Abstract: A gyroscope, in one embodiment a ring laser gyro, is used in an alignment measuring device for checking and adjusting alignment of a vehicle. The device includes an “x” and a “y” digital inclinometer working in concert with the gyroscope to measure various angle related to vehicle alignment.

Abstract: A gyroscope, in one embodiment a ring laser gyro, is used in an alignment measuring device for checking and adjusting alignment of a vehicle. The device includes an “x” and a “y” digital inclinometer working in concert with the gyroscope to measure various angle related to vehicle alignment.

Abstract: A gyroscope, in one embodiment a ring laser gyro, is used in an alignment measuring device for checking and adjusting alignment of a vehicle. The device includes an “x” and a “y” digital inclinometer working in concert with the gyroscope to measure various angle related to vehicle alignment.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a mold for improving the release of a molded ophthalmic device from a mold. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first mold half and second mold half each having opposing top surfaces at least one of which has been hollowed out to define a cavity for forming said ophthalmic device and at least said first mold half further defining a boundary for a release element, said boundary is part of said cavity, said release element comprising a ramped surface, said cavity having a corresponding ramped surface, and said release element having its widest part near the top surface of said at least said first mold half that defines said release element therein. The mold of this invention has a hollowed-out portion as part of the cavity to provide a release element to the molded ophthalmic device.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a mold for improving the release of a molded ophthalmic device from a mold. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first mold half and second mold half each having opposing top surfaces at least one of which has been hollowed out to define a cavity for forming said ophthalmic device and at least said first mold half further defining a boundary for a release element, said boundary is part of said cavity, said release element comprising a ramped surface, said cavity having a corresponding ramped surface, and said release element having its widest part near the top surface of said at least said first mold half that defines said release element therein. The mold of this invention has a hollowed-out portion as part of the cavity to provide a release element to the molded ophthalmic device.

Abstract: An alignment system is comprised of a lower base plate coupled to an upper slide plate. The plates are coupled together by a sliding mechanism configured to allow the upper plate to slide in two dimensions parallel to the lower plate. A mounting surface is formed in the upper plate proximate a first outer edge, the mounting surface being inclined at a angle below the horizontal relative to the outer edge of the upper plate. A vertical plane of light is generated and is visible when the light impinges upon an object. An alignment bar is coupled to the outer edge of the upper slide plate in an orientation parallel to the plane of light. When a support surface is level, the upper plate is inclined at an angle and gravity causes the upper plate to slide relative to the lower plate until the alignment bar rests against a component to be measured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing complex optical surfaces in soft contact lenses includes a first step of defining the complex optical surfaces with a computer assisted drafting program using a mix of patient determined parameters and selected manufacturing process determined parameters to define a mathematical "meta lens". A machine code data set is then generated to machine a plurality of contact lens mold inserts to define a complex optical surface on each of the inserts. The machining step is conducted with a single point diamond lathe having submicron precision and repeatability. A first and second plurality of intermediate contact lens mold halves are then molded with said contact lens mold inserts to define said complex optical surfaces on said mold halves having micron range transitions between optical surfaces. The complex geometric forms and optical surfaces include bifocal lenses, aspheric lenses, and toric lenses wherein the lenses may include parabolic or elliptical geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding polystyrene mold halves which are used, for subsequent molding of a soft contact lens. The apparatus is designed with superior heat conduction capacity so as to minimize the molding cycle time, while simultaneously producing uniformly precise and accurate optical quality surfaces. Molten polystyrene is provided via a hot runner system to a plurality of mold cavities. In a specific variation, the convex surface provides the optical quality surface to the concave surface of the mold half produced thereby. The structural element which defines the convex surface includes a hollow cylindrical bushing and a removable power insert mounted therein, which may be changed so that the prescription strength of the contact lens to be formed by the mold may be varied. In a first embodiment, the power insert includes only a convex surface at its operational end.

Abstract: Methods of fabrication for electronic modules having electrically interconnected side and end surface metallization layers and associated electronic modules are set forth. The methods include providing a stack comprising a plurality of stacked IC chips. A side surface thin-film metallization layer is formed on the stack. Next, an end surface thin-film metallization layer is formed the stack such that the side surface and end surface thin-film metallization layers directly electrically interconnect. Alternatively, each IC chip of a stack may include an end surface metallization layer such that separate formation of an end surface metallization layer on an end surface of the stack is unnecessary. The methods also include forming an electronic module by first providing a long stack of IC chips, testing the chips of the stack, and then segmenting the long stack into multiple small stacks of functional IC chips based upon the test results.

