Abstract: The present invention is phthalocyanine compounds with peripheral siloxane substitution, as well as methods for making these compounds and various uses thereof, having the basic structure: wherein —W—X—Y-Z are peripheral groups comprising individual W, X, Y, and Z subgroups; W is a linkage represented by the formula: -D-(R1)0.1-, where D=S or O; X is: —(CH2)n—, n=2 to 8; Y is a siloxane chain; Z is an aryl or alkyl terminal cap; M is two protons or a metal ion; and forms a transparent film of high optical quality with large nonlinear absorption and thermal refraction, free of scattering from solid or liquid crystalline domains making them highly suitable for use as the active component in thin films protective eye wear, and optical data storage applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are axial, radial or spherical gradient index (GRIN) lenses fabricated by layering composite polymer films into an hierarchical structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical filter comprising: a. an organic, solar blind filter dye; and b. a UV-transparent, non-scattering and chemically stable substrate. The substrate may be a UV-transparent nanoporous silica glass solid having pores that are substantially filled with a UV-transparent solvent, which has been selected to dissolve said dye and also to match the refractive index of the nanoporous silica glass solid. Alternatively, the substrate may be a UV-transparent inorganic salt compressed to form a solid body. The invention also provides for methods of making these embodiments and an optical device comprising such an optical filter. The filter provides an efficient solar blind filter that is chemically and dimensionally stable.

Abstract: A food product slicing machine includes a coupling and associated interlock mechanism for connecting and disconnecting a carriage arm of the food slicing machine to and from a reciprocating carriage base mounted to the housing of the machine. The coupling includes a cylindrical mounting head which is rotatably mounted in the carriage base by a bracket. The mounting head contains a slot for slidably receiving a foot of the carriage arm, and the bracket also contains a slot with which the mounting head slot can be aligned through rotation of the mounting head within the bracket. The mounting head slot and bracket slot must be aligned in order to attach or remove the carriage arm's foot to or from the carriage base. The interlock mechanism is provided to prohibit the alignment of the slots when the gauge plate of the slicing machine is not in a safe position. Accordingly, the carriage arm may not be removed from the carriage base when the gauge plate is not in the safe position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guard which covers the periphery of the blade during use and is axially displaceable a limited distance to allow access to the rear of the blade to facilitate cleaning. The guard is mounted on the slicing machine in a fashion which prevents its removal except under condition in which the blade itself is first removed.