Abstract: Method and apparatus for atomizing a liquid to form a fine powder. The method includes the steps of mixing the liquid with a first fluid medium jet and projecting this first fluid medium jet into a barrier means which comprises a solid body or a second fluid medium jet projected by a nozzle in a direction substantially opposite to the first fluid medium jet. The first fluid medium jet containing fine particles diverges away from the barrier means, thus increasing contact surface between the first fluid medium jet and the liquid and increasing the intermixing therebetween.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering a drug to the cornea and anterior chamber of an eye are disclosed. A drug is entrapped in microspheres of poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), a copolymer of lactic acid and glycolic acid, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), or a mixture of poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid). The microspheres are combined with a hydrophilic polymer and placed in contact with the eye.

Abstract: A lens, having an optical power surface, which may have multiple radii portions or aspherical portions as well as spherical portions, is molded in a coined mold. A pair of core pins, positioned within the mold cavity during the lens forming process, will produce a pair of haptic-mounting holes within the lens. As the lenses are subsequently tumbled to remove flash, indentations will form adjacent to the haptic-mounting holes. These indentations allow for tangential attachment of the haptic to the lens which, in turn, enables maximum flexibility without exceeding the width of the optic.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing wax microspheres from molten wax. Hot water or other motive liquid in which molten wax is immiscible, is flowed under pressure through an orifice zone into which the molten wax is drawn to form a dispersion of molten wax. The dispersion is discharged into a liquid in which the wax is also immiscible, so that the wax solidifies. The liquid is maintained at a controlled temperature below the melting point of the wax. Essentially spherical wax microspheres are formed in the size range from 1.mu. to about 350.mu. in a two-tier weight distribution. A mass of these wax microspheres are recovered from the surface of the liquid, and dried to yield a mass of free-flowing individual wax microspheres which are used to produce a sintered porous body having a void fraction in the range from about 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides shaped articles having good transparency and high oxygen permeability in a specific direction thereof, which have been made from a block copolymer (a) composed of a polyalkyl methacrylate segment and a silicone-based polymethacrylate segment, or a block copolymer (b) or graft copolymer (c) containing a polyorganosiloxane as one component, according to a process permitting the creation of a specific higher-order structure. These shaped articles have high oxygen permeability at relatively low silicone contents and, therefore, can provide oxygen-permeable products having high tear strength and surface hardness.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable hydrogel contact lens of polyvinyl alcohol having an equilibrium water content of between about 70 to about 80 weight percent, based upon the total swollen lens weight, said lens having been annealed in a mold essentially conforming to the contact lens dimensions under substantially ambient non-drying setting conditions in the presence of an aqueous-organic annealing promoter solvent, for a period of time substantially sufficient to reach annealing equilibrium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coupling an electrical signal to an optical fiber (14). The method includes encapsulating an electrical connector (21), an optical semiconductor device (18,36), and a fiber optic cable (14) all in one body (23,38,41,42). The semiconductor device (18,36) is electrically coupled to the electrical connector (21), and is also aligned to the fiber optic cable (14). The components are encapsulated in one single body (23,38,41,42). The single body (23,38,41,42) permanently maintains the alignment. The electrical connector (21) portion of the body (23,38,41,42) provides an easy means to couple the fiber optical cable (14) to electrical signals.

Abstract: A mold assembly for making an ocular device such as a contact lens, an intraocular lens or a lens blank has three pieces which include a sleeve, a first mold segment and a second mold segment. The first mold segment includes a peripheral skirt which extends away from a mold cavity and which terminates in an end portion which is in interference fit engagement with the sleeve for establishing a leak-resistant fluid seal.

Abstract: When molding shaped articles such as contact lenses from monomeric mixtures containing silicone monomers and hydrophilic monomers, the wettability of the resulting article is improved by using a mold material produced from a resin comprising a copolymer of an alpha, beta, olefinically saturated mononitrile and at least one comonomer to enhance melt processability.

