Abstract: An ink composition is produced using a water-soluble substance that undergoes condensation polymerization in the absence of water (e.g., a hydrolyzable silane compound), which includes fluoroalkyl groups. Alternatively, a water-repellent film of a nozzle plate is subjected to a surface treatment with a trialkyl silane compound.

Abstract: An ink-jet cloth printing ink containing a disperse dye, a dispersing agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the average particle diameter of the disperse dye is from 100 nm to 300 nm and the solubility of the dye in the ink is from 10?5 to 10?3.

Abstract: A recording liquid contains a coloring matter, a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the coloring matter, and a nonionic surfactant, wherein the recording liquid has a foaming power of 0 mm to 50 mm and a foam stability of 0 mm to 50 mm, the foaming power and the foam stability being determined by substantially the same test method as that used to determine the foaming power and foam stability according to JIS-K3362. A liquid cartridge containing the recording liquid, a liquid ejection cartridge which ejects the recording liquid, a liquid ejection apparatus, and a liquid ejection method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inkjet recording device for forming an image on a recording medium with an inkjet recording head. The inkjet recording device is provided with a conveyance section and a switchback section. One face of the recording medium is adhered to the conveyance section and the conveyance section transports the recording medium to the inkjet recording head. An image is formed on the other face of the recording medium, and the recording medium is transferred to the switchback section from the conveyance section, with the one face of the recording medium being adhered to the switchback section. The switchback section feeds the recording medium back to the conveyance section such that the other face of the recording medium can be adhered to the conveyance section.

Abstract: An eyewear frame assembly comprises at least one lens that is substantially encircled by a flexible wire or cable. The wire can be constructed as a monofilament wire or a multi-filament wire. Various closing members are shown, some of which feature magnetic members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting auxiliary eyeglasses on conventional eyeglasses in which magnets are attached to temple extensions or temples on the conventional eyeglasses to mate with magnets mounted in appendages of the auxiliary eyeglasses. The magnets on the auxiliary eyeglasses engages the magnets on the conventional eyeglasses from below only, so as to hold the auxiliary frames in place solely by magnetic attractive force. The magnets may be recessed in sockets formed on one side while the magnets may extend out of the sockets on the other side. A wide variety of magnet shapes and configurations are possible.

Abstract: Glasses having a frame for a combined use with a cap which can be attached to the visor of the cap, or when the cap is not worn, can be worn as an ordinary pair of glasses. The glasses having a frame for a combined use with a cap include the main body of glasses having a reinforce unit integrally formed with the glasses, on top of a lens unit to which clips or earpieces are coupled; a central frame which is fixedly coupled to the center of the reinforce unit of the main body of glasses; and a pair of clips and a pair of earpieces that are coupled to both ends of the reinforce unit of the main body of glasses and the central frame, and by doing so, strengthen the coupling power of the clips and the earpieces such that even when the user performs heavy exercise or the shape of the visor of a cap is changed by an external impact, the clips or earpieces are not separated from the main body of glasses and the central frame, and the clips and the earpieces can be easily attached and detached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eyeglasses with one arm on the left and on the right side and with on each side one connector element of a mount, where on the connector element joint elements are positioned which work together with joint elements positioned on the end of the arm close to the mount, forming a rotary joint. The arm has on its end close to the mount at least two fingers in its longitudinal direction, which exert a spring action in the direction of the joint axis of the rotary joint.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for extending and retracting a retainer strap for eyewear. The strap is disposed in a cartridge unit such as a box like container which may be inserted into the interior of one or both hollow temples of an eyeglass frame. Alternatively, the strap containing cartridge may be affixed to the exterior of the temple of any pair of eyewear of sufficient size to support the cartridge. Retainer straps suitable for use with the cartridge may be either elastic, inelastic, or one of each to provide for different modes of use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and this focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a progressive lens is disclosed. The method includes modifying a reference progressive lens design having a peripheral design which is suitable for a wearer and design features with known values. The modification of the reference progressive lens design provides a new progressive lens design in which at least one of the design features have been customized according to the wearer's preference. The new progressive lens design has substantially the same peripheral design as the reference progressive lens design.

