Abstract: A gas sensor including a gas detecting element extending in a longitudinal direction and in which a plurality of ceramic layers are stacked, and wherein a detecting portion is provided at a leading end side of the gas detecting element, the gas detecting element including: a first ceramic layer; a second ceramic layer; a first through-hole conductor; a first peripheral portion; a second through-hole conductor; a second peripheral portion; and an opening all as defined herein, wherein the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion respectively have mutually overlapping adhered portions and separated portions opposing one another through a gap continuing to the opening, and a relationship L1>S1 is satisfied, where L1 represents a maximum length of the adhered portion, and S1 represents a maximum length of the separated portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of scanning an electrophoretic gel after electrophoresis of fluorescence labelled samples, comprising inserting the gel into a separate low fluorescent scanning unit, in the shape of a gel folder or a frame, and scanning the gel inside the gel folder or frame with a fluorescence scanner. Any gel may be scanned but if the gel is provided with a gel adherent backing the backing is first removed in a first step. The gel folder may be sealed after scanning for future analysis of the gel. The invention also relates to gel folders and frames as well as a kit with these and a hydrogel. The invention also relates to the use of these for scanning of electrophoretic gels.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective inter-sections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes.

Abstract: A series of low molarity conductive media based on non-buffering univalent cations, such as sodium chloride-sodium acetate (SCA), sodium boric acid (SB), lithium boric acid, and lithium acetate mitigate the “runaway” positive feedback heating loop produced by conventional media containing biological amine buffers and permit improved DNA electrophoresis under the conditions of low salt concentration. These media serve well in ultra-fast DNA electrophoresis and in high-resolution separations of RNA and DNA fragments.

Abstract: A flow cell is disclosed for collecting and concentrating a sample dispersed in a flowing medium. The collected sample can be selectively manipulated within the cell by the use of one or more traveling wave grids. The cells are particularly useful as bio-enrichment devices and can be utilized upstream of conventional analytical or detection instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring sources of public water supply for a variety of pathogens by using a combination of ultrafiltration techniques together dielectrophoretic separation techniques. Because water-borne pathogens, whether present due to “natural” contamination or intentional introduction, would likely be present in drinking water at low concentrations when samples are collected for monitoring or outbreak investigations, an approach is needed to quickly and efficiently concentrate and separate particles such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites in large volumes of water (e.g., 100 L or more) while simultaneously reducing the sample volume to levels sufficient for detecting low concentrations of microbes (e.g., <10 mL). The technique is also designed to screen the separated microbes based on specific conductivity and size.

Abstract: A plating apparatus performs a plating process while placing a work in a pod disposed in a plating bath storing a plating solution. The pod has a pair of meshes that allow the plating solution to pass but substantially inhibit the work from passing. The plating apparatus is provided with a solution flowing mechanism for flowing the plating solution out of the pod through one of the pair of meshes.

Abstract: Processes for making organic photosensitive pigments for charge generating layers of imaging members. The pigments may include titanyl phthalocyanine. The pigments may be synthesized through a partially electrochemical or purely electrochemical process. The pigments may be used in a charge generating layer of an imaging member having a substrate, the charge generating layer, and a charge transfer layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing anhydrous ammonia utilizing proton conducting electrolyte having a water vapor dissociating electrocatalyst on one side and a nitrogen dissociating electrocatalyst on the other side. A voltage is provided across the proton conducting electrolyte, protons are separated from the water vapor and transferred through the middle of the proton conducting electrolyte to the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte. Nitride ions are formed from nitrogen and the electrons provided by the voltage on the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte. The protons are then reacted with the nitride ions on the second side of the proton conducting electrolyte to produce anhydrous ammonia. A preferred proton conducting electrolyte is barium cerium oxide doped with about 10% ytterbium with a water vapor dissociating electrocatalyst of Ni and Pd, and a nitrogen dissociating electrocatalyst of Co and Ru.