Abstract: A protected fiber optical splice and a method for making the protected splice. The protective structure encapsulates first and second spliced optical fibers. The fibers are preferably fusion spliced. The protective structure includes a rigid tube surrounding the splice and its adjacent regions of the spliced fibers. A plastic such as an epoxy or moldable plastic is injected into the tube between the substantially axially centered fibers and splice, and the interior wall of the tube. Two molding fixtures are preferably surrounding the two ends of the tube, for injecting the moldable plastic into the tube and for shaping the portions of the structure external to the the tube ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an optical disk substrate having a foreign-substances index of not more than 1.times.10.sup.5 .mu.m.sup.2 /g, an optical information-storage medium wherein the substrate has an information-recording layer, includes a cylinder with a liner and a screw coated with TiC and TiN.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrogel which is a copolymer of a polymerizable monomer mixture which containsa) 2-85 mol-% of a hydrophobic vinyl monomer with at least three fluorine atoms,b) 2-80 mol-% of a hydrophobic polyhydroxy vinyl monomer whose hydroxyl groups are in protected form,c) 2-70 mol-% of a hydrophilic vinyl monomer and,d) based on the total amount of monomers a)-c), 0-5 mol-% of a crosslinker, in which hydrogel the hydroxyl groups of the segments formed by the monomers b) are in protected or in free form.These hydrogels can be used, for example, as contact lenses, intraocular lenses or in other areas of application where biologically tolerated materials are required.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the manufacture of individual small lenses, which may have gradient indices of refraction. A pedestal is provided having a conduit therein and an end surface the perimeter of which may be circular or elliptical. The perimeter is defined by a sharp edge. The pedestal is supported with the end surface horizontal and facing downwards. The intersection of the conduit and the surface, also defined by a sharp edge, forms an orifice through which at least one of the liquid monomers for forming the lens is fed. Gradient index small lenses are formed by suspending a first monomer from the horizontal end surface of the pedestal and then, via the orifice, introducing the second monomer at a rate which equals the rate of inter-diffusion of the second monomer into the first monomer. Alternatively, both monomers are both fed, in mixed condition, through the orifice in continuously varying proportions. The monomer(s) are cured in the pendant condition.

Abstract: An assembly for molding an ocular lens blank which may be lathed into a contact lens or intraocular lens includes a sleeve, and a first and second mold segment placed within the sleeve. After a lens blank is molded in a space between the two segments and the sleeve, the two segments are removed from the sleeve and the second mold segment then functions as a holder for the lens blank during a lathing operation. The second mold segment has an outer cylindrical surface for gripping by a collet, and also has an internal frustoconical recess for a mounting pin, and thus can be used with a variety of lathes known to the optical industry.

Abstract: A method of coloring a polycarbonate extruded or molded product for optical members, which is colored by a liquid coloring process for obtaining a colored polycarbonate extruded or molded product for optical members by extrusion or injection molding. The process involves mixing a polycarbonate resin for optical members and a liquid coloring agent dispersion obtained by dispersing a coloring agent in a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent includes a specific saturated fatty acid ester or silicon oil. After mixing the polycarbonate resin and liquid coloring agent dispersion, the resulting mixture is melted and thereafter extruded or molded to form a product for optical members.

Abstract: A method of making a collagen-hydrogel is shown. The method comprises the steps of forming a radical free polymer of a hydrophilic monomer; mixing the hydrophilic monomer with a stock solution of collagen in the presence of a weak solution of ammonium persulfate and sodium metabisuleate forming a clear viscous monomer solution; and heating said viscous monomer solution in the presence of a crosslinking agent to polymerize the same into a three dimensional polymeric meshwork having collagen from the stock solution of collagen interdispersed within the three dimensional polymeric meshwork.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for casting lenses using male and female mould halves, which comprises placing a polymerizable liquid composition into the female mould half, introducing a male mould into the female mould along a substantially vertical axis until the male mould touches the surface of the liquid composition and then allowing the male mould to fall under its own weight into the female mould half and curing or allowing the polymerizable composition to cure. Also included is apparatus suitable for carrying out the casting process which comprises a substantially horizontal support for the female mould, a holder for releasably holding the male mould, means for moving the holder towards and into the female mould along a substantially vertical path passing through the axes of the moulds and means for detecting contact between the male mould and the surface of the liquid composition and causing said holder to release the male mould.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of contact lenses, especially individually fitted contact lenses, and a contact lens production system therefor is described, wherein the topography of the surface of the eye is measured three-dimensionally, the geometry of the rear face of the lens is determined so as to fit the topography measured, the optical effect of a lachrymal lens which is formed between the rear face of the lens and the surface of the eye is determined, the geometry of the front face of the lens is determined taking into account the optical effect of the lachrymal lens and the sight correction to be achieved, and the data so obtained for the lens geometry of the front and rear faces of the lens are stored and transferred to a control arrangement for the manufacture of the lens in a machine tool.

Abstract: A method of producing a pure enstatite material involves dissolving thermally decomposable magnesium and silicon compounds, generating an aerosol from the solution(s), subjecting the aerosol droplets to a thermal influence to convert the droplets into solid particles, dispersing the particles in an organic liquid to form a colloidal sol, subjecting the sol to a gelling agent to form a semi-solid gel, drying the gel and sintering the dried gel to a dense enstatite body.

Abstract: A lens, having an optical power surface, which may have multiple radii portions or aspherical portions as well as spherical portions, is molded in a coined mold. A pair of core pins, positioned within the mold cavity during the lens forming process, will produce a pair of haptic-mounting holes within the lens. As the lenses are subsequently tumbled to remove flash, indentations will form adjacent to the haptic-mounting holes. These indentations allow for tangential attachment of the haptic to the lens which, in turn, enables maximum flexibility without exceeding the width of the optic.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ophthalmic lens from a synthetic material blank, in particular from a polycarbonate material, the blank is placed horizontally in a mold having optically finished molding surfaces. It is then subjected to a molding force at raised temperature in an oven. The mold has an upper molding surface that is part of a shell member adapted to slide freely in a ring. The molding force is limited to the static force due to the weight of the shell member, optionally increased by the weight of a pre-load mass surmounting the shell member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a simplified four step process for making an optical disc master or alternatively a WORM disc by first making or obtaining a transparent polymer disc with a tracking groove of desired geometry molded therein, then spin coating an optically active lamina on the grooved side of the disc, then recording data on said polymer disc with groove controlled and tracked laser means by ablating active lamina, forming pits, the shape of which is determined by the groove geometry and finally depositing a conductive and reflective lamina over the pitted active lamina. To change the OD master to an OD WORM, a protective cover is added to the electrically conductive and optically reflective lamina.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network copolymer, method of producing same, and method of producing optical lens blanks and finished lenses therefrom. The method broadly involves the preparation of first and second mixtures of polymerizable vinyl monomers and interrupting the polymerization of the first mixture at a relative viscosity of from about 1.05 to about 10 by admixing the partially polymerized first mixture with the second mixture to create a casting solution and thereafter, when desired, polymerizing molded casting solution in heat to create a solid lens material.

Abstract: A novel optodynamic method and apparatus for the manufacture of an optical record medium of the type having a multiplicity of pits or like optically detectable marks representative of digitized information to be reproduced wherein a stamper is provided which is of quartz glass or like material that transmits ultraviolet radiation and which has a stamping surface shaped as a negative of the optically detectable marks to be created, the stamping surface is pressed against a blank sheet of polycarbonate or like plastic that absorbs ultraviolet radiation the surfaces of blank sheet is irradiated with ultraviolet light through the stamper whereby the surface of the blank sheet gels, or softens, to permit the optically detectable marks to be impressed thereon. The stamping may be dome in a partial vacuum in order to assure closer contact between the stamper and the blank sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optically clear polysiloxane-based compositions which are employed, in particular, for the production of contact optical articles such as contact lenses, scleral lenses and intraocular lenses.