Abstract: An observation apparatus is provided. An apex angle of a contact prism is inputted by operating an apex angle setting knob of a control panel. A fining angle of the contact prism is inputted by operating a fitting angle setting knob. A control unit determines the amount of correction for astigmatism of a left observation optical system and the amount of correction for astigmatism of a right observation optical system based on a recognized observation magnification and the inputted apex angle. An axial angle for the astigmatism of the left observation optical system and an axial angle for the astigmatism of the right observation optical system are determined based on the inputted fitting angle. Variable cross cylinder lens rotating drive units are controlled to rotate cylinder lenses of each of the right and left observation optical systems, thereby obtaining the determined axial angle and the determined amount of correction.

Abstract: An ocular accommodative function examination apparatus for examining an accommodative function of an examinee's eye, includes: a fixation target presenting optical system which presents a fixation target at a presenting position to the eye, the presenting position being changeable in a direction of a visual axis of the eye; a refractive power measuring optical system which measures refractive power of the eye; an analysis part which acquires variation or fluctuation in the refractive power of the eye gazing at the fixation target at a certain presenting position within a predetermined time based on a result of measurement by the measuring optical system, and determines tho accommodative function of the eye based on the acquired variation or fluctuation; a display part which displays a result determined by the analysis part; and a control part which controls presenting of the fixation target to perform at least one of simple examination for determining the accommodative function with respect to a first present

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmoscope for examining the fundus of an eye of a patient, which comprises at least one illuminating device producing at least one illuminating beam, in addition to an imaging lens system which can be associated with the illuminating device and which images the illuminating beam onto the fundus of the eye of a patient; also comprising an observation device, wherein the imaging lens system images an observation beam onto the fundus of the eye, said observation beam being produced by reflecting the illuminating beam; also comprising a diaphragm arrangement introduced into the illuminating beam and the observation beam, whereby the gap of said diaphragm can be variably modified and synchronized.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for examining and evaluating a visual function of an eye of a patient, includes: a presentation unit which presents an examination target to the patient's eye; a storage unit which stores therein subjective information obtained from the patient as to whether or not the patient can visually recognize the presented examination target; a calculation unit which calculates an objective evaluation value for the patient's eye using a fuzzy theory expressed as a probability function, based upon the stored subjective information; and an output unit which outputs the calculated evaluation value.

Abstract: A set of each of a plurality of colors is provided which can be distinguished from each other by a color-blind person and a plurality of colors which can be distinguished from each other by a person of normal color vision but are recognized as the each color by the color-blind person.

Abstract: A method for determining mental alertness level by monitoring point of gaze, pupillary movement, pupillary response, and other parameters in a subject performing a task, collecting the data in a database, analyzing the data in the database, and assigning the subject to a score indicating the subject's particular mental alertness level in real time.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a projector capable of projecting a high-quality image by illumination that does not produce a difference in size among illumination areas for respective colors including red, green, and blue. A light-source light from a light source can be separated into color lights by first and second dichroic mirrors provided in a color separation system, which independently go incident on corresponding liquid crystal light valves as illumination lights. Herein, a mutual chromatic aberration can be corrected by adjusting, as needed, the radii of curvature of respective field lenses provided in the color separation system for use in adjusting angles of incidence of illumination lights with respect to the liquid crystal light valves. This configuration makes it possible to illuminate the respective liquid crystal light valves by illumination areas of exactly the same size, which in turn enables a high-quality image having no display shadow to be projected.

