  400  is designed to operate, e.g., sliding pane  122 . Automatic mechanism  400  may be connected to tension modulator  700  through a belt, chain or cable  480 . In some embodiments, belt  480  may be a timing belt or a toothed belt. The (toothed) belt  480  may be rotated around pulleys within automatic mechanism  400  (illustrated in detail with respect to  FIG. 5 ) may further be twisted or looped around tension modulator  700 , and may extend back towards and around automatic mechanism  400 , such to create a loop around automatic mechanism  400  and tension modulator  700 . Typically, toothed belt  480  may be configured to maintain a predetermined tension or tension range, e.g. a relatively high tension, or at least an initial minimum tension such that the belt  480  is tightly wrapped around all elements it is passing along so that automatic mechanism  400  may control and operate the opening and/or closing of its respective sliding pane properly with little to no malfunctions. In some examples, the tension of timing belt  480  may be configured to be maintained between 100 Newton to 800 Newton, though in other examples, other tension values may be implemented. Toothed belt  480  may typically pull the sliding pane to which it is connected, in order to cause its respective sliding pane to open or close (the direction of pulling of the toothed belt  480  of the sliding pane may determine the type of operation—whether to open the sliding pane or whether to close it). 
     According to some embodiments, each sliding pane may comprise a respective automatic mechanism (and a respective tension modulator), such that each sliding pane may be operated independently of any of the other sliding panes, if present. For example, (outer) sliding pane  122  may comprise a first automatic mechanism  400  and a first corresponding tension modulator  700 , wherein the first automatic mechanism  400  and the first corresponding tension modulator  700  may be situated on the plane defined by pane frame  120 , which surrounds sliding pane  122 . Whereas, (inner) sliding pane  132  may comprise a second automatic mechanism (not shown) and a second corresponding tension modulator (not shown), wherein the second automatic mechanism and the second corresponding tension modulator may be situated on the plane defined by pane frame  130 , which surrounds sliding pane  132 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2B , which is a schematic perspective view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows and of a tension modulator, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which provides a closer view of the automatic mechanism and the tension modulator, compared to  FIG. 2A . As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , opening frame  110  may comprise a plurality of pane frames, e.g., outer pane frame  120 , and inner pane frame  130 . Other numbers of pane frames that slide along opening frame  110  may be implemented. In some embodiments, each pane frame may slide along a respective guide, which is protruding along the plane of the opening frame  110 . For example, outer sliding pane  122  that is surrounded by pane frame  120  may slide along guide  111 . In order for outer sliding pane  122  to slide along guide  111 , the pane frame  120  surrounding sliding pane  122  may comprise a corresponding tunnel that guide  111  may slide through. Similarly, guide  112  may slide along a corresponding tunnel (not shown) passing through inner pane frame  130 . In case there is an additional third sliding pane, its corresponding guide  113  may slide along a respective tunnel (not shown) along its respective pane frame (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, the size, e.g., width of automatic mechanism  400  may be configured to substantially extend such to conform to no more than the width of the foot-print of the pane frame. For example, the width of automatic mechanism  400  may be of substantially the same or no more than the width of pane frame  120 . Similarly, any other automatic mechanism that may be added to the system  200  may be of a width of no more than the width of the pane frame surrounding the sliding pane it is to operate. This enables to position a limitless number of automatic mechanisms side by side, typically positioned in parallel to one another, and thus allows independent operation of each of the sliding panes, since each automatic mechanism doesn&#39;t interfere with the position and thus operation of any of the other automatic mechanisms, all of which may be positioned on the upper horizontal portion of pane frame  120 . 
     In some embodiments, timing belt  480  may pass along the existing space within the opening frame&#39;s guide. For example, timing belt  480  may pass along the inner space within guide  111 . This is ideal since instead of creating a space through which to insert the timing belt, the existing space within guide  111  is utilized for insertion of timing belt  480 . 
     In some embodiments, timing belt  480  may be looped around automatic mechanism  400  and around tension modulator  700 . Automatic mechanism  400  may be located on top of the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 , while tension modulator may be positioned along the bottom side of the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 , such that one section of timing belt  480  passes above another section of timing belt  480 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3 , which is a schematic front-view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, automatic mechanism  400  may be located on or within opening frame  110  of a sliding door or window. Automatic mechanism  400  may comprise a motor  470 , for enabling motorized operation of the sliding door or window that automatic mechanism  400  is connected to. Motor  470  may be powered by a power source, e.g., a battery (not shown) and thus would require no wires. However, in other embodiments, motor  470  may be powered via wires to an electrical system, e.g., the main electrical system of the building that houses the sliding doors or windows thereby further housing automatic mechanism  400 . 
     In some embodiments, automatic mechanism  400  may comprise a base  410 , which may protect and keep all the inner components of automatic mechanism  400  intact and clean. 
