Abstract: A method of forming an optical element which includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current is disclosed. The apodized aperture includes a body including an area defining the clear aperture area wherein a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.

Abstract: An optical element includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current. The apodized aperture includes an aperture body including an area defining the clear aperture area, the body having a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element which includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current is disclosed. The apodized aperture includes a body including an area defining the clear aperture area wherein a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.

Abstract: A deformable label processor and related methods are described. The processor is heated and urged against a label, such as a pressure sensitive heat shrink label, to apply the label onto a container or other surface. The processor and methods are well suited for application of labels onto compound curved surfaces. Also described are high volume label application processes using assemblies of multiple label processors. Additional assemblies and methods are described for selectively contacting and adhering regions of a label onto a moving container during labeling operations. Select regions of a label can be wiped to modify or alter label portions that are in contact and not in contact with the container. A label treatment process performed after label application is also disclosed. The treatment process reduces the occurrence of label defects and improves label retention, adherence and aesthetics. The treatment process includes heating an applied label and adhesive to a particular temperature.