Abstract: A device for the local attenuation of the light intensity in the field of vision of a light-sensitive monitoring and/or recording device (CCD) is described, which is suitable in particular as a glare protection device for video cameras in videophones or correspondingly equipped PCs. The device includes a first objective (L1) and a high resolution ferroelectric liquid crystal modulator (PC, LC) arranged between two polarizers (P1, P2), the liquid crystal modulator having a photo-conductive layer (PC) and a downstream liquid crystal film (LC) made up of helical smectic liquid crystals which is in contact with this layer. The photo-conductive layer (PC) is essentially arranged in the image plane of the first objective (L1), the image plane being imaged onto the monitoring and/or recording device by a second objective (L2). As this occurs, bright light sources or backgrounds are locally suppressed without resulting in a glare or bloom of the image.

Abstract: An article of externally-worn eye wear, including, but not limited to, eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles, and contact lenses. The eye wear includes a wavelength transmission blocker for blocking substantially all of light wavelengths throughout the blue light spectrum. The wavelength transmission blocker protects the eyes against the harmful effect of the blocked light. Also, since the eye wear is worn externally from the eye, and the user can remove the eye wear, the user can selectively block the light. As such, the eye wear can be worn to block potentially harmful light, or the eye wear can be removed if blocking the light would cause other hazards.

Abstract: Eyewear include lenses having spectral transmittances selected for viewing an object with respect to a background The spectral transmittances are selected to provide a natural feel to scenes viewed with the eyewear. In one example, a lens for viewing a white golf ball includes an object-contrast spectral window that transmits radiation at wavelengths of about 440 nm, a background window that transmits wavelengths at about 550 nm, and a spectral-width window that transmits wavelengths between about 620 nm and 700 nm. Similar eyewear can be configured for other activities. Methods for selecting filters and lenses for such eyewear are also provided.

Abstract: A lens for eyeglasses is provided with two or more optical zones on the lens body having different optical properties that enhance visualization of different scenes, including target objects within the scenes, that are associated with a specific recreational activity such as golf, hunting, or fishing. A first optical zone in an upper portion of the lens can be provided with pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of distant scenes associated with the specific recreational activity. A second optical zone in a lower or outer portion of the lens can be provided with different pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of close-in scenes associated with the specific recreational activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to industrial eyewear lens systems for radiation protection of the human eye. The base material in combination with an infrared absorbing filter significantly reduces or eliminates the transmission of certain eye-damaging ultraviolet and infrared radiation. As a result, the vision of the lens wearer is not impaired, and the wearer is able to more readily visualize his or work, particularly in an industrial setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a charge/discharge voltage applied to an EC device to ensure that an appropriate voltage drop across the EC device is maintained during charge and/or discharge modes of operation. The appropriate voltage drop is determined with respect to a temperature measurement proximate the EC device. The charge level of the device is monitored using a coulomb counter circuit having a topology designed to minimize interference in the operation of the EC device.

Abstract: A magnifying safety glasses assembly (10) for use by persons with presbyopia, the assembly (10) including a front safety eyepiece portion (11) made substantially of a transparent, nonmagnifying, shatter-proof material, and matching right and left temple portions (12), each affixed to an end of the front eyepiece portion (11), wherein the front safety eyepiece portion includes at least one built-in magnifying corrective segment (13) for correction of a user's near vision. The safety glasses assembly (10) preferably also includes a retainer strap (16) and earplugs (17), each earplug (17) being attached to an end of the retainer strap (16).

Abstract: An image detection system comprises a camera (2) for generating an electrical output signal representative of the detected image. The camera is carried by a headset (1, 3) for attachment to the head of a user, and comprises a transducer (6; 106) for generating an electrical output in response to light incident thereon. Magnifying means (22) are situated in the path of light to the transducer, and is arranged to magnify the detected image. The transducer and magnifying means are positioned in such a way that, in use, the portion of the path of light passing through the magnifying means extends laterally across the front of the user's head, enabling the system to be of a relatively compact construction.

