With Refracting Surface Patents (Class 359/837)
  • Patent number: 11796306
    Abstract: An adjustable beam directing optical system for a focused laser differential interferometer (FLDI) instrument according to various aspects of the present technology may include an optical half waveplate to achieve an incident linear polarization orientation with equal components of laser intensity aligned to the vertical and horizontal axis of the optical system, and an optical prism for splitting these components of an incident laser beam into two orthogonally-polarized beams equally about an optical axis of the FLDI instrument. A series of beam realignment devices positioned downstream of the optical prism are configured to selectively direct each beam to a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Brett F. Bathel, Joshua M. Weisberger
  • Patent number: 11747586
    Abstract: An ablation system for ablating a material can include a laser source, a set of homogenizing optics, and a homogenizing optics adjustment device. The laser source is for generating a laser beam. The set of homogenizing optics receives the laser beam and includes a first homogenizer and a second homogenizer. The homogenizing optics adjustment device carries the homogenizing optics, the homogenizing optics adjustment device configured to selectably adjust the position of at least one of the first homogenizer and the second homogenizer in order change a size of the laser beam, with a change in size of the beam changing the fluence thereof. The ablation system can be incorporated within a laser-ablation based analytical system, where the laser-ablation based analytical system includes a spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific Lasers, LLC
    Inventor: Jay N. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 11620003
    Abstract: An optical sensor system that uses focused (not collimated) light optics and produces effective tracking on a variety of surfaces while having looser manufacturing and/or operational tolerances than prior focused optics systems. Embodiments provide an optical sensor system for a mouse moveable on a surface. An LED and a light sensor are coupled to a substrate. An illumination lens directs light at a first angle to the surface, with the light focused on a focal point below the surface. An imaging lens focuses light reflected at an angle generally equal to the first angle on the light sensor. The focal point is sufficiently below the surface so that that the diameter of a produced spot of light on the surface is more than 40% larger than a field of view (FOV) of the light sensor, and less than 400% larger than the FOV of the light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: François Scholder
  • Patent number: 11619582
    Abstract: A retroreflectometer for non-contact measurements of optical characteristics of retroreflective materials from a range of distances includes a light source for emitting a light beam; a first moving mirror assembly for scanning the light beam; a collimating lens for collimating the scanning light on an illumination spot on the surface of the DUT; an imaging lens for receiving a reflected scanning light comprised of the collimated scanning light reflected from the surface of the DUT; a second moving mirror assembly for controlling a predetermined observation angle, wherein the first moving mirror assembly and the second moving mirror assembly moved in synchronization to maintain concentricity of the illumination spot on the surface of the DUT; a light collector for collecting the reflected light from the second moving mirror assembly; a processor including a memory for determining the optical characteristics of the surface of the DUT responsive to the collected reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GAMMA SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventors: Eric John Nelson, Victor Fedoriouk
  • Patent number: 11556032
    Abstract: The invention refers to a diffusion plate and a backlight module having the diffusion plate. The diffusion plate comprises a plate-body and a plurality of pyramid-like structures arranged on a surface of the plate-body. Each pyramid-like structure has a bottom surface, a first convex portion and a second convex portion. The first convex portion and the second convex portion have different vertex angles, and therefore the pyramid-like structure can also be called as “pyramid-like structure with multiple vertex angles”. The pyramid-like structures with multiple vertex angles can increase the light splitting points, which can improve the light splitting effect of the diffusion plate. The light source of a single light-emitting diode can be divided into eight point-light sources (light splitting points) or more, which is double the number of light splitting points compared with the traditional pyramid structure with single vertex, and thus can greatly improve the light diffusion effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Yan-Zuo Chen, Hung Han Kao, Tsung-Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 11506850
    Abstract: The coupling loss of optical power on a reception side due to an axis deviation on a transmission side is satisfactorily mitigated. A connector body including an optical path adjusting unit and a lens is provided. The optical path adjusting unit adjusts an optical path such that the diameter of incident light is reduced while the incident angle is kept. The lens collects light whose optical path has been adjusted, and causes the light to be incident on a light receiver. For example, light incident on the optical path adjusting unit is collimated light. Furthermore, for example, the optical path adjusting unit has a through hole in a central portion. While the incident angle of light to the light receiver satisfies an NA, the focal distance of the lens is decreased. This can mitigate the coupling loss of optical power on a reception side due to an axis deviation on a transmission side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Kazuaki Toba, Masanari Yamamoto, Yusuke Oyama
