Inspection module for inspecting optical parts for faults

US6606150B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Novartis AG · CH

Inventors

• Stefan Bickert · Überlingen, DE
• Roland Hauck · Stockach, DE
• Olaf Rothe · Überlingen, DE
• Roland Seibert · Parsberg, DE
• Hans Wörner · Berlingen, DE
• Peter Hagmann · Erlenbach a.Main, DE
• Roger Biel · Aschaffenburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 15, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 12, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01M11/0207
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In an inspection module for inspecting optical parts (12) for defects, especially contact lenses manufactured as injection-moulded parts, the optical parts (12) are illuminated from one side and are observed from the opposite side by means of an image-resolving sensor (34). The image data of the sensor (34) are forwarded to image-processing means for identification of defects. To obtain a high throughput with a simple construction, a chain (52) of liquid-filled vessels (10) circulating in an endless line is provided. The endless line is passed in an inspection station (72) between an illumination device (32) and the image-resolving sensor (34). Handling means in the form of grippers (56, 58) revolve with the vessels (10), by means of which optical parts (12) to be inspected can be introduced into the vessels (10) at a position of the line upstream of the inspection station (72) and the inspected parts can be taken out of the vessels (10) at another position of the line.