Abstract: A tubular body having a substantially rectangular cross-section is formed with a plurality of flat plates each having a surface with a light reflecting coating applied thereto. To form the tubular body, the flat plates are disposed in such a manner that the surfaces having the light reflecting coating applied thereto face inward and that an end surface of one of the flat plates at one end is held in contact with the surface of another flat plate. The flat plates are bonded by bonding the end portions thereof with each other on the outer side surfaces of a tubular body so as to form an optical rod.

Abstract: An inorganic particulate, having strong absorption in the thermal infrared region of the radiative spectrum and low absorption in the solar or visible portion of the radiative spectrum, is combined with a plastic resin, to create a composite material. This composite is used in whole or in part to manufacture a honeycomb transparent insulation material, or is applied as a coating to a honeycomb transparent insulation material. The resulting honeycomb transparent insulation can have similar visible or solar light transmittance, and will have improved thermal radiant suppression relative to an identical honeycomb made of plastic resin only.

Abstract: Optical devices such as light pipes which incorporate multilayer optical films in which the refractive indices of two adjacent layers in the thickness direction are substantially matched or are small relative to the difference in refractive indices of said two adjacent layers in an given in-plane direction which is at least 0.05. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: What is described here is a method and an element of lighting rooms by selective guidance of daylight, comprising an optically transparent main body through which the light is incident into the respective room, and including plurality of structures on which light is deflected by total reflection into the respective room. The invention is characterized by the provision that the plurality of structures consists of parallel crazes.

Abstract: An area or a part which is shaded or does not receive a sufficient amount of light due to a structure or other objects is irradiated by light distribution control or luminous flux density control with diffusion, refraction, division and the like of light. Sunbeams are diffused by a transparent body disposed above two buildings, and the diffused light reaches an area or a part that has conventionally been shaded.

Abstract: A solar lighting apparatus includes a transparent dome. The transparent dome is provided, at its ceiling center, with a control box accommodating a stepping motor, a controller for controlling the motor and a secondary battery. The stepping motor has a motor shaft coupled with a rotary shaft. On the rotary shaft is coupled a support frame member through a universal joint. The rotary shaft is driven by the motor to turn a reflection mirror held on the support frame member over a predetermined angle while tracking the sun.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a panel light-guiding element, including the step of rolling a metal body of one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy in at least one pass between at least two rolls to form a rolled product having at least one structured surface as a light guiding structure having a rib pattern of height h and a tooth-like cross-section. The tooth-like cross-section have a periodic structure of rows of triangles. The triangles have bases which follow each other, a first side of each of the triangles running at an angle &agr;, and a second side at an angle &bgr; from the base which has a length l. At least one of the rolls exhibits an embossed pattern that is structured to form the rib pattern in a rolling direction over a full length of the rolled product and is tooth-like in cross-section so that the angle &agr; is in a range of 5 to 60°, the angle &bgr; in a range of 10 to 90°, the length l in a range of 0.01 to 10 mm and the height h is 0.1 to 2 mm.

Abstract: A solar lighting apparatus includes a transparent dome. The transparent dome is provided, at its ceiling center, with a control box accommodating a stepping motor, a controller for controlling the motor and a secondary battery. The stepping motor has a motor shaft coupled with a rotary shaft. On the rotary shaft is coupled a support frame member through a universal joint. The rotary shaft is driven by the motor to turn a reflection mirror held on the support frame member over a predetermined angle while tracking the sun.

Abstract: A light-guiding panel element arrangeable on a wall or a ceiling for lighting purposes. The light-guiding panel element including a walled metal body having at least one structured surface as a light deflecting structure with a ray of the pattern height h and a toothed-like cross-section. The tooth-like cross-section represents a period structure of rows of triangles. The triangles have bases that follow each other. A first side of each triangle runs at an angle &agr; and a second side at an angle &bgr; from the base which is length 1. The rib structure runs in a rolling direction, &agr; is an angle of 5 to 60°, &bgr; at an angle of 10 to 90°, a length l is 0.01 to 10 mm and the height h of the rib pattern is 0.1 to 2 mm. A line of contact of both sides of each triangle forms an edge with a radius r1 that is less than l/10.

Abstract: What is described here is a method and an element of lighting rooms by selective guidance of daylight, comprising an optically transparent main body through which the light is incident into the respective room, and including plurality of structures on which light is deflected by total reflection into the respective room.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a lighting system with light collection from a plurality of light sources including natural sunlight, distribution and control of said plurality of light sources, and a network of optical fibers and other components connecting said plurality of light sources and a plurality of lighting fixtures is disclosed. Sunlight is collected and integrated with other lighting sources to be distributed via a network of optical fiber cables and optical components. An unlimited combination of light collectors, distribution networks, and fixtures, is available for lighting system designs. The distribution network can run in and/or alongside wiring ducts for ease of maintenance and access. According to the time-of-day, time-of-year, weather condition, personal preference and presence, etc., control is provided at various locations for light collection, distribution, and lighting effect with brightness, colors, and patterns.

