Abstract: A daylighting device of the present invention includes: a daylighting member including: a first light-transmitting base member; and a plurality of protruding, light-transmitting daylighting sections provided on a first face or a second face of the first light-transmitting base member; and a ventilation hole configured to enable a space on the first face to communicate with a space on the second face opposite from the first face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for covering and uncovering a surface using adjustable slats (3), comprising: for each slat (3), a set of two carriages (101, 102) guided in translation along guide tracks (8); a system (II) for moving the slats (3), comprising two movement motors (12) for each carriage pair (101, 102) equipping a slat, each motor being mounted in a different carriage; a system (I) for orientating the slats (3), comprising at least one orientation motor (14) for each carriage pair equipping a slat, said at least one motor being mounted in at least one of the carriages; and a control device for moving at least part of the slats in translation and orientating said slats.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shutter assembly may include a shutter frame having a top rail, a bottom rail, and first and second stiles extending between the top and bottom rails. The shutter assembly may also include two or more louvers extending between the first and second stiles, with the louvers including at least one driven louver. The louvers may be configured to rotate simultaneously relative to the shutter frame. Additionally, the shutter assembly may include a motor positioned within the shutter frame that is rotatably coupled to the driven louver(s) via at least one shaft. Moreover, the shutter assembly may include a clutch configured to rotationally disengage the driven louver(s) from the motor when the louvers are being manually rotated relative the shutter frame.

Abstract: When daylighting into a building interior, this daylighting structure attenuates the brightness of a setting sun or a winter-time incoming light of small elevation angles, and causes the incoming light to be diffusely emitted toward the ceiling surface or into a deep portion of the indoor space domain regardless of the elevation angle thereof. An incoming light (E20) of 20° in elevation angle is caused to be diffusely emitted toward the ceiling surface on the internal upper side of the building through the refraction and reflection actions mediated by a light-transmitting material mounted in a horizontal direction opening of a wall.

Abstract: A daylighting system includes a sheet-like light control member disposed on at least an upper part of a daylighting opening, and a shade disposed oppositely to at least a part of the opening, the part being below the part where the light control member is disposed. The light control member is configured to change upward a traveling direction of incident light and allow the incident light to pass through the light control member.

Abstract: A double glazing system, including a first sheet of glass, a second sheet of glass, a spacer element including a first surface for coupling with the first sheet of glass and a second surface for coupling with the second sheet of glass, a blind, or a screen, said spacer element made from low thermally conductive material including rubber and/or silicone foam. The spacer element includes support means including a housing made of a substantially “T”-shaped groove made on a surface perpendicular to the first surface and to the second surface. The support means include two lateral sections for guiding said blind, screen or the like having respective substantially “T”-shaped portions and being able to be engaged in said housing, the lateral sections including respective free ends for supporting respective end portions of said blind, screen or the like.

Abstract: Sunlight redirector (30) incorporates closely proximate mirror arrays (32, 34) having parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal mirror segments (38, 44). Prismatic sheet (36) is positioned behind and closely proximate second array (34). Segments (38) extend in first direction (x). Segments (44) extend in second direction (y) perpendicular to direction (x) segments (38, 44)have normal vectors (42, 48). Segments (38) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (40), such that their normal vectors (42) remain parallel. Segments (44) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (46), such that their normal vectors (48) remain parallel. Arrays (32, 34) redirect incident light toward sheet (36), which redirects the light into a desired fixed direction, e.g. parallel to the sunlight redirect's normal vectors (50). Segments (38, 44) may have inward and outward segments (60A, 60B) which can be adjustably positioned to maximize redirection of incident sunlight rays in a desired direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window blind solar energy management system for capturing solar energy to manage illumination and temperature within a defined space. Blinds comprising curved louvers are hung from the internal frame of a window, each louver having a concave, highly reflecting specular mirrored surface that focuses incoming solar beam radiation onto a thin area on the back of the adjacent louver. The angle of the louvers is adjusted by an integral automatic controller so that the thin strip of light can be focused on one or two of three regions on the back of the adjacent louver which are designed to either reflect, absorb, or reject the incoming light.

Abstract: Sunlight redirector (30) incorporates closely proximate mirror arrays (32, 34) having parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal mirror segments (38, 44). Prismatic sheet (36) is positioned behind and closely proximate second array (34). Segments (38) extend in first direction (x). Segments (44) extend in second direction (y) perpendicular to direction (x). Segments (38, 44) have normal vectors (42, 48). Segments (38) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (40), such that their normal vectors (42) remain parallel. Segments (44) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (46), such that their normal vectors (48) remain parallel. Arrays (32, 34) redirect incident light toward sheet (36), which redirects the light into a desired fixed direction, e.g. parallel to the sunlight redirector's normal vector (50). Segments (38, 44) may have inward and outward segments (60A, 60B) which can be adjustably positioned to maximize redirection of incident sunlight rays in a desired direction.

