Abstract: A solar control light transmitting thermoplastic polymer sheet is provided which contains flakes of metal pigment that are aligned coplanar with the upper face of the sheet. The sheet transmits a controlled amount of light while reflecting a significant amount and absorbing the rest. In an alternative, the sheet has a co-extruded second layer of UV-protective thermoplastic polymer formed on top of the first layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hydrophilic layer on a surface of polymer layer of a reflector economically and safely. The method for manufacturing a reflector includes steps of molding a base body of the reflector; forming reflective layer for reflecting light on a surface of the base body; forming a layer of water-repellent polymer on a surface of the reflective layer; and performing hydrophilic treatment on a surface of the polymer layer using plasma of gaseous argon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming from a mold optical articles. These methods are particularly useful in preparing ophthalmic articles such as ophthalmic lenses, having several optical coatings thereon. The invention also relates to ophthalmic articles produced by these methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming from a mold optical articles. These methods are particularly useful in forming ophthalmic articles such as ophthalmic lenses, having a hydrophobic top coat thereon. Ophthalmic articles produced by these methods are also part of the invention.

Abstract: What is described here is a method and an element of lighting rooms by selective guidance of daylight, comprising an optically transparent main body through which the light is incident into the respective room, and including plurality of structures on which light is deflected by total reflection into the respective room. The invention is characterized by the provision that the plurality of structures consists of parallel crazes.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting which has an image, such as an image. More specifically, the image has varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting has a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer underlying, contacting, and conforming to the bottom of the lenses, the spacing and conformation of which is critical to the optimal performance of the retroreflective article, a reflective layer having a top surface in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer and a topcoat and/or cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face. In another embodiment, the retroreflective sheeting includes a pressure sensitive adhesive underlying and in contact with the reflective layer. The retroreflective sheeting has an image whose proportions are determined by a non-conformity of the reflective and spacing layer to the bottom of the lenses.

Abstract: The method for fabricating a multi-colored ball comprises the steps of: applying to a resin sheet 14 having a first color and a first charge characteristic a solution 16 containing at least a resin and/or a monomer which is a precursor of a resin, and a coloring agent having a second color and a second charge characteristic; polymerizing or drying the solution to thereby form a resin sheet 18 having the second color and the second charge characteristic on the resin sheet 14; cutting or milling a laminate of the resin sheet 14 and the resin sheet 18; and sphering the cut or milled laminate by heating to form multi-colored ball having a first region having the first color and the first charge characteristic and a second region having the second color and the second charge characteristic. Whereby the resin sheet 18 is formed on the resin sheet 14 without rolling, so that the resin sheet 18 can be easily formed in a uniform thickness.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical quality, free-standing, compliant parabolic membrane mirror using an inverted parabolic mandrel created by rotating a liquid confined to a cylindrical polymer and applying a reflective optical stress coating once the substrate has hardened. The stress coating applies a tensile force to the substrate that offsets the stress in the substrate that would otherwise decrease the convexity, and also generates a force to restore the membrane mirror to its original convex parabolic shape when the mirror is deformed by an external force.

Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a display film and a method of making same, where the display uses electrically responsive, reflective particles disposed within a polymer matrix. The invention includes a method of making a display film having one or more monolayers of the reflective particles. The invention is also directed to a display having particles selected from a production distribution of particles.

Abstract: In-situ processes for making bichromal particles include forming particles having a one color and an anionic surface charge, and separately forming particles having another color and a cationic surface charge. The anionic and cationic particles are mixed, and aggregated to form bichromal aggregates. The aggregated particles are coalesced to form bichromal particles. The bichromal particles can be used in gyricon sheets and gyricon displays.

Abstract: A see-through retroreflective structure includes a transparent polymeric film, an array of retroreflective elements attached to the polymeric film, and an array of apertures through the retroreflective structure within the array of retroreflective elements. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes a metalized reflective layer formed on the transparent prism elements and a support layer, such as a fabric, is attached to the metalized reflective layer.

Abstract: A process for making high aspect ratio metal flakes comprises applying a multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers to a rotating chilled drum or suitable carrier medium contained in a vapor deposition chamber. The alternating metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition and the intervening release layers are preferably solvent-soluble materials applied by suitable coating or vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The release coat materials can be a thermoplastic solvent-soluble polymer. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: A material for thermoforming comprises a plastic layer as well as a layer of reflecting pearls in an adhering transparent substance. The material is suitable for the manufacturing of a reflecting product by means by vacuum forming.

