Abstract: Method and apparatus for making [and coating] a plastic lens is provided. [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.] More particularly, the invention relates to applying alternating periods of ultraviolet light to lens forming composition. Such composition is cured while controlling the rate of heat generation and/or dissipation via manipulation of the duration of the radiation or the cooling in the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is directed toward the lens forming composition which is preferably disposed in a mold cavity formed by two mold members. The ultraviolet light may be directed in pulses or continuously.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) an optical resin composition comprising Component A: a thiourethane prepolymer compound prepared by reacting a polythiol compound having at least 3 functional groups and an intramolecular sulfide bond, with a polyisocyanate compound in a molar ratio of --SH to --NCO ranging from 3.0 to 7.0; Component B: at least one (meth) acrylate compound having at least 2 functional groups; and Component C: a compound radically polymerizable with Components A and B, in 10 to 50% by weight, 35 to 70% by weight, and 5 to 30% by weight, respectively; (2) a preparation process for an optical resin by photopolymerization; (3) an optical resin; and (4) a prepolymer suitable for Component A. The composition is a novel, rapidly polymerizable composition for an optical resin. Furthermore, a resin prepared by curing the composition not only has a high refractive index and a high Abbe number, but also is excellent in transparency and optical homogeneity.

Abstract: Sheet-like polyurethane moldings are produced by impregnation of porous sheets with a prepolymer containing free isocyanate groups and reversibly blocked isocyanate-reactive groups or containing free isocyanate-reactive groups and reversibly blocked isocyanate groups, and subsequent reaction of the prepolymers in a heated mold.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing simple or complex reinforcement preforms for use in resin transfer molding (RTM), structural reaction injection molding (SRIM) or similar molding processes includes applying a thermosetting binder, which is sensitive to selected ultraviolet or microwave radiation, to planar woven or non-woven reinforcing materials, the binder-bearing reinforcing material being placed into a three-dimensional mold and pressed into a desired shape, cured in the mold by applying a corresponding selected ultraviolet or microwave energy thereto to cure and rigidize the binder and hold reinforcement material in the three-dimensional shape resulting in a rigid three-dimensional preform to be used in subsequent molding operations. Structural reinforcements, sub-assemblies and the like may be applied to the preform to enhance the final properties of the final composite structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible polymeric material and methods of making prepared by forming a mixture of collagen, a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated compound and a cross-linking agent at a temperature of 30.degree. C. to 42.degree. C.; adjusting the pH of the mixture to 3.2 to 5.0; and polymerizing the mixture. The resulting material is rinsed in a physiologic solution at a temperature of 25.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. The resulting polymeric material has a modules of elasticity in the range of 10 to 27.times.10.sup.5 N/m.sup.2. Mechanical strength of the polymeric material is 20 to 100 times greater than polymeric material prepared by known methods. The material is optically transparent and is characterized by 95% or more light transmission in the visible spectrum and by resolution of 200 lines per mm for a +20D intraocular lens. The material is characterized by low protein absorption of about 0.1.times.10.sup.-3 .mu.

Abstract: A carbon fiber hybrid laminate includes a first group of carbon fiber reinforced laminae having a positive CTE and, second group of carbon fiber reinforced laminae having a negative CTE, wherein the hybrid laminate has a tailorable in-plane CTE in the range of .+-.0.2.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. F.

Abstract: Disclosed are profiles of fiber-reinforced polymeric plastic and a pultrusion apparatus and method for the manufacture thereof. The apparatus is preferably vertically disposed. As one or more fibers is fed into the apparatus, each fiber is spread and wetted with monomer resin in a bundle spreader, formed in a die, and then subjected in a curing chamber to a source of radiation which initiates polymerization of the monomer, resulting in a fiber-reinforced polymeric plastic exiting from the pultrusion apparatus. Suitably, the radiation is ultraviolet, the monomer resin is methacrylate resin, and the fiber is quartz. The resultant profile is long and thin like a structural steel wire, but typically will have only 1/4 the weight thereof while having a strength comparable thereto. Thus, the profile is useful as an orthodontic wire as a replacement instead of structural steel wires used as orthodontic wires.

