Abstract: An artwork includes a frame, an image support medium bearing an image, and a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is connected to the image support medium, wherein the plurality of reflective elements has a generally non-reflective appearance when viewed at an angle that is not generally parallel with an incident ray of light, and has an illuminated appearance when viewed at an angle generally in line with an incident ray of light. A method of preparing the artwork includes the steps of obtaining a frame, preparing an image on an image support medium that is on a surface of or is extended over the frame, and connecting a plurality of reflective elements to the image support medium to achieve the respective generally non-reflective appearance and illuminated appearance depending on the angle of an incident ray of light.

Abstract: A security element for manufacturing value documents provides at least one image, formed by a grating structure which has a plurality of trough-shaped microcavities. The microcavities have a structure width from 0.5 ?m to 3 ?m and an aspect ratio of 0.4 or greater, a metal-containing coating is applied to the grating structure, and in the grating structure the trough-shaped microcavities are separated from each other respectively by strips which are planar and respectively more than 200 nm and maximally 1,200 nm wide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a retro-reflective sheet and a method for manufacturing the same. The retro-reflective sheet includes a heat-resistant film, a first thermoplastic bonding layer, a first heat-resistant layer, a colored layer, a light transmitting layer, a colored part allowing a portion of scattered light to be emitted to the outside through a first light condensing layer, a second thermoplastic bonding layer, a second heat-resistant layer, a reflective layer, and a reflective part reflecting light input to a reflective area through a second light condensing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a retro-reflective sheet and a method for manufacturing the same. The retro-reflective sheet includes a first protective film, a first thermoplastic bonding layer, a first heat-resistant bonding layer, a colored layer, a light transmitting layer, a colored area allowing a portion of scattered light to be emitted to the outside through a first light condensing layer, a second protective film, a second thermoplastic bonding layer, a second heat-resistant bonding layer, a reflective layer, a reflective area reflecting light input through a second light condensing layer, and a base film.

Abstract: Telescope with optical resolution and continuity of the field of view comprising a spherical primary mirror, wherein: a) said telescope is equipped with a field of view and a system of repartitioning the field of view, b) said system of repartitioning the field of view is placed in proximity of die focus of the primary mirror, and is constituted by a secondary mirror composed of n planar reflective surfaces, c) said n planar reflective surfaces are contiguous sine to the other and form a continuous multifaceted prismatic reflector, so as to obtain continuity of the field of view over the whole field, d) said n planar reflective surfaces are followed by a corresponding number of optical cameras that form n portions of image in n distinct focal planes, and e) a collecting and recording element is positioned on each n-th focal plane.

Abstract: Light rays from an image A are made to enter one or more retroreflective bodies formed by first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14 and third light-reflective surfaces 15, the first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14 each being orthogonal to one another and formed in a right-triangle-wave pattern in cross section, the third light-reflective surfaces 15 being orthogonal to each of corresponding ones of the first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14, a direction of each of one or more reflected lights from the one or more retroreflective bodies is further turned in a different direction on a corresponding one of fourth light-reflective surfaces 16, and an image B is formed at a different position.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus including a lamp housing, a light source and a glare restraining unit is provided. The lamp housing has a light exit opening. The light source is disposed according to the light exit opening. The glare restraining unit includes a substrate and a plurality of cone microstructures disposed on the substrate. After passing the glare restraining unit, the light converges.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions and process for fabricating an optical reflector constructed from biocompatible and bioresorbable silk fibroin proteins. For example, the silk retroreflectors may be built based on millimeter size microprism arrays to rotate the image plane of imaged cortical layers, thus enhancing the amount of photons that are detectable in the reflected direction when inserted in a sample to be analyzed, and ultimately increasing in contrast ratio in multiphoton microscopy. Such device can be used as a label-free, biocompatible, bioresorbable, implantable device for various applications ranging from medical imaging/diagnostics, drug/therapeutic delivery, to food chain safety and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: An optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reflective imaging element having a first principal face which is struck by light emitted from a display panel, a second principal face parallel to the first principal face, and two mutually-orthogonal specular elements being perpendicular to the first principal face, and causes an image displayed on a display surface of the display panel to form an image at a position of planar symmetry with respect to the reflective imaging element as a plane of symmetry. A transparent substrate which is disposed on at least either the first principal face side or the second principal face side of the reflective imaging element is further included, and first light striking the transparent substrate is linearly polarized light, with a large proportion of p-polarized light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles, such as retroreflective sheeting articles that comprise a release coating. Also described are release coatings and hydrophilic components suitable for use in release coatings. The release coatings comprise a polyorganosiloxane polymer and at least 10 or 15 wt-% of hydrophilic units.

