Abstract: A volume diffractive optical element (E) comprising: a carrier (1) having an optical relief pattern (P) on at least one surface thereof, and at least one optically functional layer (2) applied over or onto at least one or more portions or relief features (P) of the relief pattern on the carrier (1); wherein in embodiments the at least one optically functional layer (2) comprises a plurality of discrete bodies, beads or globules (2) of optical material applied over or onto the respective individual relief portions or relief features or relief elements (P) of the relief pattern on the carrier (1).

Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A retroreflector includes an arrangement of triples, each having three side surfaces, which are disposed in the manner of a cube corner and stand approximately perpendicular on one another. The retroreflector can be produced from a carrier material by injection molding. An optical silicone resin is used as the carrier material. The retroreflector is based on triple mirrors that are both easily unmolded from a die and easily applied to curved surfaces even after unmolding or are usable for reflection of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A security element, including: a substrate; a monolayer of beads on the substrate; and a metal layer on the monolayer of beads; wherein the size of the beads is in between about 100 nm to about 50 ?m.

Abstract: Provided herein are retroreflective colored article having a predetermined pattern of beaded and unbeaded regions and at least one polymeric color layer (130) covering at least a portion of the beaded and unbeaded regions, a reflector layer (140) covering the colour layer, and a carrier (150). Also disclosed are methods for making the articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to retroreflective elements including a core and a plurality of glass or glass-ceramic beads adjacent to the core. The retroreflective elements further include a plurality of particles having a diameter that is less than the diameter of the glass or glass ceramic beads in the retroreflective elements. The present disclosure also generally relates to articles (including, for example, retroreflective roadway liquid pavement markings) including these retroreflective elements and methods of making and using these retroreflective elements.

Abstract: A composite glue coating device and a preparation method for a fancy reflective material using the same, which relates to the technical field of reflective material production. The composite glue coating device comprises a composite glue roller (1), a glue coating roller (2), a glue sink device (3) and a glue scrapping device (4). The composite glue roller (1) and the glue coating roller (2) are arranged as a clamping roller set and a bead planting film passing interval (L) is formed between the composite glue roller (1) and the glue coating roller (2). The glue scrapping device (4) is connected with a scraper of the glue coating roller (2). A plurality of glue moving grooves (5) are evenly distributed on the glue coating roller (2). The glue coating roller (2) is connected with the glue sink device (3) and is glue immersed.

Abstract: There is provided an article a binder resin layer comprising an aliphatic polyurethane polymer comprising a plurality of soft segments, and a plurality of hard segments, where the soft segments comprise poly(alkoxy) polyol, and where the poly(alkoxy) polyol is essentially free of crosslinker; and a plurality of microspheres partially embedded and adhered to a first major surface of the binder resin layer, wherein the specific chemical identities and relative amounts of the segments and moieties of the aliphatic polyurethane polymer are sufficient to impart a glass transition temperature of 10° C. or less in the article and a storage modulus in the article that changes less than 15 MPa from 25° C. to 175° C.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles include transparent microspheres (120) protruding from a bead bond layer (140), with reflective metal layers (130) coated on a portion of the transparent microspheres. Retroreflective articles with anti-staining properties have bead bond layers that contain one or more corrosion inhibiting compounds. At least a portion of the one or more corrosion inhibiting compounds migrates through the reflective metal layer to passivate the exposed metal surface of the reflective metal layer.

Abstract: A retroreflective screen including a first film having a surface including a plurality of microrecesses, each microrecess having a bottom substantially parallel to the mean plane of the screen and first and second lateral walls substantially orthogonal to each other and substantially orthogonal to the bottom, the first and second lateral walls and the bottom of the microrecess joining at a same point and forming a trihedron.

Abstract: Methods of making retroreflective articles include mixing a metal pigment with a binder material. The mixture is applied to a surface of a substrate. The surface can be a flat planar surface or be contoured or have arcuate regions. The binder material forms a binder material layer and the metal pigment forms a leafing pigment layer near a top surface of the binder material layer. Transparent microsphere lenses are embedded in the top surface of the binder material layer. The leafing metal pigment layer conforms to a rear embedded surface of the microsphere lenses to thereby form a retroreflective article. Related retroreflective articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detection system includes a retroreflector and a layer of material over the retroreflector, the material being subject to change in transmission with respect to an optical property of radiation, e.g. wavelength or polarization, with exposure to a phenomenon. The retroreflector and layer are illuminated from a radiation source of multiple aspects of the optical property. A sensor senses radiation retroreflected back through the layer. The retroreflector may, for example, be an array of or individual prisms or an array of or individual cat's eye microspheres. The layer of material above the retroreflector can include a colorimetric dye. In an embodiment, the retroreflector and layer are on the surface of a carrier that moves through a medium, e.g. a projectile or vehicle moving through the air. In a method of detecting a phenomenon, retroreflective elements are distributed in an array, as in the atmosphere or across a region of ground.

