Consolidated contact lens molding
US6039899A · kind A · utility
54Cited by
23References
99Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/808
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated method and apparatus is provided to mold and cure soft contact lenses. A molding station injection molds first and second mold parts for the production of the lenses and these mold parts are transferred to an inert gas or low oxygen environment wherein a series of automated stations receive the mold parts, deposit a polymerizable hydrogel within the first mold part, assemble and clamp the first and second mold parts together, apply radiant energy for polymerizing the hydrogel and subsequently separate the mold parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.