Abstract: A technique for forming a mold to replicate large numbers of plastic articles, such as by injection or blow molding, wherein the mold contains a hologram or other microstructure for transfer to an outside surface of the molded article. The mold is made by electrodepositing a metal on a model of the article to be molded. Before this deposition, the hologram or other microstructure is formed on a surface area of the model by any one of several techniques. The result is a unitary mold piece in the shape of the article and having the hologram or other microstructure integrally formed on its inside surface.

Abstract: A granular body, from which an article having a nonuniform refractive index may be formed, has grains of two substances which have different refractive indicies in a geometric distribution in the granular body corresponding to the geometric distribution of the substances required for the nonuniform refractive index of the article and a way of shape-stabilizing the granular body. A method of making the granular body comprises controllably feeding the grains into the geometric distribution in the granular body and shape-stabilizing it. Preferably the granular body is compressed into a porous compact which holds itself together and is treated with a gas to achieve desired optic properties in the article.

Abstract: A method for coating a plastic lens element including applying a coating composition consisting substantially of reactants having at least triacrylate functionality, a photo-initiator and a polymerization inhibitor reactive with oxygen to the face of a mold. The coating is subjected to ultraviolet light in an oxygen containing environment such that a hard abrasion-resistant coating is formed. The mold is then filled with a lens forming composition which is reactive with acrylate groups of the coating at the coating/lens interface. The lens forming composition is permitted to cure in the mold with the lens forming composition being bonded to the lens coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a planar optical waveguide that is manufacturable by the compression molding or embossing of a multilayer film of polymeric material. In one embodiment, the waveguide comprises a core layer of relatively high refractive index included between cladding layers of lower refractive index. The waveguiding channels are bounded by regions where the cladding layers are in contact and from which core material has been excluded.

Abstract: A process for making optical mirrors which includes making a rough plaster casting to about the desired shape of the mirror, with the casting having a rough surface, and then applying successive thin layers of polyester resin to the surface of the rough casting to form a finished casting having a smooth coated surface suitable for use as an optical mirror.

Abstract: An optical simulator 10, shaped to be interchangeable with a complimentary connector 7 that intermates with an optical connector housing 6 having an optical emitter 4 and an optical detector 5, comprises an alignment fixture with connectors for intermating with the optical emitter 4 and the optical detector 5. Included is an optical fiber 11 formed in a loop and installed within the alignment fixture 12 with a first end face 15 of the loop 11 aligned with the emitter 4 and a second end face 16 of the loop 11 aligned with the detector 5 of the optical connector 6. The simulator 10 is a solid molded body of an electrically insulating material. The optical fiber formed in a loop 11 further comprises an optical fiber having a rigid thin coating of electroplated metal 14.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises a substantially clear optic and at least one filamentous haptic having high fracture toughness. The haptic is formed of a polymer composition comprising low concentrations of solid particles uniformly dispersed throughout a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a molded contact lens containing a transparent central visual region circumscribed by a colored iris portion which comprisesa. coating a colored liquid which is either curable or thermoplastic in a mold for making a contact lens onto a surface thereof where the iris portion of the lens is formed to produce a colored film thereon which film contains a surface exposed to the interior of the mold and a surface in contact with the mold,b. charging the mold with the resin used to form the body of the lens while maintaining the colored film in the iris portion and configuring the resin about the colored film whereby the surface of the film becomes integral with the body of the lens and the surface of the film becomes part of the outer surface of the lens when the molded lens is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making lenses and a composition of molding material which can be utilized in the method and apparatus for molding lenses of optical quality and an inhibitor for limiting further curing once the desired hardness have been obtained. A monomer is used with initiators in conjunction with the molding apparatus to mold plastic lenses of optical quality without requirement for any additional polishing or grinding, except for perhaps shaping the edges. The molding material includes a composition of liquid monomer with a thermal initiator and a UV initiator each of which can be activated during the molding process. Initially, the molding forms with the liquid monomer compositions therein are heated to activate the thermal initiator and form the molding material into a gel. The gelled material is then subjected to a UV light source for completing the cure. Prepolymerized molding material can be used in some instances to avoid an intermediate step of thermal curing.

