Abstract: The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near-viewing and distance-viewing values.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near-viewing and distance-viewing values.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for comparatively demonstrating the optical properties of eyewear lenses, particularly dispersion. The apparatus includes an illumination source that provides output of shorter wavelength visible light and longer wavelength visible light, a target that creates an image on the light path, a test lens made of eyewear lens material that is illuminated by the light path from the target, and a detector that displays the image acted upon and transmitted through the test lens. The test lens can be interchangeably replaced with another test lens, for comparison of each lens' optical properties. Alternate configurations include multiple light paths, for simultaneous viewing of images through different test lenses.

Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part- has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for pre-conditioning inserts for improved replication during injection molding. The pre-conditioned inserts provide improved bonding with the injection-material and improved replication of complex molding surfaces. The pre-conditioning of the inserts comprises placing the insert in position against the molding surface, followed by heat-soaking the insert. Heat-soaking can be accomplished using infrared energy, preferably broadband infrared energy or energy that is preferentially absorbed by the insert.

Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.

Abstract: An eyewear lens provides for selective spectral performance in response to varying light conditions, including both changes in intensity and spectral distribution. The lens responds selectively to both ultraviolet and visible light, and exhibits different spectral transmittance characteristics under different lighting conditions, to provide for better vision for a wearer. In addition to this active response, the lens also may include a polarizer to further control light and to minimize the glare that interferes with clear vision.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for pre-conditioning inserts for improved replication during injection molding. The pre-conditioned inserts provide improved bonding with the injection-material and improved replication of complex molding surfaces. The pre-conditioning of the inserts comprises placing the insert in position against the molding surface, followed by heat-soaking the insert. Heat-soaking can be accomplished using infrared energy, preferably broadband infrared energy or energy that is preferentially absorbed by the insert.

Abstract: An eyewear lens provides for selective spectral performance in response to varying light conditions, including both changes in intensity and spectral distribution. The lens responds selectively to both ultraviolet and visible light, and exhibits different spectral transmittance characteristics under different lighting conditions, to provide for better vision for a wearer. In addition to this active response, the lens also may include a polarizer to further control light and to minimize the glare that interferes with clear vision.

Abstract: Methods for improved adhesion of an optical coating to a polarizing film incorporated onto an optical-quality plastic construct are disclosed. Preferred methods include treating a surface of the film by mechanical and/or chemical means and applying an optical coating to the treated film for effecting a coated, polarized optical-quality plastic part. Such mechanical and chemical means include exposing the polarizing film to a caustic solution at a concentration greater than or equal to 10%, roughening the surface of the film in a uniform manner, and utilizing plasma exposure to peen the surface and then chemically modify it.

Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part- has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.

Abstract: An optical-quality part such as an ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to either the PET polarizing film or to the optical construct containing the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material or film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.

Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film formed to contour with the optical requirements of the plastic construct without jeopardizing its optical, mechanical or cosmetic properties.

Abstract: Methods for improved adhesion of an optical coating to a polarizing film incorporated onto an optical-quality plastic construct are disclosed. Preferred methods include treating a surface of the film by mechanical and/or chemical means and applying an optical coating to the treated film for effecting a coated, polarized optical-quality plastic part. Such mechanical and chemical means include exposing the polarizing film to a caustic solution at a concentration greater than or equal to 10%, roughening the surface of the film in a uniform manner, and utilizing plasma exposure to peen the surface and then chemically modify it.

Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the optical-quality plastic material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film. In either construction, the treatment may be effected by light irradiation.

Abstract: Unique side-fill mold assembly and method for making a lens wherein the mold assembly includes a gasket having a plurality of side port holes which allow filling of the mold assembly with a thermosetting resin and allow egress of air trapped within the mold assembly.

Abstract: An optical-quality part such as an ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to either the PET polarizing film or to the optical construct containing the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material or film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.

Abstract: An optical fluorescent composite which controls fluorescence intensity comprises a solid layer containing fluorescent material (such as a phosphor) formed on an optically transparent base or substrate and optically coupled to a spectrally selective filter, also formed on the base or substrate, that modifies the intensity of either or both the excitation or emission spectra of the phosphor. Devices constructed in this manner serve as stable references for fluorescent measurements. Sets of such device is made with filters having different transmittance amplitudes, can characterize fluorescent measurement response over several orders of magnitude. In one of numerous alternative structure, the fluorescent layer can be formed on one substrate, the filter formed on a second substrate and the two substrates joined together.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.

Abstract: A device for demonstrating the effect of glare and its reduction in which light is reflected onto a glare panel, to reflect therefrom at an angle of incidence such that it is horizontally polarized, producing glare to one viewing an underlying graphic but which glare is eliminated by viewing through vertically polarized lenses.