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: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, such features having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein either the length of at least some of the features is less than the width of the film or the first and second sides intersect at an apex.

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: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, such features having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein either the length of at least some of the features is less than the width of the film or the first and second sides intersect at an apex.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, each feature having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein the first and second sides intersect at an apex.

Abstract: A polishing tool that includes: an arbor with a shank having a first cylindrical axis; an offset cylinder extending from the shank, the offset cylinder having a second cylindrical axis, the first cylindrical axis being offset from the second cylindrical axis and parallel thereto, the offset cylinder terminating at a distal end thereof with a support surface that is angled in a range of from about 1° to about 20° from perpendicular to the first and second cylindrical axes; and a toroidal polishing head supported on the support surface, rotation of the shank causing an oscillating rotational movement of the toroidal polishing head.

Abstract: A molding assembly, that includes: a plurality of support pillars fixedly attached to a support structure, wherein each support pillar includes a recessed seat; a mold support member, and; a flexible ring for holding a mold in contact with the mold support member, wherein the flexible ring, while holding the mold, rests upon the recessed seat of the support pillar.

Abstract: An eccentric work piece holder supports a work piece in alignment during rotary operations. First-, second- and third aligning members, associated with the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.

Abstract: A method of alignably supporting an eccentric work piece for rotary movements uses a work piece holder that supports the work piece in alignment during rotary operations. A plurality of cooperating aligning members mounted along the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.

Abstract: An eccentric work piece holder supports a work piece in alignment during rotary operations. First-, second- and third aligning members, associated with the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.

Abstract: A precision sub-aperture polishing tool has a compliant, toroidal polishing member mountable to a support member. A circumferential portion of the polishing member extends uniformly beyond the peripheral surface of the support member and forms a clearance with the work piece surface during polishing operations.

Abstract: A method of alignably supporting an eccentric work piece for rotary movements uses a work piece holder that supports the work piece in alignment during rotary operations. A plurality of cooperating aligning members mounted along the rotary axis of a rotary unit, provides pivoting movements relative to the rotary axis while bearing the work piece. These pivoting movements of the aligning members enable the work piece to be aligned during rotary operations.

Abstract: A molding assembly, that includes: a plurality of support pillars fixedly attached to a support structure, wherein each support pillar includes a recessed seat; a mold support member, and; a flexible ring for holding a mold in contact with the mold support member, wherein the flexible ring, while holding the mold, rests upon the recessed seat of the support pillar.

Abstract: A polishing tool that includes: an arbor with a shank having a first cylindrical axis; an offset cylinder extending from the shank, the offset cylinder having a second cylindrical axis, the first cylindrical axis being offset from the second cylindrical axis and parallel thereto, the offset cylinder terminating at a distal end thereof with a support surface that is angled in a range of from about 1° to about 20° from perpendicular to the first and second cylindrical axes; and a toroidal polishing head supported on the support surface, rotation of the shank causing an oscillating rotational movement of the toroidal polishing head.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of cutting an imaging element. An imaging element is moved through a cutting zone formed by a first cutting blade having a first cutting surface and a first engaging surface and a second cutting blade having a second cutting surface and a second engaging surface. In the cutting zone the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are in contact for a distance greater than or equal to a thickness of the imaging element. The first cutting surface and said second cutting surface are separated by from 1 to 30 percent of the thickness of the imaging element in the cutting zone. The present invention reduces debris and skiving generation.