Abstract: A multi-reflection structure including a substrate and pyramid is provided. The substrate includes an inversed pyramid shaped recess having at least three first reflection sidewalls. The pyramid is disposed on the substrate and located in the inversed pyramid shaped recess. The pyramid has at least three second reflection sidewalls, wherein the normal of each of the second reflection sidewalls and the normal of each of the first reflection sidewalls are not located in the same plane. Furthermore, a photo-electric device is also provided in the present application.

Abstract: A reflector array optical device has a plurality of dihedral corner reflector array optical elements which are disposed side by side on the same plane. Each of the dihedral corner reflector array optical elements has a substrate and a plurality of dihedral corner reflectors which each have at least two orthogonal side faces perpendicular to the principal surface of the substrate and orthogonal to each other, and which are formed on the substrate so that the orientations of the interior angles of the orthogonal side faces are aligned with each other.

Abstract: Retroreflective appliqués and articles include a first binder layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, a retroreflective layer including a plurality of retroreflective elements at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer, a second binder layer adhered to the second major surface of the first binder layer, and a substrate layer attached to the second binder layer. The first binder layer is a non-thermoplastic crosslinked copolymer with a Tg of less than 30° C. The second binder layer is an adhesive polymer. The first binder layer and the second binder layer include functional groups capable of co-reacting to form a chemical bond. The retroreflective appliqués can be attached to clothing articles.

Abstract: A security element for manufacturing value documents, such as bank notes, checks or the like, has an upper side on which there is formed a microcavity structure that has a multiplicity of adjacent microcavities configured as retroreflectors, wherein on the microcavities there is formed a structure causing a color effect. The microcavities are respectively configured such that they have a first region in which radiation incident on the upper side is singly reflected, and a second region in which radiation incident on the upper side is multiply reflected. The structure causing the color effect has a dispersion dependent on the angle of incidence, so that radiation singly reflected at the first region shows a different color effect, when viewed from the upper side, than radiation multiply reflected at the second region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triangular pyramidal cube corner retroreflective article and a producing method thereof. In the triangular pyramidal cube corner retroreflective article, a triangular pyramidal cube corner retroreflective element pair group is disposed in a closest-packed fashion on a common plane defined by three base lines, and the each of retroreflective elements in a pair having one base line (A-B) shared by the retroreflective elements in the pair. The triangular pyramidal cube corner retroreflective article includes a first element pair group, in which two interior angles (?=?BAC and ?=?ABC) formed by the shared base line of the element pair and two other base lines are different from each other and the element pair is line-symmetrically disposed in relation to the shared base line (A-B); and a second element pair group, in which the element pair is congruent to a line-symmetrical shape to the first element pair in relation to a line segment connecting vertexes of the base planes.

Abstract: A system, method and assembly for performing traffic sign inspections is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a first plurality of sheetings that each have a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other first plurality of sheetings; a first clamp and second clamp for clamping one of said first plurality of sheetings to a traffic sign; a first handheld light source; and a first enclosure for removably housing the first plurality of sheetings, said first and second clamps, and said first handheld light source. The assembly may further include a second enclosure for removably housing a second plurality of sheetings that each has a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other second plurality of sheetings.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure and wherein the polymeric film as a Vicat softening point of about 90° or greater.

Abstract: A reflecting sheet of the invention includes at least a surface layer portion and an inner layer portion, where the surface layer portion contains at least 0.3 g/m2 to 20 g/m2 of an inorganic powder and a polyolefin resin (C), the inner layer portion contains a polyolefin resin (A) and at least one kind of resins (B) incompatible with the polyolefin resin (A) at temperatures enabling stretching of the polyolefin resin(A), the surface layer portion meets (n1?n2)/n2?0.20 (n1: refractive index of the inorganic powder, n2: refractive index of the polyolefin resin (C)), and the inner layer portion has voids.

