Abstract: A lens blank having a finished optical surface is cast from a liquid monomer beneath an optical surfaced mold made from a resinous material which adheres to the polymerized lens material. The lower mold having a non-optical surface is made from a resinous material which will not adhere to the polymerized solid lens material. Ultra sonic vibrations are used to dislodge and clean particulate matter from the optical mold before polymerization of the liquid lens monomer.

Abstract: A method of fabrication and the resulting structure for a birefringent transmission line having particular application as an optical waveguide. The instant transmission line is fabricated so as to be adapted to maintain the state (e.g. the polarization vector) of polarized electromagnetic radiation propagating therethrough. Birefringence in the instant transmission line is geometrically generated by producing oblong regions having different indices of refraction through a cross-section of the transmission line. A preferred technique by which to generate birefringence includes the method step of bombarding the transmission line with a supply of atomic particules, such as energetic hydrogen ions, whereby to implant a damaged region of oblong cross-section and thereby cause an internal swelling therein. By way of a preferred example, the transmission line herein described may be a single-mode optical fiber.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing diffracting phase structures in an interaction medium, which is formed of microballs of material in suspension in a polymerizable liquid. When illumination rings have been recorded by the interference of two light waves, they are fixed in situ by exposing the mixture to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Methods for accurately joining objects, especially optical objects, are disclosed comprising contacting the objects with light curable composition, causing light to transit at least one of the objects, evaluating the light, positioning the objects in response to the evaluation and irradiating the composition to harden it, thus to fixedly maintain a preselected spatial orientation among the objects.

Abstract: A method of and a device for high-precision moulding of transparent objects is described. Before the object assumes its final shape, a radiation beam is passed through the moulds of a moulding device and the material contained therein, and the intensity distribution of the radiation spot formed by the beam is compared with a reference, thereby enabling the moulds to be aligned very accurately, so that high-quality products can be manufactured.

Abstract: Polymerizable compositions are applied to substrates by a screen printing method in manufacturing video discs. This method reduces both relaxation times and internal stress marks in the polymerized composition.

Abstract: An optical recording medium for use with a recording apparatus of the type that focuses onto the medium, as the medium is moved in a prescribed fashion, a beam of light that is modulated in intensity in accordance with a data signal to be recorded. The recording medium includes a substrate having a smooth, planar upper surface, with a thin light-absorbing coating overlaying the surface, such coating including an explosive material such as nitrocellulose, and a light-absorbing dye. As the medium is moved with respect to the intensity-modulated beam, the explosive coating is selectively energized by the beam to induce spaced explosions threin, whereby corresponding optically readable irregularities, representative of the data signal, are formed in the outer surface of the coating.

Abstract: The granulation of molten material using a heat transfer process whereby solid particles are heated, dried, or cooled by a gas: Particles are repeatedly lifted and dropped as, for example, in flighted rotary drums. By forced recirculation, gas is passed through showering particles generally perpendicular to their plane of fall. Examples show gas forced to contact particles in this manner imparts an overall volumetric heat transfer coefficient to a rotary drum superior to that expected from classical literature or presently operating rotary drum heat exchangers. Disclosure teaches gas temperature adjustment between forced recirculations. Technique usage will reduce exchanger capital cost, increase energy efficiency, and reduce pollution problems. Also, prewetting of the particles in certain instances can be utilized to effect substantially increased pseudo volumetric heat transfer coefficients when cooling non-hygroscopic materials.

Abstract: A method for encapsulation of a liquid or meltable solid material, comprises the steps of forming a jet of a material to be encapsulated, simultaneously forming a coaxial jet of a capsule-forming material surrounding the jet of the material to be encapsulated, forming a coaxial jet of a heated circulating liquid surrounding the coaxial composite jet of the capsule-forming material and the material to be encapsulated, introducing the resultant coaxial triple jet into a flow of a cooling liquid to form capsules composed of a core of the material to be encapsulated and a capsule or coating film of the capsule-forming material. The heated circulating liquid has a temperature close to or higher than that of the capsule-forming material.

Abstract: A two-phase material comprises a higher-melting phase dispersed in a lower-melting matrix. The material made by the method is new since, although it consists of particles of a higher-melting-point phase (e.g. iron) dispersed in a lower-melting-point matrix (e.g. aluminium), the particles being of a material soluble in the matrix at the melting-point of the matrix, no perceptible dissolution of the particles is evident in the material. Such materials may find application as friction materials, for example, in brake pads, stair edging, decking and industrial flooring.

