| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 6885824 |
Expandable optical array |
April 26, 2005 |
| An optical component array allowing expansion of the occupied bandwidth on an existing optical transmission network without disrupting signal traffic. Wavelength selective filters (16, 30; 20, 34) and optical components, such as amplifiers (18, 32) are arrayed for use with a waveleng |
| 6859323 |
Dichroic neutral density optical filter |
February 22, 2005 |
| An optical thin film stack provides reflection of essentially all light except for a selected amount of transmission over a selected wavelength range. Reflecting, rather than absorbing, unwanted light avoids heating caused by light absorption and allows productive use of the non-tran |
| 6801681 |
Optical switch with low-inertia micromirror |
October 5, 2004 |
| An optical switch is fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical system ("MEMS") techniques. A thin mirror is fabricated in the major plane of the substrate and rotates about an axis perpendicular to the major plane to move into and out of an optical beam path. The mirror surface is open f |
| 6795243 |
Polarizing light pipe |
September 21, 2004 |
| A recirculating light polarizer utilizes a reflective polarizer on the exit face of a light integrator, such as a light pipe or light tunnel. Light is provided to the light integrator and light of one polarization is transmitted through the polarizer, the remaining light being reflected |
| 6792210 |
Hybrid optical add/drop multiplexing devices |
September 14, 2004 |
| An optical component array that has essentially equal path loss for each channel routed through a switching node in a re-insertion configuration and the bypass channels. An array input carrying a plurality of optical channels is coupled to a first node input. Consistent, low transmission |
| 6785038 |
Optical cross-connect with magnetic micro-electro-mechanical actuator cells |
August 31, 2004 |
| An optical cross-connect is fabricated on a substrate using individual MEMs dice with mirrors that rotate into and out of an optical beam path. Each die can be aligned to a single (input-output) pair of collimators in a fiber-optic switching system. An individually accessible magnetic dr |
| 6785002 |
Variable filter-based optical spectrometer |
August 31, 2004 |
| An optical spectrometer uses a tapered Fabry-Perot type variable optical filter in conjunction with an optical detector array. The filter can be a long-pass, short-pass, or narrow bandpass filter. The stability of the variable optical filter allows high resolution, depending on the numbe |
| 6777085 |
Article and method of preparing pigments using multiple deposition sources |
August 17, 2004 |
| Particles are encapsulated with a layer or sequence of layers. The particles can be flakes and the layers can form an optical interference stack for use as an optically variable pigment, among other purposes. In a particular embodiment a highly reflective metal layer is deposited around |
| 6771001 |
Bi-stable electrostatic comb drive with automatic braking |
August 3, 2004 |
| An electrostatic comb drive suitable for micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") application uses shaped fingers to achieve bi-directional actuation from a unipolar actuation pulse. The finger shape also provides auto-braking of the movable member of the drive using a simple actuating |
| 6730373 |
Glass panel with barrier coating and related methods |
May 4, 2004 |
| An index-matching coating is applied directly to a low-emissivity ("lowE") thin-film coating. Nodules growing from a site in the lowE coating are removed to avoid propagation of defects through the layers of the index-matching coating. A tempering step in an oxygen-containing atmosph |
| 6707609 |
Extrinsically athermalized optical filter devices |
March 16, 2004 |
| A thermally stabilized optical filter device includes a multilayer optical bandpass filter on a transparent substrate, with the transparent substrate being composed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An encasement surrounds the transparent substrate such that |
| 6636658 |
Wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing systems |
October 21, 2003 |
| A multiple channel optical multiplexing/demultiplexing system utilizes a beam splitter to divide a single multi-wavelength beam of optical energy into two multi-wavelength beams, or to combine a plurality of multi-wavelength beams into a single output beam. In the demultiplexing conf |
| 6630999 |
Color measuring sensor assembly for spectrometer devices |
October 7, 2003 |
| A color measuring sensor assembly includes an optical filter such as a linear variable filter, an optical detector array positioned directly opposite from the optical filter a predetermined distance, and a coherent fiber faceplate having a plurality of optical fibers interposed between |
| 6587288 |
Optical attenuation filter |
July 1, 2003 |
| An attenuation filter contains absorbing thin film layers, which comprise gray metals or metal compounds. The attenuation filter offers significant advantages when used in optical communication systems subjected to a relatively high flux of incident light. It was surprisingly discovered |
| 6490381 |
Fabry-Perot optical switch |
December 3, 2002 |
| The absorption of a spacer material in a Fabry-Perot type structure is changed to achieve an optical switching function. In one embodiment, the spacer material is a semiconductor material and an electronic control signal changes the Fabry-Perot between a transmissive state and a refl |
| 6477289 |
Optical wedge switch |
November 5, 2002 |
| An optical switch using a refractive optical element (52) to direct a light beam in selected directions upon operation of the switch. In a preferred embodiment, the refractive optical element is an optical wedge having a first portion (67) that transmits a light beam in a selected direct |