Abstract: A rescue locator signal is provided that includes a central member with a first arm extending therefrom in a first direction. A second arm extends from the central member in a second direction that is completely opposite to the first direction, and a third arm extends from the central member in a third direction. A fourth arm extends from the central member in a fourth direction that is completely opposite to the third direction. A plurality of reflective members are located on upper surfaces of the first arm, second arm, third arm, and fourth arm.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a first portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a first cube corner structure that creates a first visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting and a second portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a second cube corner structure that differs from the first cube structure and that creates a second visual feature in the sheeting. The second visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting forms a security mark.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheet, which may be a beaded retroreflective sheet or a prismatic retroreflective sheet, is comprised of a substrate having a first and second surfaces with a plurality of retroreflective elements disposed on the second surface of the substrate to form the retroreflective sheet having an initial performance standard and a printed pattern disposed on the second surface, the pattern provided in an amount ranging from 30% to about 100% of an area of the second surface to change a performance level of the retroreflective sheet from the initial performance standard to a selected performance standard. A method for producing the retroreflective sheeting and a system for controlling the retroreflectivity of the retroreflective sheeting by altering a surface of the retroreflective sheeting is provided.

Abstract: A display device includes a dihedral corner reflector array optical element composed of a substrate and a plurality of dihedral corner reflectors arranged regularly on one main surface of the substrate, the dihedral corner reflectors including orthogonal mirror planes perpendicular to each other and being perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate; and an object existing by the one surface of the substrate, the optical element forming a real image of the object by the other main surface of the substrate. The optical element includes a plurality of protrudent bodies integrally formed of a transparent material of the substrate, each of the protrudent bodies including two sides of orthogonal mirror planes perpendicular to each other as the dihedral corner reflector perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate. The optical element is disposed so that the protrudent bodies face toward a space in which the object exists.

Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.

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.

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.

Abstract: A retroreflective article includes a prismatic film having prismatic elements with a metallized coating wherein the metallized coating is laser etched to provide one or more light transmissive regions to expose underlying material that one or more provides high contrast images that contrast with the retroreflective film. The underlying material can include one or more contrasting elements. The article may be back-lighted to increase the contrast especially during conditions of reduced lighting.

Abstract: An improved reflective structure utilizing a water transfer printing means for adhesion onto an object in a detachable/non-detachable manner includes a substrate, an isolation layer, an ink layer and a cover layer. The substrate is used for adhesion onto an object, and the isolation layer (an essential oil) is disposed over the substrate and dissolvable in water such that the thickness of the entire structure is reduced. The ink layer has a high polymer content and is printed onto the surface of the isolation layer to provide different patterns. The glass bead layer is capable of reflecting light and is disposed onto the ink layer surface. The cover layer is disposed over the surface of the glass bead layer. Alternatively, the glass bead layer is disposed over the cover layer, and the cover layer is disposed on the ink layer, so that the reflective structure is flexible for complicated, curved shapes.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant water shedding omnidirectionally reflective rope has a central low-density polymeric closed cell foam core comprising EPDM, Neoprene, SBR, NBR, EVA, PVC, PVC/NBR foam surrounded by cylindrically braided sleeve of reflective strips composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon and covered with abrasion resistant water shedding coating. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet. Due to its low-density foam core construction, the reflective rope floats on water and sheds water from the surface preserving omnidirectional reflectivity.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure and wherein the polymeric film as a Vicat softening point of about 90° or greater.

Abstract: Reflective pellets (16) are formed by extrusion of reflective micro beads (26) in a thermoplastic (20), removal of the surface layer of the pellets so as to expose the reflective beads at the surface of the pellets and applying the reflective pellets to the base line (14) of the striping applied to a paved road.

Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.

