Automated collet loading for the manufacture of contact lenses
US5347896A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T279/17324
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for automatic, intermittent feed of workpieces into a lathe. The apparatus includes a collet having a side entry for receiving workpieces and a workpiece positioning aperture, in alignment with the lathe spindle, for finally positioning the workpieces for machining. The collet further includes dowel pins that initially position the workpiece and a plunger that reciprocates intermittently to advance and press the individual workpieces into the positioning aperture. The apparatus includes a delivery chute for intermittently dropping the individual workpieces into the collet assembly side access for initial positioning. A control system positions the collet assembly to receive the workpiece, releases the workpiece from the delivery chute, actuates the plunger to press the workpiece into final position for machining, actuates machining, and, at its completion, actuates the plunger to withdraw the workpiece whereupon it drops from the machine by gravity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.