     In some embodiments, belt to pane connection plate  630  may be part of belt fastener  600  ( FIGS. 6A-6C ). Belt to pane connection plate  630  may be configured to connect the toothed belt  480  to the sliding pane, e.g., sliding pane  122 , which automatic mechanism  400  is intended to pull via toothed belt  480 , as will be explained in detail with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4A , which schematically illustrates a motor, pulleys and cogwheels of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors, positioned within a corresponding pane frame, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, unit  400 ′ comprises only several elements of the entire automatic mechanism  400 . Unit  400 ′ may comprise base  410 , which may keep all components of unit  400 ′ intact, and may have all components of automatic mechanism  400  attached to it, for ease of attachment of automatic mechanism  400  into the upper horizontal end of the opening frame, e.g., attachment as one unit instead of several separate units. Base  410  may comprise two (or more) protrusions  460   a  and  460   b,  which may be configured to be attached and fastened to covering box  150  (see  FIGS. 10A-10B ). Base  410  may further comprise element  450 , which may be designed to be nailed, screwed or riveted to covering box  150  (described later in  FIG. 8 ), in order to provide stability to the automatic mechanism and to opening frame  110 , into which the automatic mechanism is installed. 
     Unit  400 ′ may comprise motor  470 , which may be configured to provide power for the operation of the sliding panes of the doors or windows. In some embodiments, motor  470  may be located in a niche along a portion of opening frame  110  (niche  155 ,  FIG. 8 ), positioned as part of a plane corresponding to the sliding pane it is intended to operate and move. Unit  400 ′, as does automatic mechanism  400 , may be aligned with, or positioned within, a plane defined by a pane frame, e.g., pane frame  120 , such that the sliding pane, e.g., sliding pane  122 , which unit  400 ′ (or automatic mechanism  400 ) is intended to move and operate is positioned within the same plane defined by pane frame  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, motor  470  may be positioned substantially within the plane defined by the pane frame  120 , such that a longitudinal axis  470 X of motor  470  is adjacent to and parallel to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 , which surrounds the sliding pane, e.g., sliding pane  122  that motor  470  is intended to move. In other embodiments, longitudinal axis  470 X of motor  470  may be positioned adjacent to and perpendicularly to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 , which surrounds the sliding pane that motor  470  is intended to operate and move, e.g., sliding pane  122 . In yet other embodiments, longitudinal axis  470 X of motor  470  may be positioned adjacent to and at an angle with respect to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 , which surrounds the sliding pane it is intended to operate, e.g., sliding pane  122 . According to some embodiments, longitudinal axis  470 X of motor  470  may be positioned adjacent to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 , whereas in other embodiments motor  470  may be located adjacent to other locations along pane frame  120 , e.g., at the bottom horizontal portion  120 Z ( FIG. 1 ) of pane frame  120 , or at a bottom portion or a top portion of either of the vertical portions  120 Y of pane frame  120 . 
     In some embodiments, motor  470  may be connected to a first pulley  420  via at least one cogwheel, e.g., cogwheel  422  and cogwheel  424  (in  FIG. 5 ). First pulley  420  may be a toothed pulley. Other numbers of cogwheels configured to transfer the energy and motion from motor  470  to first (toothed) pulley  420 , may be used. In some embodiments, first toothed pulley  420  may be rotated around an axis of rotation that is parallel to axis R, around first shaft  520 , which may be connected to base  410 . First shaft  520  may be positioned adjacent to and perpendicularly to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 . 
     Unit  400 ′ may further comprise a second pulley  430 , which may rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to axis R, around second shaft  530 . Second pulley  430  may be a toothed pulley. Second shaft  530  may be connected to base  410 , and may be positioned adjacent to and perpendicularly to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 . In some embodiments, second shaft  530  may further be biased or offset with respect to the location of first shaft  520  along axes X and Y. A third shaft  540 , which third pulley  440  ( FIG. 5 ) may rotate around, may be connected to base  410 . Third pulley  440  may be an idler pulley. In some embodiments, third shaft  540  may be positioned adjacent to and perpendicularly to the top horizontal portion  120 X of pane frame  120 . In some embodiments, third shaft  540  may rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to axis R and may be biased or offset with respect to the location of any of first shaft  520  and second shaft  530 , along axes X and Y. Shafts  520 ,  530  and  540  may be positioned on the same plane, which may be the same plane defined by pane frame  120 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4B , which schematically illustrates a plurality of automatic mechanisms for operating sliding windows or doors, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 4B  illustrates three automatic mechanisms, though any other number may be implemented, as long as the number of automatic mechanisms conform to the number of sliding panes that the automatic mechanisms are supposed to operate. That is, each sliding pane is associated with an automatic mechanism for operating movement of the sliding pane, typically independently of operation of any other automatic mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the sliding panes may be located in parallel to one another, and each automatic mechanism may be located such to be positioned within or aligned with a plane defined by a pane frame that surrounds its corresponding sliding pane. Therefore, the plurality of automatic mechanisms may also be positioned in parallel with respect to one another. As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , and as explained with respect to  FIG. 2B , the maximum width of each automatic mechanism is the width of the pane frame surrounding the sliding pane. That is, the width of each automatic mechanism is no more than the width of the corresponding pane frame that the automatic mechanism is aligned with or positioned within. This enables each of the automatic mechanisms to operate independently of any of the other mechanisms, such that each sliding pane may move independently of motion of any other sliding pane. The width of the automatic mechanism being no larger than the width of each pane frame surrounding either of the sliding panes, also provides ease of implementation of the automatic mechanisms within the pane frame and opening frame. 
