Mold clamping and precure of a polymerizable hydrogel
US6220845A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/808
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for partially curing a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture to form a soft contact lens includes a transport device for transporting a plurality of contact lens molds to a precure station in a low oxygen environment, each contact lens mold including a first and second mold half with a polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture therebetween. A clamping member having a plurality of mold engagement members clamps a first contact lens mold half against a second contact lens mold half for a predetermined pressure and time. While the mold halves of the contact lens mold are clamped, the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture is exposed to a radiant energy source for polymerizing the polymerizable monomer or monomer mixture contained in each contact lens mold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.