Abstract: Fuel cell systems and methods are described. A method for generating electrical energy in a fuel cell receives hydrogen from a fuel processor configured to process a fuel source to produce the hydrogen, includes transporting a heating medium from the fuel processor to the fuel cell when electrical energy output by the fuel cell includes less than an electrical threshold or when temperature of a component in the fuel cell is less than a temperature threshold, heating a portion of the fuel cell, transporting hydrogen from the fuel processor to the fuel cell, detecting temperature of the component or electrical output of the fuel cell, and generating electrical energy in the fuel cell when the temperature of the component is about equal to or greater than the threshold temperature or when electrical energy output by the fuel cell is about equal to or greater than an electrical threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for providing photochromic segmented multifocal optical lenses. A latex primer formulation is provided for effectuating adhesion of a surface casting composition onto a lens having a photochromic coating. The method provides efficient, cost effective production of durable photochromic segmented lenses, via secure adhesion of a surface casting layer onto a photochromic substrate while maintaining desirable optical characteristics. A composite optical lens is advantageously formed having a photochromic base lens, a primer composition bonded to a convex surface of said base lens, and a cured casting composition bonded to said primer composition layer. The cured casting formulation includes a segment region to impart multifocal qualities onto the resultant composite optical lens.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to using surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors mounted on a disc coupling component in a powertrain to measure the torque generated by an automobile engine. The sensor may be positioned and oriented on the disc coupling component so that the phase velocities of SAWs propagating through active elements of the SAW sensors are aligned with principal strain components due to torque in the disc coupling component. The torque may be calculated by determining the difference between resonant frequencies of the active elements to suppress common-mode interference factors. In addition, SAW resonant frequencies may be communicated in a non-contacting manner by utilizing rotary and stationary couplers employing radio frequency (RF) signals. Moreover, SAW sensors may be activated and interrogated by employing targeted RF pulses having different carrier frequencies at or near respective resonant frequencies of each resonator in a SAW sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating lenses within an injection molding machine having a concave optical insert with a perimeter edge that meets the receiver ring in an annular contact region. A channel is formed throughout the annular contact region. When molding a lens with the apparatus, and according to the method, a closed-loop coating containment lip is formed by the channel. After the lens has solidified and the mold is opened, a predetermined volume of coating solution is applied and the mold is re-clamped. A uniformly thin layer of coating is cured on to the convex lens surface by avoiding coating run off and preventing mold contamination.

Abstract: A method of in-mold coating utilizing an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. At the beginning of the cycle the mold opens and a charge of liquid coating solution is deposited onto the lower mold insert. A ophthalmic wafer is deposited on the coating to spread it across the insert surface. The mold is closed and a pre-cure phase elapses before the thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity above the wafer. The process provides coated and functionally enhanced lenses upon ejection from the molding machine.

Abstract: A composition having a polythiol reactant and an alkenyl silane reactant which are combined to form a polysulfide polysilane. In the process, the reactants are combined in a thiol-ene addition process driven by UV radiation. The polysulfide polysilane is then hydrolyzed and may be combined with other hydrolyzed compounds. For coatings, the polysulfide polysilane is hydrolyzed and may optionally be combined with nanoparticles. For bulk materials, the polysulfide polysilane is hydrolyzed, concentrated and heated to form a high refractive index material which can be used to form lenses.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to injection mold resins, like polycarbonate, to form solid optical lenses. The lenses are ideally suited for use as very thin coating carriers. The method involves closing the mold with a clamp force less than the force exerted on the insert during injection. During injection the mold is allowed to breathe thereby overcoming many of the obstacles associated with injection molding very thin lenses. As the injection pressure subsides, the mold begins to close to perform a coining operation, resulting in a strong, high yield carrier or lens.

Abstract: A method for in-mold coating of an injection molded thermoplastic lens that resides in an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. An optical lens is initially formed by injecting molten thermoplastic resin into an edge-gated lens-forming cavity held closed under a primary clamp force. The mold is opened at a time when the lens is rigid enough to retain its shape. An unpressurized full metered charge of coating is applied onto the center of the lens. The coating is co-molded by ramping up the clamp force from zero to a secondary clamp force less than the primary clamp force to compress the coating into a uniformly thick, fringe-free layer.