     For example, a first automatic mechanism may comprise motor  470   a  connected to base  410   a,  while a second automatic mechanism may comprise motor  470   b  connected to base  410   b,  and a third automatic mechanism may comprise motor  470   c  connected to base  410   c.  As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , motor  470   a  may be positioned in parallel to motor  470   b  and in parallel to motor  470   c.  Furthermore, base  410   a  may be positioned in parallel to base  410   b,  as well as in parallel to base  410   c.    
     In some embodiments, each of the automatic mechanisms may comprise the respective motor and base serially connected to one another, such that the entire first mechanism comprising motor  470   a  connected to base  410   a  may be positioned in parallel with respect to the second mechanism, which comprises motor  470   b  connected to base  410   b.  Furthermore, the first automatic mechanism and the second automatic mechanism may be positioned in parallel to the third automatic mechanism, which comprises motor  470   c  serially connected to base  410   c.    
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5 , which schematically illustrates an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Automatic mechanism  400  may comprise motor  470 , first pulley  420  and second pulley  430  and their respective shafts, which pulleys  420  and  430  rotate around, e.g., respective first and second shafts  520  and  530 , and cogwheels  422  and  424 . In addition, automatic mechanism  400  may comprise a third shaft  540  and a third pulley  440  that rotates around third shaft  540 , and a belt, e.g., timing belt  480 , which may be wound around the first pulley  420 , second pulley  430 , and third pulley  440  to create a U shaped loop in the timing belt  480 , the U shaped loop extending in the same vertical plane as the sliding pane  122 , in a direction away from the pane frame  120 . In some embodiments, pulleys  420 , and  430  may have teeth or protrusions all around the pulley in order for the toothed belt  480  to turn around the pulleys without slipping off them, or slipping along the pulleys, during the turning motion of the pulleys caused by motor  470 . The toothed belt  480  may be configured to turn around the toothed pulleys  420  and  430  such that the protrusions of toothed belt  480  fit into the dents in each of the toothed pulleys, and the dents of toothed belt  480  accept the protrusions of each of the toothed pulleys. In some embodiments, third pulley  440  may be an idler pulley. 
     In some embodiments, motor  470  is configured to rotate cogwheel  424  around an axis of rotation, e.g., around an axis parallel to axis X. Cogwheel  422  is then turned by cogwheel  424  around a different perpendicular axis of rotation, e.g., around an axis parallel to axis R. In some embodiments, first toothed pulley  420  turns around an axis of rotation that is parallel to the axis of rotation of cogwheel  424 , e.g., around an axis parallel to axis R, since first toothed pulley  420  is directly connected to cogwheel  424 . First toothed pulley  420  as does cogwheel  424  may be located within a vertical plane that is defined by pane frame  120 , which surrounds sliding pane  122 . First toothed pulley  420  may rotate around first shaft  520 , which may be connected to base  410  such that first shaft  520  may be positioned in parallel to the axis of rotation of first toothed pulley  420 . 
     In some embodiments, second toothed pulley  430  may be positioned adjacent to the first toothed pulley  420  and on substantially the same plane as the plane on which first toothed pulley  420  is positioned, e.g. within a vertical plane that is defined by pane frame  120 , which surrounds sliding pane  122 . In some embodiments, second toothed pulley  430  may be positioned beneath first toothed pulley  420  along the vertical axis Y, and further such that second toothed pulley  430  is offset along the axis X on which the first toothed pulley  420  is located, in a direction opposite from motor  470 . In some embodiments, second toothed pulley  430  may rotate around second shaft  530 . Second shaft  530  may be positioned in parallel to the axis of rotation of second toothed pulley  430 . 
