Abstract: A beverage preparation capsule containing a beverage preparation ingredient, having a body with side walls formed from one or more substantially air- and liquid-impermeable sheet materials defining a chamber containing a beverage preparation ingredient and further defining an outlet channel having an upstream end in fluid communication with the chamber for escape of beverage from the chamber. At least a region of the outlet channel is filled by a filtration material for filtering the beverage escaping from the chamber. Also provided is a clamp assembly for preparing a beverage from such a capsule, the clamp assembly comprising two or more clamp members, wherein an inner wall of at least one of the clamp members comprises a concave base surface for receiving the capsule and one or more pressure pads projecting from the concave base surface for selectively constricting a region of the capsule.

Abstract: Optical articles and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the methods and optical articles formed include light-blocking compositions applied to optical substrates in accordance with the optical properties of the optical substrate. In another aspect, a method is disclosed in which the light-absorbing compositions are printed onto the optical substrate in the shape and size of the final lens that is to be formed from the optical substrate. In another aspect, the methods and optical articles utilize at least two different light-blocking compositions to achieve desired functionality of the optical article.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a serration pattern on a light guide plate having a top surface emitting a light, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and at least one side surface, arranged between the top surface and the bottom surface, as an incident surface. The apparatus includes a base plate supporting the bottom surface of the light guide plate; a fixing plate facing the top surface of the light guide plate with a predetermined interval; and a serration core transferring the serration pattern onto the at least one side surface of the light guide plate by a thermal pressing process causing a thickness deformation of the light guide plate. Further, the fixing plate induces a changed thickness of the light guide plate to be uniform by limiting a thickness change amount of the light guide plate to the predetermined interval.

Abstract: Curved lenses and methods for making curved lenses are described. One embodiment of a method of making a curved lens includes curving a lens blank made of a linear polarizer layer laminated together with a plurality of polymeric layers. The lens blank is curved by heating and pressing the lens blank between a convex member and a concave member at a first pressure, ramping the pressure sigmoidally to a higher pressure over a period of time, and maintaining the higher pressure for a time sufficient to allow the lens blank to conform to the shape of the convex member and concave member. Methods of the invention may be used to make curved lenses with different polarization properties and curvatures.

Abstract: This microstructure forming mold forms a concavoconvex reflection preventing part on a concave lens surface of a lens main body including the concave lens surface with curvature. The reflection preventing part is formed using a surface processing device including: a molding surface part that transfers the reflection preventing part; a base body part that supports the molding surface part in a bendable manner; and a cavity portion, an annular cavity portion, and a liquid supply unit that deform the base body part to bend the molding surface part.

Abstract: An optical cable includes an optical fiber, a primary coating coated on the optical fiber, and an outer coating coated on the primary coating. The optical cable is spiral, and can be compressed or stretched. The outer coating comprises about 40 to 70 weight percent of caoutchouc, about 20 to 50 weight percent of neoprene, about 0 to 6 weight percent of magnesium oxide, about 0 to 6 weight percent of zinc oxide, and about 0 to 6 weight percent of vulcanization accelerator.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes: step A of forming a first resin layer 23 by allowing a first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended in a manner so as to bury and enclose cores 22; step B of forming a second resin layer 25 by allowing a second liquid-state resin having a viscosity higher than that of the first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended on the first resin layer 23, after or while the first resin layer 23 is heated; and step C of forming an over-cladding layer 26 by curing the first resin layer 23 and the second resin layer 25.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element includes stacked first and second diffraction gratings made of different materials. The materials of the first and second diffraction gratings are glass. The first and second diffraction gratings have grating surfaces contacted to each other. The materials satisfy a predetermined condition when Tg2 and At2 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the first diffraction grating, and Tg3 and At3 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the second diffraction grating.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a molding unit to manufacture lenses out of a structure with a plurality of lens intermediates coupled to each other through a runner. The molding unit includes a holding member provided with first opening parts and second opening parts coaxial with each other, and molding chambers. First molding dies and second molding dies are inserted into the first opening parts and the second opening parts respectively. The holding member is further provided with a path that allows introduction of the lens intermediates into the molding chambers. In a manufacturing process, the lens intermediates are guided to predetermined positions in the corresponding molding chambers by operating the structure to cause the lens intermediates and the runner to move along the path. Next, a pressing pressure is applied to the lens intermediates to form molded lenses.

