Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, wherein the lighting unit (1) comprises a light source (2), a first reflector (R1) having at least one focal point (F1R1) in which the light source (2) is arranged, a second reflector (R2) having at least one focal point (F1R2), wherein the second reflector (R2) is arranged downstream of the first reflector (R1) in the beam path (S), and an aperture (B) arranged between the first reflector (R1) and the second reflector (R2).

Abstract: A plow blade has a moldboard shaped with a concave front contact surface that faces a forward direction and has a convex rear frame surface that faces an opposite rearward direction, wherein the rear frame surface has a supporting frame with one or more supporting frame members that extend in the rearward direction. A first indicating lamp is coupled to the plow blade and is energizable to emit light of a first color in the rearward direction, wherein the energized first indicating lamp is concealed from visibility from the forward direction. A second indicating lamp is coupled to the plow blade, energizable to emit light of a second color, and visible from the forward direction.

Abstract: A body component of a vehicle can comprise a first substrate formed of at least one non-conductive material and defining a back surface that defines a retroreflector geometry and a front surface that defines a different geometry than the retroreflector geometry, wherein the front surface of the first substrate is an exposed A-surface of the body component. The body component can further comprise a conductive layer formed of a conductive material and arranged adjacent to the back surface of the first layer, the conductive layer (i) also defining the retroreflector geometry and (ii) reflecting radar waves transmitted from a radar device of another vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a housing for mounting to a vehicle and defining a outward opening. A lens is attached to the outward opening of the housing to define a lamp chamber therebetween. The lens has an appearance portion and a concealed portion. A condensation trap feature is formed along an inner surface of the concealed portion of the lens.

Abstract: The inventors of the present application developed novel optically active materials, methods, and articles. One embodiment of the present application is an optically active article, comprising: an infrared-reflecting material positioned adjacent to an optically active substrate such that the infrared-reflecting material forms a pattern that can be read by an infrared sensor when the optically active substrate is illuminated by an infrared light source. Another embodiment of the present application relates to a method of manufacturing an optically active article, comprising: obtaining an optically active sheeting; and positioning an infrared-reflecting material on the optically active sheeting to form a pattern. The optically active article may be, for example, a license plate.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging sensor having a forward field of view with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor captures image data representative of objects present in the forward field of view. A control is responsive to the imaging sensor and processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine an object present in the forward field of view. The control processes image data to determine a distance between the vehicle and the object determined present in the forward field of view. The control may determine the distance between the vehicle and the determined object at least in part in response to at least one of (i) size of the determined object, (ii) position of the determined object, (iii) light intensity of the determined object, and (iv) rate of approach of the determined object.

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.

Abstract: A reflector for a vehicle can include a plurality of retroreflective elements configured to retroreflect incident light incident parallel to a horizontally-arranged reference axis, obliquely upward at a prescribed angle with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity of infra-red light. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light.

Abstract: A system and method for determining encoded information borne by transportation modalities. The system includes substrates carried by the modalities and an optical interrogation device capable of remotely acquiring the information and comparing it with a database of acceptable information incorporated into or proximal to the system. The encoded information is provided on the substrate in a matrix of zones exhibiting different optical properties. The matrix of zones and the associated properties constitute a code which is interrogated and read by the system.

Abstract: A vehicle for travel on a roadway comprising a vehicle and at least one retroreflector affixed to the vehicle, at least a portion of the retroreflector having a substantially planar, substantially transparent exterior surface, the substantially planar exterior surface aligned substantially parallel to the roadway. The retroreflector is preferably mounted to an underside of the vehicle to retroreflect light from oncoming vehicles when the vehicle has tipped on a side so that an underside portion of the vehicle may be seen by an observer in the oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-injury protection device for hydraulic lifting platforms of good-lifts, air platforms and similar includes tetrahedral structures (1) that may be applied for protection of the edges of sharp boards (P) of good-lifts, air platforms and similar, from which telescopic structures (6) are projecting for the protection of the edges, and of light devices (7) which get automatically started when they get into contact with the surface of the plane to be protected; in the lower part of the structures (1), horizontally pivoted planes (4, 5) are provided, kept in resting position by magnets or other and which, once opened, add their own fluorescence to the intermittent danger light signal placed on top of the tetrahedron so as to attract and contemporarily call the attention for showing the obstacle and the dangerous area.

