Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for depositing a polymeric element having a gradient in index of refraction that traverses the element from one surface to an opposite surface (axially graded refractive index). Two (or more) monomers are mixed in varying proportions and spray-deposited onto a substrate to form a layer. Each layer is then exposed to light to form a polymeric layer, and another layer deposited. Where the light is UV radiation and a light-sensitive catalyst that is also sensitive to the ambient atmosphere is used, then an inert gas dispenser, which provides an inert gas over the monomer layer, may be employed in conjunction with the UV radiation. Several layers are thus spray-deposited and exposed to light, each layer comprising a different mix of the two monomers, thereby providing each layer with a different index of refraction.

Abstract: A spin coater suitable for spin coating spectacle lens molds with polymerizable coating composition. The spin coater includes a drawer which rotatably mounts at least one chuck thereon, which drawer is slidable between a front and rear position within a housing to sequentially allow application of a coating by the spinning chucks in the front chamber of the housing, followed by polymerization thereof in the rear chamber. Each chuck of the spin coater is provided with a mold seat defined by a ledge and adjacent lip, the lip automatically centering the mold in the seat axis by virtue of its dimensions in relation to the mold. The chuck also has a lengthwise resilient vacuum conduit, preferably in the form of a bellows, which has an open end which can sealingly engage against a seated mold, such that when a vacuum is applied through the vacuum conduit the mold is urged firmly against the ledge of the mold seat.

Abstract: A method for preparing uniform, spherical microspheres from an aqueous liquid sol feed stock, particularly of a fertile and/or fissionable nuclear fuel material. In the method, a jetstream of the liquid feed stock is provided, uniformly periodic varicose instabilities are induced in the jetstream, a concurrent, caoxial stripping flow of inert fluid is provided surrounding the jetstream to enhance the varicose instabilities in order to cause the uniform dispersion of the jetstream into uniform spherical droplets, and the uniform droplets are subsequently solidified.The present invention is directed to methods for manufacturing uniform microspheres of inorganic materials, and more particularly, is directed to such methods for generating large numbers of small microspheres by sol-gel processes and to methods which are particularly suitable in the preparation of uniform solid microspheres of fertile or fissionable nuclear fuel materials.