Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure. In one embodiment, such structures comprise porous structures suitable for implantation in a host. Such a structure preferably exhibits geometric properties that tend to promote vascularization in the area of the structure when implanted into a host. The method includes selectively applying and exposing layers of biocompatible photoimageable material to create layers forming a cross-linked latticework structure having the desired geometric properties. Each layer is formed on top of a prior layer, preferably before any layer is developed. In one form, the structure is manufactured in connection with an implant device and promotes vascularization that supports bioacceptance/biocompatibility of the implant device.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A fast (high numerical aperture) cylindrical microlens, which includes an internally reflective surface, that functions to deviate the direction of the light that enters the lens from its original propagation direction is employed in optically conditioning laser diodes, laser diode arrays and laser diode bars.

Abstract: Transparent polyamide molding materials are provided which are characterized in that they have a melting enthalpy between 0 and 12 J/g and the polyamides are constituted of 100 mole-% of a diamine mixture having 10-70 mole-% of PACM [bis-(4-amino-cyclohexyl)-methane] with less than 50 wt.

Abstract: A method of producing an antireflection structure for use on a display or a window surface or both in an electronic device, such as a mobile phone. The display can be an LCD with a top polarizer and a bottom polarizer. The antireflection structure is imparted on the top polarizer by a roller embossing process. In particular, the embossing is carried out in the same manufacturing process when the polarizer is produced. The antireflection structure has a plurality of sub-wavelength periodic grooves. The antireflection structure on the window surface can be imparted using an embossing process or an injection molding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a moldable synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing film having a high polarization degree and high transmittance, a process for producing the polarizing film, and a polarizing plate using the polarizing film, and an optical member. In the process for producing the polarizing film, a polyvinyl alcohol-based film is dry-stretched uniaxially, relaxed in an aqueous solution containing iodine or a dichroic dyestuff, and further stretched in an aqueous solution containing a PVA crosslinking agent. It is preferable that the polyvinyl alcohol-based film has a dry-stretch ratio of at least 2, the film after relaxation has a stretch ratio of at least 1.02, and the total stretch ratio is at most 6.5. It is also preferable that the relaxation rate is at most 10% of the dry-stretch ratio.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: A cylindrical embossment roll whose outer circumferential surface is formed with a micro-asperity pattern is prepared. A substrate is coated with a thin resin film. The substrate is held by a transfer stage, and a micro-asperity pattern is formed on the thin resin film by pressing the outer circumferential surface of the embossment roll against the thin resin film with a pressurizing mechanism while rolling the embossment roll on the thin resin film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light directing polymeric film bearing on a surface thereof a three-dimensional features having an Ra of at least 3, the features containing a polymer dispersion comprising a continuous phase thermoplastic first polymeric material and a discontinuous phase thermoplastic second polymeric material that is immiscible with the first polymeric material and is dispersed in elongated micro-regions.

Abstract: A light guiding plate is manufactured with accuracy and at low cost. This invention comprises a cylindrical roller, which has a heater built-in, rotating while fixing a stamper having a dot pattern formed on its surface, substrate fixing means for reciprocating along a lower portion of the cylindrical roller in accordance with rotation of the cylindrical roller as fixing a resin substrate, and pressing means for pressing the stamper, which is fixed to the cylindrical roller, onto a surface of the resin substrate, which is fixed to the substrate fixing means, with a constant pressure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated optical isolator includes depositing a wire grid material on a magneto-optical substrate and depositing a resist film on the wire grid material. The method further includes bringing a mold with a wire grid pattern on contact with the resist film and compressing the mold and resist film together so as to emboss the wire grid pattern in the resist film. The method further includes transferring the wire grid pattern in the resist film to the wire grid material on the magneto-optical substrate by etching.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: In the production of an antiglare and antireflection film conducted by nipping antireflection film between an embossing roller and a backup roller to transfer the shape of convexes and concaves formed on the embossing roller to one surface of the antireflection film, the longitudinal elastic modulus and hardness of the backup roller are made smaller than the longitudinal elastic modulus and hardness of the embossing roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of making optical films having continuous phase/disperse phase morphology are disclosed which can control the nature of the disperse phase in such films to yield enhanced optical properties. When used in liquid crystal displays and the like, the films can increase the screen luminance beyond that achievable with known continuous phase/disperse phase optical films.

Abstract: A continuous process for imparting a striking glittering or sparkling appearance to a roll of initially non-glittering cube corner sheeting includes exposing the sheeting to a combination of heat and pressure. The process includes passing the sheeting through an extended heated zone and applying pressure to the sheeting after it has been heated. At least one belt is employed to support or carry the sheeting as the sheeting is passed through the heated zone and as the pressure is applied. In one embodiment the sheeting is sandwiched between a pair of endless belts that pass through the extended heated zone, the nip, and a cooling zone downweb of the nip. The process is particularly advantageous for converting rolls of non-glittering cube corner sheeting into rolls of glittering cube corner sheeting.

