Abstract: This invention presents a projection-receiving surface that has a surface having an undulating contour. The undulating contour comprises a plurality of alternating convex cylindrical surface segments and concave cylindrical surface segments. The convex cylindrical surface segments and concave cylindrical surface segments of the undulating contour of the surface arranged with cylindrical axes in a direction. The surface can further have an additional surface feature comprising striations, cusps, and/or nanoflaked reflector leaves. The striations are arranged crosswise to the undulating contour. The surface can be a reflection surface of a front projection-receiving surface.

Abstract: This invention presents a four-region catadioptric tile. The four-region catadioptric tile includes a first surface, a second surface, and a filler material layer between the first and second surfaces. The four regions includes a first region wherein the first surface is convex and the second surface is convex, a second region wherein the first surface is convex and the second surface is concave, a third region wherein the first surface is concave and the second surface is convex, and a third region wherein the first surface is concave and the second surface is concave. The surface morphology of each of the four-region catadioptric tiles can be repeated across an entire tessellated projection screen or an angularly dependent retroreflector.

Abstract: This invention presents a projection-receiving surface that has a surface having an undulating contour. The undulating contour comprises a plurality of alternating convex cylindrical surface segments and concave cylindrical surface segments. The convex cylindrical surface segments and concave cylindrical surface segments of the undulating contour of the surface arranged with cylindrical axes in a direction. The surface can further have an additional surface feature comprising striations, cusps, and/or nanoflaked reflector leaves. The striations are arranged crosswise to the undulating contour. The surface can be a reflection surface of a front projection-receiving surface.

Abstract: The invention divides the lens focusing process into two or more surfaces that incorporate multiple curved axial optic elements on each surface. The axial optics may be manufactured by molding, machining, or by suspended film. If suspended film is used, then both sides of an optic may have a suspended film that is transparent. Alternatively, one side of the suspended film optic may use a reflective film.

Abstract: The present invention is a broadband projection-receiving surface that can function as a projection screen. This surface can, even in strong ambient light, provide high gain, prevent glare and speckle, provide high contrast, preserve of gray-scale linearity, provide a uniformity of brightness, provide rapid angular cut-off, preserve polarization, and provide the ability to function over a large spectral range. These achievements result from a production method that utilizes purposeful partitioning of the material processes used in sub-wavelength morphology (finish) from the processes used to make super-wavelength morphology (figure).

Abstract: A fluid column projection apparatus and method provide a unique optical effect by providing a plurality of scoops that direct fluid into a hollow chamber. The fluid preferably contains one or more types of light-scattering material. The fluid exits the hollow chamber in a manner that projects the fluid to a considerable distance past the hollow chamber. The hollow chamber may be lit, or an external light source may illuminate the fluid, thereby providing a unique and pleasing optical effect in the form of a column of light.

Abstract: A multi-channel spectrometer and a light source are used to measure both the emitted and the reflected light from a surface which is at an elevated temperature relative to its environment. In a first method, the temperature of the surface and emissivity in each wavelength is calculated from a knowledge of the spectrum and the measurement of the incident and reflected light. In the second method, the reflected light is measured from a reference surface having a known reflectivity and the same geometry as the surface of interest and the emitted and the reflected light are measured for the surface of interest. These measurements permit the computation of the emissivity in each channel of the spectrometer and the temperature of the surface of interest.

Abstract: The invention divides the lens focusing process into two or more surfaces that incorporate multiple curved axial optic elements on each surface. The axial optics may be manufactured by molding, machining, or by suspended film. If suspended film is used, then both sides of an optic may have a suspended film that is transparent. Alternatively, one side of the suspend film optic may use a reflective film.

Abstract: A surface containing a plurality of individually-addressable encoded images comprises an array of curved specular reflectors. Reflectance modifying treatment is applied to a first region of at least one of the curved specular reflectors, such that beamable energy that is directed towards the array is viewable from a first subset of the curved specular reflectors only under a first set of viewing conditions. Reflectance modifying treatment is applied to a second region of at least one of the curved specular reflectors, such that beamable energy that is directed towards the array is viewable from a second subset of the curved specular reflectors only under a second set of viewing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a broadband projection-receiving surface that can function as a projection screen. This surface can, even in strong ambient light, provide high gain, prevent glare and speckle, provide high contrast, preserve of gray-scale linearity, provide a uniformity of brightness, provide rapid angular cut-off, preserve polarization, and provide the ability to function over a large spectral range. These achievements result from a production method that utilizes purposeful partitioning of the material processes used in sub-wavelength morphology (finish) from the processes used to make super-wavelength morphology (figure).