Abstract: Multilayer mirrors are disclosed for use especially in “Extreme Ultraviolet” (“soft X-ray,” or “EUV”) optical systems. Each multilayer mirror includes a stack of alternating layers of a first material and a second material, respectively, to form an EUV-reflective surface. The first material has a refractive index substantially the same as a vacuum, and the second material has a refractive index that differs sufficiently from the refractive index of the first material to render the mirror reflective to EUV radiation. The wavefront profile of EUV light reflected from the surface is corrected by removing (“machining” away) at least one surficial layer of the stack in selected region(s) of the surface of the stack. Machining can be performed such that machined regions have smooth tapered edges rather than abrupt edges.

Abstract: This invention primarily relates to a method for making a retroreflective plate including the steps of: (a) making a plurality of pin units by injection molding wherein the pin units substantially include a relatively thicker portion and a relatively thinner portion which is connected to the relatively thicker portion from the bottom thereof along the longitudinal direction of the pin units, the free end of the relatively thicker portion away from the relatively thinner portion forms a tapered portion; (b) placing the pin units on a base, wherein the base has a top surface and a plurality of recessions thereon such that the relatively thinner portion of the pin units can be put into at least some of the recessions for positioning; (c) producing a master negative die with the construction thereof complementary to the tapered portion of the arranged pin units; and (d) using the master negative die to form a retroreflective plate with the construction thereof complementary to that of the master negative die.

Abstract: A stamper-forming electrode material contains Ag as its main ingredient and at least one other element, preferably Au and/or Cu. It is preferred that the Au and Cu contents each be 5.0 wt % or less. A stamper-forming thin film is made of this stamper-forming electrode material, whereby its corrosion resistance is improved to suppress damage to itself, and a high-quality stamper can hence be formed.

Abstract: A process for making a retroreflective article that includes the steps of providing a device (tool or a mold) having a first structured surface; applying a reflective layer on the first structured surface resulting in a first adhesion value between the reflective layer and the first structured surface, the reflective layer having an exposed surface; applying a molding polymer to the exposed surface of the reflective layer resulting in a second adhesion value between the reflective layer and the molding polymer. The second adhesion value is higher than the first adhesion value. The device is separated from the molding polymer to yield a retroreflective article that has a second structured surface that is the reverse image of the first structured surface. The separation causes a transfer of the reflective layer from the first structured surface to the retroreflective article.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: A hybrid mirror for reflecting high power optical beams comprises a reaction sintered silicon carbide substrate to which is bonded a plurality of silicon faceplates containing a plurality of coolant passages.

Abstract: A process for making high aspect ratio metal flakes economically and at high production rates comprises applying a multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers to a rotating chilled drum or suitable carrier medium contained in a vapor deposition chamber. The alternating metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition and the intervening release layers are preferably solvent or water soluble materials applied by suitable coating or vapor deposition sources contained in the vapor deposition chamber. The release coat materials can be a thermoplastic solvent-soluble polymer, a water soluble inorganic salt, or a high boiling point dissolvable wax-like substance. The multi-layer sandwich built up in the vacuum chamber is removed from the drum or carrier and treated with a suitable solvent or water to dissolve the release coating from the metal in a stripping process that leaves the metal flakes essentially release coat free.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive reflector comprising a series of steps. A thin plastic film having a backing material is thermoformed into the rough shape of the reflector. The thermoformed film is called a pre-form. The pre-form has a concave surface and a convex surface. The backing material forms the convex surface. The pre-form is placed within an injection molding press with the concave surface juxtaposed a mold core. Molten reinforced plastic material is injected into the mold adjacent to the backing material. The plastic material heats and fuses to the backing material to form a reflector. After the plastic material has cooled, the reflector is removed from the injection mold as a finished reflector.

Abstract: Laminae suitable for use in molds for forming retroreflective cube corner elements and methods for making such laminae are disclosed. A representative lamina includes a first row of cube corner elements disposed in a first orientation and a second row of optically opposing cube corner elements disposed. The working surface of a lamina is provided with a plurality of cube corner elements formed by the optical surfaces defined by three groove sets. Opposing first and second groove sets are formed in the working surface of a lamina. The first groove set forms a plurality of structures having first and second optical surfaces disposed in mutually perpendicular planes that intersect along a reference edge. The second groove set forms a corresponding plurality of structures on the opposite side of the lamina. A third groove is formed in the working surface of the lamina along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of the grooves of the first and second groove sets.