Abstract: An optical instrument which allows for perspective viewing of an anaglyphic image with minimal optical distortion. In one embodiment, the instrument relies upon anaglyphic lenses with one lens being formed of a first primary color and a second lens comprised of at least one other primary color. In one aspect, either one or both of the lenses has a diopter strength greater than a conventional filter. In another aspect, one of the lenses has a diopter optical strength greater than that of the other and which thereby reduces distortions which may otherwise arise. Thus, one lens will have a lower diopter than the other. In another embodiment of the invention, a lens density difference between two lenses are used. One lens has a greater density then the other lens within a specified amount. The color variance between two lenses is also specified.

Abstract: Temporary, disposable glare shields made of thin flexible tinted plastic film, consisting of a set of two for left side and right side of eyeglasses, self-adhered to eyeglass outer surfaces, extending beyond frame perimeters and around both temporal sides thereby completely shielding all adjacent areas surrounding eyes from potential harmful sunlight UV and other components injurious to sight. In addition, such glare shields provide protection against harmful airborne hazards, strong wind, insects, pollution, contaminants and toxins that may otherwise impact eyes. Said glare shields are a size and shape that substantially fit all sizes and shapes of eyeglasses. They may also be worn directly on the face to cover eyes without eyeglasses, or be worn in this latter way with eyeglasses worn over said glare shields thus providing the sealed peripheral protection of glare shields and the visual improvement of prescription eyeglasses.

Abstract: A nonconnecting lens blank and method provide an integrated optical function insert and allow for ease in trimming by the ability to visually orient the geometric alignment of the optical function insert. The nonconnecting lens blank has an inner concave face (2c) and an outer convex face (2b) delimited by a peripheral border (2a). A matrix (4) of transparent material transmits light from the outer face towards the inner face. An insert (6) integrating the optical function is placed in one of the faces of the matrix. The matrix may include a housing (5) in which the insert (6) is fitted. The insert (6) preferably has two truncated concentric circular edges (5a1, 5a2) separated by two straight parallel edges (5a3, 5a4). The optical function may be polarization with the plane of polarization aligned relative to the straight edges.

Abstract: A lens transmits a maximum 2 percent average intensity of ultraviolet light and transmits a minimum 95 percent average intensity of light in a brightness perception spectrum of the eye. In addition, maximum percentages of violet and/or blue light are transmitted. In some cases, the lens transmits a maximum percentage average intensity of red light while transmitting the minimum 95 percent average intensity of light in the brightness perception spectrum. The lens is incorporated in protective eyewear, especially into eyewear used by medical personnel.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of dies on a wafer are tested as follows. The wafer is placed in a tester. A built-in self test (BIST) operation is initiated in a first die. Another BIST operation is initiated in a second die after initiating the BIST operation in the first die such that the BIST operation in the first die and the BIST operation in the second die overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the stabilizing of napthopyran and spiroxazine photochromic dye in a coating or plastic media is presented. As prolonged exposure to light causes degradation of the photochromic properties of the dyes, a two-tiered layering system is utilized in which a hindered amine stabilizer (HALS) and/or an ultraviolet light (UV) absorber, is placed as a clear coat layer above a bottom layer containing the photochromic dyes. The bottom layer is constructed containing the photochromic dyes by either a coating of a surface of a lens or an imbuing of the photochromic dyes into the lens material, and can further optionally contain a HALS and/or UV blocking compound itself.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light filtration system, method and device for converting a pair of standard eyeglasses to a pair of sunglasses. A sheet of static cling vinyl is treated to impart UV-absorbent characteristics to the sheet. The sheet is preferably cut by a computerized cutting machine to the size and shape of the eyeglass lenses. Alternatively, the sheet may be molded in an injection mold to the desired size and shape. The vinyl sheet has a thickness that permits a static electricity charge on a surface of the sheet to hold the sheet on the eyeglass lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides indolinospiropyran compounds and methods for their manufacture, which compounds are useful as photochromic compounds. The compounds of the invention are substituted on the indole ring with succinimide, which substitution permits ring opening of the succinimide and modulation of the bulk and photochromic properties of the compounds. The compounds may be conveniently prepared using the solid phase organic synthesis of the invention.

