Abstract: For the fast and rational manufacture of moulded articles, specifically contact lenses, that are partly colored or have regions of different colors, by the casting process, measured amounts of two or more crosslinkable materials of different colors are introduced into the casting mould in the uncrosslinked stated unmixed and, after closing the casting mould, are crosslinked together. By suitably controlling the introduction of the different crosslinkable materials with regard to location and/or time the merging of the colors and the transitions between the colors in the contact lens are influenced in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The process for making an antenna lens having a lens core and a coating layer surrounding it includes making a stiff shell (1,2) forming a lens coating layer in a predetermined shape suitable for the antenna lens so that the stiff shell has a hollow space, and filling the hollow space of the shell with a flowing, powdery or paste-like material to form the lens core.

Abstract: A method of molding an illumination device using an open mold is provided. The method allows for the addition of light extraction structures to a prefabricated light guide using a curable material. A mold containing the extraction structures is first provided. Curable molding material and the prefabricated light guide are placed into the mold, and an overlay comprising light extraction structures is cured onto the light guide, providing a functional illumination device.

Abstract: A microplate and a method for manufacturing microplates. The microplate is designed to reduce optical cross-talk during the assaying of samples. The microplate includes a plurality of wells having light permeable sidewalls, a layer of light permeable material forming a bottom of the wells, and ribs of light impermeable material extending through the layer of light permeable material. The method includes steps of inserting a plate of light permeable material into a mold cavity that includes sections shaped to form the sidewalls of the plurality of wells, injecting molten light impermeable material into the mold cavity, and cooling the light impermeable material to form the microplate with the light impermeable material forming the sidewalls of each of the plurality of wells and the plate of light permeable material forming the bottom wall of each of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for depositing a polymeric element having a gradient in index of refraction that traverses the element from one surface to an opposite surface (axially graded refractive index). Two (or more) monomers are mixed in varying proportions and spray-deposited onto a substrate to form a layer. Each layer is then exposed to light to form a polymeric layer, and another layer deposited. Where the light is UV radiation and a light-sensitive catalyst that is also sensitive to the ambient atmosphere is used, then an inert gas dispenser, which provides an inert gas over the monomer layer, may be employed in conjunction with the UV radiation. Several layers are thus spray-deposited and exposed to light, each layer comprising a different mix of the two monomers, thereby providing each layer with a different index of refraction.

Abstract: An intraocular lens of one-piece body consisting of supporting portions 34 and an optical portion 32 is formed by forming an annular supporting-portion-forming blank 2 composed of a polymerization product for supporting portion 34, which has a thickness to form the supporting portion 34 for an intraocular lens and has a through hole 4 formed by concentrically drilling the central portion on the basis of the outer diameter of the blank; forming a composite-lens-forming blank 24 by filling in the through hole a monomer composition 16 for forming another polymerization product 22 for the optical portion followed by polymerizing it whereby the polymerization product 22 is formed integrally in the through hole; and processing the blank 24 on the basis of its outer diameter.

Abstract: A polarizing lens for sunglasses comprising a laminate having a polarizing thin layer and supporting layers made from polycarbonate-resin being laminated on both surfaces of the thin layer, and a method and an apparatus for producing said polarizing lens. The laminate used for the inventive polarizing lens is formed as a oblong in which polarizing axis is corresponded to the cross direction thereof, and is so curved as to have a non-spherical curved surface whose curve along the direction of polarizing axis is shaper than curve along the direction orthogonal to the polarizing axis.

Abstract: In encapsulating an optocomponent with a plastics material, an MT-connector compatible interface is obtained having bores for guide pins in the wall of the capsule and optical connection surfaces. These bores are obtained from mold cavity guide pins that are used for aligning the optocomponent in a mold cavity in a mold in the molding operation of the encapsulating material on top of the component. In order to achieve a good accuracy in the positioning of the component during the molding operation, the mold guide pins are as short as possible and end directly behind the component where they are supported by projections extending from each mold half. Thus, cavities are created extending straight through the capsule behind the component. The cavities allow that the guide pin bores are cleansed and that material residues are removed after the molding operation. Further, the cavities can be used for spring clamps for retaining the optocomponent capsule at an optical connector having a similar interface.

Abstract: A method for making multilayer optical films is provided in which the degradation of the optical extinction of the thinnest optical layers is avoided by casting these layers close to the casting wheel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and coating a plastic lens. Oxygen barrier containing photoinitiator is used to cure incompletely cured lens portions. Radiation pulses are used to control lens curing rate. Lens is postcured while in a mold cavity using a conductive heat source.