     In some embodiments, second toothed pulley  430  may be positioned beneath first toothed pulley  420  at a distance from the location of first toothed pulley  420 , e.g., further along axis X in a direction opposite from motor  470 , such that toothed belt  480  may be wound around first toothed pulley  420  and then divert on an angle θ in order to proceed to wound around second toothed pulley  430 . In some examples, angle θ may be between −45° to +80°, whereby the angles denoted with ‘minus’ are angles that extend from vertical line  501  towards motor  470 , whereas the angles denoted with ‘plus’ are ones that extend from vertical line  501  towards the direction opposite motor  470 , similarly to the illustrated angle θ in  FIG. 5 , which is a ‘plus’ indicated angle. In other examples, other degrees may be implemented for θ. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of second toothed pulley  430  may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the first toothed pulley  420 , along a vertical plane that is defined by pane frame  120  which surrounds the sliding pane, e.g., sliding pane  122 . Furthermore, the position of the second toothed pulley  430  may be displaced or offset from the position of the first toothed pulley  420  along an axis that is on the plane defined by the pane frame and corresponding to the sliding pane  122  and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first toothed pulley  420 . 
     In some embodiments, the third pulley  440 , e.g., idler pulley  440  may be positioned on the same plane as the plane at which first toothed pulley  420  and second toothed pulley  430  are positioned. In addition, idler pulley  440  may be positioned adjacent to the first toothed pulley  420  and adjacent to the second toothed pulley  430 . In some embodiments, idler pulley  440  may further be located in between the location of the first toothed pulley  420  and the location of the second toothed pulley  430 , along axis Y. The idler pulley  440  may be positioned above second toothed pulley  430  while at a displacement or offset along axis X from the location of second toothed pulley  430 , e.g., not directly above the X axis coordinate of second toothed pulley  430 . 
     The idler pulley  440  may further be positioned beneath the first toothed pulley  420  along axis Y, along a vertical plane defined by pane frame  120 , and corresponding to sliding pane  122 . Idler pulley  440  may typically be positioned at a displacement along axis X from the location of the first toothed pulley  420 , e.g., not directly beneath the X axis coordinate of first toothed pulley  420 . In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the idler pulley  440  may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the first toothed pulley  420 , which may further be parallel to the axis of rotation of the second toothed pulley  430 , along a vertical plane defined by pane frame  120 , which surrounds sliding pane  122 . In some embodiments, idler pulley  440  may rotate around third shaft  540 . Third shaft  540  may be parallel to the axis of rotation of idler pulley  440 . 
     Furthermore, the position of idler pulley  440  may be displaced or offset from the position of the first toothed pulley  420  along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first toothed pulley  420 , as well as being displaced from the position of the second toothed pulley  430  along an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second toothed pulley  430 . 
     In some embodiments, all the pulleys  420 ,  430  and  440  may be positioned on the same plane, e.g., the same plane defined by pane frame  120 . Each toothed pulley may be offset with respect to the other two pulleys, the offset being both along the X axis and along the Y axis of the plane in which the toothed pulleys are positioned. The shafts of the toothed pulleys may be positioned along an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the corresponding pulleys. According to some embodiments, the idler pulley  440  may be positioned such that toothed belt  480  is wound beneath idler pulley  440 , and continues in a straight line upwards along axis Y towards the upper side of the first toothed pulley  420 , and then continues to be wound at an angle θ around the bottom side of the second toothed pulley  440 . Other embodiments may implement other positioning and locations for any of the pulleys and the toothed belt  480  that is wound around them. 
     In some embodiments, the toothed belt  480  may be positioned such that it is parallel to the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 . In some embodiments, the direction of motion of toothed belt  480  is parallel to the direction of motion of the sliding pane that toothed belt  480  is configured to operate. 
     According to some embodiments, the first toothed pulley  420  may be located behind upper horizontal cover  140  ( FIG. 1 ), which means it is located above the opening frame  110  ( FIG. 1 ). However, the second toothed pulley  430 , as well as the idler pulley  440  may be located within opening frame  110  such to contact the pane frame of a sliding pane, e.g., pane frame  120  or pane frame  130 , and thus to be able to operate (open or close) a corresponding sliding pane, e.g., sliding pane  122  or sliding pane  132 , respectively. In some embodiments, the toothed belt  480  may be threaded through a guide (e.g., guide  111 ,  FIGS. 6C, 7A ), which passes along an upper horizontal portion of the opening frame, e.g., opening frame  110 , such to allow the toothed belt  480  to pass through the guide, which may be in the form of a protrusion located along the opening frame. 
     In some embodiments, in order to thread timing belt  480  through guide  111 , a hole is to be made, such to obtain access to guide  111 . Timing belt  480  may be located between the opening frame and the pane frame since timing belt  480  passes along a guide that is part of the opening frame, while the guide may slide along a corresponding tunnel that is part of the pane frame. In a preferred embodiment, toothed belt  480  may pass through a guide, e.g., guide  111  ( FIG. 7A ), which passes along the upper horizontal portion of the opening frame in order for the sliding pane that comprises a tunnel  124  to slide over the corresponding guide  111  of opening frame  110 , during opening and/or closing operation of the sliding pane. 
