Abstract: A thin film optical lens and method for coating an optical substrate serves to apply alternating layers, with varying thicknesses, of a high index dielectric material and a low index dielectric material on first and second surfaces of an optical substrate. The high and low index dielectric materials are layered through thin film deposition. The low index dielectric material is SiO2. The high index dielectric material is ZrO2 and/or Indium Zinc Oxide. The spectral results from application of high and low index dielectric materials reduce infrared radiation, block HEV light transmission, and reduce backside ultraviolet reflections, while also increasing visible (ultraviolet) light transmission through the optical substrate. Thus, the layering of dielectric materials on the first surface of optical substrate reflects up to 40% of the infrared radiation; and the second surface of optical substrate transmits up to 99% of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range between 300 to 400 nanometers.

Abstract: A thin film optical lens and method for coating an optical substrate serves to apply alternating layers, with varying thicknesses, of a high index dielectric material and a low index dielectric material on first and second surfaces of an optical substrate. The high and low index dielectric materials are layered through thin film deposition. The low index dielectric material is SiO2. The high index dielectric material is ZrO2 and/or Indium Zinc Oxide. The spectral results from application of high and low index dielectric materials reduce infrared radiation, block HEV light transmission, and reduce backside ultraviolet reflections, while also increasing visible (ultraviolet) light transmission through the optical substrate. Thus, the layering of dielectric materials on the first surface of optical substrate reflects up to 40% of the infrared radiation; and the second surface of optical substrate transmits 99% of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range between 300 to 400 nanometers.

Abstract: A thin film optical lens and method for coating an optical substrate serves to apply alternating layers, with varying thicknesses, of a high index dielectric material and a low index dielectric material on first and second surfaces of an optical substrate. The high and low index dielectric materials are layered through thin film deposition. The low index dielectric material is SiO2. The high index dielectric material is ZrO2 and/or Indium Zinc Oxide. The spectral results from application of high and low index dielectric materials reduce infrared radiation, block HEV light transmission, and reduce backside ultraviolet reflections, while also increasing visible (ultraviolet) light transmission through the optical substrate. Thus, the layering of dielectric materials on the first surface of optical substrate reflects up to 40% of the infrared radiation; and the second surface of optical substrate transmits 99% of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range between 300 to 400 nanometers.

Abstract: A fishing lure clapper device may include a fishing lure such as a spoon lure or spinner lure. A strike member may be loosely attached to the fishing lure. The strike member may have at least one water flow contact surface. The water flow contact surface may be at least partially concave and/or at least partially convex. Accordingly, throughout retrieval of the lure on a fishing line through water in a water body, flow of the water against the water flow contact surface of the strike member may cause the strike member to move at random orientations and repetitively strike or clap against the side of the fishing lure, creating vibration and clicking or clapping sounds in the water to attract fish and agitate or entice the fish to strike the lure.

Abstract: A system and method to modify surface tension at atmosphere across a hydrophobic, anti-fouling, and oleophobic coated substrate. The substrate has a hydrophobic surface defined by a surface friction. The system modifies the surface tension, or smoothness, across the hydrophobic surface. The modification in surface tension is accomplished by generating power through an ion source to create an ion cloud. The ion cloud is generated in proximity to the substrate. The ions interact with the hydrophobic surface to create a modification of surface tension. A gas carrier device introduces an inert carrier gas through the ion cloud to increase density of the ions, which in turn increases surface friction. The system is variable, selectively increasing and decreasing surface tension by: varying the duration that the hydrophobic surface is exposed to the ion cloud; varying power applied to ion source; and varying distance between the ion cloud and the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a system housing having a housing interior, a fixture transfer assembly having a generally sloped fixture transfer rail extending through the housing interior, a plurality of sequentially ordered deposition chambers connected by the fixture transfer rail, a controller interfacing with the processing chambers and at least one fixture carrier assembly carried by the fixture transfer rail and adapted to contain at least one substrate. The fixture carrier assembly travels along the fixture transfer rail under influence of gravity. A substrate fixture contains a substrate. The substrate fixture comprises a fixture frame. The fixture frame is defined by multiple circular members adjacently joined in a circular arrangement. Each circular member has a fixture frame opening sized to receive the substrate. Lens support arms may integrate into the circular members, extending in a curved disposition into the fixture frame opening to retain the substrate. A deposition method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic substrate conveyor and method of conveying ophthalmic substrates for vacuum deposition utilizes gravity and impulse action energy to convey an ophthalmic substrate to an adjacent vacuum deposition machine, for coating the ophthalmic substrate with an ophthalmic substance through physical vapor deposition. The conveyor provides a spring-loaded lens wheel that selectively retains the ophthalmic substrate during coating. The lens wheel rides a pair of inclined rails, urged by gravity, to a vacuum deposition machine that coats HEV absorbing material onto ophthalmic substrate. An escapement mechanism subassembly transfers impulse action energy to the lens wheel to regulate the speed and direction of the lens wheel across the inclined rails. A rotation servomechanism senses and rotates the lens wheel to the desired orientation during coating. A ring spreader actuator engages springs in the lens wheel to clamp and release the ophthalmic substrate.