Abstract: An internal natural light delivery system collects light rays through a series of reflective surfaces redirecting the light to an internal area of a building. The system includes a collector having a sun-tracking element and a first reflector, which are positioned inside a first hollow member that is adjacent a translucent structure of a building. The collector rotates via the sun-tracking element to face the sun's direct rays throughout the daylight hours. The collected light rays are directed vertically upward by the first reflector and reflected through the first hollow member. A first elbow having a second reflector is adjacent to the first hollow member. The first elbow is positioned such that the reflected light rays encounter the second reflector and are directed in a horizontal direction. A second hollow member is adjacent to the first elbow and the light rays reflected by the second reflector are directed therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a passive, fiber-optic day-lighting system collects and transports sunlight as a cost-effective technology solution for day-lighting applications. The system utilizes a low concentration ratio sunlight collection system, in expensive optical fibers, and an inexpensive passive solar thermal tracker. The sun-light collection system uses an array of conical compound parabolic concentrators with concentration ratio in the range of 50-500. The sun-light collection system may also use an array of square or rectangular shaped Fresnel lenses with circular concentric grooves. The array of Fresnel lenses can be formed on a single sheet of plastic, which will minimize the cost of manufacturing and reduce the cost of assembly of individual lenses into an array. The sun-light collection may also use arrays of two concentrators in tandem.

Abstract: An improved optical system is provided for diffusing light uniformly over a wide angle, including, a diffractive element for diffracting light received by the system in multiple diffraction orders, and a diffusing element which diffuses the diffracted light. The diffractive element provides diffracted light having an angular distribution of intensities over the diffraction orders which is correlated to the power spectrum of the diffusing element such that the system produces a predetermined intensity distribution of diffused light. The diffraction period of the diffractive element is selected such that the angular separation between the zeroeth and first diffraction orders is approximately one-half the angular extent of the full-width-at-half-maximum of the power spectrum of the diffusing element. The strengths of the diffraction orders are selected such that the combination of diffused light from each diffractive order provides uniformity in the intensity of the diffused light from the system.

Abstract: Optical devices such as light pipes which incorporate multilayer optical films in which the refractive indices of two adjacent layers in the thickness direction are substantially matched or are small relative to the difference in refractive indices of said two adjacent layers in an given in-plane direction which is at least 0.05. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: An internal natural light delivery system collects light rays through a series of reflective surfaces redirects the light to an internal area of such building. The system includes a collector and a first reflector positioned adjacent a translucent structure of a building. The collected light rays are directed vertically upward by the first reflector. A first hollow member is adjacent the collector and the reflected light rays are reflected therethrough. A first elbow having a second reflector is adjacent the first hollow member. The first elbow is positioned such that the reflected light rays encounter the second reflector and are directed in a horizontal direction. A second hollow member is adjacent the first elbow and the light rays reflected by the second reflector are directed therethrough. The second hollow member extends horizontally into a desired internal space within the building.

Abstract: Phosphorescent materials are incorporated into the composition and construction of various components of a skylight. The resulting skylight absorbs light through these relevant components in the presence of external light while emitting phosphorescence, or delayed luminescence, in the absence of external light. The light-storage effects of the phosphorescent components offer the added advantage of reducing sensitivity of internal illumination intensity to abrupt variations in external light intensity. Using commercially-available high-performance phosphorescent materials, such skylight components are manufactured safely and cost-effectively. The resulting skylights offer simple passive interior illumination for hours after daylight ceases.

Abstract: A light diffuser includes a light scattering element particularly useful for ornamental and decorative purposes. The light scattering element has macroscopic chaotically or quasi-chaotically formed refracting planes and/or reflection planes. The light scattering element further includes a casing filled with a liquid medium. The light scattering element further includes a flexible material with macroscopic chaotically or quasi-chaotically formed exterior surfaces. The light diffuser includes viscous prisms that cause diffractions and refractions with light, interferences such as superposition of light waves, highly varied polarizations, dispersions and beam concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunlight collection apparatus with increased sunlight gathering and receiving capabilities, which is cheap to produce and allows reliable collection of sunlight without having to track the sun. This sunlight collection apparatus has a light collection portion, facing toward the sun, for collecting sunlight; a light conducting portion, having optical fiber cables, for conducting sunlight collected by said light collection portion indoors; and a light scattering portion, provided at a tip of said light conducting portion, for lighting a room with sunlight conducted by said light conducting portion. The light collection portion has a plurality of lens elements arranged facing in the direction of the sun, with the front surface of each lens element which faces toward the sun having a curved surface. The lens elements have a tapered shape in a rearward direction from the front surface.