Abstract: An optical lens having a colored coating affixed to the edge of the lens. The apparatus may enhance the cosmetic appearance of eyeglasses by reducing the appearance of the white ring appearing along the perimeter of the face of lens when viewing eyeglasses from the front, and by reducing the appearance of the white film on the edge of lenses when viewing eyeglasses from the side. The apparatus may also reduce the glare of the optical lens from light entering through the edge of the lens.

Abstract: In a pair of spectacles using liquid crystal lenses, an electrical circuit, for controlling the optical transmission of the liquid crystal lenses, controls the amplitude and/or duty cycle of the voltage driving the lens so as to operate the liquid crystal lens in the transition region, between maximum and minimum optical densities.

Abstract: Presented are electronically controlled optical shutter spectacles for achieving biofeedback between the operation of the optical shutter spectacles when worn and the physiological rate and timing of human visual processing of the wearer of the spectacles to provide further enhanced perception of fast-moving objects or surroundings and to train and condition the human physiology to retain enhanced motion perception capability for an indeterminate time following removal of the spectacles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polarization optical article comprising a polarizer incorporated therein which provides views through sunglasses, goggles, lenses, or the like with colors close to natural colors by correcting a color hue with substantially grayish coloring.

Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the optical-quality plastic material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film. In either construction, the treatment may be effected by light irradiation.

Abstract: The method of using a tablet or coated tablet to introduce tint concentrate, UV absorbers, decolorant, conditioner and other optical chemistry into the dyebaths used for tinting plastic ophthalmic non-contact spectacle lenses and optical filters.

Abstract: A vision directing goggle for directing a batter's vision during batting practice. The vision directing goggle includes a housing for directing the vision of a user. The housing is generally rectangular and has an open top side and an open bottom side. The housing has a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls. An elastomeric strap binds the housing to a user's head. A coupling means couples the strap member to the housing. The coupling means is affixed to an outside surface of each of the second opposing walls.

Abstract: Eyeglasses which function to make contours and light coloured objects to stand out more clearly in a range of vision or field of view that is dominated by green vegetation, wherein the lenses of said eyeglasses have a light transmission which varies with the wavelength of the light. The transmission essentially follows a straight line T=K &lgr;−t, where K is the gradient of the line and is from 0.13±0.03, &lgr; is the wavelength in nm, t lies in the range of 5-30% units and T denotes the transmission in %-units, wherein the transmission follows the straight line T when &lgr; is >620 nm. Transmission beneath 620 nm follows a curve that intersects the line T roughly at 400 and 500 nm and the curve takes a maximum which lies 5-30 % units above T at 450 nm and 5-30% units beneath T at 550 nm. The lens also has a horizontal polarisation filter facility.

Abstract: An optical lens element adapted for mounting in a frame of the wrap-around type, the lens element including a front and back surface capable of providing an optical zone (OZ), and a peripheral temporal zone (HT) which includes a surface correction to improve the overall field of vision of the wearer.

Abstract: Facial protective wear including a facial shield member having a substantially transparent portion for allowing visible light to pass to the wearer's eyes and a support coupled to the facial shield for supporting the facial shield on the wearer's head. The facial shield member further has a nose protective portion extending over and protecting substantially the wearer's entire nose from in front of and from above and preferably has side portions protecting the wearer's eyes in a direction from the sides of the wearer's head. The facial shield member transparent portion preferably substantially prevents ultraviolet solar radiation from reaching the wearer's eyes and facial features, such as the nose and cheeks, and also from reaching the eyes in a direction from the sides of the head. The facial protective wear also can be used to protect the wearer from the wind and from injury due to flying objects.

