Signal Reflector Patents (Class 359/515)
  • Patent number: 11894474
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include optoelectronic systems and methods of forming such systems. In an embodiment the optoelectronic system comprises a board, and a carrier attached to the board. In an embodiment, a first die is on the carrier. In an embodiment, the first die is a photonics die, and a surface of the first die is covered by an optically transparent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Priyanka Dobriyal, Ankur Agrawal, Susheel Jadhav, Quan Tran, Raghuram Narayan, Raiyomand Aspandiar, Kenneth Brown, John Heck
  • Patent number: 11651179
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes in one instance an optical article comprising a data rich plurality of retroreflective meats that are configured in a spatially defined arrangement, where the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties, and where data rich means information that is readily machine interpretable. The present disclosure also includes a system comprising the previously mentioned optical article, an optical system, and an inference engine for interpreting and classifying the plurality of retroreflective elements wherein the optical system feeds data to the inference engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Glenn E. Casner, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Charles A. Shaklee, Robert W. Shannon, Gautam Singh, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Andrew H. Tilstra, John A. Wheatley, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Arash Sangari, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Maja Giese, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Katja Hansen, Markus G. W. Lierse, Neeraj Sharma
  • Patent number: 11313835
    Abstract: A dispersion of particles is provided that each contain at least one ferromagnetic domain and at least one phosphor domain having a stimulation wavelength, a glow persistence of at least 5 seconds and a visible wavelength emission. A polymeric resin that is transmissive of the stimulation wavelength and the visible wavelength emission coats the ferromagnetic and phosphor domains to define each particle size. A method of non-destructively inspecting a test article applies a dispersion of these particles to a surface of the test article. A magnetic field is then induced including the test article. The surface of the test article is exposed to incident energy adapted to stimulate phosphorescence of the dispersion of particles. With the incident energy exposure ceased, the position of the dispersion of particles on the surface of the test article is imaged. An inspection system for non-destructively inspecting a test article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Shawn Michael Kilty
  • Patent number: 11034284
    Abstract: There is provided herein a navigational device for augmenting navigational instructions. The navigational device comprises a high intensity light source that points out/indicates navigational landmarks along a route in advance of the vehicle, such as signposts, offramps and the like such that the driver need not take eyes off the road. The navigational device may comprise a gimbal for the directional control of the high-intensity light source which may control the direction of the high-intensity light source for various navigational waypoint instructions along a route. The navigational device may employ text recognition of various road signs so as to control the respective direction of the high-intensity light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Othman Abdulrahim Radi Alhanbali, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10969600
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with optical markers. A marker may be formed from a coating. The coating may be patterned to form a two-dimensional optical code or may be patterned to form an outline or other recognizable marker structure that helps provide information about an electronic device. A device with a sensor such as a depth sensor or other sensor may gather information on the electronic device and its markers. This information may include information on images captured with an image sensor while the electronic device is illuminated by one or more light beams from the depth sensor or other light sources. Markers may be configured to serve as mixed reality optical markers in a mixed reality system. Analysis of the mixed reality marker images or other sensor data may reveal information on device type, device location, device size, device orientation, and other information on a marked device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Marta M. Giachino, Matthew S. Rogers, Que Anh S. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10641989
    Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: PLX, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Bleier, Itai Vishnia, Zechariah Gajadhar
  • Patent number: 10393994
    Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: PLX, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Bleier, Itai Vishnia, Zechariah Gajadhar
  • Patent number: 10086755
    Abstract: According to the mat including an LED safety tripod for an automobile, since an LED module is disposed on a triangular safety plate, a driver approaching from behind can easily see the triangular safety plate even in overcast conditions and at night. Further, according to the present invention, a triangular safety plate is integrally formed on the rear side of an automotive mat body, so it is possible to minimize the volume of a triangular safety plate and allow a driver to naturally carry a triangular safety plate without a specific effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: TUTUM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jang Hyuk Yoon