Abstract: An active solar reflector, preferably mounted within a transparent dome, tracks the sun from sunrise to sunset to reflect impinging solar radiation into a room or other space to be lighted. The reflector includes a plurality of angled mirrors mounted one behind the other and of progressively increasing heights to intercept and reflect as large a flat plate area of solar radiation as possible. The mirrors are mounted upon a support rotatable about an axis to track the sun and to have the mirrors continuously reflect the impinging solar radiation.

Abstract: A one-way see-through panel assembly enhanced by a retroreflective surface. The panel assembly has a first panel which has a dark light-absorbing surface and an opposite light reflecting surface. A retroreflective sheet is applied over the light reflecting surface to form an assembly. Light passageways, either perforations or a pattern of discrete transparent areas, are provided in the assembly. An image is imprinted on either the surface of the retroreflective panel or the light reflecting surface. The method includes mechanically perforating the assembly which is facilitated by the retroreflective sheet having non-glass reflective formations thereon.

Abstract: There is described a motion-to-sound apparatus which provides for musical scores and accompaniments, and lyrics and in response to a movement in three-dimensional space along more than one plane. Further disclosed is a motion-to-sound apparatus for producing sounds responsive both to the final position, or direction of movement, of the detector in space and the acceleration of the device towards that position or along that plane. Control of sound production is oriented such as to be intuitively familiar.

Abstract: A roof-mounted cover for a tubular skylight includes a dome and a frusto-conical skirt depending downwardly from the dome. The skirt defines an open circular periphery, and plural circular grooves are formed on the inside surface of the skirt parallel to the periphery. The grooves direct light into a vertical reflecting tube that is in communication with the cover, and the light propagates downwardly through the tube and through a ceiling-mounted light diffuser to illuminate an interior room of the building on which the cover is mounted.

Abstract: A panel unit for use in a window, a partition, a free standing frame, or in a wall, and having a plurality of vertically stacked, elongated transparent elements arranged in a frame, whereby natural light or artificial light on one side of the panel reflects onto the environment on the one side of the panel unit. The reflected light is transmitted through each transparent element and is refracted and dispersed to create a block of color when viewed on the other side of the panel, which results in a color pattern when viewed on the other side of the panel unit. The transparent elements may be made of lead crystal glass or optical glass, and may be triangularly shaped to produce a maximum light dispersion zone or trapezoidally shaped to produce a minimum light dispersion zone. To resist or reduce glare, a shutter apparatus may be mounted adjacent to the panel unit on the side of the panel unit where the direct sunlight exists, or filters or tinted glass may be used.

Abstract: A stack of light-deflecting elements are installed in a window. Each deflecting element has a solar ray inlet, a curved middle section and an end comprising a ray outlet into the room. Each element is rectilinear at the outlet end so that rays are dispersed and emerge from the light-deflecting elements in prisms of rays, the bottom edge of which is horizontal. The solar rays entering the light-deflecting elements are subjected to multiple total internal reflections at a different angle. The angle of the normal line of the deflector elements to the horizontal is selected so that the largest possible amount of sunlight can be captured and conveyed into the room to illuminate the room with a uniform, diffuse distribution.

Abstract: A solar lighting apparatus according to the present inveniton is configured so that one lighting prism plate is rotatably arranged in a lighting portion or a plurality of lighting prism plates are rotatably arranged in the lighting portion at intervals of a predetermined distance, and a prism angle of each the lighting prism plate is controlled correspondingly to the height and azimuth of the sun so that the sunlight refracted by the lighting prism plates goes out in a predetermined direction. Therefor, the lighting prism plates and parts relevant thereto are formed under predetermined conditions.A solar lighting controller in a solar lighting apparatus operated under predetermined conditions for improvement of lighting efficiency, reduction of consumed electric power, etc., the controller comprising a solar position detector, a central processing unit including an arithmetic operation storage means such as a micro computer and a necessary means such as an optical axis sensor.

Abstract: A light collection and distribution apparatus for use with an exterior window well comprising a window well liner having at least one primary surface which is reflective and faces the window to reflect light rays in the direction of the window, a reflective panel mounted on the building wall above the window, and other mechanisms for increasing light passage through the building wall including a transom disposed in the building wall above the window, reflective surfaces disposed on the bottom sill of the window and on the side jamb.