  • Patent number: 11257995
    Abstract: The present application provides an optical modulating device having a light transmissive region and a light blocking region. The optical modulating device includes a base substrate; a plurality of protrusions on the base substrate in the light transmissive region and configured to allow light emitting out of a side of the optical modulating device; and a reflective layer on the base substrate in the light blocking region and configured to block light from emitting out of the side of the optical modulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yonglian Qi, Lianjie Qu, Hebin Zhao, Bingqiang Gui, Xianxue Yang, Shuai Liu, Guangdong Shi
  • Patent number: 11224343
    Abstract: An optical prism mounting system is described that includes a prism having a flexible insertion tab system. Also described, is a prism holder having an insertion channel, and a method of mounting the prism in a tonometer. The flexible insertion tab system includes a spring tab and a bendable tab; the spring tab is flexed as the prism moves along the channel; the flexible insertion tab system connects with the prism holder and snaps into a locked position at the end of the channel; and the prism and the prism holder can be separated after use by disengaging the flexible insertion tab system. An optical operating range of the optical prism is from about 0 ADC to about 600 ADC, and the maximum time for setting the tonometer is not more than about 150 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FALCK MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Francis Y. Falck, Jr., Robert Falck
  • Patent number: 10775022
    Abstract: An artificial illumination device for generating natural light similar to that from the sun and the sky includes a direct-light source; and a diffused-light generator, wherein the direct-light source includes a first light-emitting device configured to emit a primary light, and a first emitting surface positioned downstream the first light-emitting device, wherein the diffused-light generator is at least partially light-transparent and is positioned downstream of the first light-emitting device and includes a second emitting surface and is configured to cause diffused light at the second emitting surface. Both co-operate to form outer light at an outer emitting surface which includes a first light component which propagates along directions contained within the narrow peak and a second light component which propagates along directions spaced apart from the narrow peak, and wherein the first light component has a CCT which is lower than a CCT of the second light component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CoeLux S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Di Trapani, Davide Magatti
  • Patent number: 10725330
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method of forming a prism sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: UBRIGHT OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ching-An Yang, Han-Tsung Pan
  • Patent number: 10444423
    Abstract: Light-emitting quantum dot films, quantum dot lighting devices, and quantum dot-based backlight units are provided. Related compositions, components, and methods are also described. Improved quantum dot encapsulation and matrix materials are provided. Quantum dot films with protective barriers are described. High-efficiency, high brightness, and high-color purity quantum dot-based lighting devices are also included, as well as methods for improving efficiency and optical characteristics in quantum dot-based lighting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Dubrow, William P. Freeman, Ernest Lee, Paul Furuta
  • Patent number: 10386625
    Abstract: A three-mirror anastigmat telescope comprises at least a concave first mirror, a convex second mirror and a concave third mirror, the three mirrors arranged so that the first mirror and the second mirror form, from an object at infinity, an intermediate image situated between the second mirror and the third mirror, the third mirror forming, from this intermediate image, a final image in the focal plane of the telescope. In the architecture of the telescope, at least the surface of the concave third mirror is a ?-polynomial surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Nicolas Tetaz, Thierry Viard
  • Patent number: 9784700
    Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray analyzer includes a sample stage, an X-ray source that irradiates a sample with primary X-rays, a detector that detects secondary X-rays generated from the sample, a position adjustment mechanism that adjusts relative positions of the sample stage and the primary X-rays, an observation mechanism that obtains an observation image of the sample, and a computer having a display unit and an input unit. The computer has a function of, in response to a pointer being moved from a central region of the observation screen to a certain position by dragging the input unit while maintaining a state in which an input element of the input unit is held, moving the sample stage in a movement direction and at a movement speed corresponding to a direction and a distance of the certain position relative to the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Sakuta