  • Patent number: 10048063
    Abstract: The invention provides a measuring instrument, which comprises an image pickup unit for acquiring an image of a range including an object to be measured, a distance measuring unit for two-dimensionally scanning a predetermined range in synchronization with an image acquisition and for measuring, an arithmetic control unit and an attitude detecting unit for detecting a tilt angle of the image pickup unit with respect to a horizontality, wherein the arithmetic control unit associates a measurement result and a detection result of the attitude detecting unit with each pixel on a scanning locus corresponding to an acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai, Tetsuji Anai
  • Patent number: 10007050
    Abstract: A light redirecting member includes an incidence surface; a first total reflection surface, two light guiding parts; two second total reflection surfaces disposed at respctivee end portions of the two light guiding parts such that a distance between the second total reflection surface and a virtual plane increases as the second total reflection surface extends from the end portions; and two emission surfaces. The virtual plane includes the optical axis and a first virtual line which intersects the optical axis and extends in an extending direction of the two light guiding parts, the two second total reflection surfaces being surfaces on which light which is incident on the incidence surface and directly reaches the two second total reflection surfaces is incident at an angle equal to or greater than a critical angle, the two second total reflection surfaces being configured to reflect the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kyouhei Yamada
  • Patent number: 9897436
    Abstract: The invention provides a measuring instrument, which comprises an image pickup unit for acquiring an image of a range including an object to be measured, a distance measuring unit for two-dimensionally scanning a predetermined range in synchronization with an image acquisition and for measuring, an arithmetic control unit and an attitude detecting unit for detecting a tilt angle of the image pickup unit with respect to a horizontality, wherein the arithmetic control unit associates a measurement result and a detection result of the attitude detecting unit with each pixel on a scanning locus corresponding to an acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai, Tetsuji Anai
  • Patent number: 9709722
    Abstract: A backlight module for illuminating a display or keypad is described. The backlight module may be provided in an electronic device along with a light source. In one embodiment, the backlight module comprises: a light diffuser; a light guide located directly below the light diffuser; a prism structure located directly below the light guide, the prism structure having a plurality of prisms extending towards the light guide, wherein an air gap is defined between the prism structure and the light guide; and a reflector located directly below the prism structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Hsin Chin Lee, Michael Lorne Purdy, Choongho Lee
  • Patent number: 9641714
    Abstract: A light guide including a light scattering portion that reflects light guided inside the light guide, and a light emitting surface portion emitting light reflected by the light scattering portion to outside the light guide. A light emitting surface portion includes first and second light emitting surface portions, the first light emitting surface portion has a longer circumferential length than that of the second light emitting surface portion in the transversal cross section, and circumference curvature of the first light emitting surface portion in the transversal cross section increases away from the second light emitting surface portion. A normal line to the light scattering portion, passing through the center of the light scattering portion in the transversal cross section, intersects with the first light emitting surface portion, at a point at a near side to the second light emitting surface portion in the transversal cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taku Matsuzawa, Kosaku Yamagata, Tadashi Minobe, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kawano
  • Patent number: 9599757
    Abstract: Tooling and optic elements for a retro-imaging system may be formed on order near atomic level of accuracy by making use of either etching or growth techniques of a cubic crystal lattice, such as silicon. The elements may be formed directly using selective etching or epitaxial growth by coating and clear resin lamination, or replicated to avoid shrinkage and curvature by use of low shrinkage resins or double-fill molding techniques. Through the use of these highly accurate reflection/diffraction elements, floating images may be formed with relatively high resolution in retro-reflective imaging systems, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Karlton Powell, John Lutian
  • Patent number: 9482490
    Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lone Star IP Holdings, LP
    Inventor: Steven D. Roemerman
  • Patent number: 9330448
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive feature recognition tool that can be used to determine the location and/or count discrete features on an object being manufactured in a relatively quick time fashion. The tool can include an elongated rigid member that has a first end with a generally planar surface, the generally planar surface having a plurality of contrast targets thereon. The elongated rigid member can also have a second end for placement at a desired location, for example placement on a plurality of features whose number and/or location(s) on the object is desired. In addition, an exposure device that is operable to expose specific subsets of the plurality of contrast targets to a line-of-sight digital imaging device can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ray Dickinson
