Abstract: Various embodiments include a variable transmission device including a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device configured to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel. Further embodiments include a method of varying radiation transmission including the steps of providing a variable transmission device, comprising a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device and actuating the mechanical device to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel.

Abstract: The various embodiments include variable optical transmission devices with uniform or patterned polarizers or wave retarders configured to provide continuous or nearly continuous variations in light transmission based on linear translation. For example, embodiments include a variable transmission window including a first uniform polarizer with a first polarization axis, a second uniform polarizer with a second polarization axis, a first patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a first plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence, and a second patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a second plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence. The first or second wave retarder is configured to be linearly translatable relative to the other wave retarder.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a variable transmission device including a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device configured to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel. Further embodiments include a method of varying radiation transmission including the steps of providing a variable transmission device, comprising a first smart window panel, a second smart window panel, and a mechanical device and actuating the mechanical device to linearly translate at least a portion of the first panel relative to the second panel.

Abstract: The various embodiments include variable optical transmission devices with uniform or patterned polarizers or wave retarders configured to provide continuous or nearly continuous variations in light transmission based on linear translation. For example, embodiments include a variable transmission window including a first uniform polarizer with a first polarization axis, a second uniform polarizer with a second polarization axis, a first patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a first plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence, and a second patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a second plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence. The first or second wave retarder is configured to be linearly translatable relative to the other wave retarder.

Abstract: The various embodiments include variable optical transmission devices with uniform or patterned polarizers or wave retarders configured to provide continuous or nearly continuous variations in light transmission based on linear translation. For example, embodiments include a variable transmission window including a first uniform polarizer with a first polarization axis, a second uniform polarizer with a second polarization axis, a first patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a first plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence, and a second patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a second plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence. The first or second wave retarder is configured to be linearly translatable relative to the other wave retarder.

Abstract: A light transmissive panel comprising a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein each sheet is made up of a non-birefringent substrate and a wire grid polarizer pattern of continuously varying absorption axis orientation formed on the non-birefringent substrate. The wire grid polarizer patterns on each of the first and second sheet are mechanically translatable relative to each other, wherein the mechanical translation controls transmission of light through the light transmissive panel. Light transmissive panels wherein each sheet of the panel is made of a wire grid polarizer that is laminated with a continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder, wherein the continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder rotates input light by an amount determined by the thickness of the wave plate retarder.

Abstract: A light transmissive panel is provided comprising a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein each sheet is made up of a nonbirefringant substrate and a wire grid polarizer pattern of continuously varying absorption axis orientation formed on the nonbirefringant substrate. The wire grid polarizer patterns on each of the first and second sheet are mechanically translatable relative to each other, wherein the mechanical translation controls transmission of light through the light transmissive panel. Also taught is an example wherein each sheet of the panel is made of a wire grid polarizer that is laminated with a continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder, wherein the continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder rotates input light by an amount determined by the thickness of the wave plate retarder. Also taught is an example wherein each sheet of the panel is made up of a traditional polarizer and continuously varying thickness wave retarder.

Abstract: The various embodiments include variable optical transmission devices with uniform or patterned polarizers or wave retarders configured to provide continuous or nearly continuous variations in light transmission based on linear translation. For example, embodiments include a variable transmission window including a first uniform polarizer with a first polarization axis, a second uniform polarizer with a second polarization axis, a first patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a first plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence, and a second patterned wave retarder positioned between the first and second polarizers and including a second plurality of domains configured to vary in at least one of optic axis, thickness, or birefringence. The first or second wave retarder is configured to be linearly translatable relative to the other wave retarder.

Abstract: A light transmissive panel is provided comprising a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein each sheet is made up of a nonbirefringant substrate and a wire grid polarizer pattern of continuously varying absorption axis orientation formed on the nonbirefringant substrate. The wire grid polarizer patterns on each of the first and second sheet are mechanically translatable relative to each other, wherein the mechanical translation controls transmission of light through the light transmissive panel. Also taught is an example wherein each sheet of the panel is made of a wire grid polarizer that is laminated with a continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder, wherein the continuous variable thickness wave plate retarder rotates input light by an amount determined by the thickness of the wave plate retarder. Also taught is an example wherein each sheet of the panel is made up of a traditional polarizer and continuously varying thickness wave retarder.

Abstract: An area rug system. The system includes a plurality of interlocking floor tiles. The edges of the tiles interlock in such a way that when the tiles are adjoined, the tiles present a single continuous and uninterrupted surface. The tiles are multi-layered and include a non-skid bottom surface. Further, the tiles include serged edges to provide a finished appearance.

Abstract: An inflator assembly inflates a vehicle occupant restraint. The inflator assembly includes a container which stores gas under pressure. A body of an ignitable pyrotechnic material is disposed within the container. An igniter assembly is actuatable in response to being struck to ignite the body of pyrotechnic material. An actuator assembly is provided to release the stored gas from the container and to actuate the igniter assembly. The actuator assembly includes a pyrotechnic which moves an actuator member to rupture a portion of the container and to strike the igniter assembly. Upon actuation of the igniter assembly, the pyrotechnic material is ignited and begins to burn. During initial burning of the pyrotechnic material, an orifice plate restricts a flow of combustion products to promote burning of the pyrotechic material.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the variation in tension of a ligament graft extending between first and second proposed fixation sites positioned on first and second articulated bones, respectively, comprises a yoke which carries a device for securing the yoke to one of the first and second bones. A yoke plate is rotatably carried by the yoke. A main housing is adapted for connection to the yoke plate. A sled is slidably carried by the main housing. The sled is adapted for connection to the ligament graft. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of the sled relative to the housing so as to place a desired degree of tension on the ligament graft. A transducer is associated with the mechanism for adjusting for determining changes in tension, if any, from the desired degree of tension as the first and second bones are moved relative to one another.