Abstract: An electric heater is silk screened on an interior surface of a cellulose diacetate visor by applying silk screening ink through a silk screen mask to a flat cellulose diacetate blank. The ink is then dried by being heated to between 120.degree. F.-150.degree. F. for about 20 seconds, preferably by air jet drying. The cellulose diacetate sheet is then formed into visor shape and cured by heating in an oven at about 325.degree. F. for about 20 minutes on a drape and/or vacuum form. The temperature of the visor during the drying, as well as bending and curing stages, is carefully controlled to assure proper application of the ink as well as the mechanical integrity and transparency of the visor.

Abstract: Infrared transmitting optical components having a wide variety of substrates (e.g. ZnS, ZnSe, Ge, Si, SiO.sub.2) are disclosed all with an optical coating of boron phosphide (BP). The boron phosphide may be a single layer coating or one layer of a multilayer coating in which case it is preferably the penultimate layer. Coated components are provided which are very low in absorption, which are operable at high temperatures with minimal transmission loss, and which are transmitting in two IR wavebands. The boron phosphide layer is deposited by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition at a temperature in the range 300.degree.-500.degree. C. preferably using feedstock gases which are hydrogen-fee. Boron phosphide coatings of up to 40 .mu.m in thickness have been achieved.

Abstract: A camera mirror-drum with good precision and strength comprising a molded part in which glass fibers with an aspect ratio of 3-7 are dispersed in a resin at the overall proportion of 35-40% by weight, and a method and an apparatus for the manufacture of the mirror-drum.

Abstract: A method for making biomedical devices employing thermoplastic hydrogels on an operant surface thereof is described. The method generally involves heating a thermoplastic hydrogel to a temperature in the range of 50.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C. to a fluid flowable state, dispensing the fluid hydrogel onto the biomedical device and cooling the hydrogel to a substantially solid state. Microwave heating is preferred.

Abstract: A lens array of rod lenses (16), to be used for reading image data in document copier, facsimile, printer, white board scanner, and so on, is made by injection molding of a transparent resin in an already made plastic lens-holding frame (3) having an array of through-holes (2) and gates (1) leading to respective through-holes (2) for injecting melted transparent resin therethrough, both ends of the through-holes having cores (6) and (7) with concave faces.

Abstract: A method for designing and constructing component part removable partial dentures comprising designing the removable partial denture in tooth-supported and tissue-borne components provided with mechanical locks, waxing the design onto an investment model, casting the components, finishing the components, fitting the components onto a master cast, and locking the components together on the master cast or in the patient's mouth to form a single rigid unit using visible light cured resin around and over mechanical locks cast into the frame components.

Abstract: In a method for the production of cylindrically symmetric bodies with given radial gradient of the material properties, for example of the refractive index, at least two rod-shaped molded bodies consisting of materials with different properties are joined in parallel and, following lowering of the viscosity of both materials, the bodies are twisted many times in a spiral around a longitudinal axis, such that a desired radial gradient of the material properties arises, where metallic, semiconducting, or insulating materials may be used, and the viscosity is varied through changing the temperature or adding or removing a solvent.

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

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including providing a fixation member having a proximal end portion with the proximal end portion including an elongated filament, converting a region of said filament at said proximal end portion from a first configuration into a second configuration which is adapted to provide a mechanical interlock and molding an optic about the proximal end portion of the fixation member to form a mechanical interlock between the second configuration and the optic and to attach the fixation member to the optic.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a preformed polymeric substrate comprises peroxidizing and hydroperoxidizing the surface of said preformed substrate using ozone and then carrying out a crosslinked graft copolymerization of selected ethylenically unsaturated monomers both on and surrounding (encapsulating) said substrate. Such encapsulation of substrates provides protective coatings, ablative coatings and, particularly, soft skirts for hard contact lenses.

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

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

Abstract: A method of fabricating a resin base denture. The method includes: burying a wax denture in an investment in a tubular flask; removing the wax of the wax denture to form a hollow space; filling the space with resin; immersing the flask in water; and polymerizing the resin by microwave irradiation; thereby fabricating a resin base denture. When immersing the flask filled with resin in water, the lids are detected from the flask so that the investment is in direct contact with water.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an optical fiber light sensor or panel wherein the optical fibers and the panel or sensor are formed simultaneously employing a perforated platen. The platen is covered with a layer of thermofusible product material so that the material when melted will flow through the holes in the platen to create a series of short vertical fibers. The fibers are then drawn to a desired length and sheathed before being gathered into a bundle.