Abstract: A microfluidic dynamic vapor control system adapted to change the chemistry of small drops by dynamically controlling the vapor content surrounding the drops. The small volume surface area ratio makes this an efficient mechanism for controlling chemistry in nanovolumes. The system uses small reservoirs of material that can produce vapor on demand, and microfluidic channels that direct the vapor into a small chamber that holds a drop of the solution of interest. By changing the vapors that enter the chamber, the chemical composition of the drop can be modified.

Abstract: A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.

Abstract: Contact of a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a residue content of at least 0.2 grams of residue per gram of crude feed. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. The crude product may include, hydrocarbon gas that is non-condensable at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa, naphtha, kerosene, residue, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of recovering energy from a FCC unit having a reactor and a regenerator for overall CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises cooling syngas to a predetermined low temperature to define cooled syngas. A turbo-expander including a first compressor is provided. The turbo-expander train is configured to combust and expand gas to drive the first compressor. The cooled syngas is compressed with the first compressor to define compressed syngas. A first stream of gas comprising CO2 and a second stream of gas comprising CO are separated from the compressed syngas. O2 and the first and second streams of gas are introduced to the turbo-expander train. The first stream of gas is expanded and the second stream of gas is combusted and expanded with the O2 to recover energy, driving the first compressor and producing the syngas.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a method of controlling a catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading based on an expected level of a catalyst in a downstream vessel for a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The method can include calculating an expected catalyst level in the downstream vessel based on the unloading of the catalyst transfer vessel to adjust a setpoint to change the catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a water characteristic of a body of water by controlling the cyclic release of a water characteristic material into the body of water with or without the system being responsive to a level of the water characteristic in the body of water.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided that utilizes an equalization tank that stores hydraulic surge flows from the collection system and uses a waterwheel to transfer a maximum flow equal to plant design flow to the downstream treatment systems. The waterwheel aerates the raw wastewater in the equalization tank and prevents it from going septic and causing unacceptable odors. Because the waterwheel cannot transfer more than plant design flow to the downstream treatment elements, these elements will never experience a hydraulic overload.

Abstract: A device for preventing sedimentation by regulating the flow of waste water through drain draining-wells, with or without a pump. The device has of a swirl chamber with connected outlet pipe and provided with an air injector. The swirl chamber which is tapered, generates a vortex flow in which the air added by the air injector gives the sludge particles a certain amount of buoyancy, making it easier for them to accompany the water flow without being precipitated.

Abstract: The flow rate of a solvent is reduced as a separation column and the separation performance is improved even under high-pressure conditions. There is provided a separation column including a monolith rod into which a sample and a mobile phase flow, the separation column comprising: a coating material coated on the outer circumference of a monolith rod; a support member into which the monolith rod coated with the coating material is inserted, and a rod fixing material fitted into or filled a gap between the coating material and the support member; wherein the upper end face of the rod fixing material is sealed, the upper end face being the inflow-side end when the separation column is assembled.

Abstract: A device for sample analysis includes a microfluidic device for separating analytes of a sample comprising a liquid, the microfluidic device comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate defining features that collectively occupy an area of the substrate of about 0.1 to 10 cm2, the features comprising a sample input port located at the first surface; a drying agent input port located at the first surface; an enrichment column; a separation column; switching ports located at the second surface; and fluid-conducting passages extending through the substrate from the switching ports to the sample input port, the drying agent input port, the enrichment column and the separation column. Also provided are methods and systems for separating analytes from a sample.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilic polymer microparticle which shows reduced swelling in an aqueous medium and has an excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium, a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography which can effectively suppress non-specific adsorption of protein and the like, a method for analyzing glycosylated hemoglobin using the filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography, a method for production of a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography that can maintain suppressive effects on swelling, non-specific adsorption and the like for a long period of time, a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography produced by the method for production of a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography, and a filler for ion-exchange liquid chromatography for glycosylated hemoglobin analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.

