Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a method and a fluid composition for producing contact lenses with improved lens quality and with increased product yield. The method of the invention involves adding a phospholipid into a fluid composition including a lens-forming material in an amount sufficient to reduce an averaged mold separation force by at least about 40% in comparison with that without the phospholipids.

Abstract: This invention includes methods and systems for processing hydrogel lenses using aqueous solutions as leaching aids.

Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: Linear notch patterns at fixed intervals are formed by contacting blades 6a on a drum 6 with a film F and mechanically transferring the shape of the blades 6a to the film F. The notch pattern is formed to be approximately parallel to the axial direction of the drum 6. When a flexural stress is applied in the direction of the film F transport by passing the film over the bending roll 8 while applying a predetermined tension thereto, crazes or cracks are formed inside the notch patterns, with the notches in the notch patterns serving as starting points thereof. Since crazes or cracks are formed using the notch patterns as starting points, relatively large crazes or cracks can be obtained, and optical characteristics can be controlled at a high level.

Abstract: An optical film of high planarity that even in the use of an optical film material containing a non-resinous additive in an amount of 5 mass % or more, would exhibit inexpensive satisfactory roll cleaning effects, and that would find application in, especially, various functional films such as a retardation film and a protective film for polarization plate for use in a liquid crystal display apparatus, etc.; and a process for producing the optical film. There is disclosed a process for producing an optical film according to a melting casting film forming method, including extruding a melt of resin blend containing a resin and 5 mass % or more of non-resinous additive through a casting die into a film form, wherein a first roller (5) for cooling has a temperature of the melting point of the additive to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin blend.

Abstract: This invention includes a wettable biomedical device containing a high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and a hydroxyl-functionalized silicone-containing monomer.

Abstract: A method of coating a contact lens comprising the steps of forming an initiator layer on the surface of the contact lens by plasma deposition of at least one initiator monomer and polymerising a propagation monomer onto the initiator layer to form a coating layer of a polymeric material on the contact lens and a method of coating a medical device comprising the steps of forming an initiator polymer layer on at least a part of the medical device by plasma deposition of at least one initiator monomer and polymerising at least one zwitterionic monomer onto the initiator layer to form a coating layer of a polymeric material on the medical device.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles comprises the steps of i) drying a hydrogel to produce a dried hydrogel, ii) separating incompletely dried polymeric particles from the dried hydrogel, and iii) drying the separated-off incompletely dried polymeric particles, wherein the separated incompletely dried polymeric particles are comminuted before said drying iii).

Abstract: This invention describes the use of amphiphilic multiblock copolymers comprising a hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic the amphiphilic multiblock copolymer has at least one thio carbonyl thio group capable of participating in a free radical reaction as comonomers in forming ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses, intraocular lenses, corneal implants, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus (1;2) for removing an ophthalmic lens from a mold half (3;4), comprises a ring member (10;20) movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4), the ring member (10;20) comprising a central opening (103;203) and a plurality of nozzles (100;200) circumferentially distributed about the ring member (10;20), each nozzle (100;200) having an outlet opening directed towards the mold half (3,4) as the ring member (10;20) is placed on the mold half (3;4), and a gripper member (11;21) arranged to be movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4) through the central opening (103;203) of the ring member (10;20).

Abstract: A polarizer of the invention comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based film which is at least dyed with at least iodine and uniaxially stretched, having a single transmittance of 43% or more, a polarizing efficiency of 99.9% or more, and a dichroic ratio of 30 or more, wherein the dichroic ratio is calculated from a parallel transmittance (Tp) and a crossed transmittance (Tc) at a wavelength of 440 nm, and have good hue.

Abstract: A method for modulating roughness of a surface, comprising: providing a first pre-stressed electrically conductive layer (10) coupled to a dielectric elastic foundation (20) provided over a second conductive layer (30); and subjecting the two conductive layers to a voltage difference, thereby modulating the roughness of the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides novels inks and methods for making a colored polymeric substrates, preferably a contact lens. In the inventive method at least a portion of a surface of a lens is coated with a color coat comprising at least one colorant, and a binder polymer obtained by copolymerizing a first monomer being ethylenically unsaturated and having a latent crosslinkable pendent group; and a second monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond copolymerizable with the first monomer. The lens is then subjected to conditions that cause the color coat to adhere to the lens.