  • Patent number: 9733400
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a light directing film comprising a first structured major surface, a second major surface opposite to the first structured major surface, wherein the first structured major surface comprises a first prism element and a second prism element meandering in a wary manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: UBright Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kong-Hua Wang, Ching-An Yang, Han-Tsung Pan
  • Patent number: 9140901
    Abstract: A system and method for scanning a wide band beam is presented. An apparatus includes a pair of prism triplets. Each prism triplet includes a first wedge prism, a second wedge prism and a third wedge prism all formed with different optical materials. In operation, a beam passing through the wide band team scanning apparatus first passes through the first, second and third wedge prisms of the first prism triplet. The beam then passes through the wedge prisms of the second prism triplet in a mirrored order (the third, then second, then first wedge prisms) than that of the first prism triplet. This apparatus with two prism triplets allows wide band light transmitted through it to emerge with its plurality of different wavelengths of light travelling in the same direction to equalize net dispersive effects each of different wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Philip R. Staver
  • Publication number: 20150116852
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display main body having a screen and a bezel that surrounds the screen, and a bezel hiding member mounted on the bezel to cover the bezel. The bezel hiding member includes a body portion configured to refract an image light that emitted from an edge region of the screen, and a plurality of prism projections formed to project from the body portion to change a path of the refracted image light to a front side of the display main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-hoi KIM, Kun-ho CHO, Yong-hun KWON, Yae-kyung SON, Young-min LEE, Suk-ju CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150116713
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring mode spectra for ion-exchanged glass substrates having a steep index region are disclosed. An interfacing fluid is provided between the coupling prism and the glass substrate. The interfacing fluid thickness is selected so that the variation in modal birefringence with fluid thickness is reduced to an acceptable level. The coupling prism can include a prism coating on the coupling surface so that the substrate-prism interface includes the prism coating. The coupling prism can also include stand-off members that serve to define the thickness of the interfacing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Rostislav Vatchev Roussev, Vitor Marino Schneider
  • Patent number: 9013773
    Abstract: A back light unit providing a direction controllable collimated light beam and a three-dimensional display using the same is described. A back light unit comprises: a light source for generating light; and a light direction controller for converting the light from the light source into a direction controlled collimated light beam having a refraction angle, the direction controlled collimated light beam emitted to a predetermined area to generate a three-dimensional holographic image. The back light unit can provide direction controllable collimation light having uniform brightness distribution over a large diagonal area of the spatial light modulator with thin and simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyungseok Bang, Heejin Im, Guensik Lee
  • Publication number: 20150077869
    Abstract: An optical apparatus for delivering to a flow-cell of a flow-cytometer a plurality of beams of laser radiation each thereof having a different wavelength. The apparatus includes a dispersion compensation-prism and a plurality of directing-prisms equal in number to the number of laser-beam. The directing-prisms are arranged to direct the laser radiation beams directly therethrough into the dispersion compensation-prism as converging fan of beams in a first plane. The beams are transmitted by the compensation-prism as a converging fan of beams intersecting then proceeding as a diverging fan of beams in the first plane. A spherical focusing lens is arranged cooperative with a cylindrical lens for focusing the plurality of laser-beams as a plurality of spaced apart elongated focal spots in a plane in which the cytometer flow-cell is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Lei MENG, Jordan Wesley CRIST, Michele Wayne WINZ, James SCHLOSS
  • Publication number: 20150062485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical film, a backlight unit comprising same, and a liquid crystal display comprising an optical film, and more specifically, to an optical film, a backlight unit comprising same, and a liquid crystal display comprising an optical film for enhancing luminance and external characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Seong Hoon Lee, Sang Cheon Park, Seong Joo Min
  • Publication number: 20150062493
    Abstract: An optical sheet, a backlight unit having the optical sheet, and a display device having the backlight unit are discussed. According to an embodiment, the optical sheet includes a base film; a high refractive index layer having a plurality of prism portions on the base film; and a low refractive index layer positioned on the high refractive index layer, and covering the plurality of prism portions and having a surface parallel to the base film, each of the prism portions including an incidence surface on which incident light is refracted and a reflective surface on which the refracted light is reflected, the incidence surface including a bent for refracting the incident light towards the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeokjoon YOON, Youngwoong KIM
