Abstract: A radiation-sensitive carrier body directly utilized as a stamper has a glass substrate, a first highly adhesive layer securely adhered to the substrate, a radiation-sensitive layer which discharges a gas component upon being irradiated with a laser beam and which locally forms a protuberance due to the absorbed energy, a second highly adhesive layer securely adhered to the specific material of the radiation-sensitive layer and which deforms in accordance with deformation of the layer, and a metal layer which has a high releasability to allow easy separation from a optical disk substrate material such as an acrylic material when the carrier body is used as a stamper substrate for manufacturing optical disks. A protuberance formed on the carrier body such as a continuous spiral protuberance allows formation of a corresponding spiral groove in the acrylic material, serving as a pre-track into which desired information will be digitally written by a user.

Abstract: A flexible mold and method of forming a base defining either a full base or quadrant base of a dental model is provided with a perimeter member for defining the side walls of the base and a shelf extending inwardly from the rear side wall for delineating a slot at the rear of the base, which slot is usable for adhering an arm of an articulator. The configuration of the slot and/or the rear side wall of the base is striated for better adherence with the attached articulator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cassette by using a molding die having a fixed part and a second part including a submarine gate and a plurality of movable cores. The method includes the steps of defining an initial opening in the molding die between the fixed part and the movable cores, filling a molten plastic for molding the body of the cassette into the initial opening in the molding die, selectively moving the plurality of cores to change the size of the initial opening to define a new opening connected to the submarine gate, and filling the new opening through the submarine gate with a molten plastic different from the plastic already filled into the initially formed opening in order to mold the body in a plurality of colors.

Abstract: An improved method and assembly for attaching haptics to intraocular lenses. Method and assembly rely on shaping the attachment ends of plastic or metal haptics so that when inserted into openings in the lens, the haptics are firmly secured to the lens by constraining mechanical forces which arise from an added element, by molding or forming the constraint in situ using an external energy source to melt material of the haptic, or by bending a metal haptic to a holding shape. Melting of lens material is not required for this fastening method or assembly nor is wetting of haptic surfaces by material of the lens necessary.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprising a deformable optic and first and second fixation members. Each of the fixation members has a proximal end portion. First and second elongated anchors are coupled to the proximal end portions of the fixation members, respectively, and the anchors and the proximal end portions are within peripheral regions of the optic so that the anchors can assist in attaching the fixation members to the optic. The anchors are spaced apart so that the deformable optic can be folded to facilitate insertion of the optic through a relatively small incision into the eye.

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 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.

Abstract: A denture base contains an elastic support for supporting at least one artificial tooth and fittings fixed to the elastic support for removably positioning the denture base. The elastic support is made of a hydrogel prepared by a process comprising a casting step of casting into a mold an aqueous solution containing more than 5 wt % and not more than 40 wt % of a polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of hydrolysis of not less than 95 mol % and an average polymerization degree of not less than 700, a freezing step of cooling the cast aqueous solution to a temperature of not higher than - (minus) 10.degree. C. to obtain a frozen mass, a thawing step of thawing the frozen mass, and one to seven additional cyclic processing steps each including the freezing and thawing steps.

Abstract: A method of forming single-piece intraocular lenses comprising the steps of forming a thin sheet of colored polymethyl methacrylate, coring the sheet to form holes therein, filling the holes with a clear or differently colored PMMA material, polymerizing the colored and clear or differently colored PMMA material comprising the sheet and filled holes, cutting core members from the polymerized sheet each having an inner circular region of PMMA material and an outer region of colored PMMA material and machining a single-piece intraocular lens from a core member to have a central lens body of PMMA material and colored PMMA positioning loops extending from and integral with the central lens body.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a molded composite form comprising a substrate bonded to a thermoplastic element whereby the thermoplastic element, either separate from or together with the substrate, is heated to a first temperature sufficient to soften prior to placement in a mold with the substrate. The thermoplastic element and substrate are then comolded in a cool mold whereby the composite is cooled and shaped into a predetermined configuration in one operation.

Abstract: An optical article is disclosed containing, for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, a medium exhibiting a second order polarization susceptibility greater than 10.sup.-9 electrostatic units comprised of polar aligned noncentrosymmetric molecular dipoles. The molecular dipoles have an electron donor moiety linked through a conjugated .pi. bonding system to an electron acceptor sulfonyl moiety.

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 micro-optical building block system for optical processing of light signals and method for making the components used in the system. The basic system includes a master substrate on which is mounted at least one building block. Typically, there are a multiplicity of pre-defined positions at which the building blocks will mate with the master substrate. Building blocks can be positioned adjacent to each other on the master substrate in such a way as to allow light signals to be transferred between them. Mating relief patterns are formed on both the master substrate and the building block substrates, the relief pattern areas on the master substrate being adjacent and repetitive, or alternatively, different patterns. The mating relief patterns enable self alignment of the building blocks at predetermined positions on the master substrate. The relief pattern on the building blocks is adapted to be employed to embody a variety of optical components as integral or constituent parts of the relief pattern.

Abstract: A method of attaching a fixation member to an optic comprising providing the optic with a cavity opening adjacent the peripheral edge of the optic with a shoulder in the cavity, inserting an inner end portion of the fixation member into the cavity, transmitting laser energy through the optic to the inner end portion of the fixation member to cause the inner end portion to become flowable, and allowing the flowable portion of the fixation member to harden and interlock with the shoulder to resist withdrawal of the fixation member from the cavity.

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: An abrasion-resistant coated plastic lens element and a method for coating the element with an abrasion-resistant coating includes forming a coating on a face of a mold that is substantially cured and adherable to lens-forming material. The coating composition consists of reactants, approximately 70% to 95% of which have at least triacrylate functionality and approximately 5% to 30% of which have diacrylate functionality, a photoinitiator, a polymerization inhibitor reactive with oxygen, and a silane adhesion promoter and an acid to activate the silane adhesion promoter. The coating is applied to the face of the mold to form a substantially uniform coating and is then subjected to ultraviolet light in an ambient oxygen-containing environment such that a hard abrasion-resistant coating is formed on the mold. The mold is then filled with a lens-forming composition which is reactive with acrylate groups of the coating at a coating/lens interface.

Abstract: A color ringed or rimmed edge intraocular lens for implant in either the anterior chamber, the posterior chamber or the cornea of the eye. The lens has a colorless or clear central region of a material such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and a peripheral surrounding portion of a dark material such as blue PMMA. Polysulfone can also be utilized. The lens can be fabricated by passing a clear rod of optical quality PMMA through an extrusion orifice and coating the circumference of the rod with a layer of predetermined thickness of colored, preferably blue PMMA or other compatible material. Other methods of fabrication can include the introduction of a suitable dye into the outer regions of the rod, or joining the clear central region to a ring of colored material by thermal adhesive bonding or other known processes.

Abstract: In the case of a method and an apparatus for producing parts with high quality surfaces using a mold and curing resin, such as epoxy resin, the first step is to place a workpiece blank so that there is minimum gap between it and the mold. Then resin is introduced into the gap in a non-separating flow utilizing capillary forces in the gap. The epoxy resin then cures and the workpiece coated with such epoxy resin is separated from the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embossing a pattern having a microscopic relief structure, such as, for example, an optical diffraction grating, onto a layer of thermoplastic material is disclosed. A small circular region of a flexible embossing die is pressed against the thermoplastic layer by means of a punch. A fraction of the corresponding small circular region of the thermoplastic layer is then heated from the rear by a beam of radiant energy. The process may be repeated at all points on the thermoplastic layer where the pattern is desired.

Abstract: Laminated optical component, for example an aspherical lens, comprising a supporting member which is manufactured from a transparent inorganic material and on at least one side has a layer of lacquer of a specific composition cured by means of radiation, for example UV radiation.

Abstract: A method for directly preparing a plated denture having improved accuracy within a short period of time by properly using photo-polymerizable resins having varied viscosities, and using as the impression material a dough product of photo-polymerizable resins having different viscosities with preparing of a basic plate, formation of alveolar ridge portion, arrangement of artificial teeth, formation of gingival portion, whereby the impression of the details of the mucosal surface of the oral mouth is reproduced with high fidelity, and is then polymerized and cured as such by active energy beams to use it as the resin surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to disc-shaped information carriers which can be read optically in reflection and which contain an annular information zone which is bounded by a concentric inner zone and a concentric outer zone. The information carrier consists of a transparent substrate and has a readout side and opposite side (back) which at least in the information zone has a reflective coating. The light entering the outer zone from the readout side is reflected at least partially diffusely or absorbed by the information carrier. In this way, manufacturing defects such as, for example, inclusions, inhomogeneities etc. are at least partially masked or concealed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flat illumination unit provides light guide channels in the form of transparent rods arranged in lines on the upper side of a plate. The upper side of a plate is coated with a casting compound and, after hardening of the casting compound, the plate is eroded from the opposite side until only the light guide channels remain respectively surrounded on three sides by the casting compound and therewith form a film.

