Display Window Patents (Class 359/609)
  • Publication number: 20020135881
    Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly includes: a first transparent substrate having a first conductive coating on a surface thereof; a second transparent substrate having a second conductive coating on a surface thereof, the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate being spaced from each other to define a chamber therebetween; an electrochromic medium contained in the chamber, the electrochromic medium having a luminous transmittance that varies upon application of an electrical potential through the electrochromic medium; a plurality of first spaced facilities contacting the first conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the first conductive coating; and a plurality of second spaced facilities contacting the second conductive coating and capable of delivering electrical current to the second conductive coating to establish the electrical potential through the electrochromic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas G. Rukavina, Chia-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6435683
    Abstract: A low profile rearview mirror for a motor vehicle having a first refractor with a first refractive index and a first chromatic dispersive power. The first refractor is disposed in a housing on the exterior of the vehicle. A reflector mounted partially within the motor vehicle extends into the housing for the first refractor and the refractor is positioned to receive and reflect light from objects behind the vehicle passing through the first refractor. A second refractor having a second refractive index and a second chromatic dispersive power is mounted between the first refractor and the reflector and the first and second refractors have complementary properties of chromatic dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Redbus Serraglaze Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter James Milner
  • Patent number: 6426022
    Abstract: A substrate 2 is autorotatably installed in a vacuum chamber 1 at an upper part thereof. MgF2 granules 3 as a film source material are put in a quartz boat 4 and mounted on a magnetron cathode 5. The magnetron cathode 5 is connected through a matching box 6 to a 13.56 MHz radio frequency power source 7. Cooling water 8 for holding the temperature of the magnetron cathode 5 constant flows on a lower face of the magnetron cathode 5. A side face of the vacuum chamber 1 is provided with gas introduction ports 9, 10 for introducing gas in the vacuum chamber 1. A shutter 11 is placed between the magetron cathode 5 and the substrate 2. This structure provides a process enabling forming a thin film at a high speed by sputtering, especially, a high speed sputtering enabling forming a thin fluoride film free of light absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Kawamata, Nobuaki Mitamura
  • Patent number: 6419367
    Abstract: A tubular attachment for a video monitor frame which encloses an LCD screen by insertion of the frame through an entry opening in the attachment to be located within an internal chamber of the attachment. The function of the attachment is to reduce glare when observing an LCD screen and also to provide an element of privacy and decrease sun damage to the LCD screen. The attachment is to be constructed of a rubberized fabric sheet material which not only permits the attachment to be stretched to accommodate to different sizes of video monitor frames but also permits the attachment to be collapsed when not in use facilitating its stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dion, Karen A. Dion
  • Publication number: 20020089754
    Abstract: A tubular attachment for a video monitor frame which encloses an LCD screen by insertion of the frame through an entry opening in the attachment to be located within an internal chamber of the attachment. The function of the attachment is to reduce glare when observing an LCD screen and also to provide an element of privacy and decrease sun damage to the LCD screen. The attachment is to be constructed of a rubberized fabric sheet material which not only permits the attachment to be stretched to accommodate to different sizes of video monitor frames but also permits the attachment to be collapsed when not in use facilitating its stowage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dion, Karen A. Dion
  • Patent number: 6403223
    Abstract: An optical article comprising a first layer of a transparent resin having a self-healing property; an antireflection layer consisting essentially of a non-crystalline fluorine-containing polymer disposed underneath said first layer; and a circular polarizer disposed underneath said antireflection layer. The optical article has anti-reflective and anti-glare properties and also has self-healing properties and scuff resistance imparted by a thin, multi-layered film. The optical article thus is effective in reducing reflection and glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Telspan Services Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Albro, Daniel Francis Smith
  • Patent number: 6402328
    Abstract: Automatically dimming rearview mirrors allow a vehicle operator to view a scene generally behind the operator at a reflectivity level automatically adjusted to ambient light and glare levels. An automatically dimming mirror includes a dimming element having a variably reflective surface, the degree of reflectivity based on a control signal. An ambient light sensor is positioned to receive light from a region generally in front of the vehicle. The ambient light sensor outputs a discrete ambient light signal based on the amount of light incident on the ambient light sensor over an integration period. A glare sensor is positioned to view the scene generally behind the vehicle operator. The glare sensor outputs a discrete glare signal based on the amount of light incident on the glare sensor over an integration period. A dimming logic determines an ambient light level based on the ambient light signal. The glare integration period is determined based on the ambient light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Joseph S. Stam, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum
  • Patent number: 6388372
    Abstract: A display screen may be formed with a moth-eye like array of elements of sufficiently small size to reduce glare from ambient light while passing outbound image light substantially unaffected. The screen may be used in direct view and projection displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kannan Raj, Lawrence A. Booth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6383559
    Abstract: An anti-reflection film comprises a low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer comprises a polymer binder and micro particles. The micro particles are so deposited to superpose at least one micro particle on another micro particle, to form micro voids surrounded by the micro particles. The micro particles have a mean particle size of 5 to 200 nm. A display device provided with the anti-reflection film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Tomokazu Yasuda, Taku Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20020039237
    Abstract: A sun barrier, sign, screen or reflector or combination thereof. The barrier may be used, for instance, for reducing the sun exposure to the interior of an automobile. The barrier includes a flexible, cloth-like panel and a barrier control element with the control element selectively positioning the panel to a generally planar condition or a coiled storage condition. The control element may be a coiled strip spring or constant force spring attached to one edge of the barrier panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Richard E. McVicker
  • Patent number: 6364495
    Abstract: A back mirror 1 comprising an automatic glare-proof function of the present invention includes a battery E1, a daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 for deciding whether the current time is daytime or nighttime, an integrating circuit 4, an electronic switch FET1, a glare-proof/glare-non-proof deciding circuit 5 for deciding whether an EC mirror 2 is set to a glare-proof state or a glare-non-proof state, and a driving circuit 6 for applying a DC voltage to the EC mirror 2. The daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 is being constantly applied with a DC voltage from the battery E1. When the daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 has decided that the current time is daytime, the electronic switch FET1 is turned off, and when the daytime/nighttime deciding circuit 3 has decided that the current time is nighttime, the electronic switch FET1 is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nagao, Hidenori Sato
  • Patent number: 6357881
    Abstract: A molded security cover (10) for use with a self-service terminal (SST) is provided, the cover (10) including a translucent recessed portion (14, 16) for location over the SST display screen, and an opaque portion (18) including a number of apertures (12) for location over the function display keys (FDKs) of the SST. The cover (10) is formed of polycarbonate, and includes a convex magnification portion (16) for assisting reading of on-screen text. The one-piece cover (10) is slimmer than conventional glass safety covers, and so reduces the separation between the display screen and FDKs, leading to a reduction in parallax experienced by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Clive S. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20020024739
    Abstract: An electronic quick change cartridge for a welding helmet. The cartridge base is formed of an optically dense polycarbonate or like material that acts as a passive filter to provide eye protection during the welding process. A port in the base receives a variable density LCD cell and a cavity formed in the base receives the electronics for driving the cell. Optical masks prevent light leakage through any interfaces of the structure. When low light levels are present, the welder views a work piece through an essentially transparent or slightly opaque LCD cell. When an arc is struck, the LCD cell darkens to a shade corresponding to the shade of the surrounding polycarbonate material. The welder then can view the work piece through the LCD cell and all the optically unobstructed portions of the polycarbonate base surrounding the LCD cell thereby to have an expanded viewing area during the actual welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Edward L. Martin, Frederick P. Edgar
  • Patent number: 6343865
    Abstract: A non-glare film 10 is composed of a non-glare layer 18 formed by coating a transparent base film 12 of TAC or the like with a coating material obtained by mixing a light transmissive diffusing material 14 of resin beads and the like in a light transmissive resin 16, and a low refractive index layer 20 composed of a silicon-containing vinylidene fluoride copolymer, said low refractive index layer 20 being laminated onto the surface of the non-glare layer, in which the haze value on the surface of the non-glare layer 18 is 7 to 30 and the haze value inside the non-glare layer 18 is 1 to 15, and when the non-glare film is attached onto the surface of a display panel, it suppresses degradation in contrast and furthermore prevents face-glare, reflecting-in and whitening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6329925