  • Publication number: 20150055235
    Abstract: An optical sheet, which can suitably absorb external light over a wide range and can improve a contrast, a display device, and a method for producing an optical sheet. The optical sheet is disposed on an observer side relative to an image light source and includes a plurality of layers that control light emitted from the image light source to emit the light on the observer side, at least one of the plurality of layers is an optical functional sheet layer which includes prisms being arranged in parallel along the surface of the optical sheet whereby light can be transmitted and wedge portions are being arranged in parallel between the prisms whereby light can be absorbed. At least one of the plurality of layers other than the optical functional sheet layer is a light-absorbing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi KASHIWAGI
  • Patent number: 8964318
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a prism sheet and a display device comprising the prism sheet for improving performances of a backlight module in a liquid crystal display device. The prism sheet comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface comprises a plurality of first protrusions arranged in parallel along a first direction; the second substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the third surface comprises a plurality of second protrusions arranged in parallel along the first direction, and the fourth surface comprises a plurality of third protrusions arranged in parallel along a second direction; and the second surface and the third surface are joined by meshing of the first protrusions with the second protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Bejing BOE Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minghui Zhang, Ning Sun, Zhishuai Jia, Jie Liu, Yihong Ma
  • Patent number: 8937776
    Abstract: A prismatic glass laminate comprising: (a) a substrate; and (b) a plurality of prismatic glass elements mounted on said substrate, each element comprising: (i) a mounting surface to which a laminating interlayer is applied, said laminating interlayer providing adhesion of said element to the substrate; and (ii) a lateral surface to which a laminating interlayer is applied, said laminating interlayer providing adhesion of said element to the lateral surface of an adjacent element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nabe Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Nathan Munz
  • Publication number: 20150009587
    Abstract: A prism sheet member and a multivision display apparatus having the same are provided. The prism sheet member includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a boundary gap between two display panels; and a first extension portion configured to extend from the insertion portion to cover a part of the non-display portion of the corresponding display panel of the two display panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-min KIM, Tae-jun KO, Hyung-ki KIM, Jeong-shan NA
  • Patent number: 8917995
    Abstract: A balloon envelope with an integrated receiver. In an example embodiment, a balloon includes: (i) an envelope including one or more signal passing sections, each of the one or more signal-passing sections being configured to allow a signal to pass through; (ii) at least one signal receiver corresponding to a particular one of the one or more signal passing sections; and (iii) at least one signal-directing surface located within the envelope and corresponding to the particular one of the one or more signal-passing sections, the at least one signal-directing surface being configured to receive the signal and direct the signal towards the at least one signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Biffle, Richard Wayne DeVaul, Joshua Weaver, Anton Valdemar Staaf, Eric Teller, Michael Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8872908
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose a two imager biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the two imagers can include a direct imager and a TIR imager. In some embodiments, multispectral light sources can be used to illuminate target tissue imaged by two imagers. In some embodiments, composite images can be created from images detected using both imagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lumidigm, Inc
    Inventors: Ryan Martin, Robert K. Rowe, Steve Corcoran, Gary Rogers
  • Patent number: 8873175
    Abstract: A reflective material of the present invention is made of an optical medium which transmits light, and has (i) a first plane which is a surface on which inclined planes are aligned with no gap therebetween and (ii) a second plane which is opposite to the first plane and is a flat surface, and has the first plane having a shape and a refractive index such that at any time, light having entered the first plane or the second plane enters, at an entrance angle equal to or larger than a critical angle of total internal reflection, a corresponding opposite one of the first plane and the second plane directly from an inside of the reflective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventor: Tetsuro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8794799
