Abstract: A way of using narrowband irradiation to de-ice or release ice from a surface is provided. The methodology can be applied to a range of different types of de-icing from windshield de-icing to aircraft wing de-icing to releasing ice from the ice tray of an ice making machine. While there are many different specific applications, the concept and methodologies taught remain similar across all of them.

Abstract: A laser diode based system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into articles for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of articles, or stimulating a target item in a wide range of different industrial, medical, consumer, or commercial applications. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: A system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into food items for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of the food articles. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: A technique is provided to model a heat penetration profile for various targets which are non-planar or three-dimensionally shaped targets for use in a heating system. The relative volume of material that is irradiated at various depths may have an impact on the absorbed heat profile through the target. For example, a hollow cylindrical product has substantially more material per micro-meter near the outside diameter than it does near the inside diameter. Accordingly, the thickness of the wall or the diameter of the hollow inside the cylinder, as well as the outer diameter of the cylinder, have a substantial impact on the ultimate heat profile through the wall.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for digitally injecting heat into a wide range of products by way of incorporation of a special class of semi-conductor lasers, e.g. surface emitting devices. This technique relates to a more specific, economical, and advantageous way of practicing the art of directly injecting narrowband radiant energy that desirously matches the absorption specification of a particular material at a specified wavelength.

Abstract: A way of using narrowband irradiation to de-ice or release ice from a surface is provided. The methodology can be applied to a range of different types of de-icing from windshield de-icing to aircraft wing de-icing to releasing ice from the ice tray of an ice making machine. While there are many different specific applications, the concept and methodologies taught remain similar across all of them.

Abstract: A technique is provided to model a heat penetration profile for various targets which are non-planar or three-dimensionally shaped targets for use in a heating system. The relative volume of material that is irradiated at various depths may have an impact on the absorbed heat profile through the target. For example, a hollow cylindrical product has substantially more material per micro-meter near the outside diameter than it does near the inside diameter. Accordingly, the thickness of the wall or the diameter of the hollow inside the cylinder, as well as the outer diameter of the cylinder, have a substantial impact on the ultimate heat profile through the wall.

Abstract: A method and/or system for forming a plastic bottle from a preform without the use of a mold or a complete mold are provided. The technique includes selectively injecting heat into the preform using narrowband irradiation devices emitting irradiation in a narrow wavelength band matching desired absorptive characteristics of selective portions of the preform according to a predetermined heat signature to achieve a three-dimensional heat profile in the preform. The heat profile corresponds to a desired shape of a finished bottle and facilitates self-limiting stretching of the selected portions of the preform to achieve the desired shape. Using the technique, air is selectively injected into the preform to form in free air the finished bottle having the desired shape.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for digitally injecting heat into a wide range of products by way of incorporation of a special class of semi-conductor lasers, e.g. surface emitting devices. This technique relates to a more specific, economical, and advantageous way of practicing the art of directly injecting narrowband radiant energy that desirously matches the absorption specification of a particular material at a specified wavelength.

Abstract: A system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into food items for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of the food articles. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: A system for direct injection of selected, narrow bandwidth thermal-infrared (IR) radiation or energy into articles for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. The irradiation wavelengths are selected according to the specific absorption band characteristics of the target entity to create the desired efficiency of thermal transfer. The applications of the invention may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of articles, or stimulating a target item in a range of different industrial, medical, consumer, or commercial circumstances. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected mid-infrared wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: An autoclavable and sterilent-resistant ophthalmoscopy lens system having a plastic contact lens, and at least one image forming lens element. An ophthalmoscopy lens system having a contact lens element, an image forming lens and a retaining ring is also provided.

Abstract: A gonioscopic lens system which provides a real image of the anterior chamber angle of a patient's eye. The lens system includes a first lens group having a concave posterior surface configured to be placed on a patient's eye, a second lens group optically aligned with the first lens group; and a stop positioned between the first and second lens groups. An achromatic gonioscopic lens system which provides a real image of the anterior chamber angle of a patient's eye is also provided, as well as an ophthalmoscopy lens system for viewing both the anterior chamber angle and the retina of a patient's eye.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring wavefront aberrations. The apparatus comprises a reflecting device for reflecting selected portions of the wavefront, an imaging device for capturing information related to the selected portions, and a processor for calculating aberrations of the wavefront from the captured information. The method comprises reflecting selected portions of a wavefront onto the imaging device, capturing information related to the selected portions, and processing the captured information to derive the aberrations.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring wavefront aberrations. The apparatus comprises a reflecting device for reflecting selected portions of the wavefront, an imaging device for capturing information related to the selected portions, and a processor for calculating aberrations of the wavefront from the captured information. The method comprises reflecting selected portions of a wavefront onto the imaging device, capturing information related to the selected portions, and processing the captured information to derive the aberrations.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting ophthalmic lenses using absorption where an ophthalmic lens is illuminated with light comprising wavelengths that are substantially absorptive to said lens, the image subsequently detected being created using only light at said absorptive wavelengths. Variations in transmitted light intensity translate into thickness changes in the lens caused by cosmetic flaws. The invention is also directed to imaging lens assemblies employing highly positive-powered field flattening lens elements to image a curved object, such as an ophthalmic lens, onto a flat image plane.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.