Abstract: A retroreflective article includes: a retroreflective layer including a binding matrix and a plurality of optical elements, the binding matrix having an upper surface, the optical elements being bonded to and protruding from the upper surface of the binding matrix and being capable of directing light, that enters the optical elements, in a direction such that the light can be substantially returned toward a light source from which the light is emitted; a transparent printable layer formed on the retroreflective layer and cooperating with the binding matrix to enclose the optical elements; and a colored layer printed on the printable layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise mixers comprising a light pipe having input and output ends and a central region therebetween. An optical path extends in a longitudinal direction from the input end through the central region to the output end. The central region of the light pipe comprises one or more rippled reflective sidewalls having a plurality of elongate ridges and valleys and sloping surfaces therebetween. Light from the input end propagating along the optical path reflects from the sloping surfaces and is redirected at a different azimuthal direction toward the output end thereby mixing the light at the output end. Illuminance and/or color mixing can therefore be provided.

Abstract: A reflective sheet material for use on exterior signs and exposed surfaces includes a sheet member having a series of adjacent, parallel primary grooves extending across at least one surface. Each group is defined by first and second elongate facets forming an angle of at least 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface and to the length of the facets. A thin opaque, reflective layer extends over the surface in the region of the grooves and conforms to the series of grooves so as to form a series of associated angular grooves. A transparent material extends over and substantially fills these angular grooves, thereby forming a substantially smooth outer surface which is located at or close to the top edges of the grooves. The sheet material can be flexible or rigid.

Abstract: A reflection-type display device (200) with a plurality of pixel regions (40) includes: alight modulation layer (1); a front substrate (10) and a rear substrate (12) between which the light modulation layer (1) is held; electrode structures (18 and 56) for varying optical characteristics of the light modulation layer (1) for each pixel region (40); a retroreflective layer (2) which is placed on a rear side of the light modulation layer (1); and a non-retroreflection member (53) which is placed on the rear side of the light modulation layer (1) and which has reflection characteristics different from retroreflection. The front substrate (10) includes alight shielding layer (20) which defines an opening (50) in the each pixel region (40), and the opening contains a non-retroreflection region (50n), which is defined by the non-retroreflection member (53), and a retroreflection region (50r), which is defined by the retroreflective layer (2).

Abstract: A series of retroreflective materials of graduated reflectivity each comprising a plurality of transparent elements wherein each of the retroreflective materials has a different proportion of the plurality of transparent elements which are covered with a reflective coating. The materials can be used to dress a set design suitable for filming using chromakeying techniques. A plurality of different objects on the set are covered in different ones of the series of retroreflective materials according, for example, to the position and orientation of the object on the set.

Abstract: Ellipsometry systems for imaging binding events between analytes in a sample and an array of ligands in an evanescent field generated by a beam of light reflected from the plane of the ligands is adapted to a multiwell plate structure in common use. In one example, a film of prism arrays is affixed to the underside of the plate with each prism array located in registry with a well and ligand arrays being immobilized on the (planar) bottom surface of the wells. The prism array may be formed in a film and juxtaposed with the bottom surface of the plate or a prism array can be made integral with the plate bottom of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: A reflex reflector can include: a first indicator member composed of a light transmissive resin and including at least one substantially plate-like first reflector with a reflex reflective surface formed thereon and at least one first link plate, in which the first reflector and the first link plate are linked and arranged at a certain angle; and a second indicator member composed of a light transmissive resin and including at least one substantially plate-like second reflector with a reflex reflective surface formed thereon and at least one second link plate having an opening in which the first reflector and the first link plate are linked and arranged at the certain angle.

Abstract: This invention provides a retroreflective sheeting provided with a destructive layer, which comprises at least a surface layer, retroreflective element layer and adhesive layer, characterized in that at least one destructive layer is provided between the layers constituting the retroreflective sheeting, that the resin constituting said destructive layer is alicyclic polyolefin resin or alicyclic acrylic resin; and when the retroreflective sheeting which is once stuck on a substrate is peeled off from the substrate, that the peeling takes place at the interface of the destructive layer and the layer which is in intimate contact therewith and/or by destruction of the destructive layer.