Abstract: An intraocular lens of the type having a plurality of legs which enter the lens in the anterior or posterior chamber by tangential contact between eye tissue and a region on each leg, wherein the region is composed of a compressible material. Also disclosed are homogeneous lenses in which the legs are colored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the addition of aluminum salts of fatty acids with 12 to 18 carbon atoms, particularly aluminum stearate, to dental impression materials on the basis of addition and/or condensation crosslinking organosilicones to improve their structural viscosity behavior and thus to ease their handling for the dentist.

Abstract: A fibre optic element is disclosed capable of a wide range of uses, including illumination, lighted fixed or variable signs, and decorative applications. The element is formed in one piece of transparent material and has one or more generally planar areas with integral extensions from one or opposite sides formed as a number of separable filaments such that the filaments can be bunched to form a flexible light conducting cable. Except for light escape zones via which light can escape from the planar area or areas, and the distal ends of the filaments, the element is covered by an internally reflective cladding layer such as to enable propagation of light through the filaments from the light source and in the plane of the planar areas, which rather than being strictly planar can be curved into various shapes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing components such as optical components (17, 18, 21, FIG. 2C) by means of a matrix which comprises a preform 12 of glass or quartz and has a skin 14 of a cured epoxy synthetic resin, the surface of which is the negative of a metal mold from which the matrix is produced. The matrix is suitable for use in the above-mentioned method, whereby optical components are produced which have surfaces that are for example, the aspherical negatives of the matrix surface.

Abstract: A process and product for the manufacture of a composite plastic lens wherein the plastic lens component is subjected to ultraviolet rays under conditions to eliminate substantially any unreacted double bonds therein.

Abstract: A plastic multifocal point spherical lens comprising a unitary structure of (A) a first synthetic resin layer having a fixed refractive index, (B) a second synthetic resin layer having a substantially fixed refractive index different from the refractive index of the first synthetic resin layer, and (C) a third synthetic resin layer existing between the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer and having a refractive index gradient varying continuously from the refractive index of the first synthetic resin layer to that of the second synthetic resin layer, part of the second synthetic resin layer and part of the third synthetic resin layer together being recessed into the first synthetic resin layer, and the second synthetic resin layer being thicker at the recessed part than the rest.

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including providing a fixation member having a proximal end portion with the proximal end portion including an elongated filament, converting a region of said filament at said proximal end portion from a first configuration into a second configuration which is adapted to provide a mechanical interlock and molding an optic about the proximal end portion of the fixation member to form a mechanical interlock between the second configuration and the optic and to attach the fixation member to the optic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intraocular lens comprising a lens element and a plurality of haptics extending therefrom, at least one of the haptics having an anchoring filament with an enlarged complete or partial mushroom-shaped end fixedly disposed inside a passage in the lens element. Also disclosed is a method for fixing a haptic having an anchoring filament to a lens element in a soft intraocular lens comprising the steps of (a) forming in the lens element a passage having a width that is less than the greatest width of the anchoring filament, (b) lubricating the anchoring filament of the haptic, the passage in the lens element, or both, (c) inserting the anchoring filament end-first into the passage, and (d) washing the intraocular lens to remove the lubricant.

Abstract: A new technique and apparatus for printing that includes the formation of a hologram, or other type of diffraction pattern, directly on a desired end product of paper, or other sheet material. The hologram, or other diffraction pattern, is formed by casting a surface relief pattern directly onto the sheet material in a limited area.