Abstract: The invention provides improved intraocular lens structures for surgical placement in the eye, the unique structures comprise an optical zone portion substantially centrally disposed with an integral outer haptic portion. In one embodied form, the haptic portion is composed of materials having relatively high temperature resistance such as polyimide material, and can be fabricated in a wide variety of engineered configurations. In a presently preferred embodiment, the haptic portion includes an anchoring strut in an arcuate configuration having an oblique face directed to the center of the optical zone portion. The invention further provides methods for insert molding of haptic portions to optical zone portions of the lens structures without conventional secondary operations such as drilling sites in the optic for insertion and welding of haptics.

Abstract: The multilayer identification card comprises several synthetic layers compounded by the effects of heat and pressure. An inside interface of at least one of these layers exhibits depressions which are filled with the material of the adjacent layer during the laminating process. The adjacent layers are selected in such a way that they are of different transparency. Thus a light and shadow effect is produced in incident light which is reversed in transmitted light.

Abstract: A cosmetic contact lens is made by molding a colored cylinder with a cone shaped cavity at one end. A transparent monomer is polymerized in this cavity. The opposite end of the cylinder is cut to form a truncated cone in its outer surface. A clear and transparent monomer is polymerized to fill in the truncated cone portion of the cylinder. A contact lens is cut from the cylinder to form a lens having a colored iris area, and clear pupil and peripheral areas.

Abstract: A cosmetic contact lens is made by providing an iris segment piece shaped from a polymer having a daylight fluorescent colorant dispersed on it and which has a cone shaped depression in its center. A colored transparent monomer is polymerized in this depression. The iris segment piece also has a convex cone shaped periphery that is filled in with a clear transparent monomer which is then polymerized. A contact lens is cut from the thus formed cylinder to form a contact lens having a colored transparent pupil area, a daylight fluorescent iris area and a clear transparent peripheral area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a model of a set of teeth, in which each tooth is mounted on a holding pin (17) which is removably disposed in a base plate (15). For positioning of the holding pins, a datum plate (10) of transparent material is placed on the impression (5) of a jaw and the desired positions, of a respective holding pin for each tooth root, are marked. Then pins are inserted into a pre-perforated base plate (15) according to the markings, or a pre-perforated base plate of transparent material is used instead of the transparent datum plate (10), and is marked with desired pin positions on one side and provided with pins on its other side. The pins then penetrate molding material placed in the impression (5), and harden in place as the molding material hardens. The hardened molded material can then be sawed into separate parts.

Abstract: An intraocular lens formed of a soft, resilient polymeric optical element and a resilient polymeric support having an annular portion embedded in the optical element and a pair of mounting arms extending outwardly of the optical element. The optical element and support can be folded for insertion into the eye via a small incision. The support is embedded in the optical element during molding and polymerization of the optical element.

Abstract: Hybrid contact lenses and other composite polymeric articles of precise dimensions are made by placing a first monomer composition in a mold and irradiating and polymerizing a central portion only with ultraviolet radiation. Unpolymerized monomer is removed, a second monomer composition is placed in contact with the polymer formed from the first monomer composition and the latter is polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation or by other means to obtain a composite article which is then machined to form a hybrid lens.

Abstract: Compositions hardenable by exposure to heat or electromagnetic radiation are provided by dissolving together to form a blend from about 0% to about 50% by weight of an uncrosslinked polymer, from about 2% to about 30% of a polymerizable monomer, from about 10% to about 70% of a crosslinked polymer in the form of discrete particles having average diameters of from 0.001 micron to about 500 microns and being swollen in said solution and from about 20% to about 70% of a crosslinking agent for said monomer. Such compositions exhibit superior chemical and physical characteristics when hardened and are suitable in a wide variety of applications as construction media. Such compositions are especially suitable in the production of prosthetic dental appliances, such as, for example, prosthetic teeth. It is believed that the hardening of such compositions as, for example, during the preparation of dental appliances forms a polymer system known as an interpenetrating polymer network.

