Abstract: Light valves which are controlled by temperature are made by rapidly injecting between two closely spaced sheets, of e.g. glass, a low viscosity monomer+solvent solution, and then rapidly polymerizing the monomer to form a solid layer, which is transparent below a specified temperature, and opaque above that temperature. The low viscosity of the monomer solution and its rapid polymerization makes mass production economically practical. Production machinery for these light valves may be adapted from existing machinery that has been made for manufacturing sealed, double pane windows.

Abstract: Light valves which are controlled by temperature are made by rapidly injecting between two closely spaced sheets, of e.g. glass, a low viscosity monomer+solvent solution, and then rapidly polymerizing the monomer to form a solid layer, which is transparent below a specified temperature, and opaque above that temperature. The low viscosity of the monomer solution and its rapid polymerization makes mass production economically practical. Production machinery for these light valves may be adapted from existing machinery that has been made for manufacturing sealed, double pane windows.

Abstract: A building including high efficiency transparent insulation and optical shutter solar collector (HETIOSSC) to effectively control heat loss and gain in a passively-solar climate control system. HETIOSSC includes a layer of protective glazing, a transparent insulation, an optical shutter, an optional solar radiation absorbing material and optional heat storage elements. When the building and its heat storage are too warm, the optical shutter layer becomes opaque to prevent overheating. During cloudy and cold winter days, HETIOSSC still has a solar transmission and insulation efficiency great enough to collect sufficient sunlight for heating. Location of HETIOSSC on the roof, rather than the walls, does not alter shape and orientation of a building.

Abstract: An optical shutter which responds to temperature may be caused to respond to an electrical current by placing a transparent conductor of electricity parallel to and in thermal contact with it, and by running an electrical current through the transparent conductor, such that the transparent conductor is resistively heated, and thereby heats the optical shutter. The above transparent conductor may be used simultaneously as a component of a transparent insulation. The electrical current may be controlled by a photosensor, a temperature sensor, a thermostat, and/or a manual switch.

Abstract: A structure consisting of two cover layers sandwiching a polymer and solvent layer is useful for making automatic light valves. Mechanical and optical properties are improved by a novel continuous network of bonds which transmit stresses from one cover layer, to and among the polymer chains, and then to the second cover layer. The laboratory and factory preparation methods necessitated by this layered and bonded structure are described. These automatic light valves may be used for making optical displays, processing information, and building apertures.

Abstract: A structure consisting of two cover layers sandwiching a polymer and solvent layer is useful for making automatic light valves. Mechanical and optical properties are improved by a novel continuous network of bonds which transmit stresses from one cover layer, to and among the polymer chains, and then to the second cover layer. The laboratory and factory preparation methods necessitated by this layered and bonded structure are described. These automatic light valves may be used for making optical displays, processing information, and building apertures.

Abstract: A diffuse reflecting and specularly transmitting optical shutter structure comprises an optically rough layer of an optically thin optical shutter, and two additional layers disposed on either side of the optical shutter. These two additional layers have refractive indices which approximately match. The surfaces of these two additional layers adjacent to the optical shutter conform to the optically rough surfaces of the optical shutter and the non-adjacent surfaces to the optical shutter of these two additional layers are optically smooth.

Abstract: Apparatus for minimizing the transmission of long wave infrared energy without significantly affecting the transmission of solar energy to provide an energy efficient building component is disclosed. A flexible plastic substrate is used having a thickness of no more than approximately 20 mils. A long wave infrared radiation absorbing material is fixed to the plastic substrate. The substrate and the absorber in combination are at least 94% transmissive to visible solar radiation so that transmission of solar energy is substantially unaffected. However, the substrate and the absorber absorb sufficient long wave infrared radiation so that transmission of at least 80% of all incident long wave radiation is prevented, in large measure blocking the transmission of heat energy through the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting the transmission of solar energy above a predetermined temperature range, but permitting transmission of said energy below that range, is disclosed. A layer of material is provided which undergoes a reversable, macroscopically non-mechanical change affecting the transmissivity of the material to solar energy in the desired temperature range. Because of such change, the material is at least 50% less transmissive to solar energy above the transition temperature range than below the range. This layer of material is mounted so that its physical configuration is substantially maintained.

Abstract: Apparatus for sputter depositing two or more layers of material onto a substrate in one operation includes an evacuable chamber containing a transport mechanism, substrate support, and at least two deposition units situated proximate the support. The transport mechanism moves the substrate to and from the support. When at the support, the substrate is passed by one deposition unit and then the other for sputter deposition of a thin film of material by each unit.

Abstract: A building element which inhibits the change of the interior temperature of a building beyond prescribed limits approximating room temperature. A rigid porous matrix structure is provided in thermal communication with the building interior. A store of phase change material impregnates the matrix structure. The phase change material has a melting point within the temperature limits so that the material melts when the interior temperature of the building exceeds the temperature limits. Melting of the material absorbs heat and reduces the interior temperature of the building, until the material is entirely melted. Conversely, the material freezes when the interior temperature of the building falls below the temperature limits to release heat and increase the interior temperature until the stored material is entirely frozen. The store of phase change material is sealed within the matrix structure so that the material undergoes repeated changes in phase between liquid and solid.

Abstract: Apparatus for sputter depositing two or more layers of material onto a substrate in one operation includes an evacuable chamber containing a transport mechanism, substrate support, and at least two deposition units situated proximate the support. The transport mechanism moves the substrate to and from the support. When at the support, the substrate is passed by one deposition unit and then the other for sputter deposition of a thin film of material by each unit.

Abstract: A transparent thermal insulating system having controllable transmissivity to visible radiation comprising a first layer generally transparent to visible radiation, a second layer generally transparent to visible radiation and spaced from the first layer; partition means for separating the space between the layers into compartments; a thermal radiation suppression device for suppressing thermal radiation transmission; and a variable transparency thermal control device for controlling transmisson of visible radiation as a function of temperature.