Abstract: This invention concerns an electrochromic pane comprising a principal functional film constituted of a material which, under the effect of an electric current, is capable of reversibly inserting cations and which has characteristics of coloration and/or transmission in certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that differ for its inserted and deinserted states. Said principal functional film has a quasi-columnar structure, with axes of growth of the columns parallel to straight lines contained within a dihedron, the opening of which is less than 20.degree., and the bisector plane of which makes an acute angle with the substrate.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved dome improving the efficiency of the skylight. The dome includes an integral prism in a portion of its outer surface to reflect light downwardly through the skylight. The dome is hemispherical, and the prism includes a plurality of grooves extending along great circles that pass through the apex of the dome. The prism covers only an angular segment of the hemispherical dome; and the grooves stop short of the apex of the dome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light transmitting panels mainly applied to lighting windows in openings of general buildings and lighting quantity or range adjusting methods for interiors of general buildings using any of the light transmitting panel's. One of the light transmitting panels consists of two transmitting plates and plural refractive columns located in parallel to each other between the two plates, and another of the light transmitting panels consists of base faces with reflecting zones parallel to each other formed on them. Furthermore, optional sunlight patterns S1, S2 and S3 incident from the sun located differently in altitude or azimuth with respective incident angles of .alpha.,.beta. and .gamma. in reference to altitude or azimuth satisfying the relation of .alpha.<.beta.<.gamma.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to direct daylight through an aperture toward a target area in a building or other structure is disclosed. A housing provides a base attachable to the building and a support structure for supporting a reflector above the aperture. According to one embodiment of the invention the reflector is in the shape of an inverted cone. A light diffusing lens structure is disposed in the optical path between the reflector and the target area. In use, light is transmitted through the support structure, reflected from the surface of the reflector, and dispersed about the target area by the light diffusing lens structure.

Abstract: A lenticular lens has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of lens elements formed on the light transmitting substrate. The lens elements are defined in such a way that ridges thereof are aligned in parallel with each other, wherein 30.degree..ltoreq..theta..sub.10% .ltoreq.100.degree. and R.ltoreq.20%, where .theta..sub.10% is a diffusing angle range with respect to normal of the one surface in the case that when light is entered from the opposite surface and transmitted from the one surface, the intensity of the light transmitted is equal to or more than 10% of the intensity of the light transmitted in a peak direction of a main lobe; and R is the ratio of side lobes to main lobe. The intensity of side lobes which causes light loss and light stray can be remarkably reduced. Light can be equally and isotropically focused on in a predetermined diffusing angle range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting multiple patches of full spectrum, rainbow colors to multiple, widely distributed locations is provided. The invention enables the display of such patches on a surface area toward which a source of light is directed, for example the walls and ceiling of a room from sunlight entering the room through a window in the room. The method and apparatus provide first for the refraction of the light from the source of light, and secondly for both the refraction and the reflection of the initially refracted light. The initially refracted light is projected onto a surface of the room as main multiple spectral patches; and the refracted-refracted light, and the reflected-refracted light are projected onto other surfaces of the room laterally of the main patches as additional spectral patches, creating in all, multiple spectral displays of full spectrum, rainbow colors nearly surrounding a viewer and changing in position and shapes with the movement of the sun or other light source.

Abstract: An improved system for synchronizing the positioning of a reflector assembly used in solar lighting apparatus for illuminating the interior of a roofed building. The reflector assembly is rotatable about a vertical access for tracking daily movements of the sun. The assembly includes return, track and seek sensors, the return sensor, in the turn-on mode, generating a signal corresponding to sensed sunlight, which energizes the systems motor. The system comprises the master tracking assembly and a plurality of follower units. Each motor shaft extends into a gear box and is coupled to a worm gear. A radial worm gear is mounted to a shaft member and is driven by the worm gear. The shaft member in turn drives the mirror reflector assembly. A stepper wheel having a plurality of indentations formed thereon is also mounted to the shaft member.

Abstract: An illumination optical arrangement which uses a laser light source to produce a uniform illumination which is high in brightness and substantially free of interference patterns. The illumination optical arrangement includes light source means for emitting a coherent light beam, optical illuminance distribution uniformizing means for making substantially uniform the intensity distribution in a beam cross-section of illumination by the coherent light beam on a plane to be illuminated, and optical polarizing means for producing from the coherent light beam a plurality of polarized light components which are different in polarized state from each other in such a manner that wavefronts of incident light beams of the polarized light components to the optical illuminance distribution uniformizing means are inclined relative to each other whereby interference patterns produced by the polarized light components are relatively shifted in position in the illuminated plane.

Abstract: A method is provided for decreasing radiative heat transfer and adjustably limiting visible light and near infrared radiation transfer and glare through a window.

Abstract: A tubular skylight having an improved dome improving the efficiency of the skylight. The dome includes an integral prism in a portion of its outer surface to reflect light downwardly through the skylight. The dome is hemispherical, and the prism includes a plurality of grooves extending along great circles that pass through the apex of the dome. The prism covers only an angular segment of the hemispherical dome; and the grooves stop short of the apex of the dome.