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a mirror case having a reflective element and a carrier positioned in the mirror case. The mirror case is adapted to mount to a vehicle. The reflective element includes a substrate, with a reflective coating on one side of the substrate, and a window therethrough. The carrier has a display element for displaying one or more indicia through the window to define a display area on the reflective element. The carrier comprises a plate member, with a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from the reflective element and from the first portion. The second portion includes the display element. Preferably, the interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one light assembly for displaying the indicia through said window so that it is visible to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy G. Skiver, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken, Jonathan E. DeLine
  • Publication number: 20010048559
    Abstract: The antiglare layer includes at least one resin coat layer (a) containing particles and a resin coat layer (b) laminated on said resin coat layer (a). The resin coat layer (b) contains particles and has a surface uneven configuration. An average particle size of the particles contained in the resin coat layer (b) is smaller than or equal to an average particle size of the particles contained in the resin coat layer (a), is capable of restraining the screen glaring phenomenon while maintaining the antiglare property and in which the whiting is observed to the least extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Takuya Matsunaga, Masayuki Satake, Shigeo Kobayashi, Hiroshi Shibata, Takashi Shouda
  • Patent number: 6326723
    Abstract: A display screen may be formed with a moth-eye like array of elements of sufficiently small size to reduce glare from ambient light while passing outbound image light substantially unaffected. The screen may be used in direct view and projection displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kannan Raj, Lawrence A. Booth, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010038493
    Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a protective panel having a liquid crystal display window with a transparent central portion and a semi-transparent peripheral portion, wherein the protective panel could be manufactured in a simple process and could prevent an inside of an electronic device from being seen from outside through the peripheral portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Watanabe, Mikihiro Kuramitsu
  • Patent number: 6302546
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a glare shield for a portable display screen, the display screen having a display surface with a top edge and first and second sides, the shield including: a material substantially surrounding the top edge and the first and second sides of the display surface and extending from the display surface, the shield being being constructed so as to be deformable in the event of the application of an external force, so as to absorb at least a portion of the external force to protect the display screen therefrom; and the glare shield being removable from the display screen and foldable substantially flat when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Kordiak
  • Patent number: 6273573
    Abstract: A method for producing a display window for a communication device covering a display element. The method includes the steps of providing a moulding tool with a matt surface structure, injecting fluid plastics, and cooling of the injected plastics and releasing the display window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phone Limited
    Inventor: Najib Abi-Abdallah
  • Patent number: 6270223
    Abstract: An active electro-optical filtering device, such as a glare-protection device is disclosed. The device is equipped with a light-protection filter having at least one active optical filter element, an electronic device for controlling the active filter element, a light sensor working together with the electronic device, and an electrical current supply for the electronic device and the at least one active filter element. In order to improve the efficiency in production and employment, the light-protection filter is arranged in a filter component and the electronic device, the light sensor and the electric current supply are arranged in a physically separate control component, wherein the filter components can be releasably connected mechanically and electrically to form a total unit, and for this purpose, are equipped with mutually cooperating mechanical and electrical connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Optrel AG
    Inventors: Franco Del Bon, Phillip Syré, Leo Keller
  • Patent number: 6268892
    Abstract: An anti-reflective film laminated on the display surface of a cathode ray tube which is not prone to pealing with age includes an extension on each of the four sides of the main film surface. The extensions from the main anti-reflective film surface are preferably rectangular and can be wrapped around the sides of the cathode ray tube adjacent to the display surface. A heat shrink band is then constricted around the cathode ray tube to fix the anti-reflective film in place. Strips of conductive material on the extensions of the anti-reflective film can be electrically connected to grounding electrodes on the heat shrink band to allow for the dissipation of static electricity which tends to accumulate on the anti-reflective film. With the heat shrink band securing the anti-reflective film in place over the display surface over the cathode ray tube, the anti-reflective film is not prone to pealing or separation from the display surface of the cathode ray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishizawa, Akira Kondo
  • Patent number: 6250765
