Abstract: An image projector (8, 68) includes a light source (14) that illuminates a three-path reflective LCD assembly (25, 74) that produces images for projection by a projection lens (27). The light source produces S-polarized light rays that are received by a spectrally selective wave plate (36) that changes a first wavelength range of light to P-polarized light rays (34) and transmits without polarization change second and third wavelength ranges of light. A plate-type transflective polarizing beam splitter (40) transmits the P-polarized first wavelength range light rays and reflects S-polarized second and third wavelength range light rays (34). The P-polarized first wavelength range light rays transmit through a field lens (421) and impinge on a first reflective LCD light valve (261).

Abstract: An image projector (8, 68) includes a light source (14) that illuminates a three-path reflective LCD assembly (25, 74) that produces images for projection by a projection lens (27). The light source produces S-polarized light rays that are received by a spectrally selective wave plate (36) that changes a first wavelength range of light to P-polarized light rays (34) and transmits without polarization change second and third wavelength ranges of light. A plate-type transflective polarizing beam splitter (40) transmits the P-polarized first wavelength range light rays and reflects S-polarized second and third wavelength range light rays (34). The P-polarized first wavelength range light rays transmit through a field lens (421) and impinge on a first reflective LCD light valve (261).

Abstract: A projection system is provided with a primary light source and an auxiliary light source to compensate the primary light source for at least white light during an initial period to provide a user with an instant-on experience. In various embodiments, the auxiliary light source further compensates the primary light source for energy deficiencies for the red spectrum to achieve more balance in color.

Abstract: A projection system is provided with a primary light source and an auxiliary light source to compensate the primary light source for at least white light during an initial period to provide a user with an instant-on experience. In various embodiments, the auxiliary light source further compensates the primary light source for energy deficiencies for the red spectrum to achieve more balance in color.

Abstract: An image projector (8, 68) includes a light source (14) that illuminates a three-path reflective LCD assembly (25, 74) that produces images for projection by a projection lens (27). The light source produces S-polarized light rays that are received by a spectrally selective wave plate (36) that changes a first wavelength range of light to P-polarized light rays (34) and transmits without polarization change second and third wavelength ranges of light. A plate-type transflective polarizing beam splitter (40) transmits the P-polarized first wavelength range light rays and reflects S-polarized second and third wavelength range light rays (34). The P-polarized first wavelength range light rays transmit through a field lens (421) and impinge on a first reflective LCD light valve (261).

Abstract: An image projection system improves the brightness and/or color balance of a projected image. The system includes an auxiliary light source from which compensating light co-propagates with polychromatic light emitted by a primary light source along a primary light path. The compensating light has an emission energy content that minimizes an emission energy imbalance introduced by the primary light source. In a first preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light source is affixed at a location near the entrance end of a light tunnel such that the compensating light coincides with the primary light path before first reflection occurs. In a second preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light source is coupled to a light reflector adjacent to the primary light source and thereby allows the compensating light to propagate through the image projection system with the same efficiency as that of the light generated by the primary light source.

Abstract: An image projector (8, 68) includes a light source (14) that illuminates a three-path reflective LCD assembly (25, 74) that produces images for projection by a projection lens (27). The light source produces S-polarized light rays that are received by a spectrally selective wave plate (36) that changes a first wavelength range of light to P-polarized light rays (34) and transmits without polarization change second and third wavelength ranges of light. A plate-type transflective polarizing beam splitter (40) transmits the P-polarized first wavelength range light rays and reflects S-polarized second and third wavelength range light rays (34). The P-polarized first wavelength range light rays transmit through a field lens (421) and impinge on a first reflective LCD light valve (261).

Abstract: A reflector for projection systems and spot (image projecting) luminaires is molded in separate sections and then assembled into a unitary reflector. Forming the reflector in separate sections reduces the amount of surface contact between the reflector and the mold die which in turn substantially reduces the risk of damage or breakage of the reflector section. Each reflector section includes alignment features to assure correct alignment of the sections upon assembly. The reflector sections are formed with edges that mate with edges of an adjacent reflector section along seams to prevent light from showing through the seams. The mating edges preferably include light-blocking features formed by a geometric shape along the seams.

Abstract: The invention is a secure container for the transport and storage of materials that can alert the user as to the location and condition of materials, as well as container status. This provides cargo and access information that is critical in high-value or controlled shipments. The container uses a wound fiber-optic layer embedded in a covering. A transmitted light signal is sent through the fiber-optic layer to a receiver. Any change in the light signal causes an alarm or indication. The container also gives real time read outs, remotely or locally, as to the conditions of the contents and the container itself.

Abstract: A multimedia projector (30) includes a light source (32) producing a nonuniform illumination pattern and a light integrating tunnel (110, 130) having parallelogram-shaped input and output apertures (132, 134) with an average diagonal dimension. The input and output apertures are spaced apart by a length dimension (136) that is less than five-times the average diagonal dimension of the apertures. A light pattern (150) propagating from the output aperture is substantially more uniform than a light pattern (146) propagating from a rectangular tunnel of the same length. Alternatively, a light pattern (164) propagating from the output aperture has substantially the same uniformity as the light pattern (146) propagating from a substantially longer rectangular tunnel.