Abstract: Methods of fabrication for electronic modules having electrically interconnected side and end surface metallization layers and associated electronic modules are set forth. The methods include providing a stack comprising a plurality of stacked IC chips. A side surface thin-film metallization layer is formed on the stack. Next, an end surface thin-film metallization layer is formed the stack such that the side surface and end surface thin-film metallization layers directly electrically interconnect. Alternatively, each IC chip of a stack may include an end surface metallization layer such that separate formation of an end surface metallization layer on an end surface of the stack is unnecessary. The methods also include forming an electronic module by first providing a long stack of IC chips, testing the chips of the stack, and then segmenting the long stack into multiple small stacks of functional IC chips based upon the test results.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the deposition of material onto a substrate, the method comprising evaporating material from a source, controlling the dosage of material at the substrate by moving a shutter between an open position and a closed position, with a closing step comprising beginning to decelerate said shutter before reaching the closed position, subsequently thereby bringing the shutter substantially to rest at the closed position. Preferably the motion of the shutter is substantially harmonic with the acceleration of the shutter being directed towards, and proportional to the distance of the shutter from, the point mid-way between the open and closed positions. Contamination is reduced from prior methods and the invention is especially advantageous in molecular beam epitaxy.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a sample in a vacuum enclosure having a wall on which a vacuum-tight feedthrough is mounted; the sample being supported on an elongate hollow rotor rotatable about an axis and disposed within the vacuum enclosure, the sample having a front face which is to be treated and also having a rear face; energy conducting means passing from the feedthrough towards the rear face of the sample through the rotor; inner magnet field generator(s) affixed to the rotor; outer magnet field generator(s) mounted to rotate outside of the vacuum enclosure about the axis, the outer magnetic field generator(s) being magnetically coupled to the inner magnet field generator(s), and thereby capable of causing the inner magnet field generator(s) and the rotor to rotate about their common axis; and a source for directing material or radiation at the front face.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing a bakeable sealing means for a vacuum system, and thereby an improved bakeable ultra-high vacuum system; the apparatus comprising: a first sealing element composed substantially of an elastomeric material; a second sealing element comprising PTFE; and means for engaging the first sealing element with the second sealing element and for compressing the first sealing element; as for example in an improved bakeable seal between a first and a second flange, or in a gate valve, or a vacuum chamber entry lock.

Abstract: Transducer assembly having a head and a transducer element contacting the rear of the head.In order to provide an output signal from the transducer element which has a positive value over a wide range of angles of incidence of shock or pressure waves to be detected by said transducer assembly, the transducer element contacts with the rear of the head over a zone which is smaller in cross sectional area taken perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the shock or pressure wave through the assembly than that of the rear of the head. In order to provide electrical connection to the front face of the transducer element which can be a piezo-electric element, it can be mounted in a metal tube with a partly closed end which electrically contacts the front face of the element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating the location in a measurement plane through which a projectile passes. The apparatus includes an array of at least three transducers responsive to the airborne pressure wave produced by the projectile and positioned at predetermined locations along a line parallel to the movement plane. The apparatus further includes a device for measuring the velocity of the projectile and another for measuring the velocity of sound in air in the vicinity of the transducers. A computing means, responsive to the array of transducers, the velocity measuring means and the propagation of sound determination is provided which determines the location in the measurement plane through which the projectile passed and provides an output indicating that location. Also disclosed is a means, in combination with the position detecting means, for detecting and providing a positive indication of a projectile hit on a target member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in marksmanship training. The apparatus includes means for detecting and indicating a position in a measurement plane in the vicinity of a target through which a projectile passes. In addition, the apparatus includes means for measuring the velocity of the projectile in the vicinity of the target. The measured velocity is compared with a predetermined expected velocity to determine if the projectile passed through the measurement plane in free flight or if it had ricocheted prior to passing through the measurement plane. The apparatus will then afford the marksman both an indication of where the projectile passed relative to the target and an indication of whether the projectile has struck the target on a ricochet.

Abstract: A curved, elongate transducer assembly contacted by a shock or pressure wave transmits the resultant vibrations to the ends of the member, the vibrations at the respective ends being converted to output signals from which a time difference signal is produced. A computer calculates from the time difference signal the inclination angle of the projectile trajectory relative to a reference line. Two of the curved, elongate transducer assemblies at spaced locations permit calculation of two such inclination angles and, therefrom, the location at which the projectile trajectory passes through a reference plane. The transducer assembly may be a rigid bar with transducer elements at each end, or a single piezoelectric member with pickup electrodes at each end.

Abstract: A target apparatus, having a framework covered by sheets of material to form a chamber the sheets of material being penetrable by a projectile, such as a bullet, fired at the target. A plurality of transducers are positioned at respective spaced-apart locations within the chamber and lying on an arc of a circle, for detecting shock or pressure waves in the chamber caused upon penetration of the sheets of material by the projectile. Time differences between instants of detection of a shock or pressure wave by the transducers are measured, the location at which the projectile penetrated the sheet of material being determined from the time differences. Preferably, a bull's-eye or aiming mark is provided on the target, the center of which is aligned with the center of the circle on which the transducers lie. Apparatus is also disclosed for determining the speed of sound in air within the chamber, enabling the projectile penetration point to be determined with particular accuracy.

Abstract: In a target equipment in which transducers are provided to detect the pressure wave generated by a projectile the transducers being connected to a timing and calculating device adapted to calculate from the time delays between the instants of reception of the pressure wave the trajectory of the projectile, a signal transmitter, comprising a spark generator, is used to transmit sonic signals which are detected by the transducers. The signal transmitter can be used to indicate the precise location or shape of the target and this information is stored in the computer memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for training in marksmanship which provides positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The reinforcement may take a number of forms, preferably comprising a plurality of indications concerning each shot fired. The indications may comprise at least an approximate indication of where a projectile fired at a target has passed relative to the target and/or a positive indication of whether the projectile has actually hit the target and/or whether the projectile has ricocheted prior to reaching the zone of the target. Specific apparatus for performing each of these functions is disclosed. Indication may also be given concerning whether the trainee marksman is correctly gripping the weapon being fired.