Abstract: More perfect, less porous hollow microspheres can be prepared by spray-drying dispersions of film-forming solids that contain certain organic solvents. The organic solvents are water-miscible and have boiling points of 100.degree. C. or more. The solvent is added just prior to spray drying and the resulting product has fewer cracks and/or holes. This improvement is especially beneficial to preparation systems involving alkali metal silicates and "polysalts.

Abstract: Substantially pure, free flowing, sodium amalgam particles of predetermined composition and controlled particle size are prepared for use as vaporizable fill for high pressure discharge lamp devices, whereby accurately measurable quantities of the sodium amalgam may be introduced into the lamp devices. A process for producing the substantially pure amalgam particles of accurately controlled size includes heating a mixture of sodium and mercury to form a melt, passing the melt through a vibrating discharge nozzle and subjecting the droplets so formed to an inert cooling fluid maintained at a temperature below the solidification point of the amalgam. An apparatus for producing the amalgam particles comprises a vessel to contain an alkali metal amalgam melt, a virbrating discharge nozzle adatped to form the melt into uniformly sized droplets, and a column of inert cooling fluid maintained at a low temperature at which the melt droplets are solidified.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming small accurately-spherical objects. Preformed largely-spherical objects (18) are supported at the opening of a conduit (16) on the update of hot gas emitted from the opening, so the object is in a molten state. The conduit is suddenly jerked away at a downward incline, to allow the molten object to drop in free fall, so that surface tension forms a precise sphere. The conduit portion that has the opening, lies in a moderate-vacuum chamber 40, and the falling sphere passes through the chamber and through a briefly-opened valve (30) into a tall drop tower (32) that contains a lower pressure, to allow the sphere to cool without deformation caused by falling through air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabrication method for molding a contact lens with the required optical qualities.This method consists in designing a mold (1, 2) of high thermal inertia, which is transparent to, or little absorbing the electromagnetic microwave frequencies between 10.sup.6 Hz and 10.sup.11 Hz, in developing a base composition from polymerizing double-bond monomers which are absorbing with respect to the above microwaves, and in ensuring the polymerization of the composition within the closed mold by irradiation with the above cited electromagnetic waves at a power density suited to keep the temperature at the mold level approximately below 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for producing urea prills by passing molten droplets of substantially water free urea downwardly through a cooling zone countercurrent to a cooling gas. A dispersion of crystalline particles is maintained in at least a portion of the cooling zone, the crystalline particles having average dimensions of between 2 and 10 microns and being dispersed in the cooling gas in a quantity of between about 8 and 25 mg per m.sup.3 of the cooling gas at ambient temperature and pressure, whereby urea prills, built up of relatively small crystallites with random orientation having improved impact strength are formed.

Abstract: In the processes for the production of solid particulate sulfur by prilling or granulation, wherein molten sulfur emanates from a spray means, such as a prilling device or spray nozzle, interruptions occur in the flow of sulfur from the spray means. The uneven flow of molten sulfur from a spray means can be substantially eliminated by applying vibration to the spray means, preferably in the diection of flow of molten sulfur through the spray means, at a low frequency in the range of 0.2 to 30 cycles per second. The molten sulfur emanating from the spray means is at a temperature of at least one Celsius degree above the melting temperature of sulfur and under a pressure of at least 250 Pa. The flow rate of sulfur from the spray means is uniform and steady, the particulate sulfur product is hard and closely sized, and the emission of sulfur fines discharging from the process is reduced.

Abstract: A method for granulating a metal melt wherein a tap stream of molten metal is granulated by directing a jet of gas having a trough-shaped cross-section against the side of the tap stream such that the tap stream is formed into droplets which are thrown into a parabolic trajectory. An additional gas jet is also directed towards the tap stream so that it hits both the trough-shaped gas jet and the tap stream, the additional gas jet acting to prevent the droplets of metal melt from moving towards the nozzle from which the trough-shaped jet of gas emanates. The nozzle which emits the trough-shaped jet of gas can thus be positioned very closely to the side of the tap stream without becoming clogged with deposited droplets of metal melt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabrication process for molding a contact lens evincing the required optical properties.This method consists in designing a mold (1,2) with a high thermal inertia, transparent to, or little absorbing electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 1 micron and 10.sup.-6 microns, in developing a base composition from polymerizing double-bond monomers which are absorbing with respect to these waves and in securing the polymerization of the composition inside the closed mold by irradiating with the above-cited electromagnetic waves at a power density such as to keep the temperature approximately less than 40.degree. C. at the mold level.