    Abstract: An antiglare sheet (&agr;) for use with a display of a portable game machine includes a film element (1) serving as an antiglare film; an adhesive element (2) adapted to affix the film element (1) to a display screen; and a ventilation opening (4) adapted to ventilate a space (3) defined by the display screen and the film element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Abe Seisakusho Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tetsuya Murakami
  • Patent number: 6244715
    Abstract: A windshield glare-reducing assembly includes a tubular sleeve configured to receive an elongated light source such as a fluorescent lamp. Louvers are supported along the sleeve so as to fit closely around such a lamp without touching or being mounted directly on the lamp. The louvers are shaped, spaced and positioned to reduce the amount of light emitted from the lamp towards a vehicle windshield and then reflecting from the windshield into the driver's eyes. The sleeve is shaped to allow the sleeve and louvers to be easily installed on and removed from a lamp and to ease replacement of burned-out and damaged lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Transmatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin D. McCauley, Ben V. Domas
  • Patent number: 6199988
    Abstract: A retractable device (20), of a light shield type, is mounted on an optical instrument (10), such as a space telescope. The device comprises rods (22, 24) articulated about the optical instrument (10), within planes containing its axis (12), and a flexible and opaque covering (26), carried by these rods (22, 24). Motor units such as torsion springs integrated into the articulation devices (28, 30) of the rods allow the device (20) to be changed from a retracted configuration into an active configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Rodolphe André Krawczyk
  • Patent number: 6152567
    Abstract: A partition for a computer monitor including a support panel releasably attached by hook and loop fasteners to the monitor casing sidewalls, and a privacy panel that is slidable movable between a retracted position and an extended position forward of the monitor screen. The positioning of the monitor on the desk and direction of human traffic determines whether the partition is needed on the right side, the left side, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Laura E. LaForgia
  • Patent number: 6144419
    Abstract: A collapsible glare reduction device for a video monitor to protect against glare. The device includes top, first side and second side panels. The top panel is edge-connected between the first and second side panels. The first side panel is edge-connected along a fold line with a right side edge of the top panel and the second side panel is edge-connected along a fold line with a left side edge of the top panel. The first and second side panels are approximately equal size. Hook and loop strips are connected to the top and side panels for attaching the panels about the video monitor. The device is attached to the monitor by attaching the hook and loop strip of the first side panel about the monitor then the top panel is folded along the fold line with the first side panel and the hook and loop strip of the top panel is attached about the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hoodman Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6087012
    Abstract: A transparent substrate having a glare reducing diffuser surface coating on its outer surface forms a faceplate for attachment to a screen for a cathode ray tube or other display device. The coating has a gloss less than about 80 gloss units, and the substrate may include an index matching adhesive/medium for attaching said faceplate to a cathode ray tube screen. The diffuser surface coated substrate is bendable, overcoatable with functional coatings such as transparent conductor coatings, abrasion resistant, and generally serviceable for its intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Craig A. Dornan, Catherine A. Getz
  • Patent number: 6065841
    Abstract: A computer monitor hood is provided having top, left side, and right side shading panels. The computer monitor hood is formed as a monolithic structure, and is made of rigid material having elastic memory. When it is first molded, the bottom edges of the left side and right side shading panels are closer together than their top edges so that, when the computer monitor hood is in place on a computer monitor, the left side and right side shading panels are biased into frictional contact with the computer monitor as a consequence of the elastic memory attempting to restore the left side and right side shading panels to their unstressed position. Thus, the computer monitor hood may be placed in any selected position on a computer monitor as a consequence of the left side and right side shading panels being biased towards and in frictional contact with the sides of the computer monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Philip Heller, David Heller
  • Patent number: 6001486
    Abstract: A transparent substrate having a glare reducing diffuser surface coating on its outer surface forms a faceplate for attachment to a screen for a cathode ray tube or other display device. The coating has a preferred resolution of at least about 3 lines per millimeter, and the substrate may include an index matching adhesive/medium for attaching said faceplate to a cathode ray tube screen. The diffuser surface coated substrate is bendable and overcoatable with functional coatings such as transparent conductor and/or abrasion resistant coatings. Alternately, the diffuser surface coating may be applied over such functional coatings which are applied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Craig A. Dornan, Catherine A. Getz
