Abstract: There is provided a method that includes designing an ophthalmic lens for use with a lens holder. The designing employs as design parameters (a) a predetermined peripheral shape for ultimate use of the ophthalmic lens, and (b) an area size of space enclosed within the predetermined peripheral shape, for the ultimate use of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: There is provided a lens that includes a corridor having a width greater than or equal to about 6 millimeters. The lens has astigmatism less than or equal to about 0.5 diopter within the corridor. There is also provided an item of eyewear that includes such a lens, and a method for representing a surface of an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: There is provided a lens that includes a corridor having a width greater than or equal to about 6 millimeters. The lens has astigmatism less than or equal to about 0.5 diopter within the corridor. There is also provided an item of eyewear that includes such a lens, and a method for representing a surface of an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: There is provided a lens that includes a surface having a continuous monotonic change of power through (a) a first zone for reading at a distance of about 35 centimeters to about 45 centimeters from said lens through (b) a second zone for viewing at near and intermediate distances from about 45 centimeters to about four meters from said lens. The second zone includes a corridor having a length of greater than or equal to about 16 millimeters and a width of greater than or equal to about 6 millimeters along said length. The lens has surface astigmatism less than or equal to about 0.5 diopter within said corridor, and is a progressive addition lens.

Abstract: There is provided a lens that includes a surface having a continuous monotonic change of power through (a) a first zone for reading at a distance of about 35 centimeters to about 45 centimeters from said lens through (b) a second zone for viewing at near and intermediate distances from about 45 centimeters to about four meters from said lens. The second zone includes a corridor having a length of greater than or equal to about 16 millimeters and a width of greater than or equal to about 6 millimeters along said length. The lens has surface astigmatism less than or equal to about 0.5 diopter within said corridor, and is a progressive addition lens.

Abstract: A diagnostics apparatus for detecting fluorescence events related to the presence of an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a source of excitation light and a photodetector, and a unitary multi-surface optical module. The optical module is integrally formed and composed of an upstream portion having a focusing optical surface for directing excitation light from the light source to a focal region within an analyte-detection zone in the apparatus, and a downstream portion having a second focusing powered optical surface and at least one reflecting surface for directing fluorescence-emission light produced by fluorescence events within the detection zone, in a direction substantially normal to the path of the excitation light onto the photodetector. The optical module is adaptable to a variety of assay formats, including multiple-sample, sample-array, and disposable-cartridge formats.

Abstract: An optical sensor module for identifying characteristics of printed ink jet images on printing media residing in a media plane. The module has a chassis and a connected illumination source and detector spaced apart from the media plane. An integral optical element is positioned between the image plane and the illumination source and detector. The optical element has a first portion having a first optical characteristic positioned on a first optical path between the illumination source and a selected region of the media plane, and a second portion having a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic and positioned on a second optical path between the illumination source and the selected region. The optical element may include diffractive optics, fresnel lenses, and conventional lenses formed of transparent plastics to steer, focus and diffuse light onto the selected region and return it efficiently to the detector.

Abstract: A real-time, automated, nucleic acid sequencing apparatus that offers high speed, definitive sequencing on many samples at the same time. The apparatus permits more than one clone to be sequenced at a time, thus vastly decreasing the time required to sequence longer fragments and reducing sequencing costs accordingly. The apparatus detects electromagnetic radiation from a plurality of lanes in an electrophoresis system wherein the plurality of lanes are arranged in a planar array. The apparatus includes an optical system for detecting the radiation at a plurality of wavelengths and is made up of a collection element, a filter for selectively transmitting the plurality of wavelengths received from the collection element, and a detection system for measuring intensity of the radiation received from the filter means.

Abstract: Lens cell for carrying a lens element of the type having spaced apart parallel planar registration faces on opposite ends thereof and at least one sidewardly extending tab, and comprising a cell body having a cylindrical wall defining an optical axis for the lens element. The cylindrical wall is formed with an annular inwardly extending protrusion providing an annular planar lens element seating surface facing one end of the cell body, the cylindrical wall has at least one slot formed therein and opening through said one end thereof whereby the lens element can be inserted into the cell body with one registration face in engagement with the annular seating surface and with its tab registered in said slot. A retainer is secured to said cell body and has an annular seating surface forming a registration surface for the other registration face of the lens element.

Abstract: An all plastic lens assembly having a lens cell or housing and at least four separate airspaced lens elements mounted in the cell or housing, the lens elements are formed of plastic and at least one of the lens elements has an aspheric surface.