Abstract: A dazzle protection unit (1) for a portable dazzle protection device that includes an optical dazzle protection filter (3) and at least one sensor (5) for the sensing of incident light and for controlling the translucency of the filter (3). In doing so, the dazzle protection unit (1) includes a light capturing element (4), which captures incident light on a light capturing surface area (12) and conducts it to the at least one sensor (5). The light capturing element (4) preferably captures the light from several areas located at a distance from one another on a front side of the dazzle protection unit (1). Means (8) for coupling light into the light capturing element (4) are situated at a distance from one another.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit in electrical communication with the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller programmed to store a plurality of memory presets including at least one setting corresponding to the operation of the shutter assembly. At least two of the plurality of memory presets are individually configured for a specific type of welding. In another embodiment, an auto darkening eye protection device is provided, the device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit in electrical communication with the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller programmed to monitor and store at least one parameter corresponding to the operation of the auto darkening eye protection device.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit in electrical communication with the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller programmed to store a plurality of memory presets including at least one setting corresponding to the operation of the shutter assembly. At least two of the plurality of memory presets are individually configured for a specific type of welding. In another embodiment, an auto darkening eye protection device is provided, the device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit in electrical communication with the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller programmed to monitor and store at least one parameter corresponding to the operation of the auto darkening eye protection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a human body or an animal body, which emits light flashes and comprises: a main post, a handpiece connected to the main post and including a flash lamp, a flash emission actuation member, and an individual portable system that protects against glare caused by the emission of a flash, said system comprising one or more optical occluders which are placed in front of the eyes and which can switch from a first optically transparent state to a second optical attenuation state. The+ main post can detect a user's action on the aforementioned actuation member and the occluders switch from the first state to the second state upon detection of one such action.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device including a shutter assembly, a control circuit, and a power supply. The control circuit includes a sensing circuit for sensing the occurrence of welding, and a delivery circuit to provide signals to the shutter assembly to cause the shutter assembly to transition to the dark state. The power supply supplying power to the control circuit and the delivery circuit. The power supply including a power regulation circuit, and a solar power supply supplying electrical power to the power regulation circuit and the sensing circuit. The power regulation circuit limiting the voltage of the solar power supply to a predetermined voltage to provide a stable reference voltage.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device has a rear frame, a reflection sheet, a backlight, a pair of light frames, a liquid crystal panel, a bezel. The device further includes a cell guide for fixing the liquid crystal panel. In the cell guide, engagement portions are formed, and engaged with corresponding locking portions formed in the pair of light frames.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for assuring that dynamic glare-shielding devices are properly characterized for the optical arrangement of a particular user by using a plurality of calibration points, thereby assuring the maximum effectiveness of such devices.

Abstract: Adjustable variable transmissivity (AVT) eyewear for patients, the AVT eyewear having a liquid crystal lens driven by an electronics circuit so that light transmitted through the lens is detected, the transmitted light being driven to a setpoint by the electronics circuit according to feedback control on the liquid crystal lens drive voltage duty cycle. In another embodiment, light detected from the ambient is detected and the resulting photocurrent value processed by a microprocessor included in the electronics circuit, the microprocessor driving the liquid crystal lens to a desired transmissivity, the desired transmissivity given by a computed transmissivity curve. The computed transmissivity curve may be controlled by the physician or in an alternate embodiment controlled by the patient according to a set of electronic controls on the AVT eye glasses.

Abstract: A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: A welding light detection and anti-glare eye protection apparatus, which shields welding light generated in welding or cutting environments to safely protect eyes of a worker from the welding light, and a method for controlling the same are provided. When the apparatus is powered on, it is determined, based on a reference value, whether or not a specific time has passed without detecting welding light. If the specific time has passed without detecting welding light, a power saving mode is performed. If welding light is detected while the power saving mode is performed, normal power is supplied and light transmittance is controlled. When the power saving mode is performed, the reference value is reset so that photosensitivity is reduced below a specific value. This method saves energy while preventing the apparatus from operating abnormally. Thus, it is possible to drive the anti-glare eye protection plate most efficiently according to ambient environments.

Abstract: A nuclear hardened liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method for hardening a liquid crystal display is provided. The nuclear hardened LCD can include an LCD glass laminate stack. The LCD glass laminate stack can include a front transparent substrate, a back substrate, and a liquid crystal material disposed between the front transparent substrate and the back substrate. The nuclear hardened LCD can further include a protective laminate stack positioned in front of the LCD glass laminate stack. The protective laminate stack can include a volume absorbing filter, that absorbs selective electromagnetic energy throughout a thickness of the volume absorbing filter.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for automatic adjustment of sensitivity threshold settings in an auto-darkening lens. For example, a user may initiate an automatic sensitivity setting process by activating a user interface (e.g., a button, a switch, a slider, etc.). The automatic sensitivity setting process may proceed to gradually increase the sensitivity threshold voltage until it exceeds an optical voltage based on the ambient light. The process may then be terminated. In some embodiments, a hysteresis may be added to the sensitivity threshold voltage to prevent lens flicker. The automatic sensitivity setting process may be implemented in a digital or analog system. These automatic sensitivity setting processes and systems may save time and provide for more precise sensitivity adjustment.

Abstract: A protective automatic darkening filter construction 10 includes two low twist liquid crystal cells 26, 30 interspersed between a series of offset polarizers 24, 28, 32. The resulting construction provides improved homogeneity in the dark state as viewed by the user over a large viewing angle. By reducing variations in shade, visibility through the filter may be improved.

Abstract: An electronic image shown on a display can be shifted to the left for left eye viewing and shifted to the right for right eye viewing. A left eye shutter can be positioned over the left eye and a right eye shutter positioned over the right eye. The left eye shutter can open when the image shown on the display is shifted to the left, and the right eye shutter can open when the image shown on the display is shifted to the right, such that each eye can view the image without substantial convergence. In addition to relieving convergence, embodiments of the present invention may relieve prolonged ciliary muscle spasms that can result in pseudomyopia, and may also decrease the onset and severity of myopia, for example developmental myopia.

Abstract: An optical protective filter (1, 3) includes at least one first and one second partial lens (1, 2), wherein the first partial lens (1) includes a flexible substrate (4). On the substrate (4), a thin film filter (2) is applied, and the thin film filter (2) comprises at least one metallic layer (8) with a layer thickness of between 2 nm and 100 nm. The substrate (4) in the completed protective filter, thanks to its flexibility, is bent into the final shape as a whole; this in contrast to such lenses, which while comprising a curved shape and curved surfaces, have been ground or cast into this curved shape.

Abstract: A protective automatic darkening filter construction 10 includes two low twist liquid crystal cells 26, 30 interspersed between a series of offset polarizers 24, 28, 32. The resulting construction provides improved homogeneity in the dark state as viewed by the user over a large viewing angle. By reducing variations in shade, visibility through the filter may be improved.

Abstract: An anti-glare eye protection apparatus includes an anti-glare eye protection plate, an optical detector, an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electromagnetic wave detector, a user interface, a main controller, and a light transmittance controller. The electromagnetic wave sensor senses an electromagnetic wave generated by a welding or cutting torch using at least two coils. The electromagnetic wave detector compares a signal received through the electromagnetic wave sensor with a reference value. The user interface includes a display for selecting or displaying one of the optical and electromagnetic wave detectors. The main controller applies an electromagnetic wave detector activation signal to the electromagnetic wave detector as the optical detector starts optical detection and monitors changes in a received electromagnetic wave signal based on output of the electromagnetic wave detector.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a light state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, a positive voltage generator, and a negative voltage generator. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The positive and negative voltage generators output the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the light state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device, including a first filter, a second filter, at least one liquid crystal filter and a control circuit, is provided. The first filter and the second filter are made of light-transmitting plastic and with films to shade ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays. The liquid crystal filter is hermetically set between the first filter and the second filter to obtain better light-transmitting. Besides, the first filter and the second filter are manufactured by plastic injection molding so there are some advantages that are easy manufacturing, low cost, impact endurance, light and filmy.

Abstract: An electro-optical glare protection filter for e.g. a protective mask for welding comprises at least two successively arranged liquid crystal cells (20, 30) of the type “twisted nematic” (TN) with polarization layers (21, 25, 31, 35), wherein the polarization directions of two respective polarization layers (21, 25, 31, 35), which are allocated to a liquid crystal cell (20, 30) are respectively twisted in relation to one another. Hereby the polarization directions of two respective polarization layers (21, 25, 31, 35), which are allocated to a liquid crystal cell (20, 30) are uncrossed, i.e. twisted by an angle different to 90° in relation to one another.