  • Patent number: 5997145
    Abstract: A computer screen enhancing device including a front panel having a central opening therethrough. The front panel is positionable on a computer monitor whereby a computer screen of the monitor is visible through the central opening. A pair of side panels are foldably secured to outer edges of a pair of side portions of the front panel. The side panels have a pair of vertically disposed hook and loop strips disposed on outer surfaces thereof. A top panel is foldably secured to an outer edge of an upper portion of the front panel. The top panel has two pairs of horizontally disposed hook and loop strips on an inner surface thereof for mating with the pair of vertically disposed hook and loop strips of the pair of side panels in a closed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Leo L. Mora
  • Patent number: 5984483
    Abstract: A dual state mirror assembly for use with motor vehicles includes a housing having an open front for receiving an outer substrate to form an enclosure. The outer substrate has a surface coated with a thin metal film to act as a beam splitter. An inner substrate having a reflective front surface is mounted within the enclosure so that in a first position, the inner substrate is in direct contact with the outer substrate, to produce a single bright reflected image, and so that in a second position, the inner substrate is placed at an angle with respect to the outer substrate, to provide a dimmed image and to minimize glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Niel Mazurek, Theodore J. Zammit
  • Patent number: 5971548
    Abstract: A monitor filter includes a rectangular frame having cover, a pair of adjusting knobs fitted in two recesses formed close to two upper corners of the rectangular frame, and a pair of arms each having a bottom provided with a soft pad and a downwardly extending screw engaged with a respective one of the adjusting knobs, whereby the monitor filter can be easily and rapidly adjusted in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Teng-Shun Hung
  • Patent number: 5966241
    Abstract: A new computer monitor visor for shielding a user's eyes from direct ambient light while viewing a video display device such as a computer video monitor. The inventive device includes a generally rectangular sheet having first and second fold lines and first, second, and third score lines which divide the sheet into first and second trapezoidal panels, and a pair of triangular panels. The second trapezoidal panel is separable from the sheet along the score lines of the sheet such that the score line define a generally trapezoidal cutout. The sheet is foldable along the first and second fold lines such that the triangular panels generally face one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Gilger
  • Patent number: 5956100
    Abstract: The background light shield has multiple generally rectangular panel elements which slide one relative to the other to adjust for attachment around a video display cabinet. The panel elements would normally be constructed of thin metal or other suitable material to hold their shape when attached to the video display cabinet to form a broad frame. The background light shield when attached forms a frame approximately parallel to the plane of the video screen of the video display and may be attached at the front of the cabinet to be substantially in the plane of the video screen. The background light shield is of dark color, such as black, and of rough texture for low reflectivity and contrast with the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Jim Gorski
  • Patent number: 5909315
    Abstract: A display filter having a secure apparatus comprised of spring loaded gripping members for attaching a bezel having a filter medium onto a notebook computer. Gripping members grasp the sides of the notebook computer and the springs exert force sufficient to hold the display filter at a desired location. Further more, the display filter is horizontally adjustable so that the filter medium may be centered over the notebook computer display. When not used on a notebook computer display, the display filter may be stored in a relatively flat form factor by rotating the gripping members such that the protrusions used to grip the side of a notebook computer case may be rotated so that they lay flat against the side of a bezel. In this manner, there are no protruding edges and overall bulk is minimized. Other ways of attachment include the use of L-shaped strip members that are adjustable with respect to the bezel that contain the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Keehn
  • Patent number: 5900979
    Abstract: A computer monitor hood comprises top, left side and right side shading panels each having an outwardly facing surface, a monitor facing surface, front, rear, left and right side edges. A counterweight receiving portion is disposed on the computer monitor and has a first slip-resistant surface. A counterweight having a second slip-resistant surface is selectively manually placeable in any one of a plurality of front-to-rear positions on the counterweight receiving portion, with the first and second slip-resistant surfaces being in cooperating engagement one with the other so as to retain the counterweight in any selected position, thereby balancing the computer monitor hood at a selected position on the computer monitor such that the top, left side, and right side shading panels each project forwardly from the front of the computer monitor, at the respective of the top, left side, and right side surfaces of the computer monitor, so as to shade the screen of the computer monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Philip Heller, David Heller
  • Patent number: 5872656