Abstract: Method of making eyeglass lens are disclosed where the lens are made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is dipped in high contrast dye, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. Other methods configuration of lens also include a camouflaged patterned lens, a layer of hard epoxy, a polyurethane mixture, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is dipped with high contrast dye, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating.

Abstract: Method of making eyeglass lens are disclosed where the lens are made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated in the peripheral portion, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. Other methods configuration of lens also include a camouflaged patterned lens, a layer of hard epoxy, a polyurethane mixture, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated in the peripheral portion, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating.

Abstract: An optical element comprising: a first monomer polymerized while in the presence of a second monomer to form a first polymer intermixed with the second monomer, the first polymer having a spatially varying degree of cure that provides a predetermined refractive index profile; and the second monomer polymerized in the presence of the first polymer to form a second polymer intermixed with the first polymer, the second polymer stabilizing the refractive index profile.

Abstract: An optical element and a manufacturing method thereof are described. An optical material is pressed in a holder through a mold, so as to form an optical element with an optical lens embedded in the holder. A groove in the holder has a guiding face, and the guiding face is obliquely disposed in a direction towards a mirror with a relatively smaller radius of curvature of the optical lens, so as to guide the optical material to truly enter the groove, thereby enhancing gas tightness and precision between the optical lens and the holder.

Abstract: A method of in-mold coating utilizing an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. At the beginning of the cycle the mold opens and a charge of liquid coating solution is deposited onto the lower mold insert. A ophthalmic wafer is deposited on the coating to spread it across the insert surface. The mold is closed and a pre-cure phase elapses before the thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity above the wafer. The process provides coated and functionally enhanced lenses upon ejection from the molding machine.

Abstract: Method of forming a plastic element include dispensing a quantity of a liquid precursor material into a first die mold, positioning a carrier tape on the first die mold above the dispensed liquid precursor material, bringing a second die mold into contact with the carrier tape and the first die mold, and applying pressure to the first die mold and the second die mold. The liquid precursor material may include a liquid silicone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming an optical element. A forming tool is used having a plurality of molding or hot-embossing portions formed on a surface thereof for molding or hot-embossing optical structures onto a substrate. On the surface of the substrate there is formed at least one preformed portion. The substrate is heated to a temperature above a transition temperature and the forming tool and the substrate are pressed against each other for forming an optical element having a plurality of structures having an optical effect, wherein the shape of the structures having an optical effect is given by the respective associated molding or hot-embossing portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a molded structure including both micro lenses and metallic pins. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold apparatus having a set of first cavities and a set of second cavities, depositing a first material in the first cavities to form a set of metallic pins, and depositing a second material in the second cavities to form a set of micro lenses. The formed molded structure comprises a substrate, a set of molded microlenses on said substrate, and a set of molded metallic pins on that same substrate. The metallic pins may be formed as alignment pins or as electrical connectors. The invention enables the micro lenses and metallic pins to be manufactured by way of molding on a common substrate for the first time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide having a core and a clad. The method includes forming a first clad by applying a resin on a substrate and curing the resin, applying a core material between a recessed mold which has a recess having a shape identical to a shape of the core and the first clad which is provided on the substrate, curing the core material applied, thereby forming a core pattern having a shape corresponding to that of the recess, and peeling the recessed mold from the core pattern and the first clad.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: The mold comprises two dies mounted in a sheath to slide along the axis of the sheath and each presenting a forming face facing the other. The two dies and the sheath are provided with intrinsic heat transfer means. A parison or preform of said thermoplastic material is placed between the two dies and the assembly is enclosed in the sheath; the dies and the sheath are heated by their intrinsic heat transfer means up to a forming temperature; The dies are moved towards each other to shape the material by plastic deformation until a predetermined relative position is reached corresponding to the thickness desired for the lens; the dies and the sheath are cooled by their intrinsic heat transfer means down to an unmolding temperature; and the finished lens is extracted from the mold.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting moulds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these moulds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A process for forming a preform for use in compression molding an optical lens is provided. A heated reservoir desirably a thermoplastic extruder is filled with a thermoplastic material. The heated reservoir has a fluid outlet which is located in close proximity to the concave mold. The thermoplastic material, for example, polycarbonate pellets is fluidized in the heated reservoir. A predetermined amount of a fluid thermoplastic material is dispensed from the reservoir outlet onto the outside the edge of a heated concave mold prior to the fluid solidifying so that the fluid makes point or line contact as it first contacts the concave molds. The fluid flows down the sloping wall of the concave mold into the concave mold and forms a blob of material having a greater thickness at the center of the concave mold than at the periphery of the mold. The thermoplastic blob is then allowed to cool below its melting temperature.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting molds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these molds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: The mold comprises two dies mounted in a sheath to slide along the axis of the sheath and each presenting a forming face facing the other. The two dies and the sheath are provided with intrinsic heat transfer means.