Abstract: An editable instrument assembly (100) for a vehicle. The editable instrument assembly includes a plurality of lenses (110), each lens having an icon (112) disposed thereon and a lens frame (108). The lens frame is adapted to removably receive each of the plurality of lenses. The editable instrument assembly also includes an instrument panel (102) comprising a lens frame receiving assembly (160) for removably and slidably receiving the lens frame with the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: Optical delay line system that includes a retro-reflection mirror which is displaced along a circular path while being maintained in angular alignment with launch and return sources of light subject the components of the system to minimum levels of unbalanced linear acceleration. A retroreflector is pivotally mounted on a rotating element such that the optical axis of the retroreflector's motion is mobile such that its angle or position changes relative to a fixed observer. There is no linear stopping and starting of the retroreflector and all acceleration of the retroreflector is rotational acceleration with small angles so the required forces in the optical delay line are greatly reduced. Both large displacement and high repetition rates are achieved. The system can be configured so that optical fibers serve as launch and return optics. Alternatively, free space beam paths deliver light to the optical delay and return the reflected light from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A reflector comprises a body having a reflecting member constituting the front surface and a base member mounted on the reflecting member and a plurality of reflex reflector structures provided along the front surface of the body, while the front surface has a curved shape arched in a longitudinal section of the body and the optical axes of the plurality of reflex reflector structures are directionally constant along the overall longitudinal direction of the body.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) signaling apparatus for navigational aids is provided. The signaling apparatus comprises a plurality of high intensity LEDs with their output beams individually controlled by high precision optical beam transformers. The transformed LED beams are mixed in a predetermined manner by controlling the relative position, angular orientation, and other parameters of the LEDs to produce a desired illumination pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing and an LED lamp carried in the housing. A signal mirror includes a mirror and an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a heat extraction member.

Abstract: A snow plow light or reflector system comprising a molded U, L, Z, S or flat shaped light or reflector clip for attachment to the side edge of a snow plow, said clip having a plurality of active or inactive light reflectors attached or attached thereto and means for affixing the clip to the snow plow.

Abstract: A mobile body surrounding surveillance apparatus is provided which comprises an omnidirectional vision sensor comprising an optical system for reflecting light incident from a maximum surrounding 360-degree visual field area toward a predetermined direction and an imaging section for imaging light reflected from the optical system to obtain image data, an image processing section for processing the image data obtained by the imaging section, and a display section for displaying the image data processed by the image processing section on a display screen as a mobile body surrounding image. The omnidirectional vision sensor is provided on at least one of left and right sides of the mobile body with an optical axis of the omnidirectional vision sensor being horizontally oriented.

Abstract: A prism for reflecting rays of light 17L and 17R incident from left and right image pick-up directions on the rear side of the direction of travel A is disposed in parallel to the vertical direction of a vehicle. The image pick-up optical axis of an image pick-up unit 15 is set to tilt vertically and obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane C, whereby the images in the respective image pick-up directions which are obliquely above or below the horizontal plane are picked up by the image pick-up unit 15.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting or tape suitable for the sides of tractor-trailers comprises alternating red and white colors separated by customized areas of sheeting or tape of predetermined locations and length. The customized areas may or may not comprise a retroreflective surface. Preferably, the retroreflective sheeting complies with all United States regulations on conspicuity systems for the sides of tractor-trailers, including box trailers, flatbed trailers, tankers, and the like.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprises a) a microporous substrate (52) containing a plurality of pores (56) which are less than 0.5 ?m in diameter; and b) a layer of reflective material (54) located on the surface (58) of the substrate such that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate. A method for the production of a reflective article comprises the steps of a) providing a substrate which contains pores which have a diameter of less than 0.5 ?m; and b) applying a layer of reflective material to the substrate in such a way that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate.

Abstract: An angle selective reflection sheet which is comprised of an angle selective transparent sheet having a characteristic of selectively reflecting light according to an incident angle of incident light to the angle selective transparent sheet, and a reflection layer laminated on a surface of the angle selective transparent sheet. The angle selective reflection sheet is preferably applied to surface members of an instrument panel, a door trim, a rear parcel shelf, a pillar garnish and a steering wheel.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: An article comprising (a) a curved substrate having a surface energy below about 38 dynes/cm2; (b) flexible retroreflective sheeting; and (c) a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive adhering the sheeting to the curved substrate. The adhesive contains sufficient polar monomer and tackifier, and is sufficiently crosslinked, to (i) have a glass transition temperature less than −15° C., (ii) permit the sheeting to remain firmly bonded to a low density polyethylene barrel without buckling when cooled from 49° C. to −1° C., and (iii) provide an adhesive bond to the barrel that exhibits increased energy absorption when tested for impact resistance at 0° C. according to ASTM D4272. The adhesive can be manufactured by partially polymerizing some of the ingredients in a pouch using UV radiation, dispersing the pouch and its contents in the other ingredients using an extruder, extrusion coating the adhesive and then UV crosslinking the coating.