Abstract: The method involves cutting or forming one or more patterns of optical element shapes in the exterior surface of a sleeve or one or more curved substrates or films on a roll during rotation of the roll. Then at least a portion of the sleeve or substrates or films containing at least one pattern of optical element shapes is removed from the roll and the pattern of optical element shapes or a copy or inverse copy thereof is used to form a corresponding pattern of optical elements on or in an optical substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lenticular lens and method for manufacturing the lens, and in particular when the lens is a lenticular lens web, such that finishing operations (e.g., cutting, laminating, etc.) and various end-use applications of the lens (e.g., labeling) can be achieved or accommodated in-line with the manufacture of the lens web. A lenticular pattern-forming device comprising a housing that is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis is disclosed. The housing has an outer surface having a groove pattern. The groove pattern includes circumferentially and longitudinally extending grooves on the outer surface and the grooves have substantially equal groove widths. The longitudinally extending grooves are substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis and grooves cover the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing a microstructured composite article including the steps of: providing a tool with a molding surface that is suitable for forming a microstructure; applying to at least a portion of the molding surface a plurality of lines of a flowable, curable resin composition; contacting the resin composition with a substrate; curing the resin composition; and, transferring the resin composition to the substrate. Alternative embodiments include heating the molding surface or resin composition, or both, to aid in the flow of the resin composition. The advantage of this process is that is that the microstructured composite articles are able to be produced at high speed and are free of air bubbles.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of an optical device having a micro-asperity pattern that has various kinds of accurate three-dimensional shapes and is realized as thin films. A substrate is coated with a resin thin film made of a photosensitive resin, and the temperature of the resin thin film is controlled so as to be lower than the photosensitivity extinction temperature of the resin thin film. A micro-asperity pattern of a stamper is pressed against the resin thin film when the resin thin film is in a softened or melted state by pressurizing means, whereby a micro-asperity pattern is formed on the surface of the resin thin film.

Abstract: An epoxy optical sheet comprising a hardened sheet of an epoxy resin and another resin layer formed on one side thereof. The sheet has a retardation of 5 nm or less, an average thickness of 500 &mgr;m or less, a thickness accuracy of ±10% or less, a glass transition temperature of 170° C. or above, and a smooth surface. The epoxy optical sheet is made by a continuous process which comprises: successively forming a strippable resin layer on a support having a smooth surface; successively spreading an epoxy resin coating solution comprising an epoxy resin, a hardener, a hardening accelerator, and a leveling agent, on the resin layer in the form of a sheet; followed by a hardening treatment, thereby forming a hardened sheet adhering to the resin layer; and, at the same time, recovering the hardened sheet together with the resin layer from the support.

Abstract: Process for producing an anticounterfeit label having a holographic image, and labels produced according to the process.

Abstract: A patterned roller including one or more patterned rings forming an overall cylindrical pattern. The patterned roller may also include one or more spacer rings to form grooves or channels into a surface. The patterned roller may be included in a roller stack as part of a manufacturing system for patterned film. The patterned roller can include a pattern to form full corner cubes of many different sizes and/or geometries in a continuous manner across the width and along the length of a reflective sheet without seams. Methods of manufacture include rolling the cylindrical pattern of the patterned roller into a surface of an extruded sheet. Articles are manufactured utilizing the methods of manufacture including license plates, shoes, highway signs, articles of clothing, pavement markers, automobile reflectors, and bicycle reflectors.

Abstract: A lightguide having either a built-in prism sheet or a built-in diffuser sheet is disclosed. The lightguide includes: a prism sheet having a plane surface and a surface with a plurality of patterned microlens; a transparent wedge having a cross-section of trapezoid; and a binder layer sandwiched between said plane surface of said prism sheet and said transparent wedge. A method for manufacturing the lightguide is also disclosed here.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing retroreflective signs includes: coextruding a rigid substrate layer and an adhesive layer, the rigid substrate layer being suitable for use as a sign board; providing a cube corner sheeting having a structured surface including a plurality of cube corner elements, the cube corner elements having a specularly reflective material thereon; and applying the retroreflective sheeting to the adhesive layer. The method is useable with metalized cube corner sheeting in which the structured surface is formed in a back surface of the sheeting, wherein the cube corner element faces form pyramidal projections in such back surface. The method is also useable with metalized cube corner sheeting in which the structured surface is formed in a front surface of the sheeting, wherein the cube corner element faces form a cavity in such front surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elongate light guide includes providing a moving mold assembly with at least two mold parts, wherein the mold parts have an engaged portion and a non-engaged portion. The mold parts are moved such that the non-engaged portions move in a first direction and the engaged portions move in a second direction different from the first direction to form an elongate regenerated mold cavity having a longitudinal axis, wherein the cavity comprises a molding surface with at least one structure transverse to the longitudinal axis. A thermosettable material is introduced into the cavity and at least partially polymerized in the cavity to form a light guide therein. The light guide is then removed from the mold assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data memory (1) comprising an optical information carrier (10), which has polymer film whose refractive index can be locally altered by heating. The optical information carrier (10) is wound on a reel (12) and is disposed for being unwound from the reel (12) in order to read and write information in the area (14) allocated therefor.