Abstract: A contact lens button and a block are integrally formed together when the contact lens button is cast in a cup having an aperture formed in the center of the bottom wall of the cup. The block has a first elongated end forming a spindle and a second end which is of circular, generally planar configuration. The spindle end is inserted through the aperture in the bottom wall of the cup providing an interference fit with the circular end portion located inside the cup spaced parallel to and slightly upwardly from the bottom wall, and the first spindle end extends exteriorly of the cup. A quantity of liquid lens material is dispensed into the cup, completely surrounding the circular end portion of the block. The material cures around the block second end, with the formed button and block removable from the cup as a single unit. The block first end is secured to a lathe chuck for rotating the button to cut the concave base surface of the lens.

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 sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves cutting a circumferential groove into the edge region of the device at the ion-conducting interface of its substrates. Sealant is then applied to the groove. Sealed devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing dentures having a synthetic resin base comprises a flask tank provided with a tank closure which is opened when a flask is brought into and out of the tank and when resin is to be injected into the flask and which is closed when wax is to be removed. The flask tank has a wax pattern heater and is formed with fluid channels adapted to communicate with a resin injecting gate of the flask for successively supplying cleaning hot water, drying air and separating agent to the interior of the flask therethrough.

Abstract: An optical transmission line is formed and thereafter solidified using an optical transmission line forming material in the fluid condition. The optical transmission line formed between optical transmission terminals assures higher reliability and never generates disconnection or internal stress therein.

Abstract: A storage solution for a hydrogel contact lens comprising a material having polar groups at one end and non-polar groups at the other end. The storage solution desirably further contains an oil. The material comprising polar and non-polar groups modifies the surface properties of the lens and facilitating the formation of a lipid layer over the lens.

Abstract: A large, monolithic sapphire structure for use in mid-IR military applications, such as, for example, a window or screen for radar detection equipment. The structure is made by bonding together two or more smaller sapphire panes by a method including the steps of coating a surface of each of the panes with a magnesia vapor and contacting the magnesia-coated surfaces with each other in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature (e.g., about 1500.degree. C. and 2000.degree. C.) and for a time period (e.g., about 45 minutes to about ten hours) sufficient to form a continuous magnesia-alumina spinel interlayer bond between the panes.

Abstract: A blank for preparing artificial tooth parts, such as inlays, overlays or partial and complete crowns and bridges comprises a body of laminate material. The body has at least one layer of high abrasive resistance, at least one layer of high breaking strength, and at least one layer of lower hardness and breaking strength. For forming the tooth part, material is removed from the blank in such a way that the layer having high fracture strength forms a reinforcing structure. In a single working step, a tooth part of high strength can be machined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for impressing a diffraction image into an oriented polymeric film wherein, after orientation of the film, the temperature of the film is raised to a desired annealing temperature, the film temperature being continuously maintained above room temperature while a diffraction pattern is embossed directly into the surface of the film.

Abstract: A method of making a long, thin, flexible lens. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold having a top surface shape corresponding to a desired lens shape. A curable optical material is dispenses onto the top surface. A thin, flexible structural layer is placed onto the top surface, over the curable optical material to form a mold assembly. The mold assembly is cured. The flexible lens is removed from the mold top surface. The flexible lens is capable of flexing in at least a 180.degree. arc while maintaining its diffraction limited optical characteristics.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an optical plastic article formed of a plastic resin composition and having a homogeneous construction and a surface shape within a predetermined dimensional accuracy. A first step includes injection molding melted resin of the plastic resin composition into a mold cavity to produce a primary molding. A second step includes injection molding melted resin of the plastic resin composition which is the same as in the first step over at least a portion of the primary molding to form a secondary molding melt-welded to the primary molding and having the surface shape within the predetermined dimensional accuracy. The secondary molding has a secondary molding maximum thickness less than a limit thickness at which shrinkage exceeds limits of the predetermined dimensional accuracy. The optical plastic article has an optical plastic article thickness defined by the primary molding and the secondary molding greater than the limit thickness.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a non-metallic dental prosthesis including a ceramic frame and an esthetic ceramic veneer including the steps of: preparing the ceramic frame by press molding a composition comprising from 1 to 50 parts by weight glass particles and from 50 to 99 parts by weight ceramic particles at a molding temperature from 800 to 1300.degree. C.; applying a slurry comprising a dental ceramic veneering composition to the thus prepared ceramic frame; and firing the ceramic frame having the slurry applied thereto at a temperature lower than the molding temperature to produce said dental prosthesis. The dental ceramic veneering composition may have a melting point at least 50.degree. C. less than the molding temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided of manufacturing an optical element having an optical axis, and including a plurality of definable adjacent zones of optical material, each zone having a definable refractive index different from the refractive index of an adjacent zone and an Abbe number, the zones of optical materials being arranged parallel to each other to define a profile of refractive indices which is symmetric about a plane of symmetry along the optical axis of the element and parallel to the zones.