Abstract: A projector has an acceleration sensor for detecting a tilt angle of the projector, a manual controller for manually setting a correction amount for a keystone distortion correction, an auto/manual switch, an upper edge basis corrector for determining parameters for an upper edge basis keystone distortion correction, a lower edge basis corrector for determining parameters for a lower edge basis keystone distortion correction, and an image processor for performing a keystone distortion correction on the image on the basis of the upper edge or lower edge in accordance with parameters applied thereto from the upper edge basis corrector or lower edge basis corrector to display the corrected image on a liquid crystal panel or the like. As the auto/manual switch selects an automatic adjustment, the acceleration sensor and upper edge basis corrector are connected to the image processor. As a manual adjustment is selected, the manual controller and lower edge basis corrector are connected to the image processor.

Abstract: A projection display with a common light source sharing system for improved illumination uniformity is described. The common light source is coupled through a light-dividing prism to multiple integrators. Each integrator is coupled to one or more imaging devices that project image tiles to form a larger composite tiled image.

Abstract: At least a pair of light amount adjusting plates is allocated at peripheral side rim portions of a light path through which light from a light source is projected. These light amount adjusting plates are drivable between a narrow-down position in which they enter into the light path and a retreat position in which they retreat to outside of the light path. A restriction member such as a stopper member restricts a rotation of the light amount adjusting plate at the retreat position, and a holding unit holds the light amount adjusting plate to this restriction member. The restriction member blocks a predetermined angle or further rotation of the light amount adjusting plate, and the holding unit, such as a spring or a magnet, biases the light amount adjusting plate to the restriction member.

Abstract: A DMD (digital micromirror device) includes a substantially rectangular element face made up of plural mirror elements arranged in a matrix. The DMD is provided with a light shielding cover having a light transmitting portion which corresponds to the element face. Radiated from the illumination optical system including a rod integrator, the illumination light enters the element face, on a flat surface including the diagonal line of the element face, at an inclined angle with respect to the normal to the element face. Near a light exit face of the rod integrator, a mask plate is disposed to regulate a part of the illumination light. The mask plate has a mask aperture of substantially rhombus shape. The illumination light passing the mask aperture is reshaped so that an illumination area can be a substantially rectangular shape on the element face.

Abstract: A light source device (10) has: a light-emitting tube (11) including a light-emitting portion (111) that emits a light beam through electrodes (114) and a pair of sealing portions (112, 113) provided on both sides of the light-emitting portion (111) and lead wires (200, 210) for making electrical continuity between the electrodes (114) and an external power source, the lead wires (200, 210) extending from the distal ends of the sealing portions (112, 113), respectively; and a reflector (12) having a concave reflecting surface (124) that emits, from the opening thereof, the light beam irradiated by the light-emitting tube (11) after aligning in a predetermined direction, in which the lead wire (200) extends from the sealing portion (112) on the light beam irradiation front side of the reflector (12) up to the opening end portion (125) of the reflector (12), the lead wire (200) having bent portions (221, 222, 223) in which the lead wire (200) is sequentially bent along the shape of the opening edge portion (125

Abstract: Forward view apparatus (10) for a motor vehicle, to enable the driver of the vehicle to view an image of objects which are located forward of the apparatus (10), includes a housing (12) in which a rear view mirror (14) is located. A two-mirror arrangement (20, 24) within the housing (12) provides an image of objects forward of the assembly (10) in a viewing portal (16). The first mirror (20) is planar and adjustable. A second mirror (24) is fixed and has a curved reflecting surface. The reflecting surface of the fixed mirror (24) is aspheric, spherical, substantially spherical, parabolic or quasi-parabolic. A window (26) is provided on the forward side of the housing, to enable light to pass to the two-mirror arrangement (20, 24). A shutter (332) is able to close across the window (26) to prevent bright lights or other distracting images being seen by the driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spoke (1) which exhibits reflective and/or luminescent properties. Said properties are produced in such a way that a surface (13) of the spoke is covered with a film (7) which is provided with a reflective and/or luminescent covering on the side opposite the surface. The film is removed from a roll and separated into appropriate pieces. An adhesive provided on the film is provided with a protective layer before being applied to the spoke, said protective layer being removed before processing. The adhesive is pressed between the film and the surface of the spoke in order to ensure lasting placement of the film on the spoke.

