Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum coating plural articles employs a drum work holder configuration and a sputter source with a plurality of individually controlled anodes for effectively providing uniform coatings on articles disposed at different locations on the drum work holder. A small number of measured process parameters are used to control a small number of process variable to improve coating uniformity from batch to batch.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel molding methods for injection molding thermoplastic lens elements and particularly adapted for the manufacture of steeply curved and/or thin-centered lenses.

Abstract: Curable compositions that are particularly suitable for coating plastic ophthalmic lenses includes (a) 20% to 80% of a first acrylated aliphatic urethane; (b) 5% to 50% of a monofunctional acrylate; (c) (i) 2% to 30% of a second acrylated aliphatic urethane or (ii) 2% or 25% of a multifunctional acrylate or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); (d) 1% to 30% of a colloidal metal oxide; (e) 1% to 20% of a photoinitiator; and (f) a solvent, with the percentages based on weight. The cured composition provides superior abrasion and impact resistance as well as protection against environmental and chemical agents. In addition, the UV curable compositions are capable of forming films on various substrates; the film has excellent compatibility and adhesion to AR coatings that are applied thereon. No primer coating is required.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel molding methods for manufacturing thin thermoplastic lenses and, in particular, minus ophthalmic lenses that have thickness of about 1 mm or less at the thinnest point thereof. The molding methods disclosed provide for lenses which lack any abrasion or polishing artifacts on the surface and also lack any negative fining marks below the nominal surface.

Abstract: A progressive ophthalmic lens designed for use in eyeglass frames having a vertical ("B") dimension <36 mm is presented. The lens features a short (nominally 13-14.5 mm) progressive corridor and a novel treatment of the progressive optics that compensates for the distortion effects, i.e., astigmatism, that would otherwise result from the compression of the optics into a smaller than usual area. That includes (1) permitting a small amount of the astigmatic aberration to extend into the peripheral zones of the distance portion above the distance fitting center, with 0.50 D isocurves of surface astigmatism forming an included angle of about 110.degree., (2) defining a circle of 30 mm diameter centered 2 mm vertically below the distance fitting center in which the maximum value of unwanted astigmatism does not exceed the add value of the lens plus 0.25 D, (3) distributing astigmatism so that the isocurves from D.sub.1 to D.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens wafer suitable for use in preparing a laminated lens which wafer has a coating on at least one surface thereof in the form of a peelable protective film.

Abstract: Device and method for accurately recreating verification markings with removable ink on progressive ophthalmic lenses and molds are provided. The device includes (a) a stage which defines a coordinate system and which is adapted for receiving a lens or mold; (b) a magnifying device for locating the reference marks on the lens or mold surface; (c) a computer for storing coordinates from the platform wherein the coordinates represent the locations of two reference marks on the lens or mold surface; and (d) a pen device adapted to be positioned over the surface of the lens or mold wherein the pen device is controlled by the computer for applying the verification markings on the lens or mold surface.

Abstract: Polymeric coatings containing both UV absorbers and dyes are employed to produce transparent, durable film coatings that can significantly increase the level of UV radiation blockage when coated onto substrates including ophthalmic lenses. The dye comprises 1-?(4-methylphenyl)amino!-4-hydroxy-9, 10-anthracenedione. The color-neutral film coatings are resistant to weather and UV degradation.

Abstract: A barrier package for the storage of lens wafers used in fabricating laminated lenses, comprises a package adapted to be sealed to enclose therein a lens wafer and formed of a multilayer material, including a metallic layer, of low moisture transmission rate, so that conditions of humidity inside the sealed package are substantially isolated from humidity conditions external of the package. Lens wafers so stored exhibit minimum distortions to interface curvature. Instead of or in addition to being stored in a barrier package, the lens wafers can also be coated with a moisture barrier coating to achieve isolation from external humidity fluctuations. The moisture equilibrated precision lens wafers are suitable for use in optical devices.

Abstract: An anti-reflection coating that is soil resistant and easy to maintain is provided. The coating includes a multilayer film having alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials that comprise electrically conductive metal oxides. The film is formed by reacting metal with non-stoichiometric amounts of oxygen such that the coating has one or more layers of electrically conductive metal oxide material. The coating is particularly suited for ophthalmic applications.

Abstract: A lens has two or more layered sections of thermoplastic material, and a substantially homogenous formation in which at least one of the layered sections has an active photochromic material present. The article is made by: forming a mould cavity from first and second mould halves; loading the mould cavity with a first thermoplastic material; curing or partially curing that material; changing the second mould half to define a subsequent mould cavity in which the cured or partially cured material is present; loading the subsequent mould cavity with a subsequent thermoplastic material; and completing any uncompleted curing of the first and subsequent thermoplastic materials. At least one of the thermoplastic materials is loaded with an active photochromic material.