Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a mostly spherical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a diffractive optical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an electro-active optic incorporating a blend region between two regions each having different optical properties.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced and reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity. A surface of the multiple-layer composite lens can comprise a combined progressive structure and substantially constant optical power structure or a cropped progressive structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cholesteric liquid crystalline material which may be usable in an electro-active element for providing fail safe operation, polarization insensitivity, low electrical power consumption requirements, and a small number of electrical connections. The cholesteric liquid crystalline material may be usable in an electro-active element for providing a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency above 90% in an activated state of the electro-active element and a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency below 10% in a deactivated state of the electro-active element.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition region and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's near viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise are reduced significantly.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of organic thin-film transistors (OTFT) with a gate insulator layer comprised of nanocomposites incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles coated by organic ligands and methods of fabricating such OTFTs. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are coated metal oxide nanoparticles comprising a metal oxide nanoparticle having a surface; and ligands attached to the metal oxide nanoparticle surface. Also disclosed are phosphonic acid compounds comprising the structure Gn-R-Xn, wherein G is a terminal group; wherein R is a bridging group; wherein X is a phosphonic acid group; and wherein each n is, independently, 1, 2, or 3. Also disclosed are methods for preparing and using coated metal oxide nanoparticles. Also disclosed are nanocomposite compositions comprising a polymer; and a coated metal oxide nanoparticle dispersed within the polymer. Also disclosed are articles, films, and capacitors comprising a coated metal oxide nanoparticle or a nanocomposite composition. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Several devices for determining a distance of an object a user of an electro-active lens is looking at are presented. Once the distance is determined, the devices may alter the optical power of the electro-active lens to ensure that the object is correctly focused. Optical range finding is a possible means for carrying out this task. An active rangefinder may emit optical radiation from a transmitter directed at the object. The optical radiation may then be reflected off the object. The reflected optical radiation may then be received with an appropriate receiver. The received optical radiation may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object. A passive rangefinder works without a transmitter. Instead, an appropriate receiver receives ambient sources of light from the object. The received light may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object.

Abstract: A multi-focal spectacle lens is presented having far distance, intermediate distance, and near distance vision correction, in which the lens includes a progressive addition surface with a progression of optical power. The lens further includes a multi-order diffractive surface relief structure with an optical add power. The multi-order diffractive structure reduces chromatic aberration as compared to a conventional diffractive structure of equivalent optical power. The lens may also include a wavefront splitting device diffractive structure for generating multiple optical powers simultaneously. When the progressive addition surface and the multi-order diffractive surface relief structure are in optical communication an overall progression of optical add power may be provided by the combination of the progressive addition surface with the multi-order surface relief diffractive structure.

Abstract: An electro-active lens has a first substrate with a surface relief diffractive topological profile and a second substrate positioned opposite to the first substrate having a substantially smooth topological profile. A first electrode is positioned along the surface relief diffractive topological profile of the first substrate and a second electrode is positioned between the first electrode and the second substrate. The smallest distance between the electrodes is less than or equal to about 1 micron An electro-active material is positioned between the first and second electrodes and a first insulating layer is positioned between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Devices suitable for charging implanted electronic devices are provided. A device suitable for charging one or more implanted electronic devices, specifically implanted ophthalmic devices, may include a wearable frame, one or more conductive coils, and a power source to provide a current to the conductive coil. When placed in proximity to an implanted device having a second conductive coil, the current in the conductive coil causes an induced current in the second conductive coil, which may be used to power the implanted electronic device.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition legion and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's neat viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise ale reduced significantly.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an electro-active lens and method for manufacturing the same that encapsulates liquid crystal using solid transparent optical material using an improved liquid crystal seal feature. The seal feature greatly reduces the visibility of the liquid crystal seal feature in an assembled electro-active lens. The seal feature is also structurally robust such that the electro-active lens can be processed to fit a spectacle frame without disturbing containment of the liquid crystal and without disrupting electrical connectivity to the lens used to alter the refractive index of the liquid crystal, thereby ensuring fabrication of a commercially viable electro-active lens.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for light ray concentration. In one aspect, a solar concentration assembly includes an array of light focusing elements and an array of photovoltaic devices positioned beneath the array of light focusing elements. The arrays of light focusing elements and photovoltaic devices are spaced from one another and configured to concentrate solar rays incident on the light focusing elements to the photovoltaic elements, such that solar ray communication is maintained as an angle of the assembly relative to the sun is altered by movement of the sun during a day and wherein the angle is an oblique angle for the majority of the day.

Abstract: Optical devices having a dynamic aperture and/or an apodization mask are provided. The aperture and/or mask may be provided by one or more electro-active elements, and may be used in an ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power.

Abstract: A film suitable for use in an ophthalmic system is provided. The film may selectively inhibit blue light within the wavelength range of 400 nm to 460 nm to reduce phototoxic light to the eye while maintaining photopic vision, and may be color balanced to allow for the system into which the film is incorporated to be perceived as colorless to a viewer observing and/or using the system. The system may have a photopic and scotopic luminous transmission of 85% or more and a phototoxicity ratio of less than 80%. When used in an ophthalmic system or other system disposed between an observer's eye and a light source, the film may reduce the flux of blue light to the internal structures of the eye while reducing or minimizing dilation of the pupil.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced and reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity. A surface of the multiple-layer composite lens can comprise a combined progressive structure and substantially constant optical power structure or a cropped progressive structure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multifocal lenses having one or more multifocal inserts comprising one or more diffractive regions. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can provide a constant optical power or can provide a progression of optical power, or any combination thereof. A multifocal insert of the present invention can be fabricated from any type of material and can be inserted into any type of bulk lens material. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can be positioned to be in optical communication with one or more optical regions of a host lens to provide a combined desired optical power in one or more vision zones. Index matching layers of the present invention can be used to reduce reflection losses at interfaces of the host lens and multifocal insert.