Abstract: A mold assembly for casting optical lenses in which an integral lens blank-mold cup unit is created by placing liquid monomers in a cup mold which tightly adheres to polymerized lens material. A radial die is disposed upon the cup mold to contain the monomers during polymerization and to provide the polymerized material with an optical surface. A contact lens is manufactured from the integral lens blank-mold cup unit by machining off the first cup and then extraneous portions of the blank to create a finished lens.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for making lenses and a composition of molding material which can be utilized in the method and apparatus for molding lenses of optical quality. A monomer is used with initiators in conjunction with the molding apparatus to mold plastic lenses of optical quality without requirement for any additional polishing or grinding, except for perhaps shaping the edges. The molding material includes a composition of liquid monomer with a thermal initiator and a UV initiator each of which can be activated during the molding process. Initially, the molding forms with the liquid monomer compositions therein are heated to activate the thermal initiator and form the molding material into a gel. The gelled material is then subjected to a UV light source for completing the cure. Prepolymerized molding material can be used in some instances to avoid an intermediate step of thermal curing. Various other embodiments and apparatus are disclosed for molding plastic lens.

Abstract: A homogeneous porcelain block is used instead of using porcelain powder in a porcelain press technique to make dental prosthesis. Porcelain block is placed directly onto a mold, and softened by heating. Then the upper and the lower flasks of the mold assembly are closed so as to press the porcelain block. The process prevents adverse effects from steam and gases during the procedure. Therefore the porcelain block eliminates discoloration, bubbles, uneven baking and weakness in the porcelain block. In addition, considerable time and labor may be saved.

Abstract: A method for decoration of paper of plastic sheeting and other substrates, involving a novel technique for coating and embossing the substrate. The paper or plastic sheeting is supplied with a coating of thermosensitive material, as by extrusion. The coated sheet is heated to adequately soften the coating, such as by use of a heated cylinder, and remote heat sources such as infrared heaters. The softened sheet surface is then decorated using an embossing member, to provide a diffraction pattern or hologram. Use of an embossment pattern of lesser depth than the surface roughness of the sheet before embossing provides attractive decorative patterns.

Abstract: Oral and extraoral prosthetic constructions of composite material with considerable fiber content, and in particular, jawbone anchored dental bridges of reinforced plastic, are made by the following method. A number of mutually retracted tubularly braided fibers (1), possibly in combination with continuous fiber strands, so-called roving, together constitute a fiber system which is packed in a tube, hose (2) or the like which is sealed and serves as outer packaging. A suitable matrix material, for example acrylic plastic, is injected into the hose for impregnation (wetting) of the enclosed fiber system, whereafter the hose (2) is removed. The fiber system is then polymerized to form a finished prosthesis blank in a mold. The prosthesis blank is then given suitable form and appearance by conventional after treatment.

Abstract: A base for holding a plaster of paris model for a set of teeth for the production of dentures, including a planar bottom to which is attached an upright circumferential exterior wall in the shape of a jaw. The base further includes perpendicularly projecting guide elements extending up from the bottom surface. The guide elements are tapered in the direction away from the bottom surface for example in the shape of a frustropyramid or frustocone and form at least one curved row which follows the curvature of the exterior wall in a U-shaped configuration. In preparing the plaster model within the base, the guide elements form corresponding holes in the plaster. The device may have a second U-shaped row of guide pins extending from the bottom surface to further guide and align the plaster mold when inserted into the base portion. This base then allows for the removal and reinsertion of a plaster of paris mold while maintaining the original and critical alignment of the model and or the individual pieces thereof.

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including providing a fixation member having a proximal end portion with the proximal end portion including an elongated filament, converting a region of said filament at said proximal end portion from a first configuration into a second configuration which is adapted to provide a mechanical interlock and molding an optic about the proximal end portion of the fixation member to form a mechanical interlock between the second configuration and the optic and to attach the fixation member to the optic.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of first lens elements each having specific lens optical values and a plurality of second lens elements each having specific lens optical values are kept in stock; each one of the first and second lens elements are selected from those kept in stock, based on optical calculation; and these two lens elements are laminated to form an opthalmic lens meeting a desired prescription. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages such as shortening of the period from order receiving to product delivery.

Abstract: A method of making an intraocular lens including providing a fixation member having a proximal end portion with the proximal end portion including an elongated filament, converting a region of said filament at said proximal end portion from a first configuration into a second configuration which is adapted to provide a mechanical interlock and molding an optic about the proximal end portion of the fixation member to form a mechanical interlock between the second configuration and the optic and to attach the fixation member to the optic.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin film of unoriented cellulose ester held under uniform tension, the process including the steps of: casting a solution of cellulose ester in an organic solvent over a smooth glass plate and thereafter removing the solvent to form a thin film of a uniform thickness on the glass plate; permitting the thin film to separate from the glass plate by immersing the same into water; and recovering the thin film from the water and setting the wet film on a supporting mount, followed by drying the same.