  • Patent number: 9207124
    Abstract: A colorimetry apparatus includes a light projection unit that irradiates a surface under measurement with light and an imaging unit that captures an image of the surface under measurement. The light projection unit includes a light source, a collimator lens that converts light emitted from the light source into parallelized light, and a traveling direction changer that changes the traveling direction of the parallelized light while maintaining parallelism of the parallelized light. The traveling direction changer is disposed in parallel to the surface under measurement, and the direction of the optical axis of the collimator lens coincides with the direction of a normal to the surface under measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuaki Funamoto
  • Patent number: 9039209
    Abstract: A retroreflective plastic strip having conspicuity tape on its outer surface and having flanges along each lateral edge for spacing the strip from the surface of an under-ride bumper on a truck trailer. The strip has means such as zip ties or pop rivets for detachably securing the strip on the bumper to comply with Federal regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Lee Johnston
  • Publication number: 20150075908
    Abstract: A visual indicator for a ladder is provided which may include a component having a photo luminescent material, a component have a reflective material, or both. In one embodiment, the visual indicator includes a rung plug having a cap portion and a body portion, the body portion being configured to be inserted into the interior hollow of a ladder rung such that the cap portion is visible along the side of an associated ladder rail. The cap portion may comprise a photo luminescent material, a reflective material or both. In one embodiment, the cap portion comprises a photo luminescent material while a separate reflective indicator is placed on the ladder rail at a location adjacent the rung plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Joe Bloomfield, Sean R. Peterson, Brian B. Russell, Steve Puertas
  • Patent number: 8888302
    Abstract: A delineator includes a delineator body, a positioning member, and a reflective sheet. The delineator body and the positioning member include mounting features adapted to mate with each other at a plurality of positions corresponding to different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body. By selecting one of the different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body, the user can select a visibility configuration of the delineator. In some cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the positioning member, so that the reflective sheet is positioned at a particular place on the delineator and visible to an observer when the positioning member is mounted in the selected position. In other cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the delineator body, and the positioning member may cover one portion of the reflective sheet and leave another portion of the reflective sheet exposed to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Blessen K. Philip, Sundar R. Manikkam
  • Publication number: 20140293421
    Abstract: A three-sided reflected is formed to include a front and two adjacent sides that are sized to encompass a sign post. This three-sided reflector is then attached to the sign post so that the front faces in the same direction as a front of the sign post. A highly visible material having a bright or fluorescent color and optionally including retro reflectors is disposed on each of the outer surfaces of the front and the two adjacent sides of the reflector so that incident light is reflected back toward a driver of a vehicle that is approaching the front or either side of the sign post. The reflected light greatly increases the visual perception of the sign post by a driver of the vehicle so that it much less likely that the driver will strike the sign post with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Zumar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Brandes
  • Patent number: 8764202
    Abstract: Disclosed is a retro-reflective article that can comprise at least one fiber having a first component with a first surface, where the first surface can be shaped to define at least one retro-reflective feature, and wherein the retro-reflective feature can be configured to provide more than one reflection of light incident thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Brian R. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8764203
    Abstract: A target system and method for photogrammetry using a target holder is provided with a body including a flat face surface and an annular protruding lip extending upward from the surface around the perimeter of the body. Target paper is positioned on the surface and cut to size on the surface leaving a centered circle of target paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventors: Adam John Warden, Larry Dean Guyton
  • Patent number: 8668340
    Abstract: Identical plastic hemispheres are first treated with organic solvent, which is smeared by a pillow of microporous silicon rubber to achieve a slippery surface upon the hemispheres. The slippery surface upon the hemispheres may comprise a layer of melted plastic. Hemispheres are then placed under an application chamber, where hot gas under pressure softens, deforms and transports a sheet of marker foil over the hemisphere. Two hemispheres are then joined together by use of asymmetric voids and a clip pin inserted, while under compression, into the hemispheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jordan Danchov Jordanov, Dancho Iliev Jordanov
