Abstract:
A microreplicated achromatic lens is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Opposing first and second features are registered to within 10 micrometers. Corresponding opposed first and second features cooperate to form an achromatic microlens element.
Abstract:
A method of applying a conductive pattern of metal onto a web of indefinite length material. This method includes applying a metal containing composition onto the web in a predefined pattern, providing a roll having a very low thermal mass, and conveying the patterned web around the roll while simultaneously applying heat energy to the metal containing composition thereby converting the metal to a conductive pattern. This allows for flexible circuitry to be fabricated in an inexpensive roll-to-roll process.
Abstract:
A web-handling machine frame, at least partially built from reconfigurable interconnected blocks having precision alignment points. From such blocks, modular equipment web-handling lines for web-handling operations can be constructed ad hoc with their shaft mounted web-contacting devices in tram without the need for separate alignment procedures.
Abstract:
A keypad having a virtual floating image that appears to a user to be in a plane other than the apparent plane of the keypad surface. More particularly, the indicia on the keypad appear to float above or below the surface of the device. The keypad can be, for example, the keypad on a cell phone. For such an application there would be more than one array of indicia present on the keypad. For example, there might be ten arrays of indicia, which provide the numerals from 0 to 9 and two more arrays to provide virtual images of the * and # keys. In some embodiments, the keypad is integrated with an illumination source that light up the indicia. The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a key pad with a virtual floating image.
Abstract:
An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for forming layered electronic devices on a flexible, elongated substrate are described. The layered electronic devices include at least one electronically or optically active layer. Deposition of one more layers of the electronic devices occurs as the flexible substrate is moved through one or more deposition stations. At each deposition station the substrate is aligned with an aperture mask having apertures arranged in a pattern. The aperture mask and the substrate are brought into proximity over a portion of a circumference of a rotating drum. A layer of the layered electronic devices is formed by deposition of material through the apertures of the aperture mask. At each deposition station, registration between at least two layers of the layered electronic devices is maintained.
Abstract:
A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method provides for rotatably cutting and/or laminating layered structures or sheet material supported by webs. A rotary converting apparatus and method of the present invention converts a web comprising a cathode layered structure and a web comprising an anode layered structure into a series of layered electrochemical cell structures supported by a release liner. Employment of a rotary converting process of the present invention provides, among other benefits, for the creation of a product having a finished size, without need for downstream or subsequent cutting.
Abstract:
A manufacturing system includes a sensing system that provides high-resolution feedback for web guiding and tension control. The system may be especially useful for web material that is manufactured to include micro-replicated structures with micron size scale. A micro-replication station forms a pattern of micro-replicated lenses on a web material. The sensing system illuminates a measurement area on the web material and detects an angular distribution of light exiting a set of the micro-replicated lenses within the first measurement area. A control system that adjusts at least one process control parameter of the transport system based on the detected angular distribution.
Abstract:
A web-handling machine frame, at least partially built from reconfigurable interconnected blocks having precision alignment points. From such blocks, modular equipment web-handling lines for web-handling operations can be constructed ad hoc with their shaft mounted web-contacting devices in tram without the need for separate alignment procedures.