Abstract: Light combiners and light splitters, and methods of using light combiners and light splitters are described. In particular, the description relates to light combiners and splitters that combine and split, respectively, light of different wavelength spectrums using polarizing beam splitters. The polarizing beam splitters include a reflective polarizer to efficiently split incident light into transmitted and reflected beams having different polarization directions. Reflectors and quarter-wave retarders are positioned facing selected prism faces of the polarizing beam splitters, to affect the polarization state of light passing through the prism faces. The reflectors can be dichroic filters adapted to reflect light that is outside a selected wavelength range, so that light of different wavelength spectrums can be affected at different prism faces.

Abstract: Light combiners and light splitters, and methods of using light combiners and light splitters are described. In particular, the description relates to light combiners and splitters that combine and split, respectively, light of different wavelength spectrums using polarizing beam splitters. The light combiners include arrangements of four polarizing beam splitters, such that three different wavelength spectrums of light can be directed into three of the polarizing beam splitters, and a combined light can be received from the fourth polarizing beam splitter. The light splitters can be the same configuration as the light combiners, but the direction of light travel is reversed to split, rather than combine, light. Polychromatic light can be directed into one of the polarizing beam splitters, and light having three different wavelength spectrums can be received from the other three polarizing beam splitters.

Abstract: A color light combining system comprises a polarizing beam splitter that includes a reflective polarizer film, a first prism face that receives a first unpolarized color light, a second prism face that receives a second unpolarized color light, and a third prism face that provides a first combined light output that includes combined first color light polarized in a first direction and second color light polarized in a second direction. The polarizing beam splitter includes a reflector at a fourth prism face. A color-selective stacked retardation polarization filter faces the third prism face. The first color selective stacked retardation polarization filter provides a second combined light output that includes the first and second color lights that are combined and have the same polarization direction.

Abstract: A color light combining system comprises a polarizing beam splitter that includes a reflective polarizer film, a first prism face that receives a first unpolarized color light, a second prism face that receives a second unpolarized color light, and a third prism face that provides a first combined light output that includes combined first color light polarized in a first direction and second color light polarized in a second direction. The polarizing beam splitter includes a reflector at a fourth prism face. A color-selective stacked retardation polarization filter faces the third prism face. The first color selective stacked retardation polarization filter provides a second combined light output that includes the first and second color lights that are combined and have the same polarization direction.

Abstract: An optical element with a polarizer and a support layer is disclosed herein. The polarizer comprises an intrinsic polarizer and the support layer comprises the reaction product of: (a) from 50 to 99 parts by weight of a (meth)acryloyl oligomer having a plurality of pendant, free radically polymerizable functional groups and a Tg of greater than or equal to 20° C., (b) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of a free-radically polymerizable crosslinking agent and/or diluent monomer, and (c) from 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of an initiator. A method of forming the optical element is also disclosed herein. The optical element may be used in optical devices such as projector systems.

Abstract: A lens assembly adapted to be connected to a CRT and affixed to mounting structure in a projection television cabinet. The lens assembly includes a tubular lens mount having a longitudinal axis and at least a first optical lens element mounted along the longitudinal axis. A tubular focus mount extends along the longitudinal axis and fastening and locking structure connects the lens mount to the focus mount after a focus mount position is obtained. A CRT coupler is formed integrally with the focus mount and includes structure for securing a CRT and for securing the coupler to the mounting structure within the television cabinet. A second optical lens element is mounted to the CRT coupler. A flexible bladder may be used to contain coolant fluid between the CRT and the coupler.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mounting an optical element to a mounting plate in an optical system. The optical element is adhesively bonded with a surface on the mounting plate by a radiation-curable adhesive and a radiation-transmissive member that provides an unobstructed optical path in the mounting plate for curing the radiation-curable adhesive. The adhesive accommodates differences in thermal expansion between the material forming the mounting plate and the material forming the optical element so as to maintain the position and angular orientation of the optical element relative to the mounting plate and so as to prevent damage to the optical element. The formulation of the adhesive forming the adhesive couplings may incorporate spacer elements operative for maintaining the spacing and parallelism between the optical element and the mounting plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mounting an optical element to a mounting plate in an optical system. The optical element is adhesively bonded with a surface on the mounting plate by a radiation-curable adhesive and a radiation-transmissive member that provides an unobstructed optical path in the mounting plate for curing the radiation-curable adhesive. The adhesive accommodates differences in thermal expansion between the material forming the mounting plate and the material forming the optical element so as to maintain the position and angular orientation of the optical element relative to the mounting plate and so as to prevent damage to the optical element. The formulation of the adhesive forming the adhesive couplings may incorporate spacer elements operative for maintaining the spacing and parallelism between the optical element and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A toy hair wrapping device is disclosed. The device includes a housing for supporting a rotating spindle, a spool, and a motor for rotating the spindle. As the spindle rotates, cord on the spool is dispensed and wrapped around hair in the spindle bore. If the cord becomes unduly tensioned the device will release the cord from the rotating spindle to prevent pulling of the hair or snapping of the cord.