Abstract: A method of infusing a dye into the surface of an article formed of a plastic material comprises contacting the surface with a solution including one or more solvents each aggressive to the plastic material, one or more dyes and one or more substances each capable of plasticizing the plastic material. If the plastic material is polycarbonate, then the aggressive solvent may be one or more chlorinated hydrocarbons. The dye may be a photochromic dye, a cosmetic tinting dye, dyes for absorbing infrared, laser and ultraviolet radiation, or combinations thereof. A wide range of plasticizers has been investigated. The article is contacted by the solution for ten seconds to one minute; and nearly all the infused solvent is then evaporated from the article by heating. The use of one or more plasticizers reduces or eliminates bubbling or hazing of the contacted surface during solvent evaporation.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a heated polymerizable lens forming composition is described. The dispensing system includes a body configured to hold the lens forming composition, a heating system coupled to the body for heating the monomer solution, and a valve positioned proximate an outlet of the body for controlling the flow of the lens forming composition out of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a lens with a predetermined prescription from a number of lens molds, a gasket, and a source of a fluid material. The apparatus includes a device for selecting a first lens mold and a second lens mold based upon the prescription, a device for positioning the lens molds within the gasket, a device for inserting an amount of the fluid material within the gasket and between the molds, a device for curing the fluid material so as to form the lens, and a device for advancing the lens molds along a predetermined path through the selecting device, the positioning device, the fill device, and the cure device.

Abstract: This invention relates to semiconductor devices, microelectronic devices, micro electro mechanical devices, microfluidic devices, photonic devices, and more particularly to a lithographic template, a method of forming the lithographic template and a method for forming devices with the lithographic template. The lithographic template (10) is formed having a substrate (12), a transparent conductive layer (16) formed on a surface (14) of the substrate (12) by low pressure sputtering to a thickness that allows for preferably 90% transmission of ultraviolet light therethrough, and a patterning layer (20) formed on a surface (18) of the transparent conductive layer (16).

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 stamper having a good cost performance, which can be easily separated (released) from a layer of photo-curing resin, is provided. A process for producing an optical multi-layer recording medium having a good productivity is also provided by using such a stamper. The process for producing an optical multi-layer recording medium includes the steps of: laminating a layer of non-cured photo-curing resin and a transparent stamper made of amorphous polyolefin resin in this sequence on a substrate; curing the non-cured photo-curing resin with light permeated through the transparent stamper; and removing the transparent stamper.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat from the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.

Abstract: A method of preparing a planar optical waveguide assembly, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a silicone composition to a surface of a substrate to form a silicone film; (ii) exposing at least one selected region of the silicone film to radiation having a wavelength of from 150 to 800 nm to produce a partially exposed film having at least one exposed region and at least one non-exposed region; (iii) removing the non-exposed region of the partially exposed film with a developing solvent to form a patterned film; and (iv) heating the patterned film for an amount of time sufficient to form at least one silicone core having a refractive index of from 1.3 to 1.7 at 23° C. for light having a wavelength of 589 nm; wherein the substrate has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the silicone core. A planar optical waveguide assembly prepared according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A mold and a method of using a mold for forming a UV-cured article, the mold including a UV-transparent body having formed therein a mold cavity and an inlet, the inlet extending from an exterior surface of the UV-transparent body to the mold cavity. The mold cavity is configured to contain a UV-curable material, and the inlet is configured to supply UV-curable material to the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a moulding, comprising the steps:

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting molds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these molds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A method of preparing phakic intraocular lenses from hydrophobic materials is described. In this process, the lens is tested to determine whether it can float submerged in an aqueous medium. If it cannot (e.g., if it remains on top of the aqueous medium), the lens is surface treated (for example, by vacuum UV or corona discharge processes) to increase its wetting ability (e.g., to reduce its hydrophobicity). The lenses prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: A method for making an enhanced intrinsic polarizer from a polymeric sheet having an original length and comprising a hydroxylated linear high polymer includes stretching the polymeric sheet to a stretched length of from greater than 5.0 times to about 7.0 times the original length, introducing a suitable dehydration catalyst to the polymeric sheet, and heating the polymeric sheet and the catalyst to effect partial dehydration of the polymeric sheet wherein light absorbing, vinylene block segments are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing lenses by casting. The processes utilize a two-stage, ultraviolet cure to provide a fast and reliable method for producing ophthalmic lenses.

