Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a die suitable for producing an optical panel having an optical pattern (e.g. dots or lines) integrally formed on at least one side of the optical panel, which is, for example, an edge light panel or a light diffusion panel, which is used in a backlight or front light for a liquid crystal display, and various illuminators such as electric signs. According to the present invention, there are provided an optical-panel molding die for integrally forming an optical pattern on at least one side of an optical panel, which comprises a metal substrate and a molding pattern corresponding to said optical pattern and formed of a photosensitive heat-resistant resin on one side of the metal substrate, the whole of the surface having the molding pattern of the metal substrate being covered with a layer of said heat-resistant resin; a process for producing the die; and a process for producing an optical panel by using the die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for using microwave energy to disassemble, release, and hydrate contact lenses in one or more microwave heating and processing stations. Microwave energy is used to promote disassembly of a front curve mold with an adhered HEMA ring from a base curve mold with an adhered contact lens, and microwave energy is also used to promote release of the contact lens from the base curve mold, and microwave energy is further used to facilitate hydration of the released contact lens.

Abstract: A lens forming apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a first lens curing unit, a second lens curing unit and a conveyor system for moving mold assemblies between the two units. The apparatus may also include an anneal unit configured to apply heat to a substantially polymerized lens. The apparatus may be used to form an eyeglass lens from a lens forming composition that may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hydrophilic layer on a surface of polymer layer of a reflector economically and safely. The method for manufacturing a reflector includes steps of molding a base body of the reflector; forming reflective layer for reflecting light on a surface of the base body; forming a layer of water-repellent polymer on a surface of the reflective layer; and performing hydrophilic treatment on a surface of the polymer layer using plasma of gaseous argon.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element which has excellent heat resistance and adhesion to a substrate. This process comprises applying a liquid composition for forming an optical element to the molding surface of a substrate having a regular pattern surface consisting of areas having high wettability and areas having low wettability as the molding surface and curing the composition to form projections in the areas having high wettability. A solution containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a hydrolyzable compound which can be hydrolyzed and polycondensed and a hydrolyzed/polycondensed product thereof is used as the liquid composition for forming an optical element.

Abstract: An optically transmitting first substrate and a second substrate are opposed with spacers interposed therebetween, the second substrate including a plurality of optical elements, each of the optical elements having an optical section, each of the spacers surrounding each of the optical sections. Each of the optical sections is sealed by connecting the first substrate and the second substrate with the spacer interposed. The second substrate is separated into individual one of the optical elements, the individual one of the optical elements including one of the sealed optical sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a graded-index plastics optical fiber of continuously varying index profile, starting from a particular polymer P and a particular compound M1, the method including the steps of: preparing two compositions of different refractive index, allowing the compositions to diffuse one into the other, and spinning the compositions so as to obtain the fiber, wherein, prior to extrusion, the two compositions are subjected to active mixing, and extrusion of the fiber is followed by curing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making composite articles, including optical lenses, which includes the steps of obtaining a substrate; placing a semi-solid-like polymerizable composition in contact with at least one of the front or back surface of the substrate; compressing or heating the resulting semi-solid/substrate sandwich between two mold halves, where the mold contacting the semi-solid polymerizable material has a desired surface geometry; and exposing the semi-solid/substrate sandwich to a source of polymerizing energy. The resulting composite article has the desirable characteristics of the substrate but is also easily fabricated as a result of the semi-solid molding process. Also included within the present invention is a composite article comprising a substrate portion and at least one layer of a cured resin bonded to the substrate portion, the cured resin comprising an interpenetrating crosslinked polymer network of reactive plasticizer within a dead polymer.

