Abstract: An efficient lubrication system for wet plate brake assemblies includes a flow control system that passes lubricant for cooling and lubrication through interdigitated wet brake plates when the plates are engaged. When the plates are disengaged, the wet plate assembly is controlled to limit its displacement by means of a pin and spring such that a gap is provided around the brake plates to provide a preferential path for lubricant, thus minimizing parasitic losses.

Abstract: Microlens arrays include a substrate, an array of microlenses on a first side of the substrate and an aperture mask on a second side of the substrate. The aperture mask includes an array of apertures at optical axes of the lenses. A second array of apertures may be included in the aperture mask at randomized positions therein. The randomized apertures may be provided in the aperture mask by providing a diffusive layer between the aperture mask and the substrate, and directing coherent radiation through the lens array, the diffusive layer and aperture mask.

Abstract: Optical microstructures, such as microlenses, are fabricated by rotating a cylindrical platform that includes a radiation sensitive layer thereon, about its axis, while simultaneously axially rastering a laser beam across at least a portion of the radiation sensitive layer. The cylindrical platform is also simultaneously translated axially while it is being rotated. The amplitude of the laser beam is continuously varied while rastering. The optical microstructures that are imaged in the radiation sensitive layer can be developed to provide a master for replicating a microlenses.

Abstract: Portable projection screen assemblies include: (a) a roller housing holding a roller with a flexible projection screen; (b) at least one substantially laterally extending screen support arm attached to the roller housing, the at least one screen support arm being configured to hold an outer edge portion of the flexible projection screen when the projection screen is in a laterally extended configuration; and (c) an outer housing case having an interior cavity sized and configured to hold the roller housing therein in a storage configuration. The roller housing is hingeably or releasably attached to the housing case and resides substantially vertically above the outer case in an operative position, whereby the outer housing case defines a support base adapted to reside on a support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a making a sealed duct from a vehicle cab post. There is a simple and effective method of making such a cab post. The method includes providing a cab frame with a hollow cab post having an air vent in a sidewall thereof and open first and second ends. The method also includes attaching a piece of unexpanded foam to a clip. The clip has a base forming a foam piece support to which the piece of unexpanded foam is attached. The clip has a gripping member, and an arm connecting the base to the gripping member. The method further includes inserting the clip and the foam piece through the vent and into the post so that the unexpanded foam piece is inside the post and spaced apart from an edge of the vent and between the vent and the first end of the post. The gripping member is coupled to the post so that the gripping member grips an edge of the vent.

Abstract: A diffuser is configured to diffuse radiation from multiple light sources. The diffuser includes a substrate having optical structures that exhibit both microvariations and macrovariations along the substrate. For example, an array of microlenses may be provided that include at least one feature that varies as a function of the spacing between the light sources. Lighting systems using these diffusers may also be provided.

Abstract: A pulsed laser beam is used to create apertures in a layer on a back side of a substrate that includes a microlens array on a front side thereof. The pulsed laser beam is focused in a vacuum spatial filter. A profile of the pulsed laser beam that emerges from the vacuum spatial filter is converted to a top hat profile. The laser beam having the top hat profile is diffused. Finally, the pulsed laser beam having the top half profile that has been diffused is impinged through the microlens array on the front side of the substrate and onto the layer on the back side of the substrate. Related apparatus for creating the apertures and microlens array products are also described.

Abstract: Microlens sheets include a first array of anamorphic micolenses on a face of a substrate. The microlenses in the first array are defined by a first parametric model along a direction of the first array. A second array of anamorphic micolenses is also provided on the face of the substrate, and interspersed with the first array. The microlenses in the second array are defined by a second parametric model that is different from the first parametric model, along the direction of the first array.

Abstract: Portable projection screen assemblies include: (a) a roller housing holding a roller with a flexible projection screen; (b) at least one substantially laterally extending screen support arm attached to the roller housing, the at least one screen support arm being configured to hold an outer edge portion of the flexible projection screen when the projection screen is in a laterally extended configuration; and (c) an outer housing case having an interior cavity sized and configured to hold the roller housing therein in a storage configuration. The roller housing is hingeably or releasably attached to the housing case and resides substantially vertically above the outer case in an operative position, whereby the outer housing case defines a support base adapted to reside on a support surface.

Abstract: A light management film can be provided by an optically transparent substrate and an array of microlenses that is formed in a first side of the optically transparent substrate. An optically reflective layer is provided on a second side of the substrate that is opposite the first side, where the optically reflective layer includes apertures therein that are self-aligned to the microlenses.

Abstract: Contrast enhancement films for a direct-view display include a substrate having first and second opposing sides, an array of optical microstructures on the first side, and an optically blocking film including an array of apertures on the second side. The contrast enhancement film is configured to mount between a direct-view display panel and an outer panel of the direct-view display.

Abstract: Portable projection screen assemblies include a case comprising a flexible projector screen held on a roller, the screen has a high ARR and a high-gain and can be adapted for use in uncontrolled indoor ambient lighting conditions. The case is configured with releasably matable first and second housing members and a slidably collapsible frame that slides open in a side-to-side orientation and unrolls the projector screen to at least one predetermined viewing configuration and closes together to encase the screen and frame therein. The projector screens may be particularly suitable for use with low-lumen projectors.

Abstract: An LED diffuser may provide a more deterministic distribution of light from multiple discrete sources without relying on statistical scattering, and therefore, may reduce the type of efficiency losses associated with conventional diffusers as noted above. For example, an LED diffuser may have a smooth external surface that can be both aesthetically pleasing and easily cleanable. In still other embodiments according to the invention, an LED diffuser can include a single multilayer film. Further, an LED diffuser can include a plurality of multi-layer films that can provide additive diffusion properties. An LED diffuser can also be provided as a component of an LED light fixture.

Abstract: Projection screens include a substrate, a reflective layer on the substrate and a refractive layer on the substrate. The refractive layer includes an array of anamorphic microlenses.

Abstract: A pulsed laser beam is used to create apertures in a layer on a back side of a substrate that includes a microlens array on a front side thereof. The pulsed laser beam is focused in a vacuum spatial filter. A profile of the pulsed laser beam that emerges from the vacuum spatial filter is converted to a top hat profile. The laser beam having the top hat profile is diffused. Finally, the pulsed laser beam having the top half profile that has been diffused is impinged through the microlens array on the front side of the substrate and onto the layer on the back side of the substrate. Related apparatus for creating the apertures and microlens array products are also described.

Abstract: A magnetic switch includes a substrate having a recess therein. A rotor or rotors are provided on the substrate. The rotor includes a tail portion that overlies the recess, and a head portion that extends on the substrate outside the recess. The rotor may be fabricated from ferromagnetic material, and is configured to rotate the tail in the recess in response to a changed magnetic field. First and second magnetic switch contacts also are provided that are configured to make or break electrical connection between one another in response to rotation of the tail in the recess, in response to the changed magnetic field. Related operation and fabrication methods also are described.