| 6433924 |
Wavelength-selective optical amplifier |
August 13, 2002 |
| A wavelength-selective filter, such as a narrow bandpass filter, is used to filter both the input and output of an optical amplifier. The selected channel is amplified and can be re-combined with the other original channels or provided to another output, depending on amplifier config |
| 6398364 |
Off-axis image projection display system |
June 4, 2002 |
| An image projection display system is provided which utilizes an off-axis illumination configuration. A beam splitter is configured to direct a first light beam along a first optical path toward reflective imaging devices adapted to direct a second light beam along a second optical path |
| 6389188 |
Hybrid wavelength selective optical router and switch |
May 14, 2002 |
| An optical assembly including a wavelength selective filter (114) in combination with a collimator (112). An input port is configured to provide an optical signal containing a plurality of optical channels to the collimator and then to the wavelength selective filter. The hybrid sele |
| 6388359 |
Method of actuating MEMS switches |
May 14, 2002 |
| A switching signal having multiple sequential pulses is applied to a MEMS switch. A first pulse moves the switch from a first switch position toward a second switch position. After a selected dwell period, a second pulse is applied to dampen ringing or overshoot of the movable portions o |
| 6353497 |
Integrated modular optical amplifier |
March 5, 2002 |
| An optical amplifier assembly integrating wavelength selective input and output filters. Integration of wavelength selective filters with a doped fiber optical amplifier stage provides a modular amplifier for use in wavelength division multiplexed optical communication systems. In one |
| 6340230 |
Method of using a retarder plate to improve contrast in a reflective imaging system |
January 22, 2002 |
| Methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of a reflective liquid crystal display system. The high-contrast color splitting prism system utilizes a "double-passed" prism assembly. Polarized light enters the prism assembly, is color-split and emitted as separate colors to spatial |
| 6320996 |
Wavelength selective optical switch |
November 20, 2001 |
| An optical switch for manipulating a plurality of input optical signals incident thereupon to split one or more optical signal channels from the plurality of input optical signals. The optical switch includes an optical filter having a first reflective region and a second reflective regi |
| 6303885 |
Bi-stable micro switch |
October 16, 2001 |
| A bi-stable micro-machined electromechanical system ("MEMS") switch. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-stable MEMS switch is used in an N.times.N optical signal switching system. Spring arms act in conjunction with a hollow beam portion of a movable center body of the switch to accommoda |
| 6275624 |
Optical switch with flexure pivot |
August 14, 2001 |
| An optical switch for use in optical telecommunication applications is configured to tolerate vibration and shock loading, preserving optical alignment at a plurality of switching positions and during the switching operation, and to effectively perform precise and accurate switching |
| 6261641 |
Protective coating materials for electrochromic devices |
July 17, 2001 |
| Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage arc provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The poly |
| 6215924 |
Optical coupler device for dense wavelength division multiplexing |
April 10, 2001 |
| An optical coupler device is provided with gradient index first and second lenses, with each lens having an outer endface with one or more ports at a predetermined location defined by a waveguide such as an optical fiber. A narrow bandpass optical filter is disposed between inner endface |
| 6210540 |
Method and apparatus for depositing thin films on vertical surfaces |
April 3, 2001 |
| A mask is placed over a center portion of a deposition source to limit angle of the flux from the source. A substrate or device with a vertical surface (referenced to a major surface of the substrate or device) is rotated past the deposition source to coat the vertical surface with m |
| 6204953 |
Protective coating materials for electrochromic devices |
March 20, 2001 |
| Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage are provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The poly |
| 6156394 |
Polymeric optical substrate method of treatment |
December 5, 2000 |
| A pretreatment method for use in manufacturing an improved optical component comprises (i) providing a polymeric optical substrate; and (ii) exposing the polymeric optical substrate to electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of about 30 nm to about 350 nm. The exposure of the polymeri |
| 6144498 |
Color separation prism assembly and method for making same |
November 7, 2000 |
| A color separation device useful in information display systems is assembled from three prisms in an arrangement that provides for air equivalent thickness adjustment for each color. The air equivalent thickness adjustment provides for the correction of deviations in any of the three |
| 6084705 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a near-IR emission suppressing/color enhancing accessory dev |
July 4, 2000 |
| The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of visual display units which utilize plasma display panels. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for providing an electrical noise suppressing/chromaticity enh |
| 6067188 |
Apparatus for providing a near-IR emission suppressing/color enhancing accessory device for plas |
May 23, 2000 |
| The present invention is directed to apparatus for enhancing the performance of visual display units which utilize plasma display panels. More specifically, the present invention provides apparatus for providing an electrical noise suppressing/chromaticity enhancing accessory device |
| 6057925 |
Compact spectrometer device |
May 2, 2000 |
| A color measuring sensor assembly includes an optical filter such as a linear variable filter, and an optical detector array positioned directly opposite from the optical filter a predetermined distance. A plurality of lenses, such as gradient index rods or microlens arrays, are disposed |
| 6008920 |
Multiple channel multiplexer/demultiplexer devices |
December 28, 1999 |
| Multiple channel optical multiplexing/demultiplexing devices that utilize only a single constant, non-variable wavelength-selective optical interference filter have many advantages. The wavelength-selective optical filter is a conventional fixed wavelength optical interference filter |
| 5995271 |
Protective coating materials for electrochromic devices |
November 30, 1999 |
| The present invention is directed to a polymeric coating material used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage. The protective polymeric coating material in the present invention are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromi |
| 5989693 |
Fluorine-containing abrasion-resistant optical thin film devices |
November 23, 1999 |
| The optical properties (absorption, reflection, transmittance, transparency) and physical attributes (hardness, friction, durability, etc.) of metal oxides, nitrides, or films that combine these materials can be modified by adding fluorine to the deposition mixture. The extent of cha |
| 5986815 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for improving the contrast ratio in reflective imaging systems ut |
November 16, 1999 |
| Methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of reflective LCD systems. The high-contrast color-splitting prism system utilizes a "double-pass" prism assembly. Polarized light enters the prism assembly, is color-split and is emitted as separate colors to reflective imagers whi |
| 5961852 |
Laser scribe and break process |
October 5, 1999 |
| A method for effectuating scribe and break of coated glass microsheets for use with satellite solar cell covers. The method improves the consistency and edge quality of scribed solar cell covers, and also adds scribe and break capabilities not available with the conventional processes, |
| 5959762 |
Variably adjustable contrast enhancement electrochromic panel adapted for curved display screens |
September 28, 1999 |
| A flexible panel is provided that is easily and conformingly applied to a curved display screen of a VDU to afford, in a lightweight manner, variably adjustable contrast enhancement of the VDU while simultaneously providing a decrease in the amount of ambient light reflected from the |
| 5944964 |
Methods and apparatus for preparing low net stress multilayer thin film coatings |
August 31, 1999 |
| It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive in |
| 5930046 |
Low net stress multilayer thin film coatings |
July 27, 1999 |
| It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive in |
| 5915285 |
Transparent strain sensitive devices and method |
June 22, 1999 |
| A transparent strain sensitive surface is disclosed which is suitable for strain gages, video terminal touch panels, security panels (windows, display cases, etc.). The strain gage includes a transparent, strain sensitive conductor of indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium oxide (IO) on a |
| 5914817 |
Thin film dichroic color separation filters for color splitters in liquid crystal display system |
June 22, 1999 |
| An optical filter is provided for use in color projection display imaging systems which utilize liquid crystal light valves for image modulation. The optical filter is a dichroic coating which separates light into different colors. The optical filter is located on a light transmissive |
| 5909315 |
Display filter and bezel securement apparatus |
June 1, 1999 |
| 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 |
| 5879519 |
Geometries and configurations for magnetron sputtering apparatus |
March 9, 1999 |
| A thin film coating system incorporates separate, separately-controlled deposition and reaction zones for depositing materials such as refractory metals and forming oxides and other compounds and alloys of such materials. The associated process involves rotating or translating workpi |
| 5872655 |
Monolithic linear variable filter and method of manufacture |
February 16, 1999 |
| A process suitable for forming multi-layer (up to at least several hundred layers) monotonic/linear variable/wedge filter coatings on a single substrate surface and for forming monolithic filter assemblies which incorporate such filters, is disclosed along with the designs for such f |
| 5858519 |
Absorbing anti-reflection coatings for computer displays |
January 12, 1999 |
| An absorbing anti-reflection coating which can be applied directly to the faceplate of a video display such as a cathode ray tube or a plasma display by physical or chemical vapor deposition comprises at least 3 materials: L, a low retractive index material such as the metal oxide Si |
| 5852513 |
Television filter |
December 22, 1998 |
| The present invention relates to an optical filter including a flexible, transparent substrate coated with a novel combination of optical coatings, and a frame system designed for mounting the optical filter to a television or other visual display screen. A neutral density contrast e |
| 5824374 |
In-situ laser patterning of thin film layers during sequential depositing |
October 20, 1998 |
| The present invention involves in situ laser patterning of thin-film layers during sequential deposition of the different layers. The layers may be applied using any known method of film deposition. The method of the present invention involves laser ablation to remove unwanted portions o |