Abstract: A contact lens is provided that has visible inversion marks on the lens. The marks include a plurality of recessed spots having side walls, a substantially convex bottom surface, and a relatively shallow maximum depth of between about 7.5 microns and 12 microns. The recessed spots provide a highly visible marking indicia on a contact lens with maximum comfort to wear. A method is also provided to make the inversion marks. The method includes projecting one or more laser beam pulses through a laser beam mask to etch an array of recessed spots in a surface of a contact lens mold insert and then scanning the insert and mask synchronously with respect to the laser beam pulses thereby forming the inversion mark on the mold insert. The mold insert is used to make casting cups for cast-molding contact lenses, through which the inversion marks are reproduced on the contact lenses.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for producing mouldings, in particular ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lenses for example, in which a starting material located in a mould (100, 110; 100a, 110a) is polymerized and/or crosslinked by means of exposure to light, in particular by exposure to UV light, so that a demouldable moulding is produced. The measurement of the intensity (I) of the light takes place during the production of the mouldings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.

Abstract: In a hybrid lens forming method for transferring an aspherical composite layer made of an ultraviolet-curing resin, which is curable by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, onto one surface of a convex lens by using a forming die, the forming die is made of a material which transmits ultraviolet rays, and the aspherical composite layer is transferred onto the convex lens by applying ultraviolet rays from the side of the forming die and curing the ultraviolet-curing resin with ultraviolet rays transmitted through the forming die.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for molding optical lenses are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first molding shell with a first diameter, a sealing element surrounding the first molding shell, and means for radially clamping the sealing element against the first molding shell, a second molding shell having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and means for axially clamping the second molding shell with its inner shell surface against a radial front surface of the sealing element. This is done such a hollow cavity is enclosed between the molding shells and the sealing element. The radially clamping means and the axial clamping means are structurally distinct and independent one from the other. The axially clamping means are arranged on an outer shell surface of the second molding shell, opposite to the inner shell surface.

Abstract: It is an object to establish a sterilization condition and means for decreasing the amount of a remaining sterilization agent as much as possible after sterilizing a rubbery sealing tool. In a sterilizing method using gaseous hydrogen peroxide, a filling rate of a sample in a sterilization bag for a normal type is set to 45% or more and a sterilization condition is set to a hydrogen peroxide treatment of 3 pulses and an aeration pulse of 20 pulses, thereby carrying out a sterilization treatment. Furthermore, it is preferable that a volume rate in a bag of an outer bag accommodating the sterilization bag should be set to 55 to 12%. By such setting, a survival ratio of 0/10 of a bacteria cell could be realized at first to fifth times of repetition of the sterilization treatment.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: In a method for producing graded-index profiles in polymeric optical fibers, ionizing radiation is used to cause an increase in the refractive index, for example in PMMA. Polymeric optical fibers, preforms or fiber-core preforms are irradiated with ionizing radiation of predetermined wavelength and dose while being moved past the radiation source in the longitudinal direction at a given speed and are subsequently tempered for a defined length of time. Through the control of the spatial distribution of the ionizing radiation with the aid of mirrors, lenses or aperture systems, a uniform, radial graded-index profile is produced over the entire fiber length, so that the polymeric fiber, used as an optical waveguide, has improved transmission characteristics for optical signals.

Abstract: Elastomeric stamps facilitate direct patterning of electrical, biological, chemical, and mechanical materials. A thin film of material is deposited on a substrate. The deposited material, either originally present as a liquid or subsequently liquefied, is patterned by embossing at low pressure using an elastomeric stamp having a raised pattern. The patterned liquid is then cured to form a functional layer. The deposition, embossing, and curing steps may be repeated numerous times with the same or different liquids, and in two or three dimensions. The various deposited layers may, for example, have varying electrical characteristics, interacting so as to produce an integrated electronic component.

Abstract: A high energy radiation-curable composition comprising a partial hydrolysis-condensation product of (A) a mixture of an alkoxy containing organopolysiloxane and alkoxysilanes and (B) a multifunctional acrylate, and a resin molding coated with the composition. The composition forms coatings of superior curability, water repellency, water resistance, oil repellency, transparency, flexibility, and scratch resistance, especially on resin moldings.