Abstract: An improved method for creating a multi-layered optical lens structure which appears, from an observer's point of view, to have a brushed metal finish, matte finish, decorative pattern, image or logo on the surface of a sunglass lens, but which is optically transparent from a wearer's point of view. The present method for creating a lens structure does not require the use of epoxies or adhesives and allows the lens structure to be made as a polarized lens. The present method offers vast improvements over previously disclosed methods in that it simplifies assembly of the lens structure, allows for greater repeatability, and significantly improves the optical clarity of the final lens structure.

Abstract: Sunglasses whose lens is stably engaged to a frontal bar while can be easily replaced with another lens when necessary is provided, said sunglasses being light in weight with minimum production parts and sophisticated in design as well. The sunglasses of this invention comprises a frontal bar made of a thin rod material, a longitudinal lens plate supported on said bar, the respective temples axially supported on each end of said bar such that they are collapsible, a nose pad suspended from the middle portion of said bar to the ocular side of said bar, a hook suspended to the frontal side of said bar and a locking means to detachably interlock the respective upper fringes of said lens plate with said bar. In spite of the fact that the sunglasses of this invention is superb in shape stability, its structure is so simple with minimum production parts, production cost is reduced to quite an extent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to toric-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and having base curve with a substantially constant radius of curvature of at least 15 mm and preferably in the range of 19-23 mm. The toric lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.

Abstract: Composite glass (2) for protecting the eyesight comprising, starting from the inside, from the eye side (1), towards the outside a first optically polished mineral glass (3), a polarizing film (4) having two sides, a second optically polished mineral glass (5), the polarizing film being glued with its first side onto the first glass and with its second side onto the second glass, characterized in that the first glass being approximately 1 mm thick is a high-pass filter, the cut-off wavelength of which is approximately 480 nm and having a yellow base, the polarizing film is oriented so as to attenuate the light rays reflected by the ground and sent back upwards, the second glass is colorless, and in that the first glass comprises at the surface, on the eye side, a light absorbing surface deposit (7) making a film. A stepped down median specular strip (9) may be deposited on the outer surface of the composite glass.

Abstract: X-ray protective eyewear is disclosed having dual lenses disposed within channels in each lens receipt area of the eyewear, the foremost lenses being transparent radiation-blocking lenses and the rearmost lenses being made of a plastic corrective or non-corrective lenses, as desired.

Abstract: Sunglasses whose lens is stably engaged to a frontal bar while can be easily replaced with another lens when necessary is provided, said sunglasses being light in weight with minimum production parts and sophisticated in design as well.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame assembly having a shield for attachment to an eyeglass frame with the use of a fastener. The shield has two shoulders forming a passageway for a temple piece of the eyeglass frame. The fastener, when tightened, clamps the shoulders against the temple piece to rigidly connect the shield to the eyeglass frame and prohibit relative movement between the shield and the frame. The fastener can have a frangible portion that is removable after the application of a predetermined force resulting in a non-removable security-type screw. Alternatively, the fastener can be a common screw or a common bolt having either common nuts or gripping lock nuts.

Abstract: Optically superior eyeglasses comprising a frame and a pair of lenses which are attached to the frame and are positionable over respective ones of the wearer,s eyes. Each of the lenses defines an optical center and comprises a convex front surface having a first radius of curvature and a concave back surface having a second radius of curvature which is less than the first radius of curvature so as to impart a negative power to the lens. The frame is sized and configured such that when positioned upon the wearer's head, the lenses are supported thereby in a manner wherein the normal line of sight of each of the wearer's eyes crosses the back surface of a respective one of the lenses at a selected wrap angle and at a location nasal to the optical center thereof so as to induce a base-in prism effect.

Abstract: A spectacle frame having an esthetic or amusing character because of a mobile decorative part includes at least one mobile element having a decorative part and a transparent optical part covering an opening and the mobile element is rotatably mounted in front of the opening. The mobile element can have an oval contour.

