Abstract: This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to waveguide structures and optical elements for use in an optical touch screen sensor. The waveguide structures and optical elements allow for reduced bezel width and simplified assembly of optical touch screens sensors, and relaxed component tolerances.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: A planar lenses for integrated optics applications, in particular for use in optical touch screen sensors are disclosed. The disclosed planar lenses include a slab waveguide and an optical waveguide, preferably formed in unitary fashion, wherein the slab waveguide has a curved end face to focus light into or out of the optical waveguide, and wherein at least one additional lens is included within the slab waveguide. In one aspect of this disclosure, the additional lens is a diverging lens. In a second aspect the additional lens is a converging lens. The additional lens may match the acceptance angle of the optical waveguide to the curved end face of the slab waveguide. Alternatively, it may improve the tolerance of the planar lens to design or assembly errors and/or temperature variations. Preferably, the planar lenses are composed of a photo-patternable polymer, and the additional lenses are composed of air.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system including floor tiles for monitoring the movements of individuals across a floor surface. The system is comprised of a plurality of floor tiles electrically and mechanically interconnected. The floor tiles are monitored to determine where, when and how weight is applied to the floor tiles. The system may also comprise an identification system comprising individual transmitters and a receiver. The receiver is tied into the tile monitoring system to allow the identification of an individual on the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system including floor tiles for monitoring the movements of individuals across a floor surface. The system is comprised of a plurality of floor tiles electrically and mechanically interconnected. The floor tiles are monitored to determine where, when and how weight is applied to the floor tiles. The system may also comprise an identification system comprising individual transmitters and a receiver. The receiver is tied into the tile monitoring system to allow the identification of an individual on the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of synthesising a metal alkoxide polymer involving the following general steps: 1. acidolysis; 2. condensation; and 3. subsequent processing. The acidolysis step is preferably performed without addition of water, in the presence of a mutual solvent. The acidolysis step involves acidolysis of a metal alkoxide compound with an acid to produce an intermediate acidolysed solution. The condensation step involves condensation of the intermediate solution in the presence of a metal alkoxide compound to produce the metal alkoxide polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising a substrate, a buffer layer formed on a surface of the substrate, and a sol-gel based film deposited on the buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer provides an interface between the substrate and film and exhibits two distinct phases, a deformable phase at an elevated temperature sufficient to dry the film, and a stable, relatively non-deformable, phase at a lower temperature, and wherein, when in the deformable phase, the buffer layer accommodates differential movement over its thickness to an extent sufficient to prevent cracking of the film as it dries.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of synthesising a metal alkoxide polymer involving the following general steps: 1. acidolysis; 2. condensation; and 3. subsequent processing. The acidolysis step is preferably performed without addition of water, in the presence of a mutual solvent. The acidolysis step involves acidolysis of a metal alkoxide compound with an acid to produce an intermediate acidolysed solution. The condensation step involves condensation of the intermediate solution in the presence of a metal alkoxide compound to produce the metal alkoxide polymer.

Abstract: A hydraulic tappet comprises an open-ended cylinder and a piston slidably accommodated in the cylinder. One end of the piston projects out of the open end of the cylinder and engages a valve rocker. A gear mechanism is provide to effect rotation of the cylinder about its axis whilst the piston remains stationary. An oil chamber is provided within the cylinder beyond the other end of the piston. A pressurized oil space is arranged to supply oil to the chamber via a non-return valve. An oil discharge space communicates with the chamber via a pathway including an opening in the cylinder wall. The pathway is interrupted by the piston as the piston moves into the cylinder. The oil discharge space is at a pressure substantially below that of the pressurized oil space. A plurality of spaced holes is arranged in a spiral line formed in the cylinder wall but only one of the holes communicates with the oil discharge space at any one time.