Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheet with a discernable image. The retroreflective sheet comprises a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a layer of transparent microsphere lenses embedded into the first surface of the spacing layer at varying depths forming an image, wherein the spacing layer adheres to and conforms to the microspheres; and a reflective layer adhered to the second surface of the spacing layer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing such retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) comprising a primary light source (12) for supplying primary light to a viewing environment and a passive light source (14) for supplying light to the viewing environment when the primary light source (12) is unavailable and the viewing environment is dark. The passive light source (14) comprises a substrate (30) carrying a phosphorescent material (34), and this phosphorescent-carrying substrate (30) is positioned between the primary light source (12) and the viewing environment. The substrate (30) has an optical transmittance of at least 50% (whereby primary light from the primary light source (12) can be transmitted therethrough to the viewing environment) and an optical emission of at least 15.0 mcd/m2 at ten minutes.

Abstract: An emergency information lighting system (100/200/300), comprising a primary light source (110/210/310) and a housing (112/212/312) for the primary light source (110/210). The housing (112/212/312) includes a first wall (120/220/320) with indicia openings (126/226/326) which correspond to emergency information. The primary light source (110/210/310) emits primary light, which passes through the indica openings (126/226/326) to display the emergency information to a viewing environment. The housing (112/212) or a bulb (316) incorporates a phosphorescent material (132/232/332) which, in the absence of the primary light, emits passive light to display the emergency information to the viewing environment.

Abstract: An emergency information sign (10) comprising a base substrate (12) and an indicia layer (14) positioned over the base substrate (12). Exposed areas (24) of the base substrate (12) and covering areas (26) of the indicia layer (14) together form emergency information indicia. The base substrate (12) and the indicia layer (14) each carry phosphorescent materials (20, 22), which absorb and store light from a primary light source (16/18) and emit this stored light during dark conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting which has an image, such as an image. More specifically, the image has varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting has a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer underlying, contacting, and conforming to the bottom of the lenses, the spacing and conformation of which is critical to the optimal performance of the retroreflective article, a reflective layer having a top surface in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer and a topcoat and/or cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face. In another embodiment, the retroreflective sheeting includes a pressure sensitive adhesive underlying and in contact with the reflective layer. The retroreflective sheeting has an image whose proportions are determined by a non-conformity of the reflective and spacing layer to the bottom of the lenses.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting which has an image, such as an image. More specifically, the image has varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting has a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer underlying, contacting, and conforming to the bottom of the lenses, the spacing and conformation of which is critical to the optimal performance of the retroreflective article, a reflective layer having a top surface in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer and a topcoat and/or cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face. In another embodiment, the retroreflective sheeting includes a pressure sensitive adhesive underlying and in contact with the reflective layer. The retroreflective sheeting has an image whose proportions are determined by a non-conformity of the reflective and spacing layer to the bottom of the lenses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light transmitting filter comprising (a) light absorbing layer having a first and second surface, (b) microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and (c) an optically clear, substantially uniform, conformable layer covering the microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The invention also relates to methods of making the same. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprising the step of laminating a clear substantially uniform conformable layer over transparent microspheres embedded in a light absorbing layer wherein the transparent bead form light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The light transmitting filters of the present invention have improved light throughput and improved angularity.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting which has an image, such as an image. More specifically, the image has varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting has a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer underlying, contacting, and conforming to the bottom of the lenses, the spacing and conformation of which is critical to the optimal performance of the retroreflective article, a reflective layer having a top surface in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer and a topcoat and/or cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face. In another embodiment, the retroreflective sheeting includes a pressure sensitive adhesive underlying and in contact with the reflective layer. The retroreflective sheeting has an image whose proportions are determined by a non-conformity of the reflective and spacing layer to the bottom of the lenses.

Abstract: Three-dimensional flexible adhesive film structures are described which exhibit tack on demand characteristics. The film is capable of showing minimal or no tack under normal handling conditions, but when pressed against a target surface, exhibits the desired adhesion.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting that has an image, such as a validation image. In one embodiment, the image is directional having varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting comprises a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a front surface and a back surface wherein the spacing layer is underlying, contacting, and substantially conforming to the bottom of the lenses, and the spacing layer comprises one or more segments having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the remainder of the spacing layer, a reflective layer having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface is in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer, and a topcoat cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face.