Abstract: Reflex pins for use in the manufacture of reflector assemblies or surfaces have three faces, the relative position of each face with respect to adjacent faces is 120 .degree.. According to the disclosure, selected cube faces of pins are cut to an angle that is adjusted from the convention angle of 120.degree. whereby light reflected from a product of such reflex pins is redirected or redistributed from one area of the zone of reflectivity to substantially increase the intensity of light to the location of a viewer or a recording device's light sensitive element at another area of the zone of reflectivity. A method of making such pins is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens (10) is disclosed for use on automotive vehicles and which forms part of lamp assemblies used on the rear, front or side surfaces thereof. The lens utilizes a combination of optical elements (25) and reflex elements (24) interspersed therewith, the density of the reflex elements (24) relative to the optic elements (25) being graduated in selected areas of the lens surface, for example from the stop or brake light area (12) of the lens through the "running light" area (14) to a fog area (16). One form of the invention has the optic elements (25) and the reflex elements (24) on a single lens surface and, in another embodiment, the optic elements (25) of the lens (10) are located on one lens surface (52) and the reflex elements (24) are located in juxtaposition outwardly thereof on a second lens surface (48) and spaced from one another so that the reflex elements (24) are axially interspersed between the optic elements (25). The method of manufacturing both forms of lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing a reflex mold wherein a flexible or bendable, thin plate is provided for use in the manufacturing process. A reflex prism assembly is clamped together and metal is applied over the surface of the prisms to make a flat, thin layer of bendable material. A model of curvature is then provided and the thin layer is clamped on the model to assume the desired configuration. More metal is then applied over the back surface of the thin layer until sufficient thickness is obtained to make the reflex mold suitable to receive deposition of lens material for the production of a reflex lens.

Abstract: Spacers or wedges are disclosed for use in combination with mold elements such as lens and/or reflex reflector pins in a pin block or matrix assembly. Such assemblies are used in the manufacture of molds for producing, for example, front and/or rear light units for motor vehicles. The wedges or spacers are selectively located between rows or banks of reflex or optic pins to provide required orientation to selected groups of the pins so that the necessary reflectivity of the finished product is provided in the curved portion thereof.