     When motor  470  receives a command of ‘open door/window’ or ‘close door/window’, motor may cause cogwheels  424  and  422  to turn, thus turning first toothed pulley  420 , which causes toothed belt  480  to turn along with the first toothed pulley  420 , and this may cause second toothed pulley  430  as well as idler pulley  440  to turn around. The direction in which toothed belt  480  is turned at, may be dictated by the direction of turning of motor  470 , which may correspond to the type of operation required, e.g., whether it is to open the sliding pane or whether it is to close it. In some cases, for example with respect to sliding pane  122 , the direction of opening sliding pane  122  may be to the left ( FIG. 1 ), whereas the direction of closing the sliding pane  122  is to the right. However, with respect to sliding pane  132 , the direction of opening sliding pane  132  may be to the right ( FIG. 1 ), whereas the direction of closing the sliding pane  122  is to the left. In case there are additional sliding panes, the direction of opening or closing these sliding panes may be determined with respect to the other sliding panes. When motor  470  receives a command to stop movement of the sliding pane, it may stop operation of all cogwheels and pulleys, thus putting the automatic mechanism  400  at rest. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A-6C , which are schematic illustrations of a belt fastener deployed in a sliding pane of a door or window, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIGS. 6A and 6C  illustrate belt fastener  600  when deployed in a sliding pane frame, e.g., sliding pane frame  120 , and  FIG. 6B  illustrates additional elements included in belt fastener  600 . According to some embodiments, belt fastener  600  may comprise two main elements: belt clamp plate  620  and belt to pane connection plate  630 , which may be connected to one another (e.g., via connectors located in holes  622 ). Belt clamp plate  620  may be located on the top horizontal portion of the sliding pane, while the main part of belt to pane connection plate  630  may be located behind the front side of the horizontal portion of the sliding pane such that the main part of belt to pane connection plate  630  is located perpendicularly to belt clamp plate  620 . 
     Timing belt  480  may be wound around several toothed pulleys and possibly an idler pulley (see  FIGS. 4A-4B and 5 ) prior to passing along the opening frame, e.g., opening frame  110 , on its way to reach tension modulator  700 , and then back to automatic mechanism  400 , thus creating a full loop. In some embodiments, toothed belt  480  may be designed to pass through a guide passing along the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 , e.g., guide  111 . The guide  111  positioned along the opening frame  110  is an integral part of the opening frame, and it may slide along tunnel  124 , which is an integral part of pane frame  120 , such to enable the sliding pane to slide along the opening frame  110 . In some embodiments, toothed belt  480  may be positioned parallel to guide  111 . In some embodiments, toothed belt  480  may pass through guide  111 , between opening frame  110  and pane frame  120 . 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 6C , belt to pane connection plate  630  may attach timing belt  480  to the pane frame surrounding the sliding pane that timing belt  480  is intended to pull, via belt clamp plate  620 . Belt clamp plate  620  may tightly attach timing belt  480  to the pane frame, e.g., pane frame  120  by being connected to belt to pane connection plate  630 , which is further connected to pane frame  120 . On one end of belt to pane connection plate  630 , belt to pane connection plate  630  may be attached to pane frame  120  via connectors  631  and  632 , which may be screws, rivets, nails or any other attachment means. On another end of belt to pane connection plate  630 , belt to pane connection plate  630  may be connected to timing belt  480  via belt clamp plate  620 . That is, pane frame  120  is connected to the upper portion of timing belt  480 , whereas the lower portion of timing belt  480  is not attached to pane frame  120 . When automatic mechanism  400  operates rotation of timing belt  480 , the upper portion of timing belt  480  may pull pane frame  120  and may thus pull sliding pane  122  along with it, to either direction that the upper portion of timing belt  480  is directed to move, whereas the lower portion of timing belt  480  may be free to move to a direction that is opposite the direction towards which the upper portion of timing belt  480  rotates. 
     In some embodiments, toothed pulley  420  and toothed pulley  430  may be configured to pull the sliding pane (e.g., sliding pane  122 ) via the pane frame (e.g., pane frame  120 ), whereas the idler pulley  440  may be configured to orient timing belt  480  into guide  111 . 
     The toothed belt  480  may continue to pass along guide  111  until reaching the tension modulator  700 , may turn around the tension modulator  700  and then return back towards automatic mechanism  400 , thus creating a loop around both automatic mechanism  400  and tension modulator  700 . 
     In some embodiments, belt clamp plate  620  may be connected to belt to pane connection plate  630  via section  630   a  through connectors, e.g., screws, bolts, nails, rivets, glue, etc. When using connectors that need to pass through belt clamp plate  620  and section  630   a,  e.g., screws, bolts and so on, belt clamp plate  620  may comprise holes  622  through which to insert such connectors. Other numbers and/or shapes of holes may be implemented. Section  630   a  may comprise corresponding holes in order to enable ease of insertion of such connectors. 
