Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for demolding ophthalmic contact lenses

US5935492A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
10References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 26, 1997
Grant dateAug 10, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 26, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S425/808
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus which are utilized for the production of ophthalmic lenses, and more particularly, a method for the removal or demolding of molded ophthalmic contact lenses from the individual molds in which they are produced. The apparatus implements the demolding of such ophthalmic lenses, the latter of which may consist of suitable hydrogel contact lenses or other types of high-precision ophthalmic lenses; for example, such as intraocular contact lenses. Mechanical prying apart of such mating mold half portions, and to facilitate this procedure at a reduced application of force, while concurrently potentially preventing or at least appreciably ameliorating the extent of any possible sticking together of the mold half portions is effected in that mechanical leverage applied to the upper mold half portion, in addition to the application of the heating action thereto.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.