Abstract: In a polarizing filter, first and second protective films are adhered to a polarized film. The first protective film has rigidity at less than 320 kPa·m and degree of curl at more than 10 mm. The second protective film is not curled and has rigidity at more than 320 kPa·m. The protective films are produced in a solution casting method in which a solution is cast on a substrate continuously fed. The solution is dried to form the protective film. When a remaining solvent in the protective film is less than 60%, then the protective film is peeled from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing articles bearing patterned microstructures, e.g., optical film, information carrying substrates for optical recording media, etc. includes applying a radiation curable coating material to a surface of a base film substrate, passing the base film substrate and uncured coating through a compression nip defined by a nip roll and a casting drum having pattern master of the microstructures. The method further includes curing the radiation curable coating by directing radiation energy through the base film substrate from the surface opposite the surface having the coating thereon while the coating is in contact with the drum, thus causing microstructure pattern to be replicated in the cured coating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a lenticular sheet for use in forming a substantially ghost-free lenticular image. In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention includes providing a means for forming a lenticular sheet and forming the lenticular sheet out of a polymeric material using the means such that the lenticular sheet has an actual thickness (da) that is within about ±15% of an optimal thickness (do) as determined according to the formula: do=(ns−1)r/s(n−1), wherein n is the refractive index of the polymeric material, s is the number of interlaced scenes in the lenticular image, and r is the radius of the lenticles formed using the means.

Abstract: A method of producing optical storage media includes the steps of providing a supply of thixotropic material in liquid form; coating a sheet of plastic film with the thixotropic material in a layer of predetermined thickness; applying heat to the coating of thixotropic material and drying the same to a semi-solid state; providing an embossing face which contains a negative of a storage medium of information to be transferred; embossing the dried semi-solid coating of thixotropic material with the embossing face and thereby transferring the information to the semi-solid coating; and applying ultra violet energy to the embossed face of the semi-solid coating to cure the coating to a solid state.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished surface of a printing element and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate are disclosed. A coating is applied to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three dimensional structure. In one embodiment, such structures comprise porous structures suitable for implantation in a host. Such a structure preferably exhibits geometric properties that tend to promote vascularization in the area of the structure when implanted into a host. The method includes selectively applying and exposing layers of biocompatible photoimageable material to create layers forming a cross-linked latticework structure having the desired geometric properties. Each layer is formed on top of a prior layer, preferably before any layer is developed. In one form, the structure is manufactured in connection with an implant device and promotes vascularization that supports bioacceptance/biocompatibility of the implant device.

Abstract: A polarizing film may be manufactured without using adhesives by a method in which a protective film (B) is laminated onto at least one face of a polarizer (A), then adhered by thermocompression bonding. Thus problems on manufacturing method of a polarizing film possibly caused by use of adhesives will not be generated.

Abstract: A light guiding plate is manufactured with accuracy and at low cost. This invention comprises a cylindrical roller, which has a heater built-in, rotating while fixing a stamper having a dot pattern formed on its surface, substrate fixing means for reciprocating along a lower portion of the cylindrical roller in accordance with rotation of the cylindrical roller as fixing a resin substrate, and pressing means for pressing the stamper, which is fixed to the cylindrical roller, onto a surface of the resin substrate, which is fixed to the substrate fixing means, with a constant pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of an optical device having a micro-asperity pattern that has various kinds of accurate three-dimensional shapes and is realized as thin films. A substrate is coated with a resin thin film made of a photosensitive resin, and the temperature of the resin thin film is controlled so as to be lower than the photosensitivity extinction temperature of the resin thin film. A micro-asperity pattern of a stamper is pressed against the resin thin film when the resin thin film is in a softened or melted state by pressurizing means, whereby a micro-asperity pattern is formed on the surface of the resin thin film.