Abstract: A hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens having a front surface which is not to be in contact with the cornea of a human eye when the contact lens is worn on the human eye, wherein at least the front surface of the contact lens is coated with a hydrophilicity rendering material which renders the front surface hydrophilic and which is selected from the group consisting of: (A) hydrophilic silicone oil which is represented by the formula given in the specification and whose viscosity at a temperature of 20.degree. C. is not higher than 5,000 centipoise; (B) polysaccharide or its derivative; and (C) denatured collagen whose average molecular weight is in a range of 400.about.100,000. Also disclosed is a method of producing the hydrophilic oxygen permeable contact lens.

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: New intraocular lenses (IOLs) and methods for producing IOLs. The present methods include a combination of steps which increase the pull strength between the fixation member of the IOL and the optic of the IOL without requiring sophisticated high frequency corona discharge activation or plasma activation or other exotic activation of the fixation member or primer coating of the fixation member. The silicone polymeric optic members employed in the present invention can be formed, for example, molded, without recesses to accommodate the fixation members. Such recesses can be formed and provided with a quantity of silicone polymeric material precursor composition after the optic members are produced. The fixation members are then placed in the recesses and secured to the optic members. The present methods are straight forward, easy to practice and are cost effective in producing high quality IOLs.

Abstract: The polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or copolymer thereof used to produce one-piece intraocular lenses is modified by a compression molding process to produce a much tougher material with improved mechanical properties. The process takes material in rod form and compresses into lens blanks. The molded lens blanks receive little or no compression strain in the center 4 mm optic zone. The compression is limited to the periphery region outside the center 4 mm zone. The intraocular lens fabricated from the molded lens blank exhibits greatly increased haptic mechanical properties and resistance to breakage.

Abstract: New intraocular lenses (IOLs) and methods for producing IOLs. The present methods include a combination of steps which increase the pull strength between the fixation member of the IOL and the optic of the IOL without requiring sophisticated high frequency corona discharge activation or plasma activation of the fixation member. The fixation members are doubly coated with primer components and silicone polymeric material precursor compositions before being secured to the optics. In addition, the optic members employed in the present invention can be formed, for example, molded, without recesses to accommodate the fixation members. Thus, such recesses can be formed and provided with a quantity of the above-noted precursor composition after the optic members are produced. The doubly coated fixation members are then placed in the recesses and secured to the optic members. The present methods are straight forward, easy to practice and are cost effective in producing high quality IOLs.

Abstract: A multi-colored lens assembly is produced in a multi-station injection molding apparatus having non-indexing ejector halves and indexing cover halves. Material is shot on an unexposed illumination side of the lens assembly from valve gated nozzle drops contained in the non-indexing ejector halves thereby producing a viewing side of the lens assembly free of surface blemishes and surface stress defects. Lens assemblies are retained in the indexing cover halves by retention mechanisms provided to overlap peripherally extreme features of the lens assemblies. Lens assemblies are affirmatively released from the non-indexing ejector halves by ejection pins or blades simultaneously with parting of the mold halves.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cross-linked polymeric article, which process includes: providing a cross-linkable polymeric casting composition; and a photochromic composition; subjecting the cross-linkable polymeric casting composition to partial cure, such that the polymer reaches or exceeds its point of gelation; contacting the partially cured gelled polymer with the photochromic composition; and curing the gelled polymer.

Abstract: A birefringent interference polarizer which may be fabricated from readily available materials using established coextrusion techniques is provided. The polarizer has a level of light absorption near zero and can be fabricated to polarize and reflect light of specific wavelengths while transmitting light of other wavelengths. The polarizer includes multiple alternating oriented layers of at least first and second polymeric materials having respective nonzero stress optical coefficients which are sufficiently different to produce a refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a first plane which is different from the refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a second plane normal to the first plane. The refractive index mismatch in the first plane is preferably at least 0.03.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of plastic plates with very finely structured surface using an extrusion system which is equipped with an extruder and a three roll polishing stack containing a roller with the structuring surface. The system is designed for coextrusion and the plastic plates are produced via two extruders as a coextrudate CX from a highly viscous basic molding compound BF and a low viscosity molding compound NF which is extruded on BF. The surface of said plates is structured via the three roll polishing stack. Fresnel lenses produced by the process may be used in solar collectors.

