Rapid robotic handling of mold parts used to fabricate contact lenses
US6502009B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2019 |
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. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.