Abstract: A prism for reflecting rays of light 17L and 17R incident from left and right image pick-up directions on the rear side of the direction of travel A is disposed in parallel to the vertical direction of a vehicle. The image pick-up optical axis of an image pick-up unit 15 is set to tilt vertically and obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane C, whereby the images in the respective image pick-up directions which are obliquely above or below the horizontal plane are picked up by the image pick-up unit 15.

Abstract: Sheeting material is disclosed that contains a retroreflective layer and a layer of luminescent material on the bottom or lower surface of the retroreflective layer. The sheeting material can be formed into signage or decorative articles that are highly visible under a variety of lighting conditions. A portion of the retroreflective layer is visible through the luminescent layer or through one or more openings in the luminescent layer which are in the form of slits, perforations, alphanumeric or other patterns. The luminescent layer can be imaged using analog or digital printing processes. The sheeting material can be made from materials that are suitable for back-lit illumination. Adhesives or other conventional attachment means can be employed to anchor the signs in interior or exterior environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector, including at least one flexible reflective element wrapped around a bicycle member, a backing in contact with an first end of the at least one flexible reflective element along a portion of a periphery of the backing, thereby defining a pocket, and a second end of the at least one flexible reflective element placed in between the backing and the at least one flexible reflective element by cooperation of the a second end being held in place by the pocket.

Abstract: A rear view mirror with retroreflective function is disclosed. The rear view mirror comprises a first smooth surface which is coated with at least one layer of film. The at least one layer of film may reflect, at least partially, some visible light with a wavelength within a predetermined range and let, at least partially, some other visible light with a wavelength within a predetermined range pass through; a second surface opposing to the first smooth surface and having a plurality of prisms thereon; and an impermeable cover provided on the second surface. Accordingly, the rear view mirror can still perform the original rear viewing function by reflecting appropriate amount of the visible lights. Furthermore, the rear view mirror also provides the warning function of a retroflective plate by letting some of the visible lights pass through the first smooth surface and reach the second surface which can retroreflect the light rays along their original incoming path.

Abstract: A see-through retroreflective structure includes a transparent polymeric film, an array of retroreflective elements attached to the polymeric film, and an array of apertures through the retroreflective structure within the array of retroreflective elements. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes a metalized reflective layer formed on the transparent prism elements and a support layer, such as a fabric, is attached to the metalized reflective layer. The method includes providing a transparent polymeric film. An array of retroreflective elements is attached to the polymeric film. The array of retroreflective elements and the transparent polymeric film are perforated through the retroreflective structure to form an array of apertures, thereby forming a retroreflective structure. The apertures are of sufficient size and spacing to provide a see-through capability.

Abstract: A retroreflective article that exhibits suitable retroreflective luminance under dry and dynamic wet conditions. The article includes an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheeting that, under dry conditions, exhibits a coefficient of retroreflective luminance of about 40 (millicandela/m2)/lux as measured by ASTM D 4061-94 and, under dynamic wet conditions the sheeting increases in coefficient of retroreflective luminance. The article further includes a plurality of retroreflective elements partially embedded in a light transmissible bonding layer on the front, reflective surface of the retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing a cautionary warning on water-going vessels. The method comprises the step of placing a plurality of reflective warning markers on at least one side of the vessel. These warning markers preferably comprise a front, reflective (that is, reflecting incident light) surface and a rear surface. The rear surface comprises an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the surface of the side of the vessel. Preferably the attachment mechanism is coextensive with at least the perimeter of the front, reflective surface. The present invention also provides a removable informative marker. This marker comprises a resilient, front reflective surface and a resilient, back magnetic surface. The resilient back magnetic surface is preferably substantially coextensive with at least the perimeter of the resilient, front reflective surface to assist in assuring a firm attachment of the marker to a metallic surface.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and articles are formed in which the size of the retroreflective and non-retroreflective surfaces may be varied across an array of microprisms. This is accomplished by varying the location of the reflective coating applied to the microprism side facets, such that, some prism side facets are completely coated with reflective material while others are coated only at the apex area; and still others are coated with a non-reflective coatings, such as, a colored adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective marking material is provided, the method has the steps of: (a) providing an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface and comprising a cover layer and a monolayer of retroreflective elements; (b) applying a conformance layer to the bottom surface of the retroreflective sheet; and (c) laminating a configuration member to the conformance layer thereby creating first portions and second portions in the sheet, the first portions being arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and the second portions being arranged in a lower, substantially planar position. A retroreflective article made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A cap for an external side view mirror for a motor vehicle which facilitates the ability of an observer to determine the position of the vehicle. To accomplish this, a light-reflecting strip or triangular pyramidal reflector prisms, for example, are applied to the cap.

