Abstract: A flexible light guide and a display system incorporating same are disclosed. The light guide includes a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer. Each flexible layer has a first major surface and a second major surface. The second major surface of the first flexible layer is in contact with the first major surface of the second flexible layer. The first major surface of the first flexible layer has a plurality of discrete light extractors capable of extracting light propagating in the light guide such that light is extracted uniformly over the entire first major surface of the first flexible layer.

Abstract: Lighting devices are disclosed that include a light source, a circular reflective polarizer optically coupled to the light source, a back reflector configured and disposed to reflect light that has been reflected by the circular reflective polarizer back toward the input surface thereof, one or more optical elements having a total non-zero retardance Rs and disposed between the circular reflective polarizer and the back reflector, and a customized retarder. The customized retarder has a retardance Rc such that a total retardance of the one or more optical elements and the customized retarder, Rs+Rc, approaches n?/2. The one or more optical elements, the customized retarder and the back reflector are characterized by a total depolarization of no more than 66%. Display devices including such lighting devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lighting devices are disclosed that include a light source, a linear reflective polarizer optically coupled to the light source, a back reflector configured and disposed to reflect light that has been reflected by the linear reflective polarizer back toward the input surface thereof, one or more optical elements having a total non-zero retardance Rs and disposed between the linear reflective polarizer and the back reflector, and a customized retarder. The customized retarder has a retardance Rc such that a total retardance of the one or more optical elements and the customized retarder, Rs+Rc, approaches ?/4+n ?/2. The one or more optical elements, the customized retarder and the back reflector are characterized by a total depolarization of no more than 66%. Display devices including such lighting devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frontlit touch panel for use with a reflective light valve, comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face that supplies light to the guide, a viewing face, a light output face opposite the viewing face, and at least one component of a touch-sensitive transducer, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon having a substantially flat light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the guide through the light exit face. The touch panel can be used with a light source, reflective light valve and suitable control electronics to form a compact, efficient illuminated touch panel display assembly.

Abstract: A pressurized hydrodynamic bearing and seal assembly for radial and/or thrust bearings includes a stationary bearing member formed of a carbon/graphite material positioned adjacent a rotating member so as to define a space between the members when the respective bearing segments are rotating with respect to each other. In one form, the carbon/graphite is positioned in the outer stationary position and the inner member is fixed to a rotating shaft. The inner member may be formed of a metallic material or a ceramic or ceramic composite. The operation of the bearing is improved by including a seal dam along an axial end of the stationary carbon/graphite member so as to prevent leakage of gases accumulating between the inner and outer members. In this form, the gas pressure can be increased substantially so as to increase the load capacity of the bearing. The system also includes a thrust bearing of substantially the same type of construction but oriented to absorb the thrust motion.

Abstract: An illumination system for a reflective display is particularly useful for microdisplays that use reflective displays. The light source and the reflective image display unit are mounted in a coplanar manner, thus permitting the light source and the display unit to be mounted on a single board, or even on a single substrate. The display unit may include a first light source directing light generally along a first axis and a reflective image display unit disposed with an optical axis substantially parallel to the first axis. A reflective polarizing film is disposed to direct light from the first light source to the reflective image light display unit.

Abstract: An illumination system for a reflective display is particularly useful for microdisplays that use reflective displays. The light source and the reflective image display unit are mounted in a coplanar manner, thus permitting the light source and the display unit to be mounted on a single board, or even on a single substrate. The display unit may include a first light source directing light generally along a first axis and a reflective image display unit disposed with an optical axis substantially parallel to the first axis. A reflective polarizing film is disposed to direct light from the first light source to the reflective image light display unit.

Abstract: A circumferential seal for sealing between a rotating shaft and a stationary housing circumscribing the shaft. The seal comprises a stator mounted to said housing and having a radially inward facing carbon portion and a rotor with a ceramic sealing member having a radially outward facing surface in rubbing contact with said carbon portion. The rotor also includes a metal clamping means for mounting the ceramic sealing member to the shaft. The clamping means includes an axial flexible clamping member, and a radial flexible clamping member that together clamp onto a mounting flange of the ceramic sealing member when exposed to the compressive force of a lockup assembly.