Abstract: An improved ink composition and method for printing such inks on smooth, flat, curved uneven and/or irregular surfaces and substrates is disclosed. The ink may comprise a vitreous enamel in dry powder form; a clear vinyl based ink; and a thinner, wherein the ink is able to be utilized in the printing of images on glass, glass-like, ceramic, metal, metal-like, or other such substrates. The inks and method of printing the inks may be used in the manufacture of artificial eyes or other substrates. Such artificial eyes may comprise a glass, glass-like, ceramic, or other such substrate, and graphical or decorative inks which are bonded to the substrate. Generally, the decorative ink is applied to the inner or convex surface of the substrate, preferably by pad printing techniques and subjected to heat which bonds the ink to the surface of the substrate. The decorative inks are highly resistant to physical wear, separation from the substrate, chemical reaction, and other degradation.

Abstract: Provided are an artificial glass eye and methods of manufacturing such an artificial glass eye, wherein the methods comprise fusing together at least two pre-formed glass components. The eye is prepared from components including representations of the sclera, pupil, iris and cornea that are designed to fit together to form a realistic artificial glass eye. The components are designed to advantageously avoid trapping air between the components when heated, thereby reducing the possibility of fracture during fusion of the components into the final product. Also provided is a method for preparing a combined iris/pupil combined component to avoid the iris component and the pupil component from moving from their intended positions relative to each other during handling or processing.

Abstract: An artificial eye socket for use in the mounting of artificial eye is disclosed. The artificial eye socket is of substantially unitary construction and made from a flexible material such as rubber. The artificial eye socket comprises an outer base surface; an inner base surface; a substantially contiguous outer sclera surface which extends from the outer base surface to an iris knife edge to and from an iris opening in said socket; and a substantially contiguous inner cavity surface which extends from said inner base surface to said iris knife edge to form said iris opening in said socket and a cavity within said socket. An artificial eye may be inserted into said cavity and secured in a substantially fixed position by the inner base surface and the cavity surface. Methods for manufacturing and mounting the artificial eye socket and cleaning the surface of the artificial eye are also disclosed.