Abstract: This application describes methods for responding to a storage vessel leakage event and the implementation of one or more assemblages of components to provide remediation of the leakage event. This application also describes methods of teaching storage vessel leakage remediation for responders and how to use the method of responding to storage vessel leakage event in combination with the one or more assemblages of components.

Abstract: A switchable optical assembly comprises a switchable waveplate configured to be electrically activated and deactivated to selectively alter the polarization state of light incident thereon. The switchable waveplate comprises first and second surfaces and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second surfaces. The first liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. Said first and second surfaces may be curved. Said plurality of liquid crystal molecules may vary in tilt with respect to said first and second surfaces with outward radial distance from an axis through said first and second surfaces and said liquid crystal layer in a plurality of radial directions. The switchable waveplate additionally comprises a first plurality of electrodes to apply an electrical signal across said first liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A switchable optical assembly comprises a switchable waveplate configured to be electrically activated and deactivated to selectively alter the polarization state of light incident thereon. The switchable waveplate comprises first and second surfaces and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second surfaces. The first liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. Said first and second surfaces may be curved. Said plurality of liquid crystal molecules may vary in tilt with respect to said first and second surfaces with outward radial distance from an axis through said first and second surfaces and said liquid crystal layer in a plurality of radial directions. The switchable waveplate additionally comprises a first plurality of electrodes to apply an electrical signal across said first liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A switchable optical assembly comprises a switchable waveplate configured to be electrically activated and deactivated to selectively alter the polarization state of light incident thereon. The switchable waveplate comprises first and second surfaces and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second surfaces. The first liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. Said first and second surfaces may be curved. Said plurality of liquid crystal molecules may vary in tilt with respect to said first and second surfaces with outward radial distance from an axis through said first and second surfaces and said liquid crystal layer in a plurality of radial directions. The switchable waveplate additionally comprises a first plurality of electrodes to apply an electrical signal across said first liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: This application describes methods for responding to a storage vessel leakage event and the implementation of one or more assemblages of components to provide remediation of the leakage event. This application also describes methods of teaching storage vessel leakage remediation for responders and how to use the method of responding to storage vessel leakage event in combination with the one or more assemblages of components.

Abstract: This application describes methods for responding to a storage vessel leakage event and the implementation of one or more assemblages of components to provide remediation of the leakage event. This application also describes methods of teaching storage vessel leakage remediation for responders and how to use the method of responding to storage vessel leakage event in combination with the one or more assemblages of components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are eyewear and system for encoding and decoding images with spectral division or hybrid spectral division/polarization. The disclosed eyewear may include interference filters and circular polarizer optically following the interference filters to reduce the reflection of scatter light from the viewer.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems and apparatuses that provide light sources to illuminate an LCD panel for a visual display. A light source includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a spectral filter. The spectral filter is operable to transmit a first set of spectral bands and block a second set of spectral bands from the LED. The spectral filter may be based on retarder stack technology or dichroic filter technology. Polarization and light recirculation techniques are disclosed and implementations into display systems described. These approaches are deemed useful for LED illuminated direct view color encoded stereoscopic systems based on LCD technology.

Abstract: A direct view display provides a light modulating panel and a backlight including first and second sets of spectral emitters. The first set of spectral emitters generate a first light bundle and the second set of spectral emitters generate a second light bundle. Several modes of operation may be provided including (1) an advanced 2D mode, (2) an enhanced color gamut mode employing simultaneous illumination of the first and second set of spectral emitters, (3) a privacy screen mode, (4) a channel multiplexed mode, and (5) a stereoscopic image mode. The latter three modes utilize the first and second set of spectral emitters to alternately illuminate a portion of the light modulating panel. Images and representations generated by the direct view display operating in the latter three modes are viewed using appropriate eyewear having filters with passband characteristics to transmit the respective light bundle.

Abstract: Disclosed are digitally-switchable bandpass filters combining non-tunable retarder stacks with switchable liquid crystal cells. The disclosed filter embodiments function like a filter wheel with no moving parts that may provide faster switching, better image registration, compact size, and lower electrical power consumption. These benefits are attractive in portable handheld devices, such as bio-hazard sensors or glucose monitors.

Abstract: Described are illumination systems for providing visible images. The systems include a first image projection sub-system operable to provide a first stereo-image output formed by light having a first polarization; a second image projection sub-system operable to provide a second stereo-image output formed by light having a second polarization; a projection means wherein the projection means projects the first and second stereo-image outputs onto a display through a common lens; wherein the system is operable to provide orthogonal first polarization and second polarization. Typically, the first and second image outputs are formed from light having orthogonal polarizations and the system is preferably switchable between providing orthogonal and non-orthogonal first and second images. In preferred embodiments the system is operable to provide nonstereo images while providing increased resolution. Preferred systems include a common light source and a common projection lens.

