Abstract: A method for applying a bus bar to the peripheral edge region of a shaped substrate is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a protective coating to a blank substrate; 2) edging the blank substrate to shape; 3) applying a conductive coating to the peripheral edge region of the shaped substrate; and 4) removing the protective coating, along with excess conductive material.

Abstract: A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves inserting a device to be sealed into a mold having a cavity aligned with the portion of the edge region to be sealed, and injecting a sealant into the cavity. Devices containing molded edge seals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying a conductive metal bus bar/tab system to the peripheral edge region of a substrate, such as an ophthalmic lens, is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying conductive metal bus bar to said substrate; and 2) attaching a tab to said bus bar so as to ensure electrical contact between the tab and bus bar. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-piece lens block allows for the rotation of an edged lens blank in order to align the cylinder of the lens blank correctly. The lens block includes a substantially cylindrical base having a first surface facing the lens blank and an opposed second surface with a plurality of driving recesses extending into the base from the second surface. A ring member surrounds the base and includes a mounting surface generally adjacent to the lens blank. The ring member is rotatable relative to the base prior to the attachment of the lens blank to the lens block. An edged lens-shaped cavity is provided in the ring member and provides for nearly full surface contact of an attachment alloy with a front surface of the lens blank to alleviate distortion. The two-piece lens block allows edged lens blanks to be surfaced to finished lenses.

Abstract: A method for applying bus bar tab system to the peripheral edge region of a substrate such as an ophthalmic lens is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a curable conductive epoxy to said substrate so as to embed a tab into said curable conductive epoxy; and 2) curing said curable conductive epoxy. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel edge design for a laminated electrochromic device containing an ion-conducting material layer prone to moisture gain or loss disposed between first and second substrates is disclosed. The device is characterized by a continuous nub on its circumferential edge which is aligned with the ion-conducting material interface between the substrates forming the device. The nub can be used to interlock with a peripheral edge seal.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a composite from a pair of parts via suspension lamination is disclosed. The device bonds members with opposed mating surfaces and has a base and a vertical column mounted on the base. The vertical column supports a vertical cylinder. A vertically adjustable head assembly for holding an upper part is located at the lower end of the vertical cylinder and is operatively connected to a drive motor at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. A vacuum generator generates a negative pressure to hold the upper part on the head assembly. A nest member is located below and coaxially with the head assembly for supporting a lower part. The upper and lower parts are optionally laterally aligned via an alignment means and a curing medium is provided to the aligned parts to cure an adhesive composition which is spread over the opposed mating surfaces of the parts to form a composite of the parts. Curing occurs while the lower part is suspended from the upper part via surface tension.