Abstract: An array of solar cells for supplying electrical energy to a building (e.g., for operating air-conditioning equipment) is mounted in a window fitting, which comprises a pair of transparent glass panes between which a window blind (e.g., of the venetian blind type) is mounted. Solar cells are secured to slats of the window blind so as to be exposed to sunlight incident thereon.

Abstract: An antenna system is provided having a plurality of individual antenna elements located on a foldable platform. The antenna elements are appropriately phased to yield a desired radiation pattern. The platform has a plurality of light-emitting devices mounted at predetermined locations on the platform. Light from each of the light-emitting devices passes through a corresponding window assembly on a hub. A biconical reflector within the hub directs rays of light from all the light-emitting devices through a telescope and a system of mirrors which focus the rays so as to form images on photodetector arrays. The images formed by the focused optical signals relate to the actual configuration of the platform.

Abstract: An optical coordinate transfer assembly provides angular correlation between spatially separated objects. In a particular embodiment of the invention, roll, pitch and yaw of a second directional device 12 relative to a first directional device 11 can be measured (and correction and/or compensation therefor can be made) using an optical alignment sensor 20 mounted on the first directional device 11 and a rooftop-mirror/lens assembly 21 mounted on the second directional device 12. Light beams projected from the optical alignment sensor 20 are reflected by reflector devices 35 and 36 on the rooftop-mirror/lens assembly 21 to linear arrays 69, 70 and 78 of photodetectors, which generate electronic signals indicating angular discrepancies between the orientations of the first and second directional devices 11 and 12 in three degrees of freedom to sub-microradian accuracy over a wide range of measurements.

Abstract: The figure of an unfurled antenna comprising a radio-frequency reflective fabric (10) is mapped and controlled by a system comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices (14, 15) mounted at precisely specified locations on ribs (11), which support the fabric (10). Light from each of the light-emitting devices (14, 15) passes through a corresponding window assembly (16) on a hub (12), which support the ribs (11) and also houses a telescope of the Schmidt-Cassegrain type. A biconical reflector (27) mounted within the hub (12) directs rays of light from all the light-emitting devices (14, 15) to a primary mirror (21) of the telescope, from which the rays are reflected to a secondary mirror (22), which focuses the rays so as to form images on photodetector arrays (31) and (32). The images formed on the photodetector arrays (31) and (32) are swaths of light, which cross the photodetector arrays (31) and (32) at positions determined by the actual positions of the light-emitting devices (14, 15).

Abstract: The improved Absolute Distance Sensor has achieved presently a resolution of about 0.03 .mu.m (RMS) for measurements over long distances. A two-color, synthetic Michelson interferometer employing a CO.sub.2 source is designed to sequentially switch between four sets of R and P line pairs and thereby provide a basis for forming simultaneous equations which are employed to greatly reduce the half wavelength ambiguity typical of single wavelength interferometers.