Abstract: A wireless remote control is provided for an auto-darkening lens (ADL) system used in a welding helmet, respirator system or other device to control or to adjust settings of an ADL of a controllable light shutter. A display system facilitates providing information indicating the operative settings and/or conditions of the controllable light shutter. A wired remote control for controlling or adjusting an ADL also uses a display system with indicators to indicate the operative settings and/or conditions of the ADL. The display may include a number of indicators, an alpha-numeric display, a heads-up display or other display. The display may include discrete indicators in the peripheral field of view of one eye of a user a controllable. The invention also includes methods of using a remote control for an ADL and of making an ADL to provide for future use of a wireless remote control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a complex light compensation C plate including at least two C plates representing different dispersion ratio values, respectively. The complex light compensation C plate improves a contrast characteristic of a liquid crystal display device at various viewing angles and has a broadband wavelength dispersion characteristic capable of minimizing color variation depending on various viewing angles in a black state of an LCD.

Abstract: A nuclear hardened liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method for hardening a liquid crystal display is provided. The nuclear hardened LCD can include an LCD glass laminate stack. The LCD glass laminate stack can include a front transparent substrate, a back substrate, and a liquid crystal material disposed between the front transparent substrate and the back substrate. The nuclear hardened LCD can further include a protective laminate stack positioned in front of the LCD glass laminate stack. The protective laminate stack can include a volume absorbing filter, that absorbs selective electromagnetic energy throughout a thickness of the volume absorbing filter.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly adjustable between a clear state and a dark state and a control circuit. The control circuit is provided with a microcontroller, a delivery circuit, a sensing circuit and a weld detect circuit. The microcontroller is switchable between a sleep mode and a wake-up mode. The delivery circuit outputs a dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the clear state to the dark state upon enablement of the delivery circuit. The sensing circuit senses the occurrence of a welding arc and provides an output indicative of the occurrence of the welding arc. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, and a delivery circuit. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The delivery circuit outputs the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the clear state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a light state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, a positive voltage generator, and a negative voltage generator. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The positive and negative voltage generators output the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the light state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: An eye protection apparatus includes a selectively darkenable element, such as a liquid crystal panel, and a controller that causes transmission of a darken signal that causes the selectively darkenable element to darken in conjunction with an emission of light, such as intense diffuse light that is used in some medical procedures. Protection against both laser light and diffuse light may be provided in the same eye protection apparatus. The darken signal may be transmitted prior to the emission of the diffuse light, and cause the selectively darkenable element to achieve a darkened state prior to emission of the diffuse light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can largely suppress the reduction of contrast which occurs in a light reflection mode of a liquid crystal display device. On a liquid-crystal-side surface of one of substrates which are arranged to face each other in an opposed manner while sandwiching liquid crystal therebetween, the liquid crystal display device includes pixel regions each of which is classified into a light reflection portion and a light transmission portion. On each pixel region, a first light-transmitting pixel electrode which is formed on the light reflection portion and the light transmission portion, a material layer which is formed on a major portion of the light reflection portion, an insulation layer having an opening formed at a portion corresponding to the light transmission portion, and a second pixel electrode which is formed on the light reflection portion and functions as a reflection film are sequentially laminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lens having a variable light transmission in response to variations in incident light intensity. The lens is useful for providing eye protection from variations in ambient light intensity. The present invention is directed to shade devices having lenses which have a variable degree of light transmission which automatically changes in response to the intensity of incident light or at the selection of a user of the eye glasses.