Abstract: A method for the removal and sequestration of ammonia nitrogen from anaerobic fermentation effluent while producing a higher BTU biogas. The method includes the steps of removing the slurry from the digester, stripping the ammonia from the slurry or portion thereof with a high BTU biogas, blending the stripped ammonia with the digesters biogas to remove the carbon dioxide and precipitate ammonium bicarbonate/carbonate as a solid while producing a high Btu biogas, a portion of which is used to strip the ammonia and CO2 from the slurry. The process removes ammonia nitrogen from the digester effluent while producing a high Btu biogas and a solid ammonium bicarbonate/carbonate product. Ammonia stripping is accomplished with a recycled stripping gas deficient in CO2 and ammonia that is capable of removing the CO2 and ammonia from solution by virtue of the lower partial pressures of CO2 and ammonia in the stripping unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost. A quantity of liquid organic waste material can be added to the biomixer, to the hydropulper and/or to the anaerobic digester. The quantity of liquid organic waste material can be obtained by separating the liquids from any containers and can be stored in a holding tank prior to being added to the biomixer, the hydropulper and/or the anaerobic digester.

Abstract: A method of regenerating N-Methyl-D-glu-camine-functional resin that has been used for boron-removal uses a closed recirculating loop for treating the conjugate acid salt of the N-Methyl-D-glucamine functionality of the resin. The new method reduces rinse water demand and improves pH control in a water treatment system. The new method can be used to improve the performance of boron-selective resins in stand-alone systems or as a second stage in a reverse osmosis seawater desalination system. The regeneration method is useful in any application where weakly basic anion exchange resin in the conjugate acid salt form is to be regenerated (neutralized) by alkaline treatment. Possible end use applications are in drinking water processing, agricultural water treatment, sweetener production, waste water processing, mining hydrometallurgy, and condensate polishing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the accelerated dehydration of sludges in sludge disposal areas, especially of sludges from rivers and harbors, by the exclusive use of anionic polymer flocculants and the use of materials obtained according to the inventive method.

Abstract: A novel series of compositions with aqueous chemicals decontamination activity and their uses is described. The preparation of esters of fatty acids with polyols that contain lactic acid is also described. These novel compositions release hydroxy acid and fatty acids slowly into water providing activity over long periods of time with the compounds exhibiting biodegradable characteristics and aiding in the biodegradation of contaminants.

Abstract: Biocolloids, e.g. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, are removed from water by filtration using a packed bed of a granular filter medium, preferably MgO, establishing an electric field across the packed bed, perpendicular to the flow of the water through the packed bed. The packed bed is provided in an annular space between two concentric electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, method and system for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water including water in a vessel, pipe, reservoir, river, chamber, lake or similar bodies of water, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the apparatus including an energisable material defined as an active electrode being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water, the active electrode being adapted to be energised or electrostatically charged with a negative electrostatic voltage charge from a power supply means, in use, to induce and set up an electrostatic field in the water causing contaminants in the water effected by the induced charge to bond and be removed from the water.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: There is provided a preferential etching method wherein a preferential etchant which contains at least a hydrofluoric acid whose composition by volume falls within the range of 0.02 to 0.1, a nitric acid whose composition by volume falls within the range of 0.5 to 0.6, an acetic acid whose composition by volume falls within the range of 0.2 to 0.25, and water is used to etch a silicon single crystal substrate whose electrical resistivity is less than 10 m?·cm at a rate higher than 0.1 ?m/min, thereby eliciting BMDs on a surface of the silicon single crystal substrate. As a result, the preferential etching method that can evaluate and utilize characteristics of crystal defects, especially BMDs in an ultralow-resistance silicon single crystal substrate whose electrical resistivity is less than 10 m?·cm, which cannot be readily detected by conventional techniques, by performing preferential etching using a chromeless etchant containing no harmful chrome can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic garnet single crystal prepared by the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) process and an optical element using the same as well as a method of producing the single crystal, for the purpose of providing a magnetic garnet single crystal at a reduced Pb content and an optical element using the same, as well as a method of producing the single crystal. The magnetic garnet single crystal is grown by the liquid phase epitaxial process and is represented by the chemical formula BixNayPbzM13?x?y?zFe5?wM2wO12 (M1 is at least one element selected from Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M2 is at least one element selected from Ga, Al, In, Ti, Ge, Si and Pt, provided that 0.5<x?2.0, 0<y?0.8, 0?z<0.01, 0.19?3?x?y?z<2.5, and 0?w?1.6).

Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation and a method for reducing the consumption of water in agriculture and other activities in which plants are cultivated, and which at the same time helps to reduce the seepage of nutrient-rich, fertilizer-saturated water into the ground water. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronegative, antioxidizing powder mixture which, upon application to an upper layer of soil, is capable of forming a biologically degradable membrane in the upper layer of soil, preferably comprising the surface of the soil and a biologically active zone for root and plant formation, wherein the membrane has a combined effect in that it increases the retention time of water and nutrients in the root zone, has an antioxidizing effect on the environment in order to combat ozone and other free radical induced damage to the vegetation, and regulates the albedo of the top soil layer so that the temperature in the root zone is held within the temperature at which the plants thrive.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymerizable compound of the formula (1) and a rod-shaped polymerizable liquid crystal compound: P2-E2-X2-B2-A2-(G2)t-Y-(G1)s-A1-B1-X1-E1-P1??(1) (in the formula (1), Y represents a di-valent group, s and t represent each independently an integer of 0 or 1, G1 and G2 when s and t are 1 represent each independently —CR1R2—, R1 and R2 represent each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atom or hydrogen atom, A1 and A2 represent each independently a di-valent cyclic hydrocarbon group, di-valent heterocyclic group, methylenephenylene group, oxyphenylene group or thiophenylene group, B1 and B2 represent each independently a di-valent group, X1 and X2 represent each independently a di-valent group, E1 and E2 represent each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 25 carbon atoms, and P1 and P2 represent a hydrogen atom or polymerizable group, at least one of P1 and P2 being a polymerizable group.).

Abstract: A method of forming a composite containing a matrix component and at least one liquid crystal component includes providing a matrix, providing a first material that is phase separable from the matrix, adding the first material to the matrix, and replacing the first material that is phase separable form the matrix with a second material exhibiting liquid crystalline behavior.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical alignment film having a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, where the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is vertically aligned against the surface of the substrate, and then the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is fixed to form the vertical alignment film.

Abstract: A water based colorant that includes a polymer emulsion and semiconductor crystals capable of emitting light. The colorants include paints, inks and/or dyes can be applied to various substrates.

Abstract: A wavelength-converting member with high emission intensity and that is superior in weather resistance and reliability is obtained. There is provided a phosphor on which a cleaning treatment and/or a coating treatment are/is performed is contained in a glass material having a composition of SiO2: 30 to 50%, Li2O: 0 to 15%, Na2O: 0 to 10%, K2O: 0 to 10%, Li2O+Na2O+K2O: 20 to 30%, B2O3:5 to 15%. MgO: 0 to 10%, BaO: 0 to 10%, CaO: 0 to 10%, SrO: 0 to 10%, Al2O3: 0 to 10%, ZnO: 0 to 15%, TiO2: 10 to 20%, Nb2O5: 1 to 5%, La2O3: 0 to 5%, and TiO2+Nb2O5+La2O3: 11 to 20% by mole percentage.

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes a phosphor layer containing a phosphor and a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has an emission peak at 360 nm to less than 500 nm, and the phosphor is excited with light emitted by the light-emitting element. The light emitting device contains light-emitting component light emitted by the phosphor as output light. The phosphor contains a nitride phosphor or an oxynitride phosphor and alkaline-earth metal orthosilicate phosphor that are activated with Eu2+. The nitride phosphor or the oxynitride phosphor has an emission peak at 600 nm to less than 660 nm, and the alkaline-earth metal orthosilicate phosphor has the emission peak at 500 nm to less than 600 nm. An internal quantum efficiency of each phosphor is at least 80% under the excitation with light emitted by the light-emitting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant represented by Formula (I): [Formula 1] wherein Rf represents a fluoroalkyl group which may have an ether bond; Rh represents an alkyl group; r represents 1 or 0; when r=0, Z1 and Z2 represent (CH2)n1—(X1)p1— and —(X2)q1—, respectively; and when r=1, Z1 and Z2 represent (CH2Y)p2—CH2— and —(CH2Y)q2—, respectively, wherein X1 and X2 may be the same or different and each represents a divalent linking group, p1 represents 0 or 1, q1 represents 0 or 1, n1 represents an integer of 1-10; Y represents O, S or NR, wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, or t-butyl; p2 and q2 each represent 0 or 1 but are not 0 at the same time; and M represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal, ½ alkaline earth metal or ammonium.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process and materials for simultaneous desulfurization and water gas shift of a gaseous stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a nickel aluminate catalyst. The nickel aluminate catalyst is preferably selected from the group consisting of Ni2xAl2O2x+3, Ni(2?y)Ni0yAl2O(5?y), Ni(4?y)Ni0yAl2O(7?y), Ni(6?y)Ni0yAl2O(9?y), and intermediates thereof, wherein x?0.5 and 0.01?y?2. Preferably, x is between 1 and 3. More preferably, the nickel containing compound further comprises Ni2xAl2O2x+3?zSz wherein 0?z?2x.

