Helen Gourley

Title: Helen Gourley: Innovator in Optical Technologies

Introduction

Helen Gourley is a prominent inventor based in San Francisco, CA, known for her significant contributions to optical technologies. With a total of six patents to her name, she has made remarkable advancements in the field of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and projector systems.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is the "Color separation optical plate for use with LCD panels." This innovative optical plate is designed to be superimposed onto a transmissive LCD panel. It effectively separates incident white light into its red, green, and blue (RGB) components, guiding each component through the appropriate sub-pixel of the LCD panel. The color separation plate employs a microprism array of direct vision microprisms, utilizing a combination of refractive and gradient index optics. This design has the potential to increase color LCD panel transmissivity by as much as a factor of six. Another notable patent is the "Projector system with hollow light pipe optics." This projector system features a light pipe integrator (LPI) that is hollow and formed from sheet metal. The LPI has an internal cold mirror coating that reflects visible light while allowing infra-red radiation to pass through. The reflector is a compound reflector with profiles of two ellipses with different eccentricities.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Helen has worked with various companies, including Torch Technologies LLC. Her innovative work has positioned her as a key figure in the development of advanced optical systems.

Collaborations

Helen has collaborated with notable individuals in her field, including Maurice E. Levis and David A. Pringle. Their combined expertise has contributed to the success of her projects and patents.

Conclusion

Helen Gourley's contributions to optical technologies have significantly impacted the industry. Her innovative patents and collaborations highlight her role as a leading inventor in the field.