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 porous fluorocarbon membrane has a porous support completely impregnated with tetrafluoroethylene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer. There is a process for producing this membrane by impregnating a porous support with a copolymer solution in a readily-boiling solvent and a precipitating mixture of alcohol and water followed by curing for partial hardening of the solution and subsequent drying at elevated temperature. A cartridge filter includes protective and supporting cylindrical perforated hollow housings, containing a fluorocarbon membrane or two superimposed flourocarbon membranes. Membranes and a cartridge filter find extensive use in separation of gases and aggressive media.

Abstract: A method for making an apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is corona treated on one side, and has received a surfactant application that is distributed to both the corona treated and non-corona treated sides of the film. A method for application of surfactant includes applying the surfactant to one side of the film and rolling the film into a roll while the surfactant is still wet in order to apply surfactant to both sides of the film.

Abstract: A refractory dielectric body is heated with a plasma fireball at conditions which do not result in substantial removal of a surface portion of the body, yet which are sufficient to reduce both surface and bulk impurities. Typically, the body is treated with the plasma in the absence of simultaneous deposition of material onto the body. Advantageously, an isothermal, oxygen or oxygen-containing plasma is utilized. The invention is useful for reducing chlorine impurities by at least about 30% to a depth of at least about 10 .mu.m, with accompanying reduction of hydroxyl impurities. The invention thus provides a useful method for reducing the concentration of impurities that contribute to imperfections during the process of drawing fiber from an optical fiber preform, without requiring substantial removal of the surface of the preform.

Abstract: The disk-shaped optical information medium of this invention includes: a first substrate having a center hole; a second substrate having a center hole; and a radiation curable resin interposed between the first and second substrates for bonding together the first and second substrates, wherein the optical information medium further includes a stopper for preventing the radiation curable resin from protruding into the center holes of the substrates, and a space between the first and second substrates of at least a half of a clamp region for clamping the optical information medium is filled with the resin.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used--fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: A method of inducing or enhancing the electro-optic properties of an optically transmissive material such as an optical fiber (1) which comprises applying an electric field by means of electrodes (4) to the optical fiber and subjecting the material to UV radiation (9).

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers, glass microballoons and/or diatoms, bound together with a ceramic reinforcing cloth with a sol-gel ceramic binder. The composite is particularly useful as a high strength, high temperature insulation material.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, efficient and reliable method and apparatus for making decorative moldings used widely in the construction industry. The method comprising the steps of continuously advancing a workpiece in a straight, horizontal plane while preventing lateral horizontal movement and restraining vertical movement, applying a plaster coating material under pressure to the exposed irregular decorative surface of the workpiece and advancing the coated workpiece through a die opening closely conforming to the cross-sectional profile of the workpiece, wherein the cross-sectional size of the die opening relative to the cross-sectional size of the workpiece determines the thickness of the plaster coating material left remaining on the decorative surface of the coated workpiece.

Abstract: Method and device for producing lenses of microoptical systems and an optical emitter/receiver system. A curable liquid lens material is introduced into a mount which serves as a lens holder for the lens to be produced, and a convex lens surface is formed at an opening of the mount. The lens material introduced into the mount is irradiated with light during its introduction. An optoelement which forms part of the microoptical system is arranged relative to the lens at a position which it shall assume in the completed microoptical system. Simultaneously with the introduction process, either the image of a light emitter as the optoelement is measured in a selected plane at the side of the mount opposite the optoelement, or the signal intensity of the signal which is changed in an optical sensor as the optoelement as a result of incident light, and the introduction process is terminated when the image or the signal has reached a predetermined size and/or shape.

