Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for the use of concentrating radiant energy onto a receiver (2). The device comprises a first concentrator (5) that is filled with a transmissible material for the use of increasing the acceptance angle of the concentrator and concentrating the radiant energy onto a bifacial receiver (2). Embodiments also comprise a second concentrator (4) that directs the concentrated radiant energy to both sides of the bifacial receiver, whereby the second concentrator enables the device to use a substantially smaller receiver. In some embodiments, the receivers comprise photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to hot water heaters 1 that are for the use of using electricity to store heat energy for current or later use. In some embodiments, the heat energy is stored in Thermal Energy Storage 7 (TES) to store excess electrical energy for the later use of heating water. The present disclosure also relating to several species of the invention which relate to the water tank 1 being a Grid Interactive Water Heater (GIWH). Some of the embodiments disclose methods of storing heat energy at a lower temperature than the hot water in the tank, which avoids being limited to phase change materials that phase change withing the narrow range of the hot water temperature. Another embodiment makes hydrogen for the use of heating water. Another uses the exhaust heat from a heat engine to improve the overall efficiency over common CHP water heaters.

Abstract: A heat pump system for the use of cooling or heating comprising at least one TES (3), wherein the TES comprises thermal energy storage. The TES is placed downstream of a heat exchanger (2) and generally placed upstream of a pressure changing device (4) or regenerator (40), wherein the TES exchanges heat energy with a fluid (14) of the heat pump, and wherein the heat pump system exchanges heat energy between an enclosed space (6) and an ambient heat source outside the enclosed space. The TES is generally charged with thermal energy, which may be cool or heat energy, during favorable times of a daily temperature cycle. The TES then transfers the stored thermal energy to assist in cooling or heating the enclosed space.

Abstract: A roof or wall comprising an insulating selective surface (1) for the use of transferring net heat energy into or out of an enclosure, such as a building. The insulating selective surface comprises at least one transparent cover (2) that comprises a chamber (9), and in the chamber is a moveable plate (4) comprising a plurality of surfaces (5, 6). At least one of the surfaces is a selective surface which can be moved to substantially face the sky, or moved to face away from the sky. The device insulates the enclosure from conductive losses, while using the sun to heat the enclosure, or the cold of deep space to cool the enclosure depending on how the plate is moved.

Abstract: An improved bumper system for transportation vehicles (10) comprising one or more extendable bumpers (12, 14-15). The extendable bumpers extend substantially outward from a vehicle to provide a greater distance with which to reduce the forces acting upon the occupants and/or cargo of a transportation vehicle in the event of a collision. In some embodiments, the extendable bumpers extend in response to a detected, possible, or likely collision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for the use of concentrating radiant energy onto a receiver (2). The device comprises a first concentrator (5) that is filled with a transmissible material for the use of increasing the acceptance angle of the concentrator and concentrating the radiant energy onto a bifacial receiver (2). Embodiments also comprise a second concentrator (4) that directs the concentrated radiant energy to both sides of the bifacial receiver, whereby the second concentrator enables the device to use a substantially smaller receiver. In some embodiments, the receivers comprise photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer device or system for the use of moving heat energy, which is generally cooling or heating. The device or system comprising at least one selective surface (1), wherein the selective surface comprises at least one radiant concentrator or lens (5) and at least one conductive material (4) comprising at least one receiver (2). The selective surface exchanges radiant energy with at least one emissive object (7), whereby net heat energy is transferred through radiant energy exchanged between the emissive object and the selective surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to hot water heaters 1 that are for the use of using electricity to store heat energy for current or later use. In some embodiments, the heat energy is stored in Thermal Energy Storage 7 (TES) to store excess electrical energy for the later use of heating water. The present disclosure also relating to several species of the invention which relate to the water tank 1 being a Grid Interactive Water Heater (GIWH). Some of the embodiments disclose methods of storing heat energy at a lower temperature than the hot water in the tank, which avoids being limited to phase change materials that phase change withing the narrow range of the hot water temperature. Another embodiment makes hydrogen for the use of heating water. Another uses the exhaust heat from a heat engine to improve the overall efficiency over common CHP water heaters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat pump system for the use of cooling or heating comprising at least one TES (3), wherein the TES comprises thermal energy storage. The TES is placed downstream of a heat exchanger (2) and generally placed upstream of a pressure changing device (4) or regenerator (40), wherein the TES exchanges heat energy with a fluid (14) of the heat pump, and wherein the heat pump system exchanges heat energy between an enclosed space (6) and some ambient heat source outside the enclosed space. The TES is generally charged with thermal energy, which may be cool or heat energy, during favorable times of a daily temperature cycle. The TES then transfers the stored thermal energy to assist in cooling or heating the enclosed space.

Abstract: An improved bumper system for transportation vehicles (10) comprising one or more extendable bumpers (12, 14-15). The extendable bumpers extend substantially outward from a vehicle to provide a greater distance with which to reduce the forces acting upon the occupants and/or cargo of a transportation vehicle in the event of a collision. In some embodiments, the extendable bumpers extend in response to a detected, possible, or likely collision.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, menu, or a keyboard for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16).

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A multidirectional button for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a multidirectional button software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16).

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.