Abstract: A stowable laser eye protection system is provided as a solution for protecting the eyes of pilots and other vehicle operators and optical sensors such as during critical phases of flight and for general protection against a wide range of spectral wavelengths. A stowable laser eye protection system provides protection that can be manually or automatically extended and retracted. For example, by installing flexible laser protective films on rollers at each window of an aircraft cockpit, the protection can be put in place during taxi before take-off and stowed when the aircraft is a safe distance away from a potential threat area such as after reaching a particular altitude. A similar activity could be used for approach and landing, where the protection is extracted when the aircraft approaches a threat condition or critical phase of flight and retracted after landing.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system comprises a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensor elements arranged in a predefined arrangement. The photosensor array has a field of view forward of the vehicle that is generally in line with the vehicle's primary direction of forward travel. The photosensor array captures an image of at least one item of interest exterior the vehicle within its forward field of view. A control is responsive to an output of the photosensor array. Preferably, the control analyzes particular groupings of photosensor elements of the photosensor array while ignoring other particular groupings of photosensor elements of the photosensor array so as to determine at least one of presence, size, shape, contour and motion of the at least one item of interest exterior the vehicle.

Abstract: An array of high fill factor mirrors has each mirror be coupled across two deformable spring bars that are deformed using a drive. The two deformable springs are parallel to each other, and coupled together, e.g., by a cross bar. A support is coupled at one end to the cross bar and at its opposite end to the mirror. Coupled across the deformable spring bars on the opposite side thereof from the mirror support, is at least one moveable drive plate. Motion by the moveable drive plate causes the deformable spring bars to torque, e.g., in the local vicinity of the connection of the drive plate to the deformable spring bars. The torque causes the deformable spring bars to move downward, e.g., near their centers. As a result, cross bar, and hence the mirror, move downward.

Abstract: Forming an optical element curved surface mirror with a low surface roughness and high shape precision at a low cost by only forming without employing any one of various types of polishing operations during a manufacturing process. The present invention provides an optical element processing method of forming an optical element by forming a metal base material with a die, and includes a film formation step of forming a metal film on a surface of the metal base material by PVD, CVD, plating, or dipping, and a forming step of forming the metal base material, having the metal film formed on its surface, with the die.

Abstract: A first light-emitting unit (11a), a second light-emitting unit (11b), . . . are disposed near a tip vicinity of a spinner cover (1) of a propeller (2). The first light-emitting unit (11a) embraces a first bulk-shaped lens of bullet-like, and a semiconductor light-emitting element is installed in a cavity of the first bulk-shaped lens. The second light-emitting unit (11b) embraces a second bulk-shaped lens of bullet-like, and a semiconductor light-emitting element installed in a cavity of the second bulk-shaped lens. The first light-emitting unit (11a) and the second light-emitting unit (11b) are formed so as to be able to attach to and detach from the spinner cover (1) as an attachment (4) for bird strike protection.

Abstract: An illuminated dwelling trim apparatus includes an elongated housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first end and a second end. The front wall has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The openings are aligned between the first and second ends. A plurality of light emitters is mounted within the housing on the back wall. Each of the light emitters is electrically coupled together. The light emitters are aligned with and directed toward one of the openings. A power supply is electrically coupled to the plurality of light emitters. A trim element is attached to a house adjacent to and extends along a roofline of a house. The housing is attached to and extends along a length of the trim element.

