Abstract: A silica aerogel having a mean pore size less than 5 nm with a standard deviation of 3 nm. The silica aerogel may have greater than 95% solar-weighted transmittance at a thickness of 8 mm for wavelengths in the range of 250 nm to 2500 nm, and a 400° C. black-body weighted specific extinction coefficient of greater than 8 m2/kg for wavelengths of 1.5 ?m to 15 ?m. Silica aerogel synthesis methods are described. A solar thermal aerogel receiver (STAR) may include an opaque frame defining an opening, an aerogel layer disposed in the opaque frame, with at least a portion of the aerogel layer being proximate the opening, and a heat transfer fluid pipe in thermal contact with and proximate the aerogel layer. A concentrating solar energy system may include a STAR and at least one reflector to direct sunlight to an opening in the STAR.

Abstract: Described herein are window retrofits including a monolithic silica aerogel slab having (i) an average haze value of <5% as calculated in accordance with ASTM standard D1003-13 and (ii) a U-factor of <0.5 BTU/sf/hr/° F., and a transparent polymer envelope sealed at an internal pressure of ?1 atmosphere, wherein the monolithic silica aerogel slab is encapsulated in the transparent polymer envelope. The monolithic aerogel slab can have a transmittance>94% at 8 mm thickness. The window retrofit can be bonded to a glass sheet.

Abstract: A walking stick is aimed to resolve conventional problems provided with durable structure, which generally has a circular cross-sectional pipe frame formed of two semi-circular pipe members connected with ribs in between. The pipe frame is cut to separate to a suitable position, such that cut portion of pipe frame may be extended outwardly to form U-shaped bifurcated pipe, and secured with supporting cushions on the top to partially support body weight of the user. The other end of pipe frame is connected with a hollow shaft, so made that it is adjustable by means of resilient clamping means.

Abstract: An improvement for a folding gold cart, having three adjustable articulated joints connecting an upper pillar, a medium pillar and a lower pillar. The cart having a wheel bearer tilting from the two sides of the lower pillar to support the wheels, and a movable under-carriage and bracket to fix the golf club bag. The articulated joints can be adjusted to different angles to cope with the height and habit of the user, and fold the upper, medium and lower pillars in pairs. The articulated joints, along with the employment of convenient assembling and disassembling wheels overcome the shortcomings of conventional golf carts.