Abstract: A lens for eyeglasses is provided with two or more optical zones on the lens body having different optical properties that enhance visualization of different scenes, including target objects within the scenes, that are associated with a specific recreational activity such as golf, hunting, or fishing. A first optical zone in an upper portion of the lens can be provided with pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of distant scenes associated with the specific recreational activity. A second optical zone in a lower portion of the lens can be provided with different pre-defined focus distance, transmission percentage, and/or transmission spectrum parameters for enhanced visualization of close-in scenes associated with the specific recreational activity.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic vision device, such as a personal glare reduction device, having a darkened spot in its field of view includes the steps of fixing the lens coordinates of the darkened spot to correspond to a calibration site in the field of view, and moving the glare reduction device to place the darkened spot in line with the glare source. A processor evaluates a correction angle on the basis of the new direction to the glare source, as measured by a directional light sensor on the glare reduction device. The apparatus of the invention includes a controller that includes the processor, a memory, a light sensor, and a user interface element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optically corrected lens for nonprescription eyeglasses. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior surface of the lens lies on a portion of a first sphere having a first center. The posterior surface of the lens lies on the surface of a second sphere having a second center. The first and second centers are offset from one another to provide a tapered lens. The lens is oriented on the head of the wearer by a frame that maintains the lens in a position such that a line drawn through the first and second centers is maintained substantially in parallel to the normal sight line of the wearer. Lenses are thus provided which have improved optics when mounted in an as-worn orientation such that they exhibit both vertical “rake” and horizontal “wrap.” Methods of making the lenses, and eyewear incorporating the lenses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for creating a multi-layered optical lens structure which appears, from an observer's point of view, to have a brushed metal finish, matte finish, decorative pattern, image or logo on the surface of a sunglass lens, but which is optically transparent from a wearer's point of view. The present method for creating a lens structure does not require the use of epoxies or adhesives and allows the lens structure to be made as a polarized lens. The present method offers vast improvements over previously disclosed methods in that it simplifies assembly of the lens structure, allows for greater repeatability, and significantly improves the optical clarity of the final lens structure.

Abstract: A prescription capable sunglasses for enhancing protection from light penetration leading to improved visual acuity. The prescription capable sunglasses includes a pair of ultraviolet lens, a metal frame having a pair of lens retaining portions, a first and second side portions, and a first and second temple ear pieces, and further includes a first and second light-blocking members removably attached to the first and second side portions respectively, and also includes a shield member compressively attached to and extending along the top of the frame and having a padded member at an outer edge thereof for cushioning the user forehead, and further includes a padded nose bridge member attachable between the lens retaining portions.

Abstract: Color Changing Sunglass Frames include two temple support members hingedly attached to a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a left lens frame and a right lens frame which are identically shaped and attached in the middle by a center support structure. Each lens frame holds a corresponding sunglass lens. The temple support members extend beyond the user's ears to hold the sunglasses on his or her head. The entire sunglass frame is treated with a photo-chromatic dye. As the sunglass frames are exposed to ultraviolet light the photo-chromatic dye will react to the light and the frames will change colors. When the sunglass frames are removed from the ultraviolet light exposure they will return to their original color.

Abstract: Fashion eyeglasses include a frame for removably securing at least one lens to the head of a wearer, and at least one lens secured to the frame for positioning each lens in front of a respective eye of a wearer. Each lens has a concave external surface remote from the wearer and a convex internal surface adjacent the wearer. Preferably, the center of each lens is adjacent a respective eye of the wearer, and the edge of each lens is remote from the respective eye of the wearer. The eyeglasses may be sunglasses wherein each lens is reflectively mirrored on its concave external surface, thereby to produce to a viewer a magnified and inverted reflection of the viewer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for testing a plurality of integrated circuits. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method and system for testing a plurality of integrated circuits using a probe card having a plurality of circuit sites is provided. First, a group of the plurality of integrated circuits is associated with the probe card and a first-pass test is performed in parallel on each associated integrated circuit in the group using a first number of signal channels for each circuit site. A particular one of the integrated circuits in the group which passed the first-pass tests is then selectively associated with a particular one of the circuit sites, and a second-pass test is performed on the particular one integrated circuit using a second number of signal channels greater than the first number. In this manner, the use of test system resources may be optimized with expensive second-pass tests (e.g.

