US6297906B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Light fixture containing optical film
Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
•
Filing: 1997-02-28
•
Granted: 2001-10-02
•
Expires: 2017-02-28
Abstract
Abstract An optical film is provided which comprises an antireflective layer and a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Allen
- 👤 Timothy J. Nevitt
- 👤 Andrew J. Ouderkirk
- 👤 Arthur L. Kotz
- 👤 Lockwood W. Carlson
- 👤 Michael F. Weber
- 👤 Carl A. Stover
- 👤 Biswaroop Majumdar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:34
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/30; G02B5/3008; G02B5/3025; G02B5/3033; G02B5/3041; G02B5/305; G02B5/3083; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133528; G02F1/133545
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 119
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and an optical element comprising a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes; wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05, wherein said optical element has a total reflectivity of greater than about 50% for light emitted by said light source which is polarized along a first axis and a total transmission of greater than about 50% for light emitted by said light source which is polarized along a second axis, and wherein said second axis is orthogonal to said first axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and an optical element comprising a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes; wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05, wherein said optical element has a total reflectivity of greater than about 50% for light emitted by said light source which is polarized along a first axis and a total transmission of greater than about 50% for light emitted by said light source which is polarized along a second axis, and wherein said second axis is orthogonal to said first axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical element is a reflective element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical element is a polarizing element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical element is both a reflective element and a polarizing element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said fixture further comprises housing means for housing said light source and said optical element, and wherein said optical element is a reflective film disposed on an interior surface of said housing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said fixture further comprises housing means for housing said light source and said optical element, wherein said housing means is equipped with at least one aperture for emitting light from said housing means, and wherein said optical element is disposed between said light source and said aperture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fixture of claim 6 , wherein said optical element is a polarizer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said light source is a diffuse light source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first phase has a birefringence of at least about 0.1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first phase has a birefringence of at least about 0.15.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first phase has a birefringence of at least about 0.2.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has a birefringence of less than about 0.02.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has a birefringence of less than about 0.01.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has an index of refraction which differs from said first phase by more than about 0.1 along said first axis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has an index of refraction which differs from said first phase by more than about 0.15 along said first axis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has an index of refraction which differs from said first phase by more than about 0.2 along said first axis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has an index of refraction which differs from said first phase by less than about 0.03 along said second axis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase has an index of refraction which differs from said first phase by less than about 0.01 along said second axis.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first and second phases taken together have a diffuse reflectivity along said at least one axis of at least about 50% for both polarizations of electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
47 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body has a total reflectivity of greater than about 50% for a first polarization of electromagnetic radiation and a total transmission of greater than about 50% for a second polarization of electromagnetic radiation orthogonal to said first polarization.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 20 , wherein said optical body has a total reflectivity of greater than about 60% for said first polarization of electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 20 , wherein said optical body has a total reflectivity of greater than about 70% for said first polarization of electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 20 , wherein said optical body has a total transmission of greater than about 60% for said second polarization of electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 20 , wherein said optical body has a total transmission of greater than about 70% for said second polarization of electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein at least about 40% of light polarized orthogonal to a first polarization of light is transmitted through said optical body with an angle of deflection of less than about 8°.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein at least about 60% of light polarized orthogonal to a first polarization of light is transmitted through said optical body with an angle of deflection of less than about 8°.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein at least about 70% of light polarized orthogonal to a first polarization of light is transmitted through said optical body with an angle of deflection of less than about 8°.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first phase comprises a thermoplastic resin.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fixture of claim 28 , wherein said thermoplastic resin is a syndiotactic vinyl aromatic polymer derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fixture of claim 28 , wherein said thermoplastic resin comprises interpolymerized units of syndiotactic polystyrene.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fixture of claim 28 , wherein said thermoplastic resin comprises polyethylene naphthalate.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fixture of claim 31 , wherein said second phase comprises syndiotactic polystyrene.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fixture of claim 28 , wherein said second phase also comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body is stretched to a stretch ratio of at least about 2.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body is stretched to a stretch ratio of at least about 4.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body is stretched to a stretch ratio of at least about 6.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said first and second phases are immiscible.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase comprises a plurality of elongated masses whose major axes are substantially aligned along a common axis.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 38 , wherein said elongated masses have an aspect ratio of at least about 2.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 38 , wherein said elongated masses have an aspect ratio of at least about 5.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase comprises a plurality of rod-like structures.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body is oriented in at least two directions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase is present in an amount of at least about 1% by volume relative to said first phase.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase is present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by volume relative to said first phase.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase is present in an amount of about 15% to about 30% by volume relative to said first phase.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase is discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase is discontinuous along any three mutually perpendicular axes.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
40 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization of visible, ultraviolet, or infrared electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the extinction ratio of said optical body is greater than about 3.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the extinction ratio of said optical body is greater than about 5.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the extinction ratio of said optical body is greater than about 10.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the optical body is a film, and wherein the index difference between said first and second phases is less than about 0.05 along an axis perpendicular to the surface of said film.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 52 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is distributed anisotropically about the axis of specular reflection.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
59 words