Abstract: A portable radial projection light source arrangement includes a shelter housing and an illumination unit. The shelter housing includes a protection base having a light source cavity therein, and a supporting frame mounted on the protection base. The illumination unit includes a power source supported in the protection base, a light source disposed in the light source cavity and electrically connected to the power source, and a reflecting member supported at a position coaxially above the light source wherein the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface radially projected from the light source in such a manner that when the light source emits light, the light is radially reflected by the light reflecting surface of the reflecting member to outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the interior of a balloon includes a cylindrical plug with an integrally-formed radially extending integral flange insertable within the balloon neck. A light element is affixed to the plug and disposed within the neck. A battery is electrically connected to the light element and is typically mounted next to the light element, or includes the light element in a single assembly. Switching is provided to turn the lighting element on and off which, in the preferred embodiment is effected by inflating the balloon with the apparatus inserted into the balloon neck. The light element may be affixed to the head of the apparatus by magnetic means, by means of a screw-on cap, or by other well-known techniques.

Abstract: A long-range, high intensity handheld searchlight has several novel features that improve existing designs. The invention minimizes electrical penetrations to the handheld searchlight by having a magnetic ON/OFF switch. A heat sink is disclosed that is in thermal contact with the external housing without physically penetrating the housing. Additionally, when an external power source in required, power transfer is achieved by inductive coupling to further eliminate electrical penetrations that affect watertight integrity. Also disclosed is a lamp socket assembly for a handheld searchlight that has springs that act as floating contacts within a lamp socket hole. The springs provide proper alignment for the lamp that is critical to achieve a high-intensity light beam. A lamp is disclosed that has its electrodes adjacent to one another for easy installation and removal of the lamp. A shoulder strap is further disclosed to facilitate transportation and use of a handheld searchlight.

Abstract: An improved flashlight includes a barrel, a light source and a variable length conductor. The barrel contains a plurality of batteries which may be arranged end-to-end. The light source is held in a holder. The variable length conductor is interposed between the plurality of batteries and the light source. The variable length conductor is configured to selectively electrically couple or de-couple the light source and the batteries. The holder of the light source may further be configured to move the light source substantially laterally relative to an axis of the reflector.

Abstract: A flashlight has a single lamp, a power storage element, and a switch. The switch operates by being incremented through a sequence of states, and each increment may be caused an application and release of pressure. The different states correspond to different lamp brightness levels, and may include an off state. An electronic controller may be included with connections to each of a number of contacts on the switch. The lamp may be a single LED efficiently operable over a range of power and brightness levels at a consistent color output.

Abstract: A valve island that has the PC board captured in the expansion station is disclosed. The PC board is held into the expansion station by a feature on the PC board that interferes with the inside of the wire-way of the expansion station sub-base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile, handheld inspection lamp with a unique configuration. Light of different wavelengths is emitted along different portions of the length, and an opaque slider allows the user to select the preferred wavelength of light for a particular task.

Abstract: An illumination device having a plurality of light sources, a user manipulable control and a circuit. The circuit receives an input from the user manipulable control, determines an illumination angle of the plurality of light sources based upon the input, and illuminates at least one of the light sources such that the light sources are illuminated in accordance with the illumination angle.

Abstract: A light-mixing module includes a luminous panel having a plurality of red, green, and blue illuminants arranged alternately, at least one corner being formed in an area defined by the arrangement of the illuminants, a predetermined illuminant being located at the corner; at least one mask located above the luminous panel and over the corner for attenuating the light emitted therethrough from the predetermined illuminant thereunder and having a transmittance preferably lower than 90%; and a light-mixing panel located above the luminous panel and the mask. The light emitted from the illuminants passes through the light-mixing panel for mixture to generate required colored light and then to emit outward. Accordingly, the mask prevents the predetermined illuminant from displaying a weighted color, thus attaining the potency of even light mixture.

