초록 ▼

A thermal and optical multi-mode window is disclosed in which a window panel can be converted from thermally insulating but optically diffuse to optically clear but thermally semi-insulating, or at least much less insulating. The window panel is made of a transparent plastic material such as Lucite

A thermal and optical multi-mode window is disclosed in which a window panel can be converted from thermally insulating but optically diffuse to optically clear but thermally semi-insulating, or at least much less insulating. The window panel is made of a transparent plastic material such as Lucite acrylic and is constructed of a plurality of sheet-like layers with air cells interspersed therebetween. When the cells are empty, the panel is highly insulating but is not optically clear like ordinary window glass. However, when the cells are filled with a clear liquid which has the same index of refraction as that of the acrylic material, all of the interior surfaces of the acrylic material disappear from view and the panel is then as optically clear as ordinary window glass, but not as thermally insulating, as when the cells contain air.

대표청구항 ▼

A thermal and optical multi-mode window comprising: A. A window panel constructed to be dimensionally and structurally received within a window frame and normally adopted to be retained therein, said window panel comprising (1) a plurality of layers of relatively thin transparent material disposed i

A thermal and optical multi-mode window comprising: A. A window panel constructed to be dimensionally and structurally received within a window frame and normally adopted to be retained therein, said window panel comprising (1) a plurality of layers of relatively thin transparent material disposed in spaced apart parallel relationship, and (2) a plurality of transversely disposed, spaced apart web members formed of the same material as said layers of material and extending between said layers of material thereby dividing the space between said layers of material into a plurality of spaced apart voids, B. a source of clear liquid having an index of refraction which is matched to the index of refraction of said material, C. means providing liquid flow communication between said liquid source and said plurality of voids, and D. means for causing said liquid to flow from said liquid source into said voids to fill the latter whereby said window panel changes from optically diffuse to optically clear.