Abstract: A method of delivering fluid into constricted openings arranged in a workpiece substantially eliminates the occurrence of voids or air bubbles in the fluid filling the constricted orifices. Coextensive recesses are formed in a support base for securing the workpiece from movement during fluid flow. The constricted openings are exposed to the recesses so that fluid introduced into the openings do not overflow.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens array requires at least two fiducial marks formed on a surface of a transparent medium opposite the microlens array. Additional optical features formed on the transparent medium adjacent the microlens array enables precise locationing of fiducial marks on an opposing surface when such surface is exposed to a collimated beam of light. The location of fiducial marks using the method of the invention is about 1 micron or less.

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 double-sided microlens array and method has a plurality of first microlenses on a first surface opposite a plurality of second microlenses on a second surface of a transparent medium. At least two optical features are arranged on either of the first or second surfaces to form fiducial marks on the opposing surface in the transparent medium. The fiducial marks enable precise alignment of the microlenses in the first and second plurality of microlens arrays.

Abstract: A coating element has a liquid deflector member for diverting doctored coating liquid away from the surface of a coating applicator roll. The liquid deflector member is arranged beneath a blade member that removes excess coating liquid from the surface of the coating applicator roll. Excess coating liquid follows a path away from the coating applicator roll surface and down the active face of the liquid deflector member, thereby avoiding contamination of the applicator roll surface.

Abstract: A method of making a print head (100) includes forming a body (110) having a closed base (120) and independent fluid containment compartments (220) formed about the closed base (120). A substantially planar piezoelectric transducer (80) comprising a slab (60) of piezoelectric material provides a means of enclosing each of the independent fluid containment compartments (220). Each of the independent compartments has operably associated therewith one of a plurality of first electrodes (20) arranged on a first surface (62) of the slab (60) of piezoelectric material and a portion of a second electrode (22) arranged on an opposite second surface (64). By applying a voltage to the first and second surface electrodes (20, 22) in a predetermined manner induces an electric field in a portion of the slab (60) of piezoelectric material and thereby forces fluid composition through the independent fluid containment compartment (220).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embossing plastic web materials, for instance, low density polyethylene film, have a movable, first embossing element having a plurality of male dies associated with a heat transferable member and a stationary, second embossing element having a plurality of female dies. The temperature of the heat transferable member is controllable so that the male dies can deform a range of deformable plastic materials. The stationary, second embossing element is alignable relative to the first embossing element and unheated so that the female dies are maintained at about ambient temperature during embossing.

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 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: 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: 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.