Abstract: A viewing lens and method for treating lenses to minimize glare and reflections for birds with tetra-chromatic vision. The anti-reflection lens is treated to with a coating on the surface. The coating is configured to enable the lens surface to be less perceptible to a bird with tetra-chromatic vision by reducing reflections therefrom. The lens treatment includes applying an anti-reflective coating in multiple coats. The coats comprise an adhesion composition, a low index composition (such as SiO2), a high index composition (such as ZrO2), and a superhydrophobic composition that are applied in subsequent layers of varying nanometer thicknesses. The treated lens exhibits minimal reflection properties in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and almost no reflection in the UV-A range. This creates a lens surface that is difficult for birds with tetra-chromatic vision to see a reflection therefrom.

Abstract: An end effector assembly and method for robot-enabled manipulation of round objects automates the gripping, rotationally manipulating, loading, and unloading of round objects, like an ophthalmic substrate, to a coating machine subassembly. A lens wheel carries spring-loaded retention pegs that grip and release the round object. Springs selectively generate tension on the retention pegs, causing retention pegs to articulate radially inward or outward, so as to press the round object to the lens wheel, or release the object. A retention peg actuator selectively engages the springs to generate tension and release tension from springs. A processor regulates articulation of the retention peg actuator. A sensor detects the position of the object, whereby at least one position of the round object triggers the sensor to transmit a signal commanding the retention peg actuator to articulate. A human-machine interface transmits command signals and displays positions of the lens wheel and retention pegs.

Abstract: An anti-reflective lens and method for treating a lens to reduce visible light and ultraviolet light at levels perceptible to the vision system of an animal and a detection device having tetra-chromatic vision or di-chromatic vision. The treatment method produces an optical substrate that is less perceptible to an animal and detection device perceptible to view through the UV light spectrum. The method provides a substrate treated on opposite sides with an anti-reflective coating so that reflections from visible light and UV light are not visible to the animal and detection device, from incident angles between 0° to 60°. The anti-reflective coatings are applied in varying amounts of constituents and thicknesses, consisting of: adhesion layer, low index material (SiO2), high index material (ZrO2), and superhydrophobic layers. The substrate is initially UV treated, and then coated with the anti-reflective coating to minimize visible light and UV light reflection between 300-400 nanometers.

Abstract: A system and method to increase surface friction across a hydrophobic, anti-fouling, and oleophobic coated substrate. The substrate has a hydrophobic surface defined by a surface friction. The system works to increases the surface friction, or roughness, across the hydrophobic surface. The increase in surface friction is accomplished by generating power through an ion source to create an ion cloud. The ion cloud is generated in proximity to the substrate. The ions interact with the hydrophobic surface to create a roughing effect thereon. A gas carrier device introduces an inert carrier gas through the ion cloud to increase density of the ions, which in turn increases surface friction. The system is variable, selectively increasing and decreasing surface friction by: varying the duration that the hydrophobic surface is exposed to the ion cloud; varying power applied to ion source; and varying distance between the ion cloud and the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A propeller-powered propulsion system and method of remote-controlled waterway navigation is configured to navigate a waterway in a navigation route while being controlled remotely, and being tracked by a GPS system. The watercraft provides a watercraft body that carries a propeller subassembly having multiple propellers that operate independently of each other for variable propulsion and steering. A mobile communication device transmits a command signal to a receiver in the propeller subassembly. A microcontroller converts the command signal to a speed for each propeller, independently of the other. The propeller speeds create a disproportionate level of thrust from each propeller to enable remote controlled steering of the watercraft toward port and starboard directions, at variable speeds, and preprogrammed navigation routes. The mobile communication device also acquires location data of the watercraft body obtained by a GPS system.

Abstract: A thin film optical lens and method for coating an optical substrate serves to apply alternating layers, with varying thicknesses, of a high index dielectric material and a low index dielectric material on first and second surfaces of an optical substrate. The high and low index dielectric materials are layered through thin film deposition. The low index dielectric material is SiO2. The high index dielectric material is ZrO2 and/or Indium Zinc Oxide. The spectral results from application of high and low index dielectric materials reduce infrared radiation, block HEV light transmission, and reduce backside ultraviolet reflections, while also increasing visible (ultraviolet) light transmission through the optical substrate. Thus, the layering of dielectric materials on the first surface of optical substrate reflects up to 40% of the infrared radiation; and the second surface of optical substrate transmits up to 99% of ultraviolet light in the wavelength range between 300 to 400 nanometers.

