Abstract:
A high R-rating window assembly storing multiple, reciprocating reflective flexible film layers defined by one or more parallel, displaced films or looped films define the layers. The layers are contained in a sealed housing between rigid transparent (e.g. glazed) layers. The glazed layers are separated on the order of 3 to 5-inches and are secured to low thermal conductivity framework pieces. The framework is capped with a motorized roller and film housing and the assembly is evacuated and filled with a desiccated, inert dry gas. Several plastic, reflective coated films are supported under tension in planar parallel relation between the glazing layers from the motorized roller and several guide rollers and guide tracks. Location sensors responsive to indicia on the films identify film position. Temperature sensors monitor ambient, internal and user set thermal conditions to control film exposure. The films are operable via a room control system and window controllers to define open, closed and partial exposure conditions. Alternative control functions may control film exposure in relation to room occupancy.
Abstract:
A high R-rating window assembly storing multiple, reciprocating reflective flexible film layers in a sealed housing between rigid (e.g. glazed) layers. The glazed layers are separated on the order of 3 to 5-inches and are secured to low thermal conductivity framework pieces. The framework is capped with a motorized roller and film housing and the assembly is evacuated and filled with a desiccated, inert dry gas. Several plastic, reflective coated films are supported under tension in planar parallel relation between the glazing layers from the motorized roller and several guide rollers and guide tracks. Location sensors responsive to indicia on the films identify film position. Temperature sensors monitor ambient, internal and user set thermal conditions to control film exposure. The films are operable via a room control system and window controllers to define open, closed and partial exposure conditions. Alternative control functions may control film exposure in relation to room occupancy.
Abstract:
A high R-rating window assembly storing multiple, reciprocating reflective flexible film layers in a sealed housing between rigid (e.g. glazed) layers. The glazed layers are separated on the order of 3 to 5-inches and are secured to low thermal conductivity framework pieces. The framework is capped with a motorized roller and film housing and the assembly is evacuated and filled with a desiccated, inert dry gas. Several plastic, reflective coated films are supported under tension in planar parallel relation between the glazing layers from the motorized roller and several guide rollers and guide tracks. Location sensors responsive to indicia on the films identify film position. Temperature sensors monitor ambient, internal and user set thermal conditions to control film exposure. The films are operable via a room control system and window controllers to define open, closed and partial exposure conditions. Alternative control functions may control film exposure in relation to room occupancy.
Abstract:
There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.
Abstract:
A weapons system is disclosed that provides hot-start navigational information to the Global-Positioning-System receivers on missiles prior to flight. The system comprises a Global-Positioning-System receiver that uses a classified red cryptographic key to decode the P(Y) signal from one or more of the Global-Positioning-System constellation of satellites. Once the P(Y) signal is decoded, one or more characteristics (e.g., the PRN code synchronization, the Doppler shift, the modulation bit sequence, etc.) of the signal is derived. These characteristics of the signal—and some other information including a black cryptographic key that comprises the red cryptographic key—are then provided to the Global-Positioning-System receivers on missiles prior to flight. By giving the missiles this information, the missiles are able to acquire the P(Y) signals themselves more quickly than they otherwise could, which enables them to determine their position more quickly than they otherwise could.
Abstract:
A circular saw blade in which tooth assemblies are pivotally mounted along the periphery of the disc spaced apart at equal angular distances. Each tooth assembly has a U-shaped tooth wedging member pivotally mounted on the disc. The tooth is secured between the disc and the wedging member. Pivotal movement of the tooth wedging member in one direction wedges the tooth between the disc and the tooth wedging member. Pivotal movement of the tooth wedging member in an opposite direction releases the tooth from the wedging action between the disc and the wedging member. A cam locking member is rotatably mounted on the disc adjacent the wedging member. Rotation of the cam locking member in one direction locks the tooth wedging member in the tooth wedging mode. Rotation of the cam locking member in an opposite direction unlocks the tooth wedging member to enable the tooth to be released from the wedging action between the disc and the tooth wedging member.
Abstract:
An age verification payment card and method that employs a card wherein the card has a first embedded chip and a second embedded chip. The present invention includes a first chip for providing financial authorization for a purchase and a second chip that provides age verification of the cardholder to ensure that the cardholder meets any minimum age requirement for a purchase having that requirement. The method includes a step of collecting and verifying the age of the card applicant during the application process. This data is stored on the second embedded chip so as to provide the retailer a technique to verify the age of the cardholder wherein an age limit may be applicable to a purchase. The present invention will provide an age alert to a retailer in the event that the cardholder does not meet the minimum age requirement for the purchase being attempted.