Abstract: A core/sheath vibrating system is utilized to produce core droplets within the sheath, which in turn form into microparticles through phase separation. The flow momentum is first arrested by means of an inclined surface, and the combination is thence deposited, in a continuous, helical channel extending from one end to the other of the inside of a hollow, rotating drum. Rotation of the drum moves the forming microspheres through the channel. At the exit end of the drum, the sheath fluid which carries suspended microspheres, may be filtered, and the microspheres collected and utilized.

Abstract: An optical lens having an absorbance of less than about 0.1 for visible radiation of a wavelength in the range of from about 400 to about 600 nanometers is prepared from a crosslinkable acrylic composition. The composition consists essentially of an acrylic monomer and an acrylated urethane oligomer and exhibits a shrinkage upon curing of less than about 0.4%. The lens is prepared by introducing the crosslinkable composition into a lens-forming means and curing it until it is substantially crosslinked.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing spherical particles or fibers with a specially fixed size from a melt of metal, slag, or flux, by introducing the melt onto the center of a rotating disk through a conduit so as to form a thin film stream of boundary layer on the disk; projecting the thin film stream at a high speed from the disk periphery into surrounding space to split up the film stream into linear streams; and cooling the linear streams for producing fibers or cooling droplets after further splitting of the each linear stream into droplets for producing spherical particles, with or without parallel or countercurrent gas flow to the linear streams.

Abstract: A mirror comprises a myriad of reflecting surfaces so aligned as to produce a virtual image which may be plain or focused. The surfaces may be irregular in outline to minimize or prevent glint patterns.

Abstract: Consolidation of very fine silicon powder into shotted form using heated crucible.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process of granulation comprising dropping as liquid droplets the melt of a substance solidifiable by cooling or drying through a zone having a sufficient vertical distance to allow solidification of the droplets, forming a fluidized bed of the solidified droplets on the bottom of the said zone, spraying the same or a different melt from the above mentioned substance as fine liquid grains along with a gas stream into the fluidized bed thereby forming a spouted bed of the solidified droplets in the fluidized bed, coating and enlarging the solidified droplets with the fine liquid grains inside the spouted bed, and discharging the obtained large sized granules from the fluidized bed. There is also disclosed an apparatus for practicing the process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the production of the precursor of alumina fiber. The process comprises causing a thick solution for alumina fiber having a viscosity in the range of from 500 to 2000 cps to be continuously fed through the feed pipe protruding into the opening at the center of a funnel-shaped disk and to be sent flying with hot compressed air and thereby converting the thick solution into fibers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing solid materials in form of microspheres or spherules for a number of applications, such as nuclear fuel, catalyst, fluid beds for fluidization and other like applications. An inert gas shield is provided to surround the droplets of liquid from which the microspheres shall be originated so as to prevent a premature reaction of such droplets with the reactive gas. Provision is made for renewing the braking foam placed over the liquid reactive bath and the reactive gas is supplied in the form of a blade-like stream so as to improve the contact time and intensity between the droplets and the reactive gas.

Abstract: A method is set forth wherein powder is produced by melting metal in a melting furnace where it is then poured into a tundish which directs the molten metal onto a spinning disc means. The tundish is located at the center of a nozzle plate which contains a plurality of annular nozzle means for directing a coolant flow downwardly around the spinning disc means at different radial positions. Controls are provided for controlling atmosphere in said apparatus. Further, controls are provided to control the speed of the disc means and the mass flow of the cooling fluid through each of the nozzle means.

Abstract: Starch fibrids useful in enhancing the physical properties of non-woven webs, e.g., paper, are produced by a process which comprises providing an aqueous, alkaline solution of a water-insoluble starch in a finely divided form, e.g., in the form of an aerosol, and introducing the finely divided starch solution into an agitated, aqueous precipitating medium comprising a precipitating salt to thereby produce starch fibrids characterized by having both film and fiber morphology. The starch fibrids are recovered from the salt-containing liquid and may be incorporated into paper to improve the physical properties thereof.

