Abstract: The present invention provides a composite light guide plate having a thickness of more than about 1 mm, for use in LCD backlights or in general illumination devices. In the fabrication method of the present invention the extrusion roll molding process is combined with coating and lamination steps to enable a cost effective roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet manufacture of the thick composite light guide plate wherein one or both principal surfaces of the light guide plate contain a pattern to enable extraction and redirection of light by the light guide plate from a light source or multiple light sources placed at one or multiple edges of the light guide plate. The composite light guide plate comprises a patterned film and a pre-cut sheet joined together by an adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite light guide plate having a thickness of more than about 1 mm, for use in LCD backlights or in general illumination devices. In the fabrication method of the present invention the extrusion roll molding process is combined with coating and lamination steps to enable a cost effective roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet manufacture of the thick composite light guide plate wherein one or both principal surfaces of the light guide plate contain a pattern to enable extraction and redirection of light by the light guide plate from a light source or multiple light sources placed at one or multiple edges of the light guide plate. The composite light guide plate comprises a patterned film and a pre-cut sheet joined together by an adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion casting method for making composite light guide plates with a thickness of more than about 1 mm, for use in LCD backlights or in general illumination devices. In the fabrication method of the present invention the extrusion roll molding process is combined with coating and lamination steps to enable a cost effective roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet manufacture of thick composite light guide plates wherein one or both principal surfaces of the light guide plate contain a pattern to enable extraction and redirection of light by the light guide plate from a light source or multiple light sources placed at one or multiple edges of the light guide plate. The composite light guide plate comprises a patterned film and a pre-cut sheet joined together by an adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating uniform pressure at a nip comprising the acts of providing a stationary inner core, pivotally mounting a plurality of shoes to the stationary inner core, creating a plurality of annular chambers wherein each of the shoes occupies one of the chambers. In addition, the method further provides filling each of the chambers with a magneto-rheological fluid, surrounding the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core with a thin, metal, rotatable shell; detecting a deformation in the shell and changing a magnetic field in at least one of the chambers to change a viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid to correct the deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base comprising a closed cell foam core sheet having a closed cell foam layer with a density gradient between the center of the core and the surfaces of the core. The invention also relates to a method of making such a base by adding a first concentration of a first blowing agent to a first polymer to form a first mixture, adding a second concentration of a second blowing agent to a second polymer to form a second mixture, and extruding the mixtures to form the closed cell foam core sheet. The invention also relates to a method of making such a closed cell foam core sheet base comprising the steps of adding a blowing agent to a polymer to form a mixture, melting the mixture, extruding the mixture from a die, and rapidly quenching the mixture against a high heat transfer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: A backlight device for a display comprising (1) a side-lit light source, (2) a light guide plate and (3) a turning film comprising a light entry and a light exit surface comprising lenticular elements on the exit surface and prismatic structures on the entry surface, wherein the average values of the parameters of the features and the thickness of the film are selected to provide a peak output angle of ±10° from normal to the light exit surface of the light guide plate and an optical gain of at least 1.25. Also disclosed are methods of making the turning film and a display incorporating the backlight.

Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip comprises a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) wherein each of the shoes occupies one of the chambers. A non-Newtonian fluid (70) fills each of the chambers. A plurality of actuators is connected to at least one of the shoes. A thin, rotatable shell surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: A backlight device for a display comprising (1) a side-lit light source, (2) a light guide plate and (3) a turning film comprising a light entry and a light exit surface comprising lenticular elements on the exit surface and prismatic structures on the entry surface, wherein the average values of the parameters of the features and the thickness of the film are selected to provide a peak output angle of ±10° from normal to the light exit surface of the light guide plate and an optical gain of at least 1.25. Also disclosed are methods of making the turning film and a display incorporating the backlight.

Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip (42) has a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Non-magnetic dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) and one shoe occupies one of the chambers. A magneto-rheological fluid fills each of the chambers and a plurality of magnetic field generators (13) changes a magnetic field in each of the chambers. A thin, rotatable shell (24) surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for changing the width of an internal die cavity (12) to accommodate product width changes has a die end plate (14) with a front surface facing the internal die cavity (12), a rear surface and defines an opening that extends through the front and rear surfaces. An internal deckle mounting block (16) attaches to the rear surface of end plate (14). An internal deckle has inner (18) and outer (20) members and mounts on the mounting block (16). Inner member (18) extends through the opening of the die end plate (14) and defines a chamber (22) and a first longitudinal slot (24). The outer member (20) is positioned about the inner member (18) concentric therewith and defines a second longitudinal slot (26). The inner member (18) rotates about the outer member (20) to vary alignment of the slots and create a passageway narrower than either slot to control coating thickness.

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet comprising extruding a polymer material comprising an incompatible material and a foaming agent, cooling the extruded material, stretching said extruded material in at least one direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical light transmitting component including a network of cells containing filler material, the cells being walled on the sides and unwalled on the top and bottom portion of each cell, the walled sides comprising a polymer having a first refractive index, and the cells comprising a filler material having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index, whereby light may be transmitted through the filler material and the unwalled top and bottom portion of the cells.

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet comprising extruding a polymer material comprising an incompatible material and a foaming agent, cooling the extruded material, stretching said extruded material in at least one direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the continuous production of microcellular plastic web material having integral unmodified laminar skin. In accordance with the invention a web of plastic material impregnated with an inert gas is delivered continuously to a degassing device in which the degree to which gas diffuses out of the surfaces of the web can be selectively and continuously controlled, whereupon the web enters a foaming station where it is reheated to induce foaming. The temperature of the reheated web and the duration of the foaming process prior to quenching are also selectively controllable to produce the desired web characteristics.