Abstract: Articles that include at least one application layer; at least one bead bond layer (10); a layer of optical elements (20) that are partially embedded in the at least one bead bond layer (10); and at least one reflective layer (30) that is located functionally between the layer of optical elements (20) and the bead bond layer (10), wherein the at least one bead bond layer (10), the at least one application layer, or both comprise a cured product of an adhesive compositions that include polymerized units of one or more (meth)acrylate ester monomers derived from an alcohol containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms; at least one of urethane acrylate polymer or at least one acrylic copolymer; and at least one initiator.

Abstract: A vibration control element includes a nanovoided polymer layer having a first damping coefficient and a first resonance frequency in a first state and a second damping coefficient and a second resonance frequency in a second state, where the first damping coefficient is different from the second damping coefficient and the first resonance frequency is different from the second resonance frequency.

Abstract: Retroreflecting articles are described. In particular, retroreflecting articles including retroreflecting layers and contrast reduction layers are described. The contrast reduction layer decreases the near infrared retroreflective efficiency of the retroreflecting substrate by more than 50%.

Abstract: An acoustic element includes a nanovoided polymer layer having a first nanovoid topology in an unactuated state and a second nanovoid topology different than the first nanovoid topology in an actuated state. Capacitive actuation of the nanovoided polymer layer, for instance, can be used to reversibly control the size and shape of the nanovoids within the polymer layer and hence tune its sound damping characteristics or sound transduction behavior, e.g., during operation of the acoustic element. An acoustic element may be configured for passive or active sound attenuation. Various other apparatuses, systems, materials, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A film that comprises a thermoplastic composition that contains a continuous phase that includes a polyolefin matrix polymer and a nanoinclusion additive dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains is provided. The film is biaxially stretched in a machine direction and cross-machine direction to form a porous network in the composition. The porous network contains nanopores having a maximum cross-sectional dimension of about 800 nanometers or less. At least a portion of the nanopores are oriented in the cross-machine direction so that the axial dimension generally extends in the cross-machine direction and the cross-sectional dimension generally extends in the machine direction.

Abstract: An initiated chemical vapor deposition (i-CVD) method for forming a nanovoided polymeric material may include heating a mixture including a gaseous monomer, a gaseous polymerization initiator, and a solvent to form a polymeric thin film including the solvent and removing the solvent from the polymeric thin film to form a nanovoided thin film. Devices, including dielectric elastomer actuators, may be formed using the nanovoided polymeric material. Various other methods, systems, apparatuses, and materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a plurality of conductors forming a conductor core, one or more insulation layers at least partially surrounding at least one of the plurality of conductors, an outer jacket surrounding the conductor core and a film applied to the exterior surface of the outer jacket. The film includes high visibility particles. Methods of forming electrical cables are also described herein.

Abstract: An exposed lens retroreflective article (100), transfer articles comprising same, and methods of making same. The retroreflective article can include a binder layer (114); a layer of transparent microspheres (108) partially embedded in the binder layer; and reflective layer (110) disposed between the binder layer and the microspheres. The reflective layer (110) can include a dielectric mirror, which can include a first stack (115) and a second stack (111) positioned in planar contact with the first stack, wherein each of the first stack and the second stack comprises at least one bilayer (119), wherein each bilayer comprises a first material with a first bonding group and a second material with a complementary second bonding group. The transfer article can include the retroreflective article and a carrier web. The method can include partially embedding transparent microspheres in a carrier web; applying the reflective layer to the microspheres, and applying a binder layer composition to the reflective layer.

Abstract: A quick-adjustable animal collar includes a buckle including a female buckle member and a male buckle member releasably engaged with each other and including a strap adjusting structure. At least one strap is attached to the buckle. The at least one strap extends between the female and male buckle members. The at least one strap includes a first length slidable through the strap adjusting structure in a non-overlapped manner and having a free end. The size of the quick-adjustable animal collar changes with adjusting the first length of the at least one strap, with the first length of the at least one strap including an increased extent disposed within a circumference of the quick-adjustable animal collar as the size of the quick-adjustable animal collar is reduced.

Abstract: A colorized retroreflective materials for use on clothing are colorized by including a substantially transparent colorizing overlayer composition applied to a retroreflective layer, the overlayer further comprising an amount of a suitable pigmented ink; an amount of at least one species of polyurethane material; and an amount of a silane material.

Abstract: A directionally active projection device is described that includes a planar display providing a pattern of information. The planar display includes regions of light transparency and regions for blocking light transmittance. The directionally active projection device also includes a lens arranged adjacent to the planar display, and a collection of light sources arranged as an array in a focal plane of the lens. Also described are methods of controlling directionally active projection devices.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a garment, a mounting apparatus and an optical tracking marker to be used in motion capture. The arrangement may include a plurality of mounting apparatuses and optical tracking markers. The garment includes openings. The mounting apparatus includes legs which are shaped and include features to enable the mounting apparatus to engage the openings of the garment. The mounting apparatus further includes a marker coupling which is shaped and includes features to engage the optical tracking marker. The mounting apparatus provides a secure yet removable attachment for the optical tracking marker to the garment.

