Apparatus and method for handling lens carriers
US7156646B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/808
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.