Abstract: A new composition of matter specially adapted for the production of contact lenses, artificial eyes or other prosthetic devices. The composition has the characteristics of increased hydrophilicity, softness after hydration and oxygen permeability. The composition is a solid copolymer of comonomers consisting essentially of about 15 to about 65% by weight of one or more of the hydrophilic amide group containing monomers and about 10 to about 75% by weight of one or more of the polysiloxanylalkyl methacrylates or acrylates. Optionally, about 0.1 to about 65% by weight of at least one property modifier, a vinyl group containing monomer such as methyl methacrylate, can be employed into the copolymers. The inventive material is optionally transparent, translucent or opaque depending on the type, composition and relative content of the comonomers used. In general, the transparent composition is suitable for use in making contact lenses.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for water atomizing molten metal to provide a low oxygen metal powder. A molten metal stream is introduced to an atomization vessel containing a pressurized inert gas. The metal stream is atomized by impingement of high pressure water within the atomization vessel. The atomization vessel has an exit aperture located so that the slurry of water and metal powder can exit from the atomization vessel only after deflection within the atomization vessel. Inert gas contained within the atomization vessel and entrapped within the slurry during atomization begins to leave the slurry during deflection, the inert gas returning to the atomization vessel atmosphere. The inert gas removal process continues after passage through the exit aperture and entrance into a closed degassing vessel.

Abstract: A process of making polyethylene pellets from polyethylene broke comprising forming a polyethylene solvent-free aqueous slurry of said broke and defibering said slurry to produce a polyethylene slurry having a fiber to solid polyethylene ratio of no more 1:20, dehydrating said polyethylene slurry to less than about 15% water, and pelletizing the polyethylene.

Abstract: Homogeneous sulfur-hydrocarbon blends comprising a continuous sulfur matrix containing hydrocarbon, and methods of manufacture and use are described. These materials are particularly suitable as soil supplements, for comminution, or for compounding with hydrophobic materials such as elastomers and oil-based paints. Several advantages are apparent in essentially any application involving storage or transport.

Abstract: An extruded rigid thermoplastic sheet having optically smooth surfaces, characterized as exhibiting a degree of optical distortion (.delta.) of from 0.03 to 0.06, is produced by a process wherein a sheet-form extrudate from an extruder is polished by polishing rolls driven via a continuous driving force transmission.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of temporary planarization of hydrogel contact lenses by drying of a lens swollen in a volatile hydrophilic swelling agent and clamped in the planarized state between two surfaces, at least one of which is formed by a thin foil permeable for the hydrophilic volatile swelling agent, as long as the swelling agent diffuses through the foil and the lens is transfered into a xerogel state. According to this invention, the planarized lens may have an enlarged surface and reduced thickness in comparison with the relaxed lens and may be provided with temporary marking comprising signs or lines showing the direction of cylindric axis with toric lenses, a marginal angle scale to enable easier truncation of toric lenses, and additional specifications of the lens. The temporary marking is achieved by pressing the planarized lens during drying against a base with embosed drawing or against projections at the compression foil. According to the invention, water, C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: An oxygen permeable contact lens fabricated from a copolymer of a (a) siloxanyl alkylester, an ester derivative of acrylic or methacrylic acid, surface wetting agent and an oxygen permeable crosslinking agent. The copolymer can be made either hard, soft or elasticmeric with improved oxygen permeability.

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.

Abstract: Homogeneous sulfur-hydrocarbon blends comprising a continuous sulfur matrix containing hydrocarbon, and methods of manufacture and use are described. These materials are particularly suitable as soil supplements, for comminution, or for compounding with hydrophobic materials such as elastomers and oil-based paints. Several advantages are apparent in essentially any application involving storage or transport.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens made of organic material has at least one layer of photochromic mineral glass within its mass to impart photochromic properties to the lens. This layer has a fibrous structure and may comprise a piece of woven fabric produced from fibres of photochromic mineral glass possessing a refractive index and a coefficient of chromatic dispersion which are equal to those of the constituent organic material of the lens.

Abstract: An improved transparent slide, and method of manufacture, the slide having a plurality of covered chambers defined between generally parallel and uniformly spaced sidewalls integral to the slide and having a channeled configuration for inducing a liquid specimen into the chambers, wherein the size of the chamber and the thickness of the side walls is significantly reduced from prior structures. An improved molding method adapted for producing the thinner slide sidewalls, the method including the use of a plurality of injection ports for delivering molten plastic to a mold and locating of a plurality of symmetrical dams in the mold that act to uniformly distribute and improve the flow of molten plastic near chamber forming portions of the mold.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing high purity metal powders having an irregular and angular shape and a very low oxygen content (less than 0.25% oxygen in iron and steel powders). The invention utilizes a multiple stage high pressure liquid atomization procedure for converting the molten metal to angular particulate form, and provides for the very rapid subsequent cooling of the hot particle under conditions of high pressure sprays and violent turbulence of the powder particles in the liquid that minimize the formation of oxide impurities on the particles surface. High pressure atomization to produce angular and irregular particles tends to create an oxidizing environment because of the mixture of hot particles and liquid.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a monomer mixture of mono- or polypentaerythritol hving at least three (meth) acryloyloxy groups and at least one monofunctional acrylate or methacrylate having at least one ether bond in the molecule, a boiling point above 150.degree. C. under normal pressure and a viscosity below 20 centipoises at 20.degree. C., a photosensitizing agent, at least one silicon containing surface active agent and at least one organic solvent capable of forming a uniform solution upon mixing with the vinyl monomer mixture. Also disclosed is a process of coating surfaces with the coating compositions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing silicone lenses by use of a mold of specific structure is provided. The mold comprises a male section and a female section each of which has a mold surface plated with chromium, hard chromium or nickel. Both sections when joined together come into line contact with each other to define a mold cavity therebetween. With this type of mold, the method of the present invention is carried out in such a manner that a silicone resin material is cast into the mold cavity and the mold is heated in hot water until the material is cured. The cured material makes itself a finished contact lens of excellent quality.

Abstract: A reaction product of methylene diisocyanate, polytetramethylene ether glycol and ethylene oxide-capped trimethylol propane. The resulting polyurethane is optically clear and suitable for use as an artificial cornea, or a permanently implantable lens.

Abstract: A method of maintaining contact between the injected molded resinous optical surface and the mold by rapid filling of the mold through a restricted orifice and by mechanically moving the mold against the resin as it cools and shrinks.

Abstract: A two piece contact lens mold having a pair of blunt, continuous mating surfaces extending around the periphery of the mold cavity is disclosed. Location of the mold parting line tangent to the lens edge substantially eliminates registration problems when a relief groove is provided at the edge of the female member. Parameters for mold materials and important dimensions are also disclosed. The mold can produce finished contact lenses which do not require further machining.

Abstract: A process for making sheets of plastic material of high optical quality by casting the plastic material or a mixture of its components on a flat, moving substrate is disclosed. According to the invention, a stable pocket of material is formed on the moving substrate upstream of the zone at which the plastic material flows from the casting apparatus onto the substrate. The material in the pocket moves in predetermined paths and leaves the pocket to form the lower portion and the edges of the sheet. A direct stream of material is simultaneously formed downstream of the zone of delivery of the plastic material onto the substrate in a tangential relation to the meniscus, to form the upper portion of the sheet.

Abstract: Bulk shapes and solid structures of amorphous metals formed of micron sized particles produced by droplet emulsion technique whereby undercooled droplets are solidified in the amorphous state with a stabilizing coating on the surfaces thereof, the shapes and solid structures being formed by dispersing the stabilizing coating and bringing the particles into intimate metal to metal contact for atomic bonding, without raising the temperature to crystallization temperature.

Abstract: Uniform sized particles of a ceramic or metal composition are formed by impinging a liquid stream of the composition upon at least one liquid stream of a second ceramic or metal which has a lower melting point than that of the particles. The impingement causes the liquid precursor to the particles to form small eddies which become solidified through heat loss to the other liquid stream. The temperature of the mixture is maintained so that the particles remain solidified while the other liquid stream(s) remain liquid. The solid particles then are separated from the liquid.

Abstract: Fine grain metal, ceramic or metal-ceramic or metal-polymer compositions are formed by impinging at least two liquid streams of metal, ceramic and/or polymer, upon each other to form a turbulent mixture having small eddies. At least a portion of the mixture is frozen quickly before grain and/or cell growth in the mixed components occurs to any substantial extent. The resultant product can be a solid or a slurry.

Abstract: A multifaceted mirror 10 is formed of individual plane mirrors 15 bonded to a support element or core 11 by a cement 14 in positions that are accurately located independently of the core. A base 30 has faces 31 accurately in the plane of the mirror faces, and locator blocks 40 having plane reference surfaces are secured to faces 31 to provide supports for accurately locating mirrors 15. The core 11 is placed inside a positioned array of mirrors 15, and the gaps between the mirrors and the core are filled with a cement such as epoxy. Trim strips 20 can be added to extend between and over the edges of the mirrors.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing an optical fiber comprising a silica cladding and multi-component glass core wherein a tube made of the cladding material serves as a crucible in which the core glass is melted and fined. The core glass includes silicon dioxide, boron oxide, barium oxide or lead oxide (or a combination of both, and an alkali oxide). The materials are selected to provide a high numerical aperture, rapid melting and stability at the high temperatures required to draw the fiber. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the batch material for the core is actually melted as it is falling to the bottom of the silica tube, thereby increasing the speed of melting and further facilitating outgassing of effluents.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making an optical fiber having a graded index glass core enveloped by a cladding material. The ingredients from which the core glass is to be formed are dropped into a closed tube of the cladding material which is more refractory than the core glass. The ingredients are melted to form a glassy liquid which is fined within the tube. Fining takes place at a temperature sufficiently high to cause a relatively fast reaction between the core glass and cladding, resulting in a partial mixing of the cladding and core glasses. The mixed glasses have an index of refraction intermediate that of the core and cladding at the interface. The temperature is then elevated further and the tube and glassy liquid drawn into a fiber.

Abstract: Iron powder of high compressibility and low bulk density is made by atomizing a stream of molten steel by means of a conical jet of water at a rate in excess of 10 cubic meters water per metric ton of steel, the half cone angle is between 40.degree. and 60.degree., preferably 45.degree.; and air suction is provided in a region upstream from the cone, adjacent to the stream at a pressure of 0.02 to 0.20 bars below ambient, by means of a length adjustable tube extending down from the nozzle chamber. The powder is reduced at 1,000.degree. C. to 1,200.degree. C., and the resulting cake is broken up to obtain a powder having a particle size distribution with a higher content of larger particles than the powder immediately resulting from the atomization.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making ferro-nickel shot from a molten alloy bath including a granulating adjuvant containing silicon. The resulting shot can be used as soluble anodes for use in electroplating in which a ferro-nickel plating is applied to a substrate.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a polyfunctional monomer (a) having at least 3 (meth)acryloyloxy groups, a (meth)acrylic acid mono or diester of polyethyleneglycol (b), a sulfonic acid (c), a phosphoric acid ester (d), an ethanolamine (e), organic solvent, and a photosensitizer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coating composition which comprises a polyfunctional monomer having at least three acryloyloxy groups and/or methacryloyloxy groups in one molecule, a monomer having not more than two acryloyloxy groups, and/or methacryloyloxy groups in one molecule and optionally a photosensitizer and which can form a crosslink-hardened film excellent in abrasion resistance upon curing by irradiation with actinic radiation in air and a method for producing a synthetic resin molded product having an abrasion resistant surface.

Abstract: Cast resin lenses which are removed from casting molds early in a cure cycle are coated for protection against exposure to oxygen to provide increased post cure surface polymerization and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: Conformable hydrogel molds or forms are adapted for the casting of polyelectrolytic materials whereby an irreversibly gelled, three dimensional article faithfully reproduces the interior topography of the mold.

Abstract: A process and tooling to carry on said process for producing direct from extrusion an open groove plastic cylindrical section which consists in extruding the material around cylindrical pins arranged along a circle and protruding downstream with respect with the die opening and drawing the deformable structure along inner cutters located in the ducts formed by the pins to cut the material between the duct and the outside and further drawing said still deformable structure around flexible wires free to fill said slitted ducts.

Abstract: A non-aqueous gel of at least two metal oxides which is a precursor for glassy amorphous or crystalline mixed oxides is produced by reacting an alkoxide of one metal and a halide of another metal producing a low molecular weight polymeric reaction product, heating the reaction product to produce a polymeric product of substantially higher molecular weight, and heating the higher molecular weight polymeric product in air to remove its carbonaceous content.

Abstract: Parts having centered spherical surfaces are produced by a method and by a tool which seats an inner spherical end of each part on a very accurately generated spherical surface of the tool while a spherical surface is ground and polished on an outer end of each part. The ground and polished surface is formed concentric with the underlying precisely formed spherical surface of the tool or block. The seating of a part against the spherical surface eliminates problems of tilting of the optical axis of the part.A shell is attached to the spherical surface of the block, and a plurality of openings are drilled through the shell. The sidewalls of the parts are located and supported by the side surfaces of these openings so that the shell holds the parts against any lateral movement during the grinding and polishing operation. As a result the parts can be vigorously ground and polished while being held firmly in a fixed position. A single tool has a large number of openings in the shell.

Abstract: Natural protein hydrogel structures formed from natural proteins having molecular weights not exceeding 100,000 by dissolving the protein in an aqueous acidic solution, crosslinking the protein, and air drying to a moisture content not exceeding 10 percent. The air dried structure may or may not be bleached with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent and thoroughly washed with water. The washed structure is dehydrated by treatment with a water-miscible organic solvent, washed with water, and redried to a moisture content of not more than 10 percent. The structures may be in the form of soft contact lenses, films, fibers, and prosthetics.

Abstract: A water absorbing, soft, hydrophilic, flexible, hydrolytically stable, biologically inert contact lens with the capability of transporting oxygen sufficiently to meet the requirements of the human cornea comprising a polysiloxane which is .alpha.,.omega. terminally bonded through divalent hydrocarbon groups to polymerizably activated unsaturated groups and which contain hydrophilic sidechains is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrolytically stable, biologically inert, transparent, hydrophilic, contact lens comprising a polysiloxane containing hydrophilic sidechains is disclosed.

Abstract: Medallion-like articles for jewelry, decorative ornamentation and product identification, instrument panel light lenses and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same are disclosed. A medallion-like article for decorative or identification is formed by applying an uncured radiation curable polymer to an indicia bearing surface in a quantity sufficient to form a convex upper surface by means of its surface tension and then irradiating the polymer to effect its cure. Use of a flexible substrate, such as a vinyl or polyester film, upon which embossed indicia was formed, provides a flexible medallion which may be adhesively bonded to a contoured, non-planar surface. Upward curling of the medallion during cure is prevented by supporting the medallion on a water cooled platen during irradiation. A flexible, transparent lamp lense having a convex frontal surface is also formed by the ultraviolet cured photopolymer which is adhesively bonded adjacent to the lamp to form its lense.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector for connecting one or more pairs of single fibres in end-to-end relationship has an alignment member having two opposed and inclined datum surfaces, generally in the form of a Vee, and two tubular ferrules resting on the datum surfaces. The ferrules each have two datum positions extending along the ferrule and spaced circumferentially to cooperate with the datum surfaces. Each ferrule has a fibre receiving bore which is formed at a predetermined positional relationship to the datum positions. Rotational location is provided between ferrules and alignment member. The bore is formed by casting material in the ferrule using a mandrel, the ferrule and mandrel accurately positioned in an alignment tool which reproduces the datum surfaces of the alignment member. Build up of tolerances is avoided and slight variation in diameters of the ferrules, and lack of concentricity can be accommodated with accurate alignment of fibre ends still obtained.