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: Including a step for forming a light transmitting layer by bonding a first master having a plurality of color protrusions and a second master having a plurality of curved surface parts with a light transmitting layer precursor disposed therebetween so that the resulting light transmitting layer has a plurality of color recesses transferred from the shape of the color protrusions and a plurality of lenses transferred from the shape of the curved surface parts; a step for separating the master from the light transmitting layer; a step for filling the color recesses in the light transmitting layer with pigment to form a color pattern layer; and a step for separating the second master from the light transmitting layer. It is thus possible to easily manufacture an optical substrate whereby a bright color display can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention tackles the problem of improving the production process for contact lenses further, so that the production costs for contact lenses can be reduced further and the production capacities can be increased. To this end, provision is made for the two mould halves, which together form the mould for producing a contact lens, to be fixed to each other and/or detachably connected to each other by means of individual half-mould guide. In conjunction with a cyclic production process, a high degree of automation can be achieved in this way.

Abstract: A stamper is spin-coated with a 2P resin. A molded substrate having a first recording layer formed thereon is spin-coated with a UV curing adhesive agent. The molded substrate spin-coated with the UV curing adhesive agent and the stamper spin-coated with the 2P resin are pressed and stuck to each other in vacuum and irradiated with UV to harden the adhesive layer and the 2P resin layer. The stamper is peeled off, a second recording layer is formed on the 2P resin layer, and a cover layer is formed on the second recording layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a lens with a predetermined prescription from a number of lens molds, a gasket, and a source of a fluid material. The apparatus includes a device for selecting a first lens mold and a second lens mold based upon the prescription, a device for positioning the lens molds within the gasket, a device for inserting an amount of the fluid material within the gasket and between the molds, a device for curing the fluid material so as to form the lens, and a device for advancing the lens molds along a predetermined path through the selecting device, the positioning device, the fill device, and the cure device.

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: 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 of manufacturing an optical disk includes spin-coating a substrate with a resin to form a light transmission layer without an additional cover. A spindle jig, which has a central shaft and is formed of a non-adhesive substance, is prepared. A resin is discharged on a surface of the spindle jig. The substrate is placed on the resin so that a recording layer of the substrate faces the spindle jig, and the substrate is spun to form the light transmission layer from the resin. The substrate, which is coated with the light transmission layer, is separated from the spindle jig. Accordingly, the resin is discharged not on a center of the substrate but around the center of the substrate. Thus, the additional cover is unnecessary, and thus a process of manufacturing the optical disk is simplified. Also, an entire surface of the substrate can be uniformly coated with the light transmission layer using the spindle jig and/or a dummy substrate formed of non-adhesive substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to guide catheters, diagnostic catheters and balloon catheters with an improved shaft design. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter shaft comprising an elongate support member having an outer surface, the elongate support member preferably defining a lubricious liner; a first layer disposed over the lubricious liner, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer disposed over the second layer, a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed over the fourth layer. In preferred embodiments, the first and third layers comprise an ultraviolet-curable epoxy which is cured to desired degrees at select axial locations on the shaft to provide desired stiffness.