Abstract: A glare protection device for a welding protective mask includes an active electro-optical protective filter (2) and an electronic circuit (10). An UV-detector (UVD), which serves as an optical sensor, detects the welding light and, via an evaluation circuit (10.1), generates a signal (sin) for controlling of the protective filter (2). The signal corresponds to the detected UV intensity. The UV-detector includes a fluorescent layer (F) with an absorption in the UV range and an emission in the long-wave range corresponding to the spectral sensitivity of an assigned Si-photo detector (SD). This results in a simple and safe controlling of the protective filter, which is uninfluenced by the effects of extraneous light.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: An anti-glare protection device, for example a pair of welding goggles, a welding mask or a welding helmet, includes a supporting part with a sight opening (3), an optical filter element arranged in the sight opening, and a protective plate (1), which is mounted or can be mounted on the supporting part such covering the optical filter element. For the protection of the filter element against contamination with dirt and in order to protect the wearer of the anti-glare protection device against undesirable gases, smoke and dirt, a seal (4) made out of an elastically compressible material is disposed either between the supporting part and the protective plate (1) or between the filter element and the protective plate (1). The seal extends substantially around the sight opening and is advantageously affixed either to the supporting part, to the protective plate (1), or to the filter element.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly adjustable between a clear state and a dark state and a control circuit. The control circuit is provided with a microcontroller, a delivery circuit, a sensing circuit and a weld detect circuit. The microcontroller is switchable between a sleep mode and a wake-up mode. The delivery circuit outputs a dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the clear state to the dark state upon enablement of the delivery circuit. The sensing circuit senses the occurrence of a welding arc and provides an output indicative of the occurrence of the welding arc. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly adjustable between a clear state and a dark state and a control circuit. The control circuit is provided with a microcontroller, a delivery circuit, a sensing circuit and a weld detect circuit. The microcontroller is switchable between a sleep mode and a wake-up mode. The delivery circuit outputs a dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the clear state to the dark state upon enablement of the delivery circuit. The sensing circuit senses the occurrence of a welding arc and provides an output indicative of the occurrence of the welding arc. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, and a delivery circuit. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The delivery circuit outputs the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the clear state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: A glare-protection device contains an active filtering element (11) with influenceable light transmission such as a liquid crystal cell. The glare-protection device also contains an electronic circuit (3) for evaluating the output signal of a light sensor (5) and for driving of the filtering element (11), which electronic circuit (3) is attached to the internal surface (22) of a printed circuit board (2). The electronic circuit (3) has an evaluation circuit (31) and a driving circuit (32). A screening element (4), which is made out of electrically conductive material, is provided to screen at least a part of the evaluation circuit (31) against electro-magnetic radiation originating from the driving circuit (32), and is affixed to the same internal surface (22). Thanks to the screening element (4), the evaluation circuit (31) can be designed to be exceedingly sensitive, without it being excessively interfered with by electromagnetic influences.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprises a liquid crystal display panel (4) made up by coupling a first substrate (1) and a second substrate (6), having an electrode (2, 7) provided on respective inner surfaces thereof facing each other, with a predetermined gap provided therebetween, and by filling the gap with a liquid crystal layer (15) in the gap, and an input panel (3) made up by coupling an upper substrate (21) and a lower substrate (26), both of which are transparent, having an electrode (22, 27) provided on respective inner surfaces thereof facing each other, with a predetermined gap provided therebetween, and by filling the gap with a filling medium (41), and the first substrate (1) on the visible side of the liquid crystal display panel (3) is disposed so as to be opposed to the lower substrate (26) of the input panel (3).

Abstract: An optical pulse observing device enables the clear observation of indirect laser light of pulse laser light. The optical pulse observing device to be used by a user for observing pulse illumination light directly or indirectly, includes an optical shutter means that operates for alternate opening and closing in synchronism with periodic pulses of the pulse laser light so as to open only during the duration of pulses of the pulse laser light to pass pulse laser light and external light.

Abstract: A sheet-like display medium includes a switching layer containing a switching material having a light absorption spectrum which changes in a visible light range when a voltage no less than a threshold value is applied while also maintaining the changed light absorption spectrum even after the voltage application is interrupted, and an electrode layer laminated on the switching layer. The switching material may be an organic metal complex such as Cu-TCNQ or Ag-TCNQ.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glare shielding device. The glare shielding device includes a microprocessor for controlling an activation time and a driving time of a liquid crystal panel. The microprocessor generates an activation control signal of a liquid crystal activating portion, a driving control signal of a liquid crystal driving portion, and a power off control signal in response to a simultaneous detection of a welding light and a high frequency generated during a welding process. The liquid crystal activating portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and activates the liquid crystal panel using a minus voltage between a high voltage and an activation voltage. The liquid crystal driving portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and drives the liquid crystal panel in response to the driving control signal.

Abstract: An information processing device and its system is provided in which a display unit (head mount display) is used and a user carries out an information processing operation while seeing a virtual display screen. Polycrystalline silicon using CGS is used for a semiconductor of a display element of a liquid crystal panel used in the head mount display, so that high speed driving is made possible. The display unit in which frame inversion made in a writing period (60 to 180 Hz) is connected to a control unit and an input operating unit, so that the user can carry out the information processing operation.

Abstract: An electronic quick change cartridge for a welding helmet. The cartridge base is formed of an optically dense polycarbonate or like material that acts as a passive filter to provide eye protection during the welding process. A port in the base receives a variable density LCD cell and a cavity formed in the base receives the electronics for driving the cell. Optical masks prevent light leakage through any interfaces of the structure. When low light levels are present, the welder views a work piece through an essentially transparent or slightly opaque LCD cell. When an arc is struck, the LCD cell darkens to a shade corresponding to the shade of the surrounding polycarbonate material. The welder then can view the work piece through the LCD cell and all the optically unobstructed portions of the polycarbonate base surrounding the LCD cell thereby to have an expanded viewing area during the actual welding operation.

