Transitions Optical, Inc.

William D Carpenter

Jennine M Frease

Kevin J Stewart

Joseph David Turpen

Anil Kumar

Chenguang Li

Carlos Rodriguez

Joseph D Turpen

A system and method for coating a lens () using a plurality of inkjet print bars () arranged in-line, includes generating, using at least one processor () in communication with the plurality of inkjet print bars (), at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate the automation of the creation or selection of an image to be printed on a lens (); generating a plurality of image layers based on the lens () geometry, target product, and number of print bars (); and controlling, using the at least one processor (), at least two of the plurality of inkjet print bars () to print the image on the lens (), such that each of the at least two inkjet print bars () prints at least one image layer of the plurality of image layers.

System and method for coating a lens

A method for preparing an optical element which colors in a non-uniform linear pattern is provided. The method includes (I) providing an optical element which previously has been treated with a photochromic composition containing at least one first photochromic material, the photochromic composition having an absorbance spectrum in the region of photochromic activation; (II) preparing at least one light-absorbing composition containing ultraviolet light absorber, a second photochromic material which is the same or different than the first photochromic material, or mixtures thereof, where the light-absorbing composition has an absorbance spectrum overlapping with that of the photochromic composition in the region of photochromic activation; (III) depositing the light-absorbing composition over the surface of the photochromic optical element in a controlled, predetermined pattern using an inkjet printing apparatus to provide a linearly gradient color pattern upon exposure to actinic radiation; (IV) and drying the composition. An optical element also is provided.

Method for preparing an optical element which colors in a non-uniform linear pattern

A method for coloring an optical element in a non-uniform linear pattern is provided. The method includes (a) preparing at least one colorant composition containing at least one photochromic material; (b) depositing the colorant composition on at least one surface of the optical element in a controlled, predetermined pattern using an inkjet printing apparatus to provide a linearly gradient color pattern on the optical element when the optical element is exposed to actinic radiation; and (c) drying the colorant composition on the surface of the optical element. An optical element prepared by the method also is provided.

Method for coloring an optical element in a non-uniform linear pattern

The present invention relates to an optical article that includes, a mark that is positioned on and/or within the first surface of an optical substrate thereof, and a photochromic layer that includes at least one photochromic compound and which resides over at least a portion of the first surface. The mark includes a photoluminescent material. The first surface of the optical substrate is exposed to a source of actinic radiation, the photochromic compound has an activation time after exposure to the source of actinic radiation, and the mark luminesces and is visually observable during at least a portion of the activation time. The present invention also relates to: an optical article that includes, a mark that is positioned within the first surface of an optical substrate thereof, and at least one photochromic compound that is also positioned within the first surface; and methods of making such optical articles.

Optical article having a photoluminescent mark

The present invention relates to an optical element that includes a mark (). The optical element has a first coating layer () over at least a portion of a surface of an optical substrate () having the mark () on the surface of the optical substrate, and one or more additional coating layers () over at least a portion of the first coating layer (). The first coating layer has a first refractive index, and the optical substrate and the mark may have a second refractive index. A difference between the first refractive index and the second refractive index has an absolute value of 0.02 to 0.24. At least one of the first coating layer () and the one or more additional coating layers () may be applied by a controlled deposition of a coating material in droplet form.

Optical element having a coating for enhanced visibility of a mark and method for making the optical element

The present invention relates to a method of forming an optical element that includes a mark. The method involves, irradiating at least a portion of a surface of the optical element with laser radiation, thereby forming a plurality of substantially parallel elongated grooves in the portion of the surface, which are each aligned substantially parallel with a common longitudinal direction that extends from a center point of the plurality of elongated grooves. The plurality of elongated grooves together define the mark. A clear film is formed over at least the portion of the surface and the plurality of elongated grooves. Depending on the orientation of a source of electromagnetic radiation as viewed through the optical element relative to the common longitudinal direction of the grooves, the mark is either observable or unobservable. The present invention also relates to an optical element having a mark, as described above.

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Pinellas Park, FL, United States of America

William D Carpenter