Abstract: A daylighting system for use in a building including a louver array having a first longitudinal element, and a second longitudinal element spaced therefrom. At least one of the first and second elements has an asymmetrical profile, each of the first and second longitudinal elements has a bottom profile including a parabolic surface, portions of opposing surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements define a compound parabolic concentrator profile having a non-horizontal centerline that is tilted upwards, and the array prevents line of sight therethrough. A louver for a daylighting system includes (i) a leading edge defined by a leading connecting surface disposal between a parabolic concentrator surface and a flat surface; and (ii) a trailing edge defined by a trailing connecting surface disposed between a lower compound parabolic concentrator profile, and an upper compound parabolic concentrator profile. A method for designing a louver profile is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors, and in particular to concentrating daylight collectors useful for interior lighting of a building. The concentrating daylight collectors generally include a plurality of moveable reflective vanes and a Cassegrain-type concentrator section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide device for the introduction of sunlight into the interior of a building, having a multitude of movably mounted light deflection surfaces which are adjustable by control means depending on the position of the sun. According to the present invention the light deflecting surfaces of the light guide device are formed by serially arranged deflecting blades which may be swiveled about swivel axes which are approximately parallel to each other, the blades being mounted on a blade holder which is rotatable about a rotational axis which is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the swivel axes.

Abstract: A daylighting system for use in a building including a louver array having a first longitudinal element, and a second longitudinal element spaced therefrom. At least one of the first and second elements has an asymmetrical profile, each of the first and second longitudinal elements has a bottom profile including a parabolic surface, portions of opposing surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements define a compound parabolic concentrator profile having a non-horizontal centerline that is tilted upwards, and the array prevents line of sight therethrough. A louver for a daylighting system includes (i) a leading edge defined by a leading connecting surface disposal between a parabolic concentrator surface and a flat surface; and (ii) a trailing edge defined by a trailing connecting surface disposed between a lower compound parabolic concentrator profile, and an upper compound parabolic concentrator profile. A method for designing a louver profile is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a window blind solar energy management system for capturing solar energy to manage illumination and temperature within a defined space. Blinds comprising curved louvers are hung from the internal frame of a window, each louver having a concave, highly reflecting specular mirrored surface that focuses incoming solar beam radiation onto a thin area on the back of the adjacent louver. The angle of the louvers is adjusted by an integral automatic controller so that the thin strip of light can be focused on one or two of three regions on the back of the adjacent louver which are designed to either reflect, absorb, or reject the incoming light.

Abstract: A daylighting system for use in a building including a louver array having a first longitudinal element, and a second longitudinal element spaced therefrom. At least one of the first and second elements has an asymmetrical profile, each of the first and second longitudinal elements has a bottom profile including a parabolic surface, portions of opposing surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements define a compound parabolic concentrator profile having a non-horizontal centerline that is tilted upwards, and the array prevents line of sight therethrough. A louver for a daylighting system includes (i) a leading edge defined by a leading connecting surface disposed between a parabolic concentrator surface and a flat surface; and (ii) a trailing edge defined by a trailing connecting surface disposed between a lower compound parabolic concentrator profile, and an upper compound parabolic concentrator profile. A method for designing a louver profile is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors, and in particular to concentrating daylight collectors useful for interior lighting of a building. The concentrating daylight collectors generally include a plurality of moveable reflective vanes and a Cassegrain-type concentrator section.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a light shelf of the present invention includes at least one panel assembly for reflecting daylight into a space; and at least two structural elements for holding the panel assembly, wherein the structural elements include a spine component having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a first mounting component for installing on a structural member and for engaging the proximal end of the spine component; a second mounting component for engaging the distal end of the spine component; and a sleeve component having at least one indentation for holding a side of the panel assembly.

Abstract: An energy saving grate installed outside a building or structure in warm weather that reduces heating due to infrared radiation (IR) from sunlight. For a window application the grate acts as a sunshade to block or diffuse the IR and ultraviolet (UV) portions of sunlight while passing visible light. The grate cell size, depth, cell surface characteristics, and mounting details near the sash determine system performance of sunlight control, of the view through the grate, and of the exterior appearance. The grate is removable for cool weather. The grate system can cool various surfaces and requires no operating adjustments. It can be applied near most windows (including skylights) on all sides of a building where impinging sunlight causes unwanted heating. Compared to external solar thin mesh screens the grate system can provide more open area for a given performance in reduced IR heating.