Abstract: The present invention describes a free radical polymerizable segmented macromonomer based on perfluoroelkyl ether, polysiloxane and divalent organic segments. This macromoner can be polymerized and used to form moldings, contact lenses, corneal implants and other biomedical articles.

Abstract: A method for the replication of diffractive optical elements using audio/video disc manufacturing equipment and processes. The audio/video disc manufacturing process and mold mastering tooling create diffractive optical elements using a mold plate. The diffractive optic design and photomasks are first fabricated then replicated using compact disc industry mold mastering techniques. The surface relief pattern is produced centered in the plate using ion milling or refractive ion etching photolithographic fabrication techniques. Once patterned, the mold master plate is punched into a circular form consistent with standard compact or video disc mold bases--typically eight inches for a compact disc. After molding, each element can be cut out of the disc using blade, shear, waterjet or laser cutting.

Abstract: Continuous, filament reinforced, wound poles, and the method of making, where the poles are formed by winding a base mandrel with continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement, coaxially abutting an incremental mandrel and winding both the incremental mandrel and the wound first mandrel with a second layer of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement. The base mandrel is thus wound with two layers of reinforcement. Additional incremental mandrels and additional layers of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement are successively wound as desired. Preferably all windings occurs prior to the curing of any previous winding. The ends of the mandrels and any cross winding across these ends form stabilizing members within the poles to counteract against compressive forces. The pole has a smooth outer surface when the additional mandrels are properly sized to mate with the wound ends of the previous adjacent mandrel.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of fibre-reinforced intermediates useful in thermoplastic processing methods, including compounding and moulding, which comprises impregnating continuous fibres with a resin composition comprising at least one radiation-polymerizable component, exposing the impregnated fibres to radiation to effect polymerization of such component, and cutting the product to form thermoplastically processible intermediates which, optionally, may be mixed with other polymer and/or additives during mixing or moulding. A process described as above but in which the uncut radiation polymerized fibre-resin product is blended with a least one polymer and/or additive in a continuous mixer, such as an extruder; and the resulting blended product is cut to form thermoplastically processible intermediates, such as mouldable pellets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a veil treated with a resin-affecting compound such as a mold release agent, a UV stabilizer, or a UV absorber for use in fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) parts. Also disclosed is a process for altering the chemical or physical properties of a resin during a production process comprising the steps of: (a) treating a veil with at least one resin-affecting compound, alone or in combination with other resin-affecting compounds; (b) applying the treated veil to a resin; (c) forming an article from said veil and said resin; and (d) curing the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of forming a prepreg material having substantially no voids. According to the process of the invention, the reinforcing material is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the impregnating resin. The prepreg formed has substantially no voids and does not require lengthy consolidation when formed into useful articles.

Abstract: Neck connection for an method for the production of a stringed instrument, comprising at least a body (1) and a neck (2), in which both the neck (2) and the body (1) are made of plastic and the body (1) and the neck (2) are in one piece, and the neck connection comprises fiber structures (41, 42, 43) and side fiber structures (31, 32, 33; 51, 52, 53) molded into the plastic, which fiber structures (41, 42, 43) and side fiber structures (31, 32, 33; 51, 52, 53) extend both in the neck (2) and the body (1).

Abstract: Method for correcting aberrations of an optical system and solving the problem of tolerance buildup. The method posits a desired specification limit for each of at least one optical characteristic of an optical element, and requires embossing at least a portion of a surface of the optical element for bringing the or each optical characteristic within its corresponding specification limit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaped panel from a continuous length of an expanded mat. The method includes transporting an expanded mat on a conveyor. The conveyor includes side chains and a plurality of spaced apart slats, which extend transversely between the side chains, on which the expanded mat is supported. The side chains and the plurality of slats define a plurality of openings in the conveyor. A length of the expanded mat is confined and shaped between a male mold and a female mold by moving the male mold and the female mold into mating relationship through one of the plurality of openings in the conveyor.

Abstract: In a guide wire is for a catheter, a core wire prepared by twisting a plurality of thin threads in which a leading end of the core wire is diametrically reduced to be a thinnest tip. A resin layer is coated on an outer surface of the core wire. The thinnest tip is treated by tightly uniting together a twisted ends of the thinnest threads.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of contact lenses, a polymerizable contact lens material is dispensed into a mould half (1) and the mould is subsequently closed by means of the second mould half (2). The material located between the two mould halves in the moulding cavity (12) is then polymerized, thus forming an as yet unhydrated contact lens (CL). The moulding surface of one of the two mould halves (1, 2) is pre-treated, before use, in a region (20) outside the optically active zone of the contact lens (CL) in such a manner that, when the mould is opened, the contact lens (CL) adheres to the pre-treated mould half.

Abstract: Continuous process for producing unidirectionally reinforced composite materials by impregnating a continuous reinforcing fiber strand with a thermoplastic matrix in an impregnating bath containing a dispersion of a thermoplastic powder by measuring the width of the strand leaving the impregnating bath and using this measured value for regulating the polymer concentration in the impregnating bath.

Abstract: A waterproof felted material (10) has a thermoplastic polyolefin sheet (20) to which a thermoplastic fibrous polyolefin matting (30) is bonded with a portion of the fibers of the matting (40) embedded in and fused to the thermoplastic polyolefin sheet. A solidifying coating (50) may be applied to the matting.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating fibrous strands with plastic material as matrix material including: an impregnating core having an outer limiting surface; an impregnating shell defining a cavity therein having an inner limiting surface, the impregnating shell completely enveloping the impregnating core and being disposed with respect to the impregnating core such that the limiting surfaces together define an impregnating channel therebetween, the limiting surfaces concentrically enclosing the impregnating channel along a joint symmetry axis such that the impregnating channel has a ring-shaped cross section in a plane transverse to the joint symmetry axis, the ring-shaped cross section having an outside dimension which diminishes by stages in a flow direction for the impregnation, feeding channels for the fibrous strands and the matrix material being defined at an intake side of the impregnating channel and a discharge opening for impregnated fibrous strands being defined at an exit side of the impregnating chan

Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprises: resin supply means for supplying a first resin; a first shaping die; means for impregnating a first reinforcing material with the first resin; means for pulling the resin-impregnated first reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the structural rebar; material applying means for applying material for the outer cladding of the structural rebar to the core; and mold means for molding the outer cladding layer into a desired configuration on the core. The material applying means for applying the outer cladding includes means for applying an inner cladding layer over the core and means for applying an outer cladding layer over the inner layer. The inner cladding layer includes a second thermosetting resin containing a second reinforcing material, and the inner cladding layer applying means is configured so that the second reinforcing material is applied substantially unidirectionally along the longitudinal axis of the core.

Abstract: Shaped load-carrying structures are fabricated using bamboo linear fibers with a compatible bonding material and synthetic polymers such as polyesters, epoxies, and polyolefins. The structures are manufactured by coating at least one of bamboo culms, split bamboo culms, bamboo fiber tape, or prepared bamboo fibers with a bonding material to produce a core. The core is then combined with a polymer matrix and extruded or molded to form a structure having the desired shape. The structures compare favorably with wood, steel, and concrete regarding strength, longevity, price and ability to withstand earthquakes. The structures may be used as beams, columns, telephone poles, and marine piles.

Abstract: A method for compression molding a resin-impregnated preform to fabricate an impact-resistance, fiber-reinforced composite fan blade for use in a high bypass turbofan engine. The method is compatible with the use of high viscosity resin systems that contribute greater impact resistance to the fan blade, but whose flow through the fan blade during molding would cause unacceptable movement of the reinforcing fibers. The method entails restricting the flow of the resin system within the preform through selective placement of a resin-impervious material on certain surfaces of the preform, so as to prevent resin loss and fiber movement during the compression molding operation.