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: Process for rendering silicone rubber contact lenses hydrophilic by first reacting the silicone rubber with an oligomeric siloxane containing SiH groups in the presence of a catalyst and then subjecting the resulting equilibrated silicone rubber to a reaction with an aqueous base; or a silane addition reaction with a reactant containing C.dbd.C double bonds.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for producing frozen particulate compositions from liquid feedstock. A continuous stream of liquid feedstock is passed through an orifice and into a liquid freezant without the orifice contacting the freezant. Compositions produced by this improved method have low proportions of fine and large particles, yielding particularly beneficial results in the case of quality control materials. The compositions are advantageously employed in automated weighing and filling apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for producing relatively uniform hollow spheres of a substance, the hollow spheres being formed with a gas therein as a result of the production process. The spheres, formed for example of hydrogen isotopes, are particularly useful as a fuel target for laser fusion applications. In accordance with the method of the invention, a jet of the substance of which the spheres are to be formed is provided in liquid form. Relatively uniform gas bubbles are injected into the liquid jet. In this manner, the bubbles break up or separate the liquid jet into relatively uniform hollow spheres of the substance, each with a bubble of the gas inside. The hollow spheres can be visualized as liquid droplets, each having a relatively uniform gas bubble therein.

Abstract: An optical section of an intraocular lens has a pair of spaced apart threaded recesses which are threadingly locked to threaded shank sections of an iris retention loop. The shank sections are integrally joined to such loop so each shank section acts as an anchor preventing a screwing movement of the other shank relative to the optical section. A method is described of expanding a shank section of a lens retention member in situ within a threaded or other undercut recess of an optical section of an intraocular lens.

Abstract: The fatigue resistant optical fiber is fabricated by producing an optical fiber having an electrically conducting surface, heating the produced optical fiber, and coating the heated optical fiber with a material impervious to water and water vapor.

Abstract: A method of cutting spherical, aspheric and toric optical surfaces by rotating the lens around the optical axis and moving a cutting device on a X and Y axis to produce the desired lens shape. The energy provided by an infrared laser may be used for simultaneous machining and polishing the optical surface.

Abstract: A method for compressing gases in a contained volume consisting of hollow glass microspheres is described. The gases are compressed under high pressure and can be easily handled and stored. The gases to be compressed and contained in the microspheres are used as blowing gases to blow the microspheres.The hollow glass microspheres are made by forming a liquid film of molten glass across a coaxial blowing nozzle, applying the blowing gas at a positive pressure on the inner surface of the glass film to blow the film and form an elongated cylinder shaped liquid film of molten glass. A transverse jet is used to direct an entraining fluid over and around the blowing nozzle at an angle to the axis of the blowing nozzle. The entraining fluid as it passes over and around the blowing nozzle fluid dynamically induces a pulsating or fluctuating pressure field at the opposite or lee side of the blowing nozzle in the wake or shadow of the coaxial blowing nozzle.

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 bath bead composition is disclosed based on urea beads in combination with at least one active bath component selected from germicides, emollients, and surfactants. The composition dissolves in water to provide an approximately neutral solution, and is not irritating to the skin.

Abstract: A method of granulating metals is disclosed, wherein molten drops of metal are quenched in a treatment vessel. An inclined riser is connected to the lower portion of the treatment vessel by way of a bended transition section, and the particles of metal which have solidified during passage through the vessel pass through the bend and up the inclined riser. Compressed air is introduced into the lower part of the inclined riser to transport the metallic particles and associated water up the riser, with the particles being withdrawn from the vessel at such a rate that after discharge from the inclined riser, and removal of at least part of the water associated therewith, the metallic particles have a temperature which is above the temperature of the water in the vessel. The water level in the vessel is controlled by way of an overflow weir or other arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially instantaneous liquid molding of an article utilizing a radiation curable liquid composition and a forming mold transparent to the through passage of radiation so that radiation curing of the liquid composition is effected during the molding thereof.