The fixture of claim 53 , wherein said optical body is stretched in at least one direction, and wherein the diffusely reflected portion of said at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is distributed primarily along or near the surface of a cone whose axis is centered on the stretch direction and whose surface contains the specularly reflected direction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
78 words
The fixture of claim 53 , wherein said second phase comprises elongated inclusions whose axes of elongation are aligned in a common direction, wherein said optical body is stretched in at least one direction, and wherein the diffusely reflected portion of said at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is distributed primarily along or near the surface of a cone whose axis is centered on the axis of elongation direction and whose surface contains the specularly reflected direction.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 52 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation is distributed anisotropically about the axis of specular transmission.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
72 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said optical body is stretched in at least one direction, wherein at least about 40% of light polarized orthogonal to a first polarization of light is diffusely transmitted through said optical body, and wherein said diffusely transmitted rays are distributed primarily along or near the surface of a cone whose surface contains the spectrally transmitted direction and whose axis is centered on the stretch direction.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
78 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein said second phase comprises elongated inclusions whose axes of elongation are aligned in a common direction, wherein said optical body is stretched in at least one direction, and wherein the diffusely transmitted portion of said at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is distributed primarily along or near the surface of a cone whose axis is centered on the axis of elongation direction and whose surface contains the diffusely transmitted direction.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
The fixture of claim 1 , wherein the optical body is a film, and wherein the index difference between said first and second phases is less than about 0.02 along an axis perpendicular to the surface of said film.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
115 words
In combination with a light source, an optical body comprising: a first phase having a birefringence of at least about 0.05; and a second phase, disposed within said first phase; wherein the absolute value of the difference in index of refraction of said first and second phases is Δn 1 along a first axis and Δn 2 along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis, wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δn 1 and Δn 2 is at least about 0.05, and wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
115 words
In combination with a light source, an optical body comprising: a first phase having a birefringence of at least about 0.05; and a second phase, disposed within said first phase; wherein the absolute value of the difference in index of refraction of said first and second phases is Δn 1 along a first axis and Δn 2 along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis, wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δn 1 and Δn 2 is at least about 0.05, and wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The optical body of claim 60 , wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δn 1 and Δn 2 is at least about 0.1.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical body of claim 60 , wherein said first phase has a larger birefringence than said second phase.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical body of claim 62 , wherein the birefringence of said first phase is at least 0.02 greater than the birefringence of said second phase.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical body of claim 62 , wherein the birefringence of said first phase is at least 0.05 greater than the birefringence of said second phase.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
129 words
An optical body having a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers comprises: a first phase having a birefringence of at least about 0.05; and a second phase which is discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually orthogonal axes; wherein the absolute value of the difference in index of refraction of said first and second phases is Δn 1 along a first axis and Δn 2 along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis, wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δnand Δn 2 is at least about 0.05, and wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
129 words
An optical body having a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers comprises: a first phase having a birefringence of at least about 0.05; and a second phase which is discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually orthogonal axes; wherein the absolute value of the difference in index of refraction of said first and second phases is Δn 1 along a first axis and Δn 2 along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis, wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δnand Δn 2 is at least about 0.05, and wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization of electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
82 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and an optical film; wherein said optical film comprises a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes; wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
82 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and an optical film; wherein said optical film comprises a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes; wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
108 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; reflecting means for reflecting light produced by said light source; and polarizing means for polarizing light produced by said light source; wherein at least one of said reflecting means and said polarizing means comprises a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes, and wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
108 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; reflecting means for reflecting light produced by said light source; and polarizing means for polarizing light produced by said light source; wherein at least one of said reflecting means and said polarizing means comprises a polymeric first phase and a second phase disposed within said first phase, said second phase being discontinuous along at least two of any three mutually perpendicular axes, and wherein said first and second phases have indices of refraction which differ along a first axis by more than about 0.05 and which differ along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis by less than about 0.05.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and a polarizer, in optical communication with said light source, said polarizer comprising a thermoplastic polymeric continuous phase and a disperse phase disposed within said continuous phase.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and a polarizer, in optical communication with said light source, said polarizer comprising a thermoplastic polymeric continuous phase and a disperse phase disposed within said continuous phase.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
41 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said polarizer diffusely reflects light emitted by the light source which is polarized along a first axis, and specularly transmits light emitted by the light source which is polarized along a second axis.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light fixture of claim 69 , wherein said first and second axes are orthogonal.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said continuous and disperse phases comprise first and second diverse thermoplastic polymers, respectively.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
39 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light fixture has an output region through which light is directed out of the fixture, and wherein said polarizer is disposed across at least a portion of said output region.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
45 words
The light fixture of claim 72 , wherein said output region is equipped with at least one louver adapted to control the direction in which light is emitted from said fixture, and wherein said polarizer is a film disposed on the surface of said louver.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The light fixture of claim 73 , wherein the surface of said louver over which said polarizing element is disposed is mirrored.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
14 words
The light fixture of claim 69 , wherein said fixture further comprises a reflector.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The light fixture of claim 75 , wherein said light source is disposed between said reflector and said output region.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light fixture of claim 75 , wherein said reflector is a birefringent multilayer film.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light source is enclosed within said polarizer.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
32 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light source is a light bulb, and wherein said polarizer is disposed upon at least a portion of the surface of said bulb.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light fixture of claim 79 , wherein said light source is a fluorescent bulb.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
12 words
A smoke detection system, comprising the light fixture of claim 68 .
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
42 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light source is enclosed within a housing having an aperture through which light is emitted from said light fixture, and wherein said polarizer is disposed across at least a portion of said aperture.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light source is a diffuse light source.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light fixture further comprises a light pipe.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The light fixture of claim 84 , wherein said light source is solar radiation.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
12 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , further comprising a depolarizing element.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
31 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said light source has a first light emitting region and a second region adapted to depolarize the light emitted in said first region.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
19 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , wherein said depolarizing element is in optical communication with said polarizing element.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
37 words
The light fixture of claim 68 , comprising first and second polarizing elements, wherein the axis of transmission of the first polarizing element is adjustable with respect to the axis of transmission of the second polarizing element.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
52 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said fixture further comprises housing means for housing said light source and said polarizer, wherein said housing means is equipped with at least one aperture for emitting light from said housing means, and wherein said polarizer is disposed between said light source and said aperture.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said continuous phase has a birefringence of at least about 0.1.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said disperse phase has a birefringence of less than about 0.02.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
36 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said continuous and disperse phases taken together have a total diffuse reflectivity along at least one axis of at least about 30% for light emitted by said light source.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said continuous phase is a polyester.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said disperse phase is present in an amount of at least about 1% by volume relative to said continuous phase.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said disperse phase is present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by volume relative to said continuous phase.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
53 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said polarizer is a film, and wherein the refractive index difference between said continuous phase and said disperse phase is at least 0.05 for visible light polarized along a first in-plane axis and is less than 0.05 for visible light polarized along a second in-plane axis.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 97 , wherein said first and second axes are orthogonal.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
73 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said polarizer is a film, and wherein the absolute value of the difference in index of refraction of said continuous and disperse phases is Δn 1 for visible light polarized along a first in-plane axis and Δn 2 for visible light polarized along a second in-plane axis, and wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δn 1 and Δn 2 is at least about 0.05.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fixture of claim 99 , wherein said first and second axes are orthogonal.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fixture of claim 99 , wherein the absolute value of the difference between Δn 1 and Δn 2 is at least about 0.1.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
45 words
The fixture of claim 68 , wherein said polarizer is a film, and wherein the difference in indices of refraction between said first and second phases is less than about 0.05 for visible light polarized along an axis perpendicular to the surface of said film.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
67 words
A light fixture, comprising: a housing element with a light source disposed therein, said housing element having at least one opening for emitting light; and a diffusely reflective optical element, disposed within the optical path between said light source and said opening, said optical element comprising a continuous phase and a disperse phase, disposed within said continuous phase, said continuous and disperse phases comprising diverse thermoplastic polymers.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
67 words
A light fixture, comprising: a housing element with a light source disposed therein, said housing element having at least one opening for emitting light; and a diffusely reflective optical element, disposed within the optical path between said light source and said opening, said optical element comprising a continuous phase and a disperse phase, disposed within said continuous phase, said continuous and disperse phases comprising diverse thermoplastic polymers.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light fixture of claim 103 , wherein said optical element is a diffusely reflective polarizer.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light fixture of claim 103 , wherein said optical element is a diffusely reflective mirror.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
21 words
The light fixture of claim 103 , wherein said optical element has a total diffuse reflectivity of at least about 30%.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
44 words
The light fixture of claim 103 , wherein said optical element is a film, and wherein said continuous and disperse phases have a difference in index of refraction of at least 0.05 for visible light polarized along a first in-plane axis of the film.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
40 words
The film of claim 107 , wherein said continuous and disperse phases have a difference in index of retraction of at least 0.05 for visible light polarized along a second in-plane axis which is orthogonal to said first in-plane axis.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
40 words
The film of claim 107 , wherein said continuous and disperse phases have a difference in index of refraction of less than 0.05 for visible light polarized along a second in-plane axis which is orthogonal to said first in-plane axis.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
76 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and a polarizer, in optical communication with said light source, said polarizer being adapted to predominantly reflect light produced by said light source which is polarized along a first axis, and being further adapted to predominantly transmit light produced by said light source which is polarized along a second axis; wherein said polarizer comprises a thermoplastic polymeric continuous phase and a polymeric disperse phase disposed within said continuous phase.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
76 words
A light fixture, comprising: a light source; and a polarizer, in optical communication with said light source, said polarizer being adapted to predominantly reflect light produced by said light source which is polarized along a first axis, and being further adapted to predominantly transmit light produced by said light source which is polarized along a second axis; wherein said polarizer comprises a thermoplastic polymeric continuous phase and a polymeric disperse phase disposed within said continuous phase.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light fixture of claim 110 , wherein said polarizer is a free standing film.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-01 | 2005-04-02 | 2005-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-01 | 2009-04-02 | 2009-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-01 | 2013-04-02 | 2013-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |