Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods are provided for lighting components and systems with improved performance in luminous efficacy, total lumen output, product lifetime, and form factor through the use of optical composites with improved thermal management. Some embodiments also provide designs and manufacturing methods to minimize thermal warpage and increase the rigidity of optical films and sheets through improved balance of thermal stresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarization-sensitive light homogenizer and a backlight and display using the same. The homogenizer improves the spatial luminance and color uniformity, increases the luminance in a direction normal to the homogenizer and provides increased luminance through polarized light recycling within the light homogenizer and backlight. In one embodiment, the homogenizer includes a polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering (PDALS) region, a non-polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering region, and a substantially non-scattering region. In a further embodiment, the non-scattering region is birefringent. The spatially non-uniform incident light flux from a backlight including one or more non-extended light emitting sources is scattered efficiently by the NPDASL region and is incident on the PDALS region which backscatters light orthogonal to the polarization state desired for efficient illumination of a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, a lightguide comprises a low refractive index region disposed between light extracting region and a non-scattering region. In further embodiment of this invention, volumetric scattering lightguide comprises a low refractive index region disposed between a volumetric scattering region and a non-scattering region. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprising a volumetric scattering lightguide can angularly filter light input into the edge of a volumetric scattering lightguide by controlling the refractive index of the low refractive index region relative to the refractive index of the non-scattering region to prevent direct illumination of the volumetric scattering region, provide a luminance uniformity greater than 70%, or improve the angular luminous intensity of the light emitting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved optical elements, such as light diffusing films, plates, and lenses, which can be used in light-emitting devices, such as light fixtures to control the distribution of light projected onto illuminated objects, such as walls, sculptures, and landscaping. Compared to traditional light scattering films, plates or lenses, improvements in illuminance uniformity, optical throw, system efficacy, and aesthetic appearance are achieved. Embodiments of the invention utilize region(s) of volumetric asymmetric diffusion that allow a partial quantity of light to be transmitted without significant scattering in order to improve optical throw and illuminance uniformity. Embodiments can also eliminate hotspot and thus improve the illuminated uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for producing wood flooring. This method comprises providing a roughhewn board having an upper and a lower surface and ripping the board to a desired width thereby providing a long length flooring blank. The method further includes scanning the long length flooring blank to maximize value and recovery and then cutting a dimensional flooring blank based on grade and length. The improved method also comprises automatically sorting the dimensional flooring blank based on grade and length, automatically orienting the dimensional flooring blank for downstream machining, and machining the oriented dimensional flooring blank to provide desired features.

Abstract: A propulsion thrust control system and method for controlling thrust in a rocket motor includes configuring valves of an energized rocket motor to an initial total valve area according to a total thrust command. The total thrust command is converted into a commanded propellant mass flow discharge rate. A varying total valve area is computed from an error between the commanded propellant mass flow discharge rate and a calculated propellant mass flow discharge rate. The valves are reconfigured according to a distribution of the varying total valve area. The propulsion system includes a pressure vessel with valves and a controller for regulating the valve area according to a propellant mass flow discharge rate from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An arc discharge metal halide lamp for use in selected lighting fixtures having a discharge chamber with light permeable walls of a selected shape bounding a discharge region of a selected volume through which walls a pair of electrodes are supported with ionizable materials being provided in the discharge region of the discharge chamber comprising at least one member selected from a group consisting of halides of cerium, dysprosium, holmium, lithium, sodium, praseodymium, thallium and thulium, and further comprising a halide of calcium in a selected fraction of that weight total of all halides present in the discharge chamber with this selection depending also on the addition or not of a halide of aluminum. Others of the foregoing halides that are present are provided in amounts with certain limits.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light diffusing plates and films that can be used in backlights to increase brightness, provide more control over the viewing angle, reduce thickness and the reduce the overall display cost. By using a volumetric, asymmetric scattering region within a diffuser plate or film, light can be preferentially scattered more in one direction than the other direction. In backlights where the illumination light sources are substantially linear arrays, a diffuser plate or film that scatters predominantly in the direction perpendicular to the linear array will have more efficient forward light throughput than one that scatters light in a symmetric light scattering profile. In addition, a light re-directing region such as an asymmetric scattering region can efficiently allow a light-emitting device to be direct lit and edge lit, simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention is an upper body protection system for contact sport players with an external semi-rigid articulating system comprised of a Collar, a Sternal Plate, a Back Plate and three Epaulets on each side. The entire system is designed to protect the shoulders and upper body by dissipating the force of a blow and then redirecting the residual force to the strongest load bearing parts of the body behind and on the sides of the neck where the collar section rests. The system protects areas of the upper body (namely the plexus of nerves exiting at the sides of the neck [Erb's Point]; the collar bone [clavicle]; the A-C joint [Acromio-Clavicular Joint]; the shoulder blades [Scapulae]; the spine; the breast bone [sternum]; the ribs; and underlying vital organs that are prone to injury. The system offers maximum protection while also allowing almost complete freedom of movement.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and opposite side slots extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and opposite side slots extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof, includes a frame, a cover, an actuating member, a handle secured to the actuating member, and a recessed chamber connected to the frame and defining a depth configured to contain the actuating member and the handle. The frame includes a border that defines an opening through the frame and a front and a back. The cover is selectively swingable relative to the frame between a closed position and open positions. The open positions place the cover intermediate the closed position and at least one of the front and back of the border that defines an opening through the frame.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and at least one opposite side slot extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and at least one opposite side slot extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and opposite side slots extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A remotely controlled powered hingeless ventilator has a cover configured on a frame on a side thereof opposite from a tension rod. The cover is variably positionable between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the frame. An actuating member connected to an underside of the cover extends through a slot in a plate member across the ventilation opening and includes an arcuate guide slot defined therein. The tension rod is disposed through this guide slot. A motor is mounted on the frame and is connectable to a power source. The motor includes a rotatable drive arm connected to the actuating member. The drive arm has a generally arcuate shape and is connected to the actuating member so that an opening and closing force is exerted by the drive arm to the actuating member along a line of force corresponding generally to an extension of the arcuate guide slot.

Abstract: A hingeless ventilator is provided for ventilating a compartment and includes a frame for attaching about an opening in the wall of the compartment. A closure member is swingable against an outer side of the frame for opening and closing the opening. Guide members extend from the frame into the compartment and arm members extend from the closure member through the opening. A holding mechanism is configured with the arm members and guide members to supply a closing tensile force to the closure member. The closure member and the arm members are formed from a unitary plate with the arm members bent at essentially right angles to a base portion of the plate. The closure member includes a cover member, preferably formed of a plastic material, attached to the outer surface of the base portion.