Systems and methods for producing contact lenses from a polymerizable composition
US7785092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/808
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, for example, soft, extended wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses, are provided. The systems generally include a housing having an illuminated chamber, a carrier, for example a tray, movable in the illuminated chamber from an inlet portion to an outlet portion of the housing, and the tray configured to carry a plurality of contact lens molds. Polymerizing light energy is provided, for example, by multiple fluorescent lamps, to the molds at an intensity effective to at least initiate polymerization of a monomer composition located in each of the molds. The light may be illuminated onto two opposing sides of each mold. In some cases, the intensity of the light provided to one side of the mold may be different to the light intensity provided to the opposing side of the mold. In addition, the system may include features that are effective to provide for an instantaneous start and an instantaneous end to the light induced cure of the monomer in the molds. The system may include DALI protocol based technology for controlling the fluorescent lamps.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.