Abstract: A decorative mirror 10 is made from a transparent sheet of arcylic 12 that has a front surface 14 and a rear surface 16. Opaque colored layers 20 and 22 are deposited on a first area 18 of the rear surface 16. A reflective coating 28 is deposited on the rear surface and is visible from the front surface at a second area 26. The second area 26 and first area 18 form a border 30. A laser beam 40 forms grooves 33 on the front surface 14 aligned over the border 30 between layers 20, 22 and 28 to form a simulated mosaic piece in which the grooves 33 simulate a border between separate mosaic pieces.

Abstract: The same reflector dish is used to reflect solar energy to a solar collector device and electromagnetic energy in the form of satellite communications to a transducer. Thus, the apparatus can be used as a combination solar energy collector and an antenna for receiving satellite communications.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-part patterned mirror of thermoplastic material. The mirror is formed by utilizing a numerically controlled laser cutting machine to create an opening in a sheet of thermoplastic material, and an identical cutting step to create a cutting to be inserted in the opening created by the first laser cutting step. The assembled materials create the appearance of a patterned mirror of varying colors on one continuous sheet of thermoplastic.

Abstract: A device for reflecting electromagnetic energy is produced by introducing a dispersion of discrete electromagnetically reflective particles into a volume of uncured thermoplastic resin which allows the radiation to pass therethrough. The particles are deposited onto one surface of the layer of the resin and may be allowed to migrate, through the influence of gravity, toward the other surface thereof to form a strata which reflects electromagnetic radiation passing through the thermoplastic layer. Alternatively, the reflective particles may assume a distributed state within the uncured resin and a sheet of wire mesh or metal coated fabric may be introduced into the resin in order to aid in establishing the electrical continuity between the particles required to reflect the electromagnetic energy. The resin is then cured to fix and protectively cover the reflective particles.

Abstract: A decorative covering having a matrix of sections is formed from a sheet cut with a laser. Preferably, the sheet is covered with a removable coating to protect the sheet from damage during the laser cutting process. After the individual sections have been formed the coating is then removed.

Abstract: A dish-shaped, radiant energy collector comprises a thin, concave, thermoplastic cover having a reflective layer of metallization vapor deposited on the convex side thereof. A coating of foamed resin is applied to the metallization in order to render the collector self-supporting. Struts or a layer of honeycomb cardboard and/or fiberglass may be introduced into the sandwiched composite to provide further structural rigidity. The cover is produced by forming a flat sheet of acrylic plastic which is transparent to the wavelengths of interest.