Abstract: A production method of a light guide and a stamper, combining anisotropic etching and isotropic etching. First a plurality of microstructures is formed on a back surface and a front surface of the substrate. By electroforming, rear and front stampers are made from the back and front surfaces of the substrate. Light guides are produced using the rear and front stampers. Anisotropic etching is performed on the front surface of the substrate, forming V-shaped, U-shaped or pyramid like microstructures. Isotropic etching is performed on the back surface of the substrate, forming quadratic, bowl like, oval or semicircular microstructures. If a transparent substrate is used, then after finishing the etching of microstructures, a light source, a reflector, a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet are added, simulating a back light module for performing a test of luminosity, uniformity of light intensity and light emission angle, so that optical properties are known before proceeding with inverse-forming of the stampers.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus is provided to mold, cure and package soft contact lenses. A conveyor system transports an array of molds through a plurality of automated work stations. The front curve mold halves are partially filled with a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture and assembled and clamped to displace any excess hydrogel from the mold cavity. The assembly is precured and then transported through a cure station using UV radiation to complete polymerization, The assemblies are then pried apart in an automated station, with any excess monomer adhering to the removed mold half. The newly molded lens is then hydrated and separated from the front curve mold half in a hydration station. Following hydration the array of lens is automatically deposited into a plurality of packages with a robotic transfer device having a plurality of figures which transfer the lenses.

Abstract: A planar optical device is formed on a substrate. The device comprises an array of waveguide cores which guide optical radiation. A cladding layer is formed contiguously with the array of waveguide cores to confine the optical radiation to the array of waveguide cores. At least one of the array of waveguide cores and cladding layer is an inorganic-organic hybrid material that comprises an extended matrix containing silicon and oxygen atoms with at least a fraction of the silicon atoms being directly bonded to substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moieties. This material can be designed with an index of refraction between 1.4 and 1.55 and can be deposited rapidly to thicknesses of up to 40 microns. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method for forming a planar optical device obviates the need for a lithographic process.

Abstract: Processes for producing the multi-layered optical recording medium shown in FIG. 2 using the embossing master (20) shown in FIG. 3, where an etched metal thin layer (22) has been electroplated with a thick metal layer and the luminescent recording layer (25) cast thereover forming pits (24) between adjacent metallized areas. The luminescent layer may then be cured using UV light (26).

Abstract: The present invention relates to rotating element sheet material with a generalized containment structure and methods of fabricating such rotating element sheet material, where the rotating element sheet material comprises a fibrous matrix, a plurality of rotatable elements, and an enabling fluid, and where the plurality of rotatable elements are disposed within the fibrous matrix and are in contact with the enabling fluid. In addition, rotating element sheet material with a generalized containment structure, and methods of fabricating such rotating element sheet material, includes rotating element sheet material which comprises a fibrous matrix and a plurality of micro-capsules, and where the micro-capsules define a hollow space therein, and the hollow space contains a subset of a plurality of rotatable elements and an enabling fluid, and where the plurality of micro-cavities are disposed within the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A center touch method and apparatus for use in a contact lens station for use with a contact lens mold assembly comprising a first mold half and a second mold half. The center touch apparatus comprises a center touch engaging member having a center touch engaging surface for engaging a central portion of a non-molding surface of one of the mold halves. The center touch method comprising driving one of the mold halves toward the other mold half using the center touch engaging member to contact a central area of the non-molding surface of the one mold half.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining an ophthalmic lens comprising a surface utility microstructure, in in particular antiglare. The method for obtaining an ophthalmic lens comprising a surface utility microstructure consists in a step for transferring the microstructure into the lens surface from a mould whereof the internal surface bears the microstructure and has a sight correcting geometric design, the microstructure being initially determined by an interferential process. The invention is useful for making ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triazine type monomer, and more particularly, to a 1,3,5-triazine type monomer characterized by having at least one amine group and at least two sulfur atoms, which can be used in manufacturing transparent optical resins having excellent refractive index, surface hardness and absorbance as well as an improved workability and the ability to control a wide range of refractive index according to the change in composition by the monomer itself at room temperature or by polymerizing the monomer with a comonomer in the presence of an organic solvent or an initiator.