Abstract: In a press molding apparatus for press molding a plurality of glass materials into a plurality of glass optical elements by the use of a pressing mold including upper and lower molds each of which has a plurality of molding surfaces, at least one of the upper and the lower molds is a heat generator within which heat is generated when the heat generator is subjected to a high-frequency induction heating by an induction heating coil. The heat generator having a plurality of shape-processed portions (130) produced by partially processing a shape of the heat generator in order that a temperature distribution of the heat generator is adjusted. The apparatus simultaneously press forms, into the glass optical elements, the glass materials supplied between the molding surfaces of the upper and the lower molds which are subjected to the high-frequency induction heating.

Abstract: A lens molding system which uses glass molds to mold polycarbonate blanks. The blanks are preheated, then additionally surface heated, molded, and cooled under pressure.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoplastic preform into a lens by compression molding between a pair of molds is provided. In another aspect of the invention a set of novel preforms made from a thermoplastic material is provided. The preforms have different radii of curvature. Preferably each different curvature preform comes in different weights desirably two or three different weights. A series of mating concave and convex mold halves are provided for use with the preforms. According to the invention a limited number of concave mold halves are provided. A wide range of single vision and multifocal lenses can be supplied from three (3) to six (6) base curve concave molds halves having different radii of curvatures. According to the invention a first concave mold half with a radius of curvature of less than two (2) diopters is provided. Each successive concave mold half has a radius of curvature of from one (1) to three (3) diopters greater than the previous mold half in the series.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly compound lenses having a plastic coating on a plastic lens is described. A mold, after rotational orientation, is placed in a gimbal assembly to provide for the proper tilt. This gimbal assembly forms part of a fixture attached to an indexing means which moves for complete assembly of a molding fixture and then moves the molding fixture through a chamber to cure the resin. A preform, after rotational orientation, is held, by a preform gripper placed above the mold, and with sufficient clearance between the mold and the preform to allow the correct resin thickness during the curing portion of the process. The fixture is also provided with members to firmly grip the preform gripper so as to maintain its orientation throughout the curing process.

Abstract: An optical element molding method for molding an optical element having an asymmetrical optically functional surface by pressing a heated preform in which, after a center part of a transfer surface of a molding die and a center part of the preform are brought into contact with each other, peripheries of the center part of the preform are brought into contact with the transfer surface, to transfer the form of the transfer surface to the preform. Consequently, the optically functional surface shape can be favorably transferred to the preform.

Abstract: The fixture of the invention provides a bottom portion into which a mold half is placed. Movably mounted above the bottom portion is a top portion having two horizontal plates adapted to slide relative to each other to control the X direction and Y direction and hold a preform or wafer. The top portion is further adapted to allow for the adjustment of the relative angle between the preform or wafer and mold half, as well as adjustment of the distance between the top portion and bottom portion.

Abstract: An optical component is manufactured by precisely measuring the final volume of the optical component, precisely measuring an amount of optical material that will yield that final volume, and discharging it through a nozzle to form a spherically-shaped optical agglomerate, pressing the spherically-shaped optical agglomerate into a disc-shaped optical preform, and then using the disc-shaped optical preform to mold an optical component of a precise final volume. The disc-shaped preform fits stably on a convex upper surface of a lower mold, and the molding operation progresses uniformly and smoothly, thereby yielding a final form optical component.

Abstract: A compression process for fabricating a substantially finished coated/layered lens for eyeglasses with a thermoplastic lens preform, with the lens having surfaces for correcting vision. The process comprised suitably placing on at least one of a pair of molds with molding surfaces conforming to the surfaces of the finished lens a thermoplastic film-layer/coating or multiple layers or coatings, each having a given thickness and predetermined characteristics and/or properties desired in the finished lens. The lens preform is then placed on the thermoplastic film-layer/coating; and heating and molding in situ of the film-layer/coating with the lens preform is then conducted while the lens preform is under compressive forces of the compression process until a generally predetermined lens thickness is achieved.