Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture or luminaire includes an enclosure having within it a light source for projecting light through an opening in the enclosure and a motor train for slowly moving a transparent plastic film across the opening and over the light emitting surface of the light source, thereby preventing the light emitting surface or lens from becoming dirty over time.

Abstract: A multi-axis laser scanner and receiver capable of providing laser scanning in multiple fields of view using a microscanner and a fold mirror with a patterned aperture. The fold mirror has a transmissive central region and a periphery that is reflective. Such scanners can be employed in a helicopter to scan in the forward field of view for obstacle detection, and in an upward field of view for air data measurements. Additional fields of view can be added, for example, to provide downward scans to detect height above terrain and ground speed.

Abstract: An optical light guide comprising optical elements enclosing a hollow cavity is configured to uniformly distribute homogenized collimated light to a liquid crystal display. The optical light guide includes a beam splitting structure covering the entrance aperture of the light guide, a retarder and specular reflector on the face of the light guide opposite the entrance aperture, an exit aperture orthogonal to the entrance aperture with a reflective polarizer and a beam directing structure over the exit aperture, and a specular reflector on the bottom of the light guide opposite the exit aperture.

Abstract: In order to produce precision optic elements using injection molded plastic, a metal mold is fabricated from two positive masters comprising exact metallic reproductions of the desired plastic part and on which a metal shell has been electroformed or otherwise plated. Two positive masters are required for each mold, one being formed to define the upper part of the mold and the other the lower part of the mold. Each positive master is scribed with an axial line and with a cutting line slightly offset from the axial line, the cutting line for the upper part of the mold being below the axial line and the cutting line for the lower part of the mold being above the axial cutting line. The positive masters are then cut along their cutting lines, the metal shells removed, and the portion of the remaining metal shells between their axial lines and their cutting lines is then trimmed. The upper and lower parts of the mold are then combined to define the complete injection mold.

Abstract: An optical system including a unique mirror arrangement surrounding a tube containing a flowing fluid with suspended biological material can be configured as flow cytometer or as an ultraviolet light disinfecting system. The optical system includes a plurality of off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors defining first and second focal points; the first focal point is coincident with a flow tube extending through the optical system. Multifunction optical units are located at the second focal points of the ellipsoidal mirrors. High intensity excitation light impinges on the material flowing through the flow tube.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: An optical light guide comprising optical elements enclosing a hollow cavity is configured to uniformly distribute homogenized collimated light to a liquid crystal display. The optical light guide includes a beam splitting structure covering the entrance aperture of the light guide, a retarder and specular reflector on the face of the light guide opposite the entrance aperture, an exit aperture orthogonal to the entrance aperture with a reflective polarizer and a beam directing structure over the exit aperture, and a specular reflector on the bottom of the light guide opposite the exit aperture.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture or luminaire includes an enclosure having within it a light source for projecting light through an opening in the enclosure and a motor train for slowly moving a transparent plastic film across the opening and over the light emitting surface of the light source, thereby preventing the light emitting surface or lens from becoming dirty over time.

Abstract: A projection display composed of a plurality of tiles is illuminated by a plurality of projectors, one for each tile. The light from a common light source is transmitted to a light separation unit over a first set of fiber optic cables, the separation unit separating the light into individual primary colors either spatially or sequentially. The individual primary colors are then transmitted over a second set of fiber optic cables to the individual projectors.

Abstract: A reflective display can be configured around a waveguide illuminated with collimated light. A variety of light sources, light valves, light extracting devices, and light redirecting means may be employed to complete the display. The light extracting devices, light valves, and light redirecting means cooperate to selectively extract, attenuate, and redirect selected portions of the light in specific locations within the display.