Abstract: Protective eyewear that incorporates standard near-point corrective lenses into a protective shield. The protective eyewear, which includes side-protective shields, is fabricated from lightweight, transparent impact-resistant material. The corrective lenses are incorporated in the lower portion of the shield, thereby leaving the upper, larger portion of the shield uncorrected and thus available for viewing distant objects. The corrective lenses provide a focal length within a range commonly associated with reading glasses.

Abstract: A system for protection from light generated by interaction of laser energy with matter is provided. The system, which is designed for use with lasing apparatus having a laser, includes an optical protection device with at least one optical element of a material that transforms between an active state for blocking laser light and an inactive state, where the optical element is transparent. A mechanism for controlling the transformation of the optical element between the inactive and active states, attaches to the optical protection device and the lasing apparatus respectively, and is responsive to the activating and deactivating of the laser, such that when the laser is activated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the active state and when the laser is deactivated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the inactive state.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method for fabricating lenses having at least one or more translucent regions used to reduce glare and/or increase visual acuity. To overcome the limitations of the prior art, an injection mold die having a selective portion thereof textured with a pattern or so-called "texture," which is replicated on the lens during injection molding, is employed to form a region of desired translucency on the finished lens. Various methods may be employed to fabricate the texture or pattern on the desired surface portion of the mold die, including mechanical engraving, chemical etching, and electrical-erosion machining (EDM and ECM). Typically, the texture or pattern includes multiple grained features of a quasi-repeating geometrical pattern distributed on the selected portion of the mold die.

Abstract: A color-enhancing polarized lens is constructed having substantially trichroic spectral-transmission. A lens so constructed may have an overall transmitted tint which is a virtually colorless gray to the eye. A lens so constructed and tint-neutralized delivers unexpectedly dramatic improvements in the areas of color saturation, chromatic and luminous contrast, clarity of detail, depth perception, haze penetration, and overall impact.

Abstract: A goggle has a replaceable plastic lens mounted in a flexible frame containing several air vents for passing external air through the goggle interior. The lens is formed of thermoplastic materials to provide spherical and cylindrical versions of the lens. The thermoplastic resins incorporate dyes which tint the lens to create transmission curves having peaks and valleys which approximate or enhance certain response characteristics of the retina of the human eye. Inlet air vents are covered by porous foam located in an upper air channel to disperse downwardly the external air into the interior space behind the lens. Outlet vents located in the bottom of the frame are covered with a porous foam to exit air from the interior space.

Abstract: Eyeglasses having interchangeable lenses which are held in place by inner and outer lens attachment clips mounted at the bridge and temple, respectively, of the frame. The frame and/or lens is resilient so that the frame or lens can resiliently deform to allow the lenses to slide from beneath the lens attachment clips, yet the frame securely holds the lenses in place during use.

Abstract: A method for mounting safety shields onto eyeglass temples and a kit for carrying out that method. A temple of an eyeglass frame is placed in a channel forming part of a side shield thereafter, a screw is inserted into an opening formed in the side shield and into a member affixed to the temple to create a fastened fit between the temple and the channel which attaches the side shield to the temple. The side shield is placed in its operative position before the screw is inserted into the opening and the fastened fit results from the insertion of the screw into the opening and member which holds the side shield in its operative position. The kit includes a side shield having a longitudinally extending channel into which a longitudinally extending eyeglass temple may be inserted. The channel has an open lateral end through which the temple may be inserted and a supporting lateral end against which the temple may be supported.