    Abstract: An optical sheet having both of an excellent light condensing function and an excellent scratch resistance is provided. An optical sheet includes: a sheet-like main body; at least three or more first unit shaped elements arranged on one surface of the main body; and second unit shaped elements arranged on the one surface of the main body. Each of the second unit shaped elements extend in parallel with in one direction on a sheet surface of the main body. A height H1 of each of the first unit shaped elements from the one surface is higher than a height H2 of each of the second unit shaped elements. A rate of an area occupied by the first unit shaped elements on the one surface is not more than 10.0%, when observed along a normal direction nd relative to the one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinobu Ushiyama, Akiko Tomita, Satoshi Goishihara, Hiroshi Kojima, Takayuki Shimada, Mitsuhiro Hamashima, Kazuo Matsufuji, Kazuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140211331
    Abstract: Some solar light redirecting glazing constructions include a glazing substrate and two solar light redirecting layers present on the two major surfaces of the glazing substrate. Other solar light redirecting glazing constructions include two glazing substrates, each glazing substrate having a light redirecting layer present on one of the major surfaces of the glazing substrate. The light redirecting layers are microstructured surfaces forming a plurality of prism structures. At least one of the microstructured surfaces is an ordered arrangement of a plurality of asymmetric refractive prisms, and the two solar light redirecting layers are not identical or mirror images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Charles A. Marttila, Bing Hao
  • Publication number: 20140209148
    Abstract: A solar concentrator (1) having a longitudinal axis of extension (3) and a cross-section at right angles to the longitudinal axis substantially equal for a continuum of cross-sections, and comprising a reflective system (6) and a refractive system (7), the reflective system forming an optical inlet (8) and an optical outlet (9) and comprising two semi-portions positioned specularly relative to the plane of symmetry, where the cross-section profile of the refractive system is a triangle (11) having a base (12) at the optical outlet (9) and apex (13) on the axis of symmetry (5), where the cross-section profile of each semi-portion of the reflective system comprises a segment (18) in the shape of a parabola having an axis (20) forming with the axis of symmetry an acceptance angle (?0) greater than zero and a focus (F) on the axis of symmetry, and where the focus falls inside the triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FONDAZIONE CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE DELLA FOTONICA PER ENERGIA
    Inventors: Giorgio Grasso, Francesco Morichetti, Silvia Maria Pietralunga, Aldo Righetti, Maria Chiara Ubaldi
  • Patent number: 8792531
    Abstract: A transmitter is disclosed including a laser array comprising a plurality of lasers spatially offset from one another and each having a laser output having a unique wavelength. A first prism is positioned to impart a first angular shift to the laser outputs to produce and a second prism is positioned to impart a second angular shift opposite the first angular shift on the outputs. An index modulating element is coupled to one of the first and second prisms and a controller is electrically coupled to the index modulating element to control an angle of light output form the second prism. An optical spectrum reshaper may be positioned between the second prism and the lens and have at least one transmission edge aligned with the wavelength at least one of the lasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. McCallion
  • Patent number: 8704973
    Abstract: Provided are an optical sheet, a backlight unit and an LCD device having the same. The backlight unit includes a first layer, a second layer, and a refractive pattern. The first layer has a larger refractivity than an air layer, and the second layer has a larger refractivity than the first layer. The refractive pattern is disposed at a boundary surface between the first layer and the second layer and has ridges and furrows that change a traveling path of light. The optical sheet refracts light at least three times to condense the light in a direction perpendicular to a light-exiting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man Hoan Lee, Jae Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 8668371
    Abstract: Light redirecting film comprises a thin optically transparent substrate having a pattern of individual optical elements formed as projections on a light exit surface of the film. At least some of the projections comprise a dome-shaped surface on the light exit surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Timothy A. McCollum, Robert M. Ezell
  • Patent number: 8654441
    Abstract: We describe methods and apparatus for high-speed high-contrast imaging one-, two- and three-dimensional imaging enabled by differential interference contrast time encoded amplified microscopy of transparent media without the need for chemical staining, that are suitable for a broad range of applications from semiconductor process monitoring to blood screening. Our methods and apparatus build on a unique combination of serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM) and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. These methods and apparatus are ideally suited for identification of rare diseased cells in a large population of healthy cells and have the potential to revolutionize blood analysis and pathology including identification of cancer cells, such as Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) in early stage disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bahram Jalali, Ali Motafakker-Fard
