Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a display including a light-transmissive substrate bonded onto a display surface of a display body, a bonding surface of the display body and a bonding surface of the light-transmissive substrate are set in a mutually opposed manner across compression-deformable clearance regulation members. The compression-deformable clearance regulation members are provided between the display body and the light-transmissive substrate. An adhesive, previously applied to one terminal edge of a bonding surface, is spread between the bonding surfaces of both the display body and the light-transmissive substrate. This is done by pressing the light-transmissive substrate against the display body starting from one terminal edge towards an other terminal edge thereof and by gradually decreasing a clearance between the bonding surfaces by serially compression-deforming the clearance regulation member from the one terminal edge towards the other terminal edge.

Abstract: A mirror is shaped using a shaping apparatus including a crossbar and a horizontal array of members (wheels in some embodiments) attached to a bottom of the crossbar. The height of the array of members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. The shaping apparatus is positioned over a mirror such that the members contact the mirror. The shaping apparatus is moved along a length of the mirror such that the members remain in contact with the mirror. A frame is attached to the mirror such that when the shaping apparatus is removed from the mirror, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A robotic placement machine including a base operably connected to the Y axis actuator and the X axis actuator, a first Z axis actuator coupled to the first end of the base, the first Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a first Z axis, a second Z axis actuator coupled to the second end of the base, the second Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a second Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator, wherein the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator are each capable of moving independently of each other to tilt the pick and place plate is provided. Furthermore, a system comprising a first machine, second machine, and third machine to eliminate air bubbles when bonding two substrates is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of a condensing lens for a high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) module. A buffer layer made of silicone is added between a glass and the condensing lens for adhering the glass to the condensing lens. Because the buffer layer can be formed on the glass before adhering to the condensing lens, a higher temperature for increasing adhesion between the glass and the buffer layer can be applied. It also allows the follow-up processes to have sufficient treatment time, thereby increasing the flexibility of processing schedule.

Abstract: A method of forming a curved touch surface is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes depositing a touch sensor pattern on a flexible substrate; and curving the flexible substrate, using a chuck surface supporting the flexible substrate, to conform to a shape of a curved cover surface. Then, the curved flexible substrate can be laminated or otherwise adhered to the cover surface. The flexible substrate can be a glass substrate greater than 200 ?m in thickness, and can be reduced to a desired thickness below 200 ?m after the touch sensor pattern is deposited thereon. The flexible substrate can be curved by supporting the flexible substrate on the chuck surface such that the flexible substrate conforms to a shape of the chuck surface, or forcing the flexible substrate against the cover surface, such that the flexible substrate conforms to the shape of the curved cover surface.

Abstract: A light filter includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first bonding film provided in an entire region at the second substrate side of the first substrate, a second bonding film provided in an entire region at the first substrate side of the second substrate, a first optical film provided on the first bonding film of the first substrate, a second optical film provided on the second bonding film of the second substrate, a first electrode provided on the first bonding film of the first substrate, and a second electrode provided on the second bonding film of the second substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed by bonding of the first bonding film and the second bonding film, and the first optical film, the second optical film, the first electrode, and the second electrode are formed of the same material.

Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.

Abstract: The invention relates to transparent fire-resistant glass elements made from at least two panes, wherein a layer made from a UV-curable material is arranged between each of said panes, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as multiple glass elements in mobile units such as doors and windows or fixed as elements of walls or façades.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative laminated article comprising an image bearing thermoplastic interlayer wherein the image has been printed on the interlayer using an ink jet printing process, wherein the pigment comprises at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of: PY 120; PY 155; PY 128; PY 180; PY 95; PY 93; PV19/PR 202; PR 122; PB 15:4; PB 15:3; and PBI 7. The interlayer material of the present invention can be, for example, PVB, PET, or polyurethane.

Abstract: A laminated vehicle glazing comprising a first ply of a glazing material and a second ply of a glazing material having a substantially co-extensive ply of an interlayer material laminated there between, at least a portion of the ply of interlayer material having a wedged cross-section, wherein the ply of interlayer material is pre-shaped by stretching such that either: (a) when the wedge angle is calculated at a plurality of points across the glazing, by taking measurements of a deflection of a laser beam as it passes through the glazing, the standard deviation in the magnitude of the wedge angle of the wedged portion is less than 0.05 mrad; or (b) when a grid pattern is projected onto the glazing, the standard deviation in the displacement between observed primary and secondary images of portions of the grid is less than 0.85 mm.