Abstract: The image projection system of the present invention improves either one or both of the brightness and color balance of a projected image. The system includes an auxiliary light source from which compensating light co-propagates with polychromatic light emitted by a primary light source along a primary light path. The compensating light has an emission energy content that minimizes an emission energy imbalance introduced by the primary light source. In a first preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light source is affixed at a location near the entrance end of a light tunnel such that the compensating light coincides with the primary light path before first reflection occurs. In a second preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light source is coupled to a light reflector adjacent to the primary light source and thereby allows the compensating light to propagate through the image projection system with the same efficiency as that of the light generated by the primary light source.

Abstract: A projector includes a source of polychromatic light that propagates through color filter segments of a color wheel and enters an input aperture of an asymmetrical light integrating tunnel that integrates the filtered light into a uniform pattern at a nonrectangular output aperture of the tunnel. The uniform illumination exiting the nonrectangular output aperture is re-imaged onto a light valve that is mounted obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel. The image of the nonrectangular output aperture on the light valve compensates for any keystone distortion, illumination overfill and illumination drop-off regions on the light valve, thereby increasing brightness and brightness uniformity across the light valve. The asymmetrical light integrating tunnel may include a trapezoidal input aperture that reduces the time period when adjacent color wheel filter segments are traversing the input aperture, thereby increasing the time period when the input aperture receives light from each single filter segment.

Abstract: A reflector for projection systems and spot (image projecting) luminaires is molded in separate sections and then assembled into a unitary reflector. Forming the reflector in separate sections reduces the amount of contact surfaces between the reflector and the mold die which in turn substantially reduces the risk of damage or breakage of the reflector section. Each reflector section includes alignment features to assure correct alignment of the sections upon assembly. The reflector sections are formed with edges that mate with edges of an adjacent reflector section along seams to prevent light from showing through the seams. The mating edges preferably include light-blocking features formed by a geometric shape along the seams.

Abstract: A multimedia projector (30) includes a light source (32) producing a nonuniform illumination pattern and a light integrating tunnel (110, 130) having parallelogram-shaped input and output apertures (132, 134) with an average diagonal dimension. The input and output apertures are spaced apart by a length dimension (136) that is less than five-times the average diagonal dimension of the apertures. A light pattern (150) propagating from the output aperture is substantially more uniform than a light pattern (146) propagating from a rectangular tunnel of the same length. Alternatively, a light pattern (164) propagating from the output aperture has substantially the same uniformity as the light pattern (146) propagating from a substantially longer rectangular tunnel.

Abstract: Surveillance of signal changes, especially for self-checking control systems. It is essential in self-checking control systems to create equipment to monitor signal changes and allowing to detect all conceivable initial errors or defects and to allow beginning a dangerous state or a dangerous motion of a machine only when the input peripherals evince, not only for instance static signals, but after definitively at least one change of signal has taken place and after this input signal was successfully checked dynamically for its suitability in beginning the dangerous state or the dangerous motion of a machine. For that purpose a special circuitry is proposed in which at least one signal source as well as relays and relay contacts are arrayed in such manner that both self-checking signal detection and voltage-free transfer of at least one checked signal to a higher safety level shall take place.

Abstract: The QLIS images and quantifies low-level chemiluminescent reactions in an electromagnetic field. It is capable of real time nonperturbing measurement and simultaneous recording of many biochemical and chemical reactions such as luminescent immunoassays or enzyme assays. The system comprises image transfer optics, a low-light level digitizing camera with image intensifying microchannel plates, an image process or, and a control computer. The image transfer optics may be a fiber image guide with a bend, or a microscope, to take the light outside of the RF field. Output of the camera is transformed into a localized rate of cumulative digitalized data or enhanced video display or hard-copy images. The system may be used as a luminescent microdosimetry device for radiofrequency or microwave radiation, as a thermal dosimeter, or in the dosimetry of ultra-sound (sonoluminescence) or ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A carrier body of a brake pad for disc brakes, which carrier body is arranged to support a friction coating of the brake pad and includes a plate-shaped molded member of a hard ceramic material presenting a rear face and a circumferential edge face, and a cover secured to the member and contacting the rear face of the member. The cover is made of a material which can be shaped under pressure and/or heat and which is formed to additionally encase the circumferential edge face of the plate-shaped molded member.

Abstract: A disc brake pad assembly includes a hard porcelain carrier body and a friction element affixed to the carrier body and having a work face for cooperation with a brake disc. The friction element is provided with a plurality of blind recesses which are open solely towards the work face. The assembly further includes a protective covering attached to the carrier body and extending over a rear face of the carrier body oriented away from the friction element. The protective covering extends over at least a portion of two oppositely located narrow sides which form part of the carrier body and which are spaced in a circumferential direction of the brake disc when the assembly is in operative relationship with the brake disc.