Abstract: Liquid coating compositions and methods for formulating the same are disclosed. The compositions comprise the combination of an epoxy-functional silane, a multipodal silane, and a strong acid dispersed within a solvent. The liquid coating compositions are formulated to be applied to a substrate and thereafter cured. The resultant coating is transparent and abrasion-resistant. The coating may include additional additives or may be specifically formulated to possess specific properties as may be desired for a specific application. Such coating compositions can further be formulated such that the refractive index thereof can be adjusted to correspond to the refractive index of the substrate to which the liquid coating compositions are applied.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a lens defining opposed top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral edge. The cleaning apparatus comprises a rotatable base having a plurality of arms pivotally connected thereto and rotatable therewith. The arms are configured to releasably engage the peripheral edge of the lens. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a steam conduit including a dispensing nozzle which is selectively positionable in a prescribed orientation relative to the lens mounted within the arms, the dispensing nozzle being operative to propel steam towards at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the lens while the lens is being spun by the rotation of the base and the arms.