Abstract: A filter and fabrication process for a thin film filter that is based on frustrated total internal reflection and multiple waveguide layers, in which the waveguide modes are resonantly coupled. The physics of the design is related to prism coupling of light into planar waveguides, and waveguide coupling between planar waveguides in close proximity. Embodiments include a filter that acts as a bandpass filter and polarizer, a filter that acts as a bandpass filter, polarizer and angle filter (spatial filter), a filter that is widely tunable, and a filter that is widely tunable in both peak transmission wavelength and width. Methods of fabrication are disclosed, and methods to correct for manufacturing errors in thin film deposition are described. The filter embodiments can also be used in reflection as notch filters in wavelength and angle, for a particular polarization component.

Abstract: Gradient index lenses with no aberrations and related methods for making such lenses are described. In one aspect, a gradient index lens can be a substantially spherically-shaped lens that has at least one side that is flattened such that a locus of focal points resides on a plane. A method for making a gradient index lens can include forming material layers, each of the material layers defining an effective refractive index, and laminating the material layers together to form a substantially spherically-shaped lens having at least one side that is flattened to a substantially planar surface. The material layers can have a gradient refractive index distribution such that a locus of focal points resides on the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of free-space fiber waveguide connectors, feed-throughs and GRIN lens assemblies and methods of bonding GRIN lenses in, and aligning waveguide fibers to, such connectors, feed-throughs and assemblies. In one embodiment, a free-space fiber waveguide connector includes: (1) an insert having a waveguide fiber bonded in a fiber mount attached proximate one end of the insert and an angle-faced GRIN lens attached proximate an opposing end of the insert and (2) a lens collar attached to the GRIN lens, the one end defining a reference plane and a virtual axis of the GRIN lens perpendicular to the reference plane, the fiber mount adjustable to a reflection from a reflective surface bonded parallel to the reference plane.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to frits or solder glass compounds that include beads, and/or assemblies such as, for example, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units or plasma display panels (PDPs) including the same. In certain example embodiments, the beads may be hollow glass beads of any suitable shape (e.g., substantially spherical, substantially eye shaped, substantially oblong, substantially square shaped, etc.) with or without evacuated cavities. The inclusion of such beads in a frit material may improve the thermal properties of the bulk fired frit in certain example instances. Additionally, the inclusion of such beads in a frit material may take the place of other more expensive materials in the frit, thereby reducing the costs associated with the fabrication of the assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers and multiple layer glass panels comprising polymer interlayers, and, more specifically, the present invention is in the field of wedge shaped polymer interlayers.

Abstract: A method for forming a reflective element substrate for a mirror assembly of a vehicle includes generally continuously forming an elongated sheet of substrate material and applying a substantially transparent functional film to a surface of the elongated sheet. The substantially transparent functional film is unrolled from a reel or roll of the film and the unrolled film is applied to the surface of the elongated sheet generally continuously as the sheet is formed or extruded or cast. Two or more mirror substrates are formed from the elongated sheet after the film is applied to the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical converter and a manufacturing method thereof and a light emitting diode. An optical converter for a light emitting diode includes two substrates, in which, a annular first cavity wall is arranged between the two substrates, and an airtight space filled with an optical conversion substance is surrounded by the first cavity wall and the two substrates. The invention implements the encapsulation and manufacturing of the optical conversion substance for the LED. The structure and the manufacturing method according to the invention can be utilized to encapsulate an active optical conversion substance in the optical converter while avoiding the active optical conversion substance reacting to other active substance, e.g., oxygen, during manufacturing. Furthermore, the optical conversion substance is encapsulated with wafer level chip size packaging to thereby improve the efficiency of manufacturing the optical converter and reduce the cost.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for displaying an interlaced image. The method includes providing a film of transparent material and creating a lens array in the film by forming parallel lens sets on a first side of the film, and then bonding an interlaced image including sets of elongate image elements to a second side of the film. Each of the lens sets is configured with lenses for focusing light from one of the image elements in a particular paired set of image elements rather than all the elements as with lenticular material. The bonding of the interlaced image to the film may include printing the interlaced image directly onto the second side with the printing facilitated by the small lens array thickness. Lens array creating includes embossing the lens sets into the film with a flat die or cylinder/roller engraved with a reverse image of the lens array.

Abstract: In a method for structuring the surface of a substrate, a substrate is elastically expanded by the application of a tensile stress so that a surface area of the substrate in which a structure is to be created, is enlarged. Then, in the surface area, a structure is produced that is larger than the structure to be produced. For this purpose at least one solution is applied to the substrate, which solvent contains at least one solid substance dissolved in a solvent. The solvent is then removed from the surface of the substrate so that the solid substance remains behind. The expansion of the substrate is at least partly reversed by the reduction or removal of the tensile stress so that the size of the structure is reduced to the size of the structure to be produced. In the material of the substrate, a compression stress can also be created to reduce the size of the structure to the size of the structure to be produced.

Abstract: A method of decorating laminated glass is disclosed. A pigment package composition comprising a cross-linkable thermoset resin, a crosslinker capable of crosslinking the thermoset resin, and a pigment is applied to a glass substrate. The crosslinker and thermoset resin are cured at a relatively low temperature (ca. 400° F.). The use of an organic based pigment composition allows use of thinner glass sheets than with traditional ceramic enamel pigment compositions.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a multilayered interlayer for safety glass that allows reliable and easy formation of inserted layers having a larger coloring layer.

Abstract: Laminated glazing for automotive use in which a thermoplastic functional film is thermoformed and then cooled by forced draught, prior to the introduction between the glass sheets of the laminated glazing.

Abstract: The present invention is an extruded sheet of polyvinylbutyral having thick edges relative to the interior region, whereby the sheet can be taken up on a roll and aged in such a manner that the roll attains a cylindrical shape due to loss of circumference of the roll edge during aging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an antenna-embedded laminated glass with an antenna element sealed between glass sheets, which is characterized to comprise forming two or more glass sheets forming the laminated glass; bonding a transfer film on a surface of one of the glass sheets by a bonding strip, the transfer film including the bonding strip and a conductive strip forming the antenna element; and press-bonding glass sheet, through a intermediate film, to the surface of the one glass sheet with the transfer film bonded thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a curved screen arrangement for a vehicle, whereby a plastic film (22) is applied to a curved glass plate (18) by means of a die (24) to form a film composite (26). The film composite is subsequently subjected to a thermal treatment at a pressure below that of atmospheric pressure in order to laminate the plastic film to the screen. The plastic film is embodied as a cover film and an adhesive layer is applied between the cover film and the screen in order to form the film composite and to fix the cover film to the screen.

Abstract: To provide a laminated glass for a vehicle window which can prevent the temperature increase in a vehicle. An infrared reflection glass plate which is a glass plate with an infrared reflection film, wherein the infrared reflection film has a stacked coating film (X) having a coating film (1) made of a high refractive index inorganic material having a refractive index of at least 1.90 and a coating film (2) made of a low refractive index inorganic material having a refractive index of at most 1.56 alternately stacked in this order from the glass plate side; the total number of the coating film (1) and the coating film (2) is at least 3; and the geometrical thickness of the coating film (1) is from 70 to 150 nm and the geometrical thickness of the coating film (2) is from 100 to 200 nm.

Abstract: The rear projection screen includes a laminated sheet having a multi-layered structure consisting of the n number (n is a natural number of three or above) of layers. In this laminated sheet, a difference in linear expansion coefficients is 5% or more between a layer having the maximum linear expansion coefficient and a layer having the minimum linear expansion coefficient. Further, a difference in elasticity is 10% or more between a layer having the maximum elasticity and a layer having the minimum elasticity. The curvature change rate ? (1/mm° C.) of the laminated sheet with respect to temperature satisfies ?7.0×10?6???7.0×10?6.

Abstract: A method for laminating glass sheets wherein laminating film (1) is placed over one surface of a first glass sheet (2) and the film (1) is heated with short wave radiation (4) to a bonding temperature. Heated areas (8) of the film (1) are successively pressed to the glass sheet (2) in a continuous manner for purging air from between the film (1) and the first glass sheet (2) and for applying bonding pressure. The pressed film areas (8) are then cooled whereby an appropriate bond is attained between the film (1) and the first glass sheet (2). Thereafter the first glass sheet (2) with its bonded film is subjected to a partial vacuum and a second glass sheet (10) is positioned on the film (1) and the second glass sheet (10) is pressed (11) to the film (1).

Abstract: A process for producing an arched pane arrangement for a motor vehicle, using a flexible die (24), a plastic film (22) being pressed onto the arched glass pane (18) in order to form a film combination (26) and the film combination being subjected to heat treatment at an pressure which is below atmospheric pressure in order to laminate the plastic film onto the pane. The die (24) is thin glass or a metal foil with a layer thickness of less than 1 mm each.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a multilayer optical articles. A method comprises forming a first multilayer article with a first substrate and a second substrate with a first adherent disposed between the first and second substrate. A first surface of a third substrate is then grasped with a first holder and a second adherent is then disposed on one or more surfaces selected from a second surface of the third substrate and a surface of the first multilayer article while the multilayer article is grasped by a second holder. The second adherent is then at least partially cured while the first and second holders maintain their grasp and while the inner surfaces of the first and second holders are in the selected angular relationship to form a second multilayer article.

Abstract: A process for producing an arched pane arrangement for a motor vehicle, using a flexible die (24), a plastic film (22) being pressed onto the arched glass pane (18) in order to form a film combination (26) and the film combination being subjected to heat treatment at an pressure which is below atmospheric pressure in order to laminate the plastic film onto the pane. The die (24) is thin glass or a metal foil with a layer thickness of less than 1 mm each.

Abstract: Two components are bonded together in a bonding apparatus using a bonding medium of malleable metallic spheres and a curable adhesive. The two components are bonded by positioning the components in a facing-but-spaced-apart relation in the bonding apparatus with the spheres and the adhesive between the first component and the second component. The bonding apparatus forces the first component toward the second component with sufficient force to bond the spheres to the first component and to the second component, while monitoring at least one measured bonding reaction of the first component and the second component, and controlling the bonding apparatus responsive to the step of monitoring. The adhesive is thereafter cured, optionally with the bonding pressure released and the assembly removed from the bonding apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic interlayers for laminated safety glass with superior vacuum de-airing at elevated temperatures and superior tacking and edge sealing properties. The sheeting has surface pattern on at least one of the surfaces characterized by flat surfaces with substantially uninterrupted channels for air flow in at least two intersecting directions. The channels allow for rapid de-airing while the area roughness parameter ratio ARp/ARt in the range of 0.52 to 0.62, ARt being less than 32 &mgr;m, and area kurtosis less than 2.5, allow for ease of tacking of the interlayer onto glass and edge sealing after de-airing has been completed. Said surface pattern may also be superimposed onto a pattern which is generated by melt fracture or other means on at least one side to enhance de-airing and aid edge sealing.

Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate includes providing a substrate having a functional coating with a first emissivity value; depositing a coating material having a second emissivity value over at least a portion of the functional coating prior to heating to provide a coating stack having an emissivity value greater than the emissivity value of the functional coating; and heating the coated substrate.

Abstract: A plant for the continuous production of polarizing lenses includes a coil polarizing film feeding station; a glass convex lens feeding station; a concave lens feeding station; an under vacuum film shaping station; a deposition and gluing outer convex lens station; a translation station for the pre-glued lenses; a deposition and gluing inner concave lens station; a lens separation and film cutting station; and a palletization station for the finished lenses; and a method.

Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%-60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%-35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.

Abstract: A windshield for a head-up display system has a pair of opposing major surfaces that are nonparallel to one another in selected areas. Light rays directed toward the nonparallel area of the windshield are reflected from the outer and inner major surfaces of the windshield and directed toward the eye of the observer as parallel or superimposed light rays to eliminate ghost images when viewing images projected by the head-up display system through the windshield. The interlayer blank utilized to make the windshield has a non-uniform thickness profile with a tapered thickness positioned in the selected areas of the windshield.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle windshield. First and second flat glass sheets are bent together into a shape desired for the windshield. The bent sheets are separated, and an interlayer (e.g., PVB) positioned therebetween. After the sheets have been heat laminated to one another via the interlayer, the convex tin side of the outer sheet is ion beam milled to shave off a portion thereof. Then, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) inclusive coating is deposited using an ion beam(s) on the milled convex shaped surface of the laminate to produce a windshield. In certain optional embodiments, the windshield may be hydrophobic in nature.