Abstract: A light collimator includes an array of elongated channels that have entry openings disposed towards a light source that are smaller than exit openings disposed towards an area to be illuminated. The elongated channels have relatively high specular reflectance. Due to the sloping walls of the channels from the entry openings to the corresponding exit openings, light entering the entry openings is reflected off the walls until it exits at an angle that provides substantial collimation of the light at the exit openings. Specific implementations include relatively flat structural panels and curved panels for use with a fluorescent bulb. Manufacturing methods and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-absorbing surface includes an array of elongated channels with openings at their proximal ends that face the light. These elongated channels may be straight, may include an angled portion, and may include two or more angled portions. The elongated channels may be suitably terminated at their distal end to further aid in absorbing light energy. The elongated channels may also be coated in a suitable coating that increases the specular reflectance of the elongated channels. The elongated channels act as specular reflector tubes that attenuate the light energy that enters in their proximal end with each bounce inside the channels. The result is a light-absorbing surface that absorbs almost all of the light directed at the light-absorbing surface. The elongated channels may also allow air flow through the light-absorbing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformed plant having a reduced endogenous starch branching enzyme (SBE) activity, and having a heterologous glucan branching enzyme (GBE) activity. The invention also relates to starch obtainable from such a plant.

Abstract: A converter and method for converting electron energy to irradiative energy comprising foam and/or foil. Foam and foil optionally comprise a high-Z material, such as, but not limited to, tantalum.

Abstract: A method for affecting enzymatic activity in a starch producing organism is described. The method comprises expressing in the organism: (a) a first nucleotide which comprises, partially or completely, a first intron of a gene encoding a class A starch branching enzyme in an antisense orientation, wherein the first nucleotide sequence does not contain a sequence that is antisense to an exon sequence naturally associated with the first intron, (b) together with a second nucleotide sequence which comprises, partially or completely, a second intron of a class B starch branching enzyme in an antisense or sense orientation. Also described are antisense sequences, constructs, vectors, transformed cells, and transgenic organisms.

Abstract: A converter and method for converting electron energy to irradiative energy comprising foam and/or foil. Foam and foil optionally comprise a high-Z material, such as, but not limited to, tantalum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic plants or algae expressing an AGP enzyme coupled to a transit peptide. In particular, the present invention relates to transgenic plants or algae in which the activity of the AGP enzyme or subunit thereof is substantially independent of any level of in vivo 3-phospho-glycerate and any in vivo level of inorganic phosphate and wherein the activity of the AGP enzyme or subunit thereof is not stimulated by fructose-1,6-bisP and is not inhibited by AMP.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting gene expression in is described. The method, which affects enzymatic activity in a plant, involves expressing in a plant, or a cell, cell line, tissue, or an organ thereof, a nucleotide sequence wherein the nucleotide sequence codes for an intron, or an intron fragment, of an SBE gene in a sense orientation; and wherein the nucleotide sequence does not contain a sequence that is sense to an exon sequence normally associated with the intron.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting gene expression is described. The method, which affects enzymatic activity in a plant. The method includes expressing in a plant, or a cell, a tissue or an organ thereof, a nucleotide sequence wherein the nucleotide sequence codes, partially or completely, for an intron in an antisense orientation; and wherein the nucleotide sequence does not contain a sequence that is antisense to an axon sequence normally associated with the intron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic plants or algae expressing an AGP enzyme coupled to a transit peptide. In particular, the present invention relates to transgenic plants or algae in which the activity of the AGP enzyme or subunit thereof is substantially independent of any level of in vivo 3-phosphoglycerate and any in vivo level of inorganic phosphate and wherein the activity of the AGP enzyme or subunit thereof is not stimulated by fructose-1,6-bisP and is not inhibited by AMP.