Abstract: A stamper-forming electrode material contains Ag as its main ingredient and at least one other element, preferably Au and/or Cu. It is preferred that the Au and Cu contents each be 5.0 wt % or less. A stamper-forming thin film is made of this stamper-forming electrode material, whereby its corrosion resistance is improved to suppress damage to itself, and a high-quality stamper can hence be formed.

Abstract: A method of making a lens, such as a contact lens, with a colored portion involves introducing a lens-forming monomer mixture and a colored material to a lens mold, applying a magnetic field to the monomer mixture and the colored material, whereby the colored material migrates in response to the magnetic field to form a desired pattern, and curing the lens-forming monomer mixture with the colored material forming a desired colored pattern in the lens.

Abstract: A method for photopolymerizing a monomer mixture to form a lens involves charging to a mold a monomer mixture including lens-forming monomers, and exposing the monomer mixture in the mold to a light source including light in the visible region of the spectrum. The method is useful for monomer mixtures that include a UV-absorbing compound and/or a tinting agent. Preferably, the monomer mixtures include a polymerization initiator including a phosphine oxide moiety.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing a plurality of contact lenses includes a front curve fixture assembly, a base curve fixture assembly and a plurality of mold cavities. The plurality of mold cavities are defined by a surface on either the front or the base curve fixture assembly and is disposed in a zig-zag manner relative to each other. Each of the plurality of mold cavities includes a retention edge for complimentary engagement with a mold. The retention edge of a first subset of the plurality of mold cavities is spaced apart from a selected fixture mating surface at a first distance and the retention edge of a second subset of the plurality of mold cavities being spaced apart from the selected fixture mating surface at a different second distance so that a plurality of molds may be placed in adjacent cavities so as to overlap the mold flanges.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.

Abstract: In a method for forming a planar microlens according to the present invention, a wet etching is conducted to a glass substrate for a stamper while it is covered with a mask. After the etching is conducted and the mask is removed a wet etching is conducted again to the glass substrate to form densely arranged concave portions thereon, and thereby a stamper is obtained. An uncured resin is applied on the forming surface of the stamper, a glass substrate for a planar microlens array (MLA) is pressed thereto, and thereby the uncured resin is formed. The uncured resin is cured by applying an ultraviolet irradiation thereto and the stamper is released therefrom. The resin layer is removed by a reactive ion etching and whereupon the substrate is etched in a form corresponding to the form of the resin layer and whereby an all-glass microlens of high precision is obtained.

Abstract: Described is a mold for producing optical lenses from a polymerizable material and a method for such production. Said mold comprises a gasket (1) enclosing an aperture (2), which aperture (2) extends along an axis (14), and providing a contact surface (3) radially extending from said aperture (2), a first molding shell (4) abutting against said contact surface (3), a second molding shell (5) arranged within said aperture (2) at a distance from said first molding shell (4), means (6) for pressing said first molding shell against said contact surface, means (7) for radially pressing said gasket against said second molding shell, and a filling opening, thereby forming a molding cavity (8) that can be filled with molding material between said first (4) and said second (5) molding shell and said gasket (1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making composite optical lenses, which includes the steps of obtaining an optical lens “core”; placing a semi-solid-like polymerizable composition in contact with at least one of the front or back surface of the core; compressing or heating the resulting semi-solid/core sandwich between two mold halves, where the mold contacting the semi-solid polymerizable material has a desired surface geometry; and exposing the semi-solid/core sandwich to a source of polymerizing energy. The resulting composite lens has the desirable characteristics of the core but is also easily fabricated with both toroidal curves and multi-focal pockets as a result of the semi-solid molding process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of kinds of sheets is provided. Each of sheets has a substrate and an ionizing radiation curing type resin layer on at least one of the substrate. There is carried out formation of the ionizing radiation curing type resin layer for each of the sheets, while changing forming conditions based on preset values for each of the sheets.