Abstract: A method and assembly for molding plastic optical lenses. The mold assembly comprises an annular retainer ring supporting a pair of generally disc shaped mold parts urged toward each other by a resilient force while separated by one or more gaskets, preferably including at least one soft gasket of uniform thickness between its inside and outside diameters which has the property of softening at elevated temperatures. When the cavity formed between the mold parts and bounded peripherally by the gaskets is filled with a resin formulation in the form of a liquid which then polymerizes when raised to an elevated curing temperature, shrinking and becoming hard and insoluble at room temperature, in the process the softening of the gasket permits the mold parts, under the action of the resilient force, to move towards each other to maintain contact with the formulation as it shrinks and hardens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming lenses from a polymerizable monomeric liquid. In accordance with the method of the invention, the activated monomer is encapsulated within lens molds of unique design and is exposed to a precisely controlled atmosphere within the apparatus of the invention. More particularly, during the entire curing cycle of the monomer the molds are uniformly exposed to collimated streams of air maintained at closely controlled temperatures. The streams of air serve to precisely control the temperature of the monomer within the molds and to continuously remove the heat of exotherm from each individual mold.

Abstract: An annular gasket for use in the moulding of ophthalmic or optical lenses of organic material, comprises two axially spaced ridges on its inner periphery arranged to cooperate tightly with two mould shells.At least one of the annular ridges is formed at the end of an elastically deformable annular flange extending around the inner periphery at an angle to the axis of the gasket. The flange projects both from a corresponding transverse face of the gasket and from its internal peripheral face.

Abstract: A boron-containing nickel or cobalt spray-and-fuse self-fluxing alloy powder contains hard precipitates of chromium boride and, optionally, chromium carbide which are internally precipitated from a melt of said alloy. Such alloy powder is made by atomizing the melt at about the temperature at which the melt is viscous.

Abstract: Fibrids of polymers of styrene, which are obtained in a fluid precipitation medium under the action of shearing forces.

Abstract: The invention concerns making metal powder by atomizing and quenching a stream of molten metal. According to the invention an anti-foaming agent is included in the atomizing and/or the quenching liquid and this produces more rapid cooling of the metal particles.

Abstract: Manufacture of fibrids from polymers or copolymers containing fluorine in a fluid precipitation medium under the action of shearing forces.

Abstract: A method for preventing possible vapor explosion in the liquid comminuting process in metal refining comprising comparing pulse pressure generated in the course of liquid comminuting with a fixed reference pressure and adjusting the amount of molten metal thrown into water and the amount of water fed in accordance with the value of comparison.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of thermoplastics fibrids, in which a solution of the thermoplastics material is fed to an impulse exchange chamber, where it is cooled so as to cause precipitation of the thermoplastics material, while it is subjected to a field of turbulent shear forces caused by the introduction of a gaseous or liquid medium into the said impulse exchange chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing resin powder in which a resin solution prepared by dissolving a resin in a water-miscible solvent is sprayed from a nozzle while spraying water from another nozzle located close to the first-said nozzle so as to form fine emulsified droplets of said resin solution in water, then at least a substantial portion of the water-miscible solvent in said emulsified droplets is rapidly transferred into water to produce a suspension of resin powder. The suspension is then filtered. Apparatus for practicing this method is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a hard alloyed powder comprising:B--from 3 to 20% by weight,Al--less than 3% by weight,Si--less than 5% by weight,O--less than 2.5% by weight,at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo, W, Ti, V, Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Co and Ni, in the following amounts: Cr from 5 to 35% by weight, Mo from 1 to 35% by weight, W from 0.5 to 30% by weight and each of Ti, V, Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Co and Ni--less than 15% by weight, andthe balance being at least 10% by weight of Fe.A method for the production of said alloy powder is also provided and comprises atomizing molten alloy with water or inert gas in a specific manner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing high purity metal powders having an irregular and angular shape and a very low oxygen content (less than 0.25% oxygen in iron and steel powders). The invention utilizes a high pressure liquid atomization procedure for converting the molten metal to angular particulate form, and provides for the very rapid subsequent cooling of the hot particles under conditions of high pressure sprays and violent turbulence of the powder particles in the liquid that minimize the formation of oxide impurities on the particle surface. High pressure atomization to produce angular and irregular particles tends to create an oxidizing environment because of the mixture of hot particles and liquid. By rapidly quenching the particles immediately after formation, in a quenching environment that creates a violently turbulent condition at the surface of the metal, the formation of vapor or steam films is minimized and more rapid heat transfer from the particles to the cooling medium is realized.