    Abstract: Vehicle body accessories are formed of a transparent plastic material, and having markings defining a repeating pattern of opaque and transparent regions on one side of the transparent plastic material. The markings reduce the amount of light transmitted through the accessory, and give to the accessory an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The accessory can be used as a headlight cover, a tail light cover, a side window protector, a rear window protector, or a hood protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Oakmoore Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Miles Horwill, Rodney Edward Horwill
  • Patent number: 5864439
    Abstract: An added light display for alerting traffic passing left and right of a moving or parked van consisting of a light-reflecting strip advantageously positioned in a gap about the window which serves as a weather barrier compartment protecting the strip against deterioration due to weather elements and ultraviolet light impingement and permits it to provide a rectangular light display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5818635
    Abstract: A new computer monitor visor for reducing glare from a monitor's video display screen. The inventive device includes a top panel with a side panel hanging downwards from each of the top panel's lateral edges. The side panels are attached to the top panel by a plurality of removable side attachment straps. The rear portion of the top panel rests on the top wall of a computer monitor over the video display screen. The computer monitor visor is held in position on the computer monitor by a pair of computer attachment straps attached to the back wall of the computer monitor and the upper surface of the top panel. A support brace is attached to each side panel bottom edge and extends downwards for resting on a surface to provide additional support to the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Jerome T. Hohn, Vincent Figueroa
  • Patent number: 5803424
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger for mounting an article such as an anti-glare filter or electromagnetic shield or other cover on a second article such as a computer monitor. The hanger has an L configuration defined by two legs, a first one of which extends along the side/front of the monitor and the second of which rests on, i.e., is supported on, the top surface of the monitor. In a top mounting embodiment, the first leg of the hanger attaches to the top of the filter. A side mounting version preferably uses two hangers, which attach to opposite sides of the filter. The second or top leg preferably has a high-friction bottom surface or pad for providing non-slip positioning on the monitor. The depending leg includes a clamp or enclosure which mounts on the cover's bezel, providing ease of mounting on and removal from the cover. The relative size and configuration of the clamp and bezel can be selected to provide a secure fit. In one embodiment, the clamp provides an interference fit with the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Keehn, David L. Soberanis
  • Patent number: 5798881
    Abstract: A dual state mirror assembly for use with motor vehicles includes a housing having an open front for receiving an outer substrate to form an enclosure. The outer substrate has a surface coated with a thin metal film to act as a beam splitter. An inner substrate having a reflective front surface is mounted within the enclosure so that in a first position, the inner substrate is in direct contact with the outer substrate, to produce a single bright reflected image, and so that in a second position, the inner substrate is placed at an angle with respect to the outer substrate, to provide a dimmed image and to minimize glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventors: Niel Mazurek, Theodore J. Zammit
  • Patent number: 5797570
    Abstract: A holder for securely and adjustably supporting an article such as an anti-glare screen on another article such as a display monitor comprises an L-shaped hanger with teeth formed along the first one of its legs. An elongated sleeve having a tooth formed preferably at or near the end thereof is slidably mounted on the first leg. The tooth engages the hanger teeth in a ratchet-type arrangement which permits adjustment of the position of the sleeve on the hanger and thus of the cover on the monitor, while permitting a secure sliding fit between the hanger and the sleeve. Preferably, an adhesive strip secures the sleeve of the hanger to the cover and the second leg is positioned along a top surface of the monitor. Preferably, the underside of the second hanger leg is or is coated with a high friction material which positions the hanger on the monitor, secured against slipping or moving laterally, yet permits ready removal by lifting the hanger upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman E. Dolan, Dean A. Davis
  • Patent number: 5754259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical filter for visual display terminals, comprising a filter proper with a shape corresponding to a screen of the visual display terminal to have the filter mounted, and a frame for holding the filter proper, and can be mounted onto visual display terminals irrespective of the kind thereof, without giving any feeling of incompatibility. In the optical filter, the frame comprises a frame proper with a predetermined depth and a front shape corresponding to the main body of the visual display terminal, for holding the filter proper, and side frame members connected to be able to be horizontally adjusted in relative position against the frame proper. Also in the optical filter, the frame comprising a front frame with a shape corresponding to the main body of the visual display terminal, a top plate and side plates connected to the front frame tiltably at any optional positions, and corner members for connecting the top plate with the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Nakamatsu, Hiroshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5746408
