Rapid robotic handling of mold parts used to fabricate contact lenses
US6007229A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C37/0007
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for removing and transporting ophthalmic lens fabricating mold sections from a molding device to an inert chamber in a predetermined time, controlled by a central processor, is disclosed. The method includes starting a timer upon opening the molding device and exposing the mold sections; actuating a robotic arm to transport the mold sections from the molding device to an intermediate position using a compound movement; actuating a cam-controlled arm to transport the mold sections from the intermediate position to a pallet held on a conveyor belt at a cam-arm pre-part release location; and releasing the pallet to move on the conveyor belt to the inert chamber for continued transport of mold containing pallets to a treatment or processing facility for producing and/or packaging of the contact lenses. The method also includes raising a nest to receive the mold sections at the intermediate position; and lowering the nest, after transfer thereon of the molded sections from the robotic arm, for transferring the molded sections to the cam-controlled arm. In a racetrack mode, the pallets continue moving into the inert chamber, while the molded sections are discarded. In a sample m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.