Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.

Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.

Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface; alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface, wherein the absorptive regions comprise a core having a first concentration, C1, of a light absorbing material sandwiched between cladding layers having a second concentration, C2, of the light absorbing material, wherein C2<C1, and wherein the cores have an aspect ratio of at least 20.

Abstract: A calculator is provided to assist a vehicle operator with the task of filling out and maintaining their log books. The calculator includes an input device that may receive a signal in accordance with the setting and release of the parking brake. The input device may also be a physical button pressed by the vehicle operator. A clock may be built into the device to provide current time and date. The input device provides a time stamp that may be altered or varied as directed by the user. A filter may be used to select and remove specific display data, such as an activity with a duration of less than a predetermined time which may be 7.5 minutes. A rounding algorithm may be used to generate rounded times in which the time stamp data may be rounded to the closest fifteen minute increment. These rounded times may be stored in a register to be recalled and arithmetically analyzed to assist the user in filling out and keeping the log books up to date.

Abstract: Hinge motion check friction device for incorporating into a hinge assembly useful for holding a hinge open at an selected position. The hinge motion check friction device is useful for incorporating into vehicle door hinges, particularly when the vehicle is being painting during manufacturing.

Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.

Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle servicing system includes site-erectable units each with four levels, to facilitate vehicle repairs by several technicians at the same time. Each unit includes vertical structural members, horizontal supports, flooring, tool storage, parts storage, panels, stairs, ladders, ramps, lifting mechanisms to raise the vehicle off its wheels, and mechanisms to facilitate removal of heavy repair components to other levels below. Lighting, power, compressed air, fluid delivery and extraction, and fire suppression systems are integrated in the system of components. The system is erected on a conventional building floor and is free-standing, independent of the building structure itself. The modular apparatus is installed without major modifications to an existing building of appropriate size and structural compatibility. Several of the four-level units can be stacked and any number may be combined in any horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A display device has two interlocked contrasting elements. A display element includes indicia and a first locking member. The background element includes a second locking member complementarily shaped to conform to the shape of the first locking member. The first locking member has two portions. The first portion is a waffle plate which tapers from top to bottom. The second portion includes a plurality of frusto-conical pads disposed beneath nodes of the waffle plate of the second portion.

Abstract: A display device has two interlocked contrasting elements. A first element is of a first color, and has a top surface configured to resemble desired indicia, e.g. one or more letters or numerals. The first element also has a bottom surface which includes a plurality of first locking members. A second element has a plurality of second locking members which interlock with the first locking members, and is of a second color. The second color preferably contrasts with the first color. The interlocking action of the first locking members with the second locking members serves to interlock the two contrasting elements, thereby providing a good mechanical locking action therebetween. In a first embodiment, the first and second elements together form a generally flat top surface, while in a second embodiment, the two elements are of different top levels, so that the indicia may be either raised or recessed with respect to the background.

Abstract: A shortening for preparing moist, light and tender cakes is disclosed. The shortening comprises a fat or oil and an emulsifier which consists essentially of from about 10% to about 20% of propylene glycol mono-fatty acid esters and from about 3% to about 20% of hydrophilic polyglycerol ester (percentages are based on the weight in the shortening). The ratio of polyglycerol ester to propylene glycol monoester is about from about 2:1 to 7:1. This shortening system can be used in preparing baking mixes. Surprisingly, even in an add-oil preparation the cake is moist yet light and tender.