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 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 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 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.

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 method for making microlens and microlens array 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 for laser marking indicia on a moving photosensitive web by impinging laser energy upon the moving web with a laser printer device. The laser printer device is provided with a nozzle element that concentrates beams of radiation onto the web with substantially reduced incidences of fog spots on the web. The nozzle element extends circumferentially, substantially around a laser beam tube and the predetermined optical path defined by laser beams emanating from the laser beam tube.

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: Apparatus for, and a method of, simultaneously measuring the concentration of a selected ion species in a solution and the pH of the solution, uses an ion selective electrode, a reference electrode and an ISFET immersed in the solution. The ion concentration is determined in a first circuit from the potential difference between the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode, and the pH is determined in a second circuit from the current flowing between the ISFET and the reference electrode. The reference electrode is connected into the second circuit via a high resistance so as to isolate the two circuits from each other. The earth potential of the solution is connected to provide the earth potential of the first circuit, and is connected to the second circuit via a high capacitance so as to provide a virtual earth thereforee. Each circuit is supplied from a separate power source, and the circuit outputs are supplied via respective isolation amplifiers to a multi-channel meter.

Abstract: A method of making a printing apparatus configured for drawing fluid from a fluid reservoir and then ejecting droplets of fluid onto a receiver to form an image include the steps of providing an orifice manifold having a plurality of orifices each one of which in fluid communications with one of a plurality of piezoelectric pumps.

Abstract: A nozzle element for laser marking indicia on a moving photosensitive web substantially reduces fog spots on the web caused by impinging laser energy. The nozzle element is configured to conform to the outlet end of the laser beam tube to eject particulates through vacuum outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for slitting a sheet of web material has an at least one first fixed blade member and axially displaceable at least one second blade member. The axially displaceable second blade member is biased by an elastomeric biasing member that provides a continuous and uniform contact force with a face of the second blade member. The elastomeric biasing member is restrained from axial movement by a bonded ring member.

Abstract: A system for verifying the location of physical features on complex magnetic elements, such as magnetic rotors, for driving an electrostatic shutter. A magnetic rotor of the type measured by the magnetic measuring apparatus of the invention has a plurality of magnetic poles and physical features arranged thereon. Each one of both the magnetic poles and physical features has a spatial and magnetic field relative to one another which is rapidly measured by the magnetic measuring apparatus using a dual probe Gaussmeter and encoder means operably connected to a data comptroller.

Abstract: A method of directing fluid between a reservoir and a micro-orifice manifold includes the step of providing a piezoelectric actuating element operably associated with independent fluid containment chambers of said manifold. The piezoelectric actuating element is activated by applying a voltage to electrodes which produces fluid flow by changing its geometry inside the reservoir in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has a base plate, a bias pusher plate for supporting at least one object thereon and a stripper plate having a removed section. A source of fluid is provided for urging a top most object from the support plate and through the removed section of the stripper plate.

Abstract: A method of producing uniform motion, vibration-free spur gears useful in rotary processes includes determining gearmesh frequency and its (m) multiples and comparing each to a corresponding (k) multiple of the process frequency. Gear designs with non-matching (m) and (k) multiples are selectable for analysis as to load bearing capability and conformance with predetermined contact ratios.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for conveying abrasive web (16), such as photographic media, has a pair of closely spaced rollers (12, 14) through which the abrasive web (16) is conveyed while in contact with a coated media bearing surface (80, 90). The media bearing surface (80, 90) comprising a composite coating or a thin inorganic coating.