Abstract: A device and method for making artificial eyes. The device uses either photographs of a patient's eye, or, the patient's eye is digitally scanned. This digital image can then be read, manipulated and changed on a computer screen using common software. Once the image is perfected, it can be printed with a color laser printer. The image (either a digital printout or photograph) can then be cut and attached to an iris button. To prevent smearing of the image during the curing, a formed bonnet is placed between the iris button and the cornea. This bonnet absorbs the compression of the cornea during curing, thereby preventing smearing of the image.

Abstract: A financial transaction card for reading externally stored information includes a transparent, substantially non-foldable rigid base and a strip for carrying machine readable information. The rigid base comprises a magnifying lens. The lens is formed by machining a shallow cavity in the rigid base; partially filling the cavity with a radiation curable liquid resin; impressing a lens pattern on the surface of the resin with a die; and exposing the resin to radiation of sufficient intensity to cure the resin.

Abstract: In manufacturing an optical semiconductor device, light-emitting elements are mounted on their respective printed boards of an insulating plate with a silver paste interposed therebetween. A sealing mold having a shape (a lens forming portion) necessary for forming a projected lens is adhered to the major surface of the insulating plate in accordance with each of the light-emitting elements of each of the printed boards. A liquid epoxy resin having a melt viscosity of 100 Pa.multidot.s to 200 Pa.multidot.s is continuously injected into the sealing mold with the lens forming portion of the sealing mold downward. The liquid epoxy resin is then hardened to form a projected, domed lens on each of the light-emitting elements. After that, the sealing mold is removed, and the insulating plate is separated for each of the light-emitting elements into surface-mounted optical semiconductor devices each having a projected, domed lens.

Abstract: Methods for quickly and inexpensively producing photochromic non-prescription (e.g., sunglasses, safety glasses, reading glasses, etc.), prescription, multifocal and progressive plastic optical quality eyeglass. The lenses are formed by a process wherein a thin wafer lens is deformed to assume the curvature of a base lens. Deformation may be by heat treatment and application of pressure while adhering the wafer lens against a base lens. The invention further concerns lenses produced by the methods. The lenses are characterized by an extremely rapid photochromic response.

Abstract: A method of making a gradient index optical element includes a step in which a comonomer mixture is prepared. The comonomer mixture is then injected into a preformed forming body. The forming body containing therein the comonomer mixture is subsequently processed at a constant temperature to cause the forming body to swell. Finally, the comonomer mixture contained in the swelled forming body is polymerized.

Abstract: New intraocular lenses and methods for producing such lenses are included. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens includes an optic; and at least one fixation member, e.g., haptic, secured to and extending from the optic, the fixation member being made from a compressed item having a compressed thickness and made of a polymer selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate homopolymers, methyl methacrylate-containing copolymers and mixtures thereof, the compressed item being derived by subjecting an item having a thickness to compression, preferably along an axis substantially parallel to the thickness, to reduce the thickness, provided that the compressed item has increased tensile strength relative to the item and is substantially no less intraocular lens manufacturable than is the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a molded ophthalmic lens from between the mold portions in which it is produced. A source of intense electromagnetic radiation is applied to at least one of the mold portions in a predetermined scanning pattern through the intermediary of galvanometer-driven mirrors. Differential expansion of the heated mold polymer relative to the cooler polymer shifts one surface with respect to the other, and the shear force breaks the polymerized lens/polymer mold adhesion and assists in the separation of mold portions. The greater the temperature gradient between the surfaces of the mold portions, the greater the shearing force and the easier the mold portions separate. The heated back mold portion is promptly removed so that very little energy is transferred to the polymer lens, avoiding the possibility of thermal decomposition of the lens.

Abstract: A method of producing a dioptric photochromic semi-finished lens, a diopter of which is to be imparted by grinding a concave surface of the semi-finished lens. Color concentration between a center portion and a peripheral portion is maintained at a fixed color concentration independent of the diopter of the lens and the lens is shockproof. In the method, after mixing a photochromic material with a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin to make a sheet, the sheet is processed to have a spherical surface sheet, set in a mold and thermoplastic polycarbonate resin is injected in the mold to be bonded with the sheet.

Abstract: A lens body or article with lens is produced by forming lens-forming defining lines on the surface of a substrate, coating a lens-forming resin on the surface to thereby allow the lens-forming resin to swell in a convex form between the lens-forming defining lines by means of the repellency of the lens-forming resin with the lens-forming defining lines, and then curing the lens-forming resin. To this method is added a step of providing an image on the substrate to obtain an article with lens having the image. The image can stereoscopically be seen through the article with lens obtained by this method.