Abstract: Retroreflective appliqués and articles include a first binder layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, a retroreflective layer including a plurality of retroreflective elements at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer, a second binder layer adhered to the second major surface of the first binder layer, and a substrate layer attached to the second binder layer. The first binder layer is a non-thermoplastic crosslinked copolymer with a Tg of less than 30° C. The second binder layer is an adhesive polymer. The first binder layer and the second binder layer include functional groups capable of co-reacting to form a chemical bond. The retroreflective appliqués can be attached to clothing articles.

Abstract: An arrangement comprises a garment, a mounting apparatus and an optical tracking marker to be used in motion capture. The arrangement may include a plurality of mounting apparatuses and optical tracking markers. The garment includes openings. The mounting apparatus includes legs which are shaped and include features to enable the mounting apparatus to engage the openings of the garment. The mounting apparatus further includes a marker coupling which is shaped and includes features to engage the optical tracking marker. The mounting apparatus provides a secure yet removable attachment for the optical tracking marker to the garment.

Abstract: Polarization preserving projection screens provide optimum polarization preservation for 3D viewing. The projection screens additionally provide improved light control for enhanced brightness, uniformity, and contrast for both 2D and 3D systems. Generally, the disclosed method for providing a projection screen comprises embossing at least a first side of a first substrate to produce an optically functional material and then cutting the optically functional material into pieces to produce a plurality of engineered particles. The plurality of engineered particles may then be deposited on a second substrate to produce a substantially homogeneous optical appearance of the projection screen.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles are provided in the form of garments, fibers and filaments made with retroreflective elements that each include a solid spherical core (110) with an outer core surface, the outer core surface (115). providing a first interface; a first complete concentric optical interference layer (120) having an inner surface overlying the outer core surface (115) and an outer surface (125), the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer providing a second interface. In some embodiments, the retroreflective elements each include a second complete concentric optical interference layer having an inner surface overlying the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer and an outer surface, the outer surface of the second complete concentric optical interference layer providing a third interface.

Abstract: A band that extends around a garment appendage, such as a sleeve or trouser leg. The band has a concealed position that hides a reflective tape and a deployed position where the reflective tape is visible. The band includes a strip that encircles and is attached to the garment appendage at a distance from the free end of the garment appendage. The reflective tape is bonded to the underside of the strip or to the garment appendage.

Abstract: Infrared marking devices and methods for marking an object, such as a door, inside a structure, such as a smoke-filled or burning structure. The infrared marking device comprises a ring-shaped, elasticized outer sleeve having a tubular sidewall and an amount of a self-heating material confined inside the tubular sidewall of the outer sleeve. The self-heating material emits infrared radiation when activated to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction. The infrared radiation is visible in a thermal imaging camera. The method comprises activating a self-heating material confined inside a marking device to initiate an exothermic reaction that emits infrared radiation and applying the marking device to an object inside the structure.

Abstract: An optical device with a focusing optic that focuses a light beam in a focal plane and brings about a phase shift between a first part of the light beam and a second part of the light beam. The optical device has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface retlects the first part of the light beam, and the second interface reflects the second part of the light beam.

Abstract: A band that extends around a garment appendage, such as a sleeve or trouser leg. The band has a concealed position that hides a reflective tape and a deployed position where the reflective tape is visible. The band includes a cylindrical strip that fully encircles and is attached to the garment appendage at a distance from the free end of the garment appendage. The reflective tape is bonded to the underside of the strip or to the garment appendage.

Abstract: A retroreflective system comprising a monolayer of microsphere lenses arrayed in form of duplicative matrixes, the matrix is a group of micro graphic shapes line up in rows and columns, a matching binder layer of the above matrixes and a base layer of fabric or other substance. The reflective system will not fully covered the reflective area to allow seepage of moisture or air. The reflective system may comply with highest level in prevailing retrorflective code for safety garments.

Abstract: Data containing at least a chroma component is obtained from an image data. Monochrome image data is generated from the chroma component image data. Which hue is to be output as it is specified, for example, by an operator. From the monochrome image data, the monochrome image data that corresponding to a portion of the colored image that has the specified hue is removed to obtain image eliminated data. The image eliminated data and the image data corresponding to a portion of the colored image that has the specified hue are combined to obtain an image processed data. The image processed data is converted into data that can be printed with a color printer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising a polymer film containing a dispersion of minute layered particulates and microvoids.