Abstract: A SAW based pressure sensor having a base 2a with an aperture 3 formed therein and a substrate 4 mounted on the base so as to completely overlie the aperture. The substrate 4 is adhered to base 2a so as to form a fluid tight seal around the periphery of the aperture 3. A first SAW resonator 5 is mounted on the substrate 4 wholly within the region overlying the aperture 3, with two further SAW resonators 6, 7 being mounted on the substrate wholly within a region which is stiffened by adhesion to the underlying base 2a , such that the two further SAW resonators 6, 7 are completely decoupled from the strain field arising in the substrate due to deflections thereof.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an individual sensor of a particular sensor type whose output varies non-linearly with at least one measured quantity and at least one operating condition. The first step includes producing a set of calibration curves for each sample sensor of the particular sensor type. The resulting sets of calibration curves are then averaged and the results used to produce a generic calibration surface for the particular sensor type showing its variation. Individual calibration measurements are then taken for a number of different values of the measured quantity at a small number of discrete values. The individual calibration readings are then used to map the generic calibration surface to the individual calibration measurements of the individual sensor.

Abstract: A method for laminating an optical assembly and the optical assembly formed thereby. An ultra thin lens is injection molded and may include a bifocal feature. A support lens, e.g. of the single vision type, is provided with a photochromic coating. A flexible two stage compound application process prepares the two lenses for lamination.

Abstract: A system comprising a tram-rail assembly attachable to a downwardly facing surface (e.g., the underside of a cabinet), a movable carriage assembly, locked into, and suspended on the tram-rails, and a clamshell-configured, pull-down easel attached to the underside of the carriage assembly. The system allows the user to mount, move, remove, and store articles such that the articles are inconspicuous or essentially hidden from view under a downwardly-facing surface, and such that pull-down access to said articles can be gained easily by a user and can be adjusted for height, tilt and depth relative to the user and laterally along the entire, continuous facing edge of a downwardly-facing surface and whereby said access orientation adjustments and said manipulations can be executed easily.

Abstract: A method for ordering a corrective clip having corrective lenses. The clip corrects a wearer's view of a head mounted video display. When customers purchase an HMD, they are provided with clip ordering information. This includes information allowing the users to determine if a clip is required for their personal use. By providing at least SV and PD data customers can place their own orders which are transmitted to the lab. The completed corrective clip is delivered directly to the customer. Since the clip mounts on the viewer, a fitting session is not required. In use, the corrective clip reside between the user's eyes and an HMD display, without contacting the user.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor assembly 1 has a housing 2, a pressure sensor mounted in the housing 2 and an antenna 3 connected to the sensor and extending exteriorly of the housing 2 for effecting wireless communication between the sensor and a remote module. The antenna 3 is moveable between a folded position in which it extends around at least a part of the housing 2 so as to lie substantially in the plane of the housing 2 and an erect position in which it upstands from the housing 2 so as, in use, to extend into the inflation area formed between a wheel and tire. The antenna 3 is biased towards its erect position, and further includes a releasable restraining strap 7 for restraining the antenna 3 in its folded position.

Abstract: A method for in-mold coating of an injection molded thermoplastic lens that resides in an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. An optical lens is initially formed by injecting molten thermoplastic resin into an edge-gated lens-forming cavity held closed under a primary clamp force. The mold is opened at a time when the lens is rigid enough to retain its shape. An unpressurized full metered charge of coating is applied onto the center of the lens. The coating is co-molded by ramping up the clamp force from zero to a secondary clamp force less than the primary clamp force to compress the coating into a uniformly thick, fringe-free layer.

Abstract: A method and coating used to prepare a photochromically-enabled bifocal ophthalmic lens. The method and equipment includes injection molding a single vision lens, for example, from polycarbonate. The clamp opens vertically and the top insert is exchanged for a bifocal mold having a base curve similar to the single vision lens. The thermoset coating includes compounds from several acrylate classes, and is applied to the single vision lens. The coating may include a photochromic dye. The coating is also formulated to receive a photochromic solution through an imbibition process.

Abstract: A method for laminating a functional film on to a thermoplastic injection molded lens. A thermally curable glue is deposited on the lens while it is still in the mold. A functional film is introduced and the mold is closed again. The heat from the mold and the clamping pressure thermoform the film and cure the glue, in a lamination process. A functionally enhanced lens having a film intimately laminated on to one side.