Abstract: A method of making a toothed belt. A toothed belt is made by guiding a strip of fabric to pass through a thermosetting resin to soak it with thermosetting resin, then the soaked fabric is guided to pass through a pair of toothed rollers to form a series of toothed grooves thereon, thereafter the fabric is guided to pass around a plane roller and simultaneously rubber material is fed into the space between the outer peripheral surface of the plane roller and said fabric. Then, the fabric is wound onto a cylindrical mold having corresponding toothed grooves thereon and its two ends are glued together to loop around the cylindrical mold, then reinforcing cords and rubber sheets are covered over the fabric. Finally, the rubber material is vulcanized to form a toothed belt. Fabrics treated by the method demonstrate considerately greater flexibility or extendibility to comply with bending when under operation. Furthermore, the tooth contour of the belt will be more accurate than conventional ones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along its length utilizes first and second elements which define an aperture therebetween. The elements are advantageously roller elements having grooves around their circumference which change in size and shape. A core die can be used for creating the interior of the element and a fiber weave can be wrapped around the core die to create the body of the elongated member. The core is pulled through the aperture between the first and second elements as the elements rotate in opposite directions to create the varying shape.

Abstract: It can be selected whether to form a both-side wobble groove whose both side walls wobble by irradiating two light beams while oscillating the same along the radius of a magneto-optical master disk, or to form a one-side wobble groove one of whose side walls alone wobbles by irradiating two light beams while fixing one of the same and oscillating the other along the radius of the magneto-optical master disk. Then, either a single one-side or both-side groove for tracking-use is formed by irradiating both the two light beams on a photo-resist applied on a glass substrate in accordance with address data. As a result, grooves of different types, both-side and one-side grooves, can be formed continuously in the exposing process.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus is provided to mold and cure soft contact lenses. At a first station, front curve mold halves are partially filled with a polymerizable monomer. At a second station, a surfactant coating may be applied to a flange on the front curve mold half to provide subsequent preferential adhesion of any excess hydrogel to a back curve mold half at the time the mold halves are separated. At a third station, the mold halves are assembled under vacuum, and clamped to displace any excess hydrogel from the mold cavity. This clamping step firmly seats the back curve mold half, severs any excess monomer from the monomer in the cavity, defines the lens edge, and seals the cavity in a vacuum. Following assembly of the mold halves, the assembly is transported to a precure station and reclamped, and the monomer is precured with actinic radiation, such as UV, to partially cure the monomer to a gel like consistency.

Abstract: A process of making a fiber-reinforced polymeric material comprises sliding a fiber bundle over an arcuate support surface (2) in the line of the arc, and injecting into the bundle a molten or liquid polymer through a plurality of slots (4) in the surface, each slot being transverse to the bundle. The process allows effective impregnation of materials, at relatively high production speed and low capital costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for producing composite reinforcement elements having high tensile strength and anchoring points for retaining the elements in concrete or masonry. The apparatus includes a creel station having a plurality of fibers, and a placement station for arranging the fibers into a multi-fiber roving. The roving is passed through a resin bath for coating the roving with a corrosion resistant material. The coated roving is heated so as to partially cure the coating material. The roving is then continuously pulled through a rotary die station which imparts a desired shape or profile to the composite element. The element is also heated in the rotary die station so as to complete the curing process.

Abstract: Long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin compositions are made by passing a loosened continuous fiber bundle web through a coating die having a resin discharge outlet and coating at least one side of upper and lower sides of the web with a thermoplastic resin melt discharged from the resin discharge outlet. The web is pulled from the coating die in a generally horizontal downstream running direction. While the resin-coated continues fiber bundle web is being pulled generally horizontally the resin-coated continuous fiber bundle web is brought into contact with a plurality of upper and lower bars located downstream and outside of the coating die and arranged such that respective contact positions between web and the bars are generally in a horizontal plane, and such that the longitudinal axis of each of the bars is oriented transversely relative to the downstream running direction of the web. In such a manner, the web is impregnated with the resin melt to thereby form a fiber-reinforced composition.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for producing a long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin compositions by initially loosening a continuous fiber bundle by a fiber loosening device so as to form a moving web-like continuous fiber bundle. At least one side of the moving web-like continuous fiber bundle which passes through the die is coated with a thermoplastic resin melt extruded through a slit disposed in the die by an extruder. The slit has substantially the same width as that of the web-like continuous fiber bundle to provide an even supply of the resin melt in the width direction of the web-like continuous fiber bundle. A thermoplastic resin melt is supplied to the slit via a plurality of resin supply paths which are branched successively on the same plane. The resin supply paths are positioned so as to be symmetrically planar with respect to the central axis of the root paths thereof.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of mouldings, especially optical lenses, specifically contact lenses (CL), a starting material that is crosslinkable by the impingement of suitable energy is introduced into a mould (1) having a cavity (15), which mould is at least partially permeable to the energy concerned. The starting material is introduced into the cavity in a still at least partially uncrosslinked state, the mould cavity determining the shape of the moulding (CL) to be produced. By means of impingement of the energy concerned, the starting material is crosslinked to an extent sufficient for it to be possible for the moulding (CL) to be released from the mould. The filling of the mould cavity is carried out in the starting material that is still at least partially in the uncrosslinked state.

Abstract: A method for performing resin injected pultrusion employing different resin materials is provided. The method comprises impregnating the interior layers of a pultrusion reinforcement pack with a first resin material, adding the exterior layers to form a pultrusion pack and impregnating the pack with a resin material substantially nonidentical to the first resin material.

Abstract: A method of making a bonded and creped type absorbent paper web that has improved bulk to peel strength characteristics includes steps of (a) printing a low density pattern of a bonding material onto a first and a second side of a paper web; and (b) in no particular sequence with respect to step (a), printing a high density pattern of a bonding material onto the first side of the paper web. Steps (a) and (b) are performed so that the high density pattern of bonding material penetrates into the paper web by a distance that is about 166 to about 470 percent of the distance by which the low density pattern of bonding material penetrates into the web. This results in a web that has superior bulk and peel strength characteristics. Another characteristic of the product is that it has a visible depression pattern in one surface, but not the other surface, which creates an attractive aesthetic effect and has functional benefits as well.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens screening method suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: A method of making a glittering cube-corner sheeting, which method includes: (a) providing a first retroreflective sheeting that includes an array of cube-corner elements arranged in a repeating pattern; and (b) exposing the first retroreflective sheeting to heat, pressure, or a combination thereof to produce a second retroreflective sheeting that comprises an array of cube-corner elements that are randomly tilted; or which method may comprise: (a) providing a mold that has a structured surface that includes a multiplicity of cube-comer elements, the cube-corner elements each including a base plane and three faces, the cube-corner elements being arranged such that the base planes do not reside in the same plane when the sheeting is laid flat; and (b) forming a cube-corner sheeting from the mold.

Abstract: An aspherical lens, which is to be used as an objective lens for an optical pickup of an optical disc apparatus, has at least one optical functional surface of the lens formed to be rotationally asymmetric so as to generate astigmatism of axial wavefront aberration for cancelling off-axis astigmatism. The lens is manufactured by press molding an optical material such as glass or resin. At least one of the dies is formed by etching a rotationally symmetric surface of a base material, unevenly. Thereby, the etched surface becomes rotationally asymmetrically aspherical in shape.

Abstract: To prepare a glass fiber-reinforced composite material, a glass fiber strand is drawn through an agitated aqueous powder dispersion of a coupling agent over a deflection body, the water is removed, the powder is melted onto the glass fiber strand and the pretreated fiber strand is subsequently impregnated with polyolefins by means of melt pultrusion.