Abstract: A denture with a metallic microstructure and with low shrinkage and porosity is produced by metallurgical sintering by providing a multimodal size distribution of coarse and fine fractions of metal powder, optionally also with glass or ceramic powder, converting this powder mixture with water into a slip, modelling the denture with this, and sintering the slip at a temperature which exceeds the solidus temperature of at least one component of the powder mixture.

Abstract: This light waveguide consists of an optically transparent body cut at one end to a sharp tip and polished optically flat at the other end. A metallization layer on its surface is thick enough to be opaque. By pressing the waveguide against a rigid plate the metallization is plastically deformed so as to expose a tiny aperture at the tip of the body through which light can pass. By carefully controlling the deformation of the metallization the diameter of the aperture can be kept between 10 and 500 nm. The waveguide can be incorporated in a semiconductor laser of a read/write head used in an optical storage device.

Abstract: A process of making soft lenses from an esterifiable, partially cross-linked carboxyl-containing polymer, and a method of attaching a haptic to a swellable intraocular lens. The soft contact lenses are made by first forming a lens button from a hard polymer containing .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid such as acrylic or methacrylic acid and 0.1-10 mols per 100 mols of monomer of a divinyl cross-linking agent such as 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate. The hard lens button is then esterified by contact with an alcohol having up to 15 carbon atoms such as n-butanol under esterifying conditions in the substantial absence of water while simultaneously removing water of reaction. Unreacted alcohol may be removed by solvent exchange with a lower molecular weight alcohol and/or drying.

Abstract: A contact lens for correction of astigmatism is formed from a single polymeric or copolymeric material. The lens has a central optical zone of greater rigidity than a surrounding non-optical zone. The rigidity of the central optical zone is sufficient for it to retain an astigmatism-correcting shape when worn on an eye, while the surrounding non-optical zone conforms to the shape of the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a denture liner composition for a composite denture based on a phosphonitrilic fluoroelastomer [poly(fluoroalkoxy)phosphazene] curable at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of about 100.degree. C. or less, conveniently by immersing the packed denture flask in a water bath at the appropriate temperature. The composition includes trimethacrylate and dimethacrylate cross-linking agents for increasing liner hardness and decreasing water sorption characteristics of the cured liner. The composition preferably further includes filler materials for increasing the hardness of the liner product. The composite denture is preferably prepared in a one-step process wherein the liner composition material of a single firmness is cured in situ with the denture base material.

Abstract: Apparatus for making dentures comprising a base, an articulating member pivotally mounted to the base and adjustable with respect thereto, magnets on the base adapted to hold a metal plate in a fixed position on the base, and a probe on the articulating member for spacing the articulating member a predetermined distance above the base. Measurements are taken on a patient's mouth and his preexisting dentures are placed on the plate. Plaster of paris or other suitable material is placed on the articulating member in a non-solidified state and retained thereto. The measurements taken are used to adjust the probe and the relation of the dental cast to the plate, and the denture may be raised or lowered with respect to the base, using loose magnets and shims, to provide the desired position and angularity to the denture.

Abstract: A compound type optical element and method for manufacturing thereof are provided, in which two layer are disposed on a substrate of glass, each layer being made of synthetic resin materials of energy radiation hardening type. First layer, disposed on the substrate, is made of a material having a relatively small contraction-hardening distortion, while second layer, disposed on the first layer, is made of a material having a superior durability.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there can be provided a denture base for a dental prosthesis comprising a body having an inner surface to be in contact with patient's alveolus ridge; a lining layer covering the inner surface of the body; and an adhesive agent for bonding the lining layer to the inner surface of the body; wherein the body is made of polymethyl methacrylate; the lining layer is made of a rubber-like resilient material comprising an olefin thermoplastic elastomer; and the adhesive agent contains a copolymer comprising an olefin and methyl methacrylate. The denture base has an advantage that adhesive force between the lining layer and the body is strong, and the lining layer has suitable hardness for supporting the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens is fabricated by depositing concentric layers of first and second materials in alternation on a substrate surface. The substrate and deposited layers are then drawn down to provide a predetermined Fresnel lens zone structure.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens is fabricated by depositing concentric layers of first and second materials in alternation on a substrate surface. The substrate and deposited layers are then drawn down to provide a predetermined Fresnel lens zone structure.