Abstract: A method for coagulating a latex of a synthetic polymer having a coagulated latex particle formation temperature to form substantially spherical particles, the method comprising: forming substantially spherical latex particles by dispersing substantially spherical drops of the latex into a vessel or chamber containing a coagulating atmosphere which can be (i) a gaseous coagulant or (ii) a liquid coagulant in the form of a mist of drops having diameters such that the terminal settling velocity of the drops under free-falling conditions is in accordance with Stokes' Law, while maintaining the coagulant at the coagulated latex particle formation temperature and while causing water at the coagulated latex particle formation temperature to flow downward over the inner surface of the coagulation vessel to cause pluralities of polymer particles in a drop of the latex to coagulate to form substantially spherical coagulated latex particles.

Abstract: The method consists in a counter-current introducing of liquid sulfur into a vertical stream of air, having the linear velocity increasing downwards, from a velocity lower than the critical velocity of sulfur dust in the sprinkling zone to a velocity higher than the critical velocity of formed granule in the zone of intensive cooling. As an additional cooling medium water can be employed, introduced in form of a mist at the place of emission of the air from the column into the ambient atmosphere.The variable velocity of air is achieved through employing in the granulating apparatus the cross-sectional area increasing from the smallest in the zone of intensive cooling to the maximum area in the sprinking zone.After the method according to the invention granules can be produced, having any grain characteristic, high selectivity and smooth spherically formed surface, and high mechanical strength.

Abstract: A technique for correcting defects in lens surfaces caused during lens formation. During the formation of a plastic lens, a low melting point alloy block is applied to the convex surface of the lens to hold the lens for working and machining. Upon removal, a defect in the lens surface, such as distortion, warping or aberration may appear in the area which was beneath the low melting point alloy. Accordingly, the lens is treated by subjecting it to microwave energy until the defect is removed from the lens surface, thereby reducing waste in the lens forming process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing dust-free spheroidized magnetite beads comprising the steps of introducing raw magnetic ore particles in the presence of an inert non-oxidizing carrier gas to a carbon arc plasma flame assembly to which is fed a controlled amount of nitrogen and argon gas, melting the ore particles to form spheroidized droplets thereof, allowing the spheroidized droplets to fall by gravity in a chamber having a controlled atmosphere while at the same time sweeping the inside chamber wall with a vertical flow of air or an inert gas and providing a horizontal curtain of air or an inert gas at a specific location within the chamber to remove dust formed in the process. The droplets are cooled forming beads of ore, which may be used as a xerographic carrier without further processing.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a prilled product from a molten substance wherein steam or heated gas is passed through the nozzle which produces the prilled product prior to the introduction of the molten substance through the nozzle at the beginning of the process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling and collecting prills at the bottom of a prill tower including a fluidized prill bed and a rake rotatable therethrough.

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

Abstract: Molten sulfur is fed at a controlled flow rate into a spinning vessel located in an enclosure. Air is supplied to the enclosure by an evaporative cooler. A ring of sulfur ejecting nozzles each have an inlet communicating with the periphery of the vessel interior and an outlet communicating with the air in the enclosure. The molten sulfur is fed to the vessel at a rate lower than its discharge capacity. The sulfur is ejected from the nozzles at a temperature providing low viscosity directly into a cooling zone where its viscosity is rapidly increased and subsequently is atomized and cooled by fans on both sides of the ring of nozzles into which water is sprayed to form solid particles before appreciable agglomeration of the solid particle takes place. The solid particles are removed from the enclosure in a mixture with a substantial quantity of water saturated air, and then separated from the air by a centrifugal separator.

Abstract: An improved process for the granulation or coating of hygroscopic or nonhygroscopic materials where melt is sprayed onto cascading granules of common or uncommon substrate in an enclosed vessel, and where the heat given off by solidification of the melt is absorbed by evaporation of water. The water is atomized into the granulator as an extremely fine mist and evaporation is effected without impingement of mist on granules or granulator internals. An equation is developed which mathematically represents the thermodynamics of the process and specific values are presented for variables when granulating sulfur or urea.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for producing frozen particulate compositions from liquid feedstock. A continuous stream of liquid feedstock is passed through an orifice and into a liquid freezant without the orifice contacting the freezant. Compositions produced by this improved method have low proportions of fine and large particles, yielding particularly beneficial results in the case of quality control materials. The compositions are advantageously employed in automated weighing and filling apparatus.