Abstract: There is provided a neutron shielding material which has heat resistance and has ensured neutron shielding performance even in a high-temperature environment during storage of a spent nuclear fuel for high burnup. A neutron shielding material having improved heat resistance and ensured neutron shielding performance due to the absence of an amine curing agent is provided by a neutron shielding material composition comprising a polymerization initiator, a polymerization component, a density increasing agent and a boron compound. As the polymerization component of the present invention, an epoxy component and an oxetane component are particularly preferably used.

Abstract: A surface covering comprising a substrate and a top coating characterized in that the top coating comprises particles with a conductive coating having a mean size between 0.1 and 50 ?m.

Abstract: A composition including a conducting polymer and an ionomer, and an opto-electronic device including the composition are provided. The composition is prepared by doping a conducting polymer with an ionomer which has stabilized association with the conducting polymer backbone, has a low water uptake, has a low content of by-products decomposed by a reaction with electrons, and can physically crosslink with the conducting polymer. Thus, the opto-electronic device including the composition has improved device performance such as device efficiency and lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive-electrode active material powder, which comprises a granular material (A) capable of doping/dedoping lithium ions and a deposit (B) placed on the surface of the material in a granular or layered form (herein, the material (A) and the deposit (B) are not the same), the percentage of [volumetric sum of particles having a particle diameter of 1 ?m or less]/[volumetric sum of entire particles] being 5% or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including semiconducting polymers and quantum dot nanocrystals. Also disclosed are optoelectronic devices prepared from semiconducting polymers and quantum dot nanocrystals. Also are disclosed methods of increasing the quantum efficiency in optoelectronic devices and methods of generating a photocurrent.

Abstract: Describes a photochromic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic plastic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a rigid substrate, e.g., polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran and/or fulgide, and (3) a film comprising a maleimide derivative coherently appended to the photochromic coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the maleimide derivative-containing film, e.g., an abrasion-resistant coating comprising an organo silane; and describes further a photochromic article having an antireflective coating affixed to the abrasion-resistant coating.

Abstract: A polarizing plastic lens comprising a polarizing film with low tendency to detachment from an optical resin layer. There is provided polarizing plastic lens comprising polarizing film constituted of a polyvinyl alcohol resin. Two optical resin layers of different thicknesses may be disposed on both surfaces of the polarizing film. The optical resin layers are formed by polymerizing a polymerization raw material composition in contact with the polarizing film. The polymerization raw material composition contains as one main component an isocyanated or isothiocyanated compound. The iscocyanate or isothiocyanate functional group reacts with the hydroxyl of polyvinyl alcohol resin of polarizing film to thereby form an urethane bond or thiourethane bond, so that the optical resin layers are strongly unified with the polarizing film.

Abstract: A method of constructing a curved optical device includes assembling of at least one cell having opposed flexible substrates with a controlled distance therebetween to form a gap adapted to receive a fluid. The process continues by holding only a portion of the cell in a fixture, positioning a curved mold surface proximal the cell and heating at least one of the curved mold surface and cell. Next, the cell is conformed to the mold surface so that the cell substantially retains the curved shape when the heat and the mold surface are removed.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member, and lens product, rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.