A method for improving surface accuracy of an optical component comprises: positioning a first surface of the optical component against a reference surface of a reference member; urging together the reference member and the optical component; adhering a second surface of the optical component to a first surface of a support member; and separating the reference member from the optical component while leaving the optical component adhered to the support member. Urging together the reference member and the optical component substantially conforms the surface accuracy of the first surface of the optical component to the surface accuracy of the reference surface of the reference member. Adhering the optical component to the support member and then separating the reference member from the optical component leaves the surface accuracy of the first surface of the optical component substantially in conformance with the surface accuracy of the first surface of the reference member.

Adaptive smart textiles that facilitate reduced energy consumption are described. In one implementation, a dual pane fabric arrangement includes a first pane of fabric and a second pane of fabric separated by an intra-layer gap, and an insert layer disposed in the intra-layer gap, wherein the insert layer causes a thickness of the intra-layer gap to change responsive to changes in ambient temperature.

An apparatus for producing a web of fibrous material includes a roll having incisions with a depth of 0.01-2.00 mm, a width of 0.01-2.00 mm, and a pitch 0.01-10.00 mm, and rotated at a peripheral velocity v.sub.1 equal to the velocity of an upstream apparatus unit; a belt stretched between transmission rollers that advances at a velocity v.sub.2 less than v.sub.1, wherein v.sub.1/v.sub.2 lies between 1.05 and 1.40; a presser roller rotating at a peripheral velocity v.sub.2, associated with a presser system acting to press the belt against the metal roll with a pressure of 1-200 kg per centimeter; and a system that feeds a sheet of pliable fibrous material between the belt and the roll, the belt having a longitudinal elongation of no more than 5%, dimensional stability along its entire length, a thickness of 1-10 cm, and a hardness 24-70 Shore.

A method and apparatus for smoothing a material having wrinkles. The material is positioned on a vacuum table having a group of segments. A smoothing device is moved across a surface of the material to form a substantially smooth section of the material. A vacuum is progressively applied to a portion of the group of segments in the vacuum table corresponding to the substantially smooth section of the material to pull the substantially smooth section of the material against the vacuum table.

A method and apparatus for smoothing a material having wrinkles. The material is positioned on a vacuum table having a group of segments. A smoothing device is moved across a surface of the material to form a substantially smooth section of the material. A vacuum is progressively applied to a portion of the group of segments in the vacuum table corresponding to the substantially smooth section of the material to pull the substantially smooth section of the material against the vacuum table.

A film-like member is supported in a flat shape by vacuum suction. A plurality of lift pins are arranged in a planar configuration and bear a film-like member placed on their upper ends. Tubular pads made of rubber for holding the film-like member by vacuum suction are attached to upper portions of the lift pins. The height of the lift pins can be adjusted by a screw fastening mechanism. The deformation of the film-like member can be corrected to a flat or concavely curved shape by suction from the pads. When the correction cannot be achieved by suction alone, the correction may be supplemented by ejection of air from a nozzle.

A film-like member is supported in a flat shape by vacuum suction. A plurality of lift pins are arranged in a planar configuration and bear a film-like member placed on their upper ends. Tubular pads made of rubber for holding the film-like member by vacuum suction are attached to upper portions of the lift pins. The height of the lift pins can be adjusted by a screw fastening mechanism. The deformation of the film-like member can be corrected to a flat or concavely curved shape by suction from the pads. When the correction cannot be achieved by suction alone, the correction may be supplemented by ejection of air from a nozzle.

An apparatus for producing a web of fibrous material includes a roll having incisions with a depth of 0.01-2.00 mm, a width of 0.01-2.00 mm, and a pitch 0.01-10.00 mm, and rotated at a peripheral velocity v.sub.1 equal to the velocity of an upstream apparatus unit; a belt stretched between transmission rollers that advances at a velocity v.sub.2 less than v.sub.1, wherein v.sub.1/v.sub.2 lies between 1.05 and 1.40; a presser roller rotating at a peripheral velocity v.sub.2, associated with a presser system acting to press the belt against the metal roll with a pressure of 1-200 kg per centimeter; and a system that feeds a sheet of pliable fibrous material between the belt and the roll, the belt having a longitudinal elongation of no more than 5%, dimensional stability along its entire length, a thickness of 1-10 cm, and a hardness 24-70 Shore A.

A method and apparatus for smoothing a material having wrinkles. The material is positioned on a vacuum table having a group of segments. A smoothing device is moved across a surface of the material to form a substantially smooth section of the material. A vacuum is progressively applied to a portion of the group of segments in the vacuum table corresponding to the substantially smooth section of the material to pull the substantially smooth section of the material against the vacuum table.

A method and apparatus for smoothing a material having wrinkles. The material is positioned on a vacuum table having a group of segments. A smoothing device is moved across a surface of the material to form a substantially smooth section of the material. A vacuum is progressively applied to a portion of the group of segments in the vacuum table corresponding to the substantially smooth section of the material to pull the substantially smooth section of the material against the vacuum table.