  • Patent number: 8641210
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: IZI Medical Products
    Inventors: Helen Zinreich Shafer, David Alan Zinreich, Douglas Crumb
  • Patent number: 8534848
    Abstract: A marker for a navigation system for determining the spatial position (e.g., of a surgical instrument), said marker including a retroreflective ball (12). A retroreflective surface (13) of the ball (12) is protected by a dimensionally stable, translucent or transparent shell (14) in such a way that the reflected image remains essentially uninfluenced in terms of contour and the position of the centre of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Bernhard Hauri, Thomas Hauri
  • Publication number: 20130202010
    Abstract: A target is provided having a retroreflector. A body is provided having a spherical exterior portion, the body containing a cavity. The cavity is sized to hold the retroreflector, the cavity open to the exterior of the body and having at least one surface opposite the opening, the retroreflector at least partially disposed in the cavity, wherein the retroreflector and at least one surface define a space therebetween. A transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal. A first actuator is configured to initiate emission of the electromagnetic signal, wherein the transmitter and the first actuator are affixed to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FARO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: FARO Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130170038
    Abstract: A braided cable with a nighttime light reflection effect is provided for improving the safety of pedestrians at night, and the braided cable with a nighttime light reflection effect includes a plurality of light reflecting filaments and a plurality of nylon filaments alternately woven with the light reflecting filaments, and the braided cable can be applied in an earphone or a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Chih SHENG
  • Patent number: 8474989
    Abstract: A target system and method for photogrammetry using a target holder with an aperture at least partially therethrough to precisely position a target assembly therein for use in determining geometric properties of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventors: John Eric Cierpiot, Adam John Warden, Larry Dean Guyton
  • Publication number: 20130135730
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: IZI Medical Products
    Inventors: Helen Zinreich SHAFER, David Alan Zinreich, Douglas Crumb
  • Publication number: 20130114142
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Bimal V. Thakkar, Kenneth L. Smith, Suman K. Patel, William D. Coggio, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Raymond C. Chiu
  • Publication number: 20130089704
    Abstract: Temporary graphic films that may be applied to rough, outdoor surfaces such as concrete or asphalt pavement are provided. The temporary graphic films are durable, yet easily removed and may include a fracturable material that permits fluid flow to reduce slip and fall situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Avery Dennison Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130077167
    Abstract: Disclosed are a light reflective material which shows the color and texture of a base material thereof in the daytime and acts as a light reflector at night, and a preparation method thereof. According to embodiments of the present invention, the preparation method includes preparing an extrusion base material such as plastic or synthetic wood, and supplying a light reflecting element such as glass beads on the surface of the extrusion base material and passing the extrusion base material through an extruder to form a light-reflective layer on the surface of the extrusion base material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: LG HAUSYS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keun-Tae Kim, Tae-Yeon Kim, Hya-Yeon Lee
  • Patent number: 8364243
    Abstract: The invention relates to non-fouling hydrophobic reflective surfaces for a variety of applications which in one embodiment related to medical device applications comprises a method of performing a medical procedure using a surgical navigation system which includes the steps of placing one or more reflective spheres on a surgical instrument or apparatus, the reflective spheres comprising a hydrophobic coating on a sub-micron structured surface of the spheres, wherein the spheres substantially maintain their reflective properties after the spheres are contacted with a biological fluid; shining light on the reflective spheres; capturing reflected light from the spheres with a camera or other device; and registering and/or tracking a location and/or position of the spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Enzerink, R. Hugh Daniels
  • Patent number: 8322868
    Abstract: A fluorescent article includes an underlayer colored fluorescent film and an overlayer colored fluorescent film, which is provided over the underlayer colored fluorescent film. The underlayer colored fluorescent film includes a first fluorescent colorant in an underlayer acrylic matrix. The overlayer colored fluorescent film includes a second fluorescent in an overlayer acrylic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Guang-Xue Wei
  • Patent number: 8317340