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 method for producing articles bearing patterned microstructures, e.g., optical film, information carrying substrates for optical recording media, etc. includes applying a radiation curable coating material to a surface of a base film substrate, passing the base film substrate and uncured coating through a compression nip defined by a nip roll and a casting drum having pattern master of the microstructures. The method further includes curing the radiation curable coating by directing radiation energy through the base film substrate from the surface opposite the surface having the coating thereon while the coating is in contact with the drum, thus causing microstructure pattern to be replicated in the cured coating layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is posted while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source. Air may be directed toward the mold cavity to help remove heat form the lens. An in-mold scratch resistant coating may be formed from two separate material which both contain a photoinitiator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photochromic molded article which comprises the steps of: filling a mold with a photopolymerizable monomer composition containing a photopolymerizable monomer, a photoinitiator and a photochromic compound capable of coloring upon UV irradiation; pre-heating the composition to a temperature which reduces or prevents coloration of the photochromic compound during the subsequent photopolymerization step; and photopolymerizing the composition under irradiation with a light comprising a UV portion and a UV-visible portion.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Ophthalmic lens are made by reacting a lens forming mixture in a mold to form a polymer. The polymer is then demolded from the mold and processed into a completed lens. The molds are made of at least two parts, a first part having a surface for forming the polymer into a portion of the lens and a second part having a surface for forming the polymer into a portion of the lens. The first and second parts of the mold each have different surface energies.

Abstract: A photosensitive device with a microlens array may be packaged for surface mount packaging and subsequent mass reflow processing without significantly degrading the optical performance of the microlens. The microlens may be formed using a series of heat steps of increasing time and temperature. In addition, the microlens may be bleached to prevent degradation of its optical transmissivity at temperatures normally associated with surface mount techniques.

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: 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 method of manufacturing a plate-like body formed of first and second members stuck together through liquid includes the steps of (a) applying the liquid on a surface of the first member and (b) feeding gas between the first and second members at an instant of initial contact of the liquid with the second member when the second member is superimposed on the first member.

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 system and method cure a combination of a top and a bottom substrate with a resin disposed in-between. A cure platform includes a chuck on which the combination rests. A cure device cures the resin. An actuation assembly separates the chuck from the platform to thermally isolate the chuck during a curing operation performed by the cure device. A post cooling assembly may be provided to cool the chuck and the combination after a curing operation is performed by the cure device.

Abstract: A method of producing optical storage media includes the steps of providing a supply of thixotropic material in liquid form; coating a sheet of plastic film with the thixotropic material in a layer of predetermined thickness; applying heat to the coating of thixotropic material and drying the same to a semi-solid state; providing an embossing face which contains a negative of a storage medium of information to be transferred; embossing the dried semi-solid coating of thixotropic material with the embossing face and thereby transferring the information to the semi-solid coating; and applying ultra violet energy to the embossed face of the semi-solid coating to cure the coating to a solid state.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for forming microlenses is described. The method involves defocusing light from a mask during semiconductor processing to control the curvature of microlenses being formed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curing an optical disc capable of efficiently curing ultraviolet curing resin serving as an adhesive between a pair of disc substrates. The apparatus includes a peripherally located ultraviolet irradiation unit disposed around a rotary holding table for irradiating ultraviolet from the peripheral surface of the optical disc toward the inner portion thereof so as to cure the ultraviolet curing resin, and/or a central irradiation unit disposed to irradiate ultraviolet from the central hole of the optical disc toward the outer portion thereof.

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 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: A method for transferring a three-dimensional structure onto a substrate, which includes filling a plurality of concaves arranged on a sheet-form mold with a paste-like structural material, temporarily fixing the mold to a support member, contact-bonding the structural material in a state in which the structural material has the adhesion property or bonding property to the substrate together with the mold, releasing the temporary fixation of the mold by the support member after the contact-bonding, and removing the mold from the substrate, thereby transferring a three-dimensional structure onto the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating shaped implants, such as intraocular lenses in vivo, as well as the novel implants themselves. Utilizing the method of the invention, it is possible to create an implant in vivo and to adjust either the physical properties such as refractive index, viscosity, etc., mechanical properties such as modulus, tensile strength, tear, etc., or the shape of the implant by noninvasive means. For example, using the method of the patent it is possible to create an intraocular lens in vivo and then adjust the shape and power of the lens through no invasion means. The novel implants are also addressed in this application.

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: 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.