Abstract: A production method of an objective lens for optical pickup apparatus having a numerical aperture NA of image side of 0.80 to 0.90 is disclosed. The method includes steps of molding resin composition containing copolymer of ?-olefin and a cyclic olefin represented by Formula (I) or (II) to form lens shape, and thermally processing the molded product under a condition at a temperature between Tg ?45° C. and Tg ?15° C. for 12 to 168 hours, wherein the Formula (I) and (II) is detailed in the specification.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous method for producing polarizing films that includes a step of monoaxially stretching a polyvinyl alcohol film having a width of at least 2 m in an aqueous boric acid solution, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film is stretched on the condition that it satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): A?5 (m)??(1) A/B?0.5 (min) (2) wherein A indicates the stretching distance (m); and B indicates the stretched film speed (m/min). The method gives wide polarizing films of wide and good polarization performance, and the polarizing films thus produced are useful as the material for polarizers that may be in large-size liquid-crystal displays.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing a molded lens from a deformable mold includes a shear ring for temporarily retaining an annular portion of the deformable mold outside a periphery of the lens and a plunger for deforming an annular section of the deformable mold within the periphery of the lens. The apparatus can be employed to release a non-hydrated hydrogel lens from a deformable mold section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silicone hydrogel contact lenses formed from a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone containing compound and a protein uptake reducing amount of at least protein uptake reducing compound.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 1 mm (10?3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.

Abstract: An optical resin composition with superior impact resistance and a method for producing an optical lens from the composition are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical resin composition for a plastic optical lens has superior impact resistance as well as light-weight, superior moldability, excellent dyeing ability, a high Abbe number and good transparency. The optical lens produced from the composition exhibits superior impact resistance even after multi-coating. The optical resin composition with superior impact resistance has a solid refractive index (nD) of about 1.53 to about 1.57, an Abbe number of about 35 to about 48, a liquid specific gravity of about 0.97 to about 1.25 and a solid specific gravity of about 1.10 to about 1.35, by which the composition comprises a mixture of isophorone diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate), a UV absorber, a release agent and a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Provided is a contact lens material having a smooth surface with good water wettability and durability. In the method of manufacturing a contact lens material comprising a contact lens base material and a coating formed on at least a portion of a surface of the above base material, the contact lens base material is processed by plasma polymerization in a mixed gas atmosphere of methane and moist air, and then treated with plasma in a nonpolymerizable gas atmosphere to form the above coating. Further provided is a method of manufacturing a soft contact lens wherein water is introduced into the contact lens material manufactured by the above method to obtain a soft contact lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyurethane resins for producing impact-resistant optical lenses, in particular ophthalmic lenses made by using said resins and to a method for producing said lenses, in particular for using thermosetting polyurethane resin for producing the optical lenses, wherein said resin comprises a part (I) corresponding to an isocyanate part containing. A) a methylene-bis-4,4?-isocyanatecyclohexane (Hi2MDI), b) a prepolymer obtainable by the reaction between propoxilated glycerol and a methylene-bis-4,4?-diisocyanatecyclohexane and a part (II) corresponding to an alcohol part containing: c) an alkoxylated etherate glycerol in the monomer and oligomer form thereof and d) at least one type of a polyalkoxylated tertiary diamine tetraol and/or triol.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to a technical field related to a composite optical element including a first optical component and a second optical component coupled to the first optical component. In a composite optical element 1 including a first optical component 10 and a second optical component 20 coupled to the first optical component 10, shape accuracy of the second optical component 20 is improved to prevent reduction in optical performance. A ring member (106) is placed on a peripheral portion of a lens surface (10b) of the first optical component (10), the ring member (106) having a height hi from the lens surface (10b) substantially uniform in a circumferential direction of the first optical component (10).

Abstract: A Cellulose acylate film, in which X-ray diffraction intensity satisfies following formulae and a half-value width of the peak at 2?2 is greater than 3° and not greater than 7°: 0.40?Ic2/(Iam2+Ic2)?0.75; Iam2I1+{(I3?I1)/(2?3?2?1)×(2?2?2?1)}; and Ic2=I2?Iam2, wherein when it is assumed that ?is the Bragg angle, 2?1 and 2?3 indicate 2? at which the intensity becomes the minimum in the 2? range of 4° to 5° and 14° to 16°, respectively, 2?2 indicates 2? at which the intensity becomes the maximum in the 2? range of 5° to 10°, and I1, I2 and I3 indicate a diffractive intensity at 2?1, 2?2 and 2?3, respectively.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicone hydrogel contact lens is disclosed, wherein a lens body is formed by curing a mixture of silicone lens matrix, including a filling material, which is water soluble or organic solvent soluble. The lens body, once formed, is processed by water or organic solvent extraction to remove part or whole filling material from the silicone matrix of the lens body. Whereby densely distributed and interconnected pores are formed in the lens body to provide additional wettability required for the contract lens. This method is also applicable of to making other optical medical devices, such as an intraocular lens.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a contact lens forming mold and to a method of producing contact lenses with higher production yield and improved quality. By coating a contact lens forming mold with a nano-structured fluorine-containing inorganic polycondensate coating solution the number of lens holes, such as voids or areas of non uniform thickness of a contact lens therein produced is substantially decreased.

Abstract: A package having an additive that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein.

Abstract: Described herein are silicone fluids and silicone materials that posses high glass transition temperatures (Tgs) when compared to conventional silicone materials. In one embodiment, an increased Tg allows the formation of objects and materials by cryogenic lathing. The fluids and materials can be formed by curing silicone fluid with a cross-linker mixture comprising a cross-linker and a monofunctional hydride compound. Upon formation, the silicone materials can be extracted over long periods of time without loss of optical quality. The silicone materials can be sufficiently soft allowing folding and insertion through small incisions in the eye. Additionally, methods of forming optical silicone materials, lenses and silicone materials in general are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of forming a silicone based lens using cryogenic lathing techniques is described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a biomedical device is disclosed. The method involves the steps: (a) cast molding at least one biomedical device formed from a monomer mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer in a mold assembly, the mold assembly comprising at least one anterior mold part made of a first plastic material and one posterior mold part made of a second plastic material, wherein the first plastic material is more polar relative to the second plastic material; and (b) contacting a surface of the biomedical device with a solution comprising a proton-donating wetting agent, whereby the wetting agent forms a complex with the hydrophilic monomer on the surface of the biomedical device.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention at least a portion of the surface of a plastic article (e.g., a molded article of thermoplastic polycarbonate) is contacted with (e.g., immersed in) a treatment composition which includes one or more performance additives. The treatment composition contains: (i) at least one performance additive (e.g., an ultraviolet light absorber); (ii) water; (iii) at least one carrier represented by the following general formula I, wherein R1 is a radical selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C18 alkyl, benzyl, benzoyl and phenyl, R2 is a radical selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C18 alkyl, benzyl, benzoyl, phenyl and H, n is 2, 3 or 4, and m is 1 to 35; and (iv) a diol selected from at least one of linear or branched C2-C20 aliphatic diols, poly(C2-C4 alkylene glycol), cycloaliphatic diols having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms in the cyclic ring, monocyclic aromatic diols, bisphenols and hydrogenated bisphenols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved contact lens products which not only have initial insertion comfort but also are comfortable to wear for more than about 6 hours. The invention is achieved by packaging and storing a hydrogel lens with two or more leachable polymeric lubricants incorporated therein in a relatively viscous packaging solution including a relatively low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a viscosity-enhancing hydrophilic polymer. The present invention also provides methods for making contact lens products of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses containing metals and methods for their production.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical film having low heat shrinkage and a method for producing the same. A heat treatment (60) carrying a biaxially stretched film of a thermoplastic resin (12?) prepared by biaxial stretching in a heated atmosphere is conducted, and/or a heat treatment (70) carrying the biaxially stretched film while bringing the biaxially stretched film into contact with a heating roller (72) is conducted.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for processing s silicon ophthalmic lens. The processing includes exposing the ophthalmic lens to a solution of Tri(Propylene Glycol) Methyl Ether and decreasing the dynamic contact angle of the lens surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for wetting and coating ophthalmic lenses having a tank with a cleaning or coating solution and a handling system for sequentially moving a lens and the solution in relation to each other, to wet the lens. A master control module is coupled to the handling system and configured execution a wetting profile. The wetting profile moves the lens to obtain a generally consistent lens surface wetting speed so that the lens coating has a more uniform thickness. According to a method, lenses are wetted in a liquid bath. The lens is placed in a handling system which moves the lens with respect to the bath according to a wetting profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the incorporation of nanophosphors (phosphors) into micro-optical structures, and to corresponding illuminants. In this impregnation process, a micro-optical system comprising inverse opal powders is filled with a dispersion of a nanophosphor.

Abstract: An optical element includes: an element body including a resin containing a polymer having an alicyclic structure. The optical element is treated by one of heat treatment and wet-heat treatment for 15 hours or longer at a temperature lower by 10C.° to 30C.° than a glass transition temperature of the resin after being formed by injecting the resin in a mold. The optical element body has a length along an optical axis of the optical element in a range of 0.5 to 3 mm, and a length in a perpendicular direction to the optical axis in a range of 3 to 5 mm.

Abstract: A resin molding method for molding an optical component having an effective part where light is transmitted and a circumferential part provided at a circumference of the effective part, the resin molding method includes the steps of retracting a gate shutting pin so that resin is supplied in a cavity forming part of a mold apparatus; extending the gate shutting pin to inside the circumferential part of the optical component formed by making the resin solid in the cavity forming part, and stopping the gate shutting pin outside the effective part; cooling the resin in the cavity forming part so that the resin is made solid; retracting the pin to an outside the circumferential part of the optical component; and opening the mold apparatus so that the optical component is taken out.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for facilitating release of an ophthalmic lens from a mold part used to form the lens. According to the present invention, the ophthalmic lens and a mold part used to form the ophthalmic lens are exposed first to an environment of reduced thermal energy and then exposed to an environment of increased thermal energy.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for forming a biomedical device, such as an ophthalmic lens, in a area defined by a first mold part and a second mold part wherein during the formation of the biomedical device a HEMA is formed and the HEMA ring and a greater adhesive force is generated on the HEMA ring by the second mold part than the first mold part.

Abstract: Contact lens curing systems and methods are described. A contact lens curing system includes an oven that has a plurality of curing zones a mold advancement system for moving the contact lens mold assemblies between the plurality of zones and a controlled atmosphere within the curing zones that provides a substantially chemically inert environment in which contact lens precursor materials can be polymerized in contact lens mold assemblies located in the curing zones. Methods of producing contact lenses include curing contact lens precursor materials in contact lens mold assemblies in the lens curing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a flexible plastic substrate, its manufacturing process and optical components for optical display applications. In so doing, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is placed between upper and lower heat-resistant sheets, then heated and pressurized by hot press to form a COC film. Next, the film is subjected to quenching treatment in ice water, and then heat treatment in vacuum drying oven after being placed between two flat plates. Finally, a COC plastic substrate with a high degree of optical penetration, low water permeability and low roughness is shaped, which can be efficiently applied to optical display thanks to its simple processing, lightweight, thin-profile and flexibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses containing metals and methods for their production.

Abstract: A cost-effective method for making hydrogel contact lenses with desired properties, such as antimicrobial property and/or increased surface hydrophilicity. The method comprises a step of contacting a dry or unhydrated hydrogel contact lens with an aqueous solution (or hydrating solution) containing silver nanoparticles and/or a lubricant or wetting agent. By using a method of the invention, resultant hydrogel contact lenses can have antimicrobial capability and/or enhanced lens wearer's comfort.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a lens element from a lens blank shaped from a high index, high thermal property thermoplastic resin conditions the surface of the lens blank by an extended annealing process. The temperature of the lens blank is increased to a soak temperature greater than 165 degrees C. over a ramp-up period of more than 2.5 hours, increasing the temperature during the ramp-up period by no more than 2 degrees C. per minute, on average. The lens blank is maintained at the soak temperature for a soak period of at least 3 hours. The temperature of the lens blank is lowered back to room temperature during a ramp-down period at a rate no faster than 1.5 degrees C. per minute, on average. This forms a conditioned lens blank that is diamond-turned to obtain an optical quality surface.

Abstract: A contact lens (4) comprises a solid component capable of imparting shape and structure to said lens, and a liquid component, at least partially contained in the solid component, capable of favouring the compatibility between said lens and the eye of a user of said lens, wherein the liquid component comprises a solution capable of being used as a lachrymal substitute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing optical elements, in particular lenses made from an optoceramic, comprising a forming step, which step comprises the formation of a green body. The invention further relates to optical elements produced according to the before mentioned process. The process according to the present invention comprises a forming step including the application of a mould being close to the final geometry of the body to be formed (near net shape principle) including the application of moderate pressure between 0.1 MPa and 50 MPa, preferably between about 0.5 MPa and 25 MPa, in particular preferred between about 1 MPa und 12 MPa. The pressure is applied either on the ceramic powder mass during positioning of the ceramic powder mass into the form or is applied onto the ceramic powder mass within the form.

Abstract: An optical film composed of a thermoplastic resin film obtained by using a melt extruding machine, characterized in that said thermoplastic resin film satisfies a relation of the formula below over the whole surface of the film when an angle made by the extruding direction of the thermoplastic resin film from the melt extruding machine and a slow phase axis at each point is ?, and a retardation amount at each point is Re, is provided. [sin2 2?]×[sin2 (?·Re/550)]?4.0×10?5. According to the present invention, an optical film wherein there is no problem on a residual solvent, optical distortion is small, and there is no problem of color unevenness and color absence of a liquid crystal display obtained by using the optical film as a protective film of a polarizer is provided.

Abstract: The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: An anti-glare optical plate is disclosed. A mold with a concave-convex surface is disposed with a resin on top and a substrate is arranged over the resin. After the resin hardening to form a film on the substrate, the film has a concave-convex surface on top thereof so as to make light scatter by the concave-convex structure on top of the film for preventing uncomfortable feelings of users due to reflection of light.