Abstract: A propeller-powered propulsion system and method of remote-controlled waterway navigation is configured to navigate a waterway in a navigation route while being controlled remotely, and being tracked by a GPS system. The watercraft provides a watercraft body that carries a propeller subassembly having multiple propellers that operate independently of each other for variable propulsion and steering. A mobile communication device transmits a command signal to a receiver in the propeller subassembly. A microcontroller converts the command signal to a speed for each propeller, independently of the other. The propeller speeds create a disproportionate level of thrust from each propeller to enable remote controlled steering of the watercraft toward port and starboard directions, at variable speeds, and preprogrammed navigation routes. The mobile communication device also acquires location data of the watercraft body obtained by a GPS system.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a system housing having a housing interior, a fixture transfer assembly having a generally sloped fixture transfer rail extending through the housing interior, a plurality of sequentially ordered deposition chambers connected by the fixture transfer rail, a controller interfacing with the processing chambers and at least one fixture carrier assembly carried by the fixture transfer rail and adapted to contain at least one substrate. The fixture carrier assembly travels along the fixture transfer rail under influence of gravity. A substrate fixture contains a substrate. The substrate fixture comprises a fixture frame. The fixture frame is defined by multiple circular members adjacently joined in a circular arrangement. Each circular member has a fixture frame opening sized to receive the substrate. Lens support arms may integrate into the circular members, extending in a curved disposition into the fixture frame opening to retain the substrate. A deposition method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method to increase surface friction across a hydrophobic, anti-fouling, and oleophobic coated substrate. The substrate has a hydrophobic surface defined by a surface friction. The system works to increases the surface friction, or roughness, across the hydrophobic surface. The increase in surface friction is accomplished by generating power through an ion source to create an ion cloud. The ion cloud is generated in proximity to the substrate. The ions interact with the hydrophobic surface to create a roughing effect thereon. A gas carrier device introduces an inert carrier gas through the ion cloud to increase density of the ions, which in turn increases surface friction. The system is variable, selectively increasing and decreasing surface friction by: varying the duration that the hydrophobic surface is exposed to the ion cloud; varying power applied to ion source; and varying distance between the ion cloud and the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: An anti-reflection lens and method for treating a lens to reduce reflections for placental mammals with dichromatic vision. The anti-reflection lens is treated to with a coating on the surface. The coating is configured to enable the lens surface to be less perceptible to a placental mammal with dichromacy vision by reducing reflections therefrom. The lens treatment includes applying an anti-reflective coating in multiple coats. The coats comprise an adhesion composition, a low index composition (SiO2), a high index composition (ZrO2), and a superhydrophobic composition that are applied in subsequent layers of varying nanometer thicknesses. The treated lens exhibits minimal reflection properties in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and almost no reflection in the UV-A range. This creates a lens surface that is difficult for mammals with dichromacy to see a reflection therefrom.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a system housing having a housing interior, a fixture transfer assembly having a generally sloped fixture transfer rail extending through the housing interior, a plurality of processing chambers connected by the fixture transfer rail, a controller interfacing with the processing chambers and at least one fixture carrier assembly carried by the fixture transfer rail and adapted to contain one substrate. The fixture carrier assembly travels along the fixture transfer rail under influence of gravity.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a system housing having a housing interior, a fixture transfer assembly having a generally sloped fixture transfer rail extending through the housing interior, a plurality of processing chambers connected by the fixture transfer rail, a controller interfacing with the processing chambers and at least one fixture carrier assembly carried by the fixture transfer rail and adapted to contain at least one substrate. The fixture carrier assembly travels along the fixture transfer rail under influence of gravity.

Abstract: A high energy visible (HEV) light absorbing material and application method for an ophthalmic substrate includes deposition of an HEV light absorbing material onto the ophthalmic substrate. The HEV light absorbing material is applied through physical vapor deposition as a thin layer on ophthalmic substrates for flexibility and color adaptation. The HEV light absorbing material includes at least one of: aluminum zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide and gallium zinc oxide with a material commonly used in the design of antireflective absorbing materials. The HEV light absorbing coating is antireflective and transmits up to 98% of light for the rest of spectrum. The HEV light absorbing material allows the ophthalmic substrate to selectively absorb blue light that falls in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 460 nm.