Abstract: An apparatus for coating a web of indeterminate length has a coating element comprising a liquid deflector member for diverting liquid away from a coating surface. The liquid deflector member is arranged beneath a blade member that removes excess coating liquid from the coating surface. Excess coating liquid follows a path away from the coating surface and down the liquid deflector member thereby avoiding contamination of the coating surface.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: A replenishable merchandising display requires the product to be displayed for sale be loaded into modular receptacles at the manufacturer and that a merchandising display for receiving the modular receptacles be shipped to a retailer. The retailer then loads the modular receptacles containing product into the merchandising display and eventually replenishes the merchandising display once the product is depleted.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has an adjustable tray for receiving and storing paper, such as photographic paper, has adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members that can alignably accommodate various sizes of paper. Independent quick release/latch mechanisms enable easy and quick deployment of the adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members.

Abstract: A slitter cutting element for slitting a sheet of web material has an axially displaceable blade member arranged on a blade carrier. The axially displaceable blade member is biased by an elastomeric biasing member that provides a continuous and uniform contact force with a face of the blade member. The elastomeric biasing member is restrained from axial expansion by being bonded to the blade carrier.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: A microlens array has a plurality of microlens supportedly arranged on a first surface of a transparent medium. At least two optical features are formed on a second surface opposite the first surface. Fiducial marks are formed on the second surface by a beam of collimated light directed onto the optical features and focused onto the second surface. Fiducial marks enable precise alignment of the microlenses in the microlens array.

Abstract: A roll package comprising a spool, a length of web material wound about the spool, and a length of a protective material wound about the length of web material. The length of a protective material has a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.1 grams per one hundred square inches for 24 hours when tested at 100 degree F., 100 percent relative humidity. In a particular embodiment, the spool includes a core and a pair of flanges, each flange having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, the inwardly facing surface of each flange including a substantially planar portion adjacent an outer edge of the flange and a recessed portion inboard of the substantially planar portion. Edges of the protective material abut the substantially planar portion when wound about the length of web material such that the edges are held in intimate contact with the substantially planar portion to form a light seal barrier and a moisture vapor barrier seal.

Abstract: An antireflection article of manufacture has host material and a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in the host material to form an optically modified material. The optically modified material is coated with a quarter wave coating to form an antireflection article having zero percent reflection.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: A method for making microlens molds and microlens array molds is described which utilizes a spinning half radius diamond cutting member operated in a plunge cut in a technique similar to milling to cut the optical surface into a diamond turnable material. The method can be used to make high sag lens molds with high accuracy. Microlens array molds can be made with a high degree of uniformity and a nearly 100% fill factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects having generally irregular, undulating surface features, such as reloadable photographic cameras, has a partial enclosure having opposing side walls, and a top wall joining the opposing side walls. A pair of air ionizing members are arranged on the interior of the opposing side walls and a source of a curtain-like stream of air is arranged in the top wall.

Abstract: A method for making microlens molds and microlens array molds is described which utilizes a spinning half radius diamond cutting member operated in a plunge cut in a technique similar to milling to cut the optical surface into a diamond turnable material. The method can be used to make high sag lens molds with high accuracy. Microlens array molds can be made with a high degree of uniformity and a nearly 100% fill factor.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and method of making same has a first transparent substrate bondable to a second transparent substrate. The second transparent substrate has a plurality of vias passing through opposing active surfaces of the second transparent substrate. Vias are filled void-free with an optical grade adhesive material when the first and second transparent substrates are bonded together.

Abstract: An adjustable tray for receiving and storing sheets of web material, such as photographic paper and film, has adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members that can alignably accommodate various sizes of paper. Independent quick release/latch mechanisms enable easy and quick deployment of the adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining viscosity of a low viscous fluid. A narrow tube samples a fluid sample. The apparatus or capillary viscometer determines viscosity within average relative deviation of less than 2% over a range of viscosity greater than two decades by mass flow rate. The apparatus includes a glass capillary viscometer with thermal jacket, balance with serial interface, and software for computer interface.

Abstract: An optical nanocomposite material has a nanoparticulate filler dispersed in a host plastic material. According to the method of making the nanocomposite material, a predetermined temperature sensitive optical vector, such as refractive index, of the plastic host material and nanoparticulate filler are directionally opposed resulting in a nanocomposite material having significantly improved stability of the refractive index with respect to temperature.

Abstract: A variable field angle and test patern spatial frequency optical assemblage for testing a lens having a plurality of field angles employs an improved modulation transfer function (MTF) design system for evaluating image quality produced by the lens being tested. A reflecting surface capable of translational and rotational movements is arranged along a predetermined optical path for receiving a collimated array of light rays and then directing the collimated array of light rays to the lens being tested.

Abstract: A corona discharge web conveyance roller (10) and process for finishing the surface (14) of the roller (10) with plateaus (30) and down features (22) adjacent to the plateaus. Interconnected channels (30) formed in the surface (14) of the roller (10) by overlapping down features (22) comprise at least 50% of the surface area while plateaus (30) comprise at least 20% to about 50% of the surface of the roller. Down features (22) have depths greater than about 12 microns but less than about 125 microns.

Abstract: A mixer for preparing silver halide grains for photographic use has upper and lower impellers housed in a draft tube. The bottom impeller has flat blades for micromixing silver and halide reactants introduced into the bottom of the draft tube. The upper impeller has pitched blades for macromixing the bulk fluid. The impellers are spaced apart at least the distance of their diameters so that the upper and lower impellers operate independently of one another so that micromixing is independent of macromixing. A flow disrupter structurally associated with the draft tube and positioned above the top impeller prevents vortexing of the fluid during mixing. Baffles may be provided in the draft tube to discourage vortexing.