Optical: systems and elements – Building interior illumination with reflected – refracted or...
Reexamination Certificate
2010-11-29
2011-10-18
LaBalle, Clayton E (Department: 2862)
Optical: systems and elements
Building interior illumination with reflected, refracted or...
C136S246000, C136S216000, C356S415000, C356S432000, C356S445000, C356S446000, C126S589000, C126S585000
Reexamination Certificate
active
08040609
ABSTRACT:
A self-adjusting solar light transmission (daylighting) apparatus includes a sunlight concentrating member (e.g., a lens array) for concentrating direct sunlight in focal zone regions disposed inside a sheet containing an evenly-distributed stimuli-responsive material (SRM) that has a relatively high transparency state in the absence of concentrated sunlight, and changes to a relatively opaque (light scattering or absorbing) state in small portions located in the focal zone regions in response to concentrated direct sunlight. Thereby, 80% or more of direct sunlight is prevented from passing through the apparatus, but 80% or more of diffuse light is passed. The outer sheet surfaces are locally parallel (e.g., planar) such that sunlight scattered by the light-scattering SRM portions is transmitted by total internal reflection through the remaining transparent sheet material, and outcoupled to one or more optional solar energy absorbing structures (e.g., heatsinks or PV cells) disposed along the peripheral edge of the sheet.
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Fork David K.
Maeda Patrick Y.
Martini Joerg
Schmaelzle Philipp H.
Whiting Gregory L.
Bever Patrick T.
Bever Hoffman & Harms LLP
Butler Kevin
LaBalle Clayton E
Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
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