  • Patent number: 8643965
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an enhanced prism film comprising a plurality of column-like elements extending in a first direction. The plurality of column-like elements abut against one another in a second direction different form the first direction so as to form a light exiting surface of the enhanced prism film with converging effect in both the first and second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shengjia Ou, Qi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8638495
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provide for an optical microscope apparatus including a light source, a base unit, a rotary monochromatic dispersion unit, a condenser, a stage, an objective, a tubular assembly and an ocular assembly. In a preferred embodiment, light travels from the light source sequentially through each of these seven components, producing an image of the contents of a slide on the stage to a user looking through the ocular assembly. In the base unit, in place of a standard mirror which would direct the light vertically up into the scope along the z-axis, a right angle piece of single crystal Calcite, known as Iceland Spar is used, which has a birefringent affect upon the light as it passes up through the scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: TBC Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Stanley A Truman, Jr., W. Eric Rowley
  • Publication number: 20130314774
    Abstract: A solar collector utilizes an inflated tubular film which concentrates sunlight onto a solar receiver. The film incorporates refractive elements in a pattern which focuses light in one or two dimensions to create foci in the form of lines, spots, or other shapes. The film may be replaceable. The film may include layers of material to optimize optical, structural, thermal, and durability characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Cool Earth Solar Inc.
    Inventor: Cool Earth Solar Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130306138
    Abstract: A window is provided comprising a front pane and one or more prism units each comprising: a primary prism disposed adjacent the front pane and having a primary entrance face and a primary exit face. The primary entrance face is configured to receive a first and a second portion of light that passes through the front pane. The window further comprises a secondary prism disposed adjacent the primary prism and having a secondary entrance face and a secondary exit face. The secondary entrance face is configured to receive from the primary exit face at least the second portion of light. At least one of the entrance and exit faces comprises a light diverging surface which causes divergence of light passing therethrough, and at least one of the entrance and exit faces different from the light diverging face, comprises a light converging surface configured to reduce the divergence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: PYTHAGORAS SOLAR INC.
    Inventors: Barak Freedman, Ido Sovran, Itay Baruchi
  • Publication number: 20130258509
    Abstract: An image display device capable of maintaining continuity of images of adjacent image display elements on a display screen that is composed of a plurality of image display element includes image display elements (1, 2) and a prism (3). The prism (3) is an L-shaped prism having two planar surfaces, and image display elements (1, 2) are arranged on the portion of the prism that corresponds to the rear side as seen from the viewing direction (9). Image display elements (1, 2) are arranged such that the virtual images (5, 6) of the image display portions of each are optically continuously connected in the prism (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi IMAI
  • Publication number: 20130222931
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a prism sheet and a display device comprising the prism sheet for improving performances of a backlight module in a liquid crystal display device. The prism sheet comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface comprises a plurality of first protrusions arranged in parallel along a first direction; the second substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the third surface comprises a plurality of second protrusions arranged in parallel along the first direction, and the fourth surface comprises a plurality of third protrusions arranged in parallel along a second direction; and the second surface and the third surface are joined by meshing of the first protrusions with the second protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minghui Zhang, Ning Sun, Zhishuai Jia, Jie Liu, Yihong Ma
  • Publication number: 20130170188
    Abstract: A prism sheet includes a base film having one flat surface and an optical refractive section having a plurality of prisms arranged along a first direction to constitute first and second prism parts. The optical refractive section is integrally formed with another surface of the base film that is opposite to the flat surface of the base film, and each of the prisms has a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The first prism part includes a first prism of the plurality of prisms, which first prism has a constant height along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second prism part includes a second prism of the plurality of prisms, which second prism has a variable height in the second direction, and a maximum value of the variable height of the second prism is higher than the constant height of the first prism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Mi Jeong CHOI, Kyoung Gon PARK, Su Kyong LEE
