Abstract: Disclosed is a toy comprising polarizing filters and birefringent film cut into shapes used to make temporary colorful birefringent designs. The birefringent film (or, alternatively, the polarizing filter) is coated with non-water soluble, non-hygroscopic low-tack or ultra-low-tack adhesive so that changeable designs can be assembled on the polarizing filter and viewed through polarized spectacles or a polarizing filter. The polarizing filters are retained in rings that can be nested and rotated in relation to each other, or movably attached to each other with magnetic attachments. An embodiment is also disclosed which makes use of the polarized light emitted from certain LCD display devices so that they can be used as a work surface to make changeable birefringent designs. Such an implementation may also use applications executed by or stored on the device to provide design outlines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toy comprising polarizing filters and birefringent film cut into shapes used to make temporary colorful birefringent designs. The birefringent film (or, alternatively, the polarizing filter) is coated with non-water soluble, non-hygroscopic low-tack or ultra-low-tack adhesive so that changeable designs can be assembled on the polarizing filter and viewed through polarized spectacles or a polarizing filter. The polarizing filters are retained in rings that can be nested and rotated in relation to each other, or movably attached to each other with magnetic attachments. An embodiment is also disclosed which makes use of the polarized light emitted from certain LCD display devices so that they can be used as a work surface to make changeable birefringent designs. Such an implementation may also use applications executed by or stored on the device to provide design outlines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for making temporary colorful birefringent displays. In its preferred embodiment, cellophane 104 is laminated between self-adherent vinyl sheets 108 with non-water soluble adhesive 112 and desired shapes 212 are cut therefrom. Plane polarizing filter 213 is similarly laminated between sheets of self-adherent vinyl 214. One of the polarizer laminations is adhered to a gloss surface such as a window 217. Shapes 212 cut from the cellophane-vinyl laminations are adhered to the polarizer lamination 215. Colors created by the polarized light passing through the birefringent cellophane laminations 100 are viewed through a polarizing analyzer 230 which can be a second lamination of polarizer between self-adherent vinyl sheets and placed over the completed design, or through analyzers held separately from the design such as polarized glasses 218 or hand held viewers 222, 230. Transmissive 214 and reflective 304 and transflective 604 types are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature.