Abstract: The dynamic fringe pattern generating apparatus includes a liquid crystal layer including a first area and a second area, a lower layer and an upper layer. The upper layer includes a slit array layer where a micro-slit array including a common slit and a plurality of selection slits are formed and an upper transparent electrode layer where a reference electrode and a plurality of selection electrodes are formed. In the dynamic fringe pattern generating apparatus, different fringe patterns are phase-shifted by sequentially controlling a voltage applied to the reference electrode and to the selection electrodes.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a pressure management system for an earpiece comprising: a first valve, where the first valve allows air to pass from a first side of the valve to a second side more readily than from the second side to the first side an inflation channel, where the inflation channel has an outer diameter less than 5 mm; a pressure release mechanism; a pump; a stent, where the inflation channel is embedded; and a balloon, where the first valve, the inflation channel, the pressure release mechanism, the pump, and the balloon are operatively connected, where the first valve is positioned so that air from the pump passes through the first valve to inflate the balloon and where the leak rate of the air from the balloon back to the pump is less than 1% by volume per minute and where the pressure release mechanism is configured to release pressure from the balloon to the environment upon actuation, and where the pressure management system is configured to manage the inflation pressur

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alignment film and the manufacturing method for liquid crystal display panel. The method comprises preparing a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal, at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate being provided with an alignment film; the material of the alignment film comprising a solvent and a substance dissolved in the solvent, the substance comprising at least one first polymer, the first polymer comprising a main chain and a side chain; folding the first substrate and the second substrate, and injecting the liquid crystal between the first substrate and the second substrate to form a liquid crystal cell; applying voltage to the liquid crystal cell, and then irradiating the liquid crystal cell with UV light. Through the above way, the present invention can reduce the mura phenomenon in the liquid crystal display panel and improve the display quality.

Abstract: A metalized fabric (10) is disclosed a first layer (15) of clear thermoplastic material, a second layer (16) of vaporized aluminum material (metalized layer), a third layer (17) of thermoplastic material, and a fourth layer (18) of lofted billow spunbond thermoplastic material. The four layers are sealed together in a pattern that forms a series, matrix or field of large pillowed areas or regions (20) surrounded at four sides by smaller pillowed regions (21). The seals (23) are non-continuous or fragmented, as they are formed by several unjoined segments (24) which provide a less stiff feel to the metalized fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to silk-based drug delivery compositions for controlled, sustained delivery of therapeutic agent(s) as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An environmental seal is formed around a square sensor disposed beneath a circular button cap within a button assembly. The button assembly includes shelf portions each extending separately into the interior of the assembly from a sidewall of the assembly. Portions of the sidewall are exposed between the shelf portions large enough to permit the four corners of the square sensor to contact the sidewall. The button cap is set above the sensor, resting upon the shelf portions. A first sealant bonds the top faces of the shelf portions to the bottom of the button cap. A second sealant bonds the edges of the sidewall to the corners of the sensor. The second sealant interfaces with the first sealant to form a complete environmental seal.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, the chamber having a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may also include a tensile member bonded to, and extending between, the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may include a bond inhibiting material located between the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer, the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer being unbonded in an unbonded area in which the bond inhibiting material is disposed. The chamber may include an outwardly extending bulge in the unbonded area.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may be incorporated into footwear and other products. The chamber is formed from a polymer material that defines a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a sidewall surface extending around a periphery of the chamber and between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of bonds are spaced inward from the sidewall surface and join the first surface and the second surface, and the bonds are distributed to form a regularly-spaced array, such as a hexagonal array. In some configurations, the first surface and the second surface may define elliptically-shaped structures between the bonds. In addition, the bonds may be formed to have a slope that is an average of slopes of the first surface and the second surface in areas proximal the bonds.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid lens array creates an array of through holes of axisymmetric cross-section through a central plate, forms conductive traces on the side walls of each of the through holes and on a portion of the top and bottom surfaces of the central plate contiguous with each through hole, and bonds the bottom surface of the central plate around each through hole to the top surface of a transparent base plate, forming an array of cavities. The method applies an insulating layer to the side walls of each cavity, portions of the top surface of the base plate lying within each cavity, and portions of the top surface of the transparent central plate surrounding each cavity, introduces a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid into each cavity; and bonds the top surface of the central plate to the bottom surface of a transparent top plate.

Abstract: An improved technique for manufacturing a propellant pillow for use in filling a propellant chamber of an implantable pump is disclosed. The method preferably results in the creation of an already filled propellant pillow, which therefore negates the need for the separate filling of the pillow.

Abstract: A supply of inflatable pouches includes an inflatable web defining a series of inflatable chambers, a longitudinal fold in the web such that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined together at the longitudinal fold, and a series of transverse seals that bond the panels together to form a series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals.

Abstract: Methods of making a reinforcement mesh, and an architectural molding reinforced by the mesh. The mesh is adhered by an adhesive to the architectural molding. In the mesh, weft yarns bend relative to warp yarns to conform to and against a curved profile of the architectural molding, and the warp yarns are unbent and adhered against the molding.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can include a balloon formed by a stretch blow molding process following local heating once advanced over the cannula. Once formed, the balloon can be conditioned to constrict against the cannula. A conditioning aid can be advanced over the balloon when it is still formable to constrict the balloon against the cannula.

Abstract: A breathing mask device, a sealing lip device for a breathing mask device, a molding tool and a method for producing a corresponding breathing mask device and sealing lip device are described. An aspect of the invention is to provide ways that make it possible to create a breathing mask device that, with sufficiently strong tightness is distinguished by particular wearing comfort and which moreover can be produced advantageously in times of industrial production standpoints.

Abstract: A technique for joining porous foam material, such as graphite, metal or ceramic foam, to a substrate is described. The substrate can be metal, a thermoset plastic or a composite material. The substrate has a melting point below that of the foam material. The two are joined together by using the foam to apply heat locally at the surface of the substrate. Some or all of the foam is heated to the appropriate temperature at or above the melting point of the substrate material. The foam and the substrate are then brought together, with the heat from the foam melting or softening the substrate material so that the substrate material infuses into the pores of the foam. As the foam cools below the melting point temperature, the substrate material solidifies to create a mechanical bond between the foam and the substrate.

Abstract: A novel device and method for intradermal delivery of an active agent is provided. The device comprises a housing which contains a reservoir chamber. A flexible reservoir containing the active agent is placed in the chamber. Upon pressure on an actuator the active agents is delivered via a hollow needle to the skin.

Abstract: A convective underbody blanket has a head portion and a body portion. Provided at the head portion is a non-inflatable head area surrounded by a channel that has arranged thereat at least one row of air apertures that are oriented toward the non-inflatable head area when the channel is inflated. At the body portion there is provided a non-inflatable body area. Along each longitudinal side of the body area there is at least one longitudinal channel. Each of the longitudinal channels is in fluid communication with the channel that surrounds the non-inflatable head area. The longitudinal channels that sandwich the non-inflatable body area extend substantially along the length of the non-inflatable body area and are in fluid communication with each other by way of a cross channel formed at the foot end of the blanket.

Abstract: A method for fabricating lenticulars includes applying a rubbing layer on a lenticular structure. The rubbing layer is baked on the lenticular structure before installation of the lenticular structure on a plate. After baking, the lenticular structure is applied to the plate.

Abstract: A packaging cushion insert is useful for cushioning a packaged object. The insert comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet; and a plurality of interior sheets between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the plurality of interior sheets are in stacked and laminated arrangement. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and plurality of interior sheets each comprise one or more materials selected from an air-cellular cushioning material, cellular foam material, and crumpled paper material.

Abstract: A control element for a vehicle seat includes a bladder configured to be filled with a pressure medium and which includes first and second films connected together along a connecting seam to form a bladder chamber. The connecting seam may have a shape of a polygon, e.g., a square or rectangle, with rounded corners, wherein the sides connecting the corners are curved in a concave manner toward the interior of the polygon. The shape of the connecting seam and thus the shape of the resulting bladder chamber may prevent or reduce the occurrence of constrictions and/or kinks when filling the bladders, which may ensure a reliable and durable operation of the control element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include obtaining a spacer textile material a stabilization structure. A tensile member is removed from an area of the spacer textile material where the stabilizing structure is absent. The tensile member is located between a first polymer element and a second polymer element. Additionally, (a) the first layer is bonded to the first polymer element, (b) the second layer is bonded to the second polymer element, and (c) the first polymer element and the second polymer element are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.

Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: A layer of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid are provided on a first area of a support plate of an electrowetting device, the first fluid and the second fluid being immiscible and the first area having a higher wettability for the first fluid than for the second fluid. The method includes providing an emulsion of dispersed first fluid and continuous second fluid; bringing the first area and the emulsion in contact; the dispersed first fluid coalescing to form the layer of the first fluid on the first area. Also described are an emulsion for manufacturing an electrowetting device, a method for manufacturing an emulsion, a device, a non-ionic surfactant and a use of a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: A climate control system according to implementations of the invention includes one or more vacuum chambers. The vacuum chamber is encompassed by a chamber wall that is substantially impervious to gases. The vacuum chamber houses one of several combinations. In one combination, the near vacuum has yet to be created, and the vacuum chamber houses substantially-pure carbon dioxide and un-reacted carbon dioxide reducing agent. In a second combination, the near vacuum has been created, and the vacuum chamber houses reaction products of a chemical reaction between substantially-pure carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide reducing agent in a near vacuum. Various methods are used for creating vacuum chambers and for generating near vacuum conditions within such chambers. Various systems and structures can utilize such vacuum chambers and panels containing such chambers.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for producing a display element for an electrowetting display with the steps: Provision of a display chamber (10) with a first volume, the bottom of which is formed by a first intermediate film (60) which has a first opening, whereby the display chamber (10) is closed by an at least partly transparent cover (14; 14a, 14b) which is at some distance from the first intermediate film (16); provision of a reservoir chamber (20) for fluid with a second volume, the bottom of which is formed by a substrate and which has a second intermediate film (26) at some distance from it which closes the reservoir chamber (20) and has a second opening; provision of a quantity of fluid which is greater than both the first volume as well as the second volume but is less than the sum of the first volume and second volume; division of the quantity of fluid into a first partial drop (40a) and a second partial drop (40b); introduction of the first partial drop (40a) into the display chamber (10); intr

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device, includes forming sealants on a first substrate, forming the dummy sealants including forming a first straight portion from a first start point and then, forming a second straight portion, thereby forming a first dummy sealant having a first end point overlapping the first start point, and forming a third straight portion from a second start point and then, forming a fourth straight portion, thereby forming a second dummy sealant having a second end point overlapping the second start point, and forming a first air inlet between the first dummy sealant and the second dummy sealant, dropping a liquid crystal material, and disposing a second substrate in a pressure-reduced environment.

Abstract: A process for making a brick comprises the steps of prearranging at least one pair of half-shells (3a, 3b) and fixing said half-shells (3a, 3b) to each other to define a main body (2) of the brick with a cavity {4} therein. The process further comprises the step of introducing a preset quantity of argon into said cavity (4), A brick comprises a pair of half-shells (3a, 3b) fixed to each other to define a main body (2) of said brick (1); said main body (2) exhibits an inner cavity (4); said cavity (4) holds a preset quantity of argon.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure and a method of manufacturing the bladder and reinforcing structure are disclosed. In general, the reinforcing structure extends around the bladder, and the reinforcing structure is bonded to an exterior of the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is recessed into the bladder and extends along side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.

Abstract: A microfluidic storage device for pre-storing a fluid includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a membrane. The first substrate has a recess formed in a first surface. The second substrate has a second surface formed to form fit with the first surface at least in subregions outside the recess. The membrane is arranged between the first and second substrates and is in contact with the first and second surfaces in regions outside the recess. In the region of the recess, the membrane is configured to line the recess so that a volume region inside the recess, between the membrane and the second substrate, can be filled with the fluid. The first substrate, the membrane, and the second substrate are configured to be joined together at least in subregions, outside the recess, in which the membrane is in contact with the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A sealing device generally includes a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface and a heating element disposed about such surface and secured thereto such that the heating element rotates therewith. The heating element is coiled about the outer surface of the cylinder in the form of an overlapping helical pattern. Juxtaposed film plies may be sealed together by bringing the sealing device into rotational contact with the juxtaposed film plies and heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to cause the film plies to seal together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cell array structure includes a first step of laminating a deformable layer capable of causing plastic deformation on a substrate, the substrate being formed with plural, mutually separated depressions on a top surface thereof, such that the deformable layer forms a mutually isolated space in each of the plural depressions; and a second step of extending the space in each of the plural depressions by causing plastic deformation in the deformable layer, such that there are formed plural columnar cells respectively in correspondence to the plural depressions.

Abstract: In a sealant dispenser and a method of sealing a display panel using the sealant dispenser, the sealant dispenser includes a tracking part, a nozzle part and a body. The tracking part tracks a tracking line on a base substrate, the base substrate is divided into a display area and a non-display area. The nozzle part is spaced apart from the tracking part, and injects a sealant from an end portion of the nozzle part and forms a seal line on the base substrate at a same time the tracking part tracks the tracking line. The tracking part and the nozzle part are mounted on the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gel covering of a patient interface. This gel covering has a mask connection area by which its side that faces away from the patient is joined with a mask body. The patient interface can be designed, for example, as a respiratory mask. On its side that faces the patient's face, the respiratory mask has thin, inwardly formed, peripheral contact lips. The respiratory mask has accessories that allow it to be fastened on the patient's head as well as a hose connection for supplying air. At least one region formed from a filler is placed in or on the walls of the gel covering. The method is used to produce the gel covering of the invention.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes preparing first and second substrates, at least one of the first and second substrates being a transparent substrate; forming a plurality of the column spacers on the first substrate for maintaining a cell gap between the first and second substrates and a sidewall on the first substrate for sealing the periphery of the substrates; applying an adhesive solution including an adhesive diluted with an organic solvent onto the first substrate having the column spacers and the sidewall thereon; positioning the second substrate on the first substrate so that the first and second substrates face each other; adhering the column spacers to the second substrate by drying the organic solvent from the adhesive solution; and providing a liquid crystal material between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, a seal material is formed by drawing on a first substrate. A starting point and a terminal point of the drawing overlap forming a closing portion. The seal material is obliquely drawn so as to depart from an active area as the drawing departs from the closing portion. After drawing the seal material so as to surround the active area, the seal material is obliquely drawn so as to close to the active area as the drawing closes to the closing portion. The liquid crystal material is dropped in the inside surrounded with the seal material. After that, a second substrate is arranged on the seal material and the liquid crystal material. Then, the first substrate and the second substrate are attached by curing the seal material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: A vibratory sensor is fabricated as a three-dimensional batch-micromachined shell adapted to vibrate and support elastic wave propagation and wave precession in the shell or membrane and at least one driving electrode and preferably a plurality of driving electrodes directly or indirectly coupled to the shell to excite and sustain the elastic waves in the shell. The pattern of elastic waves is determined by the configuration of the driving electrode(s). At least one sensing electrode and preferably a plurality of sensing electrodes are provided to detect the precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell. The rotation of the shell induces precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell which is usable to measure the rotation angle or rate of the vibratory sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic devices incorporating electrode modules and fluidics for performing chemical analyses. The invented devices consist of at least one component sensor formed on an electrode module, the sensor being contained within a fluidic housing. The electrode module is a laminate of a perforated epoxy foil and a photo-formed metal foil with sensor membranes deposited into the perforations. The fluidic housing is a diagnostic card consisting of a plastic card-like body, the at least one component sensor, a sealed chamber defined in the card body for containing a fluid, a fluid conduit for fluidically connecting the chamber with the sensor region, a valve for fluidically connecting the chamber to the fluid conduit, and a delivery structure separate and distinct from the valve for forcing fluid from the chamber and into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soft elastic capsule that includes an acid resistant, capsule shell that defines an encapsulated space having a predetermined volume, a liquid or semisolid fill comprising a first active ingredient located within the encapsulated space, and a first compressed tablet a having a minimal dimension of 2 mm, being located within the encapsulated space, unanchored to the capsule shell, and surrounded by the fill, said tablet comprising a second active ingredient that is substantially insoluble in the fill. A method of manufacturing a soft elastic capsule is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include obtaining a spacer textile material a stabilization structure. A tensile member is removed from an area of the spacer textile material where the stabilizing structure is absent. The tensile member is located between a first polymer element and a second polymer element. Additionally, (a) the first layer is bonded to the first polymer element, (b) the second layer is bonded to the second polymer element, and (c) the first polymer element and the second polymer element are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a device with a membrane used to encapsulate a fluid contained in a cavity, in which: two substrates (110, 120) are provided; a membrane (111) is placed on one and/or on the other of the substrates; one or more walls (113) are formed, helping to laterally define the cavity (114), in which said walls are located on or in one of the substrates and/or on or in the other of the substrates, and said cavity is intended to contain the fluid, the two substrates (110, 120) are assembled together by superimposing one on the other so as to complete the cavity, in which the or each membrane (111) also helps to define the cavity, the fluid (117) is encapsulated in the cavity between the substrates, and the or each membrane is soaked by the fluid, at least a portion of one of the substrates and/or the other of the substrates is removed insofar as one and/or the other of the substrates are equipped with a membrane, in order to release the membrane at least in the central po

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A film substrate liquid crystal sealing method includes injecting a liquid crystal material between a first substrate and a second substrate via an opening part formed on the first substrate, the second substrate or combination thereof, injecting a sealing material for sealing the liquid crystal material injected in the injecting of the liquid crystal material via the opening part, and hardening the sealing material in a pressed state by pressing down a portion that protrudes from the opening part of the sealing material injected in the injecting of the sealing material toward an inside of the opening part with a pressing member.

Abstract: A method for injecting a liquid crystal material into a film substrate includes: a contacting step of forming a gap between a liquid crystal inlet of the film substrate and a bottom of a liquid crystal vessel which stores the liquid crystal material by making the film substrate contact a contact part provided for the liquid crystal vessel; and an injecting step of injecting the liquid crystal material into the liquid crystal inlet with the film substrate contacting the contact part.

Abstract: A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals includes first and second flat float glass sheets sealed on the edge of their internal faces by a sealing joint, in particular made of a given sealing material, in particular essentially organic, first and second electrodes, and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 15 and 60 ?m inclusive of these values and incorporating spacers. The thickness A of each of the first and second glass sheets is less than or equal to 5.5 mm, and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes has a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidioptres, of less than 12E/15 where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in ?m.

Abstract: This methods and devices described herein relate to displays and methods of manufacturing cold seal fluid-filled displays, including MEMS. The fluid substantially surrounds the moving components of the MEMS display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display. The invention relates to a method for sealing a MEMS display at a lower temperature such that a vapor bubble does not formforms only at temperatures about 15° C. to about 20° C. below the seal temperature. In some embodiments, the MEMS display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap and supporting an array of light modulators, a fluid substantially filling the gap, a plurality of spacers within the gap, and a sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element which includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current is disclosed. The apodized aperture includes a body including an area defining the clear aperture area wherein a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing continuous light-transmissivity tuning through a mechanical smart window. In one aspect, a mechanical smart window including multiple layers is provided, each layer featuring light-blocking and light-transmitting areas. The layers may be moved relative to each other, changing the amount by which each light-blocking area occludes light-transmitting areas on other layers.