Abstract: Layered glass products such as multilayer glass rods or fibers are formed in a preferably continuous process wherein at least two component glasses are supplied to an annular mixing zone wherein relative movement of the annular surfaces produces spiral layering of the glasses and the formation of a glass product stream having a preselected gradient in composition and glass properties across a diameter thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing lenses including the use of a wafer in conjunction with liquid monomer to provide a molded plastic lens. In the molding process, a first mold form is sealingly secured to a gasket to form a part of a mold for receiving liquid monomer. The liquid monomer is poured into the first mold form and the wafer material which can be tinted or have a different index of refraction is then placed in contiguous relationship with the liquid monomer. A second mold form is then secured into the gasket in sealing relationship therewith and spaced from the wafer to form a cavity therebetween. Liquid monomer is then introduced into the cavity to fill all the voids. The mold with the material to be molded is then placed in the oven and cured. After the curing process is completed, the mold is removed and the formed lens extracted.

Abstract: There is provided a resinous optical transmitting element in which a core, through which light is transmitted, is formed into a predetermined non-linear configuration, and a cladding lower in refractive index than the core is in close contact with the core. A method of manufacturing the optical transmitting element comprises the steps of polymerizing polymeric material forming the core, within a mold having a predetermined non-linear cavity, subsequently removing the mold, and forming the cladding about the core. The resinous optical transmitting element obtained by the method can be formed into a selected one of various configurations in compliance with the purpose. In addition, the resinous optical transmitting element is less in distortion, making it possible to reduce the transmission loss.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a resilient cast by using impression material to fill any mold, such as an impression of an enucleated eye socket, an impression of the oral cavity, an impression of the tissue bearing surface of a denture, or any other mold in which it would be advantageous to have a resilient model on which to acomplish work. More specifically, a unique method and apparatus for performing a wide variety of procedures relating to the fabrication, repair and equilibration of dentures is provided. A non-reversible hydrocolloid impression compound, such as alginate, is used to form resilient denture casts supported on a support platform to provide a stable work surface. A similar support platform is incorporated in the base of an articulator, used for the mounting dentures in centric relationship directly from the patient's mouth in a method for correcting of occlusal discrepancies.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises a semirigid optic and one or more rigid haptics securely attached to the optic. The optic comprises a peripheral bore and a transverse bore generally normal to the peripheral bore which intersects the peripheral bore. The inner end of a rigid filamentous haptic is disposed within the peripheral bore and a rigid pin is disposed within the transverse bore. The pin is fixedly attached to the haptic to form an anchor within the optic.

Abstract: A freely standing thin pellicle film of cellulose acetate buterate is formed by spinning on a rotating substrate. After forming, the film is lifted off of the substrate and secured to a metallic frame. The pellicle is for use in the mid ultraviolet range of 280 to 360 nanometers, but can be used also in the deep ultraviolet range, e.g. wavelengths as low as about 240 nanometers. The pellicle prevents dust particles from being focused on a surface which is to be exposed by the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of making an eyeglass lens module in which two lens components are disclosed. The first component is a conventional single vision stock lens having conventional corrections in the negative or positive diopter range. The second lens component is an overlay lens desirably formed from a plastic or glass and is as thin as practical. The overlays are in modules containing bifocals or trifocals or vocational modifications of a given diopter correction. The method of casting the overlaid lens includes aging a mixture of a plastic monomer and an inorganic peroxide catalyst prior to use. The two lens components are then optically and physically bonded together. Once the two lens components are secured to each other, they can then be fitted into a spectacle frame and delivered to the patient. When tinting is required, the plastic overlay can be readily tinted by conventional dye and methods.

Abstract: A method of casting decorative emblems from a polyurethane-type compound. A series of decorvative discs are held flat and horizontal while the polyurethane composition is cast thereon to form a meniscus. The polyurethane composition comprises a polyether polyol component and a diisocyanate component. The cast polyurethane, when cured, gives a lens effect to the decorative discs.