     In some embodiments, belt to pane connection plate  630  may comprise protrusions  640   a  and  640   b,  which are configured to adjust the width of belt to pane connection plate  630  to the space it is placed within, e.g., per various pane frame profiles. In some embodiments, belt to pane connection plate  630  may comprise an extension  650  which may be attached to belt to pane connection plate  630  at an angle, for example, at an angle of 90°, if extension  650  is to be attached to the side of the sliding pane, e.g., to side  128  of sliding pane  122 , which is perpendicular to tunnel  124  that is located at the upper horizontal portion of pane frame  120 . In order to firmly attach extension  650  to sliding pane side  128 , a connector(s) may be used, e.g., glue, screws, rivets, bolts, nails, etc. In order to use a connector that is to be inserted into side  128 , extension  650  may comprise a hole  652 . Other numbers of holes may be implemented. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A-7B , which are schematic illustrations of a tension modulator deployed in an upper horizontal frame of a sliding pane of a door or window, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, tension modulator  700  may be located at the upper horizontal portion of opening frame  110 . Typically, tension modulator  700  may be located at the bottom side of the upper horizontal portion, between the horizontal portion of the opening frame  110  and the sliding panes&#39; frames, e.g., pane frame  120  and pane frame  130 . In some embodiments, tension modulator  700  may be located along guide  111  of opening frame  110 . In some embodiments, guide  111  may be cut such to provide space for tension modulator  700  to be inserted along guide  111 . 
     In some embodiments, tension modulator  700  may comprise a pulley  720 , which toothed belt  480  may wound around. In some embodiments, pulley  720  may be a toothed pulley. Tension modulator  700  may further comprise a pulley  740 , which may be intended to lead the toothed belt  480  into the correct position in guide  111  through which the toothed belt  480  passes on its way back towards the automatic mechanism  400  (and through which the toothed belt passed in order to reach the tension modulator  700 ). In some embodiments, pulley  740  may be an idler pulley. Pulley  720  may rotate around shaft  820 , while pulley  740  may rotate around shaft  840 . 
     In some embodiments, tension modulator  700  may comprise base  710 , which may house or encapsulate substantially the entirety of the components that tension modulator  700  comprises. Base  710  may be made of different materials, typically solid, e.g., metal and/or plastic. Base  710  may be designed to be opened relatively easily, in order to enable access to any of the components encapsulated within it, in any case of malfunction of operation of tension modulator  700 , or for standard maintenance of tension modulator  700 . 
     According to the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the toothed belt  480  is lead to pass over and above pulley  740 , in order to travel through guide  111 . In some embodiments, tension modulator  700  may further comprise element  760  which may be attached on both of its ends to both ends of shaft  820  via connectors  780 . Connectors  780  may be positioned parallel to one another, if and when the width of element  760  is identical to the length of shaft  820 . In some embodiments, element  760  may comprise a screw  770  located at an end of element  760 , externally to base  710 . In order to change the tension along timing belt  480 , screw  770  may either be screwed along element  760  towards base  710  or it may be unscrewed along element  760  away from base  710 , such to adjust the tension as necessary. The tension of timing belt  480  remains substantially the same as long as there is no active change in the location of screw  770  along element  760 . That is, the tension modulator  700  is configured to maintain a predetermined tension, e.g., an initial minimum tension along belt  480 . When there is a need or desire to change the tension of the timing belt, there is a need to access the tension modulator and adjust screw  770 , e.g., by turning screw  770  either towards or away from base  710 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8 , which is a schematic bottom-side view of a covering box of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, a niche  155  may be created within opening frame  110  behind covering box  150 , into which the automatic mechanism may be placed.  FIG. 8  illustrates the covering box  150 , which covers automatic mechanism  400 , from a bottom-side view, while automatic mechanism  400  is not shown. Covering box  150  may be firmly connected to opening frame  110 , once positioned such to create niche  155 , in order to provide opening frame  110  with enough strength that may have weakened due to presence of niche  155 , which includes a hole along opening frame  110 . For example, covering box  150  may be connected to opening frame  110  via rivets  157 , such that opening frame  110  may regain its stability and strength, which deteriorated following the creation of niche  155 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9 , which is a schematic bottom-side view of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to some embodiments, automatic mechanism  400  may be positioned beneath covering box  150 , within opening frame  110 . Covering box  150  may cover all elements of automatic mechanism  400 , e.g., motor  470 , toothed belt  480  and all inner elements (e.g., the various pulleys and cog wheels), which are protected by base  410 . 
       FIG. 9  further illustrates plate  310 , which is located perpendicular to covering box  150 , and further located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of automatic mechanism  400 . Plate  310  may be used when there is a need to close a gap that might be present, between the automatic mechanism and the pane frame surrounding the sliding pane that the automatic mechanism is intended to pull. Plate  310  may be connected to belt to pane connection plate  630  via means of connection, e.g., glue, screws, rivets, bolts, nails and so on. 