Abstract: An achromatic polarization switch (APS) acts on linear polarized light to provide orthogonal polarized output states over a range of visible wavelengths. In a first switching state, the APS is operable to pass light of a first polarization state therethrough. In a second switching state, the APS is operable to transform light passing therethrough to a substantially orthogonal second polarization state. Used in conjunction with orthogonal analyzing eyewear, left and right eye images are time-sequentially modulated in orthogonal polarization states by the APS to yield a stereoscopic 3D image sensation.

Abstract: The selective filtering of light by polarization interference may be used to enhance vision and/or protect eyes from harmful light rays. For example, such filtering may be used in sunglasses, color corrective eyewear or protective eyewear. The selective filtering of incident light may provide any desired spectral transmission (including visible light and light not visible to the eye) and is performed by a pair of polarizing elements that sandwich a retarder stack. The filtering structure may be formed by multi-layer polarizing structures and may be formed by fabricating sheet laminates that are die cut to form inexpensive laminates. The laminates may be flat or curved in one (e.g., wrap-around) or more dimensions.

Abstract: The disclosed technique employs a process for mating polarizing wafers to clear lenses using a high-yield bonding process. A thermoformed polarizing wafer is bonded to a clear lens of similar curvature via a solvent bonding process. In one embodiment, a system includes a translation stage configured to press a first lens to a second, with a solvent therebetween, such that a portion of the first lens initially contacts a portion of the second lens. An alignment fixture holding the second lens conforms to the curvature of the second lens, and a deformable sheet mounted proximate to the alignment fixture flexes in response to the force so that either of the first or second lenses conforms to a curvature of the other, and so that the pressure of the first lens against the second lens presses the solvent radially outward to the perimeter of the second lens to bond the first lens to the second lens.

Abstract: Chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices, such as circular polarizers, are disclosed for use in optical disc (e.g., CD/DVD) pickup heads. Chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices have the benefit of providing stable retardation and optic axis over an extended wavelength range, thereby ensuring orthogonal polarization in double-pass for two or more laser wavelengths. Moreover, the chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices can be symmetric in construction, such that there is no specific input and output side. This alleviates the need to produce geometries that prohibit inversion of the part when installed in the system. Manufacturing processes that produce chemically-bonded laminated polymer achromatic polarization devices, with high light efficiency, durability and robust performance in a variety of environmental conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: Described are various compensators for compensating for in-plate and out-of-plane retardances of LC panels in their dark states.

Abstract: Described is an optical compensator device that can maintain a high degree of performance in the demanding environment of projection display. A mounting process involves using a sealant between optically clear glass or ceramic substrate and low elastic polymer retarder film. The sealant may mitigate or prevent the degradation of the retarder film by acting as an oxygen barrier that seals the substrate and increases the lifetime of the device in high luminance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high brightness color selective light modulator (CSLM) formed by a polarization modulator positioned between two retarder stacks. The modulator changes the apparent orientation of one retarder stack relative to the other so that, in a first switching state of the modulator the two retarder stacks cooperate in filtering the spectrum of input light, and in a second switching state the two retarder stacks complement each other, yielding a neutral transmission spectrum. Two or more CSLM stages can be used in series, each stage providing independent control of a primary color. One preferred embodiment eliminates internal polarizers between CSLM stages, thereby providing an additive common-path full-color display with only two neutral polarizers. Hybrid filters can be made using the CSLMs of this invention, in combination with other active or passive filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing interferometer multiplex spectrometer using a zero-order switch, a multi-order switch and an output polarizer to multiplex the recovery of an entire input spectrum. The zero-order switch and multi-order switch require input light of a fixed polarization; thus the present invention provides a preferred embodiment that uses a zero-order switch and a multi-order switch positioned between an input polarizer and an output polarizer. For a sequence of time delays incremented by the multi-order and zero-order switches, the total transmitted power at all wavelengths is measured. From these, the coefficients of a Fourier series representation of the input spectrum are obtained, and the entire spectrum is mathematically reconstructed. Although the structure is similar to a tunable interference filter, the PIMS does not function as a filter, and more particularly, does not scan the transmission wavelength and measure power as a function of wavelength.

Abstract: A chopper has a straight knife clamped between a clamping member and a counter knife. The knife, clamping member, and counter knife are collectively positioned in a machined area formed in a holder that is in turn fitted within a larger recess formed in a chopping disk. A first fastener secures the knife holder to the chopping disk, a second fastener secures the clamping member to the knife holder, and a third fastener secures the counter knife to the knife holder. A projection formed in the counter knife engages a groove formed in the knife to properly align the knife and to inhibit entry of fibers into the space between the counter knife and the knife. The holder further includes a series of steps that position the counter knife and the clamping member, respectively, with respect to the holder.