Abstract: Two embodiments of a connector that can be mated without regard for its orientation are disclosed. One embodiment is mated and demated autonomously as part of a system for recovering, docking with, recharging and re-launching unmanned aerial vehicles. Another embodiment is employed on the decks of vessels to facilitate mating and demating of various equipment providing different functions to reconfigure the vessel. Because both embodiments are configured for connection irrespective of angular orientation over 360°, they are especially suited for harsh environments including autonomous operation, rough seas, darkness and the like.

Abstract: An LED-based backlighting system that provides excellent brightness and homogeneity suitable for high performance multi-color and high resolution portable displays such as for PDAs and cell phones. Several different but similar embodiments are disclosed. Some are suitable for use with multiple LEDs and some for use with a single LED. In a first such embodiment, multiple LEDs are located adjacent the input edge of a light pipe. The input edge contains fixed pitch grooves to propagate the LED light in a direction that is substantially angled toward the bottom surface of the light pipe along its entire area. The light pipe bottom surface also has grooves for altering the direction of the LED light toward the upper surface of the light pipe where it exits the light pipe toward a viewer. The exterior of the exit surface of the light pipe receives a light shaping diffuser (LSD) and an optical film.

Abstract: An LED-based backlighting system that provides excellent brightness and homogeneity suitable for high performance multi-color and high resolution portable displays such as for PDAs and cell phones. Several different but similar embodiments are disclosed. Some are suitable for use with multiple LEDs and some for use with a single LED. In a first such embodiment, multiple LEDs are located adjacent the input edge of a light pipe. The input edge contains fixed pitch grooves to propagate the LED light in a direction that is substantially angled toward the bottom surface of the light pipe along its entire area. The light pipe bottom surface also has grooves for altering the direction of the LED light toward the upper surface of the light pipe where it exits the light pipe toward a viewer. The exterior of the exit surface of the light pipe receives a light shaping diffuser (LSD) and an optical film.

Abstract: A light pipe for a backlight assembly has a front surface and a back surface. The back surface includes an integral surface diffuser microstructure formed thereon. The front surface may also have an integral surface diffuser microstructure formed thereon as well. A backlight assembly has a reflective surface adjacent the back surface of the light pipe and a separate diffuser film layer disposed against the front surface. A pair of brightness enhancing film layers for collimating light are placed adjacent the diffuser film layer. A protective layer is disposed over the brightness enhancing film layers. The integral diffusers on the front and back surfaces of the light pipe significantly enhance the brightness and light distribution uniformity of the assembly without adding additional components or reducing other performance characteristics of the assembly.

Abstract: Compositions for producing replicated optical components are disclosed. A composition for making a large scale submaster optical component includes a mixture having an acrylated aliphatic urethane oligomer/monomer blend and a tripropylene glycol diacrylate. The mixture is combined with a number of other components including an isobornyl acrylate, an ultraviolet polymerizing varnish, a surfactant, and a photoinitiator. A composition for making a large scale replica optical component includes a mixture having an acrylated aliphatic urethane oligomer/monomer blend and a tripropylene glycol diacrylate. The mixture is combined with an isobornyl acrylate, a &bgr;-Carboxyethyl acrylate, a photoinitiator, and an N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone. A composition for making a small scale submaster optical component includes an ultraviolet polymarizing varnish and a surfactant.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for replication are described. A method includes: providing a first submaster having a first topography; providing a carrier having a first side and a second side; coating the first side with a first resin having a first viscosity; pressing the first topography against the first resin; replicating the first topography in the first resin as a first replica surface; increasing the first viscosity; releasing the first replica surface from the first topography; providing a second submaster having a second topography; coating the second side with a second resin having a second viscosity; pressing the second topography against the second resin; replicating the second topography in the second resin as a second replica surface; increasing the second viscosity; and releasing the second replica surface from the second topography. The compositions and methods provide advantages in that surface topography is replicated with enhanced overall cost effectiveness.

Abstract: A holographic recording material, comprising a dichromated gelatin-polymer graft, is used in a volume hologram. The gelatin may comprise naturally occurring gelatin primarily made up of glycerin, proline, and hydroxyproline. The polymerizable monomers used to make up the gelatin polymer graft may comprise 2-hyroxyethylmethacralate, acrylamide, acrylic acid, or vinyl acetate.