Abstract: A retroreflective article comprises a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements, each retroreflective element comprising a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements comprise a first locally laminated layer and a second locally laminated layer that may be reflective layers. A transfer article comprises a disposable carrier layer in which the retroreflective article is detachably disposed with at least some of the transparent microspheres in contact with the disposable carrier layer.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire with a surface provided with a reflective layer that reflects light, the reflective layer including a transparent globule group composed of transparent globules. At least some of the transparent globules are each configured to reflect incident light incident into the transparent globule from outside, at an interface with the outside of the transparent globule, and to emit the light to the outside of the transparent globule as reflected light. The transparent globules are each configured to cause the reflected light to include more amount of non-retroreflected light than retroreflected light, the non-retroreflected light moving further away from an optical path of the incident light according to a distance from the transparent globules, being increased. The transparent globules each have an optical path of the non-retroreflected light with an angle difference of from 2.0 degrees to 2.5 degrees from the optical path of the incident light.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for tunable photonic harvesting for solar energy conversion and dynamic shading tolerance are provided herein.

Abstract: A method for cooling the temperature of a body of water having a top surface exposed to sunlight comprises distributing balls such that they lie on, and in direct contact with, at least part of the top surface, the at least part of the top surface characterized prior to the distribution by a pre-distribution surface area; The balls have diameters within a range of 100 microns to 3 mm, and albedos within a range of 0.15 to 1.0. The surfaces of the balls are hydrophilic, such that after the distribution a total wetted surface area greater than the pre-distribution surface area of the water is provided, facilitating the cooling. In one embodiment, the body of water is a natural or unnatural lake or bay.

Abstract: A lighting system with a laser light source for radiating light; a wavelength conversion element for receiving the radiated light from the light source and for re-emitting wavelength converted white light; and a reflector element for reflecting the light received from the wavelength conversion element is disclosed. The reflector element comprises a reflective surface and a micro-patterned surface comprising an array of micro-focal elements. Each micro-focal elements is configured to converge or diverge incident light from the wavelength conversion element.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a retroreflective material that shows high chroma for incident light with a wide angle, and can change the color tone of reflected light depending on the incident angle of the incident light, and also has reduced unevenness in the color of the reflected light. An open-type retroreflective material in which a transparent resin layer and a reflective layer formed of a transparent metal compound thin film are laminated between a transparent microsphere and a fixing resin layer, and the layer thickness of the transparent resin layer is set to satisfy predetermined conditions, can show high chroma for incident light with a wide angle, and can change the color tone of reflected light depending on the incident angle of the incident light, and can also have reduced color unevenness.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A method for laminating a functional film on to an optical base element and a tri-layer adhesive system for use in the method. The tri-layer adhesive includes a first latex adhesive layer disposed on the functional film and a second latex adhesive layer disposed on the optical base element. An HMA layer is disposed in between the latex layers to form a tri-layer adhesive to permanently retain the functionalized film on the optical base element. The method includes first coating a latex adhesive on the functional film and second coating a latex adhesive on the optical base element. An HMA is then coated on to one of the dried latex adhesive layers. The film is hot pressed on to the optical base element with the HMA sandwiched in between the latex layers to form a laminated optical device.

Abstract: A method for forming and applying retroreflective pavement markings comprising the steps of a) spraying the area with a hot epoxy binder, b) depositing particles of a microcrystalline ceramic element having a high refractive index onto the fresh epoxy binder, c) depositing relatively large spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder, and d) depositing relatively small spherical glass beads onto the fresh epoxy binder. The small beads provide high reflectivity in daytime and at night on dry pavement. The large beads provide superior reflectivity at night on damp pavement. The ceramic element particles provide high reflectivity when wet and during heavy rain. Where the pavement is subject to snowplowing, the marking may be inlaid in a recessed area in the pavement, the recess being about 100 mils deep, and the wet epoxy layer being about 20 mils thick.

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: 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 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, 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: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an anti-counterfeiting film and a process for preparation thereof. The anti-counterfeiting film comprises a protective layer (1), a binder layer (2), a retroreflective layer (3), a photopolymerizable information layer (4) and a reflective layer (5) which are combined in turn. The retroreflective layer (3) is embedded spherically in the binder layer (2), and the photopolymerizable information layer (4) has been recorded with graphics information which can change along with the viewing angle.

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: 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, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials.