Abstract: A filter for use in combination with a cathode ray tube screen to transmit light and absorb other types of energy comprises a translucent plastic substrate onto which is applied a wire mesh impregnated with a thin layer of a bonding agent which constitutes one surface of the filter. In manufacturing the filter, a thin layer of the bonding agent is deposited on the topside of a platen, and the mesh is pressed into the bonding agent to cause it to impregnate the mesh. The translucent plastic substrate is placed on the impregnated mesh, and pressure is applied between the substrate and the platen to form a laminate. Thereafter, the laminate is cured and separated from the platen, after which it may be placed in a mold and formed into a curved shape.

Abstract: A spin cast cosmetic device to be worn on the cornea that changes the apparent color of the eye. The device has color bands of pigments and dyes which are separated by the spin casting operation. Pigment particles migrate and are separated, the dyes do not migrate. Unexpectedly the pigments separate into two concentric bands, one at the center and one at the periphery. The area between the pigment bands is colored by the soluble dye.

Abstract: Process for joining ceramic components in precise spatial relationship which comprises firing the ceramic components joined by a ceramic frit on a sagger tray having a coefficient of thermal expansion that matches that of the ceramic components.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a molded thermoplastic resin by interposing during molding a thermoplastic resin different from the thermoplastic resin to be molded as a skin layer between the die surface and the thermoplastic resin to be molded. A lubricant is provided to lubricate the interface between the die surface and the skin layer. After molding, the skin layer with lubricant is removed.

Abstract: For manufacturing monaspherical lenses, a correction layer of a synthetic resin is provided on a substrate having a spherical surface. In this method, centering is performed by using the curvature of the surface of the matrix. With a correct choice of the radius of curvature of the substrate surface, the substrate approaches the matrix most closely near a collection of inflection points in the matrix surface situated on a circle. A good centering without a guiding mechanism is possible by using the method according to the invention. Moreover, the differences in thickness in the correction layer are small enough to prevent shrinkage defects upon curing of the synthetic resin layer.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the production of essentially transparent glass/plastic composite articles. The articles consist of glass particles having water-free surfaces and dimensions of about 0.5-100 microns dispersed within a plastic matrix, the glass particles constituting up to 50% by weight of the articles and having a refractive index appropriate to or compatible with the plastic matrix.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an optically transparent device of a selected size and shape and thickness, and having a first distinct portion (44) which is colorless, and a second distinct portion (46) which is of a selected color is disclosed. The process includes providing an injected molding cavity (14) of the selected size, shape and thickness, which cavity may be selectively opened and closed. The cavity is opened (10), and while in the open state, a sheet or film of material (48) is secured (52) to a distinct portion (46) of the cavity (14). The cavity is then closed (54) and a body material is then injected into cavity (14) at a selected temperature and pressure such that the device is formed. The body material has a characteristic such that when injected in the cavity (14) the first portion (44) of the device is formed colorless and transparent, and the second portion (46) of the device is formed and bonded to sheet (48) such that the second portion ( 46) is transparent and has the selected color.

Abstract: A lens is produced having one aspherical surface which is accurately axially aligned with a spherical or flat surface on the opposite side of the lens. The aspherical surface is produced with a mold. The mold has a molding surface having an accurate negative profile and the desired finish of the required aspherical surface.The mold is on a rotatable jig. By means of adjustment screws the mold is adjusted to correct misalignment of the axis of the molding surface and the axis of rotation of the jig. Misalignment is detected by directing a collimated light beam onto the molding surface so that it is reflected onto a screen. When the mold is rotated, the light beam moves on the screen until the molding surface is properly aligned with the axis of rotation.A preformed glass substrate has one aspherical surface of approximately the desired profile and finish and on its opposite side a spherical or flat surface.

Abstract: Wettable, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeable, optically clear contact lenses are made of a composition comprising styrene or a substituted styrene compound, an ethylenically polyunsaturated crosslinking compound and an ethylenically unsaturated silicone containing compound and an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride compound.

Abstract: A method of forming a direct contact lens on a light emitting device strure is disclosed which facilitates the formation of large arrays of light emitting devices. The method uses a printing fixture including a large number of vertically oriented pins which is dipped into a bath of a liquid epoxy material. The printing fixture is then placed over the array structures and lowered until the pins contact the diodes. When the printing fixture is subsequently raised, the lens material will adhere to the associated devices and flow to completely encapsulate the device and a substantial portion of the device mounting structure.