Method and apparatus for blocking and deblocking a lens
US6863602B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24B41/061
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a block including a block base configured to support a lens for surfacing or finishing, a cover retained to the base, and a formable material disposed between the base and the cover. Further disclosed herein is a system for blocking a lens including a block base configured to support a lens for processing, a cover retained to the base, a formable material disposed between the base and the cover, and a receptacle configured to receive the base to heat and cool the base. Further disclosed herein is a method for blocking a lens includes heating a block to render the formable material pliable, applying a lens to the block, and cooling the block to render the material non-pliable. A method for blocking a lens includes rendering a formable material of a block pliable, deforming the material with a lens, rendering the formable material non-pliable and causing a vacuum between the formable material and the lens to hold the lens to the block. A method for deblocking a lens includes heating a formable material of a block and removing the lens from the block.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.