Abstract: A process for producing a polycarbonate molded article having a low dust level from a polycarbonate resin in the form of a powder or pellets by injection molding using an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine includes a cylinder whose inner circumferential wall is made of a corrosion- and abrasion-resistant alloy from alloy components (1), (2), or (3) given below and a screw part made of a steel having a metal coating formed of hard chromium plating or hard nickel plating or formed of titanium carbide or tungsten carbide, or is made of SUS420, SUS440, Hastelloy C, or a steel of alloy component (4) given below:Alloy components (1):C: 0.5-1.5 wt%Si: 1.0-2.0 wt%B: 0.5-2.5 wt%Ni: 10.0-20.0 wt%Cr: 20.0-30.0 wt%W: 10.0-20.0 wt%Cu: 0.5-2.0 wt%Remainder: Co and unavoidable impurities,Alloy components (2):Ni: 0.0-2.0 wt%Cr: 5.0-15.0 wt%Fe: 0.0-1.0 wt%Mn: 0.1-2.0 wt%Si: 0.2-4.0 wt%B: 2.0-4.0 wt%Remainder: Co and unavoidable impurities,Alloy components (3):Cr: 5.0-10.0 wt%Co: 5.0-40.0 wt%Fe: 0.0-10.

Abstract: A process for the production of cellulose ester fibrets wherein a solution of the cellulose ester is contacted with a non-solvent for the cellulose ester in a precipitation zone under shearing conditions, and a solvent-nonsolvent mixture is separated from the formed fibrets and recycled to the precipitation zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of individual small lenses, which may have gradient indices of refraction. The apparatus includes a pedestal having a conduit therein and an end surface the perimeter of which may be circular or elliptical. The perimeter is defined by a sharp edge. The pedestal is supported with the end surface horizontal and facing downwards. The intersection of the conduit and the surface, also defined by a sharp edge, forms an orifice through which at least one of the liquid monomers for forming the lens is fed. Gradient index small lenses are formed by suspending a first monomer from the horizontal end surface of the pedestal and then, via the orifice, introducing the second monomer at a rate which equals the rate of inter-diffusion of the second monomer into the first monomer. Alternatively, both monomers are both fed, in mixed condition, through the orifice in continuously varying proportions. The monomer(s) are cured in the pendant condition.

Abstract: A process for producing a plastic lens having a high refractive index and profile regularity which includes forming a mixture of one or more of sulfur-containing aromatic polyisocyanate compounds, one or more of active hydrogen compounds selected from the group consisting of polyol compounds and polythiol compounds, and at least one internal mold releasing agent. Then subjecting the resulting mixture to casting polymerization, to form the plastic lens.

Abstract: The invention is a method of metering liquid lens monomer on to the surface of a concave spin casting mold. This is done by an atomized liquid spray applied to the mold optical surface for a precise time. An inert gas such as nitrogen is used to propel the atomized spray from the spray nozzle to the optical mold surface. The atomized spray wets the optical surface evenly reducing the contact angle to the receding angle. The duration of the spray can be precisely timed by an electronic timer valve. The volume of monomer deposited can be precisely controlled therefore the lens thickness is precisely controlled.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element wherein an optical molding is formed by using a mold and thereafter released from the mold by supplying a gas to the boundary between the mold surface and the optical molding. In the process, no localized external force is applied to the optical molding during the release thereof, and therefore undesirable deformation or flaws of the optical molding are not caused.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector can be easily and quickly assembled by mounting the end of an optical fiber in a thermoplastic adhesive that is heated to a viscosity of between 1000 and 10,000 cp, has an Adhesion-to-Glass Value of at least 10N, and a Shore D hardness of at least 60 at 20.degree. C. The optical fiber connector lends itself to mass-production techniques and can be reused by heating to liquify the thermoplastic adhesive.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing contact lenses wherein monomer or comonomer mixture is placed into a mold caivty and subjected to polymerization conditions to form a polymerized shape of desired shape wherein the improvement comprises the inclusion of a release agent in the monomeric mixture wherein said release agent comprises less than about three weight percent of said monomeric mixture and is chosen from a mixture of hydrophilic polymers with lipophilic compounds.