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: 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: 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: A retroreflective article includes: a retroreflective layer including a binding matrix and a plurality of optical elements, the binding matrix having an upper surface, the optical elements being bonded to and protruding from the upper surface of the binding matrix and being capable of directing light, that enters the optical elements, in a direction such that the light can be substantially returned toward a light source from which the light is emitted; a transparent printable layer formed on the retroreflective layer and cooperating with the binding matrix to enclose the optical elements; and a colored layer printed on the printable layer.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminated member with an recorded information code, having a high reading accuracy, which do not detract from product design and which do not require a special reading apparatus. A laminated member 10 of the present invention comprises a transparent material layer 12 on which an information code is recorded, and a reflection-reduction layer 14 provided at the opposite side from a side where the information code is observed. The transparent layer 12 comprises low-reflectance portions 18 and high-reflectance portions 16 having a higher reflectance than the low-reflectance portions 18. The information code is recorded as a distributed pattern of the high-reflectance portions 16. The reflection-reduction layer 14 reduces reflected light advancing to the transparent material layer 12.

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: A retroreflective article having at least one valve is disclosed. Each valve may include a channel extending from a first major surface to a second major surface of the retroreflective material, and at least one movable member proximate the channel. The at least one movable member is movable between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the at least one movable member obstructs at least a portion of the channel. A method of making a retroreflective article having at least one valve is also disclosed.

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 invention relates to retroreflective articles such as retroreflective sheeting that comprises a core sheet comprising retroreflective elements and a topcoat wherein the topcoat comprises certain water-borne acrylic polymer(s).

Abstract: A exposed-lens retroreflective article exhibiting retroreflection under dry and wet conditions is provided. The inventive article comprises a first set of optical elements having a first reflective layer disposed on the embedded portion of the elements. The first set contributes mainly to dry retroreflection. The article further comprises a second set of optical elements having a second reflective layer behind a spacing layer. The second set contributes mainly to wet retroreflection. In one embodiment, the first and second sets of optical elements have substantially the same average diameters, refractive index, and density.

Abstract: A light reflective film having a multi-layered structure including a light reflective membrane layer on a web. A plurality of transparent spherical glass beads are provided on the light reflective membrane layer. A transparent film layer is provided on the glass beads and is spaced away from the light reflective membrane layer by an air gap. A transparent coating encapsulates all of the component layers to form the light reflective film. The light reflective film is flexible and durable, and effectively reflects light when under water.

Abstract: Sign band (1) for day and night road signs, comprising a band-shaped support (6) having a first and second outer surface (6a) and 6b), a reflecting substance (7) arranged in a portion of at least one of said outer surfaces (6a) and (6b), a transparent gluing substance spread onto said reflecting substrace (7), and a plurality of transparent microspheres (9) anchored within said gluing substrate.

Abstract: The light diffusing plate includes an unrecognizable structure having an optical refractive power, passing areas through which a collimated light incident from a side of the unrecognizable structure passes and a non-passing area other than the passing areas, which has relatively low light transmissivity compared with the passing areas, wherein both materials of the passing areas and non-passing area are applied simultaneously. The display apparatus includes this light diffusing plate, a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight unit. The image display apparatus includes an image display device having a matrix structure and a light diffusing plate including an unrecognizable structure which has an optical refractive power and is provided on a viewing side of a display screen of the image display device. The light diffusing plate has an excellent light diffusing efficiency, and can preferably reduce a contrast drop to be caused by a surface reflection.

Abstract: Many embodiments of the present invention are imbued with both sight-facilitative and touch-facilitative characteristics. The invention's unitary resinous matrix configuration encompasses, in the form of small discrete bodies, three genres (luminescent, reflective, retroreflective) of visually enhancing material along with tactilely enhancing material. The retroreflective and abrasive bodies partially project at a light-exposable surface of the resinous matrix material; the luminescent and reflective (diffuse and/or specular) bodies lie beneath the light-exposable surface. The luminescent, reflective and retroreflective bodies are complementarily and cumulatively effective; in particular, they versatilely afford increased visibility at practically all angular lines of sight as well as under practically all deficient illuminative conditions. The abrasive bodies afford vehicular skid prevention, surefootedness and the capability to manually and/or pedally “feel one's way” to safety.

Abstract: Retrochromic articles have a retrochromic pattern comprising first and second viewable retroreflective regions, wherein at least one viewable retroreflective region comprises a plurality of intrinsically retrochromic beads. Methods for making such articles are also provided. Articles according to the present invention have covert security features, and may be used, for example, to authenticate security articles.