Abstract: A resin composition for optical fiber loose tubes contains (A) 100 parts by weight of polybutylene terephthalate having a terminal carboxyl group concentration of 10 eq/ton or less and an intrinsic viscosity of 1.0 to 1.2. and (B) 0.005 to 0.1 part by weight of polyethylene wax. The optical fiber loose tube is produced by extrusion molding at a haul-off speed of 200 m/min or more a resin composition for optical fiber loose tubes. The resin composition containing (A) 100 parts by weight of polybutylene terephthalate having a terminal carboxyl group concentration of 10 eq/ton or less and an intrinsic viscosity of 1.0 to 1.2, and (B) 0.005 to 0.1 part by weight of polyethylene wax.

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises

Abstract: A method of continuous application of a graded index plastics optical fiber in which the refractive index is highest in the center and decreases progressively towards the periphery, said fiber having a plurality of layers of resin deposited concentrically, the method comprising making a plurality of mixtures, each mixture comprising at least one polymer P and a reactive diluting agent including at least two monomers, then depositing said mixtures in the form of coaxial layers, allowing interdiffusing to take place between the layers, and finally crosslinking the polymer P and/or the reactive diluting agent.

Abstract: Printing resolution parameters of a printer, preferably an inkjet printer, are obtained. The printer resolution values are used to fabricate an extrusion tool for extruding lenticular sheets or foils. A lenticular sheet or foil is extruded with the fabricated extrusion tool to have spacing between microlenses proportional to the printer resolution value. One or more images are digitized and stored in a general purpose programmable computer. The general purpose programmable computer segments the data for each image into raster pixel lines and interleaves the segments into a merged file. A printer of the type from which the printing resolution parameters were obtained prints the merged file on the lenticular sheet.

Abstract: A method of replicating a nanoscale pattern which comprises forming the pattern on the outer surface of a cylindrical roller, providing a surface upon which the pattern is to be replicated, and transferring the nanoscale pattern from the cylindrical roller onto the surface to provide at least one replication of the pattern on that surface. The roller is adapted to carry the pattern on its outer surface and transfer the pattern to a substrate. The ultimate product may be a grating polarizer.

Abstract: A process for preparing a molded article that includes: (a) bringing a moldable material and an open molding tool comprising a molding surface into line contact with each other to imprint a microfluid processing architecture pattern onto the moldable material and thereby form a molded article; and (b) separating the molded article from said molding surface. The invention also features various microfluid processing architecture-bearing, polymeric articles.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: There is provided a method for continuously manufacturing an optical article which comprises a first step of thermal press-molding a sheet-like curved body and a second step of insert injection-molding a back resin on a concave side of the sheet-like curved body, while transferring the continuous sheet in a longitudinal direction, using an apparatus for manufacturing an optical article in which a press-molding machine which can thermal press-mold the sheet-like curved body and an insert injection-molding machine equipped with a mold having a curvature similar to that of the sheet-like curved body are serially positioned in this order, wherein a cycle of thermal press-molding and a cycle of insert injection-molding are synchronized to continuously insert-mold the back resin on a concave side of the sheet-like curved body while continuously thermal press-molding the sheet-like curved body.

Abstract: A low-cost method of making unique and printable holographic papers and the like with the aid of radiation-curable coatings and flexible embossed or engraved flexible web film masters, and as a single, non-laminated sheet; and novel improved diffraction-refraction and holographic high-gloss surface papers, boards and the like, clear, metallized, pigmented or tinted.

Abstract: A continuous process for imparting a striking glittering or sparkling appearance to a roll of initially non-glittering cube corner sheeting includes exposing the sheeting to a combination of heat and pressure. The process includes passing the sheeting through an extended heated zone and applying pressure to the sheeting after it has been heated. At least one belt is employed to support or carry the sheeting as the sheeting is passed through the heated zone and as the pressure is applied. In one embodiment the sheeting is sandwiched between a pair of endless belts that pass through the extended heated zone, the nip, and a cooling zone downweb of the nip. The process is particularly advantageous for converting rolls of non-glittering cube corner sheeting into rolls of glittering cube corner sheeting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a thermoplastic resin sheet bearing an embossed pattern, which employs a manufacturing apparatus having a first roll having an elastic material coated surface, a mirror-faced metal, endless belt, which is wound around the first roll and a second roll, and a third roll so provided that the metal, endless belt is wrapped partially around the third roll, which contacts the first roll via the metal, endless belt and which has an embossed pattern formed on one surface. According to this method, the thermoplastic resin sheet, partially melted, is fed between the metal, endless belt, which contacts the first roll, and the third roll. The elastic member is elastically deformed by application of a pressing force between the first and the third roll, while face pressure welding the thermoplastic sheet by using the first and the third rolls to transfer the embossed pattern and to cool the thermoplastic resin sheet. A surface temperature for the third roll of from 0° C.