Abstract: Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55.

Abstract: An exposed lens retroreflective article that includes a binder layer; a layer of spaced apart optical elements that are partially embedded in the binder layer; a penetrated colored layer that is located between the spaced apart optical elements; and a reflective layer that is located functionally behind the layer of optical elements and the penetrated colored layer.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles and appliqués 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 (meth)acrylate-based copolymer. The second binder layer is a moisture-cured urethane-based 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: The present application relates to a pavement marker including a core from which extends protrusions and a cavity between adjacent protrusions. The microsphere lenses are fixed within the cavity by one of a softening material disposed in the core and an adhesive agent disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A reflective film structure is provided for being adhered and shaped on multiple processing surfaces of a preformed structural element, in which the processing surfaces form a three-dimensional shape. The reflective film structure includes a thermoplastic adhesive film and a reflective layer. The thermoplastic adhesive film has a thickness ranging from 0.01 mm to 1 mm, and has an internal surface and an external surface. The internal surface is adhered to the processing surfaces. The reflective layer is laminated on the external surface, and massive beads are distributed on an outer surface of the reflective layer. The reflective film structure has a normal direction vertical to the reflective layer. Furthermore, the reflective layer has at least a first and a second reflective region in different directions, which are respectively towards different directions other than the normal direction. The first and the second reflective region are respectively disposed with beads.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheet, which may be a beaded retroreflective sheet or a prismatic retroreflective sheet, is comprised of a substrate having a first and second surfaces with a plurality of retroreflective elements disposed on the second surface of the substrate to form the retroreflective sheet having an initial performance standard and a printed pattern disposed on the second surface, the pattern provided in an amount ranging from 30% to about 100% of an area of the second surface to change a performance level of the retroreflective sheet from the initial performance standard to a selected performance standard. A method for producing the retroreflective sheeting and a system for controlling the retroreflectivity of the retroreflective sheeting by altering a surface of the retroreflective sheeting is provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a retroreflective member that can improve the visibility further. The retroreflective member includes a reflective layer and transparent microscopic beads 13. The retroreflective member gives a phase difference corresponding to a visible light wavelength to at least a part of incident light and recombines, emphasizes a light component having the visible light wavelength by interference, and returns coherent light having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle in the traveling direction of the incident light. The reflective layer includes a light-transmissive interference layer 14, and the interference layer 14 each has an optical layer thickness of 100 to 600 nm so as to generate an interference color having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle of light.

Abstract: A light redirecting film (100) includes a first major surface (110) that includes first microstructures (150) that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (120), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (160). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film (100) may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.

Abstract: A security laminate for authenticating an article and a method for authenticating articles is disclosed. The security laminate includes a transparent binder layer and retroreflective microspheres such that the security laminate exhibits a covert switching effect when exposed to particular conditions.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a binder (e.g., polymeric). Also described are microspheres (e.g., glass-ceramic), methods of making microspheres, spheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an anti-counterfeiting film and process for preparation thereof. The anti-counterfeiting film comprises a directional retroreflective layer (1), an optical-angle-based color-changing information layer (2), a reflective layer (3) and a support layer (4) which are combined in this turn. The support layer (4) is made of a polymer resin material, the reflective layer (3) is made of a material with high reflectivity and has a thickness of nanoscale, the information layer (2) is made of an optical-angle-based color-changing chiral polymer material having a helical structure or made of an optical-angle-based color-changing cellulose material. The optical-angle-based color-changing chiral polymer material having a helical structure is a condensation product of a chiral compound and a compound with functional group. The optical-angle-based color-changing cellulose material is composed of a cellulose derivative and a polymerisable monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is a programmable and latching retro-reflective construct suitable for use as an optical label in an optical labeling system. The invention contains retro-reflective structures such as lens beads, corner cubes or other retro-reflecting type structures. The retro-reflective construct further comprises a wavelength selective, programmable and latching reflecting structure located at the reflecting surfaces of the retro-reflective structures. The optical construct can optionally contain additional optical filtering structures. Methods for fabricating the invention are also described.