Abstract: A process for producing a collagen-based cross-linked biopolymer is provided in which a collagen solution free of low-molecular impurities is saturated with nitrogen protoxide, its concentration is brought to maximum 80 mass percent and the solution is exposed to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. An implant for hermetization of corneal and scleral wounds involved in eye injuries prepared from said bipolymer has the shape and size that provide for complete hermetization of said wounds. The method for its preparation comprises saturation of a collagen solution free of impurities and having a concentration of 0.2 to 1.3 mass percent, with nitrous oxide, filling of a mould with said solution and its exposure to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. The resultant blank is dried to a moisture content in its biopolymer of 30 to 50 mass percent, whereupon the blank is given the shape and size of a required implant.

Abstract: A polyurethane lens is produced by (a) adding to a monomer mixture comprising a polyisocyanate and a polythiol, a phosphoric acid ester represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## (R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 which may be the same or different are each an alkyl group of 1-8 carbon atoms) and then (b) subjecting the monomer mixture containing the phosphoric acid ester, obtained in the step (a) to cast polymerization in a mold for plastic lens production. Said polyurethane lens has good releasability from mold, is free from color unevenness after tinting and cloudiness, and possesses high refractive index (N.sub.D) and high optical dispersion.

Abstract: An improved intraocular lens, methods of fabricating the same, and methods of implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye. The intraocular lens implant is a hydrogel and has an index of refraction approximating the refractive index of the natural crystalline lens of the human eye. Fabrication of the intraocular lens is effected in an open concave mold which has a sharp, well-defined peripheral mold edge. The intraocular lens is implanted in the posterior chamber after the cataract operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus useful for preparing a porous, particulate sulfur by combining a coherent molten sulfur stream with a coherent water stream to provide an aqueous slurry of a porous, particulate sulfur having a uniform particle size distribution. In the process, a molten sulfur stream is passed through a substantially downwardly oriented, rectangular slot to provide a sheet of molten sulfur, and said sheet of molten sulfur is sheared by directing at least one sheet of water thereat, at a velocity and flow rate sufficient to disrupt said sheet of molten sulfur and provide solid sulfur particles having a substantially uniform size. The solid sulfur particles are recovered, as an aqueous slurry thereof, and separated from said slurry by substantially removing the water therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming discrete granules from a flow of molten plastic material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tube having an end surface through which the molten material flows and a discharge plate having an opening therethrough disposed adjacent the tube. The discharge plate is movable with respect to the end surface of the tube. A pressure medium accumulating region is disposed adjacent the end surface of the tube. In operation, the molten material flows through the tube and into the opening of the discharge plate. The end surface of the tube and the discharge plate move into and out of contact on a periodic basis such that the tube and discharge plate function as a valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel and highly refractive S-alkyl thiocarbamate base resin useful in preparing lenses and a process for producing the resin comprising reacting one or more of polyisocyanate compounds and one or more of mercapto compound having at least one hydroxyl group, a plastic lens made of the resin, and a process for making a plastic lens of high profile regularity from the resin by using internal mold releasing agents in the casting polymerization process.

Abstract: Sulphur is obtained to the desired granulation and at the same time cooled by means of a directed hollow cylindrical jet of melted sulfur, on either side of which, i.e., both inside and outside the cylinder of molten sulfur, there are jets of cold water, the three jets directed onto a disk which disk is able to turn freely. The jets of water and sulfur strike the disk between the middle of the disk and its outer edge and make it turn, while at the same time the sulfur hardens into granules. The turning spins the granules off the disk. The fact that there are two jets of water leads to a better particle size of the sulfur and, because there is a better contact between the water and the sulfur, prevents any hardening of the sulfur upon the disk.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding a plurality of articles having various masses and shapes wherein a parison mass is injected at constant back pressure through a time controlled valve from a supply of molten molding material at predetermined temperature and pressure. The articles are compression molded at predetermined pressures in accordance with their shapes or masses. The variable compression pressures are provided in one embodiment by similar actuators which are unequally excited; and in another embodiment an actuator is coupled to a mold cavity by a machine having a variable mechanical advantage. The actuators are pivotally mounted. A series of lenses including negative powers is particularly contemplated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing soft contact lens buttons includes the steps of providing a unique monomeric mixture and polymerizing the mixture in an open mold in a non-convecting environment. In one preferred embodiment the monomeric mixture includes purified 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and between about 0.015 to about 0.10% by weight diethylene glycol methacrylate. The polymerizing step includes a first heating at 70.degree. C. for about one-and-one-half hours and a second heating at about 105.degree. C. for about two hours. The mold is composed of material that softens at the temperatures it is subjected to during the polymerization process. The non-convecting environment allows longer polymerization times to be used without evaporating volatile components. Lower temperatures, and an open and deformable mold, reduces stresses the hardening button is subjected to, to yield a stronger and tear-resistant product.