Abstract: An indirect daylighting device for a building with an interior space may include a suspension system configured for securing to a building structure and a pan secured to the suspension system and having an incident surface and a cross-sectional profile forming a plurality of waves, wherein the incident surface is arranged to receive natural light entering a building and reflect the natural light to provide indirect lighting to the interior space of the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide device for the introduction of sunlight into the interior of a building, having a multitude of movably mounted light deflection surfaces which are adjustable by control means depending on the position of the sun. According to the present invention the light deflecting surfaces of the light guide device are formed by serially arranged deflecting blades which may be swiveled about swivel axes which are approximately parallel to each other, the blades being mounted on a blade holder which is rotatable about a rotational axis which is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the swivel axes.

Abstract: A daylighting system for use in a building including a louver array having a first longitudinal element, and a second longitudinal element spaced therefrom. At least one of the first and second elements has an asymmetrical profile, each of the first and second longitudinal elements has a bottom profile including a parabolic surface, portions of opposing surfaces of the first and second longitudinal elements define a compound parabolic concentrator profile having a non-horizontal centerline that is tilted upwards, and the array prevents line of sight therethrough. A louver for a daylighting system includes (i) a leading edge defined by a leading connecting surface disposed between a parabolic concentrator surface and a flat surface; and (ii) a trailing edge defined by a trailing connecting surface disposed between a lower compound parabolic concentrator profile, and an upper compound parabolic concentrator profile. A method for designing a louver profile is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising, on its surface, a light-diffusing array comprising at least 10 juxtaposed sub-gratings of parallel lines of features, said features being separated by domains with a refractive index differing from that of the features, each sub-grating comprising at least 20 repeated successive identical features equally spaced apart with a period p, said period varying non-monotonically from one edge of the sub-grating array to the other. This substrate redirects the light without iridescence in a daylighting application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar tracking skylight system for illumination, primarily including a light guide, a solar tracking controller, a two-axis tracking mechanism, an energy converter and energy storage system, and a weather protective cover. The system uses the solar tracking controller to detect the direction of the light, thereby enabling the two-axis tracking mechanism to move toward the light to facilitate the light guide in collecting light and diffusing it indoors for illumination use. The protective cover provides waterproofing, and the energy converter and energy storage system is used to store electrical energy generated by the solar energy panel for system use. External power is not needed for the system to operate and provide indoor lighting, thereby achieving the objective of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass facades to be used as media screens 9, including slat reflectors 30, 31, 38, 39, 60, 61, 79, 90 arranged horizontally, one above the other, in front of, or behind, or between glass panes 80, 81 as receivers for artificial, projected, and natural light. The slat reflectors 27, 30, 31, 38, 39, 60, 61, 79, 90-92 receive and radiate sun 62 on their upper side 65, 100, 101. On their white lower side 30, 31, 82, 112, 123 they receive projected light 76, 105, 111 from an exterior light source, projecting from below upwards. The projection axis is aligned at an angle ?. The slat reflectors for projected light are orientated in an angle ?1 and form a scale shaped media screen. At least between the projection receiving parts of the slats a distance D is created.

Abstract: A light shelf for daylighting an interior space with reflected sunlight has a reflective upper surface having a cyma-reversa profile along a vertical cross-section perpendicular to the window, with a convex region adjacent to the window and a concave region distal from the window.