Abstract: An LED light string employs a plurality of electrical components defined by LEDs and sockets wired in block series-parallel, where the one or more series blocks, each driven at the same input voltage as the source voltage (110 VAC or 220 VAC), are coupled in parallel. The LED light string interfaces to the source voltage using a common household plug; it may also include a corresponding common, household socket, coupled in electrical parallel, to enable multiple light strings to be connected to each other from end to end. In order to directly drive a network of diodes without current-limiting circuitry, the voltage of each series block of diodes must be matched to the input source voltage. This voltage matching requirement for direct AC drive places fundamental restrictions on the number of diodes on each diode series block, depending on the types of diodes used. For the voltage to be “matched,” it is possible to employ LED assemblies of different resistance values; e.g.

Abstract: An illumination matrix with a substantially symmetrical arrangement having a support member and a predetermined plurality of sets of illumination devices disposed one of on and in and a combination of on and in the support member. Each of the predetermined plurality of sets of illumination devices includes a predetermined number of illumination devices. The illumination devices in such sets being disposed in a substantially symmetrical matrix array having at least two substantially mirror axes, thereby producing an effect similar to reflected light without requiring use of mirrors. A control device is connected with the sets of illumination devices for separately controlling each of the sets of illumination devices. An energization supply is connected to the control means for energizing such sets of illumination devices in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: An ambiance lighting system for a vehicular passenger compartment has a variable color light output which is automatically responsive to temperature changes. First and second light sources of different colors (e.g., blue and red) are positioned immediately behind the air discharge vents and are selectively energized by a control circuit so that the first light source radiates light through the vent when the temperature falls below a predetermined value and the second light sources energizes the second color of light when the air temperature rises above a predetermined value. Sensors are used to detect the temperature of air, preferably in the ducting plenum. Various control strategies can be deployed to achieve aesthetically interesting light presentations which enhance ambiance within the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Luminaire with reflector of adjustable rotation comprises a luminaire housing, a reflector received in the housing and an assembled component at ends of reflector. Each longitudinal end of the luminaire has a recess and a projection on internal surface, the recess defining a circular arc, with center as longitudinal axis of a fluorescent lamp. Each assembled component has first and second axially outwardly protruding parts, cooperating with an associated recess and projection, respectively. The first part is received in the recess for guiding rotation of the reflector. The second part has a circular arced, toothed surface concentric with its associated recess, and cooperating with an associated projection that engages a respective one of a plurality of cavities of the toothed surface, to secure the reflector in a respective one of a plurality of rotational positions. Locations of recess and projection can be interchanged with locations of first and second parts.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing active and passive thermal or cooling facilities for LED lighting systems, including radiating and convective thermal facilities, including fans, phase change materials, conductive polymers, potting compounds, vents, ducts, and other thermal facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess defining a concave surface, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess and a light source positioned to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength via the concave surface of the recess into the lens. The lens may be a non-imaging lens or a total internal reflection lens (TIR) configured to radiate optical radiation received at the concave surface. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink to conduct heat generated by the light source to the heat sink.

Abstract: At least one light-emitting diode emitting a light, and a front panel provided at a position forward in a traveling direction of the light emitted from the light-emitting diode, form a display device. In this display device, the front panel is so shaped as to protrude in the traveling direction of the light. An embossed portion diffusing the light emitted from the light-emitting diode is formed on the front panel.

Abstract: An optical sheet includes a substrate onto which light is incident, and a convex part protruded from the substrate by a predetermined thickness. A thickness of the convex part increases from an edge to a center thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light reflector formed of a white polyolefin film which contains a polyolefin resin and a filler and is oriented at least monoaxially to have an areal draw ratio of from 1.3 to 80 times, which has a whole ray reflectance of at least 95% and undergoes a dimensional change of at most 1.5% when left at 70° C. for 300 hours, and which has a melting-starting temperature of 70° C. or higher. The light reflector hardly causes brightness unevenness of the planar light source when it is built in a planar light source device and used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a sealed unitary light module including at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode operates with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt when passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps and that emits a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage. The sealed unitary light module is removable as a unit from the vehicle and includes a heat dissipating element and a lens.