    Abstract: An optical filter screen for a visual display monitor includes an optical filter supported by a support frame. A pair of adjustable mounting members support the support frame from a visual display monitor or similar such that the optical filter is positioned adjacent a display area of the display monitor. Each mounting member includes a stem element with a first and second end. A support element is rotatably engaged with the first end of the stem element so that in a first stop position the support element extends outwardly from the stem element to engage a top surface of the visual display unit. The support element folds down into a second storage position in which it lies substantially parallel with the stem element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Scott G. Theirl, Gerald E. Drake
  • Patent number: 5709922
    Abstract: A transparent article made of a resin and having on its surface the fine unevenness formed by direct transfer of ultrafine particles. An unevenness transfer substrate having the ultrafine particles deposited thereon as a monolayer by using a binder, with a water/oil repellent film formed on the ultrafine particle layer, is placed in a mold, then a sufficiently deaerated fluid plastic resin is cast into the mold and heated to cause curing, then the mold is removed, and the unevenness transfer substrate and the cured resin are separated from each other. Consequently, the fine unevenness formed by the ultrafine particles is transferred to the resin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Washi Kosan Company,Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ono, Yoshishige Endo, Kazunori Kagei, Kenji Sumida
  • Patent number: 5689371
    Abstract: An optical filter assembly for use on a visual display device is disclosed. Included in the assembly is a frame defining a viewing aperture which frame is mounted on a visual display device such that the aperture is in registry with the screen of the visual display device. An optical filter is provided for covering the aperture. The frame assembly includes a plurality of side walls which extend the distance sufficient for reducing the passage of room light to behind the optical filter. The frame assembly also includes structure for holding releasably the optical filter to the frame assembly and structure associated with the frame assembly for spacing the optical filter from the display screen. Included is spacing structure which includes a protrusion intrical with the frame for contacting the display screen for thereby physically spacing the filter from the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: William F. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 5668612
    Abstract: A pivotable protective screen structure which is height-adjustable and forward/backward shiftable. The protective screen structure includes a base body, a protective screen body and two support racks. The base body is formed with a slot passing through the entire base body and two pairs of slide channels disposed on two sides of the slot. In each pair of the slide channels are disposed opposite engaging teeth. The protective screen body includes a protective screen and a frame body framing the protective screen. Two shaft rods are disposed on two sides of the frame body. The support rack has two horizontal support levers defining a clearance therebetween and formed with upper and lower engaging teeth for engaging with the engaging teeth of the slide channels of the base body. The support rack further has a vertical rectangular hanging frame connected to front ends of the support levers and communicated with the clearance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Wang-Ho Hung
  • Patent number: 5650875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light transmitting panels mainly applied to lighting windows in openings of general buildings and lighting quantity or range adjusting methods for interiors of general buildings using any of the light transmitting panel's. One of the light transmitting panels consists of two transmitting plates and plural refractive columns located in parallel to each other between the two plates, and another of the light transmitting panels consists of base faces with reflecting zones parallel to each other formed on them. Furthermore, optional sunlight patterns S1, S2 and S3 incident from the sun located differently in altitude or azimuth with respective incident angles of .alpha.,.beta. and .gamma. in reference to altitude or azimuth satisfying the relation of .alpha.<.beta.<.gamma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Figla Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Kanada, Yoshikazu Danmura
  • Patent number: RE35691
    Abstract: An optical filter screen for a visual display monitor includes an optical filter supported by a support frame. A pair of adjustable mounting members support the support frame from the visual display monitor such that the optical filter is positioned adjacent a display area of the display monitor. Each mounting member includes a latch member that is movable between an unlatched state wherein the filter can be moved relative to the display area of the display monitor and a latched state wherein the filter is held in a desired position relative to the display area. Each mounting member further includes a movable latch operator for moving the latch member between the latched state and the unlatched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Scott G. Theirl, Gerald E. Drake