Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Mockovciak, John, Jr..
A shading device which is capable of compactly storing a flexible shade on a biased, window shade type spring roller is disclosed. It is controlled to deliver the shade selectively to either its operative shading or compact storage orientation.
Window-shade type spring roller contains blanket, taken up by rotating cylindrical frame and held by frame over area to be shaded. Blanket made of tough, opaque polyimide material. Readily unfurled by mechanism to protect space it encloses from Sun. Blanket forms arched canopy over space and allows full access to it from below. When shading not needed, retracted mechanism stores blanket compactly. Developed for protecting sensitive Space Shuttle payloads from direct sunlight while cargo-bay doors open. Adapted to shading of greenhouses, swimming pools, and boats.