Abstract: Retroreflective elements and articles that include such elements. The retroreflective elements (100) include a solid spherical core (110) having an outer surface. A first complete concentric optical interference layer (112) overlays the outer surface of the core providing a first interface between the core and the first optical interference layer, and a second complete concentric optical interference layer (122) overlays the first optical interference layer to provide a second interface between the first optical interference layer and the second optical interference layer. In some embodiments, a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlays the second optical interference layer to provide a third interface between the second optical interference layer and the third optical interference layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light reflective material which shows the color and texture of a base material thereof in the daytime and acts as a light reflector at night, and a preparation method thereof. According to embodiments of the present invention, the preparation method includes preparing an extrusion base material such as plastic or synthetic wood, and supplying a light reflecting element such as glass beads on the surface of the extrusion base material and passing the extrusion base material through an extruder to form a light-reflective layer on the surface of the extrusion base material.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure and wherein the polymeric film as a Vicat softening point of about 90° or greater.

Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.

Abstract: The present invention is a programmable and latching retro-reflective construct suitable for use as an optical label in an optical labeling system. The invention contains retro-reflective structures such as lens beads, corner cubes or other retro-reflecting type structures. The retro-reflective construct further comprises a wavelength selective, programmable and latching reflecting structure located at the reflecting surfaces of the retro-reflective structures. The optical construct can optionally contain additional optical filtering structures. Methods for fabricating the invention are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres 0 partially embedded in a binder (e.g., polymeric). Also described are microspheres (e.g., glass-ceramic), methods of making microspheres, spheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a first portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a first cube corner structure that creates a first visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting and a second portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a second cube corner structure that differs from the first cube structure and that creates a second visual feature in the sheeting. The second visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting forms a security mark.

Abstract: The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity at high entrance angles. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light from high entrance angles and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light from entrance angles in the vicinity of the normal.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheet, which may be a beaded retroreflective sheet or a prismatic retroreflective sheet, is comprised of a substrate having a first and second surfaces with a plurality of retroreflective elements disposed on the second surface of the substrate to form the retroreflective sheet having an initial performance standard and a printed pattern disposed on the second surface, the pattern provided in an amount ranging from 30% to about 100% of an area of the second surface to change a performance level of the retroreflective sheet from the initial performance standard to a selected performance standard. A method for producing the retroreflective sheeting and a system for controlling the retroreflectivity of the retroreflective sheeting by altering a surface of the retroreflective sheeting is provided.

Abstract: Security laminates and articles wherein the security laminate includes a first substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a plurality of retroreflective elements affixed along the first major surface of the substrate, the retroreflective elements including a solid spherical core comprising an outer core surface, the outer core surface providing a first interface; a first complete concentric optical interference layer having an inner surface overlying core surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer providing a second interface; a second complete concentric optical interference 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; the security laminate is retroreflective.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting articles comprising a colorless thermal mass transferred image, methods of thermal mass transfer printing substrate such as polymeric films with a colorless thermal mass transferable composition, and thermal mass transfer ribbon articles comprising a colorless thermal mass transferable composition are described. The thermal mass transfer composition comprises a homogeneous unreactive thermoplastic composition comprising at least one acrylic resin and less than 3 wt-% of components that are opaque at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle for travel on a roadway comprising a vehicle and at least one retroreflector affixed to the vehicle, at least a portion of the retroreflector having a substantially planar, substantially transparent exterior surface, the substantially planar exterior surface aligned substantially parallel to the roadway. The retroreflector is preferably mounted to an underside of the vehicle to retroreflect light from oncoming vehicles when the vehicle has tipped on a side so that an underside portion of the vehicle may be seen by an observer in the oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: The retroreflective sheet of the present invention comprises a surface layer (1) including at least one layer, a focusing layer (2) containing glass spheres (3), and a metal reflective layer (4) on the back side of the focusing layer (2), wherein the glass spheres (3) are disposed at random locations in the thickness direction of the focusing layer (2). The external illumination system of the present invention comprises a sign having a sign face including the above-mentioned retroreflective sheet, and an external illumination source, and the distance from the illumination source to the sign face is within a range of at least 1 m and no more than 100 m. The present invention thereby provides a retroreflective sheet and an external illumination system with which wide-angle reflective performance with a wider incidence angle and observation angle can be ensured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a license plate for vehicles that comprises a light guide comprising a matrix of a transparent polymeric material A having distributed therein particles of a material B for scattering light within the light guide. The license plate further comprises a retroreflective sheet having a retroreflective face that faces a first side of the light guide. The invention provides for an optimized illuminated license plate, and methods of making such license plate.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting is described comprising a viewing surface and a non-viewing surface and a thermal mass transferred image disposed in the optical path of the viewing surface wherein the thermal mass transferred image comprises a homogeneous unreactive thermoplastic composition. In one embodiment, the unreactive thermoplastic composition comprises at least one acrylic resin and at least one colorant, wherein the composition has less than 3 wt-% of components that are opaque at ambient temperature. The percent maximum diffuse luminous transmittance to total luminous transmittance of the composition is less than 50%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment of a retroreflective sheet with a treatment composition that comprises a fluorinated compound having one or more silyl groups and an auxiliary compound selected from the group consisting of (i) one or more non-fluorinated compounds of an element M selected from Si, Ti, Zr, B, Al, Ge, V, Pb and Sn and (ii) an organic compound having a Si—H group. The invention also relates to compositions comprising (i) a fluorinated compound comprising one or more silyl groups and (ii) an auxiliary compound selected from the group consisting of organic compounds having a Si—H group.