       FIG. 9  further illustrates timing belt  480  passing along the space within guide  111 , which is part of opening frame  110 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which are schematic upper-side views of a cover of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding windows or doors located behind an upper horizontal cover and partially above a frame surrounding a sliding pane of a door or window, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. According to  FIG. 10A , cover  140  may be located above opening frame  110 . In some embodiments, expanded view  1000  illustrates cover  140  behind which an automatic mechanism, e.g., automatic mechanism  400 , is located. The automatic mechanism may comprise a covering box  150  configured to protect the automatic mechanism from any damage that may be caused if left open, such as entry of dirt, moist, etc. As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , elements  460   a  and elements  460   b  may protrude out of covering box  150 , since, as explained with respect to  FIG. 4A , these elements are part of the container housing the automatic mechanism  400 , and these protruding elements  460   a  and  460   b  may be configured to align placement of automatic mechanism  400  within the guide, e.g., guide  111  ( FIG. 2B ) of opening frame  110 , since they are parallel to the plane of automatic mechanism  400 , and thus enable placement of automatic mechanism  400  in parallel to the guide. In addition, protruding elements  460   a  and  460   b  may be configured to enable initial placement of automatic mechanism  400  without the immediate need for fastening means, since the protruding elements  460   a  and  460   b  may be inserted into covering box  150  in a tight manner. After final alignment of automatic mechanism  400  within guide  111 , fastening means may be added in order to ensure safe and secure attachment of automatic mechanism  400  to the top horizontal portion of opening frame  110 . 
     Similarly, when there is more than one sliding pane, each of the sliding panes may comprise a corresponding automatic mechanism that may operate independently of operation of the other automatic mechanisms, and thus each of the automatic mechanisms may comprise corresponding protruding elements. For example, in case there are three parallel sliding panes, then the first sliding pane may comprise respective protruding elements  460   a  and  460   b,  the second sliding pane may comprise respective protruding elements  460   c  and  460   d,  and the third sliding pane may comprise respective protruding elements  460   e  and  460   f.  According to some embodiments, each of the sets of two protruding elements may be part of an independent stand-alone automatic mechanism. In some embodiments, other numbers of protruding elements may be associated with each automatic mechanism. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11 , which is a schematic bottom-side view of a bottom cover of an automatic mechanism for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 11  illustrates the lower cover per each of the automatic mechanisms, which may be located within opening frame  110 . For example, a first automatic mechanism, which is associated with a first sliding pane, may be covered with covering box  150  ( FIG. 8 ) and bottom cover  160   a.  Similarly, a second automatic mechanism, which is associated with a second sliding pane (typically parallel to the first sliding pane) may be covered with covering box  150  and bottom cover  160   b,  and a third automatic mechanism, which is associated with a third sliding pane (typically parallel to the first and second sliding panes) may be covered with covering box  150  and bottom cover  160   c.    
     In some embodiments, each of the bottom covers may be firmly connected to opening frame  110 , in order for each bottom cover to stay in place during operation of the sliding panes. 
     In some embodiments, each bottom cover may not entirely cover its respective automatic mechanism, in order to provide access to the automatic mechanisms behind the bottom covers. For example, bottom cover  160   a  may leave section  162   a  uncovered, in order to enable access to the automatic cover behind cover  160   a.  Similarly, sections  162   b  and  162   c  may be uncovered to enable access to their respective automatic mechanisms. 
     In some embodiments, access to the automatic mechanisms that are positioned at the top horizontal portion of the opening frame, may be achieved through the corresponding pane frame that each automatic mechanism is intended to operate. The access to each of the automatic mechanism may be from the bottom side of the top horizontal portion of the respective pane frame. Access to the automatic mechanism may be desired during assembly and maintenance. Easy and quick access to the automatic mechanism is enabled due to lack of cumbersome covers on the sides of the automatic mechanism, and further due to direct access through the bottom side of the upper horizontal portion of the pane frame. 
     Other numbers of sliding panes, and thus of respective bottom covers may be implemented. Typically, each sliding pane is parallel to another, thus each of their respective bottom covers is also parallel to one another. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the bottom covers, e.g., bottom covers  160   a,    160   b,  and  160   c  may be adjusted such to create a smooth continuation of the rest of the bottom side of the top horizontal end of opening frame  110 . This is important both ecstatically as well as for operational reasons, such to ensure smooth sliding of each of the sliding panes that is to slidably move along the bottom side of the top horizontal portion of opening frame  110 , e.g., along the guides of opening frame  110 . For example, bottom covers  160   a,    160   b  and  160   c  may be configured to form an extension of the guides that are a part of opening frame  110 , and which are positioned on the bottom side of the top horizontal portion of opening frame  110 , e.g., cover  160   a  may be shaped such to form an extension of guide  111 . Similarly, cover  160   b  and cover  160   c  may be shaped as a continuation of guides  112  and  113 , respectively. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12 , which is a schematic front-side cross-section of cogwheels and a toothed belts of a plurality of automatic mechanisms for operating sliding doors or windows, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 12 , three automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c  may be located in close proximity to each other and in parallel to one another. Any other number of a plurality of automatic mechanisms that is to correspond to the number of sliding panes of a sliding door or window system, may be implemented. Typically, a plurality of sliding panes may be located in parallel to one another. One of the plurality of panes may be defined as the outer pane, for example, by the outer pane being located in front of all other sliding panes, closest to a user standing in front of the sliding door or window system, while another pane may be defined as the inner pane, e.g., by the inner pane being located at the back of all other sliding panes, farthest from a user standing in front of the sliding door or window system. Any additional pane may be located in between the outer sliding pane and the inner sliding panes. 
