3m Innovative Properties Company

Distributed Polarization Inc.

Seiko Epson Corporation

Giorgio Trapani

Pradnya V Nagarkar

James N Gordon

Robert K Tendler

William K Smyth

Philip J Ralli

Charles L Bruzzone

Ikuko Ebihara

John J Cael

Richard G Pawlak

John C Branca

David M Foresyth

Atsushi Suzuki

William Pugh

Gene R Carlson

A method for forming sunglass lenses with a predetermined optical gradient, namely a polarized gradient, or transmissivity gradient in which a gradient pattern is provided on an oriented sheet. The oriented sheet is incorporated into a lens to provide the lens with the associated gradient.

Method and apparatus for forming sunglass lenses with a predetermined gradient

A method for forming sunglass lenses with a predetermined optical gradient, namely a polarized gradient, transmissivity gradient or color gradient in which an ink jet printer is used to print a gradient pattern on an oriented sheet, with the ink jet printer being provided with a dye, in one embodiment a dichroic dye and in another embodiment an iodine dye. The printed oriented sheet is incorporated into a lens to provide the lens with the associated gradient.

In the manufacture of gradient polarized sunglasses an optical retarder is used in front of a portion of a polarized lens to destroy the linear polarization of incoming light to render that portion of the sunglass lens non-polarized, thus to permit viewing of polarized displays through that non-polarized portion of the polarized sunglass lens.

Method and apparatus for making polarized sunglasses

A projection system includes a light source producing illumination light, an imager disposed to receive the illumination light, and a projection lens disposed to receive the illumination light from the imager. The imager includes an intrinsic polarizer. The intrinsic polarizer can be an intrinsic polarizer stack including a U.V. curable adhesive.

Projection system including intrinsic polarizer

A projection system including an intrinsic polarizer is disclosed. The projection system includes a light source producing illumination light, an imager disposed to receive the illumination light, and a projection lens disposed to receive the illumination light from the imager. The imager includes an intrinsic polarizer. An intrinsic polarizer stack including a U.V. curable adhesive is also disclosed.

A light polarizing film and method of making same includes a linear polarizer having a first surface and a second surface and having a polarization direction, an optical retarder comprising a simultaneously biaxially oriented polypropylene film disposed adjacent to the first surface of the linear polarizer and having an axis oriented at an angle with respect to the polarization direction, and an adhesive layer disposed between the first surface of the linear polarizer and the optical retarder and having a minimum adhesion strength of about 25 grams per inch.

Light polarizing film

An optical stack includes an intrinsic polarizer, such as a K-type or thin KE polarizer sheet. Optically functional coatings are disposed on one or both of the surfaces of the intrinsic polarizer. The optically functional coatings include a hardcoat, a transflector coating, a reflector coating, an antireflection film, a liquid crystal polymer retarder coating, a diffusion coating, an antiglare film, a wide view film, and an electrode. An optical stack including an intrinsic polarizer and an optically functional coating may have a thickness of less than 25 microns.

Polarizers coated with optically functional layers

Light polarizing film and method of making same

A liquid crystal display structure includes a liquid crystal display cell having a front surface and a back surface. One or more intrinsic polarizers lacking protective coatings thereon, such as K-type polarizers and thin KE polarizer sheets, are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. Alternatively, thinly cladded or encased iodine polarizers are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. The liquid crystal display structure may be used in conjunction with other optical display elements to enhance the brightness and contrast of the liquid crystal display.

Polarizers for use with liquid crystal displays

A high durability circular polarizer includes an unprotected K-type polarizer, such as a KE polarizer sheet, and a quarter-wavelength retarder. An optical system using the circular polarizer further includes an emissive display module such as an organic light emitting diode or a plasma display device.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Giorgio Trapani