Abstract: A solid waveguide comprises opposite TIR surfaces further comprising: a) at least one light input surface for coupling light from a solid state light source; b) at least one mixing section; c) at least one light emitting surface; and d) a desired pattern of light redirecting features located on one TIR surface or between the TIR surfaces.

Abstract: A backlight apparatus for directing light toward a display panel and the resulting display device comprises a solid lightguide comprising opposite TIR surfaces, containing a desired pattern of light redirecting surface features located between the TIR surfaces and interrupting one of the TIR surfaces, the features having a refractive index differing from that of the solid material of the light guide. Such an apparatus provides a more even light distribution to the display.

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: The invention relates to a display comprising a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a discontinuous population of adherent beads bonded to the structured surface.

Abstract: A display comprises a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a polymeric coating over at least part of the structured surface wherein the coating exhibits a variable thickness.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, where each spacer dot comprises a base cross section in the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet defined by a first point or set of connected points intersecting an axis in the substantially planar surface, a second opposed point or set of connected points intersecting the axis, and first and second continuous edge segments connecting the first and second points or end points of the first and second sets of points on opposite sides of the axis, wherein the spacer dot has a variable height perpendicular to the substantially planar surface along the axis, and wherein the surface of the spacer dot extending above the base cross section is not equidistant from the mid-point of the axis between the intersections of the first and second points or sets of connected points and the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article comprising a polymer layer containing a plurality of integral polymer conduit channels that contain at least two layers with at least one comprising a conductive material and the other serving a function beyond protection.

Abstract: A light redirecting optical device comprises a polymeric film containing a light entry and a light exit surface and bearing on the light exit surface convex macrostructures that have a length, diameter, or other major dimension of at least 25 micrometers, wherein a major portion of the macrostructure surfaces is covered with nano-nodules having an average maximum cord length in a plane perpendicular to the direction of light travel of less than 1200 nm

Abstract: The invention relates to a light redirecting film comprising a thin optically transparent substrate having opposite sides, one side of the substrate substantially covered by elongated individual optical elements whose longest dimensions are substantially aligned in a lengthwise direction, wherein the shape of at least some of the optical elements have a visually significant difference, and wherein the layout of optical element shapes and locations is such that objectionable patterns are not visible in the film under standard LCD backlight viewing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film comprising microstructures on at least one surface thereof, the film comprising a polysulfone polymer. Such a film exhibits improved heat stability, light recycling capability, and faithful replication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light diffuser comprising a thermoplastic layer containing thermoplastic polymeric material and microvoids having a substantially circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of light travel and having a diffuse light transmission efficiency of at least 65%.

Abstract: A light redirecting film comprises a light exit surface bearing (a) optical elements and (b) an optical modification layer containing microbeads and a binder disposed over the optical elements wherein said light redirecting film has an optical gain of at least 1.20.

Abstract: A process for making a diffusely reflecting polarizer comprises the steps of arranging polymeric fibers containing certain fibrils and forming a solid film. A diffusely-reflective polarizer employs the film to effect polarization.

Abstract: A reflective optical film comprises a layer containing a polyester voided with inorganic particles such as barium sulfate in a size and an amount sufficient to provide a visible light reflectivity of at least 93%, a void volume of 40 to 70%, the film at least (1) having a thickness of less than 150 ?m, or (2) containing UV particles in amounts sufficient to provide a UV light reflectivity of less than 40%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an image layer and a base material wherein said base material comprises at least one oriented sheet laminated to a core sheet comprising a vacuous composite of polyolefin and polyester having a density of less than 0.7 g/cc.

Abstract: A sheet of material and package made using the sheet of material. The sheet of material having an having an outer diffuse layer and an inner light piping layer adjacent the diffuse layer. The sheet transmits light to the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer. The outer diffuse layer has a specular area formed thereon through which light from the light piping layer can exit in a substantially non-diffuse manner from the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an element of an imaging device and the element are disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer and a second layer. The method also includes extruding the first layer with the second layer, where the second layer has a melt flow that is at least 10% greater than a melt flow of the second layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a plurality of optical elements over a surface of the second layer.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots. The integral compressible spacer dots are sized and positioned in a pattern that establishes at least one of differentiated minimum required activation forces and differentiated durability for selected areas of the touch screen.

Abstract: Processes for making a pragmatic label, a receiver sheet for making such a pragmatic label, and intermediates thereof are described. The receiver sheet comprises a pragmatic pre-label sheet, a lower strippable carrier, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between said lower strippable carrier and the pragmatic pre-label sheet. The pragmatic pre-label sheet is made by coextruding a first melt for a polymeric image-receiving layer with one or more other melts for forming a single-layer or multiple-layer pragmatic polymer sheet, wherein said other melts includes a second melt comprising an orientable thermoplastic polymeric material for forming a microvoided layer, said coextruded melts forming a multilayer composite film that is subsequently subjected to stretching. The pragmatic labels and receiver sheets of the present invention can advantageously be made without the use of solvent coating.