Abstract: A wheel rim includes a transparent adhesive layer provided on the surface of the wheel rim, a light-reflective particle layer which is substantially free of any superimposed or overlapping particles and which is formed by spreading solely and uniformly dry light-reflective particles on the transparent adhesive layer and contacting directly the particles with the transparent adhesive layer, the particles having dimensions larger than the thickness of the transparent adhesive layer so that some of the dry light-reflective particles which do not contact the transparent adhesive layer can be allowed to fall off the transparent adhesive layer by gravity, and a transparent protective layer provided on the light-reflective particle layer.

Abstract: To provide a retroreflective sheet which is suitable for co-molding by injection molding or the like, wherein the retroreflective sheet can be laid within a mold and molded with a resin to form a molded product, and, after molding, the sheet retains a significant portion of its reflection luminance and appearance as compared with the reflection luminance value before molding. A retroreflective sheet used for a co-molding, comprising a metallic reflective layer, a microspherical lens layer disposed as a single layer, and a transparent focal resin layer disposed between the reflective layer and the microspherical lens layer, in which the focal resin layer comprises a mixture of cellulose ester and polyvinyl butyral resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for indicating wheel rotation for a truck. The marker fits onto the wheel and turns with the wheel. The marker has a reflective end to allow vision during less visible occasions. The marker is mounted on the wheel stud and when the wheel stud is fastened the wheel marker is pressed between the rim and the wheel nut. The marker's reflective end rests on the outer portion of the rim.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting material comprising at least one retroreflective optical system (200, 300, 400) consisting of an entrance transmission optical element (201, 301) for receiving and focusing incident electromagnetic radiation from an irradiation source, and a reflective optical element (205, 405) for reflecting the incident electromagnetic radiation back toward the irradiation source; said reflective optical element being positioned in or near the effective focal point of the transmission optical element and the space between the optical elements optionally being constituted by a spacing material (202); wherein at least one of the optical elements (205, 301, 405) is a diffractive optical element, the reflective optical element (205, 405) for substantially all angles of incidence sends at least a part of the incident electromagnetic radiation back along the direction of the incoming chief ray (204), and the reflective optical element does not exclusively consist of a specular mirror type reflective op

Abstract: A projector for use with a light source and including a shutter assembly having a multiplicity of pixel light valves and a color separator disposed intermediate the light source and the shutter assembly and spaced therefrom and providing a plurality of spatially separated differently colored light beams, wherein the plurality of spatially separated differently colored light beams are in predetermined registration with the multiplicity of pixel light valves.

Abstract: A projector for use with a light source and including a shutter assembly panel having a multiplicity of pixel light valves overlying an array of interspersed shutter pixels each of which transmits only one of a plurality of colors, and a color filter disposed intermediate the light source and the planar shutter and spaced therefrom and having an array of interspersed filter pixels, each of which only transmits only one of a plurality of colors, wherein the array of interspersed filter pixels is in light and color registration with the array of interspersed shutter pixels, such that generally light of a given color impinges on a shutter area of the same color.

Abstract: An article exhibiting durable fluorescent properties comprising a polymeric matrix, dye, and hindered amine light stabilizer, wherein the polymeric matrix is comprised of polycarbonate and the dye is comprised of a dye selected from the group consisting essentially of thioxanthone, perylene imide and/or thioindigoid compounds. The article exhibits durable fluorescence which resists degradation by ultraviolet or visible radiation. The invention is optionally combined with retroreflective elements so that the resultant article has durable fluorescent properties when exposed to sunlight and is also retroreflective. A method of manufacturing an article exhibiting durable fluorescent properties is also disclosed along with a method of increasing the durability of polycarbonate in a dyed system.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. Obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each an irregular or uneven reflecting surface.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surfaces alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The downward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or downward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the downward band-like surfaces of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. The upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or the upward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, are each a smooth, irregular or uneven reflecting surface. Obliquely downward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel, and obliquely upward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a rough surface.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheet material is produced by forming sheet material with closely spaced retroreflective formations on one face and depositing on this face silver and copper atoms having high kinetic energy to provide a reflective metallic deposit comprising a base layer of metallic silver and an overlying layer of metallic copper. An organic protective coating is thereafter applied over the reflective metallic deposit. Light rays passing through the front face of the body enter the retroreflective formations, impinge upon the interface provided by the silver base layer and are retroreflected therefrom. As a result, the sheet material exhibits a bright white appearance in daylight as well as a bright white coloration at night when an incandescent beam impinges thereon.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surfaces alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The downward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or downward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the downward band-like surfaces of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. The upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, or the upward band-like surfaces of the reflecting film formed on the upward band-like surfaces of the substrate, are each a smooth, irregular or uneven reflecting surface. Obliquely downward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel, and obliquely upward band-like surfaces of the color filter are each a rough surface.

Abstract: A laser retroreflector array is provided having an array of cat-eye retroreflectors each with an image forming objective through which the laser beam passes and a partial mirror at the focal plane of the image forming objective. By using the cat-eye retroreflectors to reflect the laser beam, the field of view can be angularly limited so that only one retroreflector in the array at a time reflects the laser beam.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has a substrate and a thin film optical color filter formed all over the main surface of the substrate with or without a reflecting film interposed therebetween. The main surface of the substrate is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each a smooth reflecting surface. Obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the reflecting film, formed on the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate, or the obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the substrate are each an irregular or uneven reflecting surface.

