Abstract: The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The polarizing elements may also include at least one reflective polarizer in combination with an infrared reflective material or an infrared absorptive material. The polarizing elements can be included in light valves to control light transmission by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.

Abstract: A low-cost integrated circuit package is provided for packaging integrated circuits. In preferred embodiments, the package comprises a flexible circuit that is laminated to a stiffener using a dielectric adhesive, with the conductive traces on the flexible circuit facing toward the stiffener but separated therefrom by the adhesive. The conductive traces include an array of flip-chip attachment pads. A window is formed in the stiffener over the attachment pad array, such as by etching. The adhesive is then removed over the attachment pads by laser ablation, but left in place between the pads, thus forming a flip-chip attachment site. In preferred embodiments, this invention eliminates the need for high-resolution patterned adhesive, and it also eliminates the need for application of a solder mask at the flip-chip attachment site, because the remaining adhesive performs the solder mask function of preventing bridging between attachment pads.

Abstract: Game with a privacy member. The game includes a play region and a directional viewing screen. The directional viewing screen covers at least a portion of the play region such that said portion of the play region is viewable therethrough at a first player position, but is not viewable therethrough at a second player position. The game with privacy member in accordance with the present invention allows for enhancement of existing games, as well as for the creation of new games or new play patterns of existing games.

Abstract: Polymer foam articles having a substantially smooth surface prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.

Abstract: A method is provided for making crosslinked acidic polymers useful as ion conductive membranes, such as crosslinked sulfonated polyether ketones, sulfonated polysulfones, sulfonated polystyrenes, and other acidic polymers, by crosslinking with a species which generates an acidic functionality. The crosslinker preferably binds to acid functions by conversion of acid groups to imide functionality, which, due to the acidity of the N-H bonds therein, compensate for the acidity lost by the occupation of the acid groups and thus preserve membrane conductivity while contributing to membrane strength and resistance to swelling.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge especially suitable for use with a hand-held applicator for dispensing liquids having a relatively low viscosity has a chamber and at least one compressible, porous material received in the chamber. Each of the porous materials receives a quantity of a liquid composition. As a piston is advanced in the chamber, each porous material is compressed to cause the composition or compositions to be discharged through an outlet opening.

Abstract: An optical body comprising (a) a dielectric multilayer film having a reflecting band positioned to reflect infrared radiation of at least one polarization at an incident angle normal to the film, said reflecting band having a short wavelength bandedge .lambda..sub.a0 and long wavelength bandedge .lambda..sub.b0 at a normal incident angle, and a short wavelength bandedge .lambda..sub.a.theta. and long wavelength bandedge .lambda..sub.b.theta. at a maximum usage angle .theta., wherein .theta..sub.a.theta. is less than .lambda..sub.a0 and .lambda..sub.a0 is selectively positioned at a wavelength greater than about 700 nm; and (b) at least one component which at least partially absorbs or reflects radiation in the wavelength region between .lambda..sub.a.theta. and .lambda..sub.a0 at a normal angle of incidence.

Abstract: A multiple layer reflective polarizer 12 is described. This element is placed between and optical cavity 24 and an LCD module 16 to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity 24 where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.