Abstract: Radiation curable ink compositions and coating compositions contain an aliphatic (meth)acrylate functional macromonomer, a reactive acrylate monomer, and a photoinitiator. Ink compositions also contain an effective amount of a colorant or pigment. These inks, when cured by exposure to actinic radiation, have excellent durability, weatherability, and adhesion to acrylate substrates such as polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: A cube corner article and method of manufacturing the article from a series of directly machinable unitary substrates. The method of manufacture comprises the first step of providing an initial unitary directly machinable substrate of material suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Then, a first cube corner element array zone is formed having a plurality of geometric structures including cube corner elements. The zone is created by directly machining at least two sets of parallel grooves in the substrate. A replica of the cube corner element array zone is formed as an additional unitary substrate suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Portions of the replica substrate material are removed. The removal of these portions forms at least two intersecting cavities bounded by side walls in the replica at a depth at least that of the cube corner elements formed by the groove sets.

Abstract: Dual axis retroreflective articles and methods of using them are disclosed. The retroreflective articles may combine dual axis retroreflection with three axis retroreflection to provide a steady glow due to the three axis retroreflective portions of the article and also provide intermittent or flashing retroreflection as the plane of retroreflection from the dual axis retroreflector passes through or near the light source. The retroreflective articles may also include dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with sparkling reflective structures, as well as dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with both three axis retroreflective structures and sparkling reflective structures. Methods of use include moving the dual axis retroreflective structures to obtain intermittent or flashing retroreflection.

Abstract: An added light display for alerting traffic passing left and right of a moving or parked van consisting of a light-reflecting strip advantageously positioned in a gap about the window which serves as a weather barrier compartment protecting the strip against deterioration due to weather elements and ultraviolet light impingement and permits it to provide a rectangular light display.

Abstract: For a popular dome-shaped industrial van having rear left and right doors, an added visual display strip at the top of the van rear edge to which the doors are hinged, which in the location noted are visible to an oncoming motorist when the doors are open through the clearance bounded by the outwardly diverging van rear edges and upper door edges, thus contributing to safer use during loading and unloading of the industrial van.

Abstract: Ultraviolet luminescent retroreflective sheeting includes a retroreflective portion containing retroreflective elements and an ultraviolet luminescent portion to facilitate nighttime viewing by persons not located at or near a source of light being retroreflected by the retroreflective portion. At least part of the ultraviolet luminescent portion is provided as the bonding lines for bonding the transparent cover sheet to the support sheet to form a series of sealed cells in which the retroreflective elements, which may be of the encapsulated lens-type or the encapsulated cube-corner-type, are disposed. The ultraviolet luminescenct portion includes fluorescent agent which emits light when irradiation by ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and articles are formed in which the size of the retroreflective and non-retroflective surfaces may be varied across an array of microprisms. This is accomplished by varying the location of the reflective coating applied to the microprism side facets, such that, some prism side facets are completely coated with reflective material while others are coated only at the apex area; and still others are coated with a non-reflective coatings, such as, a colored adhesive.

Abstract: An integrated retroreflective data communication display for visual and electromagnetic communication is described. The display may be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic license plate, with printed visual information, similar to the information printed on traditional license plates, on retroreflective sheeting. An antenna network is integrated within the license plate for electromagnetic communication and may be connected to external electronic modules. The display may also be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic road sign, also providing visual and electromagnetic information in a unitary structure.

Abstract: A pointer for use in an instrument panel, such as a speedometer, in a vehicle. According to one embodiment, the pointer includes a conically shaped pointer body to which a pointer base is secured. A light source is disposed within the pointer base and a slit is provided in the body. The inner surface of the pointer body is reflective such that light directed from the light source is reflected off of the reflective surface and through the slit. In another embodiment the light source is disposed externally of the pointer and a reflecting member is provided in the pointer for reflecting the light towards the distal end of the conical body. The reflecting member can include a reflecting mirror or, alternatively, a prism.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting visual images or image producing devices onto the valve stems of inflatable tires, and more specifically, a valve stem mounted reflector having a lens, a reflective element and a forcible removable system of mounting.

Abstract: A passive reflective safety device for vehicles formed as a wheel cover, a fixed applique to the outside of the vehicle body, a fixed geometric shape attached to a rotational part of the vehicle or as a rotating wind driven vane attached to the vehicle. Each of the devices functions as a passive beacon to alert persons in other vehicles of the presence of the users vehicle. Each device is fabricated of rigid sheet material with a reflective layer applied to a visible side of the device. If transparent sheet material is used, the reflective layer may be applied to the inboard side of the device. The wind vane device may contain a governor to limit the rotational speed. A wind deflector may be installed in front of the vane device to encourage rotation in one direction.