Abstract: A highly efficient optical device comprises two opposing active non-spherical optical surfaces defined by a two-dimensional representation that is symmetrically extended to provide a three-dimensional device. A focal area, spaced apart from the optical surface and non-contiguous therewith, is defined by the two opposing active optical surfaces. The active optical surfaces each have a continuous second derivative, and the optical surfaces are defined by a polynomial with an order of at least about twenty. The optical device may comprise a transparent dielectric core, and the optical surfaces may be formed on the core. A receiver may be situated at the focal area to provide a concentrator. An extended light source such as an LED may be situated at the focal area, to provide a collimator. Faceted embodiments can provide a low aspect optical device. In some embodiments a diffuser may be used to transform incident radiation into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Optical transformer devices described herein provide a variety of area output patterns from a small light source (21). A light ejector (24) is described for transversely ejecting light injected by a light source, including a plurality of partially reflective interfaces (41) arranged along a central axis (28), the interfaces arranged so that light injected by the light source travels through each of the interfaces, the reflected light providing an area light output of the light reflected. The interfaces may utilize Fresnel reflectance or may comprise metallic or dielectric coatings. A variety of embodiments are described, such as a cylindrical configuration, a rectangular block configuration, or an N-sided polygonal configuration. In some embodiments a turning reflector (132) and polarization retarder (131) are provided to reverse the direction of light and rotate polarization on the side opposite the light source. In one embodiment, a stripe ejector (470) can be used to illuminate an LCD display.

Abstract: Solvent systems, and adhesive systems comprising such solvent systems, primarily for use in forming speed-glued table tennis rackets are described. One embodiment of the solvent systems comprises a cycloalkane having from about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, an ester having from about 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, and a terpene having a molecular weight of from about 110 to about 160. The cycloalkane generally is selected from the group consisting of cyclopentane, cyclohexane, and cycloheptane, with cyclohexane being a currently preferred cycloalkane. A currently preferred ester is ethyl acetate, and a currently preferred terpene is limonene. The solvent system also may comprise an ether, and preferred ethers are dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate.

Abstract: In greenhouses and other stuctures an excessive amount of sunlight on a hot day may cause overheating or may cause uneven lighting. A sheet is provided which is normally transparent but which becomes white and light-reflective at a predetermined temperature to help keep the structure cooled or help keep its lighting at a constant level. This color is reversible so that the sheet becomes transparent when the temperature falls. In one embodiment, the sheet consists of a unitary transparent plastic resin structure formed with elongated cells which are filled with a thick and viscous gel containing poly (vinyl methyl ether) or other suitable "cloud point" material. The gel helps prevent loss of water through the cell walls and prevents gaps which may occur from migration over repeated cycles of precipitation of the cloud point material, i.e., it helps keep the mixture homogeneous.