Abstract: A method for programming an active mirror to transform between a distorted wavefront and a plane wavefront requires independently moving each facet of the active mirror along a respective path. The method includes positioning the facets to respectively reflect a light beam in the wavefront, and establishing a base datum for the facets that corresponds to a plane wavefront. The individual phase shift deviation from a plane wavefront is measured for each light beam, and each respective facet is then moved to minimize the individual deviation. The method also requires that groups of facets act together in regions, such that each facet in a particular region will have a total phase shift that includes the individual deviation, the so-called modulo 2&pgr; phase shift, plus a same modular phase shift. The modular phase shift for each facet in a region is measured from a plane wavefront and is equal to n2&pgr;.

Abstract: A method for treating a human or animal cell sample (4) arranged on a slide (2) comprises dispensing treatment liquid onto the slide between the sample and the leading edge (5) of a cover tile (1) having a recess or cavity (6). The leading edge is bevelled and has an opening (13) into the cavity. Once dispensing is completed the method involves moving the tile over the slide to trap the liquid in the cavity. A small volume of sealing liquid in the form of evaporation inhibitor liquid, preferably mineral oil, is then applied to the slide preferably at the leading and trailing edges of the tile in a manner causing the evaporation inhibitor liquid to wick around the entire perimeter of the tile to form an airtight seal between the tile and slide around the cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for forming ocular devices which compositions contain latent UV absorbers. The compositions of the invention may be used to conveniently and efficiently produce ocular devices through UV initiated, free radical polymerization.

Abstract: A process for forming a photoresist image on a substrate and a process for forming metal contacts on a substrate are described. The process of forming a photoresist image includes depositing a positive working photoresist composition onto a metal layer which is on a substrate to thereby form a photoresist layer then imagewise exposing the photoresist layer to actinic radiation and developing said photoresist layer to form a plurality of cavities through the photoresist layer thereby revealing portions of the metal layer. Then the inventions provides for etching away the revealed portions of the metal layer followed by an overall exposing both the substrate and the remaining photoresist layer and remaining metal layer portions to sufficient electron beam radiation to render a part of the photoresist layer directly adjacent to the metal layer more soluble in a developer than the balance of the photoresist layer.

Abstract: A panel includes a sheet of light permeable, preferably optically clear transparent material and a transparent or translucent design superimposed on or forming part of a transparent or translucent base pattern. The design is visible from one side of the panel and a mirror image of the design is visible from the other side of the panel when a sufficiently high level of illuminated is provided on either side or both sides of the panel.

Abstract: A set of left and right motor vehicle headlamps, each headlamp including a reflector associated with a light source and a closure front-glass. In accordance with the invention, the left and right headlamps are respectively adapted to generate horizontally spread left and right illumination beams, each beam having a fuzzy edge on the left and on the right, said edges being asymmetric relative to the axis of the road, the left edge of the left beam being offset angularly to the left relative to the left edge of the right beam, and the right edge of the right beam being offset angularly to the right relative to the right edge of the left beam. Applications include forming homogeneous beams with a wide spread.

Abstract: A partially printed substrate with a print pattern comprising a first color deposited on the substrate and a second color deposited on the fist color, the second color being darker than the first color, whereby the first and second colors are perceived as a combined, substantially single color in the area defined by the first color.

Abstract: The invention provides contact lenses that have contoured lens edges that improve lens handling and comfort.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities.

Abstract: In an exercise apparatus a rigid frame includes upper and lower back supports pivotally connected in axial alignment. Upper and lower back support pads are mounted on the rigid frame for supporting a user in a reclined position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. Leverage arms are mounted at the head end of the upper back support. The leverage arms extend above the rigid frame such that the free ends thereof may be grasped by the user while performing abdominal exercises. The lower back support includes handles extending outwardly from the foot end thereof for grasping by the user while performing glute exercises. A thigh pad is mounted on the upper end of a lever arm pivotally attached to the foot end of the lower back support. Upon pushing the thigh pad by the user, the foot end of the rigid frame is raised along with the body of the user. Abdominal curls or crunching exercises are performed by grasping the leverage arms and pulling up the upper back support.

Abstract: A process for the formation of structures in microelectronic devices such as integrated circuit devices. Vias, interconnect metallization and wiring lines are formed using single and dual damascene techniques wherein dielectric layers are treated with a wide electron beam exposure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system has at least one apparatus for regulating the power supply voltage of an electrical load which has a nominal or rated supply voltage. The regulating apparatus is supplied by a variable value unidirectional voltage source. The apparatus includes an oscillator for generating a rectangular control signal having a cyclic ratio which varies with the value of the unidirectional voltage when the latter is above a given threshold value. The apparatus also includes an interrupter controlled by the control signal and connected in series with the load across the voltage source. Each voltage regulating apparatus further includes an inductance connected in series with the load, and a component with unidirectional conduction in parallel with the series connected load and inductance.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of the surface of dielectric films to remove moisture and other contaminants. Such treatment is done by electron beam exposure in order to prepare the surface for a subsequent chemical vapor deposition of oxide, nitride or oxynitride layers. The films are useful in the manufacture of integrated circuits.

Abstract: A miniature display system uses a reflective micro-display that reflects light perpendicular to the surface of the display to generate an image. Light from an off-axis light source is polarized and reflected by a prism to provide on-axis illumination light for the display. The prism uses total internal reflection and/or a polarizer as a beam splitting surface so as to increase the brightness of the image generated by the display. The optical system provides a virtual image with a large field of view so that the small display system can be used in portable, hand-held or head mounted systems to display a large amount of information to the user.

Abstract: This invention provides a contact lens comprising a front surface, a back surface, and an identifying mark, wherein said identifying mark comprises one or more holes depressed into at least one of said surfaces of said lens.

Abstract: The invention provides lenses, as well as methods for their design and production, in which the power distribution between the distance and near vision zone substantially meets the requirements of the wearer's eye path and refractive power. This power distribution is obtained without introducing additional unwanted astigmatism.

Abstract: A binocular-like vision system (50) for enabling an observer to view an object. The system includes an input end (72,90) that receives light from the object and an optical transfer system (62,64,86,88) that receives the light received from the input end and transfers the received light to an image intensifier (68) which intensifies the received light, wherein the intensified received light is transferred to and transmitted out of an output end (80,92) of the system, wherein the light transmitted out of the output end forms a field of view of the object that is greater than a 60 degree horizontal field of view.

Abstract: A fiber optic light source cooled by a tube-axial fan having a blocking device covering a portion of its outlet. The blocking device generates a relatively higher velocity stream of cooling air just downstream of the blocking device in the direction of the rotation of the fan blades, while maintaining the velocity of cooling air is produced across the remainder of the fan outlet relatively unchanged. The higher velocity cooling air is used to cool the fiber optic cable ends while the relatively lower velocity cooling air is used to cool the bulb and other components of the light source. The dual characteristics of the cooling air produced by the fan provides an efficient, low noise cooling source that facilitates higher levels of light input without the problem of melting of the fiber optic cable ends.