Abstract: Footwear having a vessel containing light-scattering reflective devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly adapted to be worn on a user's foot includes a footwear device, and an at least partially transparent vessel attached to an outer surface of the footwear device. The vessel scalably contains a suspension medium. One or more reflective devices are disposed within the suspension medium. The footwear device may be a sneaker, a boot, a slipper, or any other suitable article of footwear. The reflective devices scatter light throughout the surrounding environment, attracting attention, increasing the user's enjoyment, and improving the visibility of the footwear device, especially in low light situations.

Abstract: An exposed lens retroreflective article 10 that comprises a layer of optical elements 12 that are partially embedded in a binder layer 14. A reflective layer 16 is disposed functionally behind the optical elements 12, and a colored layer 18 is disposed between the reflective layer 16 and the optical elements 12. The colored layer 18 is colored by a dye that is covalently bonded to a polymer. The exposed lens retroreflective article can retain its color and retroreflective abilities well after multiple industrial washing cycles. The article therefore may be particularly suited for use on clothing such as a fireman's jacket.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a compound substrate for light-reflective application is proposed, by which the mechanical utility can be simplified, the cost is reduced and the light-reflective article made by the compound substrate has uniform light-reflecting effect.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles provide varying retroreflection using a first surface that includes a plurality of light redirecting structures and a second surface that includes retroreflective areas and separation areas. The light redirecting structures on the first surface are preferably arranged relative to the retroreflective areas and the separation areas on the second surface such that a substantial portion of light incident on the light redirecting structures is superimposed on areas of the second surface. At some angles, it is preferred that substantially all of the light is superimposed on either the retroreflective areas or the separation areas, resulting in varying retroreflection from the retroreflective articles. Together, the two optical surfaces of the retroreflective articles provide varying retroreflection of incident light where the variations can be between, e.g., retroreflection or no retroreflection, retroreflection of different colors, retroreflection at different brightness levels, etc.

Abstract: Decoration for a garment, comprising individual elements (1) of glass or synthetic material, whose back is provided with an adhesive means (2) bounded by a flat adhesive surface (3), wherein each element (1) comprises a retroreflector (11) whose front is bounded by a transparent convex, in particular spherical, incident surface (7), whereas the curved back (4) coated with reflecting material extends essentially in the focal surface of incident light.

Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles provide modulating retroreflection using a front surface that includes at least first and second areas having different transmission characteristics and a back surface that includes retroreflective areas and separation areas. The first and second areas on the front surface are arranged relative to the retroreflective areas and the separation areas on the back surface such that a substantial portion of light incident on the first areas of the front surface at a first angle is transmitted through the first areas of the front surface to the retroreflective areas on the back surface where it is retroreflected back through the front surface. In addition, a substantial portion of light incident on the first areas of the front surface at a second angle is transmitted through the first areas on the front surface to the separation areas.

Abstract: A head mounted display in which ambient light is used to illuminate a display to at or near the brightness of the scene being viewed when both reach the user's eyes. A small supplemental light source may further be used to increase the range of operation of the display when ambient light levels are insufficient to make the display screen viewable.

Abstract: A retroreflective applique is provided that includes a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from a transfer adhesive layer prepared from ingredients comprising a vinyl plastisol and a substantially nonhydrolyzed aminosilane adhesion promoter; wherein the aminosilane adhesion promoter is used in an amount effective to produce an applique capable of:(a) retaining at least about 60% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions five times; and(b) retaining at least about 40% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions twenty-five times.

Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.

Abstract: A retroreflective applique is provided that includes a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from a transfer adhesive layer prepared from ingredients comprising a vinyl plastisol and a substantially nonhydrolyzed aminosilane adhesion promoter; wherein the aminosilane adhesion promoter is used in an amount effective to produce an applique capable of:(a) retaining at least about 60% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions five times; and(b) retaining at least about 40% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions twenty-five times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective transfer sheets and graphic images produced therefrom, i.e., appliques. The retroreflective applique includes: a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder resin layer and a transfer adhesive layer comprising a vinyl plastisol disposed on the rear surface of the binder resin layer. The binder resin layer is prepared from ingredients comprising an isocyanate-functional hardener and a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.

Abstract: Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting comprising (1) a layer of binder material having a layer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in its top surface; (2) a transparent cover sheet disposed in spaced relation from the layer of retroreflective elements; (3) a network of narrow intersecting bonds comprising binder material embossed from the layer of binder material into contact with the cover sheet so as to adhere the layer of binder material and cover sheet together and form a plurality of cells within which retroreflective elements are hermetically sealed; the embossing of the layer of binder material leaving the bottom surface of the layer of binder material with an embossed configuration; and (4) a support sheet lastingly and directly adhered to said bottom surface of the layer of binder material and embossed with the layer of binder material so as to follow the embossed configuration of said bottom surface.

Abstract: A reflective safety wrap for use on appendages of joggers or horses includes an elongated elastic fabric strip with a reflective material superimposed thereon. A blind stitch joins the elastic fabric and reflective material. Fastening devices are positioned at each end of the wrap. The method for making the blind stitch is disclosed.