Abstract: A die and a method for forming a die to produce optically varying effects in a light reflective surface. A design generally formed as a plurality of parallel grooves of varying widths and depths are engraved in a soft metal foil adhered to a substrate. A hard metal coating is formed on the engraved soft metal foil in a metal plating bath. The hard metal coating, removed from the soft metal foil provides a die formed as a mirror image of the grooves engraved in the soft metal foil. The die is used to deform a reflective surface such that the surface produces optically varying effects. A die formed in the same manner with further processing is used to both deform a reflective surface and hot stamp it to a substrate.

Abstract: In a method for manufacture of an optical element, a thin film is formed on a surface, such as a grating surface, an aspherical surface or a spherical surface, formed on a mold. Then, a substrate is bonded to the thin film. Subsequently, the thin film and the substrate are separated from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a light transmitting plate, comprising the steps of: using a molding equipment composed of an injection equipment and a mold for producing a light transmitting plate wherein a cavity of the mold communicates with a cylinder in the injection equipment; feeding a transparent resin into the cylinder; melting the transparent resin in the cylinder; and injecting the molten resin into the cavity of the mold from the cylinder; wherein a viscosity of the molten resin at the inlet of the mold is about 50 to about 5,000 Pa·sec and an injection rate is about 1 to about 15 cm3/sec, which method can be produce excellent light transmitting plate, specially large-size ones, further ones with a reflection layer pattern or a light diffusion pattern transferred, in transparency and dimensional stability.

Abstract: An improved method for creating a multi-layered optical lens structure which appears, from an observer's point of view, to have a brushed metal finish, matte finish, decorative pattern, image or logo on the surface of a sunglass lens, but which is optically transparent from a wearer's point of view. The present method for creating a lens structure does not require the use of epoxies or adhesives and allows the lens structure to be made as a polarized lens. The present method offers vast improvements over previously disclosed methods in that it simplifies assembly of the lens structure, allows for greater repeatability, and significantly improves the optical clarity of the final lens structure.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide a method of manufacturing an optical disc capable of efficiently manufacturing a high quality optical disc by a consecutive product line, and to improve productivity in an injection molding step. The method is constituted by bonding two disc halves wherein a first disc half storing information therein and molded by a mold of a first injection molding unit and second disc half storing information therein, which information is different from that stored in the first disc half, and molded by a mold of a second injection molding unit are paired with and bonded to each other.

Abstract: Retroreflective prism sheeting is formed in a mold with textured facets and/or windows thereon. Smaller prisms are formed adjacent larger prisms. Optionally, the optical axis of the prisms may be tilted with respect to one another, preferably in a negative direction. The textured facets or windows provide more uniform retroreflected light intensity distribution and whiteness of the sheeting.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a transparent film, a pigmented layer having pigmented indicia thereon, and a retroreflective cube layer. The cube layer includes a number of cube corner elements bounded by at least two sets of intersecting grooves. A metallic film is disposed on at least some of the cube corner elements. The pigmented layer is interposed between the transparent film and the cube layer, and has pigmented indicia aligned with at least one of the sets of intersecting grooves.

Abstract: A process of monolithically forming one-piece reflective pavement marker or delineator, including at least one retro reflective face. The process is based on molding the pavement marker or delineator with means to integrally form cube-corner reflective elements and internal hollow cavity air gaps simultaneously. The pavement marker also provides means to enhance agglutination to the roadway. The open ends of hollow cavities at the marker base can be sealed, thereby maximizing the base area for adhesive wetting parameter.

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: Laminae suitable for use in molds for forming retroreflective cube corner elements and methods for making such laminae are disclosed. A representative lamina includes a first row of cube corner elements disposed in a first orientation and a second row of optically opposing cube corner elements disposed. The working surface of a lamina is provided with a plurality of cube corner elements formed by the optical surfaces defined by three groove sets. Opposing first and second groove sets are formed in the working surface of a lamina. The first groove set forms a plurality of structures having first and second optical surfaces disposed in mutually perpendicular planes that intersect along a reference edge. The second groove set forms a corresponding plurality of structures on the opposite side of the lamina. A third groove is formed in the working surface of the lamina along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of the grooves of the first and second groove sets.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective article comprising on the top surface thereof a retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in a contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a substantially planar position.