Abstract: A glare protecting device for protecting a worker's eyes from a light comprising a solar cell for generating a solar voltage when the light is applied thereto; an optical detector for generating a light detecting signal by detecting the light; a non-optical detector for generating an electromagnetic wave detecting signal by detecting an electromagnetic wave; a controller transferring to an operating mode when the light detecting signal is changed, disabling a driving control signal when the driving control signal is enabled, generating a starting signal and enabling the driving control signal in case that the light and/or electromagnetic wave detecting signal is produced when the driving control signal is disabled, and then transferring to a stop mode; a driving means for generating a driving signal by inputting a starting voltage in response to the starting signal and a driving voltage in response to the driving signal; and a glare protecting plate which is driven in response to the driving signal.

Abstract: In a pair of spectacles using liquid crystal lenses, an electrical circuit, for controlling the optical transmission of the liquid crystal lenses, controls the amplitude and/or duty cycle of the voltage driving the lens so as to operate the liquid crystal lens in the transition region, between maximum and minimum optical densities.

Abstract: A glare protecting device and a method of controlling thereof for protecting a worker's eyes from a light comprising: a temperature detector for generating a temperature detecting signal by detecting ambient temperature; a controller for generating a starting signal having a starting time in response to the temperature detecting signal, and for generating a temperature compensating signal corresponding to the temperature detecting signal; a driving means for generating a starting voltage in response to the temperature compensating signal, and for generating an initial driving signal having a starting voltage in response to the starting signal; and a glare protecting plate which is started corresponding to the initial driving signal.

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter construction, suitable for glass shields and automatically darkening welding glass filters, which shutter construction is switchable between a first state with high transmission of light and a second state with low transmission of light, and vice versa, in response to an electric control signal, the shutter construction having a nematic type liquid crystal cell disposed between transparent plates having electrodes for providing an electric field in response to the control signal, said plates having mutually facing surfaces, each of which is provided with alignment means for defining a respective molecule alignment direction for molecules in the proximity of said alignment means in the absence of said electric field, said liquid crystal cell being mounted between polarisers, wherein a retardation film is disposed between the polarisers in order to reduce remaining retardation in the liquid crystal cell when in an electrically activated state, said retardation film being arranged such t

Abstract: An electronic watch diversifies the mode of display for numeric information and the like to presents the information using the natural ambient light or a back light. The electronic watch may includes a polarizer for transmitting a linearly polarized light polarized in one direction while absorbing the remaining polarized light, a liquid crystal element that selects a state in which the polarization of a polarized light ray is changed through transmission and a state in which the polarization of the polarized light is not changed, a polarization separating film, opposed to the polarizer with the liquid crystal element interposed therebetween, and a back light for emitting light to the liquid crystal element through the polarization separating film. The polarization separating film 12 transmits light polarized in one direction while reflecting light linearly polarized in a direction perpendicular to the one direction.

Abstract: A system for protection from light generated by interaction of laser energy with matter is provided. The system, which is designed for use with lasing apparatus having a laser, includes an optical protection device with at least one optical element of a material that transforms between an active state for blocking laser light and an inactive state, where the optical element is transparent. A mechanism for controlling the transformation of the optical element between the inactive and active states, attaches to the optical protection device and the lasing apparatus respectively, and is responsive to the activating and deactivating of the laser, such that when the laser is activated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the active state and when the laser is deactivated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the inactive state.

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter construction (18), suitable for a glass shield and a welding glass filter, which shutter construction is able to switch between a high light absorbing dark state and a low light absorbing transparent state, and vice versa, comprising low twisted nematic type liquid crystal cells with a twisting angle between 0.degree. and just below 90.degree., and an electronic circuit output generating a variable cell driving voltage higher than about twice the threshold voltage for at least one of the liquid crystal cells and with a polarity switching frequency of less than 1 Hertz.

Abstract: A liquid ink printer, depositing ink drops to form an image, including a pagewidth printbar, movable to print a complete image when defective nozzles of the printbar are identified. A positioning device, coupled to the pagewidth printbar, positions the printbar at a plurality of discrete locations, to move a functioning nozzle to the location in the image where the defective nozzle should deposit drops of ink. Defective nozzles are identified by the printer control mechanism and a user is given the option to fix the image through a user interface where the printer is directed to fill in the missing information of the image. Defective nozzles can also be identified by printing a test pattern which identifies to a user which of the nozzles are non-functioning. The user then inputs this information to the printer.