Abstract: A laminated glazing for automobile use comprising a thermoplastic functional film and having a solid coloured obscuration band around the outer edge of one of the glass panes, wherein the edge of the thermoplastic functional film lies within the obscuration band and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminated glass and a method of producing the same. This laminated glass includes first and second transparent glass plates and an interlayer film interposed therebetween. This interlayer film has functional ultra-fine particles which have a particle diameter of up to 0.2 &mgr;m and are dispersed therein. Due to the incorporation of the ultra-fine particles thereinto, the interlayer film is provided with various additional functions such as heat insulation, ultraviolet ray absorption and the maintenance of a sufficient radio transmittance. Therefore, the laminated glass becomes suitable as an architectural or automotive laminated glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incubating a liquid reagent with target spots on a microarray substrate. A deformable cover is placed over the surface of the microarray substrate having the target spots with the liquid reagent between the microarray substrate and the deformable cover, and a device is used to apply a force to the deformable cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pane including (a) a glass substrate having first and second major surfaces opposed to each other, (b) a functional film formed on the first major surface of the glass substrate, and (c) a conductive wire formed on the functional film. This glass pane is produced by a process having the sequential steps of (a) applying a coating liquid to the first major surface of the glass substrate, thereby forming thereon a first precursory film; (b) subjecting the coated glass substrate to a first baking at a first temperature of 550-620° C., thereby turning the first precursory film into a second precursory film; (c) printing a metal-containing paste on a part of the second precursory film, thereby forming thereon a precursory conductive wire; and (d) subjecting the coated glass substrate to a second baking at a second temperature of 600-670° C.

Abstract: An optical device has a base body with a surface, a first optically effective, multilayer system in the base body, terminating at an intersection, and a second optically effective, multilayer system. The second system has a layer along the base body surface, spanning the intersection. The surface of the base body, including the intersection, are jointly treated by at least one of: milling, grinding, polishing, and lapping. A further base body with a further surface and a third optically effective system terminating at a further intersection area at the further surface also has a further layer between the second optically effective multilayer system and the further surface.

Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate includes providing a substrate having at least one functional coating with a first emissivity value; depositing at least one coating material having a second emissivity value over at least a portion of the at least one functional coating wherein the deposited coating has a thickness ranging from greater than 100 Å to less than 10 microns and a refractive index ranging from 1.4 to 2. The resulting coating stack has an emissivity value greater than the emissivity value of the functional coating. Optionally the coated substrate is heated whereby the coated substrate can be bent to a desired shape and/or tempered.

Abstract: A optical body has at least two polymeric materials forming a reflective interface for at least one polarization of light. One optical body is a multilayer optical film that includes birefringent first optical layers and second optical layers interleaved with the first optical layers. Each first optical layer is formed using a polymer, such as a copolymer of polyethylene naphthalate. The second optical layers are formed so that they have a lower in-plane birefringence than the first optical layers for 632.8 nm light. Optical bodies can be used as, for example, polarizers and mirrors. The optical bodies can be formed using polymers that provide better index matching and are more easily protected from UV light without coloring the optical body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a strip applying tool for applying strip material to substrates. The tool includes at least one cutting blade to slit cut the strip material from its exterior surface into its body to thereby facilitate the formation fo a corner while maintaining the strip in a continuous uninterrupted length. The tool further provides a channel extending therein to receive strip material which provides a guide surface to permit the application of the strip to the substrate while maintaining a lower surface of the tool above the substrate to prevent moving or scratching of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for bending tempered glass. The process involves adhering two sheets of tempered glass in overlying relation and positioning a containment barrier such as vinyl sheets over the adhered unit. The glass is fractured and the unit manipulated into a desired shape. Once the adhesion has set, the vinyl is removed.

Abstract: A laminated plate comprising a glass layer located in front and formed from a glass sheet and a resin layer located at the back of the glass layer and molded from a molten thermoplastic material spread at a low pressure over the glass layer, the glass layer and the resin layer being arranged in a laminated fashion. A method for producing the laminated plate wherein the glass sheet is first provided so as to be in close contact with the inner side of at least either one of dies used in a compression molding machine and then the dies are clamped for compression molding, with the molten resinous material to be supplied to a mold cavity being spread at a low pressure over the glass sheet, whereby the laminated plate comprising, in a laminated fashion, the glass layer composed of the glass sheet and the resin layer molded by spreading the molten resinous material at a low pressure can be formed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a phosphor pattern which comprises a substrate having unevenness and a phosphor layer formed on the inner surface of a concave portion of the substrate, wherein the phosphor pattern thickness ratio (x)/(y) satisfies a range of 0.1 to 1.5, where when the length from the bottom of the concave portion to the top of a convex portion is L (&mgr;m), (x) is a thickness of the phosphor pattern formed on an uneven wall surface at a position of 0.9×L from the bottom of the concave portion toward the top of the convex portion, and (y) is a thickness of the phosphor pattern formed on the uneven wall surface at a position of 0.4×L from the bottom of the concave portion toward the top of the convex portion, and processes for preparing the same.