Abstract: A method for applying resin for forming a lens sheet comprises the steps (a) to (c). The step (a) is to apply ionizing radiation curing type resin in a form of liquid on an entirety of an upper surface of a forming die through a multiple nozzle to form a first uncured resin layer on the upper surface of the forming die. The step (b) is to apply the ionizing radiation curing type resin in the form of liquid on one side of the first uncured resin layer through a nozzle to form an uncured resin pool thereon. The step (c) is to spread the uncured resin pool from the one side of the first uncured resin layer toward the other side thereof to form a second uncured resin layer on the first uncured resin layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a lens sheet comprises an application device, a substrate supply device, a pressing device and an irradiation device. The application device applies ionizing radiation curing type resin in the form of liquid on the upper surface of a forming die for a lens sheet to form an uncured resin body on the upper surface of the forming die. The substrate supply device places a substrate on the uncured resin body. The pressing device presses the substrate against the uncured resin body to flatten the uncured resin body, so as to form a uncured resin layer, while spreading the uncured resin body to an outside periphery of the forming die. The irradiation device irradiates ionizing radiation on the uncured resin layer through the substrate to cure the uncured resin layer.

Abstract: A transparent coated molded product comprising a transparent synthetic resin substrate and two or more transparent cured material layers provided on at least one part of the surface of the transparent synthetic resin substrate, wherein an inner layer in contact with the outermost layer of the two or more transparent cured material layers is an abrasion-resistant layer which is a cured material of an active energy ray-curable coating agent (A) containing a polyfunctional compounds (a) having at least 2 active energy ray-curable polymerizable functional groups and the outermost layer is a silica layer which is a cured material of a curable coating agent (B) of polysilazane or a curable coating agent (B) containing polysilazane.

Abstract: A method of replicating a nanoscale pattern which comprises forming the pattern on the outer surface of a cylindrical roller, providing a surface upon which the pattern is to be replicated, and transferring the nanoscale pattern from the cylindrical roller onto the surface to provide at least one replication of the pattern on that surface. The roller is adapted to carry the pattern on its outer surface and transfer the pattern to a substrate. The ultimate product may be a grating polarizer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a plastic optical fiber by heating and drawing either one end portion of a transparent plastic rod, a plastic optical fiber having a cross sectional form approximately similar to the cross sectional form of the transparent plastic rod, the transparent plastic rod is heated by exposing near infrared ray which is radiated from a near infrared ray source. This can prevent the plastic optical fiber from causing to blow many bubbles on the surface and heat degradation to allow the plastic optical fiber to be obtained with a high quality.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens forming composition containing light absorbing compounds which may undergo light initiated polymerization is provided. Typically, lens forming compositions that absorb light do not permit enough activating radiation to penetrate into the depths of the lens cavity to adequately initiate polymerization of the lens forming composition. An embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for curing such a lens forming composition to form a lens that does not transmit ultraviolet light. Activating light is used having a wavelength greater than the wavelengths of light which the light absorbing compounds absorb. The power of the formed lenses may be controlled by varying the lens forming conditions. Additionally, the lens forming process may be controlled using a microprocessor based control system.

Abstract: A method for molding and aligning microstructures on a patterned substrate using a microstructured mold. A slurry containing a mixture of a ceramic powder and a curable fugitive binder is placed between the microstructure of a stretchable mold and a patterned substrate. The mold can be stretched to align the microstructure of the mold with a predetermined portion of the patterned substrate. The slurry is hardened between the mold and the substrate. The mold is then removed to leave microstructures adhered to the substrate and aligned with the pattern of the substrate. The microstructures can be thermally heated to remove the binder and optimally fired to sinter the ceramic powder.