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an image reflecting adhesive patch comprising a reflective layer, an adhesive layer positioned on one surface of the reflective layer, and an image printed on a surface of the reflective layer opposed to the adhesive layer. When incident light reflects from the reflective layer it refracts at different angles thereby making the image, which is not reflected, discernible through the light reflected from the reflective layer. Another embodiment of the instant invention involves an image reflecting adhesive patch comprising a reflective layer, an adhesive layer positioned on one surface of the reflective layer, and a transparent layer containing a visible image, positioned on a surface of the reflective layer opposed to the adhesive layer. When incident light reflects from the reflective layer it refracts at different angles thereby making the image, which is not reflected, discernible through the light reflected from the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Erica P. Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20120281284
    Abstract: A delineator includes a delineator body, a positioning member, and a reflective sheet. The delineator body and the positioning member include mounting features adapted to mate with each other at a plurality of positions corresponding to different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body. By selecting one of the different positions of the positioning member on the delineator body, the user can select a visibility configuration of the delineator. In some cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the positioning member, so that the reflective sheet is positioned at a particular place on the delineator and visible to an observer when the positioning member is mounted in the selected position. In other cases the reflective sheet may be bonded to the delineator body, and the positioning member may cover one portion of the reflective sheet and leave another portion of the reflective sheet exposed to an observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Blessen K. Philip, Sundar R. Manikkam
  • Publication number: 20120281283
    Abstract: Identical plastic hemispheres are first treated with organic solvent, which is smeared by a pillow of microporous silicon rubber to achieve a slippery surface upon the hemispheres. The slippery surface upon the hemispheres may comprise a layer of melted plastic. Hemispheres are then placed under an application chamber, where hot gas under pressure softens, deforms and transports a sheet of marker foil over the hemisphere. Two hemispheres are then joined together by use of asymmetric voids and a clip pin inserted, while under compression, into the hemispheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: X12 CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jordan Danchov Jordanov, Dancho Iliev Jordanov
  • Patent number: 8297761
    Abstract: Microstructured articles, such as a retroreflective articles, having a plurality of (e.g. cube-corner) microstructured elements and a seal film layer adhered to portions of the cube-corner elements and/or portions of a (e.g., flexible) body layer. The seal film is a thermoplastic polymeric material comprising reaction products of alkylene in an amount of at least about 50% and reaction products of at least one non-acidic polar monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bimal V. Thakkar, Jeffrey O. Emslander, Steven M. Nielsen, Douglas J. Hall, David G. Schueler
  • Patent number: 8167475
    Abstract: Conventional methods using two optical waveguide members are disadvantageous in cost because they require two optical waveguide members and pairs of their associated components. A linear lighting apparatus includes a rod-like optical waveguide member (100) formed by a transparent material, a light source placed near an end face of the optical waveguide member (100) in the longitudinal direction, and a light exit surface (101) formed on at least part of the optical waveguide member (100) in the longitudinal direction. A cross section of the optical waveguide member in the widthwise direction has a plurality of reflecting areas (102, 103) at positions to face a light exit surface (101) and a barrier (106) at a boundary portion between the reflecting areas (102, 103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayuki Katsumata, Azusa Shiratori, Shuuichi Shimoda, Masami Tabata
  • Publication number: 20120092766
    Abstract: A display device is capable of freely setting a viewing location for a real image formed by an imaging optical system of real specular image. The display device includes: an object of view; the imaging optical system having a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry to define an object side space in which the object exists and a viewer side space in which a viewer exists, where the imaging optical system forms a real image of the object of view in the viewer side space with light passing through the substrate; and a reflective mirror arranged in the viewer side space so as to reflect light beams supplied from the imaging optical system to guide the reflected light beams toward the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: National Institute of Information and Communications technology, Satnley electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Maekawa, Takashi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20120081788
    Abstract: A display device is capable of freely setting a viewing location for a real image formed by an imaging optical system of real specular image. The display device includes: an object of view; the imaging optical system having a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry to define an object side space in which the object exists and a viewer side space in which a viewer exists, where the imaging optical system forms a real image of the object of view in the viewer side space with light passing through the substrate; and at least one reflective mirror arranged in the object side space so as to reflect light beams from the object of view to guide the reflected light beams to the imaging optical system of real specular image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Satoshi Maekawa, Takashi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20110286098
    Abstract: A marker for a navigation system for determining the spatial position (e.g., of a surgical instrument), said marker including a retroreflective ball (12). A retroreflective surface (13) of the ball (12) is protected by a dimensionally stable, translucent or transparent shell (14) in such a way that the reflected image remains essentially uninfluenced in terms of contour and the position of the centre of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Bernhard Hauri, Thomas Hauri
  • Patent number: 8034436
    Abstract: A fluorescent article includes an underlayer colored fluorescent film and an overlayer colored fluorescent film, which is provided over the underlayer colored fluorescent film. The underlayer colored fluorescent film includes a first fluorescent colorant in an underlayer polymer matrix. The overlayer colored fluorescent film includes a second fluorescent colorant in an overlayer polymer matrix. The second fluorescent colorant in the overlayer film at least partially blocks light in a first wavelength range while allowing transmission of an amount of light in a second wavelength range effective to make the first fluorescent colorant fluoresce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Guang-Xue Wei
  • Patent number: 8029884
    Abstract: Provided is an antistatic white polyester film for a surface illuminant reflector, which has practically adequate reflective performance in a visible light region, can form a film with stability even if inorganic fine particles are added in a high concentration, prevents dirt and dust from adhering to the surface of the film due to having an antistatic coat, can control the gloss levels of the front and back sides of the film, and thereby can control a diffusing property of light, and can be suitably used as a base material for a reflector used for a liquid crystal display or an internally illuminated electric ornament signboard. An antistatic white polyester film for a surface illuminant reflector, having a base material layer formed by using a polyester resin and an antistatic applied layer having the surface resistivity of 3×1012?/? or less at a temperature of 23° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Taichi Miyazaki, Tatsuo Yoshida, Takashi Ueda, Terufumi Takayama
  • Publication number: 20110128624
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a reflective object, which comprises the structure with the following layers sequentially: an adhesive layer embedded with optical components; a color layer; and a reflective layer; wherein the reflective object is characterized that the color layer is not contacted with the optical components. The present invention is also disclosed a method of producing the reflective object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SHIH HSIN-AN
    Inventor: Hsin-An Shih
  • Patent number: 7874686
    Abstract: A reflective marker and method for manufacturing reflective marker, wherein the reflective marker includes an inner body and a reflective covering, and a reflective substance is applied to the inner body and forms the reflective covering together with pellets contained in the substance or applied after the substance has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventors: Holger-Claus Rossner, Thomas Pittroff
  • Patent number: 7795564
    Abstract: An optical system comprising a first optical unit and a first sensor unit for sensing electromagnetic radiation. The optical system also comprises a micromirror matrix unit which is arranged in the beam path between the first optical unit and the first sensor unit. The micromirror matrix unit is arranged to be able to be set in at least a first and a second state. In the first state, the micromirror matrix unit reflects incident electromagnetic radiation such that it reaches the first sensor unit. In the second state, the micromirror matrix unit reflects incident electromagnetic radiation such that it does not reach the first sensor unit. The invention also concerns a target-seeking system comprising such an optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Mikael Lindgren
  • Publication number: 20100208345
    Abstract: One example embodiment disclosed herein includes a sign substrate including a front side and a back side, a reflective traffic sign layer to reflect a light to display a traffic message to traffic, the reflective traffic sign layer coupled to the front side of the sign substrate, a light blocking layer masking the reflective traffic sign layer to prevent the light from reflecting a ghost image of the message through the light blocking layer to the traffic and a replacement reflective traffic sign layer disposed on top of the light blocking layer, the replacement reflective traffic sign layer to reflect the light to display a reflected replacement message to the traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Safety Signs
    Inventor: Jay Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20100110544
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetically repositionable reflective device for enhancing the visibility of objects, persons and pets, especially in low light environments. The device comprises a magnetically responsive element within a reflective sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Susanna Sidoti Gorodisher, Ilya Gorodisher