Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging contact lenses. The apparatus includes a compliant head, improved heater and improved heat seal die.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode (VCSEL), includes top and bottom electrically non-conductive mirrors defining a first laser cavity containing a laser medium and designed to resonate at a first wavelength. A second laser cavity is designed to resonate at a second wavelength less than the first wavelength. The second laser cavity is optically coupled to the first laser cavity so as to pump the laser medium and create laser action in the first laser cavity. The second laser cavity is normally provided by a VCSEL stacked below the first laser cavity.

Abstract: A device for generating light with the aid of a semiconducting material consisting of two electrically conducting contact layers and at least one layer, arranged therebetween, of semiconducting material which comprises a light-emitting semiconducting layer which is divided into at least two permanently parallel-connected sub-regions, delimited by semiconducting material with a higher energy gap than the light-emitting layer or delimited by ion-implanted semiconducting material, wherein the delimiting material shall prevent the propagation of dislocations between the sub-regions.

Abstract: An assembly for use in transferring optical signals from an array of surface-emitting lasers to an array of optical fibers. The laser diodes are mounted on a lead frame type structure in an arrangement which corresponds to the position of optical fibers mounted in an optical fiber ferrule. Complementary alignment means in the lead frame and optical fiber ferrule provides proper positioning of the optical fibers in relation to the laser array when assembled.

Abstract: An optical emission device includes a laser source having an emitting surface, and a sensor laterally adjacent the laser source generating an output signal dependent on the amount of light falling on its detection surface. A transparent waveguide is located in front of the emitting surface and extends generally parallel thereto such that light striking the waveguide in a direction normal to the emitting surface passes straight through the waveguide. A coupling medium is placed between the emitting surface and the waveguide. A light dispersant in the coupling medium causes a fraction of the laser light to strike the waveguide at an oblique angle so that it can enter the waveguide and be carried thereby to the sensor. An important advantage of the invention is that is uses inexpensive passive parts. The assembly process easy to implement, and the parts are stable during temperature changes. As a result only a small tracking error occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition of polystyrene or polypropylene with at least 0.5% (w/w)of an additive or wetting agent, the article of manufacture comprised thereof, such as a mold for making contact lenses and the mold assembly containing said mold, and the use of such mold so to minimize defects, such as holes, puddles, chips and tears in the lens.

Abstract: Improved homogeneity and uniformity of surface energy characteristics in a mold surface for hydrophilic contact lens production is achieved with the temporal application of a surface active agent such as Tween 80, to facilitate wetting of the optical surface of the mold, especially the convex mold, with the reactive monomer mix.

Abstract: Hydrophilic contact lens molds are transiently modified to provide a water dynamic contact angle equal to or less than 100.degree. by treatment with a wetting agent which may be water or a surfactant composition which provides a mold surface having a water wetting force of at least 70 mg to afford a reduction in lens hole defects in hydrophilic contact lens manufacture.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device employs a quantum well having a fundamental wavelength in the absence of an external electric field; a microcavity with two reflectors, having a resonance wavelength which closely corresponds to the fundamental wavelength of the quantum well; and electrodes for applying an electric field across the microcavity to change the wavelength of the quantum well and thereby control the radiance of the microcavity.