Abstract: Longitudinally adjacent plane mirrors (106-114) are pivotally interconnected in a columnar array (56) by non-stretching linkages (120) which constrain movement of the mirrors such that their normal vectors (115) remain parallel. Pivotable couplings (122, 124) in two mirrors permit movement of the mirrors with respect to mutually perpendicular axes (x, y) and prevent movement of the mirrors with respect to a third axis (z). Two actuators (117A, 117B) coupled to one of the pivotable couplings controllably move a selected mirror with respect to the mutually perpendicular axes (x, y). A first frame (116) couples the mirror columns together so that movement of the selected mirror moves all the mirrors in unison. The actuators controllably move the mirrors to orient the normal vectors such that the mirrors specularly reflect incident light in a preselected direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a modular light shelf assembly in which individual light shelf units are substantially prefabricated. For example, in various embodiments, the assembly includes pre-fabricated support arms that are secured adjacent an interior wall of a building adjacent a window opening. Each of the support arms define at least one channel, and each light shelf includes at least one protrusion extending from each of a first side and a second side of the light shelf. The protrusion on the first side of the light shelf slidably engages the channel of the support arm adjacent the first side of the light shelf, and the protrusion on the second side of the light shelf slidably engages the channel on the support arm adjacent the second side of the light shelf to secure the light shelf between the adjacent support arms.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to light shelves for daylighting, and more particularly to light shelves that include both a diffuser and a reflector. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a light shelf that includes at least one anchor bracket suitable for attachment to a building structure; at least one support beam attached to the anchor bracket; and a plurality of light transmitting airfoil-shaped louvers each supported and positioned by the support beam at a preselected fixed profile angle, wherein each of the louvers includes a diffuser and a reflective surface.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to light shelves for daylighting, and more particularly to light shelves that include both a diffuser and a reflector. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a light shelf that includes at least one anchor bracket suitable for attachment to a building structure; at least one support beam attached to the anchor bracket; and a plurality of light transmitting airfoil-shaped louvers each supported and positioned by the support beam at a preselected fixed profile angle, wherein each of the louvers includes a diffuser and a reflective surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a part-transparent static sun protection device of a flat base (1) which consists of a material that is impermeable to solar radiation and/or coated with a material of that type. The base comprises permeable openings (4, 10, 13) with an angle-selective permeability for the sunlight, wherein a maximum of the permeability lies at an angle of incidence of ?90° of the sunlight relative to the plane of the base (1). The openings, (4, 10, 13) with the present sun protection device are introduced in the base (1) through mere local machining. The proposed sun protection device can be easily adapted to the most varied requirements during manufacture.

Abstract: A light tunnel structure includes a plurality of reflecting plates and an impervious layer. The reflecting plates are connected to each other to form a light tunnel. An end surface of each reflecting plate and an end surface of the adjacent reflecting plate of the two adjacent reflecting plates form an joint. The impervious layer is disposed at the joints formed by the adjacent reflecting plates. A method for manufacturing a light tunnel structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having a refractive index n1 is covered with an amorphous dielectric medium having a refractive index n2 larger than the refractive index n1, and a rectangular grating is formed in the amorphous dielectric medium through an etching process. When microcrystal is formed in the amorphous dielectric medium through a thermal treatment to increase the refractive index n2, a magnitude ?n of structure double refraction increases accordingly. Hence, a phase refraction ?? of an irregular grating pattern in the rectangular grating becomes large without increasing a depth D of each trench of the rectangular grating, and thus it is possible to obtain an optical retardation plate having a fine periodic structure and having a desired plate retardation.

Abstract: A daylighting system comprising one or more light redirecting elements and a horizontal slat Venetian blind. The light redirecting elements are inserted between the slats of the Venetian blind and are supported between the slats and the outer strings of the Venetian blind. Each light redirecting element is a thin strip of reflective material formed into an angle section. The upper arm of the angle section reflects sunlight upwards through the Venetian blind and deeply into the interior of the building. The side arm of the angle section reflects sunlight back out of the window. The reflecting surface of an upper arm of a light redirecting element is treated to reflect light diffusely into a narrow angular range. The reflecting surface of a side arm of a light redirecting element is treated to reflect light diffusely into a wide angular range. The daylighting system is installed in the window of a building to redirect sunlight on to the ceiling of the building to improve natural illumination in the building.

Abstract: An array of preferably at least three double-sided reflective panels mounted on a rigid frame pivoting at a mounting angle to create a double-sided reflective panel array. A tracking system positioning the rigid frame at a frame angle, with respect to the direct sun light, and with respect to pivoting at the mounting angle, to create a rigid frame position. The double-sided reflective panel array interacting with the direct sunlight based upon the rigid frame position to create the direct sun light attenuation. The sky viewed through the rigid frame mounted, double-sided reflective panel array and through the light tunnel creates the sky view.

Abstract: This invention relates to a directed reflection light collecting device with planar reflectors, wherein a number of planar reflectors are arranged on a frame in mutual parallel. This frame is rotatably supported via a transversal main turning shaft on the supports of an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism. The altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism drives the frame in a controlled manner causing the planar reflectors on it to move. In this invention, the altitudinal angle of a number of planar reflectors is synchronized via a simple frame structure so that they can always project the reflected sunlight in a substantially fixed direction into the given area in conjunction with the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: Each light slat of the Mini-Optical Light Shelf daylighting system consists of a light reflecting segment that comprises the top surface of the light slat. A light shading segment and a light redirecting segment comprise the bottom surface of the light slat. The daylight incident on the daylight collection section of the glazing is collected by the optically shaped light reflecting segment of the light slats and redirected onto the ceiling plane of the room in a glare free, uniform manner. In addition, the light redirecting segment of each light slat functions to redirect incident daylight, that is reflected off the light reflecting segment of the adjacent light slat at angles above a predetermined threshold, onto the ceiling plane of the room. The light shading segment functions to block low altitude components of incident daylight from entering the room.