Abstract: A method for cutting and edge sealing cells of cellular retroreflective sheeting is disclosed using a specially designed apparatus and tool. Sheeting having a thickness T is heated to a thermoforming temperature to form a heated sheeting. Pressing the unheated tool, the heated sheeting, and a substrate together results in cutting and edge sealing of the heated sheeting. The tool has a radiused ridge for cutting and edge sealing with the shape of the ridge similar to the shape desired for the edge seal. A height H of the ridge is defined relative to the thickness of the sheeting. The fraction of the ridge height to the thickness of the sheeting is less than one and more than 0.2. The tools may be mounted on a perimeter of a wheel for continuously slitting and edge sealing strips of cellular sheeting. The retroreflectivity of the sheeting is maximized by (1) minimizing the width of the sealed edges while (2) maximizing the number of closed cells along the sealed edges that can withstand a water holdout test.

Abstract: A plastic molding for use in an optical device, a method of producing the molding by injection molding, and an apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed. Only a part of a molding expected to sink is surely caused to sink while, e.g., a mirror surface is surely transferred to a desired part of the molding.

Abstract: A bead disposition is imaged while performing illumination by reflection illumination or penetration illumination so that a peak point of brightness brighter than the outside of a bead is observed in the inside of the bead and the circumferential portion of the bead is darker than the outside of the bead. A peak point of brightness in the inside of a bead is detected from the image data and adjacent pixels are successively painted with the peak point of brightness as a starting point, wherein the adjacent pixels have a brightness level of t2 or greater. Then, the image data is binarized. A space filling percentage of beads is calculated from the number of white or black pixels of an obtained binary image. Alternatively, binarization can also be performed after detecting a circle or circular arc pattern corresponding to a dark portion in the circumferential portion of bead from the image data by a pattern matching method and painting the inside of the circle or circular arc.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a concrete product having a retroreflective surface with uniform and sharp edge which is produced easily with shortened time without using a special equipment or process as well as chemicals which need special attention in handling. The disclosure also establishes a method to obtain the substrate consisting of a concrete-based material and a retroreflective element dispersed and embedded at least in a surface portion of said substrate, at least a part of which element is exposed from a surface of said substrate and the said retroreflective element being exposed from the substrate surface as a result of partially retarded hardening of the said concrete-based material and removal of the thus produced, unhardened concrete material.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for continuously embossing a precision pattern of micro-prismatic elements on a surface of a resinous sheeting material with the aid of an endless metal embossing belt. The method includes the steps of moving the belt along a closed path through a heating station and a cooling station, conveying superimposed resinous film and sheeting material into proximity with the belt, passing the film and sheeting between the belt and a series of sonic welding heads to thereby begin to impress a pattern of micro-prismatic formations of the belt into one surface of the sheeting, pressing the film and sheeting against the heated belt until the one surface of the sheeting fully conforms to the embossing pattern, and stripping the film and embossed sheeting from the belt.

Abstract: A housingless abrasion resistance reflective pavement marker is disclosed. The marker includes a housingless, flat topped body and at least one reflective member encapsulated in the marker's body during casting. The body can be made of abrasion and impact resistant curable resinous material filled with inert additives. The reflective member can be coated with abrasive resistance diamond like carbon film to enhance durability and retain longer reflectivity. The reflective member can have an inside surface divided into light reflecting cells. The reflective cells can be further protected by a variety of impact reducing raised ridges. Disclosed is a method for making housingless reflective pavement marker in an open face mold.

Abstract: A method of an emboss pattern process has steps of transferring an emboss pattern onto a thermoplastic resin sheet by using an emboss patterning roller; lustering the opposite face of the embossed face of the thermoplastic resin sheet by using a lustering means having a mirror face member; and peeling the thermoplastic resin sheet from the emboss patterning roller at a lower temperature than a temperature for transferring the emboss pattern. The emboss patterning roller has a roller body, having a face embossed with the pattern, and sealing rings attached on each side face of the roller body, in which the roller body and the sealing ring has a passage for flowing a cooling medium from one sealing ring through the roller body to the other sealing ring.

