Abstract: A manufacturing process that allows for the transfer of labels formed from a film to end-use products. The film is covered by a masking layer that is typically die cut to create the labels from the continuous sheet of film. Here, an additional covering layer (or layers) of a relatively stiff material is disposed over the masking layer. The addition of the covering layer results in the processed film being less susceptible to damage (related to unwanted bending) during further processing and/or shipment. Advantageously, the covering layer improves the ability to remove individual labels from the film, particularly with respect to attempting to peel off the thin masking layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing process that allows for the transfer of labels formed from polarizer film to end-use products. The polarizer film is covered by a masking layer that is typically die cut to create the labels from the continuous sheet of film. Here, an additional covering layer (or layers) of a relatively stiff material is disposed over the masking layer. The addition of the covering layer results in the processed polarizer film being less susceptible to damage (related to unwanted bending) during further processing and/or shipment. Advantageously, the covering layer improves the ability to remove individual labels from the film, particularly with respect to attempting to peel off the thin masking layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing process that allows for the transfer of labels formed from polarizer film to end-use products. The polarizer film is covered by a masking layer that is typically die cut to create the labels from the continuous sheet of film. Here, an additional covering layer (or layers) of a relatively stiff material is disposed over the masking layer. The addition of the covering layer results in the processed polarizer film being less susceptible to damage (related to unwanted bending) during further processing and/or shipment. Advantageously, the covering layer improves the ability to remove individual labels from the film, particularly with respect to attempting to peel off the thin masking layer.

Abstract: A polarizer film is formed to include sets of polarized lines (sets of parallel lines) oriented at several directions across the surface of the film. The lines may be created using a printing process that transfers grooves from a printing plate to the film (e.g., an embossing process). A rotogravure printing process (or other suitable process) is then used to apply a liquid polarizing dye material to the printed film. The dye molecules align along all of the various grooves embossed in the film, forming a multi-axis polarizer film. The film may be used to form separate multi-axis polarizer labels (useful in anti-counterfeiting applications), and a process of easily removing the individual labels from the original film is described.

Abstract: A method for forming sunglass lenses with a predetermined optical gradient, namely a polarized gradient, or transmissivity gradient in which a gradient pattern is provided on an oriented sheet. The oriented sheet is incorporated into a lens to provide the lens with the associated gradient.

Abstract: A method for forming sunglass lenses with a predetermined optical gradient, namely a polarized gradient, transmissivity gradient or color gradient in which an ink jet printer is used to print a gradient pattern on an oriented sheet, with the ink jet printer being provided with a dye, in one embodiment a dichroic dye and in another embodiment an iodine dye. The printed oriented sheet is incorporated into a lens to provide the lens with the associated gradient.

Abstract: In the manufacture of gradient polarized sunglasses an optical retarder is used in front of a portion of a polarized lens to destroy the linear polarization of incoming light to render that portion of the sunglass lens non-polarized, thus to permit viewing of polarized displays through that non-polarized portion of the polarized sunglass lens.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes buck and boost switches that charge and discharge a charge storage element (e.g. a supercapacitor or ultracapacitor) over a broad voltage range. Integrated charge limiting prevents the storage element from sinking a potentially damaging level of current. Pulse-width modulated control signals are combined with higher-frequency signals to allow the resulting modulated control signals to pass through relatively small, inexpensive isolation transformers. Pairs of control signals may be combined to produce composite control signals that turn power switches on and off, or may be used to separately turn the power switches on and off.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: A 3D circular polarization apparatus comprises first and second acrylic layers, a quarter wave layer positioned between the first and second acrylic layers, and a linear polarizer layer adjacent to the quarter wave layer and positioned between the first and second acrylic layers. The 3D polarization apparatus may be produced by adhering a first acrylic layer to a first surface of a quarter wave layer, adhering a second surface of the quarter wave layer to a first surface of a linear polarizer layer, and adhering a second surface of the linear polarizer layer to a second acrylic layer to form the 3D polarization apparatus.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: A transformer housing encompasses a core and both primary and secondary windings. The primary or secondary windings can be incorporated into the housing, and the housing itself can provide a center tap for the transformer.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element.

Abstract: An article, such as a lens article (10, 10?, 10?, 100) containing a first component, e.g., a filter (14, 14?), or component thereof, having a minimum degradation temperature, and a second component, e.g., a substrate (22, 22?), comprising a blend of first and second thermoplastic polymers. The first polymer, which has a glass transition temperature higher than the minimum degradation temperature of the first component, is selected based upon its ability to provide the article with one or more desirable characteristics. The second polymer is blended with the first polymer in a predetermined amount that provides the blend with an adjusted glass transition temperature lower than the minimum degradation temperature of the first component so that the first and second components can be heat processed together at a temperature greater than or equal to the adjusted glass transition temperature but below the minimum degradation temperature.

Abstract: An article formed by combining a polarizing layer, and a substrate composed of a blend of polymers such that the glass transition temperature of the substrate is adjusted to the vicinity of 100° C. This permits the lens to be thermoformed at temperatures in the vicinity of 100° C., which preserves the integrity of the polarizer. The article can be used as a standalone lens or as a polarizing insert for an injection-molded lens via an injection/compression coining process that results in minimal stress in the lens.

Abstract: A system for demonstrating the effects of a polarized lens on reducing glare is provided. The system includes a multi-layered light reflecting substrate having a visual indicia layer and a film layer which partially reflects single-axis polarized light and which partially transmits randomly polarized light. The film layer is disposed adjacent the visual indicia layer. The system also includes a polarized lens between the multi-layered light reflecting substrate and a viewer of the visual indicia. Included in the invention is a method of demonstrating the effects of a polarized lens on reducing glare in accordance with the system of the invention.

Abstract: A polarized lens formed by an injection/coining injection molding process is disclosed. The polarized lens includes a polarizing insert formed from a polarizer sandwiched between two layers of cellulosic material. The polarizing insert is surrounded by high-impact polymer formed by a two-step injection/coining process of injection molding that results in minimal stress in the lens.

Abstract: A polarized lens formed by an injection/coining injection molding process is disclosed. The polarized lens includes a polarizing insert formed from a polarizer sandwiched between two layers of cellulosic material. The polarizing insert is surrounded by high-impact polymer formed by a two-step injection/coining process of injection molding that results in minimal stress in the lens.

Abstract: A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. A storage capacitor within the drive circuitry stores energy derived from the input signals, and the stored energy is used to power the drive circuitry. One embodiment takes advantage of inductive ringing to more rapidly turn off the high-power switch. A diode connected in series between two drive transistors rectifies the ringing signals, pulling a control signal to the high-power switch negative.