Abstract: A light reflection material comprises transparent body of organic glass having therein a thin through hole or holes whose inner wall is smooth. This material is useful for an ornamental material, a lighting material, eye-obstructing material, shading material, etc.This material is manufactured by pouring a raw material into a mold within which a thread or threads of synthetic fiber are straightly or curvedly set according to aimed pattern and pulling the thread or threads out of the formed body to form a thin hole or holes or pulling the thread or threads to separate them from the inner wall of the hole or holes. As a result of it, a hole or holes of a shape and number corresponding to those of the thread or threads are formed in the formed body.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a low density ceramic powder which can be formed to make a lightweight material for insulation or other construction. The ceramic product made from the process has a final density of less than 25% to about 1% of its theoretical weight of the ceramic powder. The ceramic product is lightweight and can be made to withstand high temperatures greater than 1400.degree. C.

Abstract: A transparent capsule is manufactured by using a lower die case having a substantially semi-spherical inner surface and an upper die cast having a substantially semi-spherical outer surface. The radius of the upper die cast is slightly smaller than that of the lower die cast. Transparent resin in the space between the lower die cast and said upper die cast is uniformly and gradually heated and then cooled in order to harden the transparent resin.Thereafter, the upper die cast is separated from the lower die cast and the transparent resin formed in the shape of a sphere is removed from the die casts.

Abstract: A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising; an alignment ferrule 9 for encircling an optical fiber 2, a precision algnment surface 23 of the ferrule constructed for nonreformation upon alignment in a cavity having a shape complementary to that of the precision alignment surface 23, the precision alignment surface 23 is constructed on a front end portion 10 of said ferrule, said first portion is constructed for assembly with a separate remainder of said ferrule in a manner to isolate said precision alignment surface 23 from distortion.

Abstract: An optical article such as optical disk and optical lens, made of an amorphous thermoplastic polyester resin comprised of recurring units, each recurring unit having an aromatic ring in the main chain thereof and an aromatic ring in the side chain thereof. The optical article have a good heat resistance, resistance to absorption of moisture and optical characteristics.

Abstract: Fabrication of contact lenses whereby the yield of lenses removed from plastic casting molds is significantly increased. In fabricating contact lenses where a lens is initially formed in a plastic casting mold, the mold is compressed to a degree sufficient to initiate permanent deformation of the mold material, in progressive steps, incrementally decreasing in diameter from a starting diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the molded lens, until the lens self-detaches from the mold.

Abstract: In a fluidized-bed granulating apparatus for continuously producing granular particles from a powdered raw material, while a granulated product is continuously exhausted in a substantially constant amount from the bottom or bottom side wall of a fluidizing chamber and is introduced into a classifying section where the granulated product is classified by classifying means thereby selecting and delivering the granules granulated to particle size greater than the desired size and returning ungranulated material to the fluidizing chamber, the pressure drop of the fluidized bed is detected to adjust the charging rate of the powdered raw material into the fluidized bed and the moisture content of the material to be granulated in the bed is detected to adjust the feed rate of a binding liquid, thereby producing a granulated product of a desired particle size.

Abstract: This invention relates to ultraviolet absorbing lenses, particularly corneal contact lenses, comprising a polymeric shaped body having an ultraviolet absorber dispersed substantially uniformly throughout said body and being in a steady state with respect to extraction thereof from said body by an aqueous medium, and to the method of making such lenses.