     In some embodiments, each of automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c  may be intended to operate a single sliding pane. Each of automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c  may comprise its own respective toothed belt that is used to pull the respective sliding pane to an open position or to a closed position. For example, automatic mechanism  400   a  may comprise toothed belt  480   a,  automatic mechanism  400   b  may comprise toothed belt  480   b,  and automatic mechanism  400   c  may comprise toothed belt  480   c.  Similarly, each of automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c  may comprise its own respective bases, toothed pulleys and cog wheels. For example, automatic mechanism  400   a  comprises base  410   a,  toothed pulley  420   a  and cog wheel  422   a,  automatic mechanism  400   b  may comprise base  410   b,  toothed pulley  420   b  and cog wheel  422   b,  and automatic mechanism  400   c  may comprise base  410   c,  toothed pulley  420   c  and cog wheel  422   c.  Any other element that is essential to the operation of the automatic mechanisms, may be implemented similarly in each of automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c.    
     In some embodiments, the size of each automatic mechanism is no larger than the width of the pane frame surrounding the sliding pane that the automatic mechanism is to operate. This enables to position an endless number of automatic mechanisms to operate an endless number of typically parallel sliding panes. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , each of the automatic mechanisms may be positioned within the respective guides of the respective pane frame surrounding the sliding pane that each automatic mechanism is intended to operate. For example, automatic mechanism  400   a  may be positioned within guide  111  of pane frame  120 , automatic mechanism  400   b  may be positioned within guide  112  of pane frame  130  and automatic mechanism  400   c  may be positioned within guide  113  of pane frame  140 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of automatic mechanisms, e.g., automatic mechanisms  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c,  may operate independently of any of the other automatic mechanisms, thus each sliding pane may open, close, partially open or partially close without being dependent on the position of any of the other sliding panes. For example, a user may operate the outer sliding pane to open while simultaneously operating the inner sliding pane to close. Each of the sliding panes may accomplish its respective instruction regardless of operation (or lack of operation) of any of the other sliding panes. 
     In other embodiments, the sliding panes&#39; operation may be synchronized, such that automatic closing or opening of any one of the sliding panes may lead to the same operation of all other sliding panes. For example, if a user operates the outer sliding pane such that it is to slide to its closed position, the system may proceed to operate such that the rest of the sliding panes are also operated in order to complete closure of all sliding panes and thus perform a complete closure of the door or window system. And further in case the user operates the outer sliding pane to slide to its open position, all other sliding panes may be automatically and synchronously operated in order to reach their open position. According to this example, synchronous operation of all of the sliding panes may be initiated by operation of any one of the sliding panes. That is, operation of any one of the sliding panes may initiate operation of all other sliding panes at substantially the same time such to accomplish the same movement of either opening, closing, semi-opening or semi-closing the sliding door/window system. 
     In yet other embodiments, some sliding panes may be defined to move synchronously with other sliding panes, such that this group of predefined sliding panes may operate such to accomplish the same instruction of sliding to the same position (e.g., either an open position, a closed position, partially open position or partially closed position), while other sliding panes may be operated independently of the group of predefined synchronous sliding panes. For example, automatic mechanism  400   a  may be predefined to perform synchronized operation with automatic mechanism  400   b,  while automatic mechanism  400   c  may operate independently of operation of automatic mechanisms  400   a  and  400   b.  Thus, for example, if a user operates automatic mechanism  400   a  to perform a certain change in position (e.g., to open, close, partially open or partially close) the other synchronously connected automatic mechanism  400   b  will move synchronously with automatic mechanism  400   a  to perform the same change in position that is to be performed by automatic mechanism  400   a.  Similarly, if the user operates automatic mechanism  400   b  to perform a certain change in position (e.g., to open, close, partially open or partially close) its connected automatic mechanism  400   a  will move synchronously with automatic mechanism  400   b  to perform the same change in position that is to be performed by automatic mechanism  400   b.  While doing so, automatic mechanism  400   c  may not operate at all, or may operate to move to any position regardless of the instruction provided to and accomplished by the synchronized automatic mechanisms  400   a  and  400   b.  Any other combinations of any number of connected and/or independent automatic mechanisms may be implemented. 
     It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the disclosure. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the disclosure. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove.