Abstract: A method of making a contact lens involves adding a lens-forming mixture to a contact lens mold, copolymerizing the lens-forming monomers to form a contact lens, releasing the contact lens from the mold; and removing the polymeric material from the contact lens. The polymeric material is not reactive with the lens-forming monomers, but is included in the lens-forming monomer mixture to facilitate releasing the contact lens from the mold.

Abstract: A method for making polysiloxane lenses includes the steps of preparing a first mold block having a land area and a second mold block having a land area in which a plurality of independent cavities are formed, keeping the first mold block away from the second mold block, injecting fluid polysiloxane into every cavity of the second mold block, closing the land area of the first mold block on the land area of the second mold block, heating the first mold block and the second mold block to have the fluid polysiloxane in the cavities of the second mold block be hardened into individual polysiloxane lenses, and separating the first mold block from the second mold block and removing the hardened polysiloxane lenses out of the cavities of the second mold block.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and appartus for facilitating release of an ophthalmic lens from a mold part used to fashion the lens. Subsequent to formation of the lens, the lens may be adhered to the mold part and a lens swelling substance is utilized to cuase a portion of the lens to separate from the mold part and create a pathway for a hydration solution to enter between teh lens and the mold part an effect release of the lens.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for manufacturing silicone-hydrogel contact lenses. The improvement includes use of alternative use of hot water and room-temperature or cold water to in the steps of separating a mold into a male mold half and female mold half and dislodging (or removing or de-blocking) a lens from its adhering mold half after the lens being cured and before lens extraction.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and appartus for forming a biomedical device, such as an ophthalmic lens, wherein the biomedical device is formed with a mold part which is water soluble.

Abstract: The present invention includes molds for forming ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lens. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus, molds and methods for fashioning an ophthalmic lens with a mold assembly that includes a two or more mold parts and an adhesion differential between a surface of each mold part in the lens forming area as the surface relates to the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member, and lens product, rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes molds for forming a biomedical device, such as an ophthalmic lens. The present invention also includes methods and systems for forming a mold part to process biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous processes for the production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: A molded disc substrate obtained by injection molding is rotated at high speed before the molded disc substrate has solidified, and a gas is also made to flow in an outward radial direction along a bottom surface of the molded disc substrate while the molded disc substrate is rotating, and the rotation is stopped after the molded disc substrate has solidified. Thus, a disc substrate with little warping is obtained in a short time.

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: A method of manufacturing an intraocular lens includes: a first step of producing a base material for the intraocular lens by polymerizing a first polymerizable monomer which is a raw material of the base material; a second step of producing a monomer-impregnated base material by impregnating the base material produced in the first step with a second polymerizable monomer; a third step of setting a protective member on a surface of the base material produced in the second step to prevent the surface of the base material from drying; and a fourth step of polymerizing the second polymerizable monomer impregnated in the base material on which the protective member is set.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for manufacturing transparent mirrored spheroidal mini-balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. Various means are described for maintaining the desired mirror flatness and avoiding warping, buckling, etc. of the mirror surface during manufacture. The mini-balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 10 centimeters (10?1 m), and are transparent in at least one hemisphere. They preferably have a reflecting mid-plane mirror, though they can also be mirrored on a flat top of the ball.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A method of extracting residual materials from a polymeric, ophthalmic biomedical device, such as a contact lens, by using a mixture comprised of a primary solvent, such as carbon dioxide, and a polar co-solvent, such as isopropanol. By exposing the device to the co-solvent, the device expands. By pulsing or varying the concentration of the polar co-solvent in the mixture, the lens dimensions vary accordingly. When the lens is extracted while retained in a mold, the changes in lens dimensions causes the lens to be released from the mold.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a polymeric contact lens from a mold comprising lowering the temperature of the contact lens with a cryogenic material, such as liquid nitrogen, to a temperature and for a time sufficient for the lens to release from the mold without the application of external forces.

Abstract: A method of aligning a liquid crystal compound comprising a stretching treatment or rubbing treatment which allows the liquid crystal compound to be aligned in a direction different from the stretching direction or the rubbing direction is provided. A method of aligning a liquid crystal compound characterized in that the method comprises subjecting a polymeric film having hydroxyl groups to a) a stretching treatment and an esterifying treatment, or b) an esterifying treatment followed by a rubbing treatment; and then forming a layer of the liquid crystal compound on the film, so that the liquid crystal compound is aligned in a direction different from the stretching direction in case of a), or the liquid crystal compound is aligned in a direction almost perpendicular to the surface of the rubbed film in case of b).

Abstract: A plastic optical element producing method produces a plastic optical element by an injection molding, and includes the step of cooling the optical element to a room temperature to cool an optical surface of the plastic optical element with priority over other surfaces of the plastic optical element in a state where a temperature of the plastic optical element is within a predetermined temperature range which is less than or equal to a glass transition temperature of the resin material.

Abstract: A method of producing an antireflection structure for use on a display or a window surface or both in an electronic device, such as a mobile phone. The display can be an LCD with a top polarizer and a bottom polarizer. The antireflection structure is imparted on the top polarizer by a roller embossing process. In particular, the embossing is carried out in the same manufacturing process when the polarizer is produced. The antireflection structure has a plurality of sub-wavelength periodic grooves. The antireflection structure on the window surface can be imparted using an embossing process or an injection molding process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical element, such as a plastic lens or similar, by molding. The manufacturing method includes the steps of molding the plastic lens under a prescribed molding temperature higher than a glass transition level of the plastic material used to from the optical element. The manufacturing method also includes the step of gradually cooling the optical element by at least 5° C. with a speed which decreases by approximately 3° C. per minute. The optical element formed from a plastic material includes a substantially rectangular shape having a width, a height, and a thickness, wherein the width is greater than the height and the thickness is measured in an optical axis direction. The optical element also includes a refractive index distribution of approximately 2×10?5 at a central half section of the height. The optical element may be defined by the manufacturing method having the molding step and the gradual cooling step.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus 1 has a drawing furnace 11, a heating furnace 21, and a resin curing section 31. The drawing furnace 11 has a muffle tube 13 to which an He gas supply passage 15 from an He gas supply section 14 is connected so as to supply He gas. The optical fiber 3 drawn upon heating by the drawing furnace 11 is fed to the heating furnace 21, whereby a predetermined part of the optical fiber 3 is annealed at a predetermined cooling rate. The heating furnace 21 has a muffle tube 23 to which an N2 gas supply passage 25 from an N2 gas supply section 24 is connected so as to supply N2 gas. Thereafter, the optical fiber 3 is coated with a UV resin 39 by a coating die 38, and the UV resin 39 is cured in the resin curing section 31, whereby a coated optical fiber 4 is formed.

Abstract: Solid rigid acrylic copolymer materials, useful for forming ophthalmic devices, are processed into the shape of an ophthalmic device, such as an intraocular lens and are then processed into a foldable form. The acrylic copolymer material has polymer units derived from an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, such as, (meth)acrylic acid, 1-butenoic acid, and the like, and an aryl(meth)acrylate monomer, such as, phenyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethyloxy(meth)acrylate, and the like. The processing into a foldable shape may be accomplished by contacting the rigid material, having a Tg of 25° C. or higher, with an alcohol, preferably in the presence of acid catalyst, to lower the Tg to 20° C. or less.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion comprising silicon/titanium mixed oxide powder with a BET surface area of 5 to 500 m2/g which has been prepared by flame hydrolysis and has a titanium dioxide content of 0.5 to 20 wt. %, based on the powder, water and at least one pH-regulating substance which can be removed completely from the reaction mixture on heating, the aqueous dispersion having a solids content of between 40 and 80 wt. %. A green body produced therefrom with a green density of between 40 and 85%. A shaped glass article of optical quality with a coefficient of thermal expansion of not more than 0.5×10?6/K produced from the green body.

Abstract: A film made of a vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer is uniaxially drawn to fabricate a uniaxially drawn film. Then, the uniaxially drawn film is thermally treated at a temperature within a temperature range of the Curie temperature through the melting point of the vinylidene-trifluoroethylene or tetrafluoroethylene copolymer for five hours or over, to diffuse the molecular chains of the uniaxially drawn film along the orientation direction and thus, to remove the intertwining between the molecular chains.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that lenses, such as contact lenses, can be pigmented using ink that include polymers or polymerizable monomers, preferably the same monomers used to make the lens. The ink can be used to make images on or within the lens. Images made using these inks are preferably digital and can be used in a variety of printing methods, including ink-jet printing.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed which decrease the time between de-molding a lens and initiating a hard coating process. The de-molded lens at a de-mold temperature TM is transported away from a mold. A dip tank is maintained at a temperature TD, where TD is less than TM, wherein the dip tank includes a liquid including a primer or a hard coat solution. The lens is dipped into the dip tank wherein the lens has a temperature TL greater than TD, so that intermediate cooling, cleaning, destaticizing and delays associated therewith are avoided. Other methods eliminate many conventional process steps and may include drying raw material to decrease primer coating times and employing robotic systems for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: A method of hard coating a lens includes maintaining a dip tank at a temperature TD, wherein the dip tank includes a liquid including a primer or a hard coat solution. The lens is dried and heated to a temperature TL. The lens is dipped into the dip tank wherein TL is within 20 degrees F. of TD.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of a photochromic polymeric article comprising: providing a fluid polymerisable composition; subjecting the fluid polymerisable composition to a first curing step to provide a solid article of intermediate hardness; contacting the solid article of intermediate hardness with a photochromic substance; and subjecting the solid article of intermediate hardness to a further curing step to increase the hardness and provide a polymeric article imbibed with the photochromic substance.

Abstract: A high strength hydrogel having a constant swelling pressure upon implantation and thereafter is formed by preparing a hydrogel solution and then injecting the solution into a mold and cause to gel. The molded gel is then washed in a saline solution from about one day to twelve weeks, after which the gel is irradiated for sterilization purposes, dehydrated and packaged. The pre-treatment with the use of a physiologic solution results in an implant which exhibits a constant swelling pressure profile after implantation.

Abstract: This invention relates to solvents which may be used to extract polymers that are made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens, involves contacting the lens with an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant to remove debris from the lens, prior to inspecting and packaging the lens. The aqueous solution may further comprise a buffering agent and/or sodium chloride. Preferred surfactants include polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, nonionic surfactants, such as a poloxamer or a poloxamine. The methods may also be employed for additional biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, made of a stabilized poly(oxyalkylene)-containing polymeric material. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: curing, in a mold, a composition comprising (a) a prepolymer having at least one poly(oxyalkylene) unit, (b) a biocompatible organic multi-acid or biocompatible salt thereof in an amount sufficient to improve the stability of the poly(oxyalkylene)-containing polymer made from the composition, (c) optionally a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator, and (d) optionally one or more vinylic monomers, to form the medical device being less susceptible to oxidative degradation; and removing the medical device from the mold.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a processing approach for the rapid and efficient in-situ polymerization of specially prepared precursor mixtures to achieve near-net-shape production of objects/articles with exact dimensions. The process relies on the use of polymerizable compositions comprised of a mixture of a reactive plasticizer and an initiator, optionally also including a dead polymer, which compositions are semi-solid-like and induce little shrinkage upon curing as a result of their partially polymerized nature prior to processing. The articles of the invention have a surface and an interior core, the composition of the surface material being distinct from the composition of the core material while at the same time the surface and the core are an integral, monolithic entity. In addition, the articles are dimensionally stable and exhibit high fidelity replication.

Abstract: A method of forming an ophthalmic lens, such as an intraocular lens, from a hydrophobic acrylic polymer is disclosed. In this method, a pre-polymer gel is formed form the hydrophobic acrylic polymer, at least the optical portion of the lens is formed from the gel using a fused silica mold, and the lens is solvent extracted such that it remains transparent and substantially without glistenings in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities. Further, this invention provides a preferred device supporting member.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus that minimizes the destructive effects of non-reflected energy during lithography. More specifically, a cooling system is located within the mask. In one example, a cooling module is integrated into the EUV mask. The cooling module may be thermoelectric. The EUV mask comprises a substrate structure as a base for a reticle, a cooling layer, which is formed on the substrate structure and a planarizing layer deposited on the cooling layer. In another example, a cooling channel is formed within the mask.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the renewable surface treatment of medical devices such as contact lenses and medical implants. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method of modifying the surface of a medical device to increase its biocompatibility or hydrophilicity by coating the device with a removable hydrophilic polymer by means of reaction between reactive functionalities on the hydrophilic polymer which functionalities are complementary to reactive functionalities on or near the surface of the medical device. The present invention is also directed to a contact lens or other medical device having such a surface coating.

Abstract: A method of preparing a planar optical waveguide assembly, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a silicone composition to a surface of a substrate to form a silicone film; (ii) exposing at least one selected region of the silicone film to radiation having a wavelength of from 150 to 800 nm to produce a partially exposed film having at least one exposed region and at least one non-exposed region; (iii) removing the non-exposed region of the partially exposed film with a developing solvent to form a patterned film; and (iv) heating the patterned film for an amount of time sufficient to form at least one silicone core having a refractive index of from 1.3 to 1.7 at 23° C. for light having a wavelength of 589 nm; wherein the substrate has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the silicone core. A planar optical waveguide assembly prepared according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A process for treating biomedical devices, especially contact lenses, involves contacting polymeric devices containing extractables with a solvent that dissolves and removes the extractables from the devices. The devices are subjected to at least two treatments with fresh solvent to remove extractables in the devices.

Abstract: A method for making an enhanced intrinsic polarizer from a polymeric sheet having an original length and comprising a hydroxylated linear high polymer includes stretching the polymeric sheet to a stretched length of from greater than 5.0 times to about 7.0 times the original length, introducing a suitable dehydration catalyst to the polymeric sheet, and heating the polymeric sheet and the catalyst to effect partial dehydration of the polymeric sheet wherein light absorbing, vinylene block segments are formed.

Abstract: The invention tackles the problem of improving the production process for contact lenses further, so that the production costs for contact lenses can be reduced further and the production capacities can be increased. To this end, provision is made for the two mould halves, which together form the mould for producing a contact lens, to be fixed to each other and/or detachably connected to each other by means of individual half-mould guide. In conjunction with a cyclic production process, a high degree of automation can be achieved in this way.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for using microwave energy to disassemble, release, and hydrate contact lenses in one or more microwave heating and processing stations. Microwave energy is used to promote disassembly of a front curve mold with an adhered HEMA ring from a base curve mold with an adhered contact lens, and microwave energy is also used to promote release of the contact lens from the base curve mold, and microwave energy is further used to facilitate hydration of the released contact lens.

Abstract: A mold separation apparatus and method for braking the cure bond between a female and male mold section of a contact lens mold unit comprises one or more pistons (60) for striking the bottom flange wall (12b) of the female mold section with the striking force being sufficient to break the bond between the mold sections yet not so strong as to impart damage to the lens formed within the mold unit. A pick and place mechanism is included for lifting the female mold sections from the associated male mold sections and depositing the female mold sections onto a female mold pallet. Likewise, should the male mold section be used in downstream processed, the pick and place unit is operable to engage and lift the male mold sections and place them in an associated male mold pallet.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses made from polymerizable materials by providing supercritical fluids to the lenses.

Abstract: An ocular lens having a desired shape without having a deformation induced by its process, and having a uniform coat layer on its surface, is proceeded by single mold polymerization. The ocular lens is produced by a process comprising a step of irradiating at least one part of the molding surface for the ocular lens of the mold with an excimer light, a step of coating a compound fixable to the ocular lens surface by an interaction with a polymerizable component in the ocular lens material, or its solution on the mold surface after irradiating with an excimer light, a step of filling the ocular lens material into the mold after coating, and polymerizing, a step of releasing a polymer obtained by the polymerization from the mold, and obtaining an ocular lens stock material having above-mentioned component fixed on its surface, and a step extracting unfixed unreacted components from obtained ocular lens stock material.

Abstract: A method of extracting residual materials from a polymeric, ophthalmic biomedical device, such as a contact lens, by using a mixture comprised of a primary solvent, such as carbon dioxide, and a polar co-solvent, such as isopropanol. By exposing the device to the co-solvent, the device expands. By pulsing or varying the concentration of the polar co-solvent in the mixture, the lens dimensions vary accordingly. When the lens is extracted while retained in a mold, the changes in lens dimensions causes the lens to be released from the mold.

Abstract: A method of cooling an optical fiber during drawing through contact with at least one cooling fluid in at least one cooling area, wherein fast cooling, i.e. cooling that is faster than cooling in the surrounding air, from an initial temperature of the fiber to a temperature at the end of fast cooling of said fiber, is followed by slow cooling, i.e. cooling slower than cooling in the surrounding air, from a temperature of said fiber at the start of slow cooling to a temperature of said fiber at the end of slow cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling an ophthalmic lens in a manufacturing line where lenses are presented for picking and transport to a respective lens receptacle. The problem of lens fly-away is prevented by a cover which releasably couples to the lens picking means and is deposited over the lens receptacle immediately following release of the lens into the secondary receptacle and withdrawal of the lens picking means.