Abstract: A reflector (10) includes a frame (20) and reflector pieces (40, 50). The frame (20) is made of a light-opaque material and the reflector pieces (40, 50) are made of semi-light-transparent materials, preferably color tinted. The frame (20) includes frame portions (22, 24, 26, 28) that are, in cross-section, L-shaped members that support and cover the edge of a flat object when that object is placed within the frame (20). The frame (20) includes a plurality of bands (32, 34, 36). Between the bands (32, 34, 36) are voids (33, 35). The bands (32, 34, 36) include rearwardly extending posts (38). A first reflector piece (40) includes a reflector surface (42) surrounded by a flat border (44). The reflector surface (42) is made up of a plurality of pyramidal elements (46), that are intended to reflect light back toward a light source in a generally light-scattering and diffusing manner.

Abstract: An embodiment of a vehicle reflector comprises a prismatic lens and a vehicle coupling mechanism adapted to couple the lens to a vehicle. Typically, the reflector also includes a substrate, the prismatic lens being substantially permanently coupled to the substrate and the substrate is additionally permanently coupled to the vehicle coupling mechanism. The vehicle coupling mechanism may detachably couple the reflector to a vehicle coupling surface. The vehicle coupling surface is typically a rear-facing surface located between a tailgate and the rear bumper.

Abstract: A projection screen includes a plurality of passive elements each having a sidewall surrounding a surface, wherein said sidewall is configured to attenuate light.

Abstract: A thin-type spherical lens, fabricated according to the result of the virtual procedures of removing the portion of each of a plurality of lens bodies with different radii of curvature of light-exiting faces, which corresponds to a spherical surface with the optical axis of the thin-type spherical lens as its central axis, and assembling the preserved portions thereof to form a plurality of grooves as the light-exiting faces, which are equivalent to the grooves of the conventional Fresnel lens, wherein the depths or the widths of the plurality of grooves are different, and the curvature radii of the plurality of light-exiting faces are also designed to be different so that the lights emerging from the plurality of light-exiting faces are all focused on an identical point. The present invention can, as compare to the conventional approach, reduce the lens thickness when the radius of the apertures on the lens increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles comprising a sheeting having a microstructured surface that reflects light in a moiré-like pattern. The invention further relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling that results in sheeting having such pattern. A preferred method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-corner elements are formed in such a manner that adjacent parallel grooves have substantially the same groove spacing and groove depth throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have a groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably a groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling and retroreflective sheeting. The invention further relates to the corresponding master, tooling and in particular retroreflective sheeting. The method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-corner elements are substantially the same size throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have an average groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably an average groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).

Abstract: A surface mountable strobe incorporates an elongated light source and a multi-element reflector. The reflector includes a first generally circular partial parabolic reflector element with an axis of rotation which corresponds to an axis of symmetry of the source. The first reflector element produces a spike of on-axis radiant energy which substantially exceeds the off-axis output profile. A plurality of spaced apart arcuate reflector elements provides output light profiles in horizontal and vertical planes which intersect at or near the axis of the source.

Abstract: A continuously formed, low profiled reflective pavement marker comprising a multiple, inclined, low profiled reflective portions, which are integrally connected by horizontally, positioned reflective sheeting. Each raised reflective portion integrally having multiple reflective cube corner elements within two defined inclined reflective faces. Each of the two opposite reflective faces are integrally supported by load carrying structural walls in a multi-directional manner, said load carrying structural walks define cell like areas within each inclined reflective face. A method of making said reflective marker is disclosed that includes the steps of sealing and coloring the lower portion of the reflective marking sheet.

Abstract: A non-planar Fresnel reflector array mold pattern and fabrication method are described which can be utilized to manufacture integral non-planar Fresnel reflector arrays which are not subject to molding inclusions. The Fresnel reflector segments comprising the mold pattern are joined at angles to one another and incorporate off-axis Fresnel segments at segment positions in which the optical axis of the segment is not sufficiently parallel to the intended pull direction of the associated mold. The focal point of each off-axis segment lies along a path that is angularly offset from the optical axis of said segment. The use of properly oriented off-axis Fresnel segments within the non-planar Fresnel array result in the elimination of molding inclusions. The mold pattern thus created may be positive or negative, and provides the three-dimensional pattern from which the final manufacturing molds or tools are created.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45° with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.