Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for automated ophthalmic lens fabrication

US6439870B1 · kind B1 · utility

52Cited by
7References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 26, 2000
Grant dateAug 27, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 26, 2020

Classification

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

Abstract

An apparatus for the automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly compound lenses having a plastic coating on a plastic lens is described. A mold, after rotational orientation, is placed in a gimbal assembly to provide for the proper tilt. This gimbal assembly forms part of a fixture attached to an indexing means which moves for complete assembly of a molding fixture and then moves the molding fixture through a chamber to cure the resin. A preform, after rotational orientation, is held, by a preform gripper placed above the mold, and with sufficient clearance between the mold and the preform to allow the correct resin thickness during the curing portion of the process. The fixture is also provided with members to firmly grip the preform gripper so as to maintain its orientation throughout the curing process.

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