  • Patent number: 8432944
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for automatic correction of beam waist position drift in real time, using wafer inspection data taken during normal tool operation. Also disclosed herein is an improved laser astigmatism corrector for use either internal or external to the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: KLA-Technor Corporation
    Inventors: Anatoly Romanovsky, George Kren, Bret Whiteside
  • Patent number: 8400700
    Abstract: A beam steering device is disclosed which includes an outer assembly rotatable about an axis by a motor assembly, and an inner assembly rotatable about the axis by another motor assembly and positioned radially within the outer assembly. The beam steering device also includes a first prism or grating connected to the outer assembly and a second prism or grating connected to the inner assembly. Both motor assemblies are axially displaced from the steering devices. The beam steering device also consists of beam expansion optics carried by either the inner assembly or the stationary assembly. In a further embodiment, an array of steerable sub-apertures are maintained within the inner and outer assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Adams, Alan F. Lindsay, Brian L. Stamper, Charles T. Knorr, Aaron P. Seibel, Michael R. Crano
  • Patent number: 8395843
    Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rambus International Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130050489
    Abstract: An imaging system is configured to refractively shift light from a field of view about a vehicle to an image sensing device. The field of view is directed through a vehicle window characterized as having a substantial rake angle. The imaging system includes a first refractive element configured to be optically coupled with the vehicle window. Light impinging on a first surface of the first refractive element along the field of view axis passes through the first refractive element and exits a second surface along an intermediate axis. The imaging system includes a second refractive element in optical communication with an image sensing device. Light impinging on a third surface of the second refractive element along the intermediate axis passes through the second refractive element and exits a fourth surface along an image sensing device axis, whereby light from the field of view is directed into the image sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: RONALD M. TAYLOR, DENNIS C. NOHNS
  • Patent number: 8373774
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens, and an image pickup element having an image pickup surface which receives optically an image formed by the zoom lens, and which converts the image received to an electric signal. The image pickup apparatus satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) Lv 1 Er/Lv 1 EL<0.49, (2) 0.93<Lv 1 Ef/IHs, and (3) Lv 1 Ef/Lv 1 Er<0.99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hosoya, Masahito Watanabe, Tomoyuki Satori, Eiji Shirota
  • Publication number: 20130033772
    Abstract: A reflective material (10) of the present invention is made of an optical medium which transmits light, and has (i) a first plane which is a surface on which inclined planes are aligned with no gap therebetween (a surface on which triangular ridges or multiangular pyramids are aligned) and (ii) a second plane which is opposite to the first plane and is a flat surface or an approximately planar and gently curved surface. The reflective material (10) has the first plane having a shape and a refractive index such that at any time, light having entered the first plane or the second plane enters, at an entrance angle larger than a critical angle of total internal reflection, a corresponding opposite one of the first plane and the second plane (i) directly from an inside of the reflective material or (ii) from the inside of the reflective material after having experienced repeated internal reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Tetsuro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8363321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting an angle of a scene viewed by a viewing optical system through an optical device by adjusting an angle of a light beam passing through the optical device. The angle of the scene is adjusted relative to an optical axis of a viewing optical system, in accordance with a signal. A mounting device may be adapted to mount the optical device to a support and adjust a position of the optical device relative to the viewing optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Omnitech Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene J. Pochapsky
  • Publication number: 20120327507
    Abstract: Light management film constructions contain a first optical film having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The first major surface is a micro structured surface with asymmetrical structures. The asymmetrical structures form an ordered arrangement of a plurality of multi-sided refractive prisms, with the multi-sided refractive prisms having a cross section of 3 or greater sides. A second optical film contacts and is bonded to substantially all of the structures of the first major structured surface of the first optical film. The light management constructions can be incorporated into optical articles such as windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Charles A. Marttila, Mark K. Nestegard