Abstract: A parts fabrication apparatus has a staging fixture that is configured to position at least a portion of a molded plastic assembly that has a connective runner portion with at least one molded part extended from the connective runner portion by a severable gate portion. A laser source is energizable to direct toward the severable gate portion, from a laser output aperture positioned beneath the staged plastic assembly, a coherent light beam having sufficient energy for melting the gate portion and releasing the molded part along a drop path. A support is disposed to deflect the drop path of at least a portion of the released molded part in a direction away from the coherent light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a workpiece has a spindle actuable to rotate about an axis, with a flycutter wheel mounted to the spindle. At least one cutting tool is coupled to the flycutter wheel and disposed to score a workpiece during rotation of the flycutter wheel. A translation mechanism is disposed to urge the workpiece into the path of the at least one cutting tool. A compressed gas delivery system is actuable to force a flow of gas through the spindle and through one or more conduits formed within the flycutter wheel to the at least one cutting tool.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for the eye has a soft contact lens formed of a transparent substrate having an inner surface that faces the eye and an outer surface. A first arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the outer surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. A second arcuate pattern of resistive traces is formed onto the inner surface of the lens substrate and centered about the center of the lens. One or more conductive traces connects the first pattern to the second pattern. A signal monitor is in signal communication with the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces and provides a signal indicative of the lens shape according to electrical current through the first and second arcuate patterns of resistive traces.