Abstract: Provided are a retro-reflection product using water based resin and a fabrication method thereof. The retro-reflection product includes a glass bead layer attached on a film, an aluminum layer selectively deposited on the glass bead layer according to need, and a base layer for adhering leather, fabric, or urethane sheet. A water based color resin coating layer is primarily coated with water based polyurethane resin over a surface of the glass bead layer. A water based adhesive resin coating layer is secondarily coated with water based polyurethane resin on a surface of the water based color resin coating layer.

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: The hue variable retroreflective sheet of the present invention includes: a surface layer (1) composed of at least one layer; and a plurality of retroreflective elements (3, 4, 5) that are positioned beneath the surface layer, wherein the retroreflective elements (3, 4, 5) retroreflect incident light toward a light source direction, at least one layer of the surface layer (1) is an optical coherent layer that changes in color depending on a point of view, and in which an optical coherent coloring material with a core material having a surface that is covered with one or more substantially transparent coating layer is dispersed, and mirror-reflects the incident light toward a direction opposite to the light source side, at least one layer of the retroreflective sheet is a colored layer containing a coloring material that colors retroreflected light, and the retroreflected light and the mirror-reflected light provide different hues.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer coating on a microstructured substrate. The method may be performed by vaporizing a liquid monomer or other pre-polymer composition and condensing the vaporized material onto a microstructured substrate, followed by curing. The resulting article may possess a coating that preserves the underlying microstructural feature profile. Such a profile-preserving polymer coating can be used to change or enhance the surface properties of the microstructured substrate while maintaining the function of the structure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a security laminate comprising a retroreflective layer comprising a plurality of retroreflective microbeads partially embedded in and protruding from a beadbond layer and having image receptive material disposed around the protruding microspheres. In another embodiment, the security laminate further comprises indicia patterns viewable in retroreflective light. In another embodiment, the security laminate is imaged on the image receptive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment of a retroreflective sheet with a treatment composition that comprises a fluorinated compound having one or more silyl groups and an auxiliary compound selected from the group consisting of (i) one or more non-fluorinated compounds of an element M selected from Si, Ti, Zr, B, Al, Ge, V, Pb and Sn and (ii) an organic compound having a Si—H group. The invention also relates to compositions comprising (i) a fluorinated compound comprising one or more silyl groups and (ii) an auxiliary compound selected from the group consisting of organic compounds having a Si—H group.

Abstract: A method of producing a retro-reflective heat transfer film includes heat-joining a PET release film and a transparent TPU sheet; forming a sticky-adhesive layer or a hot melt adhesive layer on the surface of the transparent TPU sheet; fixing glass beads made of beads with a refractive index of 2.2 to the semi-finished sheet; coating a thin film of transparent resin on the surface of the glass beads, and then forming an aluminum vacuum-coating layer on the coated thin film and forming a reflective resin layer transparent, colored or with graphics on the surface of the aluminum vacuum-coating layer and then producing a transfer sheet by forming a transparent hot melt resin layer on the surface of the reflective resin layer of the semi-finished sheet subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective elements and retroreflective articles such as pavement markings comprising retroreflective elements, methods of making retroreflective elements, and laminates.