Abstract: Applicants have discovered that a particularly efficient illuminating device for a transparent display comprises a microtextured reflecting surface formed on a major surface of a transparent substrate and a light source for directing light into the transparent substrate approximately parallel to the major surface. Preferably the substrate has two major surfaces separated by a thickness in the range 0.5 to 1.0 mm so that the substrate acts as a light guide. A substantial portion of the light passing into the substrate undergoes total internal reflection until it hits a microelement and is reflected out of the substrate. The result is an efficient illuminating device particularly useful for lighting transparent displays.

Abstract: An improved hollow retroreflector assembly with a hard mount assembly is provided, comprising a hollow retroreflector assembly adhered onto a mounting member. The hollow retroreflector has three plates having optically flat reflective surfaces disposed at right angles to each other and non-reflective surfaces opposite to the reflective surfaces of the plates. Each of the plates has first and second sides disposed at right angles to each other, the first side of each plate abutting and being adhered to the reflective surface of the plate adjacent to it. The mounting member has first and second receiving surfaces disposed at right angles to each other. The first receiving surface has adhered to it a portion of the first side of one of the plates, and the second receiving surface has adhered thereto a portion of the second side of the same plate. The mounting member also has a base member having a threaded bore extending therein for receipt of a correspondingly threaded member extending from a support.

Abstract: A pseudo-luminous panel has an optical color filter and a reflecting film formed all over the back thereof. The surface of the optical color filter is formed by obliquely downward and upward band-like surface portions alternately arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The back face of the optical color filter is has obliquely upward band-like back face portions each on the opposite side from one of the obliquely downward band-like surface portions and obliquely downward band-like back face portions each on the opposite side from one of obliquely upward band-like surface portions. The obliquely downward band-like surface portions of the optical color filter are each a smooth surface extending straight in the longitudinal section of the panel. The obliquely upward band-like surface portions of the optical color filter are each a rough surface. The obliquely upward band-like back face portions of the optical color filter are each a smooth surface.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a method for microembossing reflector surfaces with controlled reflecting patterns too small to be resolved by the unaided eye but capable of providing controlled reflection characteristics superior to uncontrolled random deformation. The result is a microtextured reflector of having dispersion characteristics of enhanced uniformity and a display device which can be read over an enhanced range of viewing angles. Specifically, a reflector in accordance with the invention comprises a base plane and a pattern of microelements having maximum lateral dimensions less than 125 micrometers and smooth, continuous mold-formed surfaces arising from the base plane. Such a reflector surface can be made using a master formed by covering a substrate with photoresist, exposing the resist to define a pattern of microelements having maximum lateral dimensions less than about 125 micrometers and heating the substrate to partially melt the resist elements thereby obtaining smooth-surfaced microelements.

Abstract: A polished high-intensity reflector of copper, silver or gold for laser applications. In contrast to known mirrors of electrolytic copper whose surface is permeated with grain interfaces, this new mirror is constituted by the surface of single crystals. This surface may be polished. Alternatively this surface may be formed by copper single crystals etched in the (100)- or (111)-orientation planes. In the latter case crystallites making up the surface contain etching pits each of which form small spherical mirrors of their own. Mirrors with etched surface withstand higher laser energies than mirrors with polished surface. As a shield protecting against laser beams several single crystal mirrors may be combined in arrays. The reflecting surface may be either flat or curved.

Abstract: A retro-reflective target tape comprising a lower sub-laminate having an upper transparent thick mylar backing about 2 mils thick, a release sheet therebeneath and a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween; and an upper sub-laminate having an upper light reflective sheet with a thin, transparent mylar backing about a half mil thick therebeneath and with a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween and with pressure sensitive adhesive beneath the thin mylar backing, the upper sub-laminate being cut to form a plurality of circular reflective targets and removed from the lower sub-laminate except for the plurality of circular reflective targets, the pressure sensitive adhesive above the release sheet remaining with the thick mylar backing upon the removal of the adjacent release sheet. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such tape.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting is usually provided as rolls with an adhesive backing for application to rigid road and other signs. Roll-up signs are those small signs having folding frames holding a flexible material placed to caution traffic about temporary workers. On completion of the tasks the frames are folded, and the signs are rolled up for future use. Such signs, contemplated herein, present problems other than flexibility. In addition to weather resistance, durability, and foldability, means for attaching the signs to the stands must be devised. Generally the sign material is provided with pockets. But most plastics cannot be readily sewn. The resulting needle holes weaken the sewn area so that the pocket readily tears out, or at least partially away, from the sign. The usual method for making such signs, then, is to attach the pockets by fusion using heated die elements. The deformation which occurs when the heated die is impressed to bring about the heat fluidization usually weakens the plastic.

Abstract: A reflector has 3 planar reflecting surfaces with the upper and lower surfaces each intersecting the central plane at an angle between 145.degree. and 150.degree., each reflecting surface being composed of individually imperceptible cube corner reflectors.

Abstract: A microprism retroreflector material has a body portion with a planar front face and closely spaced microprisms extending thereacross in a plane spaced from and parallel to the front face. The microprisms are formed with three side surfaces disposed along three intersecting planes, and at least some of the microprisms have at least one side surface which is arcuate along one of the intersecting planes and over at least the major portion of its height. At least some adjacent pairs of microprisms have their prism axes tilted relative to the intersecting plane extending therebetween. The microprisms retroreflect light in six circumferentially spaced radially extending exit-energy patterns, and at least 70 percent of the retroreflected light is within a spread of not more than 0.6.degree. from the light rays impinging thereon.

Abstract: A multi-layered reflective structure is comprised of a base, a first layer of first reflective elements secured to the base, and a second layer of second reflective elements secured to portions of the first layer. Additional layers of reflective elements are each secured to portions of the preceding layer of reflective elements.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45.degree. with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.