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: Each light slat of the Mini-Optical Light Shelf daylighting system consists of a light reflecting segment that comprises the top surface of the light slat. A light shading segment and a light redirecting segment comprise the bottom surface of the light slat. The daylight incident on the daylight collection section of the glazing is collected by the optically shaped light reflecting segment of the light slats and redirected onto the ceiling plane of the room in a glare free, uniform manner. In addition, the light redirecting segment of each light slat functions to redirect incident daylight, that is reflected off the light reflecting segment of the adjacent light slat at angles above a predetermined threshold, onto the ceiling plane of the room. The light shading segment functions to block low altitude components of incident daylight from entering the room.

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: 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: The mini-optical light shelf daylighting system is implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment that is applicable to both new installations as well as existing window glazing. In particular, the mini-optical light shelf is a passive, static optical device which receives incident daylight transmitted through a window and efficiently redirects it uniformly onto the interior ceiling surface in a diffuse manner, thereby creating a useful source of interior illumination. The mini-optical light shelf comprises multiple shelves, each of which contains an identical optically shaped top surface to allow light to be efficiently collected and accurately directed onto the ceiling surface. The optical shelves are narrow and can be implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment. The window area is partitioned into a view related glazing section and a daylight collection and redirection glazing area.

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: An optical scanning device is provided, which is compact-sized, light-weighted and consumes less power. A movable member of the device is supported on a fixed member via a swing axis provided on the fixed member. On an upper surface and along an axial line of swing of the movable member, there are disposed a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. When an AC current flows through a coil provided in the movable member, electromagnetic force acting on the coil when traversing a magnetic circuit comprising a yoke and a permanent magnet both provided on the fixed member urges the movable portion to swing around its swing axis at a predetermined cycle. A laser bean L from the light emitting unit scans a bar code and a reflected light L′ from the bar cord is received by the light receiving unit thereby reading information of the bar code.

Abstract: The mini-optical light shelf daylighting system is implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment that is applicable to both new installations as well as existing window glazing. In particular, the mini-optical light shelf is a passive, static optical device which receives incident daylight transmitted through a window and efficiently redirects it uniformly onto the interior ceiling surface in a diffuse manner, thereby creating a useful source of interior illumination. The mini-optical light shelf comprises multiple shelves, each of which contains an identical optically shaped top surface to allow light to be efficiently collected and accurately directed onto the ceiling surface. The optical shelves are narrow and can be implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment. The window area is partitioned into a view related glazing section and a daylight collection and redirection glazing area.

Abstract: The mini-optical light shelf is a daylighting system implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment that is applicable to both new installations as well as existing window glazing. In particular, the mini-optical light shelf is a passive, static optical device which receives daylight transmitted through a window and efficiently redirects it onto the interior ceiling surface in a diffuse manner, thereby creating a useful source of interior illumination. The mini-optical light shelf includes multiple shelves, each of which contains an optically shaped top surface to allow light to be efficiently collected and accurately directed onto the ceiling surface. The optical elements are narrow and can be implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment. The window area is partitioned into a view related glazing section and a daylight collection and redirection glazing area.

Abstract: A window/light shelf system enhances the daylight illumination with no glare. The air space between the double panes of the window is enlarged, and a mini blind-like, light reflective or absorbing, low transparent glass plates unit is integrated in the middle to control the daylighting and to eliminate the glare. With the light reflective unit open and closed per solar/climate conditions, the system serves as a window, a light shelf with no glare, a solar heating source in the winter, and a solar heat reflector in the summer.

Abstract: A method to improve the probability for good health and decrease the risk of cancer and disease comprising: controlling the indoor spectral radiation environment partial body exposure in an amount above 0.06 MED, but not exceeding 0.2 MED per day by irradiating the body with an artificial light source.

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 lens, suitable for directing radiation, comprises an array of planar reflecting elements or slats. Each reflecting element is of non-uniform extent or surface area t and/or is of non-uniformly spacing d from adjacent elements. The elements may be parallel or non-parallel. Each element is positioned such that the ratio of spacing d.sub.n to extent t.sub.n is determined by the angle of incidence on the nth element .gamma..sub.n as is given by the relationship (a) where d.sub.n is the spacing between the nth and (n+1)th adjacent elements of the lens, t.sub.n is the length of the nth element and M is the magnification of the lens.