Abstract: A process for forming a retroreflective layer on a powder coated substrate is provided. The substrate is powder coated and the powder coating is subsequently partially cured. Reflective elements are then partially embedded in the semi-cured powder. The powder is then fully cured to permanently bond the reflective elements with the powder coating. The resultant retroreflective assembly can be used in any application requiring high detectability in poor visibility conditions, such as road signs and the like.

Abstract: Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting is described which contains an improved binder layer. The binder layer is obtained from a film-forming mixture which comprises: (A) a vinyl chloride copolymer, (B) a thermoplastic polyurethane, and (C) an aminoplast resin. Such binder layer exhibits improved adhesion to metallized beads and to a variety of cover films such as acrylic films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reflective elements comprising reinforcement particles dispersed within a glass or ceramic core and optical elements partially embedded into the core. The invention further relates to reflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising the reflective elements as well as methods of making the reflective elements.

Abstract: A fluorescent yellow retroreflective sheeting article comprises a polymeric matrix, a fluorescent yellow-green dye selected from the group consisting of thioxanthene dyes and benzothiazene dyes, and a second dye selected from the group consisting of thioxanthene dye and thioxanthone dyes, wherein the resulting article has chromaticity coordinates within the area defined by CIE as fluorescent yellow.

Abstract: A dry formulation for an integrated marking material for concrete and asphalt application comprises a cementitious mixture including a hydraulic or cementitious binder, a redispersible polymeric cement modifier, a retroreflective agent filler, and optionally, a reflective agent filler. The formulation preferably includes a pigment, aggregate, a dispersant, a plasticizer, and/or a water reducer. The formulation optionally includes at least one admixture selected from an accelerator, an air entrainer, a defoamer, fibers, an inert filler, a natural clay, a pozzolanic filler, a retarder, a rheology modifier, a shrinkage compensating agent, a synthetic clay, a suspending agent, and a thickening agent. The marking material, when applied, has broadcast onto and embedded into its surface, additional retroreflective agents.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise pavement marking articles which are retroreflective under dry and/or wet conditions. The articles comprise a monolayer of exposed-lens optical elements, a spacing layer, and a reflective layer. The present invention also provides a method of making said pavement marking articles.

Abstract: Exposed lens retroreflective appliques incorporate a monolayer of beads and a dielectric mirror proximate the beads. A pigmented or otherwise colored bead bond layer in which the beads are partially embedded is visible through the dielectric mirror, giving the article a highly colored daytime appearance. The appliques exhibit an initial reflectivity. By appropriate materials selection, the appliques can be made to retain at least 75%, and in most instances at least 90%, of the initial reflectivity if subjected to fifty home laundering cycles. In one case the dielectric mirror includes zinc sulfide as a relatively high refractive index material and calcium fluoride as a relatively low refractive index material. In another case the dielectric mirror includes zinc sulfide as the relatively high refractive index material and silicon dioxide as the relatively low refractive index material.

Abstract: The pavement marking article comprises a substrate, a plurality of protrusions provided on the surface of the substrate, and first transparent microspheres having a refractive index of not less than 2.0 fixed at least on the surface of the substrate between adjacent protrusions.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise pavement marking articles which are retroreflective under dry and/or wet conditions. The articles comprise a monolayer of exposed-lens optical elements, a spacing layer, and a reflective layer. The present invention also provides a method of making said pavement marking articles.

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 nonconformity of the reflective and spacing layer to the bottom of the lenses.

Abstract: A fluorescent red article comprising a polymer matrix; and a perylene dicarboximide dye, wherein the article has chromaticity coordinates (x, y) within the area defined by (0.648, 0.351), (0.735, 0.265), (0.629, 0.281) and (0.565, 0.346) in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System and measured using 0/45 geometry and evaluated with CIE Standard Illuminant D65 and a fluorescence luminance factor of at least about 8, and laminates, retroreflective materials, and methods of making thereof.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for making retroreflective elements which are retroreflective under dry and/or wet conditions. The method provides a means for placing optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles on selected surfaces.

Abstract: A retroreflective article that has 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 multiple polymer layers and has layers that possess different refractive indices.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of bonding substantially non-fluorinated polymeric material to a fluoropolymer utilizing a bonding composition comprising primary or secondary di- or poly-amine and a melt-processable, substantantially non-fluorinated component. Multi-layer articles and composite constructions, including retroreflective sheeting and fuel line hoses, made of a fluoropolymer layer and a substantially non-fluorinated layer are also provided.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.