Method and apparatus for polishing ophthalmic lenses
US6110017A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B41/04
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention pertains to an improved method, a lapping tool head and a lens polishing apparatus for carrying out the method, for polishing ophthalmic lenses. The apparatus has a lapping tool head, a flexible membrane covering a lapping portion of the tool head, and pump and nozzle for pumping abrasive slurry over the lapping tool head. The new method comprises the conventional step of imparting an oscillatory movement to the lapping tool head and contacting the lens surface with the lapping portion of the lapping tool head while an abrasive slurry is pumped over the lapping tool head. The improvement comprises the additional step of periodically undulating the membrane for imparting a wave in that membrane such that the abrasive slurry can flow between the membrane and the lens surface. The lapping slurry is efficiently moved over the entire surface of the lens for improving the quality of the lenses polished by this process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.