Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror employing a super-twisted nematic (STN) liquid crystal cell to control reflectivity. The STN liquid crystal cell includes a layer of STN liquid crystal material formed between a pair of transparent electrodes, where a polymer alignment layer is formed over the electrodes so as to orient the STN liquid crystal material to possess a twist angle between approximately 180° and approximately 270°. A pair of crossed polarizers are respectively positioned on the outer surfaces of the front and rear plates. A layer of reflective material is further formed adjacent to the outer surface of the polarizer adjacent to the rear plate. The transparent electrodes are connected to a voltage source to apply an electrical bias across the STN liquid crystal layer, where the transmitivity of the STN liquid crystal layer to light can be varied by varying the electrical bias applied across the transparent electrodes to vary the birefringence of the STN liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating for a transparent substrate, such as glass, plastic, or other transparent material, which increases the durability and weatherability of the substrate. The coating includes a surface-hardening layer of organo-siloxane formed over the substrate. An abrasion-resistant coating comprising a multi-layer stack of alternating layers of silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide is formed over the surface-hardening layer. The multi-layer coating further includes a hydrophobic outer layer of perfluoroalkylsilane formed over the abrasion-resistant coating to form an outer moisture-resistant surface. This multi-layer coating configuration increases the abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of the transparent substrate on which it is formed without imparting color to the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a synthetic resin thermoplastic ophthalmic lens by injecting a thermoplastic material immediately adjacent to each side of a light polarizing wafer situated within a mold cavity. The light polarizing wafer includes tab appendages which are positionable into registration notches in the mold cavity in order to maintain the wafer in a desired position in the mold during lens formation. The thermoplastic material is then injected around the light polarizing wafer, whereupon a compression procedure is implemented where the contents of the mold cavity are compressed. The mold cavity is compressed to a predetermined position to achieve a desired shape of the lens. Uniform compression is exerted over the entire surface of lens during the compression procedure, resulting in all stresses being uniformly distributed over the lens surface to significantly negate stress-inducted birefringence in the formed ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A polymer-based mirror formed from a synthetic thermoplastic or thermoset resin substrate, such as polymethyl methacrylate, which is resistant to warping and distortion from moisture. A composite multi-layer surface-hardening coating is formed on at least the anterior surface of the resin substrate. The mirror further includes a composite multi-layer reflective coating. A protective back-coat layer is deposited on a posterior surface of the mirror. A multi-layer weather-resistant coating may optionally be applied to the anterior surface of the polymer-based mirror in order to increase the weatherability and durability of the mirror. The various layers coating the synthetic resin substrate have their moisture permeabilities selected so that substantially equal amounts of moisture permeate through to both the anterior and posterior side of the synthetic resin substrate.

Abstract: A polymer-based mirror formed from a synthetic thermoplastic or thermoset resin substrate, such as polymethyl methacrylate, which is resistant to warping and distortion from moisture. A composite multi-layer surface-hardening coating is formed on at least the anterior surface of the resin substrate. The mirror further includes a composite multi-layer reflective coating. A protective back-coat layer is deposited on a posterior surface of the mirror. A multi-layer weather-resistant coating may optionally be applied to the anterior surface of the polymer-based mirror in order to increase the weatherability and durability of the mirror. The various layers coating the synthetic resin substrate have their moisture permeabilities selected so that substantially equal amounts of moisture permeate through to both the anterior and posterior side of the synthetic resin substrate.