Abstract: This invention provides a molded polymeric object, partially or completely coated with a hydrophilic polymer which provides a wettable surface to the molded object such as a contact lens. It also provides a process for using latent-hydrophilic monomers to make molded objects with wettable surfaces.

Abstract: A system for staking a haptic to an optic to form an intraocular lens using a laser beam operating near the infrared range with a coaxial aiming laser beam operating in the visible range. A portion of the haptic is inserted into the optic through a radial bore and is exposed through an axial bore spanning from the optic upper surface to the radial bore. The coaxial laser beams are collimated and then focused using a microscope objective through the axial bores, onto the exposed haptic. Aiming of the coaxial beams onto the optic and haptic is aided by the use of a magnifying CCD camera positioned with its optical axis at a 45.degree. angle to the optic horizontal plane. The coaxial lasers, which are typically focused to a minor diameter which is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the axial bore, make contact with the exposed haptic. Consequently, the haptic is melted and is then allowed to cool, coalescing into a bead staking the haptic to the optic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making an intraocular implant having a flexible lens. The method includes in using a mold having two parts (12) and (16) which are disposed on either side of a plate (20), e.g. made of PMMA, which plate includes a central orifice. The material (32) that is to constitute the lens portion is disposed in the central cavity of the mold. This material may be an acrylic, for example. After unmolding, the plate (20) is machined to make the haptic, and optionally the part (32) is machined to make the lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle sunroof having variable optical transmission and a method for making the same. Specifically, a vehicle sunroof is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a relatively thin film having variable optical transmission and a relatively thick substrate layer of clear plastic material adhered to a surface of the relatively thin film. The relatively thin film is positioned in a first molding die of a pair of injection molding dies such that it is adjacent a surface of the first die. The relatively thick substrate layer is adhered to one surface of the relatively thin film while in contact therewith in a molten state under heat and pressure within a cavity defined by the injection molding dies.

Abstract: New intraocular lenses and methods for producing such lenses. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens includes an optic; and at least one fixation member, e.g., haptic, secured to and extending from the optic, the fixation member being made from a rotated item including a polymer, the rotated item being derived by placing an item having a thickness and the same chemical make-up as the rotated item between two surfaces so that the surfaces each contact the item and are separated by the thickness, and rotating at least a portion of one of the surfaces around an axis substantially parallel to the thickness, provided that the intraocular lens has increased tensile strength relative to a substantially identical intraocular lens made from the original item. Methods of making intraocular lenses are also included.

Abstract: A synthetic resin layered lens for a vehicle lighting device in which an upper lens layer is disposed on a lower lens layer thereby forming a layered lens of integral construction. The lower lens layer is molded in a state that the surface of the lower lens layer where it contacts the upper lens layer, faces the injection gate. The gate scar of the lower layer is thus hidden by the upper layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming on-site tinted and coated optical elements from a mold having a polymer release layer; an optical coating, such as an anti-reflective coating; a coupling agent layer to bind to the optical coating and having unreacted chemical groups; and a hard coat layer having unreacted chemical groups. The hard coat may be tinted with dyes that are standard in the art. The mold can be shipped to a lab that prepares optical elements, such as ophthalmic lenses, after the coupling agent layer is added or after the hard coat layer, optionally tinted, is added. When using the mold with a lens resin having unreacted chemical groups, the coupling agent layer, hard coat layer, optionally tinted, and optical element all crosslink as the optical element is cured to form, on-site, a durable and stable lens with chemically bound optical coatings.

Abstract: A dental restoration part is produced from a ceramic material by a method ultrasonic working. The method includes forming a negative mold from a master sonotrode, forming a pre-working sonotrode from the negative mold, and ultrasonically working a workpiece using the pre-working sonotrode. The master sonotrode is then used to ultrasonically work the workpiece to form the dental restoration part.

Abstract: A deformable-elastic intraocular lens comprising a deformable-elastic lens body of crosslinked acrylic material formed of copolymers of methacrylate and acrylate esters which are relatively hard and relatively soft at body temperature, crosslinked with a diacrylate ester to produce an acrylic copolymer having a substantially tack-free surface, a crosslink density of between .?.0.5.times.10.sup.-2 and 1.5.times.10.sup.-2 .!. .Iadd.0.23.times.10.sup.-1 and 1.66.times.10.sup.-1 .Iaddend.moles per liter, and glass transition temperature in the range of -30.degree. C. to 25.degree. C., a tensile modulus between 1000 and 3000 psi and a elongation a break of 100% or greater.