Abstract: Laminae suitable for use in molds for forming retroreflective cube corner elements and methods for making such laminae are disclosed. A representative lamina includes a first row of cube corner elements disposed in a first orientation and a second row of optically opposing cube corner elements disposed. The working surface of a lamina is provided with a plurality of cube corner elements formed by the optical surfaces defined by three groove sets. Opposing first and second groove sets are formed in the working surface of a lamina. The first groove set forms a plurality of structures having first and second optical surfaces disposed in mutually perpendicular planes that intersect along a reference edge. The second groove set forms a corresponding plurality of structures on the opposite side of the lamina. A third groove is formed in the working surface of the lamina along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axes of the grooves of the first and second groove sets.

Abstract: Diffusely reflective articles manufactured from optical bodies including continuous and disperse phases are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such articles. Also disclosed are underdrawn continuous/disperse phase optical bodies that are particularly well-suited to post-forming operations. The articles, methods and optical bodies of the present invention preferably allow for post-forming of the optical bodies while retaining desired levels of diffuse reflectivity in the articles formed from the optical bodies.

Abstract: In a method for manufacture of an optical element, a thin film is formed on a surface, such as a grating surface, an aspherical surface or a spherical surface, formed on a mold. Then, a substrate is bonded to the thin film. Subsequently, the thin film and the substrate are separated from the mold.

Abstract: The method for forming a retroreflective sheeting includes providing a first layer and forming a prism array on the first layer. A second layer is applied to the prism array. The first thermoplastic layer is welded to the second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die to the layers to dislocate a portion of the prism array, thereby allowing the first layer to be bonded to the second layer at the portion.

Abstract: A method for making retroreflective articles that have a layer of optical elements and a multilayer reflective coating disposed on the optical elements. The reflective coating reflects light back into the optical elements so that it can be returned toward the light source. The multilayer reflective coating has at least one polymer layer made by condensing a curing a pre-polymer vapor.

Abstract: A method for cutting and edge sealing cells of cellular retroreflective sheeting is disclosed using a specially designed apparatus and tool. Sheeting having a thickness T is heated to a thermoforming temperature to form a heated sheeting. Pressing the unheated tool, the heated sheeting, and a substrate together results in cutting and edge sealing of the heated sheeting. The tool has a radiused ridge for cutting and edge sealing with the shape of the ridge similar to the shape desired for the edge seal. A height H of the ridge is defined relative to the thickness of the sheeting. The fraction of the ridge height to the thickness of the sheeting is less than one and more than 0.2. The tools may be mounted on a perimeter of a wheel for continuously slitting and edge sealing strips of cellular sheeting. The retroreflectivity of the sheeting is maximized by (1) minimizing the width of the sealed edges while (2) maximizing the number of closed cells along the sealed edges that can withstand a water holdout test.

Abstract: The bottom surfaces of an entering surface-forming portion 1a for forming a light-entering surface 11a of a reflector type prism 11 and of an emitting surface-forming portion 1b for forming a light-emitting surface 11b of the reflector type prism 11 are formed as concave surfaces in a die 1. Even if shrinkage of the reflector type prism 11 occurs during its formation, the light-entering surface 11a and the light-emitting surface 11b are, at least, not formed as concave surfaces, so that a light beam entering the reflector type prism 11 and a light beam emitted from the reflector type prism 11 are prevented from becoming scattered.

Abstract: In the method of manufacturing an optical recording medium according to the present invention, when an optical recording medium having at least first and second minute concave and convex surfaces formed thereon is manufactured, the first and second minute concave and convex surfaces are simultaneously molded on both surfaces of a substrate of the optical recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a multilayer optical recording medium having an excellent symmetrical structure with respect to a vertical cross section direction of the substrate, i.e., in the thickness direction of the optical recording medium. Moreover, it is possible to effectively suppress the deformation thereof resulting from curing or shrinkage of an light curing resin or the like, absorption or removal of vapor in the air into or from a substrate, a transparent intermediate film or the like, and so on.

Abstract: A plurality of reflectors respectively having the same rough reflecting surfaces are formed substantially simultaneously on a transparent substrate of a large area. A photosensitive resin film is formed on a surface of a transparent substrate. An embossing die having a rough working surface is pressed against a photosensitive resin part of the photosensitive resin film and the photosensitive resin part is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from below the transparent substrate to form a prehardened photosensitive resin part. Those steps are repeated to form a plurality of prehardened, embossed photosensitive resin parts on the transparent substrate, and then parts not prehardened of the photosensitive resin film are removed by etching. The prehardened, embossed photosensitive resin parts are heated for hardening, and a metal reflecting film is formed on the hardened embossed photosensitive resin parts to complete a plurality of reflectors.